AT&T Inc. (T) FCF Payout Ratio: 45.87%
Is AT&T Inc.’s FCF payout ratio high or low?
AT&T Inc.'s FCF payout ratio of 45.87% is 14% below its 5-year average of 53.24%, near the low end of its 5-year range (39.76%–79.53%).
The FCF payout ratio for AT&T Inc. (T) is 45.87%. It is above its 12-month average by 6.15% (43.21%).
T FCF Payout Ratio Chart
T Average FCF Payout Ratio Chart
T Current vs Average FCF Payout Ratio Chart
T FCF Payout Ratio Metrics
FCF PAYOUT RATIO
45.87%
FCF PAYOUT RATIO AVG TTM
43.21%
FCF PAYOUT RATIO AVG 3Y
51.43%
FCF PAYOUT RATIO AVG 5Y
53.24%
FCF PAYOUT RATIO AVG 10Y
56.89%
FCF PAYOUT RATIO AVG 15Y
61.00%
FCF PAYOUT RATIO AVG 20Y
60.95%
CURRENT VS TTM AVG
+6.15%
CURRENT VS 3Y AVG
-10.81%
CURRENT VS 5Y AVG
-13.84%
CURRENT VS 10Y AVG
-19.37%
CURRENT VS 15Y AVG
-24.81%
CURRENT VS 20Y AVG
-24.74%
Payout Ratio Comparison
FCF Payout Ratio
45.9%
Earnings Payout Ratio
36.5%
Dividend Yield
4.79%
FCF Yield
10.65%
Annual FCF Payout Ratio History
| Year | Free Cash Flow | Dividends Paid | FCF Payout Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $19.44B | $8.18B | 42.1% |
| 2024 | $18.51B | $8.21B | 44.3% |
| 2023 | $20.46B | $8.14B | 39.8% |
| 2022 | $12.40B | $9.86B | 79.5% |
| 2021 | $25.43B | $15.07B | 59.3% |
| 2020 | $27.45B | $14.96B | 54.5% |
| 2019 | $29.23B | $14.89B | 50.9% |
| 2018 | $22.84B | $13.41B | 58.7% |
| 2017 | $17.36B | $12.04B | 69.3% |
| 2016 | $17.83B | $11.80B | 66.2% |
| 2015 | $16.66B | $10.20B | 61.2% |
| 2014 | $10.14B | $9.55B | 94.2% |
| 2013 | $13.85B | $9.70B | 70.0% |
| 2012 | $19.71B | $10.24B | 52.0% |
| 2011 | $14.54B | $10.17B | 70.0% |
| 2010 | $15.46B | $9.92B | 64.1% |
| 2009 | $17.85B | $9.67B | 54.2% |
| 2008 | $13.98B | $9.51B | 68.0% |
| 2007 | $16.36B | $8.74B | 53.5% |
| 2006 | $7.29B | $5.15B | 70.6% |
| 2005 | $7.40B | $4.26B | 57.5% |
| 2004 | $5.86B | $4.14B | 70.7% |
| 2003 | $8.30B | $4.54B | 54.7% |
| 2002 | $8.40B | $3.56B | 42.3% |
| 2001 | $3.62B | $3.46B | 95.6% |
| 2000 | $1.18B | $3.42B | 290.9% |
| 1999 | $6.27B | $3.29B | 52.4% |
| 1998 | $2.45B | $3.13B | 127.6% |
| 1997 | $1.20B | $2.97B | 246.3% |
| 1996 | $1.80B | $1.76B | 98.2% |
Formula: FCF Payout Ratio = Dividends Paid / Free Cash Flow × 100
FCF payout and earnings payout:
- FCF represents operating cash flow after capital expenditures
- FCF payout compares dividends paid with free cash flow
- FCF payout above 100% means dividends paid exceeded free cash flow for the period
- Earnings payout compares dividends paid with net income
Reading the series: Use the chart and table to compare dividend payments with cash generation over time.
AT&T Inc. FCF Payout Ratio Formula & Definition
FCF Payout Ratio measures what percentage of free cash flow is paid out as dividends. Unlike earnings-based payout, it compares dividends with cash generated after capital expenditures.
Expanded definitions: Investopedia, Wikipedia, Corporate Finance Institute
AT&T Inc. FCF Payout Ratio FAQ
- What is the FCF payout ratio for AT&T Inc. (T)?
- The FCF payout ratio for T stock is 45.87%.
- Is AT&T Inc.'s FCF payout ratio high or low?
- AT&T Inc.'s FCF payout ratio of 45.87% is 14% below its 5-year average of 53.24%, near the low end of its 5-year range (39.76%–79.53%).
- What is the TTM average FCF payout ratio for AT&T Inc. (T)?
- The TTM average FCF payout ratio for T stock is 43.21%.
- What is the 3Y average FCF payout ratio for AT&T Inc. (T)?
- The 3Y average FCF payout ratio for T stock is 51.43%.
- What is the 5Y average FCF payout ratio for AT&T Inc. (T)?
- The 5Y average FCF payout ratio for T stock is 53.24%.
- What is the 10Y average FCF payout ratio for AT&T Inc. (T)?
- The 10Y average FCF payout ratio for T stock is 56.89%.
- What is the 15Y average FCF payout ratio for AT&T Inc. (T)?
- The 15Y average FCF payout ratio for T stock is 61.00%.
- What is the 20Y average FCF payout ratio for AT&T Inc. (T)?
- The 20Y average FCF payout ratio for T stock is 60.95%.
AT&T Inc. FCF Payout Ratio History
| DATE | FCF PAYOUT RATIO |
|---|---|
| 2025-12-31 | 42.07% |
| 2024-12-31 | 44.35% |
| 2023-12-31 | 39.76% |
| 2022-12-31 | 79.53% |
| 2021-12-31 | 59.25% |
| 2020-12-31 | 54.47% |
| 2019-12-31 | 50.93% |
| 2018-12-31 | 58.70% |
| 2017-12-31 | 69.33% |
| 2016-12-31 | 66.17% |
| 2015-12-31 | 61.22% |
| 2014-12-31 | 94.21% |
| 2013-12-31 | 70.00% |
| 2012-12-31 | 51.96% |
| 2011-12-31 | 69.97% |
| 2010-12-31 | 64.13% |
| 2009-12-31 | 54.17% |
| 2008-12-31 | 68.00% |
| 2007-12-31 | 53.46% |
| 2006-12-31 | 70.64% |
| 2005-12-31 | 57.53% |
| 2004-12-31 | 70.71% |
| 2003-12-31 | 54.70% |
| 2002-12-31 | 42.34% |
| 2001-12-31 | 95.58% |
| 2000-12-31 | 290.89% |
| 1999-12-31 | 52.39% |
| 1998-12-31 | 127.59% |
| 1997-12-31 | 246.35% |
| 1996-12-31 | 98.22% |
About AT&T Inc.
Globally, AT&T Inc. delivers an array of telecommunication, media, and technology offerings. Within its Communications division, the company supplies wireless voice and data communication services. It also markets mobile devices, such as smartphones, wireless data access cards, and portable computing gadgets, alongside accessories like protective cases and hands-free equipment. These products are distributed through AT&T's proprietary outlets, authorized agents, and external retail partners. Furthermore, this segment caters to a broad clientele including multinational corporations, small-to-medium-sized enterprises, government entities, and wholesale clients. For these customers, it delivers an extensive suite of services encompassing data, voice connectivity, cybersecurity, cloud-based solutions, outsourcing, and both managed and professional services, in addition to client-side equipment. Residential consumers also benefit from this division's provision of high-speed fiber optic internet and traditional landline telephone services. Its communication-related offerings and merchandise are promoted under well-known brand names such as AT&T, Cricket, AT&T PREPAID, and AT&T Fiber. The Latin America segment is responsible for delivering wireless communication services within Mexico, as well as video entertainment services across the wider Latin American region. These services and products are branded as AT&T and Unefon. Established in 1983 and headquartered in Dallas, Texas, the corporation was previously known as SBC Communications Inc. and officially adopted the name AT&T Inc. in 2005.
- Sector
- Communication Services
- Industry
- Telecommunications Services
- CEO
- John T. Stankey