AT&T Charts a New Strategic Course Amid Corporate Shifts

AT&T is navigating a period of significant strategic transition. As the telecommunications giant relocates its corporate headquarters and makes a substantial push into satellite-based mobile services, institutional investors are displaying a more cautious stance. The market's definitive assessment of this new direction is anticipated with the release of the upcoming quarterly earnings.

A notable shift is occurring among major investors. Commonwealth Equity Services recently adjusted its holdings, selling 326,318 shares of AT&T, which represents an 8.5% reduction in its position. Despite this move, the firm maintains a substantial investment valued at approximately $98.9 million, indicating a portfolio rebalancing rather than a full-scale exit.

For income-focused shareholders, the company's dividend policy remains a key feature:
* The board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.2775 per share.
* The ex-dividend date is set for January 12, 2026.
* Shareholders of record will receive payment on February 2, 2026.
* Based on the current share price, this translates to an annualized dividend yield of roughly 4.5%.

A Corporate Headquarters Relocation

Marking the end of a long era in downtown Dallas, AT&T is executing a major operational change by moving its headquarters to a new campus in Plano. This relocation is viewed as a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and modernizing the work environment. For investors, it signals a focused effort on long-term cost management and corporate agility.

The departure from its current office towers is expected to contribute to rising vacancy rates in Dallas's urban core. The decision follows extended internal discussions concerning public safety and quality of life in the city center.

Should investors sell immediately? Or is it worth buying AT&T?

Forging a Path in Satellite Connectivity

On the technological front, AT&T is making a decisive move to counter competitive advances from rivals like T-Mobile and Verizon. The company has announced plans to launch a limited beta program for satellite-powered mobile broadband services in the first half of 2026. This initiative, developed in partnership with AST SpaceMobile, is designed to provide coverage in areas lacking reliable terrestrial signal.

The service will initially target regions with poor connectivity and be available to a select group of customers. The successful launch of the BlueBird 6 satellite in late 2025 established the essential orbital infrastructure required for this expansion.

Market Performance and Forward Outlook

Currently, AT&T shares are demonstrating resilience. The stock recently closed at $24.71, trading in a consolidation phase as the market digests the recent strategic announcements. Analyst consensus continues to rate the equity as a "Moderate Buy," with an average price target of $30.24.

All eyes are now on the scheduled release of Q4 2025 financial results in late January. This report is expected to provide crucial insight into the financial impact of the company's recently elevated customer churn rate, offering a clearer picture of the underlying business health amidst these strategic pivots.