AT&T (T) closed at $23.42, up 1.61%, outperforming the S&P 500's 0.33% gain. The company is expected to report Q3 2026 earnings on October 21 with projected EPS of $0.61 (up 12.96% YoY) and revenue of $31.68 billion (up 3.17% YoY). AT&T holds a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) with a Forward P/E of 9.89, trading at a discount to its industry average.

AT&T is positioned as a likely earnings beat candidate for its Q3 2026 results expected October 21. The company has a positive Earnings ESP of +3.77% combined with a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), suggesting it will likely exceed consensus EPS estimates of $0.61 per share. AT&T has beaten consensus estimates in 3 of the last 4 quarters, with the most recent quarter delivering a +10.17% surprise.

AST SpaceMobile and Rocket Lab represent two different approaches to the space economy: AST focuses on satellite-based cellular broadband connecting directly to smartphones, while Rocket Lab provides launch services and spacecraft components. Both companies are unprofitable but show different paths to profitability. AST expects to turn profitable by 2029 with 45 satellites operational by end of 2026, while Rocket Lab's proposed $8 billion acquisition of Iridium Communications could position it as a SpaceX competitor. The article concludes Rocket Lab offers a better entry point for growth investors due to more reasonable valuation ratios.

AT&T and Verizon are compared as investment options for 2026. AT&T has improved profitability with a 17.4% net margin after divesting media assets, while Verizon has pursued aggressive acquisitions to expand fiber and broadband capabilities. Despite AT&T's higher net margin and lower valuation, the analyst recommends Verizon due to its superior dividend track record (20 consecutive years of increases, 6.57% yield vs. AT&T's 4.94%), stronger free cash flow, and more attractive forward P/E ratio, despite higher debt levels from recent acquisitions.

AT&T is expected to report Q3 2026 earnings on October 21 with revenues of $31.68 billion and EPS of 61 cents, supported by a positive 3.77% Earnings Surprise Prediction. The company's fiber expansion to 38.6 million locations and network modernization efforts show promise, but intense competition from Verizon and T-Mobile, along with substantial capital requirements and leveraged balance sheet, remain key challenges. AT&T holds a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) rating.

The article compares two space economy stocks: AST SpaceMobile, which builds satellite-based cellular broadband networks, and Intuitive Machines, which provides lunar delivery and data services. While both are high-risk ventures with significant losses and heavy capital requirements, the author recommends Intuitive Machines due to its lower valuation multiples and less competitive market position, despite both companies facing substantial execution risks.

AT&T has underperformed the broader market, declining 14.9% over the past month compared to the S&P 500's 2.4% gain. The company is expected to post earnings of $0.61 per share for the current quarter with 13% year-over-year growth, though consensus estimates have declined slightly. AT&T receives a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) rating, suggesting it may perform in line with the market. The stock is valued at a discount to peers with an A grade on the Value Style Score.

The article discusses the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) tool, which identifies stocks likely to beat quarterly earnings expectations. Two stocks highlighted are Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) with a +0.30% ESP and AT&T (T) with a +3.77% ESP, both holding Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) ratings and positioned to potentially post earnings beats in their upcoming reports.

SpaceX agreed to acquire a nationwide spectrum portfolio from Grain Management to expand Starlink's satellite internet into mobile services, causing major telecom stocks to plunge on October 10. Verizon dropped 8.75%, T-Mobile fell 13.27%, and AT&T declined 9.81%, marking their worst days in years. However, analysts believe established carriers face limited near-term competition as building a rival network would require substantial time and investment. Space-focused ETFs are expected to benefit long-term from the deal.

AST SpaceMobile, a LEO satellite developer with a $15.3 billion market cap, currently generates no commercial revenue despite holding $3.7 billion in liquidity. The company relies on government contracts and prepayments from telecom partners. However, analysts project significant growth potential as AST plans to expand its satellite constellation to 45 satellites next year, with revenue expected to surge from $169 million in 2026 to $1.73 billion by 2028.

SpaceX's acquisition of 800 MHz low-band spectrum triggered a sharp selloff in legacy wireless carriers on October 9, 2026. AT&T dropped 9.81%, Verizon fell 8.75%, and T-Mobile declined 13.27% as investors worried about increased competition and the erosion of the telecom oligopoly. However, analysts note AT&T's strong dividend yield (5%) and fiber infrastructure may provide some downside protection.

The article compares two industrial stocks: Caterpillar, a construction and mining equipment titan with record backlog and growing dividends, versus Corning, a materials science leader benefiting from AI data center demand. While Caterpillar offers proven industrial exposure with reliable income, Corning's optical communications business is growing over 30% year-over-year with ambitious revenue targets of $20B by end-2026, $30B by 2028, and $40B by 2030. The author recommends Corning for patient investors seeking exposure to AI infrastructure growth.