Summary:
1. AT&T shares surged over 4% due to strong subscriber growth metrics.
2. The telecom giant added significant postpaid phone, fiber, and 5G customers in the fourth quarter.
3. AT&T plans to return over $45 billion to shareholders in dividends and stock buybacks over the next three years.
Rewritten Article:
AT&T, a leading wireless provider, experienced a notable uptick in its shares by more than 4% following the announcement of robust subscriber growth metrics. The company welcomed 421,000 postpaid phone subscribers, 283,000 fiber subscribers, and 221,000 5G fixed wireless home internet customers in the fourth quarter, demonstrating significant customer gains across various services. CEO John Stankey expressed optimism about future prospects, citing new investments in spectrum and fiber that position AT&T to attract more customers nationwide.
Moreover, AT&T reported a 3.6% year-over-year revenue increase to $33.5 billion, with adjusted free cash flow rising by 5% to $4.2 billion. Notably, a growing number of consumers are opting for AT&T as their primary provider of connectivity solutions, with 42% of fiber households also utilizing the company’s wireless services. Looking ahead, management projects a substantial rise in free cash flow, with estimates exceeding $18 billion in 2026, $19 billion in 2027, and $21 billion in 2028.
In a bid to reward its loyal shareholders, AT&T plans to allocate more than $45 billion towards dividends and stock buybacks over the next three years. This strategic move underscores the company’s commitment to enhancing shareholder value and capitalizing on its strong financial performance. As AT&T continues to expand its customer base and invest in cutting-edge technologies, the future looks promising for this telecommunications giant.
