Citi reiterates buy rating on Verizon stock citing growth in consumer adds

Published 03/06/2025, 10:32
Citi reiterates buy rating on Verizon stock citing growth in consumer adds

On Tuesday, Citi analysts maintained their Buy rating for Verizon Communications stock (NYSE: VZ) with a price target of $48.00. The decision follows an update to the Verizon model, incorporating new information from the company’s 10-Q filing and recent management commentary. The telecommunications giant, with a market capitalization of $186 billion and a P/E ratio of 10.46, currently offers an attractive dividend yield of 6.15%. InvestingPro analysis indicates the stock is trading near its Fair Value, with additional metrics and insights available to subscribers.

Verizon management highlighted a continuation of double-digit consumer gross add growth into May, contrary to prior expectations of a slowdown. The increased activity in the switcher pool is attributed to price actions from all three national carriers, elevated promotions, and potential value shopping by consumers, which has led to incremental churn. With trailing twelve-month revenue of $135.29 billion and a GOOD financial health score according to InvestingPro, the company maintains a strong market position.

Despite these factors, the analysts’ outlook on net additions and losses remains unchanged. The report also noted that buyout offers have fluctuated in the market, with Verizon and AT&T currently pulling back, while T-Mobile may have reverted to requiring a device trade-in.

Citi analysts expressed some optimism regarding these developments, reaffirming their Buy rating on Verizon stock.

In other recent news, Verizon Communications Inc (NYSE:VZ). has announced a $5 billion investment plan aimed at supporting American small business suppliers through its Small Business Supplier Accelerator initiative. This plan is designed to integrate more small businesses into Verizon’s supply chain, offering tools and training to enhance their capabilities. Additionally, Verizon’s Small Business Digital Ready program is launching a new grant cycle, providing $10,000 grants to eligible small businesses. Meanwhile, Verizon’s recent annual shareholders’ meeting saw the re-election of all ten board members and the approval of executive compensation and the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the independent accounting firm for 2025. However, three shareholder proposals, including those on climate lobbying and advertising discrimination, were defeated.

Analyst firms have weighed in on Verizon’s performance, with KeyBanc maintaining a Sector Weight rating while highlighting mixed results for the first quarter of 2025. KeyBanc raised its adjusted EBITDA forecast for 2025 but lowered it for 2026, citing concerns over competitive challenges and potential churn. Bernstein also maintained a Market Perform rating with a $46 price target, noting significant consumer postpaid phone net losses due to competitive pressures. Despite these challenges, Verizon is holding steady on its full-year service revenue growth forecast of 2% to 2.8%. These developments reflect Verizon’s strategic efforts to navigate a competitive telecom landscape and drive growth.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

Latest comments

Risk Disclosure: Trading in financial instruments and/or cryptocurrencies involves high risks including the risk of losing some, or all, of your investment amount, and may not be suitable for all investors. Prices of cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile and may be affected by external factors such as financial, regulatory or political events. Trading on margin increases the financial risks.
Before deciding to trade in financial instrument or cryptocurrencies you should be fully informed of the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite, and seek professional advice where needed.
Fusion Media would like to remind you that the data contained in this website is not necessarily real-time nor accurate. The data and prices on the website are not necessarily provided by any market or exchange, but may be provided by market makers, and so prices may not be accurate and may differ from the actual price at any given market, meaning prices are indicative and not appropriate for trading purposes. Fusion Media and any provider of the data contained in this website will not accept liability for any loss or damage as a result of your trading, or your reliance on the information contained within this website.
It is prohibited to use, store, reproduce, display, modify, transmit or distribute the data contained in this website without the explicit prior written permission of Fusion Media and/or the data provider. All intellectual property rights are reserved by the providers and/or the exchange providing the data contained in this website.
Fusion Media may be compensated by the advertisers that appear on the website, based on your interaction with the advertisements or advertisers
© 2007-2025 - Fusion Media Limited. All Rights Reserved.