As Verizon Communications Inc (NYSE:VZ) and AT&T Inc (NYSE:T) prepare to release their third quarter earnings, the stage is set for a head-to-head clash between the two telecom giants.

Verizon reports Tuesday with analysts expecting $1.18 EPS and $33.43 billion in revenue, while AT&T follows up on Wednesday with consensus estimates of 57 cents EPS and $30.44 billion in revenue.

Both companies have seen significant year-to-date stock recoveries, but who's leading the charge as they head into their respective earnings calls?

Verizon: Spectrum Play Meets Bullish Sentiment

Verizon's year-to-date gains of 12.67% may pale in comparison to AT&T, but the technical signals surrounding Verizon stock are flashing green.

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Verizon stock, currently trading at $43.81, is supported by its eight-day simple moving average (SMA) of $43.55. Its 50-day SMA of $42.96 and 200-day SMA of $41.05 indicate a bullish trend in the near term.

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The Moving Average Convergence/Divergence (MACD) sits at 0.12, indicating bullish momentum, although the Relative Strength Index (RSI) of 51.77 suggests a slightly overbought status. While Verizon's technical outlook remains positive, its recent acquisition of spectrum licenses from United States Cellular Corp (NYSE:USM) for $1 billion is likely to boost future growth, keeping the company in a strong competitive stance.

But the stock is teetering on its 20-day SMA of $44.12, giving some analysts pause ahead of earnings. Verizon will need to deliver solid financials on Tuesday to maintain its upward trend, particularly with its recent $3.3 billion deal to lease wireless towers across the U.S., adding long-term operational strength.

Read Also: How To Earn $500 A Month From Verizon Stock Ahead Of Q3 Earnings Results

AT&T: Strikes Behind, Stock Surge Ahead?

AT&T has rebounded in a big way, with its stock up 26.23% year-to-date.

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At a current price of $21.78, AT&T has firmly planted itself above its eight-day SMA ($21.55), 20-day SMA ($21.73) and 50-day SMA ($20.98), indicating solid buying momentum.

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Like Verizon, AT&T is also benefiting from bullish technical signals, including a MACD of 0.16. The stock is trading in the upper range of its Bollinger Bands, signaling strong bullish momentum that aligns with the positive outlook from many analysts.

Additionally, AT&T recently ratified agreements with the CWA, covering over 23,000 employees, and ensuring long-term labor peace. With a 19% wage increase locked in for Southeast employees, the carrier is laying the groundwork for steady operations—key as it gears up for its earnings.

However, the long-term question remains: can AT&T maintain its stock surge in the face of rising competition and slower 5G growth?

Who Takes The Earnings Crown?

With both companies positioned in bullish territory, the deciding factor may ultimately hinge on their upcoming earnings performance.

Verizon’s spectrum deals and wireless tower agreements may offer longer-term strategic advantages, but AT&T's strong labor agreements and impressive stock performance show it's not backing down from the fight.

As both telecom giants report earnings this week, investors will be watching closely to see who will come out on top. Will Verizon's strategic moves win out, or will AT&T's stock momentum carry it to new heights?

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