Core Viewpoint - AT&T has shown strong performance in the stock market but experienced a pullback after failing to raise guidance following its second quarter results, which investors had anticipated after Verizon's positive outlook [1][13]. Subscriber Growth - AT&T added 479,000 retail postpaid subscribers in the second quarter, including 401,000 retail postpaid phone additions, benefiting from Verizon's price hike [2]. - The company lost 34,000 prepaid subscribers, which is considered less significant compared to postpaid subscribers [2]. Revenue Performance - Overall mobility-segment revenue increased by 6.7% to $21.8 billion, with mobility service revenue rising by 3.5% to $16.9 billion and equipment sales surging by 18.8% to $5 billion [3]. - Broadband ARPU climbed by 7.5% to $71.16, while fiber ARPU rose by 6.2% to $73.26, contributing to total consumer broadband revenue growth of 5.8% to $3.5 billion [4]. Fiber Investment Strategy - AT&T plans to ramp up fiber investments to reach 4 million new locations per year, aiming to double its fiber locations to 60 million by 2030 [5]. - The investment will be supported by new tax provisions allowing immediate full depreciation of certain assets [6]. Wireline Segment Challenges - The business wireline segment saw a 9.3% revenue decrease to $4.3 billion, shifting from an operating profit of $102 million to a loss of $201 million [8]. - Adjusted EBITDA for this segment fell by 11.3% to $1.3 billion [9]. Financial Highlights - Total revenue rose by 3.5% to $30.8 billion, with adjusted EPS increasing by 5.8% to $0.54, surpassing Wall Street expectations [9]. - AT&T generated $9.8 billion in operating cash flow and $4.4 billion in free cash flow, maintaining a dividend payout of over $2 billion with a coverage ratio of 2.2 times [10]. Future Guidance - The company maintained its guidance, projecting mobility service revenue growth of 3% or better and adjusted EPS between $1.97 to $2.07, down from $2.26 in 2024 [11][12]. - Future capital expenditures are expected to be between $23 billion to $24 billion annually in 2026 and 2027, with projected free cash flow exceeding $18 billion in 2026 and $19 billion in 2027 [12]. Competitive Landscape - AT&T is aggressively competing with Verizon in subscriber additions by offering better deals and maintaining lower prices [13]. - The company aims to leverage tax benefits from the "One Big, Beautiful Bill" to enhance its fiber network, especially as Verizon expands its fiber network through the acquisition of Frontier Communications [14]. Valuation Comparison - Despite the stock's pullback, AT&T trades at a forward P/E of about 13.5 based on 2025 earnings estimates, compared to Verizon's forward P/E of 9 [15]. - The valuation gap and higher yield of Verizon (about 6%) suggest a preference for Verizon over AT&T, although both companies are seen as strong long-term investments [16].

Core Viewpoint - Verizon Communications has shown improvement in its stock performance following solid second quarter results and positive guidance, with a year-to-date stock price increase of approximately 7% and a yield exceeding 6% [1] Financial Performance - Verizon's Q2 revenue increased by 5.2% to $34.5 billion, surpassing analyst expectations of $33.74 billion [6] - Wireless service revenue rose by 2.2% to $20.9 billion, while wireless equipment revenue surged by 25.2% to $6.3 billion [6] - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) climbed 6% to $1.22, and adjusted EBITDA rose 4.1% to $12.8 billion [6] Subscriber Growth - The broadband business led growth, adding 293,000 net broadband subscribers, totaling 12.9 million, a year-over-year increase of over 12% [3] - The consumer wireless segment lost 51,000 postpaid subscribers but gained 50,000 prepaid subscribers [4] - Business service revenue increased by 1.6% to $3.6 billion, with 65,000 wireless retail postpaid net additions [5] Future Guidance - Verizon maintained its full-year 2025 wireless revenue growth forecast of 2% to 2.8% and increased the low end of its adjusted EPS growth forecast to 1% to 3% [7] - The company raised its operating cash flow outlook to between $37 billion and $39 billion, leading to a projected free cash flow of $19.5 billion to $20.5 billion [8][9] Dividend and Cash Flow - Verizon's dividend yield is approximately 6.4%, with a coverage ratio of 1.5x based on $8.8 billion in free cash flow generated in the first half of the year against $5.7 billion in dividends paid [10] - The company benefits from new tax legislation allowing for immediate 100% depreciation of certain assets, enhancing cash flow [11] Strategic Acquisitions - Verizon's acquisition of Frontier Communications is expected to significantly expand its fiber network, particularly in states like Florida, Texas, and California, enhancing its ability to bundle mobile and home internet services [14][15] Valuation - Verizon trades at a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 9x based on 2025 earnings estimates, which is below AT&T's 13x multiple, indicating potential upside [16]

Core Viewpoint - Verizon Communications reported solid earnings for Q2 2025, with rising revenue, earnings, and free cash flow, but concerns remain regarding its high debt levels, indicating potential struggles ahead without significant changes [1][12]. Financial Performance - Verizon's total debt reached nearly $146 billion by mid-2025, an increase from $144 billion at the end of the previous year, with unsecured debt rising by $2 billion [3]. - The company's total equity or book value stands at $104 billion, highlighting the strain of its debt obligations on the balance sheet [3]. - Over the past 12 months, Verizon incurred $6.6 billion in interest expenses, translating to slightly over 4% interest costs relative to its total debt of $154 billion, which is considered relatively low [5]. Debt and Interest Rates - Interest rates have increased since 2021, and while only about $2 billion of Verizon's debt is due this year, refinancing at higher rates is anticipated, potentially increasing future costs [6]. - The company has historically relied on debt to finance its telecom network, with a significant acquisition of C-band spectrum costing $52.9 billion in 2021 [4]. Dividend Sustainability - Verizon has maintained an 18-year streak of dividend increases, with a current dividend yield of 6.4%, significantly higher than the S&P 500 average of 1.2% and its competitors AT&T (4.1%) and T-Mobile (1.4%) [8]. - The dividend cost Verizon approximately $11.4 billion over the last year, which it can cover with its free cash flow of just over $20.1 billion, but a dividend cut could allow for debt reduction [9][10]. Market Position and Future Outlook - Despite the attractive dividend, the high cost and heavy debt burden may render the current dividend trajectory unsustainable, leading to potential struggles if a cut occurs [12]. - The low P/E ratio of 10 suggests limited downside risk, and improved financials could attract investors in the long run if the company focuses on reducing its debt [10][11]. - Comparisons with AT&T indicate that even after a dividend cut, a solid financial position could make Verizon stock appealing if it successfully manages its debt [13].

Core Insights - Rogers Communications (RCI) reported Q2 2025 adjusted earnings of 82 cents per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 2.5% but down 3.5% year over year [1][7] - Total revenues reached $3.77 billion, missing the consensus mark by 0.39% and reflecting a year-over-year increase of 1.3% [1][7] - The company experienced growth in service revenues across Wireless, Cable, and Media segments [7] Revenue Breakdown - Total revenues increased 2.4% year over year to C$5.22 billion, driven by growth in Wireless, Cable, and Media services [2] - Wireless revenues accounted for 48.7% of total revenues, increasing 3% year over year to C$2.54 billion, with service revenues rising 0.6% to C$2 billion [3] - Cable revenues, representing 37.7% of total revenues, grew 0.2% year over year to C$1.97 billion, while equipment revenues decreased significantly by 56.3% to C$7 million [5] - Media revenues, making up 15.5% of total revenues, increased 9.8% year over year to C$808 million [8] Subscriber Metrics - As of June 30, 2025, the prepaid mobile phone subscriber base increased by 92K to 1.16 million, with a monthly churn rate of 3.23% [3] - The postpaid wireless subscriber base reached 10.91 million, with net additions of 312K subscribers year over year and a churn rate of 1.0% [4] - Retail Internet subscribers totaled nearly 4.446 million, reflecting a net increase of 232K subscribers year over year [5] - Smart Home Monitoring subscribers reached 141K, an increase of 40K, while Home Phone subscribers decreased by 111K to nearly 1.45 million [6] Financial Performance - Adjusted EBITDA rose 1.6% year over year to C$2.36 billion, with a margin contraction of 40 basis points to 45.3% [9] - Free cash flow surged 38.9% year over year to C$925 million, driven by increased adjusted EBITDA and lower capital intensity [12] - Operating expenses increased 3.1% to C$2.85 billion, with a slight increase in operating costs as a percentage of revenues [9] Balance Sheet and Cash Flow - As of June 30, 2025, RCI had C$11.8 billion in available liquidity, including C$7 billion in cash and cash equivalents [10] - The debt leverage ratio was 3.6 times, nearing pre-Shaw acquisition levels, indicating accelerated deleveraging progress [11] - Cash flow from operating activities was C$1.60 billion, an increase of 8.4% year over year [11] Guidance - For 2025, RCI expects total service revenues to grow between 3% and 5%, with adjusted EBITDA growth projected between 0% and 3% [13]

Core Insights - Verizon's stock experienced a significant increase of 5% following the release of its strong second-quarter earnings report, outperforming market indices like the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite [1][2]. Financial Performance - Verizon reported non-GAAP adjusted earnings per share of $1.22 on sales of $34.5 billion for Q2, exceeding Wall Street's expectations of $1.19 per share and $33.79 billion in sales [4]. - Revenue increased by 5% year over year, with wireless service revenue reaching $20.9 billion, marking the highest result in the industry for the period [4]. - Equipment revenue saw a substantial increase of approximately 25% year over year, totaling $6.3 billion, while broadband connections rose by about 12% year over year to 12.9 million [5]. Future Outlook - In light of the strong Q2 results, Verizon raised its full-year guidance, now expecting adjusted earnings per share growth between 1% and 3% annually, an increase from the previous forecast of 0% to 3% [6]. - Despite the positive earnings report, Verizon's stock is down approximately 15.5% year-to-date, trading at about 9.2 times this year's expected earnings, with a dividend yield of around 6.3% [7].

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 - 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]

Core Viewpoint - Verizon Communications has shown solid performance in the first half of 2025, with stock growth of nearly 9%, outperforming the S&P 500 index, which increased by 1% [1] Group 1: Financial Performance - Verizon's operating revenue fell by 2.1% year over year in 2023 but saw a slight increase of 0.6% in 2024 [2] - In the first quarter of 2025, total operating revenue grew by 1.5% year over year, and earnings climbed by 5.5% [6] - The company's dividend yield exceeds 6%, making it attractive compared to Treasury yields, and it has increased its dividend for 18 consecutive years, paying over $11 billion in cash dividends in 2024 [9] Group 2: Strategic Initiatives - Verizon is in the process of closing a $20 billion acquisition of Frontier Communications, which will enhance its fiber internet capabilities [4] - The company aims to double its fixed-wireless access customers to 8 million to 9 million by 2028 and expand coverage to 90 million households [4] - The long-term goal with Frontier is to expand broadband access to 100 million premises, with 35 million to 40 million being fiber passings [5] Group 3: Market Position and Outlook - Verizon is a major player in the mature wireless market and is leveraging its existing infrastructure and brand recognition to deploy new solutions more rapidly [8] - Management is guiding for continued growth in wireless service revenue and higher growth in postpaid phone net additions in 2025 compared to 2024 [7] - The company's payout ratio for dividends was about 59% of earnings in the first quarter of 2025, with a trailing-12-month free cash flow yield of nearly 11%, providing a margin of safety for the dividend [10] Group 4: Investment Considerations - While Verizon's stock may not outperform the broader market in the long term, it is considered a top dividend stock due to its ability to pay and increase dividends consistently [11]

Core Insights - Zacks Premium provides various tools for investors to enhance their stock market engagement and confidence [1] - The Zacks Style Scores serve as complementary indicators to the Zacks Rank, aiding investors in selecting stocks with high potential for market outperformance [2] Zacks Style Scores Overview - Stocks are rated from A to F based on value, growth, and momentum characteristics, with higher scores indicating better chances of outperforming the market [3] - The Style Scores are categorized into four types: Value Score, Growth Score, Momentum Score, and VGM Score [3][4][5][6] Value Score - Focuses on identifying undervalued stocks using ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, and Price/Cash Flow [3] Growth Score - Concentrates on a company's financial health and future growth potential, analyzing projected and historical earnings, sales, and cash flow [4] Momentum Score - Targets stocks with upward or downward price trends, utilizing factors like one-week price change and monthly earnings estimate changes [5] VGM Score - Combines all three Style Scores to provide a comprehensive indicator for investors seeking attractive value, growth, and momentum [6] Zacks Rank Integration - The Zacks Rank is a proprietary model based on earnings estimate revisions, helping investors build successful portfolios [7] - Stocks rated 1 (Strong Buy) have historically produced an average annual return of +25.41% since 1988, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 [8] Stock Selection Strategy - To maximize returns, investors should focus on stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 and Style Scores of A or B [9] - Stocks with lower ranks but high Style Scores may still carry risks due to downward earnings outlooks [10] Company Spotlight: Verizon Communications (VZ) - Verizon Communications, formed from the merger of Bell Atlantic and GTE Corp, is a leading provider of communication services in North America [11] - Currently rated 3 (Hold) with a VGM Score of B and a Value Style Score of A, indicating attractive valuation metrics [12] - The forward P/E ratio stands at 9.43, and the Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal 2025 is $4.69 per share, reflecting positive earnings revisions [12][13]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total operating revenues decreased by 3% year over year, impacted by divestitures and declines in commercial and wholesale revenue, as well as decreases in residential video and voice connections [47] - Cash expenses increased by 6% or $11 million compared to the prior year, with $4 million of this increase attributed to a cumulative non-cash adjustment to stock-based compensation [47] - Free cash flow for the first quarter was $79 million, an increase of $18 million over the same quarter last year [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Postpaid handset results showed year-over-year improvements, while third-party tower revenue increased by 6% due to new co-locations and escalators on renewed leases [13] - Fiber service addresses grew by 6% year over year, with 14,000 new addresses delivered in the quarter [45] - Residential broadband net additions were 2,800, with 8,300 coming from fiber markets, lower than prior quarters due to timing of service address delivery [36][62] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company continues to face aggressive promotional competition in the wireless market, with competitors offering multi-year price locks and aggressive pricing [15] - Demand for higher broadband speeds remains strong, with 82% of residential broadband customers taking 100 megabits or higher and 24% taking one gig or higher at the end of the quarter [45] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on closing the proposed transaction with T-Mobile and repositioning the remaining business for future success, including a potential special dividend to shareholders [10][18] - The fiber program has expanded the company's footprint by over 30% in the last three years, with further opportunities for growth [11] - The company is evaluating its portfolio to minimize exposure to copper markets without an economic path to fiber [97] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged increased uncertainties in the broader economy and markets but remains optimistic about the long-term potential of the tower business [13][17] - The anticipated closing of the T-Mobile transaction is expected to provide better competitive choices and connectivity experiences for customers [16] - Management expects to incur cash income tax obligations related to the gain on the sale of spectrum in the Verizon and AT&T transactions, estimated between $325 million to $375 million [33] Other Important Information - The company does not plan to redeem Series UU and Series BV preferred stock, viewing them as foundational capital going forward [69] - The company expects to incur severance obligations for employees not retained by T-Mobile, estimated between $60 million to $80 million [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Timeline for designated entity spectrum approval - The timing is uncertain and dependent on regulatory approval by the FCC, but there is optimism for a successful outcome [56] Question: Free cash flow run rate - The $79 million in free cash flow is not necessarily a run rate, but capital expenditures are expected to be down in 2025, which is positive for free cash flow [58] Question: Debt exchange offer impact - The impact of the debt exchange offer on the purchase price is uncertain, but there is interest in retaining attractive debt [60] Question: Fiber net adds and sales efforts - Fiber net adds were lower due to timing of address delivery, but as construction ramps up, net adds are expected to follow [62] Question: Divestiture strategy for wireline and cable portfolio - The company is focused on divesting non-core assets, particularly isolated copper markets without an economic path to fiber [97]