Wang & Lee Group board approves 250-to-1 reverse share split
On Tuesday, Scotiabank (TSX:BNS) analyst Jeff Fan increased the price target on AT&T (NYSE:T) shares to $29.00, up from the previous $28.50, while maintaining a Sector Outperform rating. Fan anticipates a 1% rise in revenue for the first quarter, with EBITDA expected to grow by 2%, in line with the last quarter's performance. Despite projecting high single-digit revenue declines in the business segment, the analyst foresees potential for the consumer wireline segment to exhibit improving growth trends, which could lead to a slight acceleration in overall top-line growth compared to the fourth quarter.
AT&T's postpaid phone net additions are estimated to be around 255,000 for the first quarter, a decrease from the 349,000 additions in the same period the previous year. Wireless Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) growth is expected to average 0.8%. Fan highlighted that AT&T's management is on track to meet their leverage target of 2.5 times in the first half of 2025, setting the stage for announced shareholder returns of $40 billion over the next three years through dividends and stock buybacks, in addition to $10 billion for extra mergers and acquisitions flexibility.
The analyst praised AT&T's management for their efforts to simplify the business, invest in fiber, reduce wireless churn, and lower leverage. These strategic moves are now beginning to yield benefits, according to Fan. The continued positive outlook from Scotiabank reflects confidence in AT&T's operational strategy and financial targets.
In other recent news, AT&T Inc. reported a quarterly dividend of $0.2775 per share, with payments scheduled for May 1, 2025. This move demonstrates AT&T's ongoing commitment to delivering shareholder value through regular dividends. In a strategic development, AT&T is reportedly in discussions to acquire Lumen's consumer fiber business for $5.5 billion. Analysts from Bernstein maintain an Outperform rating with a $29 price target, indicating potential strategic benefits from this acquisition. The deal could allow AT&T to expand its fiber network and phase out older broadband services. Meanwhile, Citi analysts have reiterated a Buy rating for AT&T with a $32 price target, despite removing the company from their Focus List. They acknowledge AT&T's potential for financial growth, though they caution about challenges such as the new tariff environment. In the broader telecommunications sector, AT&T shares, along with those of Verizon (NYSE:VZ) and T-Mobile, are experiencing increased investor interest as a defensive strategy amid market uncertainties.
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