Citi Remains Buyers Of AT&T Following Company Meetings (T)

In a recent report, Citi's analysts say that they remain buyers of AT&T T following meetings with Jeff Bradley, Senior Vice President for Devices; Kent Evans, Executive Director, Investor Relations; and Chris Womack, Director, Investor Relations. “AT&T is broadening its lineup of advanced devices as the new capabilities, including faster speeds from HSPA+, better processing, and better screens can evolve the Smartphone into a Superphone category,” Citi writes. “The company is targeting over 20 4G devices to be launched during 2011 that partly comes from the planned introduction of over 15 Android devices. “AT&T highlighted a number of announced product introductions of new high-end Smartphones on both Android and the new and improved Windows Mobile platforms from MOT, HTC, and Samsung. We continue expect a summer launch for the next iPhone with HSPA+ capabilities. We believe the potential to increase the sales mix of mid- and high-end Android phones that should carry lower subsidies than the iPhone platform can be helpful to manage overall handset subsidy costs to both new and existing users over the next 12-24 months.” AT&T closed Thursday at $28.54.