U.S. telecoms return to their core businesses

Article Excerpt

The top two telecom providers in the U.S. are now reversing their recent purchases of media companies. They plan to use the cash from those sales for new investments in 5G wireless networks. Focusing on their core businesses should make their dividends more sustainable. AT&T INC. $30 remains a buy. The company (New York symbol T; Income-Growth Dividend Portfolio, Utilities sector; Shares outstanding: 7.1 billion; Market cap: $213.0 billion; Dividend yield: 6.9%; Dividend Sustainability Rating: Above Average; www.att.com) is the largest wireless carrier in the U.S. It also offers traditional phone and satellite TV services. The company last raised its quarterly dividend with the February 2020 payment. Investors now receive $0.52 a share, up 2.0% from $0.51. The new annual rate of $2.08 yields a high 6.9%. AT&T is now merging its media division (WarnerMedia) with Discovery Inc. (Nasdaq symbol DISCA). It will be one of the world’s largest media firms with over 100 cable TV channels including HBO, CNN, TLC, TNT, TBS,…