Share price continues to decline after earnings and sales misses. Fiber deployment might be necessary for survival but its not a growth strategy. Fiber is mostly business related - with the economy slowing expect less growth or decline in fiber related revenues. Mobility sales might be a bit better with consumer segment holding up better.
There is no growth driver other than HC reduction in the near term so expect no significant increase in share price even after this sell off. The 16% share price decline since 9-15, which accounts for about four years of dividends, will not be reversed in the near future which is reflected in analyst downgrades. Given the very large decline in share prie prior to the earnings annoucement it is likely the word got out to selected individuals inside and outside the company. The share buyback program has also been a bust having little impact on the share price decline.
What does the future hold? - flat revenues, flat earnings per share, no recovery in share price, no increase in the dividend, a very slow reduction in long term debt (maybe), and a significant reduction in HC.
To be sure AT&T is a slow growth dividend stock that because of technology needs fewer employees over time but just think how much better it would be without $200 billion in long term debt, more spectrum, and better outside management. When Stephenson became CEO the share price was $39.47. When he left it was under $30. Now its under $25. Unfortunately, there is no hope of a change in top management and the BOD. No hope.