Core Insights - AT&T and Verizon stocks have performed well in 2023, with AT&T up +20% and Verizon up +9%, providing a hedge against market volatility [1] - The expansion of 5G networks is driving investor interest, offering peak speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second and improved connectivity [2] AT&T Performance - AT&T added 324,000 postpaid wireless subscribers and 181,000 fixed wireless access subscribers in Q1 [3] - The company expanded its fiber-optic network by adding 600,000 new locations, aiming for 30 million fiber locations by the end of Q2 [3] - AT&T has consistently added over 200,000 fiber optic internet subscribers for 21 consecutive quarters [3] Verizon Performance - Verizon reported wireless service revenue of $20.8 billion in Q1, leading the industry [4] - The company added 308,000 new 5G Home Internet customers, with a total fixed wireless access subscriber base exceeding 4.8 million [4] - The 5G fixed wireless access market was valued at over $45 billion last year and is projected to exceed $238 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 40.5% [4] Valuation Comparison - AT&T and Verizon are considered undervalued with forward earnings multiples of 13.2X and 9.3X, respectively, compared to T-Mobile's 22.8X [6][7] - Both companies trade under the optimal level of less than 2X sales, making them attractive to retail investors [7] Dividend Appeal - AT&T and Verizon offer attractive dividends, with annual yields over 4% and 6%, respectively, significantly higher than T-Mobile's 1.46% [9] Conclusion - Both AT&T and Verizon hold a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), proving beneficial amid tariff concerns and economic uncertainty [12] - Long-term shareholders may be rewarded due to high dividends and ongoing 5G expansion [13]

Core Points - Verizon Communications Inc. held its annual meeting virtually, where shareholders elected all 10 directors for a one-year term [1] - Shareholders approved two management proposals and rejected three shareholder proposals related to climate lobbying, lead-sheathed cables, and advertising discrimination risks [1] - The final vote results will be certified by independent inspectors and posted on Verizon's website [2] Financial Performance - Verizon generated revenues of $134.8 billion in 2024, serving millions of customers and nearly all Fortune 500 companies [3] Corporate Governance - The compensation for named executive officers was approved as outlined in the 2025 proxy statement [4] - Ernst & Young LLP was ratified as the independent registered public accounting firm for the company [4]

Core Insights - T-Mobile and Verizon are major players in the U.S. telecommunications industry, each with distinct competitive advantages and challenges [3][19]. Verizon's Position - Verizon boasts one of the most efficient wireless networks in the U.S., focusing on customer-centric planning and strategic investments to enhance its 5G capabilities [4][19]. - The company has launched Verizon Frontline Network Slice to provide dedicated 5G capacity for frontline workers, enhancing public safety communications [5]. - Verizon Business Assistant, powered by generative AI, aims to streamline interactions for small business owners, indicating a diversification of revenue streams [6]. - Despite these strengths, Verizon faces intense competition from T-Mobile and AT&T, leading to increased promotional spending that pressures margins [7][19]. T-Mobile's Position - T-Mobile is experiencing growth in postpaid services and has rolled out a nationwide 5G advanced network that incorporates AI and machine learning for optimal resource utilization [8][10]. - The company supports a wide range of platforms, including IoT devices and wearables, enhancing user experience with low latency and high throughput [9][10]. - T-Mobile is actively diversifying its operations through acquisitions, such as Blis and Vistar Media, to strengthen its advertising solutions and expand broadband access [12]. - However, T-Mobile also faces competitive pressures that strain pricing and margins, necessitating significant investments in network advancements and promotions [11][19]. Financial Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate projects T-Mobile's 2025 sales and EPS growth at 5.91% and 9.32%, respectively, with a recent EPS estimate improvement of 1.44% [13]. - For Verizon, the 2025 sales growth is estimated at 1.71%, with EPS projected to increase by 2.18%, showing no change in EPS estimates over the past 60 days [14]. Price Performance - T-Mobile's shares trade at a forward P/E ratio of 21.24, significantly higher than Verizon's 9.2, indicating differing market valuations [17]. - Over the past year, T-Mobile has outperformed with a gain of 45.4%, compared to Verizon's 9.7% increase and the industry's growth of 34.4% [20].

Core Insights - Verizon Communications (VZ) shares have increased by approximately 2.5% since the last earnings report, underperforming the S&P 500 index [1] - There is uncertainty regarding whether this positive trend will continue or if a pullback is imminent [1] Estimates Movement - Estimates for Verizon have trended downward over the past month, indicating a negative shift in expectations [2] VGM Scores - Verizon holds a Growth Score of B, but has a low Momentum Score of F; however, it has an A grade for value, placing it in the top quintile for this investment strategy [3] - The overall aggregate VGM Score for Verizon is B, which is relevant for investors not focused on a single strategy [3] Outlook - The downward trend in estimates suggests a negative outlook for the stock, with a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), indicating expectations for an in-line return in the coming months [4]

Core Insights - Zacks Premium provides various tools for investors to enhance their stock market engagement and confidence [1] - The Zacks Style Scores serve as complementary indicators to the Zacks Rank, aiding investors in selecting stocks with high potential for market outperformance [2] Zacks Style Scores Overview - Stocks are rated from A to F based on value, growth, and momentum characteristics, with higher scores indicating better chances of outperforming the market [3] - The Style Scores are categorized into four types: Value Score, Growth Score, Momentum Score, and VGM Score [3][4][5][6] Value Score - Focuses on identifying undervalued stocks using ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, and Price/Cash Flow [3] Growth Score - Concentrates on a company's financial health and future growth potential, analyzing projected and historical earnings, sales, and cash flow [4] Momentum Score - Targets stocks with upward or downward price trends, utilizing factors like one-week price change and monthly earnings estimate changes [5] VGM Score - Combines all three Style Scores to provide a comprehensive indicator for investors seeking attractive value, growth, and momentum [6] Zacks Rank Integration - The Zacks Rank is a proprietary model based on earnings estimate revisions, helping investors build successful portfolios [7] - Stocks rated 1 (Strong Buy) have historically produced an average annual return of +25.41% since 1988, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 [8] Stock Selection Strategy - To maximize returns, investors should focus on stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 and Style Scores of A or B [9] - Stocks with lower ranks but high Style Scores may still carry risks due to downward earnings outlooks [10] Company Spotlight: Verizon Communications (VZ) - Verizon Communications, formed from the merger of Bell Atlantic and GTE Corp, is a leading provider of communication services in North America [11] - Currently rated 3 (Hold) with a VGM Score of B and a Value Style Score of A, indicating attractive valuation metrics [12] - The forward P/E ratio stands at 9.43, and the Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal 2025 is $4.69 per share, reflecting positive earnings revisions [12][13]

Nearly half (47%) of SMBs updated their cybersecurity solutions to further protect their business. More than a third (38%) are actively using AI across multiple business functions, such as data analysis, marketing and customer service. Over 56% of SMBs believe AI can help address issues with employee management and overall employee headcount. 3 in 4 (76%) of SMBs agree that social media positively impacts their business performance. But more than half (54%) of SMBs struggle to keep online content fresh and ...

Core Points - Verizon Communications Inc. challenged T-Mobile US, Inc. regarding savings claims in its advertising materials, leading to a recommendation from the National Advertising Division (NAD) to discontinue these claims [1][5] - T-Mobile modified its savings claims to explicitly reference streaming services but still conveyed that consumers switching from Verizon could save 20% based solely on plan costs [2][3] - NAD found that T-Mobile's disclosures were not clear about the conditions under which the 20% savings claim applied, including the requirement to purchase three lines of service at a specific tier [4] Group 1 - The NAD recommended that T-Mobile discontinue the challenged savings claims due to misleading implications about savings [5] - T-Mobile expressed disappointment with the NAD's decision and plans to appeal to the National Advertising Review Board (NARB) [5] - The NAD's findings highlight the importance of clear and conspicuous advertising disclosures to avoid consumer confusion [4][8] Group 2 - The National Advertising Division serves as an independent body that reviews advertising truthfulness and promotes fair competition [8] - BBB National Programs, which oversees the NAD, has been enhancing consumer trust in business for over 50 years through various self-regulation programs [7]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a neutral investment rating for the U.S. stock market [1] Core Insights - The U.S. stock market is experiencing a steady recovery, led by the technology sector, with the S&P 500 rising by 5.3% and the Nasdaq increasing by 7.2% [3] - Significant capital inflows have been observed, particularly in the semiconductor and automotive sectors, indicating strong investor interest [4] - Earnings expectations for the S&P 500 constituents have been slightly adjusted upwards, with traditional industries showing the most significant upward revisions [5] Summary by Sections Price Trends - The S&P 500 increased by 5.3% and the Nasdaq by 7.2% this week, with the automotive and semiconductor sectors leading the gains at +16.2% and +13.3% respectively [3] Capital Flows - Estimated capital inflows for the S&P 500 constituents reached +$25.71 billion this week, a significant increase from the previous week's +$2.99 billion [4] - The semiconductor sector saw the highest inflow at +$9.17 billion, followed by automotive at +$6.59 billion [18] Earnings Forecasts - The dynamic F12M EPS expectations for the S&P 500 were adjusted up by 0.1%, with 19 sectors seeing upward revisions, particularly real estate (+0.7%) and materials (+0.5%) [5]

Core Viewpoint - Verizon Communications is terminating its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs amid scrutiny from the Trump administration as it seeks federal approval for its $20 billion acquisition of Frontier Communications [1][6]. Group 1: Changes to DEI Programs - Verizon is removing its "Diversity and Inclusion" website and eliminating references to DEI in employee training programs [3]. - The company plans to end workforce diversity goals and will drop a management compensation component aimed at increasing the representation of women and minorities in its U.S. workforce [4]. - Verizon's Chief Legal Officer stated that some DEI policies could be linked to discrimination, and the changes will take effect immediately [6]. Group 2: Acquisition Details - Verizon's acquisition of Frontier Communications is valued at $20 billion, including debt, and aims to increase its scale by adding 2.2 million fiber subscribers, expanding its reach to 25 million premises across 31 states and Washington, D.C. [7]. - The acquisition is described as a "strategic fit" that will enhance Verizon's competitiveness in the U.S. market [7]. - Frontier's CEO noted that the deal provides a substantial cash premium to its shareholders and creates new opportunities for employees while expanding access to reliable connectivity for more Americans [9].

Core Viewpoint - Verizon Communications is terminating its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs following scrutiny from the Trump administration and as it seeks approval for its $9.6 billion acquisition of Frontier Communications [1][7]. Group 1: Changes in DEI Programs - The company is removing its "Diversity and Inclusion" website and eliminating references to DEI from employee training [2][4]. - Verizon will no longer maintain any workforce diversity goals and will discontinue a component of its management compensation plan that aimed to increase the representation of women and minorities in its US workforce [4][5]. - The changes are effective immediately, as stated by Verizon's chief legal officer, who acknowledged that some DEI policies could be linked to discrimination [5]. Group 2: Regulatory Context - FCC Chair Brendan Carr expressed approval of Verizon's decision to end its DEI policies, framing it as a step that promotes equal opportunity and nondiscrimination [6]. - Carr had previously opened a probe into Verizon's promotion of DEI programs, indicating a broader regulatory scrutiny of such initiatives in the telecom sector [1][8].