The Bullish Bears break down a list of the largest communication stocks and ETF list. Communication stocks are shares of companies that provide various types of communication infrastructure, such as wired and wireless networks, to businesses and consumers. These companies may be involved in telecommunications, satellite communications, and cable and program distribution. Communication stocks can offer high growth potential, global reach, and reliable sales, but they can also be subject to competition, regulatory threats, and volatility.
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Table of Contents
List of the Largest Communication Stocks
| Symbol | Name | Industry |
|---|---|---|
| GOOG | Alphabet Inc. | Internet Content & Information |
| GOOGL | Alphabet Inc. | Internet Content & Information |
| META | Meta Platforms, Inc. | Internet Content & Information |
| TMUS | T-Mobile US, Inc. | Telecom Services |
| VZ | Verizon Communications Inc. | Telecom Services |
| DIS | The Walt Disney Company | Entertainment |
| CMCSA | Comcast Corporation | Entertainment |
| T | AT&T Inc. | Telecom Services |
| NFLX | Netflix, Inc. | Entertainment |
| ATVI | Activision Blizzard, Inc. | Electronic Gaming & Multimedia |
| CHTR | Charter Communications, Inc. | Entertainment |
| EA | Electronic Arts Inc. | Electronic Gaming & Multimedia |
| LSXMK | The Liberty SiriusXM Group | Broadcasting |
| BATRK | The Liberty Braves Group | Entertainment |
| LSXMA | The Liberty SiriusXM Group | Broadcasting |
| BATRA | The Liberty Braves Group | Entertainment |
| FWONK | Formula One Group | Broadcasting |
| FWONA | Formula One Group | Broadcasting |
| WBD | Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. | Entertainment |
| SIRI | Sirius XM Holdings Inc. | Broadcasting |
Communications ETF List
| Symbol | Name | Industry |
|---|---|---|
| VOX | Vanguard Communication Services ETF | Broad Telecom |
| FCOM | Fidelity MSCI Communication Services Index ETF | Broad Telecom |
| NXTG | First Trust Indxx NextG ETF | Broad Telecom |
| IYZ | iShares U.S. Telecommunications ETF | Broad Telecom |
| IXP | iShares Global Comm Services ETF | Broad Telecom |
| XTL | SPDR S&P Telecom ETF | Broad Telecom |
| WBIF | WBI BullBear Value 3000 ETF | Broad Telecom |
| EWCO | Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Communication Services ETF | Broad Telecom |
| LTL | ProShares Ultra Telecommunications | Broad Telecom |
Communication Stocks List Statistics
The communication industry is very critical because it facilitates global connectivity. Here are some key characteristics and essential information about communication stocks.
Technological Innovation
Communication stocks are often at the forefront of technological advancements. Companies within this sector continually invest in research and development to stay competitive and offer cutting-edge solutions. One prime example is the deployment of 5G technology. Investors often track companies at the forefront of 5G development due to its potential to revolutionize communication networks.
High Capital Expenditure
Building and maintaining communication infrastructure, such as networks and satellites, requires substantial capital investments. This characteristic can impact the financial performance and growth potential of communication stocks.
Regulatory Environment and Data Privacy
These companies operate within a heavily regulated environment. Government policies and regulations can significantly impact their operations, pricing structures, and market entry. With the increasing reliance on data-driven services, communication stocks face data privacy and security challenges. Incidents of data breaches can harm the company.
Global Reach
Many communication stocks operate globally, providing services and products internationally. Geopolitical factors, trade tensions, and global economic conditions can influence their performance.
The industry is characterized by intense competition, with companies vying for market share. Mergers and acquisitions are common, leading to consolidation and shaping the competitive landscape. Some famous examples are AT&T and Time Warner, Verizon and AOL, Comcast and NBC, T-Mobile and Sprint, Disney, and 21st Century Fox. Each deal had different implications for the companies involved and has shaped the dynamics of the communication industry.
Alphabet Inc ($GOOGL) TipRanks Stock Forecast Report 3/24
Communications Stocks List Breakdown
Communications stocks aren’t only about 5G networks and satellites. Media companies also have a huge influence thanks to their global reach and how they shape our thoughts and discussions. Below are various communications stocks that you should be keeping an eye on.
1. Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ: GOOGL)
Alphabet is the parent company of Google and several other companies. The company operates products and services such as Search, Ads, Maps, YouTube, and other experimental projects such as AI, self-driving cars, and life sciences. While the ads business is the most profitable, Alphabet has several other cutting-edge technologies and projects, often with a long-term vision.
Market cap: $1.75T
Annual dividend yield: none
2. Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: META)
Meta Platforms is considered a communications stock because it is a major technology and social media player. The company is primarily known for its social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Oculus. These platforms facilitate communication and interaction among users through text, images, videos, and other forms of content sharing. Oculus focuses on developing and producing VR hardware and software, creating new ways for people to communicate and interact in virtual environments. Facebook alone has almost 3 billion monthly active users across 167 countries.
Market cap: $909.63B
Annual dividend yield: none
3. T-Mobile (NASDAQ: TMUS)
T-Mobile operates as a major player in the telecommunications industry and is one of the largest wireless carriers in the United States. The company has engaged in strategic moves within the telecommunications industry, including acquiring Sprint in 2020. This merger aimed to strengthen T-Mobile’s position in the market, particularly in the race to deploy 5G networks.
Market cap: $185.42B
Annual dividend yield: 1.62%, $0.65 quarterly
4. Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ)
Verizon operates in the same telecommunications industry as T-Mobile. In addition to wireless services, Verizon provides fixed-line services, including high-speed internet and fiber optic broadband. While Verizon primarily focuses on the U.S. market, the company has a global presence through its international network services. Verizon Business serves multinational corporations with connectivity and communication solutions on a global scale. The company has invested significantly in 4G LTE and 5G networks. Verizon has entered the content and media space through acquisitions such as AOL and Yahoo. They aimed to diversify Verizon’s business and leverage content for advertising and digital media services.
Market cap: $158.49B
Annual dividend yield: 7.06%, $0.67 quarterly
5. Walt Disney (NYSE: DIS)
Walt Disney operates as a major player in the media and entertainment industry. Its business activities encompass various forms of communication and content distribution. Disney owns and operates various media networks, including ABC, ESPN, Disney Channel, and National Geographic. These networks serve as platforms for content delivery, including news, sports, and entertainment. It is also a leading film and television content producer. Its studios include Walt Disney Pictures, Pixar, Marvel Studios, and Lucasfilm. Finally, Disney has entered the streaming market with Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ platforms.
Market cap: $165.26B
Annual dividend yield: 0.66%, $0.15 quarterly
6. Comcast (NASDAQ: CMCSA)
Comcast Corporation operates as a major player in the telecommunications and media industry. It is a diversified company involved in various aspects of communication, including cable services, broadband internet, television broadcasting, and content creation. Comcast owns NBCUniversal, a major media and entertainment conglomerate. NBCUniversal includes television networks (NBC, MSNBC, CNBC), film studios (Universal Pictures), and theme parks, contributing significantly to Comcast’s content creation and distribution role. The company also owns and operates NBC Sports.
Market cap: $176.50B
Annual dividend yield: 2.65%, $0.29 quarterly
7. AT&T (NYSE: T)
AT&T is also a major player in the telecommunications industry. The company offers television services, including satellite TV, through its DIRECTV subsidiary. It also provides streaming services like AT&T TV. AT&T also owns popular brands such as WarnerMedia, HBO, CNN, Warner Bros and Turner Broadcasting.
Market cap: $119.98B
Annual dividend yield: 6.62%, $0.28 quarterly
8. Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX)
While Netflix is primarily recognized as an entertainment and streaming service rather than a traditional communications stock, it can be associated with the communications sector due to its role in content distribution and digital media. The streaming platform is available in 190 countries but faces increased competition from other US and global streaming services such as Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and Tencent.
Market cap: $210.13B
Annual dividend yield: none
9. Charter (NASDAQ: CHTR)
Charter is also considered a communications stock because it is a major player in the telecommunications industry, providing various communication and entertainment services. The company is known for its cable television, broadband internet, and voice services. It isn’t as exciting as other telecommunications stocks like AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon because its reach and services are much more limited. Contrary to its peers, it also doesn’t offer a dividend.
Market cap: $57.49B
Annual dividend yield: none
Communication Stocks ETFs Breakdown
ETFs focusing on the communications sector can expose investors to a diversified portfolio of stocks within the telecommunications and media industries. They can offer you more diversity and access to a wider range of stocks.
VOX is heavily invested in big tech stocks such as Google (22%) and Meta (21%), making it more of a media ETF. Their performance is a big contributor to the fund's overall performance. However, every one of its top 10 holdings has been covered in the above section.
FCOM’s fund distribution is similar to VOX, with a heavy dose of Alphabet and Meta. Both funds have performed similarly in the last few years.
NXTG offers a completely different range of stocks. The tech sector is much more heavily represented (63%). Since this fund has hundreds of stocks, the top holding represents only 1.76% of the entire fund’s value. In the top 10 holdings, you can find US (Intel, Nividia) and international stocks (Xiaomi, Samsung, Lenovo). This fund’s performance has been slightly better than the others on this list.
IYZ only holds 19 funds and is much more focused on pure communications stocks. Cisco, Comcast, and Verizon represent almost half the fund’s value. Not only does it have a higher expense ratio (0.40%), but its performance has also been below that of its peers.
More ETFS
XTL’s 41 holdings are distributed much more evenly and are mostly from outside the list we provided earlier. If you are looking for communications equipment and alternative carrier stocks, this might be your fund.
WBIF’s fund is focused on US dividend-paying value stocks. Hence, you can find lesser-known stocks with a smaller market cap. The fund’s performance has been up and down in recent years and comes with a high expense ratio (1.52%). However, it does come with a dividend yield of around 1%.
RSPC offers a wide range of stocks, market caps, and industry allocations. Its 26 holdings are almost equally distributed in the fund. It also offers a yearly dividend distributed quarterly of around 1%. Its top holding is Match Group, which owns and operates popular dating companies such as Tinder, Hinge, Match.com, OkCupid, and others. Perhaps this may not be the wisest move at the moment.
Final Thoughts: Communication Stocks
To conclude, communications stocks offer a wide range of possibilities for investors. You can find telecommunication, media, and technology stocks under this umbrella. It’s a very exciting sector but also very competitive. Finding one stock that stands out above the rest may be difficult. If you had to pick one between AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile, which would you choose? Thankfully, you can choose from many ETFs with various investment strategies for this sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
A communication service stock offers network, wireless, internet, software, and navigation access to consumers. Companies include Google, Meta, T-Mobile, Verizon, and Disney.
Traders invest in communications stocks because it's a growing sector due to technological advances and growth. It's important to do your research before investing in this sector.
Telecommunications is a popular sector to invest in due to growth and advances in technology. They are critical services that most consumers and businesses use.
