Numerous factors, including Verizon’s NYSE: VZ valuation, yield, business traction, and analysts' sentiment, are aligning, setting the stock price up for a significant advance. Verizon’s 5G networks are gaining traction with consumers and businesses, revenue is growing, cash flow is improving, and the capital return is increasing annually. Verizon Communications TodayVZVerizon Communications$42.81 +0.32 (+0.76%) 52-Week Range$37.59▼$47.36Dividend Yield6.33%P/E Ratio10.19Price Target$47.33Add to WatchlistTh ...

Core Insights - Verizon Communications Inc. reported strong second-quarter 2025 results with adjusted earnings and revenues exceeding Zacks Consensus Estimates [1] Financial Performance - The company achieved net income of $5.12 billion or $1.18 per share, an increase from $4.7 billion or $1.09 per share in the prior-year quarter, primarily driven by top-line growth [3] - Total operating revenues rose by 5.2% to $34.5 billion, surpassing the consensus estimate of $33.58 billion, fueled by growth in service revenues and higher wireless equipment revenues [4] Segment Performance - Consumer segment revenues increased by 6.9% year over year to $26.65 billion, exceeding estimates of $25.63 billion, with service revenues up 2.1% to $20.26 billion and wireless equipment revenues up 29.6% to $5.37 billion [5] - Business segment revenues decreased by 0.3% to $7.27 billion, falling short of estimates due to lower wholesale and enterprise revenues, partially offset by growth in business markets [8] Subscriber Growth - Verizon recorded 278,000 net additions in fixed wireless access, bringing the total subscriber base to over 5.1 million, positioning the company to meet its target of 8 to 9 million subscribers by 2028 [2][9] - Wireless retail postpaid churn was 1.12%, while retail postpaid phone churn was 0.9%, indicating stable customer retention [6] Cash Flow and Guidance - The company generated $16.76 billion in net cash from operating activities for the first half of 2025, with free cash flow of $5.17 billion for the quarter [12] - For 2025, Verizon expects wireless service revenue growth of 2%-2.8% and adjusted EBITDA growth of 2.5%-3.5%, with adjusted earnings anticipated to grow by 1-3% [13]

Financial Performance - Verizon Communications reported revenue of $34.5 billion for the quarter ended June 2025, reflecting a 5.2% increase year-over-year [1] - Earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter was $1.22, up from $1.15 in the same quarter last year [1] - The reported revenue exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $33.58 billion by 2.76%, and EPS also surpassed the consensus estimate of $1.18 by 3.39% [1] Key Metrics - Consumer wireless retail postpaid accounts reached 32.55 million, slightly above the estimated 32.5 million [4] - Fios Internet connections totaled 7.2 million, just below the average estimate of 7.23 million [4] - Business wireless retail postpaid connections were 30.95 million, below the estimated 31.18 million [4] - The churn rate for wireless retail postpaid was 1.6%, higher than the estimated 1.4% [4] Revenue Breakdown - Operating revenues for Consumer reached $26.65 billion, exceeding the estimate of $25.69 billion, representing a 6.9% increase year-over-year [4] - Operating revenues for Business were $7.28 billion, slightly above the estimate of $7.26 billion, showing a minor decrease of 0.3% year-over-year [4] - Consumer service revenues were $20.26 billion, compared to the estimate of $20.23 billion, marking a 5.5% year-over-year increase [4] - Consumer wireless equipment revenues surged to $5.37 billion, significantly above the estimate of $4.49 billion, reflecting a 29.6% year-over-year increase [4] - Consumer other revenues were $1.02 billion, below the estimate of $975.87 million, indicating a 35.3% year-over-year decline [4] - Business markets and other revenues were $3.35 billion, exceeding the estimate of $3.22 billion, with a 4.5% year-over-year increase [4] - Enterprise and public sector revenues were $3.44 billion, slightly below the estimate of $3.48 billion, showing a 3.1% year-over-year decline [4] - Wholesale revenues were $494 million, below the estimate of $552 million, reflecting a 10.5% year-over-year decrease [4] Stock Performance - Verizon's shares have returned -2.1% over the past month, contrasting with the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +5.4% change [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), suggesting it may perform in line with the broader market in the near term [3]

Financial Performance - Total revenue increased to $34.5 billion, a 5.2% year-over-year increase[21] - Adjusted EBITDA grew to $12.8 billion, up 4.1% year-over-year, with a margin of 37.1%[6, 21] - Adjusted EPS increased to $1.22, a 6.1% year-over-year increase[21] - First half free cash flow reached $8.8 billion, a 3.6% year-over-year increase[6] Subscriber Growth - Wireless service revenue increased by 2.2% year-over-year[6] - The company surpassed 5 million Fixed Wireless Access subscribers[6] - Wireless retail postpaid phone gross adds were 2.7 million, up 13.8% year-over-year[11] - Consumer wireless retail postpaid phone gross adds were 2.0 million, up 18.9% year-over-year[11] Updated Guidance - The company raised 2025 guidance on Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EPS, and free cash flow[6] - Free cash flow guidance was raised to $19.5 billion - $20.5 billion[25]

Marking a quarter century of reliability and innovation, Verizon looks ahead to shaping the future of technology and empowering the next generation of digital connectionsNEW YORK, June 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- For 25 years, Verizon has been leading with technology and innovation for our customers and helped shape the way Americans connect every day. What started as a bold vision in 2000 has grown into a company with the most wireless retail connections in the industry and a network of technological brea ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The competitive intensity in the market has increased, with gross adds showing double-digit growth on the postpaid phone side [6][10] - The company has seen a slight increase in churn due to price hikes and competitive pressures, but expects to return to a business-as-usual (BAU) posture in the second half of the year [54][74] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The broadband and mobility businesses are identified as the two engines of growth, with a clear path to becoming the number one converged player in America [10][14] - The company aims to cover 40 million homes with fiber and continues to see strong momentum in its Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) product, targeting 8 to 9 million subscribers [13][24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The switcher pool has increased, with both port-ins and port-outs rising, indicating a competitive environment [6][10] - The company has a strong position in the prepaid market, having gained market share over the last three quarters [37][38] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to be the number one converged player in America, focusing on both mobility and broadband [10][14] - The strategy includes leveraging AI for operational efficiencies and enhancing customer care, which is seen as a potential differentiator in the market [106][109] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the competitive landscape but believes the company's value proposition resonates well with customers [7][10] - The company expects to see continued growth in gross adds and a reduction in churn as it implements its strategies [54][74] Other Important Information - The company has committed to a million-plus new fiber offerings post-acquisition of Frontier, with a focus on reducing build costs through automation and AI [21][23] - Adjacent products and perks are becoming a significant part of the business, with a projected $2 billion run rate and mid-30% margins [78][81] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the expectations for gross adds in the second half of the year? - Management expects gross add momentum to continue due to a strong value proposition and improved sales execution [56][61] Question: How does the company view the competitive landscape and its impact on ARPU? - The company does not aggressively pursue pre-to-post migration but focuses on serving customers well in the prepaid space, maintaining a premium mix [63][64] Question: What is the strategy for reducing churn? - A strong value proposition, cross-selling opportunities, and loyalty programs are key strategies for reducing churn [69][72] Question: How does the company leverage AI in its operations? - AI is used to enhance customer care, improve operational efficiencies, and provide personalized experiences [106][109]

The bulls are still shunning this bellwether of the telecom sector.Verizon Communications (VZ 1.40%) is often considered a reliable income stock. It's one of the largest telecom companies in America, and it's raised its dividend for 18 consecutive years. But over the past five years, its stock price declined nearly 30% as the S&P 500 advanced more than 90%.Verizon's stock stumbled as it struggled to gain new wireless subscribers. But at $42 a share, it looks undeniably cheap at 9 times forward earnings and ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Wireless service revenue increased by 2.7%, reaching the high end of the guided range [9] - Adjusted EBITDA was reported at $12.6 billion, marking a 4% growth and the highest result ever [9][20] - Free cash flow improved by over $900 million compared to the previous year, totaling $3.6 billion [9][27] - Adjusted EPS for the quarter was $1.19, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 3.5% [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consumer postpaid phone net losses were 356,000, primarily due to recent pricing actions [21] - Prepaid net adds reached 137,000, the best performance since the TracFone acquisition [13][24] - Broadband services saw 339,000 net adds, with continued market share growth in both Fios and fixed wireless access [24][14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is on track to deploy C-Band to 80% to 90% of planned sites by year-end, enhancing mobility services [11] - Fios expansion is ahead of schedule, with a target of 650,000 incremental passings this year [12] - The fixed wireless access product is expected to reach 8 million to 9 million subscribers by 2028 [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to grow wireless service revenue, expand adjusted EBITDA, and generate strong free cash flow [17] - Focus on customer-first offerings, including myPlan, myHome, and My Biz Plan, to enhance customer experience and retention [10][34] - The pending acquisition of Frontier is expected to significantly enhance broadband offerings and market reach [10][39] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating the current macroeconomic environment, citing the essential nature of connectivity services [7][8] - The company anticipates improved consumer postpaid phone net adds for the full year, despite recent challenges [22] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining financial discipline and operational excellence to achieve long-term growth [18][27] Other Important Information - The company was recognized as having the best, fastest, and most reliable 5G network in the US by RootMetrics [11] - The Verizon Value Guarantee, a new three-year price lock and free phone guarantee, is expected to drive customer loyalty and growth [46][55] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of tariffs on handsets and telecom equipment - Management indicated that tariffs on handsets could affect consumer pricing but emphasized that they are prepared to manage these challenges without compromising capital expenditures [61][67] Question: Churn expectations with new plans and promotions - Management expects churn to improve in the second half of the year due to the introduction of the Verizon Value Guarantee and ongoing C-Band expansion [72][73] Question: March and April gross adds improvement - Management noted that the new Verizon Value Guarantee has led to double-digit growth in gross adds, indicating strong market resonance [87] Question: Sustainability of business EBITDA growth - Management confirmed that the recent EBITDA growth is supported by ongoing cost transformation efforts and a shift towards higher-margin wireless services [90][93] Question: Consumer behavior changes due to tariffs - Management reported no significant changes in consumer behavior but noted some uptick in handset upgrades attributed to new offers [100][102] Question: Postpaid phone industry growth expectations - Management maintains that the postpaid market is expected to grow between 8 million and 8.5 million, with a focus on migrating customers from prepaid to postpaid [119] Question: Marketing and pricing strategy adjustments - Management is focused on maintaining a competitive pricing strategy while ensuring that service revenue growth remains sustainable [125][135]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Wireless service revenue increased by 2.7%, reaching the high end of the guided range [8][19] - Adjusted EBITDA reached $12.6 billion, marking a 4% growth and the highest reported result ever [9][19] - Free cash flow improved by over $900 million compared to the previous year, totaling $3.6 billion [9][19] - Adjusted EPS was $1.19 for the quarter, up 3.5% year over year [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consumer postpaid phone net losses were 356,000, attributed to recent pricing actions [16] - Prepaid net adds were 137,000, the best performance since the TracFone acquisition [11][16] - Broadband offerings, including Fios and fixed wireless access, added 339,000 net customers, continuing to gain market share [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is on track to deploy C band to 80-90% of planned sites by year-end [10] - Fixed wireless access is expected to reach 8-9 million subscribers by 2028 [12] - The company aims to cover over 100 million premises with broadband offerings over time [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on growing wireless service revenue, expanding adjusted EBITDA, and generating strong free cash flow [14] - A multiyear business transformation is underway, emphasizing customer-first strategies and targeted offerings [25][39] - The company is committed to enhancing customer experience through AI and personalized services [23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating the current macroeconomic landscape and emphasized the essential nature of connectivity services [6][7] - The company anticipates improved churn rates in the second half of the year due to new pricing strategies and customer retention initiatives [50] - Management remains optimistic about achieving better consumer postpaid phone net adds in 2025 compared to 2024 [66] Other Important Information - The company is pursuing a pending acquisition of Frontier to enhance its broadband capabilities [9][21] - The Verizon Value Guarantee, which includes a three-year price lock and free phone guarantee, is expected to drive customer loyalty and revenue growth [31][36] Q&A Session Questions and Answers Question: Impact of tariffs on handsets and telecom equipment - Management indicated that tariffs on handsets could lead to increased costs for consumers, but they are prepared to manage these challenges without compromising capital expenditures [45][46] Question: Churn expectations with new plans and promotions - Management expects churn to improve in the second half of the year, attributing recent increases to specific pricing actions that were necessary for revenue stability [50] Question: March and April gross adds improvement - The company reported double-digit growth in gross adds in April, largely driven by the successful launch of the Verizon Value Guarantee [65] Question: Consumer behavior changes due to tariffs - Management noted no significant shifts in consumer behavior, with stable payment trends and continued demand for connectivity services [75][80] Question: Business EBITDA growth sustainability - Management expressed confidence in sustaining business EBITDA growth, attributing it to ongoing cost transformation efforts and a shift towards higher-margin wireless services [68][81]