Core Viewpoint - Verizon Communications is viewed as a reliable defensive stock but has struggled to outperform the market, particularly during bull markets [1][2][12] Group 1: Performance and Market Comparison - Since the current bull market began on October 12, 2022, the S&P 500 has risen by 51%, while Verizon's stock has only increased by 28% [2] - In 2023, Verizon's stock rallied by 14% as the S&P 500 declined by 8%, indicating its defensive nature during economic uncertainty [2] - Over the past 20 years, Verizon's stock has only risen by 34%, with a $10,000 investment growing to $13,400, compared to an S&P 500 index fund that would have grown to approximately $43,140 [3][4] Group 2: Financial Metrics and Debt - Verizon's adjusted earnings per share (EPS) has had a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of only 3% from 2004 to 2024 [4] - The company's year-end debt increased from $39.3 billion to $168.4 billion, primarily due to a $130 billion acquisition of Vodafone's stake in Verizon Wireless in 2014 [5] - Verizon expects its wireless revenue to grow by 2% to 2.8% in 2025, with adjusted EBITDA projected to grow by 1% to 3% [8] Group 3: Subscriber Growth and Market Strategy - In 2023, Verizon struggled to gain new wireless subscribers, attributing the slowdown to competition from AT&T, T-Mobile, and other smaller players [6] - In 2024, Verizon doubled its postpaid phone net additions, thanks to localized incentives, marketing campaigns, and a partnership with Walmart [7] - The wireless retail churn rate improved from 1.67% in 2023 to 1.62% in 2024, indicating better customer retention [7] Group 4: Future Outlook - Verizon's enterprise value is $329 billion, trading at 7 times this year's adjusted EBITDA, with a forward dividend yield of 6.1% [9] - If Verizon maintains a CAGR of 3% for adjusted EPS and EBITDA over the next 20 years, its stock could potentially rise by more than 90% to around $88 per share by 2045 [11] - Despite potential gains, Verizon is expected to underperform compared to the S&P 500, which has delivered an average annual return of over 10% since 1957 [11][12]

Core Insights - Verizon Business is showcasing a first-of-its-kind portable Private 5G Network framework at the 2025 NAB Show, aimed at addressing the challenges broadcasters face during live events [1][7] - The mobile setup utilizes NVIDIA accelerated computing and AI to manage multiple camera feeds, allowing for intelligent video prioritization and enhancing live production quality [2][3] Company Overview - Verizon Communications Inc. generated revenues of $134.8 billion in 2024 and serves nearly all Fortune 500 companies, emphasizing its commitment to innovation and customer needs [5] Industry Trends - The demand for innovative approaches in live content production and fan engagement is rapidly evolving, with a focus on AI and automation to enhance broadcast workflows [3][4] - Verizon Business is actively participating in discussions at the NAB Show regarding the future of live content and remote production, highlighting the importance of private networks and edge computing [4][7]

Core Viewpoint - Verizon Communications Inc. has introduced a three-year price lock guarantee for its myPlan and myHome network plans, aiming to attract new customers and retain existing ones in a challenging economic environment [1][17]. Group 1: Customer-Centric Initiatives - The price lock guarantee ensures that core monthly plan prices for calling, data, and texting will remain unchanged for three years, excluding taxes and fees [1]. - Verizon offers a free phone from major brands like Apple, Google, or Samsung with any myPlan enrollment when users trade in any phone, along with free home internet routers for myHome plans [2]. - Customers can enjoy free satellite text messaging services on qualifying devices and save over 40% on popular subscription services like Netflix and Disney+ [2][3]. Group 2: 5G and Infrastructure Development - Verizon is experiencing significant adoption of 5G and fixed wireless broadband, supported by premium unlimited plans and a mix-and-match pricing strategy [4]. - The company is focused on enhancing its 5G network through massive spectrum holdings, deep fiber resources, and deploying small cells [3][5]. - High capital expenditures are being made to support the launch and build-out of the 5G Ultra Wideband network and significant fiber assets [9][10]. Group 3: Strategic Partnerships - Verizon is exploring a partnership with Banco Santander to enhance customer satisfaction, which may lead to increased customer additions [6][7]. - Santander aims to leverage Verizon's customer base to develop its technology platform for consumer banking in the U.S. [7]. Group 4: Financial Performance and Market Position - Verizon's stock has gained 8.3% over the past year, lagging behind competitors like AT&T and T-Mobile, which have seen gains of 64.2% and 66.3%, respectively [12]. - Earnings estimates for Verizon for 2025 and 2026 have declined by 0.2% and 0.4%, indicating bearish sentiment towards the stock [16]. - The company's wireline division is facing challenges with persistent losses in access lines due to competitive pressures [8][11].

Group 1 - Verizon Communications is a leading U.S. cellphone carrier with a strong track record of exceeding earnings estimates, particularly in the last two quarters, achieving an average surprise of 0.88% [1] - For the last reported quarter, Verizon's earnings were $1.10 per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.09 per share, resulting in a surprise of 0.92% [2] - In the previous quarter, Verizon reported earnings of $1.19 per share against an expected $1.18 per share, delivering a surprise of 0.85% [2] Group 2 - Recent favorable changes in earnings estimates for Verizon indicate a positive Earnings ESP of +0.98%, suggesting analysts are optimistic about the company's earnings prospects [4][7] - The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) suggests a high likelihood of another earnings beat, with historical data showing that such combinations lead to positive surprises nearly 70% of the time [5][7] - The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate, with the Most Accurate Estimate reflecting the latest analyst revisions, which may provide a more accurate prediction [6]

Core Insights - Zacks Premium provides various tools for investors to enhance their stock market strategies, including daily updates on Zacks Rank and Industry Rank, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens [1][2] Zacks Style Scores - Zacks Style Scores rate stocks based on value, growth, and momentum characteristics, helping investors identify securities likely to outperform the market in the next 30 days [2][3] - Each stock receives a rating from A to F, with A indicating the highest potential for outperformance [3] Value Score - The Value Style Score focuses on identifying undervalued stocks using financial ratios such as P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, and Price/Cash Flow [3] Growth Score - The Growth Style Score assesses a company's financial strength and future outlook by analyzing projected and historical earnings, sales, and cash flow [4] Momentum Score - The Momentum Style Score evaluates stocks based on price trends and earnings outlook changes, helping investors identify optimal buying opportunities [5] VGM Score - The VGM Score combines all three Style Scores, providing a comprehensive indicator for investors who utilize multiple investing strategies [6] Zacks Rank - The Zacks Rank is a proprietary model that uses earnings estimate revisions to simplify portfolio building, with 1 (Strong Buy) stocks achieving an average annual return of +25.41% since 1988, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 [7][8] - Investors are encouraged to select stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 and Style Scores of A or B for the highest likelihood of success [9][10] Company Spotlight: Verizon Communications (VZ) - Verizon Communications, formed from the merger of Bell Atlantic and GTE Corp, is the largest wireless carrier in North America, providing various communication services [11] - Currently rated 3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, Verizon has a VGM Score of B and a Momentum Style Score of B, with shares increasing by 4.4% over the past four weeks [12] - Analysts have recently revised Verizon's earnings estimate upwards for fiscal 2025, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate now at $4.69 per share, and the company has an average earnings surprise of 1.3% [12][13]

Core Insights - Verizon is advancing its consumer business transformation with a strong value commitment aimed at enhancing long-term customer relationships across its mobile and home services [1][2] - The company is introducing a three-year price lock guarantee on all myPlan and myHome network plans, which is a first in the industry, ensuring price stability for customers [6] Business Strategy - The transformation journey began two years ago, focusing on redefining consumer relationships through innovative offerings and a robust network [2] - Verizon aims to improve customer retention, sustainable revenue growth, and long-term shareholder value by providing unprecedented value and predictability [2] Customer Value Enhancements - The new offerings include a price lock guarantee, a free phone with every myPlan, and a home router included at no additional cost [3][4][6] - Customers can save over 40% on popular subscription services like Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu, with additional savings available for those who have both myPlan and myHome [6] Market Position - Verizon positions itself as the first and only carrier to offer a three-year price lock guarantee, automatically enrolling existing customers and resetting the price lock with any plan change [6] - The company emphasizes its unique market position by providing free satellite text messaging on qualifying devices and various savings opportunities through partnerships like the Verizon Visa Credit Card [6]

In investing, it is necessary to adjust your opinion as new data comes in. A wonderful example that I could point to involves telecommunications giant Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ ). In my most recent article about it, published Subscribers get to use a 50+ stock model account, in-depth cash flow analyses of E&P firms, and live chat discussion of the sector. Sign up today for your two-week free trial and get a new lease on oil & gas! Crude Value Insights offers you an investing service and community foc ...

For new and old investors, taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals. Zacks Premium provides lots of different ways to do both. The Style Scores are broken down into four categories: Value Score Value investors love finding good stocks at good prices, especially before the broader market catches on to a stock's true value. Utilizing ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and many other multiples, the Value Style Score identifies the most attractive ...

Verizon Communications Inc. VZ is dialing up a bullish breakout as its stock pushes past key technical levels. With shares up 12.76% year to date and 5.20% in the past month, Verizon stock has now confirmed a golden cross, a classic bullish indicator signaling potential for more upside. Chart created using Benzinga Pro Read Also: EXCLUSIVE: Why Defiance ETF CEO Sees Big Gains Ahead During Nvidia's 6G Revolution Verizon Stock Technicals Confirm A Strong Uptrend At $44.93, Verizon stock is currently above its ...

Investors are shifting their strategies due to rising market uncertainty caused by ongoing tariff disputes and widespread economic concerns. They are seeking safety in historically defensive sectors, and as a result, the telecommunications sector is experiencing a resurgence of interest. The double-digit growth of telecom giants Verizon NYSE: VZ and AT&T NYSE: T over the past three months highlights the renewed attention on these companies. These established telecom titans may be emerging as crucial defensi ...