Faster networks will spur AT&T

Article Excerpt

Many of AT&T’s customers are switching from traditional phones (or land lines) to its more profitable wireless services. The company is also attracting more new subscribers thanks to its recent wireless-network upgrades. At the same time, recent improvements to its fibre optic networks are spurring sales of its Internet and TV services. Competition for new wireless customers is driving down prices. But even so, AT&T’s long-term outlook remains bright. That’s partly because new smartphones are pushing up demand for advanced and highly profitable wireless services, such as video calling. These new services should continue to generate the cash flow AT&T needs to keep upgrading its networks, buying back shares and raising its dividend. AT&T INC. $35 (New York symbol T; Conservative Growth Portfolio, Utilities sector; Shares outstanding: 5.8 billion; Market cap: $203.0 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 1.6; Dividend yield: 5.0%; TSINetwork Rating: Average; www.att.com) has 105.2 million wireless subscribers across the U.S. That makes it the country’s second-largest wireless-service provider, after Verizon Wireless. AT&T…