AT&T might set its M&A sights on Latin America, particularly Brazil, if U.S. regulators approve its acquisition of satellite-TV broadcaster DirecTV Group, analysts say. AT&T (T) has agreed to buy DirecTV (DTV) for $48.5 billion, mostly in stock, turning away from another purported object of interest, U.K.-based Vodafone (VOD), whose wireless business spans Europe, India and other emerging markets. Acquiring DirecTV would give AT&T a financial
As wireless carriers prepare to post Q1 earnings, T-Mobile US is forecast to add the most postpaid subscribers, with AT&T expected to get an EPS boost from customers shifting to installment-based payment plans for new phones. Verizon Communications (VZ) will report results for the first time since acquiring full ownership of Verizon Wireless. Its purchase of Vodafone’s (VOD) 45% stake, for $130 billion, closed in February. Verizon had consolidated
U.S. shares of Vodafone (VOD) were up 1% in early trading Monday on speculation Japan-based SoftBank will bid for the U.K.-based wireless phone company. SoftBank’s stock fell 4.5% on Tokyo’s stock exchange on Monday. AT&T’s (T)stock, meanwhile, has gained since it began talking down possible acquisition of Vodafone in early March. Some analysts have speculated AT&T is still interested in acquiring the U.K.-based wireless carrier but is first