Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) Given New $44.00 Price Target at BNP Paribas Exane

Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) had its price objective cut by investment analysts at BNP Paribas Exane from $46.00 to $44.00 in a research report issued to clients and investors on Tuesday,Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has a “neutral” rating on the cell phone carrier’s stock. BNP Paribas Exane’s price target points to a potential upside of 4.06% from the stock’s previous close.

VZ has been the subject of a number of other research reports. Citigroup upped their price objective on Verizon Communications from $50.00 to $55.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research note on Friday, March 20th. Dbs Bank cut Verizon Communications from a “moderate buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research note on Tuesday, April 7th. Morgan Stanley boosted their price target on shares of Verizon Communications from $49.00 to $50.00 and gave the stock an “equal weight” rating in a report on Tuesday, April 28th. Freedom Capital upgraded shares of Verizon Communications to a “hold” rating in a research report on Friday, June 12th. Finally, Erste Group Bank restated a “hold” rating on shares of Verizon Communications in a report on Tuesday, May 5th. Nine investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and twelve have issued a Hold rating to the company’s stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of “Hold” and a consensus target price of $50.28.

Verizon Communications Stock Down 0.9%

Verizon Communications stock traded down $0.40 during midday trading on Tuesday, hitting $42.28. 6,769,555 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 29,273,572. Verizon Communications has a 52-week low of $38.39 and a 52-week high of $51.68. The company has a quick ratio of 0.61, a current ratio of 0.64 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.38. The business’s 50-day moving average price is $46.00 and its 200-day moving average price is $46.03. The stock has a market capitalization of $176.56 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.32, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.03 and a beta of 0.26.

Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) last posted its earnings results on Monday, April 27th. The cell phone carrier reported $1.28 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.21 by $0.07. Verizon Communications had a net margin of 12.46% and a return on equity of 19.25%. The firm had revenue of $34.44 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $34.82 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $1.19 EPS. The company’s quarterly revenue was up 2.7% compared to the same quarter last year. Verizon Communications has set its FY 2026 guidance at 4.950-4.990 EPS. On average, research analysts expect that Verizon Communications will post 4.98 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Verizon Communications

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its position in shares of Verizon Communications by 1.5% in the fourth quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 379,402,347 shares of the cell phone carrier’s stock worth $15,453,058,000 after purchasing an additional 5,497,598 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp grew its stake in Verizon Communications by 3.5% in the 4th quarter. State Street Corp now owns 222,951,399 shares of the cell phone carrier’s stock worth $9,080,810,000 after buying an additional 7,461,335 shares in the last quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Verizon Communications by 5.3% in the 4th quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 116,570,816 shares of the cell phone carrier’s stock worth $4,747,930,000 after buying an additional 5,851,715 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Verizon Communications by 0.9% in the 4th quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 102,632,509 shares of the cell phone carrier’s stock worth $4,168,080,000 after buying an additional 867,694 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Bank of America Corp DE raised its position in shares of Verizon Communications by 15.4% during the 1st quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 62,101,021 shares of the cell phone carrier’s stock valued at $3,117,471,000 after buying an additional 8,289,877 shares in the last quarter. 62.06% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

More Verizon Communications News

Here are the key news stories impacting Verizon Communications this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Verizon is continuing to expand beyond core wireless service, including new connected-car initiatives with BMW and related 5G automotive services, which could open additional growth avenues. Verizon (VZ) Expands Into BMW Connected Cars And Launches Gizmo Watch 4
• Positive Sentiment: Verizon’s new Gizmo Watch 4 launch supports its family-device ecosystem and could help drive accessory sales and customer engagement. Meet the Gizmo Watch 4: Verizon’s new kid-friendly smartwatch
• Positive Sentiment: Investor interest in Verizon remains elevated ahead of earnings, suggesting traders are still focused on the stock’s dividend and defensive appeal. Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ) is Attracting Investor Attention: Here is What You Should Know
• Neutral Sentiment: Analysts and media coverage are highlighting Verizon as a high-yield income stock, which may support demand from dividend investors but does not change the near-term operating outlook. 3 Income Stocks That Pay More Than Social Security COLA
• Neutral Sentiment: Coverage also continues to frame Verizon as a defensive dividend name, keeping it in the mix for investors seeking stable cash flow. Should You Buy Verizon Communications Stock Before July 24?
• Negative Sentiment: Starlink-related fears are the main headwind for Verizon, with investors worried that satellite connectivity could intensify competition and pressure telecom valuations. SpaceX’s Starlink threat causes Bernstein to cut Verizon, AT&T, Comcast PTs
• Negative Sentiment: Recent commentary from high-profile market voices has added to the cautious tone around Verizon and other telecom stocks. Jim Cramer Warns “I Don’t Want to Own AT&T or Verizon” as Starlink Threatens Telecom Stocks

Verizon Communications Company Profile

Verizon Communications Inc (NYSE: VZ) is a major U.S.-based telecommunications company that provides a broad range of communications and information services. Its operations span consumer and business markets, with core offerings that include wireless voice and data services, fixed-line broadband and fiber-optic services, and enterprise networking solutions. Verizon is headquartered in New York City and operates a nationwide wireless network that supports consumer subscribers as well as business and government customers.

The company’s consumer products include mobile phone plans, unlimited data services, and Fios, its branded fiber-optic internet, television and voice service for homes and small businesses.