AT&T Reports Strong Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year 2025 Financial Performance Driven by Growth in Converged Fiber and 5G Customers
Rhea-AI Summary
AT&T (NYSE: T) reported strong Q4 and full-year 2025 results, meeting or exceeding consolidated guidance and delivering its best consumer broadband growth in a decade. 2025 highlights include $125.6B revenue, $3.04 diluted EPS, >1M fiber net adds, adjusted EBITDA $46.4B, and returned >$12B to shareholders. The company announced a long-term plan to return $45B+ to shareholders (2026–2028), expects Advanced Connectivity to drive growth, and provided 2026–2028 outlooks for revenue, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EPS, capital investment, and free cash flow.
Positive
- Diluted EPS surged to $3.04 for 2025 (from $1.49)
- More than 1 million AT&T Fiber net adds in 2025
- Returned over $12 billion to shareholders in 2025
- Announced $45 billion+ planned returns to shareholders for 2026–2028
Negative
- Legacy service revenue expected to decline 20%+ in 2026
- Net debt-to-adjusted EBITDA rising to ~3.2x after planned transactions
- Planned acquisitions are modestly dilutive to adjusted EPS in 2026–2027
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
Most large telecom peers (e.g., VZ, TMUS, CMCSA, CHTR) showed negative moves while AMX was modestly positive, indicating stock-specific dynamics rather than a broad Telecom Services move.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 21 | Product launch | Positive | +0.2% | Launch of Turbo Live VIP connectivity service for live event venues. |
| Jan 07 | 5G partnership | Positive | -1.5% | Mitsubishi Motors to embed AT&T 5G in 2026 Outlander vehicles. |
| Dec 16 | CSR partnership | Positive | -1.0% | Support for VR-based Great American Elderverse program in Texas facilities. |
| Dec 15 | Dividend declaration | Positive | -1.1% | Quarterly dividends on common and preferred shares, including $0.2775 common dividend. |
| Dec 09 | Enterprise offering | Positive | -1.3% | Launch of AT&T Business Protect Enterprise device protection plans with Servify. |
Recent news has often seen modest negative price reactions even on strategically positive announcements.
Over the last few months, AT&T has focused on strategic connectivity initiatives and shareholder returns. Partnerships like Mitsubishi’s 5G-enabled 2026 Outlander and enterprise offerings such as Business Protect Enterprise expanded its 5G and protection ecosystems. Product launches like Turbo Live targeted high-density venues. A regular dividend declaration reinforced income focus. Despite generally constructive news, price reactions have mostly been mildly negative, suggesting limited immediate re-rating from incremental updates.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement highlights AT&T’s execution in 2025, with revenues of $125.6 billion, adjusted EPS of $2.12, and free cash flow of $16.6 billion, alongside substantial shareholder returns of over $12 billion. The company outlined a multi‑year plan centered on Advanced Connectivity growth and restructuring of legacy copper networks. Investors may track progress versus its long-term EBITDA, EPS, and free cash flow targets, as well as leverage reduction and integration of announced fiber and spectrum acquisitions.
Key Terms
adjusted ebitda financial
adjusted eps financial
free cash flow financial
capital expenditures financial
form 8-k regulatory
underwriting agreement financial
net debt-to-adjusted ebitda ratio financial
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
Company met or exceeded all 2025 consolidated financial guidance and provides long-term outlook for improved growth in Adjusted EBITDA* and Adjusted EPS* and higher free cash flow* through 2028
Company returned over
Consistent execution of customer-centric, investment-led strategy delivered increased convergence rate, leading to growth in profitability and industry-best customer satisfaction for subscribers with both wireless and internet connectivity1
"We achieved or surpassed all of our consolidated full-year guidance for 2025," said John Stankey, AT&T Chairman and CEO. "With new investments in spectrum and fiber, we're set to win more customers in more categories and geographies across the
Fourth-Quarter Consolidated Results
- Revenues of
$33.5 billion - Diluted EPS of
, versus$0.53 in the year-ago quarter; adjusted EPS* of$0.56 , versus$0.52 in the year-ago quarter$0.43 - Operating income of
; adjusted operating income* of$5.8 billion $6.1 billion - Net income of
; adjusted EBITDA* of$4.2 billion $11.2 billion - Cash from operating activities of
, versus$11.3 billion in the year-ago quarter$11.9 billion - Capital expenditures of
; capital investment* of$6.8 billion $7.1 billion - Free cash flow* of
, versus$4.2 billion in the year-ago quarter$4.0 billion
Fourth-Quarter Highlights
- 421,000 postpaid phone net adds with postpaid phone churn of
0.98% - Mobility service revenues of
, up$17.0 billion 2.4% year over year - 283,000 AT&T Fiber net adds and 221,000 AT&T Internet Air net adds, representing more than half a million combined advanced home internet net additions for the second consecutive quarter
- Consumer Wireline fiber revenues of
, up$2.2 billion 13.6% year over year
Full-Year Consolidated Results
- Revenues of
$125.6 billion - Diluted EPS of
, versus$3.04 a year ago; adjusted EPS* of$1.49 versus$2.12 a year ago$1.95 - Operating income of
; adjusted operating income* of$24.2 billion $25.5 billion - Net income of
; adjusted EBITDA* of$23.4 billion $46.4 billion - Cash from operating activities of
, versus$40.3 billion a year ago$38.8 billion - Capital expenditures of
; capital investment* of$20.8 billion $22.0 billion - Free cash flow* of
, versus$16.6 billion in 2024$15.3 billion
Full-Year Highlights
- More than 1.5 million postpaid phone net adds for fifth straight year
- Mobility service revenues of
, up$67.4 billion 3.1% year over year - More than 1 million AT&T Fiber net adds for eighth consecutive year, and 875,000 AT&T Internet Air net adds
- Consumer Wireline fiber revenues of
, up$8.6 billion 17.0% year over year - Repurchased approximately
in common shares under the 2024 authorization$4.3 billion - 32.0 million consumer and business locations passed with fiber
New Segment Reporting
Beginning with the Company's first-quarter 2026 results, AT&T plans to revise its operating segments to reflect the evolution of its business model to focus on delivering converged advanced connectivity services across 5G and fiber to consumer and business customers. Accordingly, the Company's planned new reportable segments are:
- Advanced Connectivity, which represents results primarily from the Company's domestic 5G and fiber based wireless, internet and other advanced connectivity services, on a recast basis contributed approximately
90% of consolidated revenues in 2025. Results for this segment will be provided in aggregate with supplemental disclosures for performance of the Company's consumer and business relationships. - Legacy, which represents results from the Company's domestic legacy voice and data services provided over its copper-based network to consumer and business customers. These results include revenues derived from copper-based services and direct operating costs.
Latin America , which will continue to represent results for the Company's wireless business inMexico .
To assist investors and analysts with this planned transition to the new segment reporting structure, the Company has provided a recast of its historical quarterly and annual results for 2023 through 2025 for these segments in its Form 8-K dated January 28, 2026, and additional information is available at investors.att.com.
Long-Term Outlook
As a result of the Company's investments in 5G and fiber, including its previously announced acquisitions that are expected to close in early 2026 of substantially all of Lumen's Mass Markets fiber business and wireless spectrum licenses from EchoStar, AT&T expects to achieve improved growth in adjusted EBITDA* and adjusted EPS* and higher free cash flow* through 2028. The Company's long-term outlook for 2026-2028 includes:
- Service revenue growth in the low-single-digit range annually.
- Adjusted EBITDA* growth in the
3% to4% range in 2026, improving to5% or better in 2028 as growth in Advanced Connectivity increasingly more than offsets declines in Legacy. - Adjusted EPS* of
to$2.25 in 2026 with a double-digit 3-year CAGR through 2028.$2.35 - The Company's outlook for adjusted EPS* anticipates that its acquisitions mentioned above will be modestly dilutive to adjusted EPS* in 2026-2027 and accretive beginning in 2028.
- Capital investment* in the
to$23 billion range annually during 2026-2028.$24 billion - Free cash flow* of
billion+ in 2026,$18 billion+ in 2027, and$19 billion+ in 2028.$21 - The Company's free cash flow* outlook anticipates annual cash taxes of
to$1.0 billion and cash contributions to its employee pension plan of approximately$1.5 billion in 2026, with no significant additional cash contributions expected until 2030.$350 million - The Company's outlook for cash taxes reflects further assessment of its expected savings due to tax provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, as compared to the outlook it provided in its second-quarter 2025 earnings release. Management expects to use incremental tax savings to fund working capital and growth initiatives.
- The Company's free cash flow* outlook anticipates annual cash taxes of
The Company's consolidated financial outlook anticipates strong and sustained growth in Advanced Connectivity segment financial performance during 2026-2028, including:
- Advanced Connectivity service revenue growth in the mid-single-digit range annually, including expected growth of
5% + in 2026, which includes approximately 100 basis points of growth from the planned acquisition of retail fiber subscribers from Lumen. - Advanced Connectivity EBITDA* growth in the mid-to-high-single-digit range annually, including expected growth of
6% + in 2026. The Company does not expect its planned acquisition of retail fiber subscribers from Lumen to materially impact EBITDA* in 2026.
The Company's consolidated financial outlook assumes sustained declines in service revenues within its Legacy segment as it makes progress against its objective of powering-down its energy-intensive copper-based network across the large majority of its footprint by the end of 2029 and upgrading customers to advanced connectivity services powered by 5G and fiber. AT&T expects Legacy service revenue to decline
Upon closing of the Lumen transaction, AT&T will hold the acquired fiber network assets, including certain fiber network build capabilities, in a wholly owned subsidiary. The Company plans to sell partial ownership in this subsidiary to an equity partner that will co-invest in the ongoing business. Beginning with the closing of the Lumen transaction, AT&T expects to report this business as held-for-sale and discontinued operations, with the results of operations and direct cash flows excluded from the Company's continuing operations. After closing the anticipated sale of partial ownership to an equity partner, AT&T's share of the equity income (loss) of this subsidiary will be included in adjusted EPS* from continuing operations. The Company's long-term outlook provided above is presented on a continuing operations basis and excludes discontinued operations.
Long-Term Capital Allocation Plan
AT&T expects to return
AT&T expects its net debt-to-adjusted EBITDA ratio* to increase to approximately 3.2x following its transactions with Lumen and EchoStar and to decline to approximately 3x by the end of 2026. AT&T continues to expect net leverage will return to a level consistent with its target in the 2.5x range within approximately three years following the closing of these acquisitions. The Company expects to maintain a consistent approach to capital returns while reducing net leverage to its target range.
Note: AT&T's fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 earnings conference call will be webcast at 8:30 a.m. ET on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. The webcast and related materials, including financial highlights, will be available at investors.att.com.
Consolidated Financial Results
- Revenues for the fourth quarter totaled
, versus$33.5 billion in the year-ago quarter, up$32.3 billion 3.6% . This was due to higher Mobility, Consumer Wireline, andMexico revenues, partially offset by a decline in Business Wireline. - Operating expenses were
, versus$27.7 billion in the year-ago quarter. Operating expenses increased primarily due to higher sales volumes in the Company's Mobility business unit, which drove higher equipment, advertising, selling, and bad debt expenses. Also contributing to higher costs were higher restructuring charges that were offset by benefits of continued transformation initiatives and lower content licensing fees. Operating expense declines also included lower depreciation expense as certain legacy assets were fully depreciated, partially offset by continued fiber investment and network upgrades.$27.0 billion - Operating income was
, versus$5.8 billion in the year-ago quarter. When adjusting for certain items, adjusted operating income* was$5.3 billion , versus$6.1 billion in the year-ago quarter.$5.4 billion - Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates declined
versus the year-ago quarter, reflecting the completed sale of the DIRECTV investment in the third-quarter 2025.$1.1 billion - Net income was
, versus$4.2 billion in the year-ago quarter.$4.4 billion - Net income (loss) attributable to common stock was
, versus$3.8 billion in the year-ago quarter. Earnings per diluted common share was$4.0 billion , versus$0.53 in the year-ago quarter. Adjusting for$0.56 which removes a benefit from tax items, and excludes an actuarial loss on benefit plans, restructuring costs, and other items, adjusted earnings per diluted common share* was$(0.01) , versus$0.52 in the year-ago quarter.$0.43 - Adjusted EBITDA* was
, versus$11.2 billion in the year-ago quarter.$10.8 billion - Cash from operating activities was
, versus$11.3 billion in the year-ago quarter. Operational growth and lower cash tax payments in the quarter were more than offset by lower distributions from DIRECTV, a voluntary pension plan contribution of$11.9 billion , and cash payments for apportioned legal settlements. The voluntary pension plan contribution included a pull-forward of$750 million that the Company previously planned to contribute in 2026, which was offset by lower than anticipated cash tax payments as a result of recent tax legislation.$350 million - Capital expenditures were
, consistent with the year-ago quarter. Capital investment* totaled$6.8 billion , consistent with the year-ago quarter. Cash payments for vendor financing totaled$7.1 billion , versus$0.4 billion in the year-ago quarter.$0.2 billion - Free cash flow,* which excludes cash flows from DIRECTV, was
, versus$4.2 billion in the year-ago quarter.$4.0 billion
Full-Year Financial Results
- Revenues for the full year totaled
, versus$125.6 billion in 2024, up$122.3 billion 2.7% . This was due to higher Mobility, Consumer Wireline andMexico revenues, partially offset by a decline in Business Wireline. - Operating expenses for the full year were
, versus$101.5 billion in 2024. Operating expenses decreased primarily due to a$103.3 billion non-cash goodwill impairment in the prior year, lower costs from continued transformation initiatives, and lower content licensing fees. These decreases were partially offset by higher sales volumes in the Company's Mobility business unit, which drove higher equipment, advertising, selling, and bad debt expenses. Also contributing to higher costs were apportioned legal settlements during 2025, higher restructuring charges, higher network-related expenses, higher advertising costs associated with a new campaign in 2025, and increased depreciation expense from continued fiber investment and network upgrades.$4.4 billion - Operating income for the full year was
, versus$24.2 billion in 2024. When adjusting for certain items, adjusted operating income* was$19.0 billion , versus$25.5 billion last year.$24.2 billion - Equity in net income of affiliates for the full year was
, versus$1.9 billion in 2024, reflecting cash distributions received by AT&T, prior to the sale of the DIRECTV investment, in excess of the carrying amount of the Company's investment.$2.0 billion - Net income for the full year was
, including a$23.4 billion gain on the sale of the DIRECTV investment, versus$5.6 billion in 2024, which included a$12.3 billion non-cash goodwill impairment.$4.4 billion - Net income attributable to common stock for the full year was
, versus$21.9 billion a year ago. Earnings per diluted common share was$10.7 billion , versus$3.04 a year ago. Adjusting for$1.49 which removes a gain on the sale of the DIRECTV investment and equity in net income of DIRECTV, and excludes other items, adjusted earnings per diluted common share* was$(0.92) , versus$2.12 last year.$1.95 - Adjusted EBITDA* for the full year was
, versus$46.4 billion a year ago.$44.8 billion - Cash from operating activities for the full year was
, versus$40.3 billion a year ago. Operational growth and lower cash tax payments for the year were partially offset by voluntary pension plan contributions of$38.8 billion , advanced cash payments for wholesale access which can be utilized on invoices over future periods, and cash payments for apportioned legal settlements.$1.15 billion - Capital expenditures for the full year were
, versus$20.8 billion a year ago. Capital investment* totaled$20.3 billion for the full year, relatively consistent with$22.0 billion a year ago. Cash payments for vendor financing totaled$22.1 billion , versus$1.2 billion in 2024.$1.8 billion - Free cash flow,* which excludes cash flows from DIRECTV, was
for the full year compared to$16.6 billion a year ago.$15.3 billion - Total debt was
at the end of the fourth-quarter 2025, and net debt* was$136.1 billion .$117.4 billion
Segment and Business Unit Results
Communications segment revenues were
Communications Segment | ||||||
Dollars in millions | Fourth Quarter | Percent | ||||
Unaudited | 2025 | 2024 | Change | |||
Operating Revenues | $ 32,121 | $ 31,139 | 3.2 | % | ||
Operating Income | 6,775 | 6,189 | 9.5 | % | ||
Operating Income Margin | 21.1 | % | 19.9 | % | 120 | BP |
Mobility service revenues grew
Mobility | ||||||
Dollars in millions; Subscribers in thousands | Fourth Quarter | Percent | ||||
Unaudited | 2025 | 2024 | Change | |||
Operating Revenues | $ 24,354 | $ 23,129 | 5.3 | % | ||
Service | 16,954 | 16,563 | 2.4 | % | ||
Equipment | 7,400 | 6,566 | 12.7 | % | ||
Operating Expenses | 17,954 | 17,005 | 5.6 | % | ||
Operating Income | 6,400 | 6,124 | 4.5 | % | ||
Operating Income Margin | 26.3 | % | 26.5 | % | (20) | BP |
EBITDA* | $ 9,163 | $ 8,888 | 3.1 | % | ||
EBITDA Margin* | 37.6 | % | 38.4 | % | (80) | BP |
EBITDA Service Margin* | 54.0 | % | 53.7 | % | 30 | BP |
Total Wireless Net Adds4 | 1,157 | 1,813 | ||||
Postpaid | 641 | 839 | ||||
Postpaid Phone | 421 | 482 | ||||
Postpaid Other | 220 | 357 | ||||
Prepaid Phone | (255) | (119) | ||||
Postpaid Churn | 1.12 | % | 1.00 | % | 12 | BP |
Postpaid Phone Churn | 0.98 | % | 0.85 | % | 13 | BP |
Prepaid Churn | 2.89 | % | 2.73 | % | 16 | BP |
Postpaid Phone ARPU | $ 56.57 | $ 56.72 | (0.3) | % | ||
Mobility revenues were up
Business Wireline revenues declined year over year, driven by continued secular pressures on legacy and other transitional services, which were partially offset by accelerated growth in fiber and advanced connectivity services.
Business Wireline | ||||||
Dollars in millions | Fourth Quarter | Percent | ||||
Unaudited | 2025 | 2024 | Change | |||
Operating Revenues | $ 4,202 | $ 4,545 | (7.5) | % | ||
Operating Expenses | 4,365 | 4,756 | (8.2) | % | ||
Operating Income/(Loss) | (163) | (211) | 22.7 | % | ||
Operating Income Margin | (3.9) | % | (4.6) | % | 70 | BP |
EBITDA* | $ 1,117 | $ 1,197 | (6.7) | % | ||
EBITDA Margin* | 26.6 | % | 26.3 | % | 30 | BP |
Business Wireline revenues were down
Consumer Wireline delivered strong year-over-year broadband revenue growth, driven by a
Consumer Wireline | ||||||
Dollars in millions; Subscribers in thousands | Fourth Quarter | Percent | ||||
Unaudited | 2025 | 2024 | Change | |||
Operating Revenues | $ 3,565 | $ 3,465 | 2.9 | % | ||
Operating Expenses | 3,027 | 3,189 | (5.1) | % | ||
Operating Income | 538 | 276 | 94.9 | % | ||
Operating Income Margin | 15.1 | % | 8.0 | % | 710 | BP |
EBITDA* | $ 1,370 | $ 1,218 | 12.5 | % | ||
EBITDA Margin* | 38.4 | % | 35.2 | % | 320 | BP |
Broadband Net Adds | 210 | 123 | ||||
Fiber | 283 | 307 | ||||
Non Fiber | (73) | (184) | ||||
AT&T Internet Air | 221 | 157 | ||||
Broadband ARPU | $ 70.89 | $ 69.69 | 1.7 | % | ||
Fiber ARPU | $ 72.87 | $ 71.71 | 1.6 | % | ||
Consumer Wireline revenues were up
Latin America Segment | |||
Dollars in millions; Subscribers in thousands | Fourth Quarter | Percent | |
Unaudited | 2025 | 2024 | Change |
Operating Revenues | $ 1,259 | $ 1,044 | 20.6 % |
Service | 742 | 634 | 17.0 % |
Equipment | 517 | 410 | 26.1 % |
Operating Expenses | 1,225 | 1,023 | 19.7 % |
Operating Income/(Loss) | 34 | 21 | 61.9 % |
EBITDA* | $ 223 | $ 171 | 30.4 % |
Total Wireless Net Adds | 531 | 665 | |
Postpaid | 328 | 204 | |
Prepaid | 222 | 490 | |
Reseller | (19) | (29) | |
* Further clarification and explanation of non-GAAP measures and reconciliations to the most comparable GAAP measures can be found in the "Non-GAAP Measures and Reconciliations to GAAP Measures" section of the release and at investors.att.com. 1 Customer satisfaction scores include brand love and net promoter score (NPS). Brand love and consumer NPS scores are based on AT&T's fiber footprint. Internet services for consumers means AT&T Fiber. For businesses, includes all AT&T internet technologies, nationwide. |
2 AT&T Fiber connections with AT&T Mobility is defined as AT&T Fiber connections that are also primary Mobility account holders that subscribe to consumer postpaid phone service. AT&T refers to these customers as converged customers. Convergence rate represents the ratio of converged customers to AT&T Fiber connections. 4Q25 convergence metrics are presented based on available information and are subject to revision. |
3 The strategy to remove legacy fixed costs across a geography is tied to the decommissioning of infrastructure after all customers have been upgraded to newer services. Gaining approval of |
4 Excludes migrations between wireless subscriber categories, including connected devices, and acquisition-related activity during the period. |
About AT&T
We help more than 100 million
Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
Information set forth in this news release contains financial estimates and other forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results might differ materially. A discussion of factors that may affect future results is contained in AT&T's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. AT&T disclaims any obligation to update and revise statements contained in this news release based on new information or otherwise.
Non-GAAP Measures and Reconciliations to GAAP Measures
Schedules and reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures cited in this document to the most comparable financial measures under generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) can be found at investors.att.com and in our Form 8-K dated January 28, 2026. Adjusted diluted EPS, adjusted operating income, EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, free cash flow, and net debt are non-GAAP financial measures frequently used by investors and credit rating agencies. Prior periods for free cash flow and adjusted diluted EPS have been recast to conform to the current period presentation to remove cash flows and equity in net income from our investment in DIRECTV.
Adjusted diluted EPS is calculated by excluding from operating revenues, operating expenses, other income (expenses) and income tax expense, certain significant items that are non-operational or non-recurring in nature, including dispositions and merger integration and transaction costs, actuarial gains and losses, significant abandonments and impairments, benefit-related gains and losses, employee separation and other material gains and losses. Non-operational items arising from asset acquisitions and dispositions include the amortization of intangible assets. While the expense associated with the amortization of certain wireless licenses and customer lists is excluded, the revenue of the acquired companies is reflected in the measure and those assets contribute to revenue generation. We also adjust for net actuarial gains or losses associated with our pension and postemployment benefit plans due to the often-significant impact on our results (we immediately recognize this gain or loss in the income statement, pursuant to our accounting policy for the recognition of actuarial gains and losses). Consequently, our adjusted results reflect an expected return on plan assets rather than the actual return on plan assets, as included in the GAAP measure of income. The tax impact of adjusting items is calculated using the adjusted effective tax rate during the quarter except for adjustments that, given their magnitude, can drive a change in the effective tax rate; in these cases, we use the actual tax expense or combined marginal rate of approximately
For 4Q25, adjusted EPS of
The Company expects adjustments to 2026 reported diluted EPS to include acquisition-related amortization, a non-cash mark-to-market benefit plan gain/loss and other items. The Company expects the mark-to-market adjustment, which is driven by interest rates and investment returns that are not reasonably estimable at this time, to be a significant item. AT&T's projected 2026-2028 adjusted EPS depends on future levels of revenues and expenses, most of which are not reasonably estimable at this time. Accordingly, the Company cannot provide reconciliations between these projected non-GAAP metrics and the most comparable GAAP metrics without unreasonable effort.
Adjusted operating income is operating income adjusted for revenues and costs the Company considers non-operational in nature, including items arising from asset acquisitions or dispositions. For 4Q25, adjusted operating income of
EBITDA is net income plus income tax, interest, and depreciation and amortization expenses minus equity in net income of affiliates and other income (expense) – net. Adjusted EBITDA is calculated by excluding from EBITDA certain significant items that are non-operational or non-recurring in nature, including dispositions and merger integration and transaction costs, significant abandonments and impairments, benefit-related gains and losses, employee separation, and other material gains and losses.
For 4Q25, adjusted EBITDA of
At the segment or business unit level, EBITDA is operating income before depreciation and amortization. EBITDA margin is EBITDA divided by total revenues. EBITDA service margin is EBITDA divided by total service revenues.
Adjusted EBITDA, Advanced Connectivity EBITDA and Legacy EBITDA estimates depend on future levels of revenues and expenses which are not reasonably estimable at this time. Accordingly, we cannot provide reconciliations between these projected non-GAAP metrics and the most comparable GAAP metrics without unreasonable effort.
Free cash flow for 4Q25 of
Capital investment provides a comprehensive view of cash used to invest in our networks, product developments, and support systems. In connection with capital improvements, we have favorable payment terms of 120 days or more with certain vendors, referred to as vendor financing, which are excluded from capital expenditures and reported as financing activities. Capital investment includes capital expenditures and cash paid for vendor financing (
Net debt of
Discussion and Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures
We believe the following measures are relevant and useful information to investors as they are part of AT&T's internal management reporting and planning processes and are important metrics that management uses to evaluate the operating performance of AT&T and its segments. Management also uses these measures as a method of comparing performance with that of many of our competitors. These measures should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, other measures of financial performance reported in accordance with
Free Cash Flow
Free cash flow is defined as cash from operations minus cash flows related to our DIRECTV equity investment (cash distributions minus cash taxes from DIRECTV), minus capital expenditures and cash paid for vendor financing (classified as financing activities). Free cash flow after dividends is defined as cash from operations minus cash flows related to our DIRECTV equity investment, capital expenditures, cash paid for vendor financing and dividends on common and preferred shares. Free cash flow dividend payout ratio is defined as the percentage of dividends paid on common and preferred shares to free cash flow. We believe these metrics provide useful information to our investors because management views free cash flow as an important indicator of how much cash is generated by routine business operations, including capital expenditures and vendor financing, and makes decisions based on it. Management also views free cash flow as a measure of cash available to pay debt and return cash to shareowners.
Free Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow Dividend Payout Ratio | |||||
Dollars in millions | |||||
Fourth Quarter | Year Ended | ||||
2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | ||
Net cash provided by operating activities | $ 11,320 | $ 11,896 | $ 40,284 | $ 38,771 | |
Less: Distributions from DIRECTV classified as operating activities | — | (1,072) | (1,926) | (2,027) | |
Less: Cash taxes paid on DIRECTV | — | 254 | 251 | 656 | |
Less: Capital expenditures | (6,781) | (6,843) | (20,842) | (20,263) | |
Less: Payment of vendor financing | (358) | (221) | (1,181) | (1,792) | |
Free Cash Flow | 4,181 | 4,014 | 16,586 | 15,345 | |
Less: Dividends paid | (2,012) | (2,037) | (8,180) | (8,208) | |
Free Cash Flow after Dividends | $ 2,169 | $ 1,977 | $ 8,406 | $ 7,137 | |
Free Cash Flow Dividend Payout Ratio | 48.1 % | 50.7 % | 49.3 % | 53.5 % | |
Cash Paid for Capital Investment
In connection with capital improvements, we negotiate with some of our vendors to obtain favorable payment terms of 120 days or more, referred to as vendor financing, which are excluded from capital expenditures and reported in accordance with GAAP as financing activities. We present an additional view of cash paid for capital investment to provide investors with a comprehensive view of cash used to invest in our networks, product developments and support systems.
Cash Paid for Capital Investment | |||||
Dollars in millions | |||||
Fourth Quarter | Year Ended | ||||
2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | ||
Capital Expenditures | $ (6,781) | $ (6,843) | $ (20,842) | $ (20,263) | |
Payment of vendor financing | (358) | (221) | (1,181) | (1,792) | |
Cash paid for Capital Investment | $ (7,139) | $ (7,064) | $ (22,023) | $ (22,055) | |
EBITDA
Our calculation of EBITDA, as presented, may differ from similarly titled measures reported by other companies. For AT&T, EBITDA excludes other income (expense) – net, and equity in net income (loss) of affiliates, as these either do not reflect the operating results of our subscriber base or are operations that are not under our control. Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates represents the proportionate share of the net income (loss) of affiliates in which we exercise significant influence, but do not control. Because we do not control these entities, management excludes these results when evaluating the performance of our primary operations. EBITDA also excludes interest expense and the provision for income taxes. Excluding these items eliminates the expenses associated with our capital and tax structures. Finally, EBITDA excludes depreciation and amortization in order to eliminate the impact of capital investments. EBITDA does not give effect to cash used for debt service requirements and thus does not reflect available funds for distributions, reinvestment or other discretionary uses. EBITDA is not presented as an alternative measure of operating results or cash flows from operations, as determined in accordance with GAAP.
EBITDA service margin is calculated as EBITDA divided by service revenues.
These measures are used by management as a gauge of our success in acquiring, retaining and servicing subscribers because we believe these measures reflect AT&T's ability to generate and grow subscriber revenues while providing a high level of customer service in a cost-effective manner. Management also uses these measures as a method of comparing cash generation potential with that of many of its competitors. The financial and operating metrics which affect EBITDA include the key revenue and expense drivers for which management is responsible and upon which we evaluate performance.
We believe EBITDA Service Margin (EBITDA as a percentage of service revenues) to be an additional relevant measure to EBITDA Margin (EBITDA as a percentage of total revenue) for our Mobility business unit operating margin. We also use wireless service revenues to calculate margin to facilitate comparison, both internally and externally with our wireless competitors, as they calculate their margins using wireless service revenues as well.
There are material limitations to using these non-GAAP financial measures. EBITDA, EBITDA margin and EBITDA service margin, as we have defined them, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. Furthermore, these performance measures do not take into account certain significant items, including depreciation and amortization, interest expense, tax expense and equity in net income (loss) of affiliates. For market comparability, management analyzes performance measures that are similar in nature to EBITDA as we present it, and considering the economic effect of the excluded expense items independently as well as in connection with its analysis of net income as calculated in accordance with GAAP. EBITDA, EBITDA margin and EBITDA service margin should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, other measures of financial performance reported in accordance with GAAP.
EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA | |||||
Dollars in millions | |||||
Fourth Quarter | Year Ended | ||||
2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | ||
Net Income | $ 4,156 | $ 4,408 | |||
Additions: | |||||
Income Tax Expense | 109 | 900 | 3,621 | 4,445 | |
Interest Expense | 1,791 | 1,661 | 6,804 | 6,759 | |
Equity in Net (Income) Loss of Affiliates | 10 | (1,074) | (1,895) | (1,989) | |
Other (Income) Expense - Net | (278) | (569) | (7,754) | (2,419) | |
Depreciation and amortization | 5,128 | 5,374 | 20,886 | 20,580 | |
EBITDA | 10,916 | 10,700 | 45,048 | 39,629 | |
Transaction, legal and other costs | 12 | 22 | 627 | 123 | |
Benefit-related (gain) loss | (26) | 55 | (152) | (67) | |
Asset impairments and abandonments and restructuring | 334 | 14 | 838 | 5,075 | |
Adjusted EBITDA1 | |||||
1 See "Adjusting Items" section for additional discussion and reconciliation of adjusted items. | |||||
Segment and Business Unit EBITDA, EBITDA Margin and EBITDA Service Margin | |||||||||
Dollars in millions | |||||||||
Fourth Quarter | Year Ended | ||||||||
2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | ||||||
Communications Segment | |||||||||
Operating Income | $ 6,775 | $ 6,189 | $ 27,927 | $ 27,095 | |||||
Add: Depreciation and amortization | 4,875 | 5,114 | 19,959 | 19,433 | |||||
EBITDA | $ 47,886 | $ 46,528 | |||||||
Total Operating Revenues | |||||||||
Operating Income Margin | 21.1 | % | 19.9 | % | 23.1 | % | 23.0 | % | |
EBITDA Margin | 36.3 | % | 36.3 | % | 39.6 | % | 39.5 | % | |
Mobility | |||||||||
Operating Income | $ 6,400 | $ 6,124 | $ 27,196 | $ 26,314 | |||||
Add: Depreciation and amortization | 2,763 | 2,764 | 10,422 | 10,217 | |||||
EBITDA | $ 9,163 | $ 8,888 | $ 37,618 | $ 36,531 | |||||
Total Operating Revenues | $ 89,482 | $ 85,255 | |||||||
Service Revenues | 16,954 | 16,563 | 67,384 | 65,373 | |||||
Operating Income Margin | 26.3 | % | 26.5 | % | 30.4 | % | 30.9 | % | |
EBITDA Margin | 37.6 | % | 38.4 | % | 42.0 | % | 42.8 | % | |
EBITDA Service Margin | 54.0 | % | 53.7 | % | 55.8 | % | 55.9 | % | |
Business Wireline | |||||||||
Operating Income (Loss) | $ (163) | $ (211) | $ (816) | $ (88) | |||||
Add: Depreciation and amortization | 1,280 | 1,408 | 5,834 | 5,555 | |||||
EBITDA | $ 1,117 | $ 1,197 | $ 5,018 | $ 5,467 | |||||
Total Operating Revenues | $ 4,202 | $ 4,545 | $ 17,231 | $ 18,819 | |||||
Operating Income Margin | (3.9) | % | (4.6) | % | (4.7) | % | (0.5) | % | |
EBITDA Margin | 26.6 | % | 26.3 | % | 29.1 | % | 29.1 | % | |
Consumer Wireline | |||||||||
Operating Income | $ 538 | $ 276 | $ 1,547 | $ 869 | |||||
Add: Depreciation and amortization | 832 | 942 | 3,703 | 3,661 | |||||
EBITDA | $ 1,370 | $ 1,218 | $ 5,250 | $ 4,530 | |||||
Total Operating Revenues | $ 3,565 | $ 3,465 | $ 14,183 | $ 13,578 | |||||
Operating Income Margin | 15.1 | % | 8.0 | % | 10.9 | % | 6.4 | % | |
EBITDA Margin | 38.4 | % | 35.2 | % | 37.0 | % | 33.4 | % | |
Latin America Segment | |||||||||
Operating Income | $ 34 | $ 21 | $ 145 | $ 40 | |||||
Add: Depreciation and amortization | 189 | 150 | 671 | 657 | |||||
EBITDA | $ 223 | $ 171 | $ 816 | $ 697 | |||||
Total Operating Revenues | $ 1,259 | $ 1,044 | $ 4,379 | $ 4,232 | |||||
Operating Income Margin | 2.7 | % | 2.0 | % | 3.3 | % | 0.9 | % | |
EBITDA Margin | 17.7 | % | 16.4 | % | 18.6 | % | 16.5 | % | |
Adjusting Items
Adjusting items include revenues and costs we consider non-operational in nature, including items arising from asset acquisitions or dispositions, including the amortization of intangible assets. While the expense associated with the amortization of certain wireless licenses and customer lists is excluded, the revenue of the acquired companies is reflected in the measure and that those assets contribute to revenue generation. We also adjust for net actuarial gains or losses associated with our pension and postemployment benefit plans due to the often-significant impact on our results (we immediately recognize this gain or loss in the income statement, pursuant to our accounting policy for the recognition of actuarial gains and losses). Consequently, our adjusted results reflect an expected return on plan assets rather than the actual return on plan assets, as included in the GAAP measure of income.
The tax impact of adjusting items is calculated using the adjusted effective tax rate during the quarter except for adjustments that, given their magnitude, can drive a change in the effective tax rate, in these cases we use the actual tax expense or combined marginal rate of approximately
Adjusting Items | |||||
Dollars in millions | |||||
Fourth Quarter | Year Ended | ||||
2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | ||
Operating Expenses | |||||
Transaction, legal and other costs1 | $ 12 | $ 22 | $ 627 | $ 123 | |
Benefit-related (gain) loss | (26) | 55 | (152) | (67) | |
Asset impairments and abandonments and restructuring | 334 | 14 | 838 | 5,075 | |
Adjustments to Operations and Support Expenses | 320 | 91 | 1,313 | 5,131 | |
Amortization of intangible assets | 10 | 10 | 38 | 53 | |
Adjustments to Operating Expenses | 330 | 101 | 1,351 | 5,184 | |
Other | |||||
Equity in net income of DIRECTV | — | (1,072) | (1,926) | (2,027) | |
Gain on sale of DIRECTV | (101) | — | (5,580) | — | |
Benefit-related (gain) loss, impairments of investments and other | (22) | 10 | (246) | 156 | |
Actuarial loss – net | 519 | 56 | 519 | 56 | |
Adjustments to Income Before Income Taxes | 726 | (905) | (5,882) | 3,369 | |
Tax impact of adjustments | 193 | (190) | (73) | (221) | |
Tax-related items | 592 | 222 | 769 | 222 | |
Adjustments to Net Income | $ (59) | $ (937) | $ (6,578) | $ 3,368 | |
Preferred stock redemption gain | — | — | (90) | — | |
Adjustments to Net Income Attributable to Common Stock | $ (59) | $ (937) | $ (6,668) | $ 3,368 | |
1 Includes certain legal reserves and settlements that cover extended historical periods and/or are unpredictable in both magnitude and cyberattacks disclosed in 2024. The year ended December 31, 2025 also includes approximately | |||||
Adjusted Operating Income, Adjusted Operating Income Margin, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, Adjusted EBITDA service margin and Adjusted diluted EPS are non-GAAP financial measures calculated by excluding from operating revenues, operating expenses, other income (expense) and income tax expense, certain significant items that are non-operational or non-recurring in nature, including dispositions and merger integration and transaction costs, actuarial gains and losses, significant abandonments and impairments, benefit-related gains and losses, employee separation and other material gains and losses. Management believes that these measures provide relevant and useful information to investors and other users of our financial data in evaluating the effectiveness of our operations and underlying business trends.
Adjusted Operating Income, Adjusted Operating Income Margin, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, Adjusted EBITDA service margin and Adjusted diluted EPS should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, other measures of financial performance reported in accordance with GAAP. AT&T's calculation of Adjusted items, as presented, may differ from similarly titled measures reported by other companies.
Adjusted Operating Income, Adjusted Operating Income Margin, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin | |||||
Dollars in millions | |||||
Fourth Quarter | Year Ended | ||||
2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | ||
Operating Income | $ 5,788 | $ 5,326 | $ 24,162 | $ 19,049 | |
Adjustments to Operating Expenses | 330 | 101 | 1,351 | 5,184 | |
Adjusted Operating Income | 6,118 | 5,427 | 25,513 | 24,233 | |
EBITDA | 10,916 | 10,700 | 45,048 | 39,629 | |
Adjustments to Operations and Support Expenses | 320 | 91 | 1,313 | 5,131 | |
Adjusted EBITDA | 11,236 | 10,791 | 46,361 | 44,760 | |
Total Operating Revenues | 33,466 | 32,298 | 125,648 | 122,336 | |
Operating Income Margin | 17.3 % | 16.5 % | 19.2 % | 15.6 % | |
Adjusted Operating Income Margin | 18.3 % | 16.8 % | 20.3 % | 19.8 % | |
Adjusted EBITDA Margin | 33.6 % | 33.4 % | 36.9 % | 36.6 % | |
Adjusted Diluted EPS | |||||
Fourth Quarter | Year Ended | ||||
2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | ||
Diluted Earnings Per Share (EPS) | $ 0.53 | $ 0.56 | $ 3.04 | $ 1.49 | |
Gain on sale of DIRECTV | (0.01) | — | (0.80) | — | |
Equity in net income of DIRECTV | — | (0.12) | (0.21) | (0.22) | |
Actuarial loss – net1 | 0.06 | 0.01 | 0.06 | 0.01 | |
Restructuring and impairments | 0.04 | — | 0.09 | 0.72 | |
Benefit-related, transaction, legal and other items | (0.02) | 0.01 | 0.02 | (0.02) | |
Tax-related items | (0.08) | (0.03) | (0.08) | (0.03) | |
Adjusted EPS | $ 0.52 | $ 0.43 | $ 2.12 | $ 1.95 | |
Year-over-year growth - Adjusted | 20.9 % | 8.7 % | |||
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding with Dilution (000,000) | 7,108 | 7,215 | 7,179 | 7,204 | |
1 Includes adjustments for actuarial gains or losses associated with our pension and postemployment benefit plans, which we immediately recognize in the | |||||
Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA
Net Debt to EBITDA ratios are non-GAAP financial measures frequently used by investors and credit rating agencies and management believes these measures provide relevant and useful information to investors and other users of our financial data. Our Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio is calculated by dividing the Net Debt by the sum of the most recent four quarters Adjusted EBITDA. Net Debt is calculated by subtracting cash and cash equivalents and deposits at financial institutions that are greater than 90 days (e.g., certificates of deposit and time deposits), from the sum of debt maturing within one year and long-term debt.
Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA - 2025 | ||||||||||
Dollars in millions | ||||||||||
Three Months Ended | ||||||||||
March 31, | June 30, | Sept. 30, | Dec. 31, | Four Quarters | ||||||
2025 1 | 2025 1 | 2025 1 | 2025 | |||||||
Adjusted EBITDA | $ 11,533 | $ 11,731 | $ 11,861 | $ 11,236 | $ 46,361 | |||||
End-of-period current debt | 9,011 | |||||||||
End-of-period long-term debt | 127,089 | |||||||||
Total End-of-Period Debt | 136,100 | |||||||||
Less: Cash and Cash Equivalents | 18,234 | |||||||||
Less: Time Deposits | 500 | |||||||||
Net Debt Balance | 117,366 | |||||||||
Annualized Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA Ratio | 2.53 | |||||||||
1 As reported in AT&T's Form 8-K filed October 22, 2025. | ||||||||||
Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA - 2024 | ||||||||||
Dollars in millions | ||||||||||
Three Months Ended | ||||||||||
March 31, | June 30, | Sept. 30, | Dec. 31, | Four Quarters | ||||||
2024 1 | 2024 1 | 2024 1 | 2024 1 | |||||||
Adjusted EBITDA | $ 11,046 | $ 11,337 | $ 11,586 | $ 10,791 | $ 44,760 | |||||
End-of-period current debt | 5,089 | |||||||||
End-of-period long-term debt | 118,443 | |||||||||
Total End-of-Period Debt | 123,532 | |||||||||
Less: Cash and Cash Equivalents | 3,298 | |||||||||
Less: Time Deposits | 150 | |||||||||
Net Debt Balance | 120,084 | |||||||||
Annualized Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA Ratio | 2.68 | |||||||||
1 As reported in AT&T's Form 8-K filed October 22, 2025. | ||||||||||
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