AT&T continues downward run, marks seven-session losing streak
May 11, 2026, 4:01 PM ET -- AT&T Inc. : Jay Mehta, SA News Editor. [ Seeking Alpha ].
Shares of AT&T closed down 1.21% at $24.86 on Monday, marking the telecom giant’s seventh consecutive losing session.
The stock has fallen about 3.7% over the past six sessions, underperforming the broader S&P 500 Index, which gained 2.6% during the same period. Despite the recent weakness, AT&T shares remain up about 0.8% so far in 2026, though they have lagged the benchmark index’s 8.1% advance this year.
Some analysts are pointing to the telecom sector’s capital-intensive business model as a key concern. Bearish commentary has focused on a 19% year-over-year decline in free cash flow to $2.5 billion, as capital expenditures rose to $5.1 billion amid continued fiber network expansion. Critics have also highlighted a 25% drop in legacy copper-based revenue and net debt of $126.4 billion, which pushed leverage to 2.71x, above the company’s long-term target of 2.5x.
Meanwhile, Seeking Alpha’s Quant Ratings maintained a Hold rating on the stock with a score of 3.44 out of 5. The company received an A+ grade for profitability, while its growth and momentum metrics were rated D and C−, respectively.
On the bullish side, Seeking Alpha analyst Sensor Unlimited reiterated a Buy rating on AT&T, citing its first-quarter 2026 results and fiber-first strategy. The analyst pointed to growth catalysts, increasing share repurchases, and capital allocation flexibility, noting that buybacks exceeded dividends for the first time and lifted total shareholder yield above 8%.
Similarly, Seeking Alpha analyst The Investment Doctor maintained a constructive view on AT&T’s senior securities, highlighting the company’s stable financial performance and strong coverage ratios. The analyst noted that preferred shares yield between 6% and 6.5% with a payout ratio below 1%, while baby bonds, including AT&T 5.35% Global Notes due 2066 (TBB), may offer a more favorable risk-reward profile for certain investors.
Overall, both Wall Street analysts and Seeking Alpha analysts remain broadly bullish on AT&T, maintaining Buy ratings despite near-term pressure on the stock.
https://seekingalpha.com/news/4590653-at-and-t-continues-downward-run-marks-seven-session-losing-streak