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On Wednesday, KeyBanc Capital Markets maintained its Sector Weight rating on Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) stock, which currently trades at $43.19 with a market capitalization of $182 billion. The firm’s analyst cited a mixed first quarter of 2025 and reiterated the guidance for the year. According to InvestingPro data, Verizon generated robust EBITDA of $48.79 billion in the last twelve months. While KeyBanc raised its adjusted EBITDA forecast for 2025, it lowered the projection for 2026.
Verizon’s first quarter showed some positive signs, including improvements in prepaid services, unexpected EBITDA growth in Verizon Business Group (VBG), and encouraging comments about April’s postpaid gross additions in Verizon Consumer Group (VCG). These factors were considered to have helped the company’s performance. InvestingPro data reveals the company maintains a strong dividend yield of 6.27% and has increased its dividend for 20 consecutive years, demonstrating consistent shareholder returns despite market challenges.
Despite these positives, KeyBanc noted several concerns. The firm anticipates that April’s activity may have been a pre-emptive response to expected tariffs, leading to a potential increase in churn and a reduction in VCG postpaid phone net additions for 2025 compared to 2024. Additionally, KeyBanc expects rising equipment subsidies and a slowdown in average revenue per user (ARPU) growth moving forward.
KeyBanc also pointed out the limited competitive edge provided by Verizon’s "Verizon Guarantee" as competitors have launched similar offerings. The firm does not foresee an improved trajectory for VBG’s adjusted EBITDA. Furthermore, KeyBanc expressed skepticism regarding Verizon’s acquisition of TracFone Wireless (FYBR), suggesting it could be dilutive, increase leverage, and not significantly alter Verizon’s competitive position in the market.
In summary, KeyBanc’s stance remains unchanged as it continues to monitor Verizon’s performance amidst a mix of minor gains and several challenges that may impact the company’s future growth and market position.
In other recent news, Verizon Communications Inc. reported its first-quarter 2025 earnings, surpassing expectations with an adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.19, compared to the forecasted $1.15. The company also reported a revenue of $33.5 billion, slightly above the anticipated $33.37 billion. Despite the earnings beat, Verizon faced challenges, including a net loss of 356,000 consumer postpaid phone subscribers, although it managed to add 67,000 net new phone subscribers in its business segment. Verizon’s adjusted EBITDA reached a record $12.6 billion, marking a 4% growth year-over-year. The company remains confident in its full-year service revenue growth forecast of 2% to 2.8%, despite competitive pressures. Bernstein analysts maintained a Market Perform rating on Verizon with a price target of $46, highlighting the company’s strategic efforts amid competitive challenges. Verizon’s recent initiatives, such as new service discounts and offers, have shown positive traction, contributing to growth in new additions and service discounts.
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