AT&T added more than 1 million Advanced Connectivity customers for a second consecutive quarter, driven by net adds across fiber, fixed wireless and postpaid phone
AT&T updates outlook to reflect higher 2026 adjusted EPS* and lower long-term capital investment while remaining on track to reach more than 60 million locations with fiber by end of 2030
DALLAS, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) reported third-quarter results, extending the momentum of its investment-led strategy as it delivers advanced connectivity to more consumers and businesses. The Company achieved a record quarter for Advanced Connectivity internet net adds and grew its base of high-value converged relationships by approximately 350,000. The results demonstrate the value of AT&T's differentiated fiber and 5G portfolio as it continues to accelerate growth in consolidated service revenue and improve operating efficiency, driving durable long-term profitability.
"We are growing valuable customer relationships as more homes and businesses choose AT&T for all their advanced connectivity needs across both internet and on-the-go wireless," said John Stankey, AT&T Chairman and CEO."Our asset base positions us well for the AI era, with a leading position in fiber – the best technology available. We're building the nation's strongest network, backed by America's Best Guarantee , to deliver faster, more reliable and more accessible connectivity."
Third-Quarter 2026 Consolidated Financial Results 1
-
Revenuestotaled $32.3 billion, up 5.3% year over year
-
Diluted EPSfrom continuing operations was $0.13, which includes a non-cash impairment charge associated with the Company's held-for-sale Mexico wireless business as well as employee separation charges, versus $1.29in the year-ago quarter, which included a gain recognized on the sale of the DIRECTV investment; adjusted EPS*was $0.65, versus $0.54in the year-ago quarter
-
Operating incomewas $4.1 billion; adjusted operating income*was $7.6 billion
-
Incomefrom continuing operations was $1.3 billion; adjusted EBITDA*was $12.5 billion, up 5.4% year over year
-
Cash from operating activitiesfrom continuing operations was $10.5 billion, versus $10.2 billion in the year-ago quarter
-
Capital expendituresrelated to continuing operations were $5.1 billion; capital investment*was $5.6 billion
-
Free cash flow*was $5.0 billion, versus $4.9 billion in the year-ago quarter
Third-Quarter 2026 Highlights
-
Second consecutive quarter with over 1 million Advanced Connectivity customer additions, driven by accelerated internet net adds and solid postpaid phone net adds
-
Advanced Connectivity service revenue of $23.9 billion, up 6.1% year over year
-
Advanced Connectivity operating income of $7.6 billion, up 18.9% year over year, with EBITDA*of $12.3 billion, up 7.3%
-
42.8% of households with AT&T's advanced home internet services also chose AT&T wireless 2
-
769,000 total consumer and business Advanced Connectivity internet net adds, a record quarter, including 442,000 fiber and 327,000 fixed wireless
-
379,000 postpaid phone net addswith postpaid phone churnof 0.92%
-
Reached more than 39 milliontotal consumer and business locations with fiber; the Company remains on track to reach over 40 million total fiber locations by the end of 2026 and more than 60 million locations by the end of 20303
-
Returned approximately $4.8 billion to shareholders, including $2.8 billion in common share repurchases
Financial Outlook and Capital Allocation Plan
AT&T is increasing its outlook for 2026 adjusted EPS* and lowering its long-term outlook for capital investment. AT&T maintains its long-term outlook for improved growth in adjusted EBITDA* and adjusted EPS* and higher free cash flow* through 2028, its plans to return $45 billion+ to shareholders during 2026-2028 through dividends and share repurchases, and an expectation that its net debt-to-adjusted EBITDA ratio* will return to a level consistent with its target in the 2.5x range during 2029.
AT&T's long-term outlook is presented on a continuing operations basis and, for 2027-2028, excludes AT&T Mexico, which it has agreed to sell to Grupo Televisa and Fintech Holdings.
The Company's long-term outlook for 2026-2028 includes4:
-
Service revenuegrowth in the low-single-digit range annually
-
Advanced Connectivity service revenuegrowth in the mid-single-digit range annually, including expected growth of 5%+ in 2026
-
Legacy service revenuedecline of 20%+ in 2026 and be immaterial by the end of 2029
-
-
Adjusted EBITDA*growth in the upper portion of the 3% to 4% range in 2026, improving to 5% or better in 2028
-
Advanced Connectivity EBITDA*growth in the mid-to-high-single-digit range annually, including expected growth of 6%+ in 2026
-
Legacy EBITDA*expected to turn negative after 2027, until AT&T has substantially eliminated direct costs associated with operating its copper-based network5
-
-
Adjusted EPS*in the $2.40 range in 2026 with a double-digit 3-year CAGR through 2028
-
Capital investment*in the $23 billion to $24 billion range in 2026 and in the $22 billion to $23 billion range annually in 2027 and 2028
-
Free cash flow*of $18 billion+ in 2026, $19 billion+ in 2027, and $21 billion+ in 2028
-
Strong capital returns, including plans to maintain its current annualized common stock dividend of $1.11 per share and $24 billion+ of share repurchases, including approximately $10 billion during 2026
Note:AT&T's third-quarter 2026 earnings conference call will be webcast at 8:30 a.m. ET on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. The webcast and related materials, including financial highlights, will be available at investors.att.com.
Detailed Third-Quarter 2026 Consolidated Financial Results
-
Revenuesfor the third quarter totaled $32.3 billion, versus $30.7 billion in the year-ago quarter, up 5.3%. This was largely due to growth in Advanced Connectivity wireless service and equipment revenues, and fiber revenues, which include the impact of the Company's first-quarter acquisition of Lumen's mass markets fiber business. Operating revenues in Latin America were also higher due to favorable foreign exchange impacts and growth in postpaid revenues. Offsetting the increases were lower Legacy revenues from lower demand for services as the Company continues to decommission its copper-based network.
-
Operating expenseswere $28.2 billion, versus $24.6 billion in the year-ago quarter. Operating expenses increased primarily due to a non-cash impairment charge associated with the Company's held-for-sale Mexico wireless business of $2.6 billion, employee separation charges, increased wireless equipment costs, as well as higher advertising and higher bad debt expenses driven by subscriber growth. The increase was also due to incremental customer costs related to the acquired mass markets fiber business. These increases were partially offset by cost reductions from transformation initiatives and apportioned legal settlements in the prior-year period. Depreciation expense was also lower year over year from fully depreciated legacy assets, partially offset by ongoing capital spending for strategic initiatives.
-
Operating incomewas $4.1 billion, versus $6.1 billion in the year-ago quarter. Adjusted operating income* was $7.6 billion, versus $6.6 billion in the year-ago quarter.
-
Income from continuing operationswas $1.3 billion, versus $9.7 billion in the year-ago quarter.
-
Income from continuing operations attributable to common stockwas $0.9 billion, versus $9.3 billion in the year-ago quarter. Earnings per diluted common share from continuing operations was $0.13, versus $1.29 in the year-ago quarter, which included a gain recognized on the sale of the DIRECTV investment. Adjusting for $0.52, which includes a non-cash impairment charge associated with the held-for-sale Mexico wireless business, employee separation charges, and other items, adjusted earnings per diluted common share* was $0.65, versus $0.54 in the year-ago quarter.
-
Adjusted EBITDA*was $12.5 billion, versus $11.9 billion in the year-ago quarter.
-
Cash from operating activitiesfrom continuing operations was $10.5 billion, versus $10.2 billion in the year-ago quarter, which included voluntary pension plan contributions. The increase also reflects timing of working capital payments.
-
Capital expendituresrelated to continuing operations were $5.1 billion, versus $4.9 billion in the year-ago quarter. Capital investment*totaled $5.6 billion, versus $5.3 billion in the year-ago quarter. Cash payments for vendor financing totaled $0.5 billion, versus $0.4 billion in the year-ago quarter.
-
Free cash flow*was $5.0 billion, versus $4.9 billion in the year-ago quarter.
-
Total debtwas $159.6 billion at the end of the third quarter and net debt* was $149.8 billion, both reflecting a sequential increase related to the closing of the EchoStar spectrum transaction.
AT&T Third-Quarter 2026 Segment Results 6
Advanced Connectivity service revenues grew 6.1% year over year, driving growth in operating income of 18.9% and EBITDA* of 7.3%. Internet net adds were 769,000 – comprised of 442,000 fiber and 327,000 fixed wireless – and postpaid phone net adds were 379,000.
Advanced Connectivity
Dollars in millions
Third Quarter
Percent
Unaudited
2026
2025
Change
Operating Revenues
$ 29,481
$ 27,503
7.2
%
Service
23,902
22,529
6.1
%
Wireless Service
17,764
16,926
5.0
%
Advanced Home Internet
2,975
2,411
23.4
%
Business Fiber and Advanced Connectivity
1,992
1,832
8.7
%
Business Transitional and Other
1,023
1,198
(14.6)
%
Other Service
148
162
(8.6)
%
Equipment
5,579
4,974
12.2
%
Operating Expenses
21,853
21,086
3.6
%
Operating Income
7,628
6,417
18.9
%
Operating Income Margin
25.9
%
23.3
%
260
BP
EBITDA*
$ 12,330
$ 11,493
7.3
%
EBITDA Margin*
41.8
%
41.8
%
—
BP
Advanced Connectivity segment revenuesgrew 7.2% year over year, driven by service revenuegrowth of 6.1% and higher equipment revenue. Wireless service revenue increased due to growth in retail wireless subscribers in underpenetrated categories and converged accounts, and pricing actions that were partially offset by promotional discounts on wireless subscriber additions. Advanced home internet revenue growth, which included an impact from the acquired mass markets fiber business that closed in the first quarter, reflects increases in fiber and AT&T Internet Air revenues. Business fiber and advanced connectivity revenues increased largely due to higher fiber and fixed wireless revenues. Business transitional and other revenues decreased due to lower demand for virtual private network and wholesale services.
Operating expenseswere up 3.6% year over year, due to increased wireless equipment costs, higher advertising expense, incremental customer costs related to the acquired mass markets fiber business, and higher bad debt expenses driven by subscriber growth. These increases were partially offset by cost reductions from transformation initiatives. Additionally, depreciation expense decreased year over year from fully depreciated legacy assets, partially offset by ongoing capital spending for strategic initiatives.
Operating incomewas $7.6 billion, up 18.9% year over year. EBITDA*was $12.3 billion, up $837 million year over year.
Legacy revenues continued to decline year over year in line with AT&T's goal to decommission the large majority of its copper-based network by the end of 2029.
Legacy
Dollars in millions
Third Quarter
Percent
Unaudited
2026
2025
Change
Operating Revenues
$ 1,519
$ 2,013
(24.5)
%
Operating Expenses
1,021
1,334
(23.5)
%
Operating Income
498
679
(26.7)
%
Operating Income Margin
32.8
%
33.7
%
(90)
BP
EBITDA*
$ 498
$ 679
(26.7)
%
EBITDA Margin*
32.8
%
33.7
%
(90)
BP
Legacy segment revenueswere down 24.5% year over year, primarily due to lower demand for services as the Company continues to decommission its copper-based network. Operating expenses, which represent direct operating costs, were $1.0 billion, down 23.5% year over year. Expense declines were primarily driven by lower personnel and other costs resulting from the decommissioning of the copper-based network, and lower fulfillment cost amortization, partially offset by favorable vendor settlements in the prior-year period. Operating incomeand EBITDA*were $498 million, down $181 million year over year.
On October 13, 2026, AT&T entered into an agreement to sell its Mexico wireless business, which is the entirety of the Latin America segment. AT&T applied held-for-sale accounting in continuing operations as of September 30, 2026, and recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $2.6 billion at Corporate and Other that did not impact third-quarter segment results. AT&T will continue to present results within the Latin America segment.
Latin America
Dollars in millions
Third Quarter
Percent
Unaudited
2026
2025
Change
Operating Revenues
$ 1,240
$ 1,095
13.2 %
Service
798
696
14.7 %
Equipment
442
399
10.8 %
Operating Expenses
1,195
1,073
11.4 %
Operating Income
45
22
— %
EBITDA*
236
199
18.6 %
Latin America segment revenueswere up 13.2% year over year, primarily driven by favorable foreign exchange rates and postpaid wireless subscriber growth. Operating expenseswere up 11.4% year over year due to unfavorable foreign exchange rates, higher bad debt expenses, and higher equipment costs. Operating incomewas $45 million, up $23 million year over year. EBITDA* was $236 million, up $37 million year over year.
| * 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 With the closing of the acquisition of substantially all of Lumen's Mass Markets fiber business on February 2, 2026, the fiber customer relationships were retained by AT&T and are included in the Company's quarterly results. The recently acquired fiber network assets, including certain fiber network build capabilities, were placed in a wholly owned subsidiary, Forged Fiber 37, which is classified as held-for-sale and reflected as discontinued operations. Upon acquisition, AT&T initially sought an equity partner to co-invest in Forged Fiber 37 and has since agreed to sell a controlling interest in the business. |
| 2 Advanced home internet connections with AT&T wireless is defined as AT&T Fiber and AT&T Internet Air connections that are also primary wireless 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 advanced home internet connections. This 3Q26 convergence metric is presented based on available information and is subject to revision. |
| 3 Total consumer and business locations reached with fiber represents the sum of: (1) AT&T Owned and Operated locations, which reflect its customer locations passed by AT&T's fiber network and (2) AT&T Fiber Ventures locations, which represent locations served from the recently acquired mass markets fiber business, Gigapower, and other commercial open access providers. |
| 4 The Company's long-term outlook for 2026-2028 is presented on a continuing operations basis and excludes discontinued operations related to Forged Fiber 37. AT&T's long-term outlook for 2027-2028 excludes the held-for-sale Mexico wireless business. |
| 5 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 approvals could delay this decommissioning beyond 2029. |
| 6 Effective with the Company's first-quarter 2026 reporting, AT&T revised its operating segments to reflect the evolution of its business model to focus on delivering converged advanced connectivity services. |
About AT&T
We help more than 100 million U.S. families, friends and neighbors, plus nearly 2.5 million businesses, connect to greater possibility. From the first phone call 150 years ago to our 5G wireless and multi-gig internet offerings today, we @ATT innovate to improve lives. For more information about AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T), please visit us at about.att.com. Investors can learn more at investors.att.com.
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 October 21, 2026. Adjusted EPS, adjusted operating income, EBITDA, EBITDA margin, adjusted EBITDA, free cash flow, and net debt are non-GAAP financial measures frequently used by investors and credit rating agencies. The information below refers only to AT&T's continuing operations and does not include discussion of balances or activity related to discontinued operations.
Adjusted EPSis 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 25%.
For 3Q26, adjusted EPS of $0.65 is diluted EPS from continuing operations of $0.13 adjusted for $0.41 impairment charge associated with the held-for-sale Mexico wireless business, $0.09 employee separation charges, and $0.02 for benefit-related, transaction, legal and other items. For 3Q25, adjusted EPS of $0.54 is diluted EPS of $1.29 minus $0.79 gain on the sale of the DIRECTV investment, plus $0.04 benefit-related, transaction, legal and other items. Transaction, legal and other costs include certain legal reserves and settlements that cover extended historical periods, novel theories of liability, and/or are unpredictable in both magnitude and timing, and therefore are distinct and separate from normal, recurring legal matters. Such costs are presented net of expected insurance recoveries.
The Company expects adjustments to 2026 reported diluted EPS from continuing operations to include acquisition-related amortization of approximately $0.3 billion (based on preliminary information), 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 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 a reconciliation between this projected non-GAAP metric and the most comparable GAAP metric without unreasonable effort.
Adjusted operating incomeis operating income adjusted for revenues and costs the Company considers non-operational in nature, including items arising from asset acquisitions or dispositions. For 3Q26, adjusted operating income of $7.6 billion is calculated as operating income of $4.1 billion, plus adjustments of $3.5 billion, which includes the impairment charge associated with the held-for-sale Mexico wireless business. For 3Q25, adjusted operating income of $6.6 billion is calculated as operating income of $6.1 billion, plus $435 million of adjustments. Adjustments for all periods are detailed in the Discussion and Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures included in our Form 8-K dated October 21, 2026, and include transaction, legal, and other costs as discussed above.
EBITDAis income from continuing operations plus income tax, interest, and depreciation and amortization expenses minus equity in net income (loss) of affiliates and other income (expense) – net. Adjusted EBITDAis 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. Adjustments include transaction, legal, and other costs as discussed above.
For 3Q26, adjusted EBITDA of $12.5 billion is calculated as income from continuing operations of $1.3 billion, plus income tax expense of $1.4 billion, plus interest expense of $2.0 billion, plus equity in net income (loss) of affiliates of $(10) million, minus other income (expense) – net of $0.6 billion, plus depreciation and amortization of $5.0 billion, plus adjustments of $3.4 billion, which includes the impairment charge associated with the held-for-sale Mexico wireless business. For 3Q25, adjusted EBITDA of $11.9 billion is calculated as income from continuing operations of $9.7 billion, plus income tax expense of $1.0 billion, plus interest expense of $1.7 billion, plus equity in net income (loss) of affiliates of $(20) million, minus other income (expense) – net of $6.3 billion, plus depreciation and amortization of $5.3 billion, plus adjustments of $425 million. Adjustments for all periods are detailed in the Discussion and Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures included in our Form 8-K dated October 21, 2026.
At the segment level, EBITDAis operating income before depreciation and amortization. EBITDA marginis EBITDA divided by total revenues. For 3Q26, Advanced Connectivity EBITDA of $12.3 billion is operating income of $7.6 billion plus depreciation and amortization of $4.7 billion. For 3Q25, Advanced Connectivity EBITDA of $11.5 billion is operating income of $6.4 billion plus depreciation and amortization of $5.1 billion.
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 flowfor 3Q26of $5.0 billion is cash from operating activities from continuing operations of $10.5 billion, minus capital expenditures of $5.1 billion and cash paid for vendor financing of $0.5 billion. For 3Q25, free cash flow of $4.9 billion is cash from operating activities of $10.2 billion, minus capital expenditures of $4.9 billion and cash paid for vendor financing of $0.4 billion. Due to high variability and difficulty in predicting items that impact cash from operating activities, capital expenditures and vendor financing payments, the Company is not able to provide a reconciliation between projected free cash flow and the most comparable GAAP metric without unreasonable effort.
Capital investmentprovides 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 ($0.5 billion in 3Q26, $0.4 billion in 3Q25). Due to high variability and difficulty in predicting items that impact capital expenditures and vendor financing payments, the Company is not able to provide a reconciliation between projected capital investment and the most comparable GAAP metric without unreasonable effort.
Net debtof $149.8 billion at September 30, 2026, is calculated as total debt (debt maturing within one year and long-term debt) of $159.6 billion, plus debt classified as held-for-sale related to the Mexico wireless business of $1.2 billion, less cash and cash equivalents of $10.8 billion and time deposits (i.e., deposits at financial institutions that are greater than 90 days) of $0.3 billion. Net debt-to-adjusted EBITDA is calculated by dividing net debt by the sum of the most recent four quarters of adjusted EBITDA. Net debt and adjusted EBITDA estimates depend on future levels of revenues, expenses and other metrics which are not reasonably estimable at this time. Accordingly, we cannot provide a reconciliation between projected net debt-to-adjusted EBITDA and the most comparable GAAP metrics and related ratios without unreasonable effort.
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 U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
On February 2, 2026, we closed our transaction with Lumen Technologies, Inc. (Lumen) and acquired substantially all of Lumen's Mass Markets fiber business. The acquisition included customer relationships, which we include with our advanced home internet services, and fiber network assets that were placed in a wholly owned subsidiary, Forged Fiber 37 Services, LLC (Forged Fiber). Upon acquisition, we initially sought an equity partner to co-invest in Forged Fiber and have since agreed to sell a controlling interest in the business. As such, Forged Fiber met the criteria of held-for-sale and accordingly is reflected as discontinued operations in the accompanying financial statements. The information below refers only to our continuing operations and does not include discussion of balances or activity of Forged Fiber.
Free Cash Flow
Free cash flow is defined as cash from operations minus cash flows related to our DIRECTV equity investment that was sold in July 2025, 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
Third Quarter
Nine-Month Period
2026
2025
2026
2025
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities from Continuing Operations
$ 10,519
$ 10,152
$ 28,915
$ 28,964
Less: Distributions from DIRECTV classified as operating activities
—
—
—
(1,926)
Less: Cash taxes paid on DIRECTV
—
—
—
251
Less: Capital expenditures
(5,061)
(4,887)
(15,638)
(14,061)
Less: Payment of vendor financing
(505)
(400)
(1,148)
(823)
Free Cash Flow
4,953
4,865
12,129
12,405
Less: Dividends paid
(1,950)
(2,033)
(5,923)
(6,168)
Free Cash Flow after Dividends
$ 3,003
$ 2,832
$ 6,206
$ 6,237
Free Cash Flow Dividend Payout Ratio
39.4
%
41.8
%
48.8
%
49.7
%
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
Third Quarter
Nine-Month Period
2026
2025
2026
2025
Capital expenditures
$ (5,061)
$ (4,887)
$ (15,638)
$ (14,061)
Payment of vendor financing
(505)
(400)
(1,148)
(823)
Cash paid for Capital Investment
$ (5,566)
$ (5,287)
$ (16,786)
$ (14,884)
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 do not reflect the operating results of our subscriber base or 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.
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.
There are material limitations to using these non-GAAP financial measures. EBITDA and EBITDA 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 and EBITDA 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
Third Quarter
Nine-Month Period
2026
2025
2026
2025
Income from Continuing Operations
$ 1,306
$ 9,677
$ 10,563
$ 19,230
Additions:
Income Tax Expense
1,390
976
3,353
3,512
Interest Expense
1,979
1,700
5,675
5,013
Equity in Net (Income) Loss of Affiliates
10
20
80
(1,905)
Other (Income) Expense - Net
(590)
(6,254)
(1,880)
(7,476)
Depreciation and amortization
4,978
5,317
14,910
15,758
EBITDA
9,073
11,436
32,701
34,132
Transaction, legal and other costs
44
487
339
615
Benefit-related (gain) loss
16
(62)
(60)
(126)
Asset impairments and abandonments and restructuring
3,372
—
3,658
504
Adjusted EBITDA 1
$ 12,505
$ 11,861
$ 36,638
$ 35,125
1 See "Adjusting Items" section for additional discussion and reconciliation of adjusted items.
Segment EBITDA and EBITDA Margin
Dollars in millions
Third Quarter
Nine-Month Period
2026
2025
2026
2025
Advanced Connectivity Segment
Operating Income
$ 7,628
$ 6,417
$ 21,826
$ 18,495
Add: Depreciation and amortization
4,702
5,076
14,094
15,084
EBITDA
$ 12,330
$ 11,493
$ 35,920
$ 33,579
Total Operating Revenues
$ 29,481
$ 27,503
$ 86,567
$ 82,192
Operating Income Margin
25.9
%
23.3
%
25.2
%
22.5
%
EBITDA Margin
41.8
%
41.8
%
41.5
%
40.9
%
Legacy Segment
Operating Income
$ 498
$ 679
$ 1,633
$ 2,657
Add: Depreciation and amortization
—
—
—
—
EBITDA
$ 498
$ 679
$ 1,633
$ 2,657
Total Operating Revenues
$ 1,519
$ 2,013
$ 4,919
$ 6,583
Operating Income Margin
32.8
%
33.7
%
33.2
%
40.4
%
EBITDA Margin
32.8
%
33.7
%
33.2
%
40.4
%
Latin America Segment
Operating Income
$ 45
$ 22
$ 103
$ 111
Add: Depreciation and amortization
191
177
580
482
EBITDA
$ 236
$ 199
$ 683
$ 593
Total Operating Revenues
$ 1,240
$ 1,095
$ 3,637
$ 3,120
Operating Income Margin
3.6
%
2.0
%
2.8
%
3.6
%
EBITDA Margin
19.0
%
18.2
%
18.8
%
19.0
%
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 25%.
Adjusting Items
Dollars in millions
Third Quarter
Nine-Month Period
2026
2025
2026
2025
Operating Expenses
Transaction, legal and other costs1
$ 44
$ 487
$ 339
$ 615
Benefit-related (gain) loss
16
(62)
(60)
(126)
Asset impairments and abandonments and restructuring
3,372
—
3,658
504
Adjustments to Operations and Support Expenses
3,432
425
3,937
993
Amortization of intangible assets
80
10
221
28
Adjustments to Operating Expenses
3,512
435
4,158
1,021
Other
Equity in net income of DIRECTV
—
—
—
(1,926)
Gain on sale of DIRECTV
—
(5,479)
—
(5,479)
Benefit-related (gain) loss, impairments of investments and other
(10)
(99)
(71)
(224)
Adjustments to Income from Continuing Operations Before
Income Taxes
3,502
(5,143)
4,087
(6,608)
Tax impact of adjustments
(34)
67
106
(266)
Tax-related items
—
177
365
177
Adjustments to Income From Continuing Operations
$ 3,536
$ (5,387)
$ 3,616
$ (6,519)
Preferred stock redemption gain
—
—
—
(90)
Adjustments to Income From Continuing Operations
Attributable to Common Stock
$ 3,536
$ (5,387)
$ 3,616
$ (6,609)
1 Includes certain legal reserves and settlements that cover extended historical periods, novel theories of liability and/or are unpredictable in
both magnitude and timing, and therefore are distinct and separate from normal, recurring legal matters. Such costs are presented net of
expected insurance recoveries and are primarily associated with legacy legal matters and cybersecurity events.
Adjusted Operating Income, Adjusted Operating Income Margin, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA 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 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
Third Quarter
Nine-Month Period
2026
2025
2026
2025
Operating Income
$ 4,095
$ 6,119
$ 17,791
$ 18,374
Adjustments to Operating Expenses
3,512
435
4,158
1,021
Adjusted Operating Income
$ 7,607
$ 6,554
$ 21,949
$ 19,395
EBITDA
$ 9,073
$ 11,436
$ 32,701
$ 34,132
Adjustments to Operations and Support Expenses
3,432
425
3,937
993
Adjusted EBITDA
$ 12,505
$ 11,861
$ 36,638
$ 35,125
Total Operating Revenues
$ 32,322
$ 30,709
$ 95,386
$ 92,182
Operating Income Margin
12.7 %
19.9 %
18.7 %
19.9 %
Adjusted Operating Income Margin
23.5 %
21.3 %
23.0 %
21.0 %
Adjusted EBITDA Margin
38.7 %
38.6 %
38.4 %
38.1 %
Adjusted Diluted EPS
Third Quarter
Nine-Month Period
2026
2025
2026
2025
Diluted Earnings Per Share (EPS) From Continuing
Operations
$ 0.13
$ 1.29
$ 1.34
$ 2.51
Gain on sale of DIRECTV
—
(0.79)
—
(0.79)
Equity in net income of DIRECTV
—
—
—
(0.21)
Restructuring and impairments
0.50
—
0.53
0.05
Benefit-related, transaction, legal and other items
0.02
0.04
0.04
0.04
Tax-related items
—
—
(0.05)
—
Adjusted EPS
$ 0.65
$ 0.54
$ 1.86
$ 1.60
Year-over-year growth - Adjusted
20.4
%
16.3
%
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding with
Dilution (000,000)
6,844
7,169
6,938
7,203
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 adding debt classified as held-for-sale related to our Mexico wireless business and 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 - 2026
Dollars in millions
Three Months Ended
Dec. 31,
March 31,
June 30,
Sept. 30,
Four
Quarters
20251
20261
20261
2026
Adjusted EBITDA
$ 11,236
$ 11,795
$ 12,338
$ 12,505
$ 47,874
End-of-period current debt
9,483
End-of-period long-term debt
150,144
Total End-of-Period Debt
159,627
Add: Mexico held-for-sale finance leases
1,209
Less: Cash and Cash Equivalents
10,767
Less: Time Deposits
250
Net Debt Balance
149,819
Annualized Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA Ratio
3.13
1 As reported in AT&T's Form 8-K filed July 22, 2026.
Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA - 2025
Dollars in millions
Three Months Ended
Dec. 31,
March 31,
June 30,
Sept. 30,
Four
Quarters
20241
20251
20251
20251
Adjusted EBITDA
$ 10,791
$ 11,533
$ 11,731
$ 11,861
$ 45,916
End-of-period current debt
11,378
End-of-period long-term debt
128,090
Total End-of-Period Debt
139,468
Less: Cash and Cash Equivalents
20,272
Less: Time Deposits
350
Net Debt Balance
118,846
Annualized Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA Ratio
2.59
1 As reported in AT&T's Form 8-K filed July 22, 2026.
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