Frontier stock holds firm after Benchmark reiterates rating

Published 25/02/2025, 17:00
Frontier stock holds firm after Benchmark reiterates rating

On Tuesday, Benchmark analysts maintained a Hold rating on shares of Frontier Communications (OTC:FTRCQ) (NASDAQ:FYBR), following a comprehensive revision of the company’s forecast through 2030. The analysis included detailed studies of market penetration and pricing, leading to increased confidence in the value of Frontier’s acquisition by Verizon (NYSE:VZ), which is not rated (VZ-NR). InvestingPro data shows Frontier has delivered an impressive 61.6% return over the past year, despite operating with a significant debt burden of $12 billion.

The definitive agreement for Verizon to acquire Frontier includes a cash deal price of $38.50 per share, with the transaction expected to close in the first quarter of 2026. Despite the anticipated acquisition, Benchmark’s analysts have identified a fair current value of $41 per share for Frontier, which reflects the company’s recent encouraging fiber results, part of their overall earnings release announced last week. According to InvestingPro, Frontier currently trades at $35.82, with revenue of $5.9 billion in the last twelve months and a market capitalization of $8.9 billion. Get access to 8 more exclusive ProTips and comprehensive analysis with an InvestingPro subscription.

The positive performance in fiber upgrades and the potential for increased fiber penetration have led to a favorable outlook for other cable companies involved in similar fiber upgrade initiatives. This includes Liberty Global (NASDAQ:LBTYA), which holds a Buy rating and a price target of $18, attributed to its cost-effective fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) efforts in the United Kingdom (TADAWUL:4280) through the joint venture VMO2.

Benchmark’s reiteration of the Hold rating for Frontier Communications comes at a time when the company’s strategic moves and financial results are under close scrutiny due to the impending acquisition. The analysis suggests that Frontier’s current initiatives and future potential are being recognized, which could also signal broader industry implications for companies investing in fiber technology advancements.

In other recent news, Frontier Communications Parent, Inc. has announced several noteworthy developments. The company has entered into a significant amendment to its senior secured term loan credit facility, effectively reducing interest rates. This amendment, known as the "2025 Term Loan Amendment," lowers the margin over adjusted Term SOFR from 3.50% to 2.50% and over the alternative base rate from 2.50% to 1.50%, reflecting Frontier’s efforts to optimize its capital structure and reduce financial pressure. Additionally, Frontier has expedited the vesting and payment of certain executive compensations in anticipation of its merger with Verizon Communications Inc. This acceleration aims to preserve tax deductions and reduce potential excise taxes for executives.

Moreover, Raymond (NSE:RYMD) James has downgraded Frontier Communications stock from Market Perform to Underperform, following shareholder approval of the acquisition offer from Verizon at $38.50 per share. Analyst Frank Louthan IV cited limited upside potential for the stock, given the pending acquisition, and emphasized that the downgrade reflects the current risk/reward scenario rather than concerns about the deal’s completion. Louthan remains confident in the closure of the deal, which is expected to finalize by mid to late 4Q25. These developments highlight Frontier’s ongoing strategic adjustments in light of its merger with Verizon.

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

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