AT&T Stock Sinks on Subscriber and SpaceX Worries. Is the Stock a Buy on the Dip?

AT&T's stock has experienced a decline following strong growth in 2023, but investor concerns over potential competition from Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) have dampened its appeal. Despite the setback, AT&T remains on an upward trajectory with notable achievements in broadband and fiber subscriptions.

CEO John Stankey addressed potential threats from SpaceX during the company's earnings call, highlighting that LEO satellites can expand wireless connectivity in rural areas, but are not adequate replacements for traditional outdoor macro cell towers or LEOs in metropolitan areas. Stankey noted that it would take years of heavy investments for SpaceX to match the performance of incumbent players.

While the number of postpaid wireless phone customers only met analysts' expectations, broadband saw growth with 442,000 fiber subscribers and 327,000 fixed wireless users added. Revenue climbed 5.3% to $32.3 billion, and adjusted earnings per share increased by 20% to $0.65, surpassing Wall Street expectations.

Looking ahead, AT&T raised its 2026 adjusted EPS projections to $2.40, projecting $6 billion in free cash flow and low-single-digit annual revenue growth through 2028. The company maintains its current $1.11-per-share dividend and remains optimistic about its advanced connectivity segment.