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 ...

Core Insights - Zacks Premium offers various tools to help investors make informed decisions and enhance their confidence in the stock market [1] - The Zacks Style Scores provide a unique rating system for stocks based on value, growth, and momentum characteristics, aiding investors in selecting securities with high potential for market outperformance [2][3] Zacks Style Scores - Stocks are rated from A to F based on their value, growth, and momentum, with A being the highest score indicating a better chance of outperforming the market [3] - The Value Score identifies attractive and discounted stocks using ratios like P/E, PEG, and Price/Sales [4] - The Growth Score focuses on a company's financial strength and future outlook, analyzing projected and historical earnings, sales, and cash flow [5] - The Momentum Score helps investors capitalize on price trends by evaluating recent price changes and earnings estimate shifts [6] - The VGM Score combines the three Style Scores to highlight stocks with the best value, growth, and momentum characteristics [6] Zacks Rank - The Zacks Rank is a proprietary model that leverages earnings estimate revisions to assist investors in building successful portfolios [7] - Stocks rated 1 (Strong Buy) have historically achieved an average annual return of +25.41% since 1988, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 [8] - Investors are encouraged to select stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 and Style Scores of A or B for optimal returns [9] Company Spotlight: Verizon Communications - Verizon Communications Inc. is a major player in the communication services sector, providing local phone, long-distance, wireless, and data services [11] - The company holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) and a VGM Score of B, indicating a solid position in the market [12] - Verizon's Value Style Score is B, supported by a forward P/E ratio of 9.67, making it attractive for value investors [12] - Recent earnings estimates for fiscal 2025 have been revised upward, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate now at $4.69 per share, alongside an average earnings surprise of 1.3% [12][13]

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 ...

Core Insights - Investors are shifting strategies towards defensive sectors like telecommunications due to rising market uncertainty from tariff disputes and economic concerns [1][2] - The telecommunications sector is experiencing renewed interest, with companies like Verizon and AT&T showing double-digit growth [1][2] Industry Overview - The telecommunications sector is traditionally viewed as a defensive investment, maintaining stable demand even during economic downturns, which ensures consistent revenue streams [2][3] - The essential nature of telecommunication services makes this sector attractive during periods of market instability [2][3] Company Performance: Verizon - Verizon reported a 1.6% year-over-year increase in total operating revenue for Q4 2024, reaching $35.7 billion, contributing to a full-year revenue of $134.8 billion [5] - The company added nearly 1 million postpaid mobile and broadband subscribers in Q4, including 568,000 postpaid phone net additions [6] - Verizon's dividend yield stands at 6.03%, with a history of 20 years of dividend increases and a current payout ratio of 65.46% [4][6] Company Performance: AT&T - AT&T exceeded Q4 2024 EPS estimates with an adjusted EPS of $0.54, reporting strong subscriber growth with 1.7 million postpaid phone net additions [8][10] - The company’s full-year 2024 revenue decreased slightly to $122.3 billion, but it is focusing on expanding its 5G and fiber networks for long-term value [9][10] - AT&T's dividend yield is approximately 3.94%, with a payout ratio of 74.50% [8][10] Comparative Analysis - Verizon's dividend yield of 6.02% is higher than AT&T's 3.94%, making it more attractive for income-focused investors [11] - Verizon has a lower P/E ratio of 10.87 compared to AT&T's 18.92, indicating a more favorable valuation [12] - Financially, Verizon outperformed AT&T in 2024 with higher annual revenue and net income figures [12] Market Sentiment - Both Verizon and AT&T have a moderate buy consensus rating, with analysts showing cautious optimism about their strategic directions [7][13] - The heightened investor interest in these telecom stocks suggests a potential resurgence during market uncertainty [14]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights three companies—Altria, Verizon, and Chubb Limited—that are considered insulated from the impact of tariffs proposed by the Trump administration, making them attractive investment options in an unpredictable market [1][2]. Group 1: Altria - Altria is the largest tobacco company in America, controlling 45.9% of the U.S. retail cigarette market in 2024, and has diversified into smokeless products [4][6]. - Despite declining adult smoking rates, Altria has managed to maintain profitability through price increases, cost-cutting, and share buybacks, with analysts projecting a 4% EPS growth in 2025 and 3% in 2026 [5][6]. - The stock trades at 11 times forward earnings and offers a forward dividend yield of 7.1%, having raised its payout annually since 2008, making it appealing to income-oriented investors [6][7]. Group 2: Verizon - Verizon is a major telecom company that generates most of its profits from domestic wireless and wireline services, making it less vulnerable to tariffs [8]. - In 2024, Verizon saw a significant recovery, more than doubling its postpaid phone net additions and reducing its total wireless churn rate to 1.62%, attributed to localized marketing and customizable plans [9]. - Analysts expect Verizon's adjusted EPS to grow by 2% in 2025 and 4% in 2026, with the stock trading at 9 times forward earnings and a forward yield of 6.1%, having raised its payout for 18 consecutive years [10]. Group 3: Chubb Limited - Chubb is the largest publicly traded provider of various insurance policies, which are not directly affected by tariffs, as insurance companies do not engage in import/export activities [11]. - Chubb's core operating income per share rose by 30% in 2023 and 13% in 2024, with consolidated net premiums increasing by 13.5% in 2023 and 8.7% in 2024 [12]. - The stock trades at 14 times forward earnings, offers a forward dividend yield of 1.2%, and has raised its payout for 32 consecutive years, making it a stable investment option [13].

Group 1: Financial Stability and Cash Flow - Strong cash flows reflect financial stability, enabling companies to eliminate debt, pursue growth opportunities, and distribute dividend payments [1][6] - Companies with strong cash flows are better equipped to weather downturns, providing a long-term advantage for investors [1] Group 2: Apple Inc. (AAPL) - Apple has generated $108.8 billion in free cash flow throughout FY24, with flows on a steady uptrend [3] - The company posted adjusted EPS of $2.40 and sales of $124.3 billion, reflecting growth rates of 10% and 4%, respectively, both all-time records [5] - Apple has raised its quarterly dividend payout for 13 consecutive years, currently yielding 0.5% annually with a five-year annualized dividend growth of 4.9% [2][3] Group 3: Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ) - Verizon's FY24 free cash flow of $19.8 billion grew 6% year-over-year, with shares currently yielding 6.2% annually [8] - The company is close to joining the elite Dividend Aristocrats club due to years of consistently higher payouts [8] - Continued customer growth and expanding broadband market share have positively impacted Verizon's performance [10] Group 4: NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) - NVIDIA reported quarterly sales of $39.3 billion, a 78% increase year-over-year, and adjusted EPS of $0.89, reflecting 71% growth YoY [11] - Data Center sales grew 90% year-over-year to $35.6 billion, highlighting strong demand [12] - The company posted free cash flow of $15.2 billion, up 40% from the previous year, driven by demand [13]

Summary of Key Points Core Viewpoint - The Dow Jones Industrial Average index experienced a decline of 1.6% in February, with notable performances from Coca-Cola and Verizon, which were the top gainers among the index constituents. Group 1: Coca-Cola - Coca-Cola was the best-performing stock in February, driven by strong earnings, reporting a 6.4% year-over-year revenue growth for Q4 and a 14% surge in organic revenue [2] - The company's operating margin increased to 23.5% from 21%, and earnings per share (EPS) rose by 12% [2] - For the full year, Coca-Cola reported a 3% growth in revenue and a 12% growth in organic revenue, despite a reduction in free cash flow to $4.7 billion due to tax litigation [3] - Coca-Cola announced a quarterly dividend hike of 5.2%, marking its 63rd consecutive annual dividend increase, contributing to its popularity as a Dividend King [3] Group 2: Verizon - Verizon's stock performance in February was bolstered by strong subscriber growth and initiatives to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) for new revenue streams [4] - The company launched AI Connect, a suite of products for businesses to manage AI workloads, estimating a total addressable market of over $40 billion [5] - In 2024, Verizon added nearly 2.5 million postpaid mobility and broadband subscribers, grew total wireless service revenue by 3%, and generated $19.8 billion in free cash flow [6] - Verizon raised its dividend for the 18th consecutive year, although it anticipates slightly slower wireless service revenue growth of 2% to 2.8% and free cash flow of $18 billion for 2025 [6]

Core Insights - Frank Boulben, senior vice president and chief revenue officer for Verizon's Consumer Group, will speak at the New Street Research and BCG Future of Connectivity Leaders Conference on March 26, 2025 [1] - Verizon is focused on innovating its mobile and broadband platforms, enhancing customer experience, and strengthening customer relationships while remaining on track to meet its 2025 financial and operational guidance [2][3] Financial Expectations for 2025 - Verizon anticipates total wireless service revenue growth of 2.0% to 2.8% [9] - Adjusted EBITDA is expected to grow by 2.0% to 3.5% [9] - Adjusted EPS growth is projected to be between 0% to 3.0% [9] - Cash flow from operations is forecasted to be between $35.0 billion and $37.0 billion [9] - Capital expenditures are estimated to be between $17.5 billion and $18.5 billion [9] - Free cash flow is expected to range from $17.5 billion to $18.5 billion [9] Company Overview - Verizon generated revenues of $134.8 billion in 2024 and serves nearly all of the Fortune 500 companies [6]