Verizon and AT&T are outperforming the S&P 500 this year.
While S&P 500 continues to fall, several telecom stocks have managed to find support amid demand for safer investments and reliable dividends. As a result, Verizon and AT&T managed to outperform the S&P 500 in 2022 and have a decent chance to continue the current trend.
Verizon stock found itself under material pressure in late April after the company released its first-quarter report. The report met analyst estimates, but investors focused on the company’s weaker guidance.
As a result, the stock dropped towards the $46 level. However, the company’s strong dividend provided sufficient support to the stock, which moved back towards the $50 level.
Currently, Verizon yields more than 5%, which makes the stock attractive for income-oriented investors. The safe dividend created enough demand for Verizon shares during the recent sell-off in the broader market, and this catalyst will likely continue to support Verizon in the upcoming weeks.
AT&T stock has significantly outperformed S&P 500 this year. Investors bet that the company’s business will rebound after the recent problems, while the solid dividend yield of more than 5% provides additional support to the stock.
It should be noted that analyst estimates have been moving lower in recent months. Currently, analysts expect that AT&T will report earnings of $2.59 per share in the current year and $2.55 per share in the next year, so the stock is trading at 8 forward P/E.
Typically, declining earnings estimates serve as a bearish catalyst for the stock. However, a combination of an attractive dividend yield and cheap valuation has provided enough support to AT&T stock and pushed it to yearly highs.
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Vladimir is an independent trader, with over 18 years of experience in the financial markets. His expertise spans a wide range of instruments like stocks, futures, forex, indices, and commodities, forecasting both long-term and short-term market movements.