Why Verizon Stock Skyrocketed 20.4% Last Month and Is Rising in March

Core Viewpoint - Verizon's stock has experienced a significant rally following strong fourth-quarter results, outperforming broader market indices [1][2]. Group 1: Stock Performance - Verizon's share price surged 20.4% in February, contrasting with a 0.9% decline in the S&P 500 and a 3.4% decline in the Nasdaq Composite [1]. - The stock is up approximately 25.5% year-to-date in 2026 [2]. - Despite recent gains, Verizon's stock trades at 10.4 times this year's expected earnings, with a dividend yield of around 5.4% [11]. Group 2: Analyst Ratings and Price Targets - Following the strong fourth-quarter report, numerous analysts raised their stock ratings and price targets for Verizon in February [4]. - Daiwa upgraded its rating from outperform to buy and increased its one-year price target from $48 to $58 per share [5]. - Analysts highlighted Verizon's addition of 616,000 net postpaid subscribers as a significant achievement, indicating sustainable momentum for customer additions [7]. Group 3: Market Context - Verizon's stock has continued to rise in March, gaining 1.9% despite broader market volatility [8]. - Geopolitical tensions and macroeconomic factors have led to a general decline in stock prices, particularly affecting growth-dependent companies, while dividend-paying value stocks have seen valuation gains [10].