KeyBanc Lowers Verizon Price Target Following FYBR Acquisition

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) is a major player in the global technology and communications sector. The company, based in New York City, offers a wide array of services, including data, video, and voice solutions. Verizon is known for its focus on mobility, reliable network connectivity, and security. In 2023, Verizon reported impressive revenues of $134 billion, underscoring its strong market presence.

Hans Vestberg, Verizon's Chairman and CEO, is scheduled to speak at the J.P. Morgan Global Technology, Media and Communications Conference on May 14. This event is significant for investors and stakeholders, as Vestberg's insights could provide valuable information about Verizon's future strategies and market position. The presentation will be accessible via webcast, with details available on Verizon’s Investor Relations website.

Recently, Malady Kyle, Executive Vice President and Group CEO of VZ Business, sold 9,701 shares of Verizon's common stock at $43.81 per share. This insider trading activity, filed under Form 4 with the SEC, leaves Kyle with 307 shares. Such transactions can sometimes indicate an executive's perspective on the company's stock value or personal financial planning.

Verizon's current stock price is $43.61, showing a slight increase of 0.0003, or approximately 0.07%, today. The stock has fluctuated between $43.32 and $43.88 during the trading day. Over the past year, Verizon's stock has seen a high of $47.36 and a low of $37.59, reflecting the market's dynamic nature. The company's market capitalization stands at approximately $183.87 billion, highlighting its significant size in the industry.

Today's trading volume for Verizon is 7,742,605 shares, indicating active investor interest. As Verizon continues to navigate the competitive landscape, its performance at the J.P. Morgan conference and recent insider trading activities may influence investor sentiment and the company's stock trajectory.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) is a major player in the global technology and communications sector. The company, based in New York City, offers a wide array of services, including data, video, and voice solutions. Verizon is known for its focus on mobility, reliable network connectivity, and security. In 2023, Verizon reported impressive revenues of $134 billion, underscoring its strong market presence.

Hans Vestberg, Verizon's Chairman and CEO, is scheduled to speak at the J.P. Morgan Global Technology, Media and Communications Conference on May 14. This event is significant for investors and stakeholders, as Vestberg's insights could provide valuable information about Verizon's future strategies and market position. The presentation will be accessible via webcast, with details available on Verizon’s Investor Relations website.

Recently, Malady Kyle, Executive Vice President and Group CEO of VZ Business, sold 9,701 shares of Verizon's common stock at $43.81 per share. This insider trading activity, filed under Form 4 with the SEC, leaves Kyle with 307 shares. Such transactions can sometimes indicate an executive's perspective on the company's stock value or personal financial planning.

Verizon's current stock price is $43.61, showing a slight increase of 0.0003, or approximately 0.07%, today. The stock has fluctuated between $43.32 and $43.88 during the trading day. Over the past year, Verizon's stock has seen a high of $47.36 and a low of $37.59, reflecting the market's dynamic nature. The company's market capitalization stands at approximately $183.87 billion, highlighting its significant size in the industry.

Today's trading volume for Verizon is 7,742,605 shares, indicating active investor interest. As Verizon continues to navigate the competitive landscape, its performance at the J.P. Morgan conference and recent insider trading activities may influence investor sentiment and the company's stock trajectory.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ) is a major player in the telecommunications industry, providing wireless services, broadband, and digital media. Competing with giants like AT&T and T-Mobile, Verizon has consistently demonstrated strong financial performance. On April 22, 2025, Verizon reported earnings per share (EPS) of $1.19, surpassing the estimated $1.15, as highlighted by Zacks.

This quarter's earnings surprise of 3.48% reflects Verizon's ability to outperform market expectations. In the previous quarter, Verizon also exceeded expectations with an EPS of $1.10 against an anticipated $1.09, resulting in a 0.92% surprise. Over the past four quarters, Verizon has consistently surpassed consensus EPS estimates, showcasing its robust financial management.

Verizon's revenue for the quarter ending March 2025 was $33.49 billion, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.48%. This marks an increase from the $32.98 billion reported in the same period last year. Verizon has exceeded consensus revenue estimates twice in the last four quarters, reinforcing its strong market position in the Zacks Wireless National industry.

Verizon's financial metrics provide insight into its market valuation. With a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of approximately 10.18, the market values Verizon's earnings favorably. The price-to-sales ratio of about 1.32 and enterprise value to sales ratio of around 2.54 further reflect its market value relative to revenue and total valuation compared to sales.

The company's financial leverage is highlighted by a debt-to-equity ratio of approximately 1.70. Verizon's current ratio of around 0.63 indicates its ability to cover short-term liabilities with short-term assets. An earnings yield of about 9.82% suggests a strong return on investment for shareholders, emphasizing Verizon's financial health and stability.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ) is a major player in the telecommunications industry, providing wireless services, broadband, and digital media. Competing with giants like AT&T and T-Mobile, Verizon has consistently demonstrated strong financial performance. On April 22, 2025, Verizon reported earnings per share (EPS) of $1.19, surpassing the estimated $1.15, as highlighted by Zacks.

This quarter's earnings surprise of 3.48% reflects Verizon's ability to outperform market expectations. In the previous quarter, Verizon also exceeded expectations with an EPS of $1.10 against an anticipated $1.09, resulting in a 0.92% surprise. Over the past four quarters, Verizon has consistently surpassed consensus EPS estimates, showcasing its robust financial management.

Verizon's revenue for the quarter ending March 2025 was $33.49 billion, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.48%. This marks an increase from the $32.98 billion reported in the same period last year. Verizon has exceeded consensus revenue estimates twice in the last four quarters, reinforcing its strong market position in the Zacks Wireless National industry.

Verizon's financial metrics provide insight into its market valuation. With a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of approximately 10.18, the market values Verizon's earnings favorably. The price-to-sales ratio of about 1.32 and enterprise value to sales ratio of around 2.54 further reflect its market value relative to revenue and total valuation compared to sales.

The company's financial leverage is highlighted by a debt-to-equity ratio of approximately 1.70. Verizon's current ratio of around 0.63 indicates its ability to cover short-term liabilities with short-term assets. An earnings yield of about 9.82% suggests a strong return on investment for shareholders, emphasizing Verizon's financial health and stability.

Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) shares rose more than 1% pre-market today after Evercore ISI upgraded the company to Outperform, raising its price target to $48 from $44, signaling renewed confidence in the telecom giant’s trajectory amid broader market volatility.

Despite outperforming the S&P 500 this year with an 11% total return, Verizon still trails competitors AT&T and T-Mobile, which have surged 19% and 16% respectively. Evercore believes this gap is no longer justified. While Verizon has long maintained a conservative stance to preserve its premium positioning in a competitive landscape, recent operational improvements are beginning to show results.

The firm points to steady gains in postpaid subscriber performance, strength in its business wireless segment, and consistent broadband growth as evidence of effective execution. Additionally, the pending Frontier acquisition is seen as a strategic move that could bolster long-term financial flexibility and shareholder returns—potentially unlocking $5 billion in annual excess capacity by 2027.

Evercore acknowledges that wireless isn’t insulated from broader macroeconomic and competitive pressures, but argues that Verizon’s undervalued fundamentals, fiber expansion, and reliable cash flow make it a compelling pick—especially in a market increasingly driven by defensive strategies. With this upgrade, Verizon now stands as Evercore’s top value play and leading pick within the wireless sector.

Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) shares rose more than 1% pre-market today after Evercore ISI upgraded the company to Outperform, raising its price target to $48 from $44, signaling renewed confidence in the telecom giant’s trajectory amid broader market volatility.

Despite outperforming the S&P 500 this year with an 11% total return, Verizon still trails competitors AT&T and T-Mobile, which have surged 19% and 16% respectively. Evercore believes this gap is no longer justified. While Verizon has long maintained a conservative stance to preserve its premium positioning in a competitive landscape, recent operational improvements are beginning to show results.

The firm points to steady gains in postpaid subscriber performance, strength in its business wireless segment, and consistent broadband growth as evidence of effective execution. Additionally, the pending Frontier acquisition is seen as a strategic move that could bolster long-term financial flexibility and shareholder returns—potentially unlocking $5 billion in annual excess capacity by 2027.

Evercore acknowledges that wireless isn’t insulated from broader macroeconomic and competitive pressures, but argues that Verizon’s undervalued fundamentals, fiber expansion, and reliable cash flow make it a compelling pick—especially in a market increasingly driven by defensive strategies. With this upgrade, Verizon now stands as Evercore’s top value play and leading pick within the wireless sector.

UBS is holding steady with its Neutral rating on Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and maintains a $45 price target, following the telecom giant’s launch of two new customer-focused initiatives aimed at breathing life into its postpaid wireless business.

Verizon unveiled a three-year price lock for both new and existing postpaid customers, alongside a Free Phone Guarantee that rewards users with upgraded devices under certain conditions. UBS sees this as a calculated move to enhance subscriber acquisition and retention, especially as Verizon looks to close the perceived value gap with rivals.

This is Verizon’s third major initiative targeting its consumer segment, following revamped sales incentives, the customizable MyPlan, and MyHome. Over half of postpaid customers are now on MyPlan, reflecting growing adoption of the flexible pricing model.

UBS believes these efforts will help boost gross additions and reduce churn, and that the financial impact is likely already factored into Verizon’s 2025 guidance. The Free Phone Guarantee is structured with tiered eligibility, offering top-tier devices only on premium unlimited plans with eligible trade-ins.

In addition to hardware incentives, Verizon is expanding value through streaming perks, satellite messaging, and the future rollout of voice and broadband upcharges once those features are ready.

UBS views these moves as strategically sound, but not enough yet to shift its cautious stance, citing a balanced risk/reward profile at current valuation levels.