NEW YORK, Feb. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Board of Directors at Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) today declared a quarterly dividend of 67.75 cents per outstanding share, unchanged from the previous quarter. The quarterly dividend is payable on May 1, 2025, to Verizon shareholders of record at the close of business on April 10, 2025. Verizon demonstrated strong performance in 2024, as it more than doubled wireless postpaid phone net additions compared to 2023, and continued to take broad ...

Core Insights - Lowe's and Home Depot have reported a return to comparable store growth in Q4 2024, marking the first positive growth in over a year, indicating end-market strength and operational efficiencies [1][4][8] - Organic growth is expected to continue into 2025, supported by increased store counts, enhancing shareholder value and capital returns [2][12] Financial Performance - Lowe's net revenue for Q4 was $18.55 billion, a decrease of 0.3% year-over-year, but $0.26 billion better than analyst consensus [5] - The company experienced gross margin pressure but improved operational efficiencies led to an 80 basis-point increase in operating margin and a 58-point increase in net margin [6] - Earnings increased by $0.15 or 840 basis points annually, outperforming adjusted expectations by 500 basis points, providing strong cash flow for debt reduction and shareholder returns [7] Market Outlook - Guidance for 2025 indicates continued growth, including comparable store growth, although less than analysts' predictions, which has created a buying opportunity in the market [8] - Analysts maintain a bullish outlook for Lowe's stock, with price targets ranging from $282 to $305, indicating potential upside of 7% to 17% [12][14] Capital Management - The company has reduced its share count by 2.7% in 2024 through a slower pace of buybacks, allowing for significant debt reduction [11] - The dividend remains safe and reliable, expected to grow annually, with a payout ratio under 40% of earnings [11] Technical Analysis - The stock market showed a favorable technical action with a 3.5% rise in premarket trading, confirming support at critical levels and aligning with an uptrend [13] - Institutional buying activity has reached multi-year highs, indicating strong demand for Lowe's stock ahead of earnings releases [14]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2024, the company generated revenue of $164 million and EBITDA of $39 million, bringing full-year revenue to $667 million and EBITDA to $155 million [8][10] - Compared to the prior year, Q4 results were lower year-over-year but showed significant improvement from Q3, which was noted as the low point in quarterly financial performance [8][10] - The company reduced its leverage and lowered its cost of capital by re-pricing its term loan, maintaining a net leverage of 2.3x EBITDA and total funded debt of approximately $400 million [15][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The STRAT's weekend occupancy remained flat at 95% year-over-year, while mid-week occupancy decreased by 6%, leading to an overall occupancy of 75% for Q4 [11] - The Nevada Locals Casinos segment saw increased revenue and EBITDA compared to last year, with EBITDA margins improving to 46% [13] - The performance of the Nevada Tavern segment was negatively impacted by recent acquisitions, but same-store revenue improved by 6% from Q3 to Q4 [14][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - January 2025 showed broad strength in gaming revenue, with January EBITDA significantly up year-over-year, although February was expected to decline due to tough comparisons from the previous year's Super Bowl [10] - Las Vegas visitation reached nearly 42 million, marking the fourth consecutive year of growth, but still below pre-pandemic levels, indicating potential for recovery [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on operational efficiency, capital returns to shareholders, and exploring strategic alternatives, including M&A opportunities [18][19] - Future growth is anticipated from improved performance at The STRAT and stabilized revenues in new taverns, supported by the favorable economic trends in Nevada [17][18] - The company is not pursuing Greenfield developments or single asset acquisitions below $40 million to $50 million of EBITDA, focusing instead on transformative deals [56][75] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the health of the consumer database, particularly in the locals market, with signs of stabilization and improvement [42][44] - The STRAT is expected to benefit from increased convention traffic as the convention center expands, enhancing occupancy and revenue [31][32] - Labor inflation is anticipated to moderate, but mid-single-digit increases are expected, which the company is actively managing [36][38] Other Important Information - The company repurchased approximately 1.1 million shares at an average price of $32.65, totaling $36 million, with $99 million remaining under the current buyback authorization [16] - The company has repaid over $500 million of debt and returned nearly $190 million to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends since selling non-core assets [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Has the thinking around M&A changed? - Management confirmed that their approach to M&A remains proactive, with a focus on growing shareholder value [22][23] Question: How did the F1 promotional activities trend? - Management noted unexpected declines in F1-related performance but managed to mitigate some costs associated with the event [25] Question: What is the recovery status at The STRAT? - Management indicated that The STRAT's occupancy is significantly below 2019 levels but expects improvement with increased convention traffic [30][31] Question: What are the expectations for OpEx growth in the taverns? - Management anticipates sequential growth in tavern operations through 2025, despite initial disruptions from revamping operations [34][36] Question: What trends are seen in consumer behavior post-election? - Management observed stabilization in the consumer database, particularly among higher-tier customers, with improvements noted in January [42][44] Question: What is the company's stance on promotional activity in the locals market? - Management indicated that promotional activity has stabilized and is now considered rational, focusing on both existing players and reactivation efforts [52][54] Question: What are the geographical considerations for potential acquisitions? - Management clarified that any out-of-state acquisitions would involve multiple properties, avoiding single asset purchases outside Nevada [75][76]

General Motors Stock Forecast Today12-Month Stock Price Forecast:$59.7123.40% Upside HoldBased on 20 Analyst RatingsHigh Forecast$96.00Average Forecast$59.71Low Forecast$34.00General Motors Stock Forecast DetailsU.S. auto giant General Motors NYSE: GM recently made headlines with the announcement of a new $6 billion share buyback program. This move continues the company’s aggressive efforts to reduce its outstanding share count. But what’s the reasoning behind GM’s decision to allocate such a large sum towa ...