T - AT&T Inc.
| Previous Close | 31.95 |
| Open | 31.95 |
| Bid | 31.99 x 800 |
| Ask | 32.04 x 27000 |
| Day's Range | 31.85 - 32.10 |
| 52 Week Range | 26.80 - 35.33 |
| Volume | 22,952,156 |
| Avg. Volume | 30,363,919 |
| Market Cap | 233.325B |
| Beta (3Y Monthly) | 0.82 |
| PE Ratio (TTM) | 11.24 |
| EPS (TTM) | 2.85 |
| Earnings Date | Apr 24, 2019 |
| Forward Dividend & Yield | 2.04 (6.51%) |
| Ex-Dividend Date | 2019-04-09 |
| 1y Target Est | 33.85 |
- Motley Fool•8 hours ago
New Competition Won't Stop Netflix From Raising Its Prices
Management doesn't think new big name competitors will change much for the company.
- Motley Fool•12 hours ago
How Risky Is Sprint Now That T-Mobile Merger Is in Trouble?
The No. 4 wireless carrier has warned that its financial situation is worse than it appears to be.
- ACCESSWIRE•13 hours ago
LEAD PLAINTIFF DEADLINE ALERT: Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Encourages Investors Who Suffered Losses Exceeding $500,000 In AT&T Inc. To Contact The Firm
NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / April 18, 2019 / Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP, a leading national securities law firm, reminds investors in AT&T Inc. (''AT&T'' or the ''Company'') (NYSE:T) of the May 31, 2019 deadline to seek the role of lead plaintiff in a federal securities class action that has been filed against the Company. If you invested in AT&T common stockpursuant or traceable to the Securities and Exchange Commission (''SEC'') S-4registration statement and prospectus issued in connection with AT&T's June2018 acquisition of and merger with Time Warner or purchased or otherwiseacquired securities between October 22, 2016 and October 24, 2018 and would like to discuss your legal rights, click here: www.faruqilaw.com/T. Thereis no cost or obligation to you.
- American City Business Journals•14 hours ago
'Game of Thrones' is now an AT&T experience in Chicago
The telecommunications company is has recreated the world of the widely-watched television show in its flagship Chicago outpost.
- ACCESSWIRE•14 hours ago
SHAREHOLDER ALERT: Pomerantz Law Firm Reminds Shareholders with Losses on their Investment in AT&T, Inc. of Class Action Lawsuit and Upcoming Deadline - T
NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / April 18, 2019 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against AT&T, Inc. ("AT&T" or the "Company") (NYSE: T) and certain of ...
- ACCESSWIRE•14 hours ago
The Klein Law Firm Reminds Investors of Class Actions on Behalf of Shareholders of T, AMRN and UMC
NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / April 18, 2019 / The Klein Law Firm announces that class action complaints have been filed on behalf of shareholders of the following companies. If you suffered a loss you have ...
- Market Realist•15 hours ago
Verizon Has Launched a Smartphone Plan for Kids
How Verizon and AT&T Are Battling It Out This Month(Continued from Prior Part)Verizon wants parents to have peace of mind This month, Verizon (VZ) launched a special smartphone plan just for kids, describing it as a first from a major wireless
- GlobeNewswire•15 hours ago
SHAREHOLDER ALERT: Pawar Law Group Announces a Securities Class Action Lawsuit Against AT&T Inc. – T
NEW YORK, April 18, 2019 -- Pawar Law Group announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed on behalf of AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) shareholders who: (a) acquired AT&T.
- InvestorPlace•15 hours ago
Netflix Earnings Fuel the Battle Over NFLX Stock
Everyone should be happy with Netflix (NASDAQ:NFLX) earnings. Proponents and skeptics alike should see the report as confirming their case. The trading in Netflix stock seems to reflect that: NFLX has moved around, but as of this writing is down just 1% after gaining 3% heading into the release.Source: Vivian D Nguyen via Flickr (Modified)I personally have taken both sides of the trade. I called Netflix stock the best contrarian bet in tech during the market-wide selloff late last year. And I backed off that call in February, after a big bounce and amid rising competition.The Q1 report isn't enough to move me strongly into either the bull or bear camp. And I suspect that will be true for those investors who more ardently have chosen a side.InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading Tips The Netflix Earnings NumbersFundamentally, Q1 looks like a "good news, bad news" type of quarter. Overall, results were excellent. Adjusted earnings per share of 76 cents came in 19 cents ahead of consensus. Revenue of $4.52 billion snuck just ahead of the average estimate of $4.5 billion. * 7 Stocks to Buy for Spring Season Growth Guidance for the second quarter, however, was a bit disappointing. Particularly, Q2 EPS was well below expectations, with the company targeting 55 cents against consensus of 99 cents.The same Q1/Q2 split is seen in the subscriber figures, which I've long argued remain the most important metric here. Q1 figures were impressive: Netflix picked up a record 9.6 million subscribers worldwide, exceeding consensus expectations for both U.S. and international growth. In turn, Q2 numbers look somewhat disappointing: subscriber adds in the five million range would actually slow year-over-year, and are about half a million shy of Wall Street estimates.Overall, the first half -- assuming guidance is reasonably correct -- looks to be about what should have been expected. The question is whether that's a good thing for Netflix stock. Shares, after all, have gained 34% this year. Everybody Wins With NFLX StockWith a balanced set of pros and cons, traders from all angles are eager to digest the earnings data.Bulls on Netflix stock will see the report as confirming their thesis that Netflix can, and will, dominate media worldwide. Again, the company added almost 10 million subscribers in just three months. In the seemingly saturated U.S. market, NFLX picked up another 1.74 million subscribers, net. AT&T (NYSE:T) unit DirecTV Now closed 2018 with 1.4 million subscribers, total.Q2 profit margins do look disappointing, but the company reiterated a healthy 13% operating margin target for the year. And as the shareholder letter noted, the company still is working through price increases not just in the U.S., but Brazil, Mexico and some European countries.Those increases clearly aren't slowing subscriber growth, let alone shareholder numbers. Ultimately, they should help margins further in coming quarters.Netflix bears have some ammunition as well. Competition is on the way, most notably from Disney (NYSE:DIS), whose launch of a new (cheap) streaming service was well-received last week. Disney now has majority ownership of Hulu as well, while Amazon.com (NASDAQ:AMZN) still lurks.Subscriber growth for Q2 is disappointing. The 13% operating margin target requires improvement in the second half. And as bears like to point out, Netflix is burning cash as it develops its content. In fact, the company raised its cash burn target for the year by $500 million, to roughly $3.5 billion.Against a $157 billion market capitalization, that cash burn seems dangerous, to say the least. It suggests that Netflix is buying its subscriber growth. When that "opportunity" fades -- perhaps with help from Disney and Hulu -- its user base will start to shrink. That might spell trouble for NFLX stock. On the Sidelines With Netflix StockFrom here, the report simply isn't quite enough to materially change the case for NFLX. The arguments about cash flow seem somewhat short-sighted: Netflix is investing in content that will pay off for years to come, and simply paying the cost upfront.Plus, near-term cash flow would be much stronger were it just to license content from Disney, AT&T's WarnerMedia and Comcast (NASDAQ:CMCSA) unit NBCUniversal, and other providers. But the long-term costs would be higher: Netflix would be paying licensee fees in 2026 and 2032 that it won't have to on its own content.However, valuation here is intense.Even with Disney stock soaring of late, Netflix's market cap is about two-thirds that of its ostensible rival. NFLX stock trades at 57x 2020 EPS estimates. It's not cheap, or even close. And we saw in Q4 how NFLX responds if market fears rise.Netflix is an interesting investment, and I see the story as likely to hold for the long-term. But price matters, and unless its earnings wind up leading to a larger decline, Q1 results weren't enough to make Netflix stock compelling just yet.As of this writing, Vince Martin has no positions in any securities mentioned. More From InvestorPlace * 2 Toxic Pot Stocks You Should Avoid * 7 Stocks to Buy for Spring Season Growth * This Is How You Beat Back a Bear Market * 7 Dental Stocks to Buy That Will Make You Smile Compare Brokers The post Netflix Earnings Fuel the Battle Over NFLX Stock appeared first on InvestorPlace.
- ACCESSWIRE•16 hours ago
DEADLINE RAPIDLY APPROACHING: The Schall Law Firm Announces the Filing of a Class Action Lawsuit Against AT&T Inc. and Encourages Investors with Losses in Excess of $500,000 to Contact the Firm
LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / April 18, 2019 / The Schall Law Firm, a national shareholder rights litigation firm, announces the filing of a class action lawsuit against AT&T Inc. ("AT&T" or "the Company") (NYSE: T) for violations of §§10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Investors who acquired the Company's shares pursuant to its Registration Statement issued in connection with AT&T's acquisition of Time Warner in June 2018, or purchased the Company's shares between October 22, 2016 and October 24, 2018, inclusive (the ''Class Period''), are encouraged to contact the firm before May 31, 2019.
- Market Realist•16 hours ago
Music Takes Center Stage as Verizon Seeks to Woo Customers
How Verizon and AT&T Are Battling It Out This Month(Continued from Prior Part)Verizon rolls out a music bonus for loyal customers Amid tightening competition for customers in America’s mostly saturated wireless market, Verizon (VZ) is betting
- InvestorPlace•17 hours ago
7 Healthy Dividend Stocks to Buy for Extra Stability
[Editor's note: This story was previously published in February 2019. It has since been updated and republished.]The stock market is on fire right now. Year-to-date, the S&P 500 is up 16%, and it isn't even May yet.While I've been bullish on this 2019 stock market turnaround for some time now, I also realize that there are still risks out there which could subdue the current rally in stocks. U.S. and China trade talks are progressing, but there's no resolution yet. The global economy remains healthy, but it is slowing. Consumer confidence remains high, but it is dipping. Earnings remain strong, but costs are rising, margins are dropping and earnings growth is slowing.InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading TipsOverall, the current economic backdrop for stocks is bullish, but it has risks. Right now, valuations seem to reflect reality. Thus, the outlook for continued gradual gains is healthy.But with stocks set to slow, now is a good time to start buying into dividend stocks. These stocks tend to outperform when the broader stock market slows since they are seen as protection from volatility. Further, dividend stocks could get a nice boost in 2019 if the Fed remains cautious, doesn't hike, and rates largely remain low. * 5 Dividend Stocks Perfect for Retirees Overall, now seems like a good time to add some stability to the portfolio through dividend stocks. With that in mind, here's a list of seven healthy dividend stocks to buy in 2019. AT&T (T)Telecom giant AT&T (NYSE:T) has been burdened by a huge and growing debt load, and slowing operations in its core wire-line businesses.AT&T stock remains at an attractive entry point for dividend investors. The dividend yield is 6.37%. That's near a five-year high. The forward earnings multiple is 8.8. That's near a five-year low.In other words, around $32, AT&T stock is cheap. It won't remain cheap for long. More aggressive pushes into the streaming market will ultimately offset cord-cutting weakness, and the mainstream deployment of 5G coverage in 2019 will help boost profits in the wireless business. Overall, the fundamentals will stabilize in 2019, and once they do, AT&T stock will rally in a big way. Intel (INTC)With a mere 2.35% dividend yield, Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) may seem like a surprise entry on this list. But, you don't buy Intel stock for the yield. You buy Intel stock for growth at a reasonable price and you get a 2.35% yield on top of that.At its core, Intel stock is the cheapest and most stable way for investors to gain exposure to all of tomorrow's most relevant growth markets. You name it, Intel has exposure to it through its portfolio of chips. Data-centers? Intel is the biggest supplier. Internet-of-Things? Intel has a huge presence there. AI? Intel is at the front of that innovation frontier. Autonomous driving? Intel has scored multiple self-driving partnerships. * 5 Dividend Stocks Perfect for Retirees Overall, Intel stock has a ton of long-term growth potential through its multi-faceted exposure to multiple secular growth markets. Yet, the valuation today remains exceptionally reasonable, at just 11.4 earnings. Thus, Intel stock is big growth at a reasonable price, and there's a 2.35% yield to boost investor returns. Target (TGT)Much like Intel, Target (NYSE:TGT) is a typical growth at a reasonable price stock. But, it's also a strong dividend stock, with a dividend yield that currently sits just under 3.2%. Thus, with Target stock, investors get the best of both the growth and stability worlds.The fundamentals are currently favorable for Target stock. The U.S. consumer remains largely healthy. There has been some weakness in the consumer with rising rates and stock market volatility, but such weakness hasn't been enough to derail the consumer. Moreover, Target has been on fire in terms of building out omnichannel commerce initiatives and expanding its product portfolio. The combination of these efforts has made Target one of the hottest stories in the entire retail world.Target stock trades at just 13.4 forward earnings with a near 3.2% yield. Thus, the stock is cheap against a favorable operating backdrop. That combination will ultimately lead to Target stock becoming a winner in 2019. American Electric Power (AEP)On more of the pure dividend play side is utility giant American Electric Power (NYSE:AEP).When it comes to the fundamentals, you won't find many stocks supported by more stable fundamentals than AEP. American Electric Power is a massive electric utility company that delivers electricity to more than 5 million customers across eleven states. Demand for electric service is much like demand for water -- it's not away any time soon, regardless of which way the economy swings. As such, the demand drivers here are stable, as are the company's revenues and profits. * 5 Dividend Stocks Perfect for Retirees Meanwhile, AEP stock sports a 3.2% dividend yield. With rates on hold, that yield is more attractive today than it was a few months ago, when the Federal Reserve was consistently hiking rates. Thus, so long as the Fed remains on hold in 2019, AEP stock should outperform as dividend stocks come back in favor. Disney (DIS)Although Disney (NYSE:DIS) isn't a utility company like American Electric Power, it does benefit from similar stability in demand, revenues and profits.Disney doesn't offer electric services. But, it offers other things that the consumer arguably can't live without -- the world's greatest movies and theme parks, robust access to live sporting events, and a handful of quality TV shows and channels. Demand for these services and goods is stable in the big picture. To be sure, cord cutting is hurting the company's traditional media business. But, even that major headwind hasn't really depressed revenues and profits that much, and DIS stock has simply traded sideways as a result (as opposed to falling by a bunch).In 2019, that headwind will disappear with the launch of a Disney streaming service. As that headwind disappears, this stock will rally from a current valuation low that comprises a 20 forward multiple and 1.6% dividend yield. Thus, calendar 2019 could be a big breakout year for DIS stock. Exxon Mobil (XOM)A highly underrated dividend stock that could have a big 2019 is Exxon Mobil (NYSE:XOM).The recovery in oil prices in early 2019 has led to a sharp recovery in shares of XOM. Many analysts expect this to continue. Global demand appears to be firming up thanks to stabilizing economic conditions. Meanwhile, the world's major oil suppliers seem increasingly committed to synchronizing production cuts. Firming demand coupled with falling production should lead to a rally in oil prices, which in turn should lead to a rally in XOM stock. * 5 Dividend Stocks Perfect for Retirees This is especially true considering the valuation underneath XOM stock today. The yield is at 4.1%. That's a multi-year high. The forward multiple is 15. That's near a multi-year low. As such, you have a cheap stock with improving fundamentals. That's a winning combination that should power XOM stock higher in 2019. McDonald's (MCD)Very few companies have performed as consistently well as McDonald's (NYSE:MCD) over the past several years.During that stretch, McDonald's has reinvented itself as a consumer-friendly company more aligned with today's healthy eating trends. They've subbed out frozen patties for fresh patties. They've added premium and healthier items to the menu. There has been a huge emphasis on quality chicken offerings. There has also been a big push into the breakfast game. And, they've done all this while sustaining industry-low prices and industry-high convenience.All these initiatives have powered consistently robust results at McDonald's. Net result? MCD stock has rallied in a big way. It will continue to do so. The fundamental drivers remain healthy. The stock remains reasonably valued (22 forward earnings and a 2.45% yield). As such, MCD stock will remain on a winning trajectory for the foreseeable future.As of this writing, Luke Lango was long T, INTC, TGT and DIS. More From InvestorPlace * 2 Toxic Pot Stocks You Should Avoid * 5 Dividend Stocks Perfect for Retirees * 7 Reasons the Stock Market Rally Isn't Over Yet * 10 S&P 500 Stocks to Weather the Earnings Storm Compare Brokers The post 7 Healthy Dividend Stocks to Buy for Extra Stability appeared first on InvestorPlace.
- ACCESSWIRE•17 hours ago
CLASS ACTION UPDATE for T, AMRN and BV: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP Reminds Investors of Class Actions on Behalf of Shareholders
NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / April 18, 2019 / Levi & Korsinsky, LLP announces that class action lawsuits have commenced on behalf of shareholders of the following publicly-traded companies. Shareholders ...
- Market Realist•18 hours ago
Verizon’s 5G Network to Start Generating More Money
How Verizon and AT&T Are Battling It Out This MonthVerizon to expand device choice for 5G mobile customersVerizon (VZ) launched its 5G mobile service in Minneapolis and Chicago ahead of schedule this month, enabling customers in these cities to
Market Realist•18 hours agoAT&T: Analysts’ Recommendations in April
How Are the Top Telecom Stocks Positioned in April?(Continued from Prior Part)Ratings and target priceAccording to analysts’ consensus, AT&T (T) has a target price of $33.85 compared to its current market price of $32.25—an estimated rise
- InvestorPlace•19 hours ago
Here’s the Real Reason Why I Bought AT&T Stock
Big, boring AT&T (NYSE:T) recently made a splash, selling its minority stake in streaming video site Hulu. AT&T stock gained 0.7% on the news.Source: Shutterstock Thanks to its Time Warner deal, the telecom giant received a 9.5% stake in Hulu, which it sold earlier this week for $1.43 billion. That values the streaming firm at around $15 billion.Source: Shutterstock Of course, those happiest about the sale are Disney (NYSE:DIS) and Comcast (NASDAQ:CMCSA). They own approximately 60% and 30% of Hulu, respectively.InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading Tips * 5 Dividend Stocks Perfect for Retirees The divestment has several positive consequences for T stock. For years, critics have complained that the debt of the telecom firm is excessive. The sale was a small, but important, step towards streamlining the massive company and lowering its debt.Following the Time Warner buyout, AT&T owns a very enviable content portfolio. This includes among many other brands, HBO. During last year's Emmys, HBO was the only network whose performance was comparable to that of Netflix (NASDAQ:NFLX).Therefore, it only makes sense that AT&T would dump Hulu and focus on its own streaming endeavors. That strategy will be meaningfully positive over the longer term for the T stock price.However, is that enough to get me excited about AT&T stock? I think the move demonstrates management's seriousness about resolving the company's pressing financial issues. Still, the sale of the Hulu stake alone won't make or break anyone's approach toward AT&T stock.Two months ago, I mentioned to readers that I was very interested in the company, enough to buy shares of AT&T stock. There were three main reasons for my decision: the company's network moat, 5G and content streaming, and the high dividend yield of T stock. The T stock price has moved higher since then.But I'm bullish on AT&T stock for a much more fundamental reason. AT&T Stock Is Part of the U.S. GovernmentTake a look around the internet and you'll find a common criticism of AT&T stock. It's the d-word I mentioned before, and I'm not talking about dividends. Rather, I'm referring to the excessive debt load that threatens to undermine everything that the company's management has planned.If AT&T was a "normal" company, I would certainly be worried. After all, carrying nearly $170 billion of debt isn't anything to make light of.Moreover, a number of analysts have pointed out that better investments than AT&T stock exist. There's a telecom firm that has better growth metrics, higher earnings potential, and a stable balance sheet. Those are true statements, but very few companies have the practical, structural stability of AT&T.Specifically, AT&T is essentially a branch of the U.S. government. Want proof? Look at the multi-billion dollar federal contract that the company won to develop a nationwide broadband network for emergency responders. That's a highly sensitive responsibility that no other telecom firm has come close to matching.But this bullish thesis on T stock goes beyond national-security concerns. In order for us as a country to stay competitive in this century, we must invest vigorously in artificial intelligence and other automated technologies. To actualize this technological potential, the U.S. requires a viable telecom network.The digitalization of everything, or the Internet of Things, obviously requires data transfers across wireless networks. So however one may feel about AT&T, its infrastructure and vast networks are pivotal to our digital and automated success.Thus, I don't think the traditional metrics used to assess publicly-traded companies work with AT&T stock. That's because the government won't let it fail because AT&T is almost part of the government. Keep Expectations for T Stock in CheckGenerally speaking, I believe that AT&T stock is a safe investment. However, that doesn't mean investors can't lose money on T stock. Therefore, I don't recommend that people buy T stock with reckless abandon.What I'm trying to convey is that AT&T stock isn't your average, everyday investment, since it has $170 billion of debt. But our country is indebted to the tune of $22 trillion. Both numbers are significant, but they don't automatically spell doom.AT&T's balance sheet looks awfully risky. However, AT&T is one of those companies that are too big and important to fail. So as long as you keep your expectations in check, T stock should do very well for you.As of this writing, Josh Enomoto is long AT&T stock. More From InvestorPlace * 2 Toxic Pot Stocks You Should Avoid * 7 Stocks to Buy for Spring Season Growth * This Is How You Beat Back a Bear Market * 7 Dental Stocks to Buy That Will Make You Smile Compare Brokers The post Hereas the Real Reason Why I Bought AT&T Stock appeared first on InvestorPlace.
Market Realist•19 hours agoHow Disney Can Help Hulu Gain More Subscribers
What’s Ahead for Hulu after AT&T Stake Sale?(Continued from Prior Part)Hulu subscribers Hulu has added 8 million subscribers since January 2018 and has added nearly 22 million subscribers since January 2012. At the end of 2018, Hulu had 25
- Zacks•19 hours ago
Telecom Stock Roundup: Qualcomm Settles Patent Battle, AT&T's Hulu Sale & More
Qualcomm (QCOM) benefits immensely from the patent litigation settlement, while AT&T (T) is focusing on debt reduction and probable launch of own streaming video subscription content.
- ACCESSWIRE•19 hours ago
Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC Reminds Stockholders of Class Action - T, NTNX, CRCM
NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / April 18, 2019 / Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC reminds investors that a class action lawsuit has been filed againstthe following publicly-traded companies. You can review a copy of the Complaints by visiting the links below or you may contact Peretz Bronstein, Esq.
Market Realist•20 hours agoHow Disney Is Working to Enhance Hulu
What’s Ahead for Hulu after AT&T Stake Sale?(Continued from Prior Part)Hulu’s investment in original contentHulu has spent billions of dollars on original content to build its subscriber base amid competition from streaming giants like
Market Realist•20 hours agoCan We Expect Upside Potential in Verizon’s Stock Price?
Verizon's Q1 Results Are Set for Next Week: What Analysts Expect(Continued from Prior Part)Ratings and target priceWall Street analysts are maintaining a neutral outlook on Verizon (VZ) stock. According to Reuters data, among the 30 analysts
- InvestorPlace•20 hours ago
The Rise of 5G and Fading Headwinds Make Verizon Stock a Buy
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) is one of the world's largest telecommunications companies. While the telecommunications sector transitions into the communication services sector, Verizon and rival AT&T (NYSE:T) remain two of the group's sleepier giants. This delayed start has held Verizon stock back.Source: Via FlickrVerizon is up 4.48% this year compared to a gain of 13.13% for the Dow and a 18.65% gain for the Communication Services Select Sector SPDR (NYSEARCA:XLC), a fund in which Verizon is a top 10 holding.There are avenues for Verizon to shed its laggard status and deliver more upside for investors. In terms of near-term catalysts, there is Verizon's first-quarter earnings report, slated for Tuesday, April 23. Analysts expect the company to earn $1.17 per share on revenue of $32.19 billion. In recent quarters, Verizon has delivered modest earnings surprises, slightly beating Wall Street estimates over the last four quarters.InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading Tips * 10 S&P 500 Stocks to Weather the Earnings Storm Calling On 5GAnother possible catalyst is the 5G rollout. As you know, 5G is the next generation of wireless communication systems, which is a significant deal for the likes of AT&T and Verizon because about 90% of Americans have mobile phones."The U.S. carriers have begun to move to next-generation 5G wireless networks, which promise faster data speeds and lower latency than earlier technologies," reports Barron's. "Verizon already has a limited commercial network up and running in some areas of Chicago and Minneapolis and is planning to cover parts of another 15 cities later this year."The company's early push into 5G could payoff for VZ stock eventually, but there are still kinks that need to be ironed out, including coverage areas and upload speeds. Download and upload speeds are not be underestimated as important data points for Verizon. Mobile phone users increasingly rely on their phones for a variety of functions and with corporate customers representing significant parts of carriers' businesses, data speeds are crucial.According to Business Insider:"Fast speeds are important for consumers -- 81% identified a high-speed network as a must-have mobile offering, according to Business Insider Intelligence's Telecom Competitive Edge Report (enterprise only) -- and consumers could be unwilling to pay for 5G if it's not consistently better than the current 4G LTE offering" Verizon Versus AT&TFor better or worse, shares of AT&T and Verizon are often joined at the hip in the eyes of investors. That said, Verizon has a market value of almost $243 billion, about $9 billion ahead of its rival. Additionally, Verizon's debt burden is $110 billion, or about $60 billion less than AT&T's.Those data points aside, investors are clearly favoring AT&T this year. Shares of that company are outperforming Verizon by a roughly 3-to-1 margin since the start of 2019. For now, AT&T has the more diverse revenue streams than Verizon and that may well be one reason the former is outpacing the latter this year."This year, Verizon is expected to generate 71% of sales from wireless services. Wireless-related business will probably be about 40% of AT&T's revenue," according to Barron's. Bottom Line on Verizon StockVerizon stock remains a valid choice for conservative income investors. The shares yield 4.10%, more than double the yield on the S&P 500. Verizon stock currently pays a quarterly dividend of 60.25 cents a share, representing dividend growth of just over 20% since 2012. Over the past 15 years, Verizon stock's dividend has grown by about 50%.Still, investors should probably temper expectations that Verizon stock will suddenly start acting like a growth stock, a style that is very much in favor right now. Investors may be more apt to reward Verizon stock if 5G shows a material impact for the company's bottom line or if defensive, low volatility fare comes back into style.Todd Shriber does not own any of the aforementioned securities. More From InvestorPlace * 2 Toxic Pot Stocks You Should Avoid * 7 Stocks to Buy for Spring Season Growth * This Is How You Beat Back a Bear Market * 7 Dental Stocks to Buy That Will Make You Smile Compare Brokers The post The Rise of 5G and Fading Headwinds Make Verizon Stock a Buy appeared first on InvestorPlace.
- Market Realist•22 hours ago
Can Hulu Recover from Losses?
What’s Ahead for Hulu after AT&T Stake Sale?(Continued from Prior Part)HuluHulu was jointly owned by Walt Disney (DIS), Comcast (CMCSA), 21st Century Fox, and AT&T (T). The acquisition of Fox assets last month gave a controlling stake of
Market Realist•22 hours agoWhat Does Verizon’s Current Valuation Indicate?
Verizon's Q1 Results Are Set for Next Week: What Analysts Expect(Continued from Prior Part)Forward PEIn this article, we’ll have a look at how Verizon (VZ) is valued ahead of its first-quarter earnings results. On April 15, Verizon’s forward PE
Reuters•yesterdayU.S. antitrust scrutiny tests T-Mobile's $26 billion bet on Sprint
Growing skepticism from the U.S. Department of Justice's antitrust staff over the impact of the merger on competition in the market will test the resolve of the companies to complete the deal that would see the top U.S. wireless carriers shrink to three from four. While the Department of Justice has yet to reach a decision on whether to approve the deal, it is pushing Sprint and T-Mobile for evidence that the merger would be in the interest of U.S. consumers, people familiar with the matter said this week.
