Verizon (VZ) 2025 Conference September 04, 2025 08:50 AM ET Company ParticipantsMichael Rollins - Managing DirectorTony Skiadas - EVP & CFOMichael RollinsClients only. Welcome back to Citi's twenty twenty five global TMT conference. For those of you I haven't met, I'm Mike Rollins. I cover communication services and infrastructure for Citi. Disclosures are available at the back of the room.And if you don't have access or would like another copy, please email me at michael.rollins@Citi.com. With the housekee ...

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the rapid growth and potential of the AI and AR glasses market, emphasizing the strategic positioning of Shenzhen Montong Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. in this evolving landscape, with a projected revenue increase of 300% in the first half of 2025 compared to the entire year of 2024 [4][14]. Company Overview - Shenzhen Montong Intelligent was established in 2022, focusing on the independent research and development of AI+AR glasses and the construction of a spatial AI operating system [5]. - The founder, Zhang Maolei, has a strong background in consumer electronics, having been a core member of the Gionee mobile team, which aids in the rapid transformation of cutting-edge technology into marketable products [5]. - The team comprises members from leading companies such as Gionee, OPPO, VIVO, Alibaba, and others, providing a robust foundation in hardware, software, and AI algorithms [5]. Market Dynamics - The global technology industry is undergoing a transformation driven by AI large models, with the AR/AI glasses market expected to experience explosive growth, potentially exceeding 100 million units shipped by 2028 [6]. - The integration of AI and AR technologies is creating new human-computer interaction methods, shifting from traditional 2D screens to 3D spatial interactions [6]. - Despite the presence of major players like Meta and Xiaomi, the current market is still in its infancy, primarily attracting early adopters rather than mainstream consumers [6][7]. Product Development and Strategy - Montong Intelligent is adopting a "produce one generation, research one generation, and pre-research one generation" strategy to accelerate product development and market entry [10]. - The company has launched the world's first third-generation AR glasses with the largest field of view, integrating high-performance display systems into a lightweight form factor [12]. - Upcoming products include a cost-effective AI glasses solution and a new AIR glasses model featuring anti-glare technology, aimed at enhancing usability in various environments [12][14]. Future Outlook - The period from 2025 to 2028 is seen as critical for defining the next generation of AI interfaces, paralleling the smartphone industry's evolution from 2007 to 2010 [10]. - Montong Intelligent is in discussions with major global companies for partnerships and aims to achieve large-scale production and delivery by 2026 [14]. - The future competition in the market will focus on ecosystem development, with Montong planning to build a comprehensive spatial AI interaction platform [14].

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Financial Performance - The company reported strong financial performance with wireless service revenue of $20.9 billion, up 2.2% year over year [6][27] - Adjusted EBITDA reached $12.8 billion, marking a 4.1% increase year over year, setting a record for the best reported quarter [6][28] - Free cash flow for the quarter was $5.2 billion, bringing year-to-date free cash flow to $8.8 billion, an increase of over $300 million compared to the first half of 2024 [6][31] Business Line Performance - The company achieved over 300,000 net additions across Mobility and Broadband platforms in the second quarter [10] - Fixed wireless access subscribers surpassed 5.1 million, with a goal of reaching 8 to 9 million by 2028 [12][24] - Fios Internet net additions were 32,000, compared to 28,000 in the prior year period, indicating robust demand [24] Market Performance - The wireless market remains competitive, with elevated postpaid phone churn due to pricing actions and competitive pressures [11][19] - The company is focused on improving retention through enhanced value propositions and AI-powered customer experience innovations [11][20] - The broadband market is expected to improve in the second half of the year, with strong demand for both fiber and fixed wireless access offerings [75] Company Strategy and Industry Competition - The company is committed to disciplined execution and customer-centric innovation, focusing on profitable connections and customer relationship value [5][36] - The strategic acquisition of Frontier is expected to accelerate fiber expansion and broadband growth [15][37] - The company is leveraging AI to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency, positioning itself as a leader in the telecommunications industry [8][13] Management Commentary on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the business's future, citing strong financial performance and operational execution [5][36] - The company raised its full-year guidance for adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow, driven by strong cash flow from operations and tax reform benefits [9][34] - Management acknowledged ongoing competitive pressures but remains focused on maintaining financial discipline and improving customer retention [11][19] Other Important Information - The company is on track to complete the acquisition of Frontier in early 2026, with regulatory approvals already received from eight states [25][37] - The company is committed to reducing debt and maintaining a strong balance sheet, with net unsecured debt at $116 billion, a $6.9 billion improvement year over year [31][32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Free cash flow and capital allocation outlook - Management indicated that free cash flow guidance has been raised due to improved operational cash flow and tax reform benefits, with a focus on strategic investments, dividends, and debt reduction [42][44] Question: Consumer wireless net add expectations - Management confirmed the ambition for consumer net add improvement in 2025, emphasizing financial discipline in customer acquisition [48][49] Question: Postpaid ARPA growth deceleration - Management acknowledged the deceleration in postpaid ARPA growth but highlighted ongoing initiatives to drive revenue through broadband and adjacent services [58][59] Question: Broadband market trends and competitive dynamics - Management noted a softer move environment but expressed confidence in improving broadband performance in the second half of the year [75] Question: Fixed wireless deployment pace - Management confirmed that the pace of fixed wireless deployment remains unchanged, with a focus on achieving C band coverage [101][102] Question: Spectrum acquisition strategy - Management emphasized a strong position on existing spectrum and a cautious approach to future spectrum purchases, balancing build versus buy strategies [107][108]

Financial Performance - The company reported strong financial performance with wireless service revenue of $20.9 billion, up 2.2% year over year [5][25] - Adjusted EBITDA reached $12.8 billion, marking a 4.1% increase year over year, setting a record for the best reported quarter [5][27] - Free cash flow for the quarter was $5.2 billion, bringing year-to-date free cash flow to $8.8 billion, an increase of over $300 million compared to the first half of 2024 [5][29] Business Line Performance - The company achieved over 300,000 net additions across Mobility and Broadband platforms in the second quarter [8] - Fixed wireless access subscribers surpassed 5.1 million, with a goal of reaching 8 to 9 million by 2028 [11][23] - Fios Internet net additions were 32,000, compared to 28,000 in the prior year period, indicating robust growth in broadband [23] Market Performance - The wireless market remains competitive, with elevated postpaid phone churn due to pricing actions and competitive pressures [10][18] - The company is focused on improving retention through enhanced value propositions and AI-powered customer experience innovations [10][19] - The company expects mid-single-digit growth in upgrade activity for the full year [22] Company Strategy and Industry Competition - The company is committed to disciplined execution and customer-centric innovation, focusing on profitable connections and customer relationship value [4][34] - The strategic segmented market approach is resonating with customers, driving significant sales momentum [6][35] - The company is raising its full-year guidance for adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow, reflecting strong operational performance and tax reform benefits [7][32] Management Commentary on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the business's future, highlighting strong performance in the first half of the year and the effectiveness of their strategy [4][34] - The company anticipates continued service revenue growth, supported by healthy underlying customer economics [26][27] - Management noted that the regulatory approval process for the Frontier acquisition is progressing as planned, which will further accelerate fiber expansion [14][24] Other Important Information - The company is actively pursuing cost efficiency programs, including copper decommissioning and managed services initiatives [28][30] - The balance sheet remains strong, with a focus on reducing debt ahead of the Frontier transaction [31] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry about free cash flow and capital allocation - Management indicated that capital allocation priorities remain unchanged, focusing on business investments, dividends, debt reduction, and potential buybacks [41][42] Question: Discussion on consumer wireless outlook - Management confirmed the ambition for consumer net add improvement in 2025, while maintaining financial discipline [46][47] Question: Clarification on postpaid ARPA growth deceleration - Management acknowledged the deceleration but highlighted ongoing growth drivers and the potential for future improvements [56][58] Question: Update on broadband market trends - Management noted a consistent performance in Fios and strong demand for fixed wireless access, with expectations for better performance in the second half of the year [75][76]

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]