Stock Trading and Other Things

What is the difference between the stock ticker T and ATT?

Both of them are for AT&T but why are there two and why are they different. Can someone explain this in a way a novice(16 year old) can understand?
What exactly is a bond? Isnt it a loan and if so, when will AT&T pay it back? Isnt it better if the pay it back later rather than sooner because we got more interest?

Public Comments

1. Don't confuse apples with oranges...or in this case, stocks with bonds.

;-)

T = stock

ATT = bond

2. T is the regular common stock of AT&T.

ATT is the symbol of what is basically a debt offering (bond) from the same company. It pays interest quarterly at an annual rate of 6.375%. The note matures in 2056. Or AT&T may redeem it anytime after 2012 at their choice.