Which stock is better AT&T or Verizon?
Verizon's superior FCF puts it in a stronger position than AT&T to continue reducing debt and maintain its dividend. Verizon's FCF increase is thanks in part to growth in its wireless-service sales, which hit $76.7 billion in 2023, a year-over-year increase of 3.2%.
While both AT&T and Verizon offer vast 4G networks that cover almost all of the U.S., their 5G networks aren't the same. AT&T offers low-band 5G across much more of the U.S. than Verizon does. Conversely, Verizon provides fast millimeter wave 5G also known as Ultra Wideband 5G in parts of many more cities than AT&T.
Deciding on AT&T stock
And we will do what is in the most and best interest of the shareholder." Given the company's current momentum, solid leadership under John Stankey, and attractive dividend with a robust 6% yield despite the cut in 2022, AT&T stock looks like a buy for 2024.
"The longer term fundamentals of Verizon remain in good shape, with consistent results and mostly domestic, predictable, recurring revenue. With a 6.5% dividend yield, we believe the shares remain attractive." Meanwhile, Verizon stock was up nearly 7% in 2024 as of March 25. Also, Verizon stock retreated 4% in 2023.
Verizon swung to a loss of $2.57 billion or 64 cents a diluted share in the fourth quarter of 2023. The company's earnings were dragged down by a $7.8 billion loss on account of special items. Revenue of $35.1 billion was better than expected, but lower compared to $35.25 billion for the same period last year.
Switching carriers can be a great way to reduce the cost of your wireless bill and, with a move to Verizon, improve the quality of your service with 5G speeds, designed for streaming, gaming and more.
AT&T stock price stood at $17.12
According to the latest long-term forecast, AT&T price will hit $20 by the middle of 2025 and then $25 by the end of 2026. AT&T will rise to $30 within the year of 2028, $35 in 2029, $40 in 2031 and $45 in 2034.
Main takeaways: AT&T Stock Forecast 2024-2030
Most analysts see AT&T stock trading in a range of $18-28 per share through 2024 as competitive pressures persist. Forecasts from Gov Capital predict AT&T stock will hit $32 by mid-2025, driven by 5G network expansion, fiber/HBO Max growth, and debt reduction.
For 2024, AT&T guided wireless network revenue growth of at least 3% and broadband growth of at least 7%. This is promising and lays the path for earnings growth if management can continue paying down debt. Interest expenses take away from earnings, so every dollar saved on interest will flow to the bottom line.
Where will Verizon stock be in 5 years?
Verizon stock price stood at $41.96
According to the latest long-term forecast, Verizon price will hit $50 by the end of 2024 and then $60 by the end of 2025. Verizon will rise to $65 within the year of 2026, $70 in 2027, $80 in 2028, $90 in 2029, $95 in 2030, $100 in 2031 and $110 in 2033.
Verizon Communications Stock Prediction 2030
In 2030, the Verizon Communications stock will reach $ 37.99 if it maintains its current 10-year average growth rate. If this Verizon Communications stock prediction for 2030 materializes, VZ stock will grow -9.45% from its current price.
Verizon's total unsecured debt as of the end of the year was $128.5 billion, a $2.1 billion increase sequentially, but $2.1 billion lower year over year. The company's net unsecured debt1 at the end of the year was $126.4 billion, a $4.2 billion increase from third-quarter 2023, but $1.6 billion lower year over year.
Verizon Communications' odds of distress is under 30% at this time. It has slight probability of undergoing some form of financial hardship in the near future. Chance Of Bankruptcy shows the probability of financial distress over the next two years of operations under current economic and market conditions.
This makes Verizon stock a buy for 2024, and its high-yield dividend, combined with a long streak of increases, means you'll also collect passive income by holding on to this investment over the long term. Robert Izquierdo has positions in Verizon Communications. The Motley Fool recommends Verizon Communications.
| Name | Hold | Shares |
|---|---|---|
| Vanguard Group Inc | 8.33% | 350,050,212 |
| Blackrock Inc | 8.28% | 348,133,587 |
| State Street Corp | 4.36% | 183,193,191 |
| Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc | 2.21% | 93,005,087 |
T-Mobile is the largest US telco by market cap
Verizon and AT&T were valued at 138.69 and 107.38 billion U.S. dollars respectively.
American Tower operates nearly 42,000 telecom towers in the United States as of July 2021, with Crown Castle owning over 40,000 towers. SBA Communications ranked third with over 16,000 telecom towers. In total, 128 companies operated 129,308 towers in the country.
Verizon leads off with low prices and then lets you pay extra to add on a grab bag of perks to go with its higher-tier unlimited plans, including streaming subscriptions and discounts on connected plans. AT&T offers unlimited premium data on its highest-tier plan and slightly lower prices all around.
What happens if I switch to Verizon from AT&T?
Phones can usually be unlocked, regardless of which carrier you bought them from including AT&T and T-Mobile. As long as they're compatible with your new desired carrier's network, they can be used with that specific carrier. Same goes for using your existing phone number and porting it over to another carrier.
AT&T and Verizon are separate companies. Neither owns the other.
Is AT&T stock a Buy, Sell or Hold? AT&T stock has received a consensus rating of buy. The average rating score is Baa2 and is based on 29 buy ratings, 26 hold ratings, and 0 sell ratings.
AT&T Stock Forecast
The 16 analysts with 12-month price forecasts for AT&T stock have an average target of 20.22, with a low estimate of 14 and a high estimate of 29. The average target predicts an increase of 15.84% from the current stock price of 17.46.
AT&T's outlook for 2024 was mostly positive. The company sees wireless service revenue rising by 3%, broadband revenue growing by at least 7%, and free cash flow between $17 billion and $18 billion.
