A head-to-head, data-driven comparison of T (AT&T Inc.) and VZ (Verizon Communications Inc.) — covering valuation, growth, dividends, risk, and which one fits your portfolio. All metrics pulled from live market data.
If you're choosing between T and VZ, the answer depends on what kind of investor you are. Both are watched closely in the Communication Services sector, but they look different on almost every metric that matters: P/E, growth rate, dividend, balance-sheet quality, and volatility.
Below we break down the head-to-head numbers, name a winner on each dimension, and give a clear recommendation by investor type. Want to run this comparison live with charts and 50+ metrics? Use the free interactive T vs VZ comparison tool.
AT&T Inc. (T)
Communication Services · Telecommunications Services · NYSE
AT&T Inc. provides telecommunications, media, and technology services worldwide. Its Communications segment offers wireless voice and data communications services; and sells handsets, wireless data cards, wireless computing devices, and carrying cases and hands-free devices through its own company-owned stores, agents, and third-party retail stores. It also provides data, voice, security, cloud solutions, outsourcing, and managed and professional services, as well as customer premises equipment for multinational corporations, small and mid-sized businesses, governmental, and wholesale customer…
Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ)
Communication Services · Telecommunications Services · NYSE
Verizon Communications Inc., through its subsidiaries, offers communications, technology, information, and entertainment products and services to consumers, businesses, and governmental entities worldwide. Its Consumer segment provides postpaid and prepaid service plans; internet access on notebook computers and tablets; wireless equipment, including smartphones and other handsets; and wireless-enabled internet devices, such as tablets, and other wireless-enabled connected devices comprising smart watches. It also provides residential fixed connectivity solutions, such as internet, video, and …
Quick Verdict
How to Read This T vs VZ Comparison
Stock comparisons can be misleading if you focus on a single metric. A "cheaper" P/E doesn't automatically make a stock a better buy — slower-growing companies should trade at lower multiples. The right framework is to score each name on four independent dimensions and weight them according to your investing goal.
The Four-Dimension Framework
- Growth — How fast is the business expanding? We look at year-over-year revenue and EPS growth. Faster growers earn premium multiples but carry execution risk.
- Value — Are you paying a fair price? P/E, P/B, EV/EBITDA, and free cash flow yield tell you what the market is charging per dollar of business performance.
- Income — Does the stock pay you to wait? Dividend yield, payout ratio, and dividend history matter for retirees, FIRE investors, and anyone funding ongoing expenses.
- Safety — How much can you lose if things go wrong? Low beta, manageable debt-to-equity, and high ROE indicate a more durable business.
No single stock wins on all four. T and VZ likely each lead on at least one dimension. The "right" answer is the one that matches your portfolio gap — if you already own a basket of high-growth tech, the cheaper, lower-volatility name probably adds more diversification value than another momentum bet.
Side-by-Side Metrics: T vs VZ
| Metric | T | VZ |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $23.52 | $40.48 |
| Market Cap | $166.75B | $170.68B |
| P/E Ratio (lower is cheaper) | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| EPS | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Dividend Yield | 4.59% | 6.67% |
| Beta (volatility vs market) | 0.54 | 0.32 |
| ROE (higher is better) | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Debt/Equity (lower is safer) | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Revenue Growth (YoY) | 2.71% | 2.52% |
| EPS Growth (YoY) | 104.03% | -2.17% |
| 52-Week High | $29.79 | $47.36 |
| 52-Week Low | $22.02 | $37.59 |
| Sector | Communication Services | Communication Services |
Which Stock Has Better Growth?
T grew revenue 2.71% and EPS 104.03% year-over-year. VZ grew revenue 2.52% and EPS -2.17%.
T wins — revenue 2.71% and EPS 104.03% YoY outpace the other name.
Which Stock Is Cheaper on Valuation?
T trades at a P/E of 0.00, while VZ trades at 0.00. ROE for T is 0.00% versus 0.00% for VZ.
Roughly tied — both trade at similar earnings multiples.
Which Stock Pays More Income?
T yields 4.59%; VZ yields 6.67%.
VZ wins — 6.67% yield vs the other name's lower payout.
Which Stock Is the Safer Bet?
T has a beta of 0.54 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.00. VZ sits at beta 0.32 and D/E 0.00.
VZ wins — beta 0.32 and D/E 0.00 make it the more defensive name.
Where T and VZ Sit in Their 52-Week Range
Price action over the last 12 months gives important context. A stock near its 52-week high has momentum on its side but limited room before profit-taking; one near its low may be a value opportunity or a structural problem.
- T currently trades at $23.52, near its 52-week low — either a value opportunity or a falling-knife scenario; check whether fundamentals are deteriorating (52-week range: $22.02–$29.79).
- VZ currently trades at $40.48, in the lower half of its 52-week range — could be consolidation or early-stage recovery (52-week range: $37.59–$47.36).
Key Risks for T and VZ
Every stock has tail risks that the headline numbers don't capture. Here's what stands out from the available metrics:
- T: low beta of 0.54 dampens both upside and downside vs. the broader market.
- VZ: low beta of 0.32 dampens both upside and downside vs. the broader market; yield of 6.67% above 6% deserves payout-ratio scrutiny.
This is a quick heuristic risk scan, not a full risk assessment. Always read the "Risk Factors" section of each company's most recent 10-K filing before investing.
T vs VZ — Best Pick by Investor Type
- Long-term holder (10+ years): Lean toward VZ; durability and balance-sheet strength matter more than the next-quarter print.
- Income / dividend-focused: VZ — higher yield, but always check payout sustainability before chasing.
- Aggressive growth: T — faster top-line and EPS expansion at the cost of richer multiples.
- Value-oriented: either name works — paying less per dollar of earnings, with the trade-off of slower growth.
The Bottom Line: T vs VZ
On balance, VZ wins on 2 of 4 dimensions, making it the slightly better all-around pick for a generalist investor.
If you're the kind of investor who hates picking, the easiest answer is to own both names in equal weight inside a sector basket and rebalance once a year. That way, you capture the winner without having to predict it, and you pay the lowest possible behavioral cost (no second-guessing, no FOMO).
If you must pick one, anchor on the dimension that fixes your biggest portfolio gap — not the one with the most exciting headline. Tilting toward defensive names when you already own three growth winners adds more risk-adjusted return than another momentum bet.
Metrics Glossary — What Each Number Means
If you're new to fundamental analysis, here's a plain-English reference for every metric in the table above:
- P/E Ratio (Price-to-Earnings): Share price divided by earnings per share. Tells you how many years of current earnings the stock costs. Lower = cheaper, but slow growers should have lower P/Es.
- EPS (Earnings Per Share): Net income divided by shares outstanding. The per-share slice of company profits.
- Market Cap: Share price × shares outstanding. The market's total valuation of the company's equity.
- Dividend Yield: Annual dividend per share ÷ current price, expressed as a percent. A 3% yield means you receive $3 per year for every $100 invested at today's price.
- Beta: Volatility relative to the broader market (S&P 500 = 1.0). Beta of 1.5 means the stock historically moves 1.5× the market, both up and down.
- ROE (Return on Equity): Net income ÷ shareholder equity. How efficiently the company turns equity capital into profit. Above 15% is generally considered high quality.
- Debt-to-Equity: Total debt ÷ shareholder equity. Lower ratios mean less leverage and lower interest-rate risk.
- Revenue Growth (YoY): Percentage change in revenue versus the year-ago period. The single best top-line health check.
- EPS Growth (YoY): Same comparison but for earnings per share — captures both revenue growth and operating leverage.
- 52-Week High / Low: The trailing 12-month price range. Useful for context on current price (e.g. a stock near its 52-week high is in an uptrend; near the low is in a downtrend or value zone).
Run a Live T vs VZ Comparison
The numbers above reflect the latest available data, but markets move every minute. For a real-time, interactive head-to-head with price charts (1D to YTD), all 50+ metrics, and AI-powered insights, use our free tool — it's free, no signup required, and shareable:
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Disclaimer: This comparison is generated from live market data for informational purposes only. It is not investment advice, a recommendation to buy or sell any security, or a substitute for the analysis of a licensed financial advisor. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Always read the most recent 10-K and consult a qualified professional before making investment decisions. StockSignal24 is not responsible for losses incurred from trading decisions made based on this content.