How do institutional investors currently view AT&T's stock?

Institutional investors have varied views on AT&T's stock, with some increasing their holdings and others reducing their stakes. Here's a detailed analysis:

1. **Changes in Holdings**:
- **Heritage Trust Co** increased its position in AT&T by 16.1% in the 1st quarter, owning 266,121 shares valued at $7,526,000. This indicates a positive sentiment from Heritage Trust Co.
- **L & S Advisors Inc** reduced its stake in AT&T by 8.1% during the same period, owning 143,366 shares worth $4,054,000. This suggests a more cautious outlook from L & S Advisors Inc.
- **Novus Advisors LLC** purchased a new position in AT&T in the 1st quarter, acquiring 9,482 shares valued at approximately $268,000. This could be seen as a positive development, indicating confidence in AT&T's future performance.
- **US Bancorp DE** decreased its position in AT&T by 5.7% in the 1st quarter, owning 2,002,108 shares worth $56,620,000. This reduction could imply a less optimistic view compared to other institutional actions.
2. **Overall Institutional Position**:
- Institutional investors and hedge funds currently own 57.10% of AT&T's stock. This significant ownership highlights the continued interest of institutional investors in the company, despite differing opinions.
3. **Dividend Considerations**:
- AT&T's dividend payout ratio is 63.07%, which could be a consideration for income-focused institutional investors. The company has a history of paying dividends, with a recent quarterly dividend of $0.2775 per share.
4. **Market Performance and Analyst Ratings**:
- Despite the mixed analyst ratings, AT&T's stock has shown a 3.4% year-over-year revenue increase and exceeded earnings expectations with a $0.54 per share report. This could influence institutional decisions, as earnings performance is a key indicator of a company's financial health.

In conclusion, institutional investors have diverse views on AT&T's stock, with some increasing their holdings and others reducing their stakes. The company's revenue growth and dividend payments, along with the mixed analyst ratings, suggest that institutional investors are closely monitoring AT&T's performance and adjusting their positions accordingly.