AT&T Inc. provides telecommunications and technology services worldwide. The company operates through two segments, Communications and Latin America. The Communications segment offers wireless voice and data communications services; and sells handsets, wireless data cards, wireless computing devices, carrying cases/protective covers, and wireless chargers through its own company-owned stores, agents, and third-party retail stores. It also provides Virtual Private Networks, AT&T Dedicated Internet, Ethernet, data services, cloud solutions, outsourcing, and managed professional services, as well as customer premises equipment for multinational corporations, small and mid-sized businesses, governmental, and wholesale customers. In addition, this segment offers broadband services, including fiber connections, legacy telephony voice communication services, and other VoIP services and equipment to residential customers. This segment markets its communications services and products under the AT&T, AT&T Business, Cricket, AT&T PREPAID, and AT&T Fiber brand names. The Latin America segment provides postpaid and prepaid wireless services in Mexico under the AT&T and Unefon brand names, as well as sells smartphones through its owned stores, agents and third-party retail stores. The company was formerly known as SBC Communications Inc. and changed its name to AT&T Inc. in 2005. AT&T Inc. was incorporated in 1983 and is based in Dallas, Texas.

AT&T looks like a mature telecom company with strong operating profitability, but with a notable debt burden and limited liquidity. A P/E of 7.49 is noticeably below the industry median, while a P/B of 1.23 and P/FCF of 9.14 also look moderately cheaper than the market, which supports the valuation. At the same time, the P/S of 1.26 is above the industry median, so on a revenue basis the company does not look like an obvious bargain, and part of the premium already reflects the stability of the business. The profit margin of 16.82% and operating margin of 19.81% are significantly above the median, which points to good cost control and the quality of current earnings. ROE of 17.02% and ROI of 8.43% are also strong, although ROA is around the median, meaning asset efficiency is not outstanding for such a large balance sheet. The year-over-year trend is generally favorable: margins, profit, and EBITDA remain at a high level, while EPS and forecast EPS remain stable. On the other hand, debt/equity of 1.05 is above the industry median, and long-term debt exceeds $131 billion, which limits revaluation potential and increases sensitivity to interest rates and refinancing. Current ratios are below 1, so the cushion in working capital is limited. The dividend yield of 1.31% looks rather moderate and is not a strong revaluation driver on its own. Overall, the balance sheet is large and stable in scale, but asset and equity growth looks more steady than accelerating. In sum, the fundamentals support the company as a quality but not fast-growing asset, where strong profitability is offset by debt and weak liquidity. Therefore, only a small conservative downward adjustment to the forecast is appropriate, rather than a large-scale reassessment of the valuation.

AT&T Inc.

Сильный индекс, значительно упал. Быки в растерянности.

Strong index, significantly down. The bulls are confused.

Сильный индекс, значительно упал. Оптимистичный взгляд на свои позиции резко сменился на неуверенность.

Strong index, significantly down. An optimistic view of his position suddenly changed to uncertainty.

Средний индекс, значительно упал. Рынок на стороне быков.

Medium index, significantly down. The market is on the bulls' side.

Слабый индекс, значительно вырос. Рынок не поддерживает медведей.

Weak index, significantly up. The market does not support the bears.

Средний индекс, значительно вырос. Увеличился приток средств в лонги.

Medium index, significantly up. The inflow of funds into longs has increased.

Средний индекс, значительно упал. Увеличился отток средств из шортов.

Medium index, significantly down. The outflow of funds from shorts has increased.

Strong profitability and low P/E, P/B, and P/FCF support AT&T’s valuation, but high debt and weak liquidity limit revaluation potential.

Key Points
AT&T is expanding its usage of D-Wave's quantum computing technology.
D-Wave stock has been highly volatile over the past year.
The company's stock has a hefty premium that investors shouldn't pay.
AT&T (NYSE: T) recently announced it's expanding its use of D-Wave Quantum (NASDAQ: QBTS) technology, just months after it began testing the quantum computing company's services.
AT&T said the expansion will focus on integrating D-Wave's annealing quantum computing technology into some of its artificial intelligence tools to improve network operations and outage detection.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
D-Wave shareholders were understandably excited about this and pushed the stock higher on the news, but does AT&T's move make D-Wave stock a buy right now? Probably not, and here's why.
Good news for the practical application of D-Wave's technology
Let's start with the good news first, because AT&T's announcement is good for D-Wave. AT&T clearly sees value in D-Wave's quantum computing technology and wants to put it to use in more applications.
The telecom giant wants to see how quantum computing can improve its outage detection and response, manage technician routing, plan new network builds, and manage traffic. This expansion comes on top of the initial results of using D-Wave's tech, in which processing times for AT&T's network optimization were reduced to just 15 seconds -- down from one hour.
AT&T's director of data science, Lucus Haugen, said in a press release that D-Wave's tech "has the potential to help us optimize faster, increase efficiency and scale more real-time operations, making quantum a practical tool for advancing how we run and modernize our network."
Practical quantum computing is a difficult goal to achieve, so AT&T saying that D-Wave's tech is useful is a big win for the company. AT&T also said that it will evaluate D-Wave's forthcoming gate-model systems for potential use in quantum security and quantum communications that the telecom giant is exploring.
In short, D-Wave's tech has already been helpful; it's now being used in additional applications and is open to further testing for more use cases down the road.
D-Wave is making good progress, but the stock isn't a buy just yet
Unfortunately, the news of AT&T expanding its use of D-Wave's technologies doesn't mean you should run out and buy shares of the quantum computing stock right now.
D-Wave is still in the very early stages of earning revenue from its tech, and even what it has earned is fairly negligible. The company had just $2.9 million in sales in the first quarter, an 81% drop from the year-ago quarter, due to a $12.6 million one-time system sale in the year-ago quarter.
Investors will get more insight into the company when it reports its second-quarter results on Aug. 6. And analysts' consensus estimates are for revenue of about $43 million, a 75% increase from the year-ago quarter.
While that's steady growth, the high price tag should give investors pause about buying D-Wave stock. D-Wave shares have a price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of 445, which is staggering given that the tech sector average P/S ratio is just 7. That's a very hefty premium to pay for a segment of the technology sector that's still in its early stages. D-Wave would have to grow incredibly fast for a long time to justify that price tag, and right now it's nowhere near that pace.
What's more, D-Wave is currently unprofitable. The company reported a net loss of $18.4 million in the first quarter, with just $2.9 million in sales. D-Wave's research and development costs more than doubled to about $26 million for the quarter, and General and Administrative costs jumped by 150% to over $20 million.
Given its unprofitability and its high price tag, D-Wave stock isn't a buy. It's worth keeping an eye on the quantum computing space, and D-Wave specifically, as practical use cases expand, but buying D-Wave stock right now still looks like too much of a risk.
Should you buy stock in D-Wave Quantum right now?
Before you buy stock in D-Wave Quantum, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and D-Wave Quantum wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $397,081!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,166,221!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 889% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 203% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors.
*Stock Advisor returns as of July 30, 2026.
Chris Neiger has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

AT&T Just Expanded Its Use of D-Wave Quantum's Tech. Time to Buy This Leading Quantum-Computing Stock?

Key Points
Rivian recently began deliveries of its R2 fleet while raising its full-year delivery guidance.
Lucid replaced most of its executive team this year in an effort to increase accountability and improve execution.
Both EV stocks have been badly depressed over the past few years.
It'll be a busy couple of weeks for investors in Rivian (NASDAQ: RIVN) and Lucid (NASDAQ: LCID), as both companies are due to report second-quarter earnings.
Both have released preliminary delivery results, giving investors a peek at what to expect. Let's have a look at these electric-vehicle pure plays and see which is the better long-term buy.
Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks to buy right now, when you join Stock Advisor. See the stocks »
Rivian on a roll?
Rivian reported it delivered 12,194 vehicles in the second quarter, a substantial increase from 10,661 a year ago. It also produced another 12,613 cars at its Illinois plant. Management raised its full-year delivery guidance to 65,000-70,000 EVs.
Investments and partnerships from Volkswagen and Uber also help Rivian's bottom line and future revenue prospects. Successful testing led to a $1 billion investment from Volkswagen last quarter. The Uber partnership should yield up to 50,000 fully autonomous robotaxis. Furthermore, Rivian's software and services division is already profitable and is narrowing the automotive division's losses.
Still, the stock is down more than 16% year to date and has lost more than 80% of its all-time value. Rivian is trading at about 3.6 times its sales.
Lucid is shaking things up
Lucid isn't as large a company as Rivian, but it's still gaining traction and increasing its deliveries and production. The company delivered 3,953 vehicles, a 20% year-over-year increase, while producing 4,774 more vehicles in Q2.
Lucid has had a few hiccups lately, including a seat supplier issue that delayed deliveries and a sweeping change in executive leadership. The company now has a new CEO, CTO, CFO, and chief customer officer. The new CEO, Silvio Napoli, is aiming to simplify the business and organization.
Lucid's stock has been badly beaten down. Shares have declined more than 90% in the past five years.
Which is the better buy now?
Both Rivian and Lucid remain unprofitable, but right now, Rivian is the stronger company and a buy for long-term investors. Lucid's stock is inexpensive, but Rivian is showing it can execute at scale and has a clear roadmap.
The successful launch of the R2 fleet that moves the company into a more mainstream market, along with an expanding manufacturing capacity, a robotaxi partnership with Uber, and even a connectivity deal with AT&T, are all levers for growth.
Lucid simply has more headwinds than Rivian at this point. The company is facing a class action lawsuit in addition to its operational challenges. This adds considerable pressure on the company and poses a significant reputational risk.
Rivian has more cash, giving it a longer runway. Lucid absolutely has upside potential, but it's more speculative and has greater execution risk. Rivian's diversified offerings, including consumer EVs, commercial contracts, and technology licensing, give it a competitive advantage.
Should you buy stock in Lucid Group right now?
Before you buy stock in Lucid Group, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Lucid Group wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $390,394!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,209,184!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 899% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 206% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors.
*Stock Advisor returns as of July 30, 2026.
Catie Hogan has positions in AT&T and Rivian Automotive. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Uber Technologies. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Rivian Reports Earnings on July 30, Followed by Lucid on Aug. 4. Here's the Better Buy Now.

The NASDAQ 100 After Hours Indicator is up 30.88 to 27,794.02. The total After hours volume is currently 165,496,136 shares traded.
The following are the most active stocks for the after hours session:
NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) is +0.24 at $197.25, with 7,590,624 shares traded. Over the last four weeks they have had 3 up revisions for the earnings forecast, for the fiscal quarter ending Jul 2026. The consensus EPS forecast is $2.01. As reported by Zacks, the current mean recommendation for NVDA is in the "buy range".
Applied Digital Corporation (APLD) is +0.08 at $26.70, with 7,444,102 shares traded. As reported by Zacks, the current mean recommendation for APLD is in the "buy range".
IREN Limited (IREN) is +0.14 at $34.07, with 5,947,285 shares traded. As reported by Zacks, the current mean recommendation for IREN is in the "buy range".
Apple Inc. (AAPL) is +0.03 at $340.11, with 5,389,404 shares traded. Over the last four weeks they have had 3 up revisions for the earnings forecast, for the fiscal quarter ending Dec 2026. The consensus EPS forecast is $2.95. AAPL is scheduled to provide an earnings report on 7/30/2026, for the fiscal quarter ending Jun2026. The consensus earnings per share forecast is 1.88 per share, which represents a 157 percent increase over the EPS one Year Ago
Intel Corporation (INTC) is +0.48 at $86.78, with 4,759,620 shares traded. Over the last four weeks they have had 3 up revisions for the earnings forecast, for the fiscal quarter ending Dec 2026. The consensus EPS forecast is $0.19. INTC's current last sale is 75.46% of the target price of $115.
Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN) is -0.16 at $230.70, with 4,726,427 shares traded.AMZN is scheduled to provide an earnings report on 7/30/2026, for the fiscal quarter ending Jun2026. The consensus earnings per share forecast is 1.81 per share, which represents a 168 percent increase over the EPS one Year Ago
Kinder Morgan, Inc. (KMI) is unchanged at $31.61, with 4,715,234 shares traded. KMI's current last sale is 87.81% of the target price of $36.
Ford Motor Company (F) is +1.2 at $16.16, with 4,107,636 shares traded. Smarter Analyst Reports: Ford Plans Reorganization into EV and ICE Business Units – Report
Wells Fargo & Company (WFC) is -0.0609 at $86.81, with 2,822,878 shares traded. Over the last four weeks they have had 4 up revisions for the earnings forecast, for the fiscal quarter ending Sep 2026. The consensus EPS forecast is $1.84. As reported by Zacks, the current mean recommendation for WFC is in the "buy range".
Carnival Corporation Ltd. (CCL) is +0.04 at $28.27, with 2,682,654 shares traded. As reported by Zacks, the current mean recommendation for CCL is in the "buy range".
AT&T Inc. (T) is +0.0055 at $24.67, with 2,443,665 shares traded. Over the last four weeks they have had 3 up revisions for the earnings forecast, for the fiscal quarter ending Sep 2026. The consensus EPS forecast is $0.62. As reported by Zacks, the current mean recommendation for T is in the "buy range".
Bloom Energy Corporation (BE) is +22.01 at $188.85, with 2,299,289 shares traded. BE's current last sale is 66.26% of the target price of $285.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

After Hours Most Active for Jul 28, 2026 : NVDA, APLD, IREN, AAPL, INTC, AMZN, KMI, F, WFC, CCL, T, BE

Key Points
D-Wave's technology cut processing time for an AT&T network optimization workload from one hour to 15 seconds.
The quantum computing company's stock has declined more than 25% this year as of July 27.
Shares of D-Wave Quantum (NYSE: QBTS) jumped Monday morning on the announcement that AT&T (NYSE: T) is expanding its use of the company's quantum computing technology across its network operations. This is excellent news in a rough year for D-Wave's stock, which is down more than 26% in 2026.
So should investors buy D-Wave Quantum's stock now?
Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks to buy right now, when you join Stock Advisor. See the stocks »
This new agreement with AT&T expands on a pilot program that demonstrated D-Wave's annealing quantum computing cut processing time for a network optimization workload by 240x, from approximately one hour to 15 seconds.
Ultimately, this result with AT&T could catalyze D-Wave as other companies take notice of the real-world results from the pilot program. The quantum computing industry as a whole could use a boost, having largely lost investor enthusiasm this year after a 2025 run-up.
D-Wave's stock is still highly speculative and volatile. The commercial applicability of quantum commuting is largely unknown and untested. This nod of credibility from AT&T should help. Investors in D-Wave need to proceed with patience and caution, however, as the company has relatively little revenue compared to its losses.
On the positive side, D-Wave has more than $42 million in remaining performance obligations (RPO), a 563% year-over-year increase. The AT&T deal, paired with this jump in RPOs, could signal real traction for D-Wave's technology.
With the stock down significantly in 2026, risk-tolerant long-term investors willing to tolerate continued volatility may see the AT&T deal as the cue to climb aboard.
Should you buy stock in D-Wave Quantum right now?
Before you buy stock in D-Wave Quantum, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and D-Wave Quantum wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $379,662!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,206,116!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 886% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 206% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors.
*Stock Advisor returns as of July 28, 2026.
Catie Hogan has positions in AT&T. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

D-Wave Quantum Just Announced an Expanded Deal. Should You Buy the Stock Now?

The NASDAQ 100 Pre-Market Indicator is down -231.09 to 27,808.12. The total Pre-Market volume is currently 189,545,512 shares traded.
The following are the most active stocks for the pre-market session:
T3 Defense Inc. (DFNS) is +8.726 at $21.83, with 7,484,468 shares traded. As reported by Zacks, the current mean recommendation for DFNS is in the "strong buy range".
Direxion Daily MU Bull 2X ETF (MUU) is -3.86 at $26.06, with 5,135,377 shares traded. This represents a 3,015.36% increase from its 52 Week Low.
ProShares UltraPro QQQ (TQQQ) is -1.25 at $62.15, with 4,810,365 shares traded. This represents a 66.53% increase from its 52 Week Low.
Firy Inc. (FIRY) is +2.8 at $11.16, with 4,691,181 shares traded. FIRY's current last sale is 446.4% of the target price of $2.5.
LiveWire Group, Inc. (LVWR) is +0.2803 at $2.71, with 4,606,424 shares traded.
ProShares UltraPro Short QQQ (SQQQ) is +0.88 at $46.10, with 4,560,650 shares traded. This represents a 28.77% increase from its 52 Week Low.
Direxion Daily TSLA Bull 2X ETF (TSLL) is -0.1302 at $7.11, with 4,482,542 shares traded. This represents a 1.28% increase from its 52 Week Low.
Nokia Corporation (NOK) is -0.2045 at $9.03, with 4,476,009 shares traded. As reported by Zacks, the current mean recommendation for NOK is in the "buy range".
GraniteShares 2x Short SK Hynix Daily ETF (SKDD) is +1.41 at $18.51, with 4,256,223 shares traded. This represents a 64.97% increase from its 52 Week Low.
Medtronic plc (MDT) is +1.48 at $85.70, with 2,066,510 shares traded. As reported by Zacks, the current mean recommendation for MDT is in the "buy range".
Corning Incorporated (GLW) is -24.922 at $118.44, with 1,995,127 shares traded. As reported by Zacks, the current mean recommendation for GLW is in the "buy range".
T1 Energy Inc. (TE) is -0.5 at $4.40, with 1,610,822 shares traded. As reported by Zacks, the current mean recommendation for TE is in the "buy range".
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Pre-Market Most Active for Jul 28, 2026 : DFNS, MUU, TQQQ, FIRY, LVWR, SQQQ, TSLL, NOK, SKDD, MDT, GLW, TE

Key Points
D-Wave is helping AT&T modernize its network.
Analysts see more gains ahead for D-Wave's investors.
Shares of D-Wave Quantum (NASDAQ: QBTS) soared on Monday after the advanced computing pioneer broadened its partnership with AT&T (NYSE: T).
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
Making wireless networks faster and more efficient
Early tests of D-Wave's quantum technology helped AT&T slash the run time for a network optimization process from roughly one hour to less than 15 seconds. These encouraging results prompted the telecom titan to expand the use of D-Wave's tech to areas such as outage detection, network planning, and traffic management.
"The speed we're seeing with D-Wave challenges what's currently possible," AT&T executive Lucus Haugen said. "It has the potential to help us optimize faster, increase efficiency, and scale more real-time operations, making quantum a practical tool for advancing how we run and modernize our network."
Wall Street sees more upside ahead
Benchmark analyst Gary Mobley has a buy rating on D-Wave's shares. He sees the quantum computing leader's stock price rising more than 50% to $30.
Mobley notes that D-Wave's focus on helping its customers solve their optimization challenges is enabling it to deliver an actual "quantum advantage to users" and "solve real-world practical problems," unlike most of its rivals.
However, Mobley also cautioned that with this groundbreaking technology still in its early stages, investors may be best served by spreading their bets across multiple quantum stocks.
Should you buy stock in D-Wave Quantum right now?
Before you buy stock in D-Wave Quantum, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and D-Wave Quantum wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $377,990!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,269,518!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 896% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 206% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors.
*Stock Advisor returns as of July 27, 2026.
Joe Tenebruso has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Why D-Wave Quantum Stock Surged Today

Key Points
AT&T's stock has shown an early, negative correlation with SpaceX's stock.
Investors may have been overreacting to the SpaceX threat last month.
AT&T's recent earnings showed the business is still generating solid growth.
When Space Exploration Technologies Corp (NASDAQ: SPCX), also known as SpaceX, went public last month, telecom stocks went into a bit of a free fall, as there were growing concerns that it would disrupt the sector. AT&T (NYSE: T), a leader in the space, fell by more than 12% between when SpaceX went public and the end of June.
However, as SpaceX has been struggling of late, AT&T has been bouncing back in a huge way. While SpaceX has crashed 34% since the start of July, AT&T has soared 18%. It may be a coincidence, of course, but it's an intriguing correlation to watch out for. The company is also coming off a solid quarter, highlighting its financial strength and overall resilience. Could the rally for AT&T's stock just be getting started?
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
AT&T continues to show steady and solid growth in Q2
Last week, AT&T posted the types of numbers investors have become accustomed to from the business. They weren't flashy, but they were solid nonetheless, and exactly what many investors would want from a top dividend stock. Revenue of $31.6 billion rose by a little over 2%, and diluted per-share earnings of $0.66 were also higher than $0.62 in the prior-year period.
The company reported that there were 646,000 advanced connectivity internet net adds during the period, higher than the 584,000 in the first quarter. It also reported 432,000 postpaid phone net adds, up from 294,000 in Q1. Overall, AT&T's business has continued to add customers, perhaps alleviating some concerns investors may have had about the stock heading into earnings.
Is AT&T stock heading higher?
With its recent rally, AT&T's stock is back up to where it was at the start of June -- before concerns about SpaceX began to weigh on its valuation. I believe the market overreacted to some extent to SpaceX and the risk it posed to AT&T, and now that that has cooled, AT&T's stock has been recovering.
I'm optimistic it can still rise further, especially in the long run, as AT&T trades at just 10 times its estimated future earnings (based on analyst estimates). While it may not produce massive gains for investors, there is still some upside here. With an attractive valuation and a 4.6% dividend yield (which is far higher than the S&P 500 average of 1.1%), this can be a solid investment to hold on to for the long haul.
Should you buy stock in AT&T right now?
Before you buy stock in AT&T, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and AT&T wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $377,990!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,269,518!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 896% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 206% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors.
*Stock Advisor returns as of July 27, 2026.
David Jagielski, CPA has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

AT&T Stock Has Been Quietly Rallying Since the Start of July. After a Strong Q2, Is It Due to Soar Even Higher?

Communications providers are expanding beyond traditional wireless services into artificial intelligence infrastructure, fiber networks and converged connectivity. Verizon Communications VZ is investing across these areas to diversify future growth opportunities.
While these initiatives could strengthen long-term earnings potential, investors should also consider the execution, competitive and capital investment risks that accompany a multi-year transformation.
How Verizon is Building AI Infrastructure
Verizon is expanding its AI infrastructure strategy through a dark fiber agreement with Google and participation in Anthropic's Project Glasswing. Management also expects additional AI infrastructure agreements that could begin contributing to revenue growth in 2027.
These initiatives leverage Verizon's extensive fiber assets to connect AI data centers and enterprise workloads. The company views AI connectivity as an incremental growth opportunity alongside its core mobility and broadband businesses.
Verizon Communications Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise
Why VZ is Expanding Enterprise Services
Verizon's planned joint venture with BT Group is intended to strengthen international enterprise connectivity by combining complementary wireline assets. The strategy is designed to improve global networking capabilities for multinational customers.
Cloud-focused networking services and Verizon's broad fiber footprint create additional opportunities to diversify revenue beyond consumer wireless. Lumen Technologies, Inc. LUMN also targets enterprise networking and fiber connectivity, highlighting the growing strategic importance of fiber infrastructure.
How Verizon is Driving Convergence
Verizon continues combining wireless, fiber broadband and fixed wireless access into integrated offerings such as Verizon One. Management believes converged customers exhibit lower churn and stronger lifetime value than single-product subscribers.
Cross-selling mobility and broadband services also improves customer economics while increasing the value of Verizon's expanding fiber network. AT&T Inc. T is pursuing a similar convergence strategy, reinforcing the importance of bundled connectivity across the industry.
How Verizon is Investing for Long-Term Growth
Verizon continues investing in network modernization, automation, 5G leadership and broadband expansion while integrating Frontier's assets. These investments are expected to support capacity, service quality and long-term competitiveness.
Management acknowledges that returns from AI infrastructure and network investments are likely to develop over several years, making disciplined capital allocation and operational execution critical to achieving targeted financial benefits.
How VZ Ratings Reflect These Industry Trends
The bottom line is that Verizon is aligning its strategy with long-term industry trends through AI connectivity, enterprise networking and converged broadband services. Even so, competition, leverage and continued investment needs remain important factors for investors.
Verizon carries a Neutral long-term recommendation and a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Its Value Score of A, Momentum Score of A and VGM Score of A reflect attractive valuation and improving execution, while the Growth Score of C suggests a measured growth profile as these longer-term initiatives mature. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
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How Verizon is Positioning Itself for the Next Wave of AI Connectivity

Verizon Communications VZ recently raised its 2026 financial outlook after reporting stronger profitability, improving subscriber trends and higher cash generation. The updated outlook reflects improving execution across its wireless and broadband businesses.
Investors considering the stock can weigh these operational improvements against ongoing leverage, competitive pressures and the capital required to sustain network leadership and long-term growth.
Why VZ Raised Financial Guidance
Verizon reported second-quarter adjusted EPS growth, record adjusted EBITDA and higher free cash flow, supported by improving customer metrics and operating leverage. Stronger postpaid phone additions and broadband growth also contributed to management's confidence.
Based on this performance, the company raised its outlook for adjusted EPS, free cash flow and mobility and broadband service revenues for 2026, reflecting expectations for continued operational momentum.
What Supports Verizon's Valuation
Verizon's investment case continues to benefit from its attractive valuation, earnings outlook and dividend income profile. Strong cash generation is expected to support ongoing capital returns while maintaining investment in network infrastructure.
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Management also expanded its share repurchase plans, signaling confidence in future cash flows. Investors often compare Verizon with AT&T Inc. T, another high-dividend telecommunications company pursuing fiber expansion and customer growth.
What Could Limit Verizon Upside
Competitive pricing remains an important challenge as wireless carriers compete for subscribers. Verizon also continues to invest heavily in network expansion while integrating Frontier's operations following the acquisition.
Returns from AI infrastructure investments may take time to develop, and execution risks remain. T-Mobile US, Inc. TMUS continues to compete aggressively for wireless customers, keeping industry pricing and subscriber growth under pressure.
How Verizon Balances Risk and Reward
Improving customer additions, lower churn, broadband expansion and operating leverage strengthen Verizon's long-term outlook. Growing free cash flow also enhances financial flexibility for dividends, buybacks and network investment.
At the same time, successful Frontier integration, disciplined capital allocation and continued network investment will be important factors in sustaining the company's operational momentum.
How VZ Ratings Shape the Investment Case
The bottom line is that Verizon offers a balanced investment profile supported by improving fundamentals and attractive valuation, while execution and competitive risks remain meaningful considerations.
Verizon carries a Neutral long-term recommendation and a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Its Value Score of A, Momentum Score of A and VGM Score of A complement the investment case by highlighting attractive valuation and improving operational momentum, while a Growth Score of C suggests a steadier growth outlook rather than rapid expansion. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Research Chief Names "Single Best Pick to Double"
From thousands of stocks, 5 Zacks experts each have chosen their favorite to skyrocket +100% or more in months to come. From those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian hand-picks one to have the most explosive upside of all.
This company targets millennial and Gen Z audiences, generating nearly $1 billion in revenue last quarter alone. A recent pullback makes now an ideal time to jump aboard. Of course, all our elite picks aren’t winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks’ Stocks Set to Double like Nano-X Imaging which shot up +129.6% in little more than 9 months.
Free: See Our Top Stock And 4 Runners Up
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Is VZ Stock a Buy After Verizon Raises Its 2026 Financial Outlook?

Verizon Communications, Inc. VZ is reinforcing its long-term investment story through improving subscriber trends, broadband expansion, disciplined execution and new enterprise initiatives. Those efforts are helping strengthen earnings potential while the company continues to navigate an intensely competitive and capital-intensive market.
Recent operating momentum suggests Verizon is benefiting from a stronger customer strategy, expanding fiber assets and improving financial performance. Together, these initiatives are creating additional growth avenues beyond its traditional wireless business.
How VZ is Winning More Customers
Verizon posted stronger postpaid phone additions while reducing churn, reflecting improving customer engagement. The company also introduced Simplicity wireless plans, Verizon One and an expanded loyalty program designed to simplify pricing and reward long-term customers.
Management believes bundled mobility and broadband offerings improve retention and customer lifetime value by encouraging households to consolidate services. Verizon continues to compete with AT&T Inc. T, which is also investing heavily in converged wireless and fiber offerings, making customer retention an increasingly important differentiator.
Why Verizon is Expanding Fiber Reach
Broadband growth remains a major contributor as Verizon expands fixed wireless access and integrates Frontier's fiber assets. A larger fiber footprint increases addressable markets while supporting cross-selling opportunities across wireless and broadband products.
Fiber expansion also improves long-term operating efficiency by leveraging common infrastructure. Competition with T-Mobile US, Inc. TMUS in wireless reinforces Verizon's strategy of pairing network quality with broader connectivity offerings to deepen customer relationships.
How VZ is Growing Cash Flow
Disciplined execution helped Verizon deliver record adjusted EBITDA, higher adjusted EPS and stronger free cash flow. Better customer economics, lower churn and operating leverage supported profitability despite continued network investments.
Improving results prompted management to raise its financial outlook for mobility and broadband service revenues, adjusted EPS and free cash flow, reflecting confidence in ongoing operational execution.
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Where Verizon Sees Future Growth
Beyond consumer wireless, Verizon is expanding into AI infrastructure through dark fiber connectivity. Its agreement with Google and additional expected enterprise infrastructure projects could provide new long-duration revenue streams.
Management also plans a joint venture with BT Group to strengthen international enterprise connectivity. These initiatives broaden Verizon's growth opportunities beyond traditional wireless services while leveraging its extensive fiber network.
How VZ Ratings Fit the Long-Term Story
The bottom line is that Verizon is building a broader growth platform through stronger subscriber trends, fiber expansion, disciplined execution and enterprise connectivity investments. Competitive pressures and continued capital requirements remain important considerations.
Verizon carries a Neutral long-term recommendation, a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), VGM Score of A, Value Score of A, Growth Score of C and Momentum Score of A. This combination points to attractive valuation and improving operational momentum while recognizing balanced execution and competitive risks rather than indicating a clear bullish or bearish outlook. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Research Chief Names "Single Best Pick to Double"
From thousands of stocks, 5 Zacks experts each have chosen their favorite to skyrocket +100% or more in months to come. From those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian hand-picks one to have the most explosive upside of all.
This company targets millennial and Gen Z audiences, generating nearly $1 billion in revenue last quarter alone. A recent pullback makes now an ideal time to jump aboard. Of course, all our elite picks aren’t winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks’ Stocks Set to Double like Nano-X Imaging which shot up +129.6% in little more than 9 months.
Free: See Our Top Stock And 4 Runners Up
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.