Verizon Communications Inc., through its subsidiaries, engages in the provision of communications, technology, information, and entertainment products and services to consumers, businesses, and governmental entities worldwide. It operates in two segments, Verizon Consumer Group (Consumer) and Verizon Business Group (Business). The Consumer segment provides wireless services across the wireless networks in the United States under the Verizon and TracFone brands and through wholesale and other arrangements; and fixed wireless access (FWA) broadband through its wireless networks, as well as related equipment and devices, such as smartphones, tablets, smart watches, and other wireless-enabled connected devices. The segment also offers wireline services in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern United States, as well as Washington D.C. through its fiber-optic network, Verizon Fios product portfolio, and a copper-based network. The Business segment provides wireless and wireline communications services and products, including FWA broadband, data, video and conferencing, corporate networking, security and managed network, local and long-distance voice, and network access services to deliver various IoT services and products to businesses, government customers, and wireless and wireline carriers in the United States and internationally. The company was formerly known as Bell Atlantic Corporation and changed its name to Verizon Communications Inc. in June 2000. Verizon Communications Inc. was incorporated in 1983 and is headquartered in New York, New York.

Verizon looks like a mature telecom company with strong operating profitability, but with a noticeable debt burden and weak liquidity. A P/E ratio of 10.66 is 30.5% below the industry median, and a P/FCF of 9.14 is also below the industry benchmark, supporting the thesis of a relatively moderate valuation. At the same time, P/S and P/B are above the median, so the market is not assigning the company a full discount across all metrics and is partially pricing in the quality of the business and the stability of its cash flows. Profit margin, operating margin, and ROE look strong and above the industry level, and their stability over the years points to good cost control and a resilient monetization model. Revenue, gross profit, EBITDA, and net income are generally holding at a high level and show no signs of deterioration, which is a positive for fair value. However, the current and quick ratios are below 1, and debt-to-equity is almost twice the industry median, which limits revaluation potential and increases sensitivity to interest rates and refinancing. Long-term debt continues to grow, while cash balances fluctuate noticeably, so the balance sheet cannot be described as comfortable. Dividend yield remains attractive, but it does not appear high enough on its own to justify significant upside in the share price. ROA and ROI are closer to average values, and return on tangible equity is zero, which does not add arguments in favor of a more aggressive valuation. Overall, the fundamentals rather support the current forecast, but with a slight downward bias due to balance sheet risks and imperfect liquidity. For an investor, this is a story of stable cash flow and dividends, but without a strong catalyst for a meaningful expansion in valuation multiples. Therefore, only a moderate conservative downward adjustment to the forecast is appropriate, rather than a revision toward a substantial discount.

Verizon Communications Inc.

Сильный индекс, значительно упал. Быки в растерянности.

Strong index, significantly down. The bulls are confused.

Сильный индекс, незначительно упал. Рынок на стороне быков.

Strong index, slightly down. The market is on the bulls' side.

Средний индекс, значительно вырос. Увеличился приток средств в лонги.

Medium index, significantly up. The inflow of funds into longs has increased.

Strong margins and a low P/E support Verizon, but high debt and weak liquidity limit upside and call for a cautious assessment.

Looking today at week-over-week shares outstanding changes among the universe of ETFs covered at ETF Channel, one standout is the Dimensional US Marketwide Value ETF (Symbol: DFUV) where we have detected an approximate $418.5 million dollar outflow -- that's a 2.6% decrease week over week (from 285,100,000 to 277,600,000). Among the largest underlying components of DFUV, in trading today Verizon Communications Inc (Symbol: VZ) is trading flat, Bristol Myers Squibb Co. (Symbol: BMY) is trading flat, and Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Symbol: VRTX) is higher by about 0.1%. For a complete list of holdings, visit the DFUV Holdings page » The chart below shows the one year price performance of DFUV, versus its 200 day moving average:
Looking at the chart above, DFUV's low point in its 52 week range is $41.62 per share, with $55.895 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $55.59. Comparing the most recent share price to the 200 day moving average can also be a useful technical analysis technique -- learn more about the 200 day moving average ».
Exchange traded funds (ETFs) trade just like stocks, but instead of ''shares'' investors are actually buying and selling ''units''. These ''units'' can be traded back and forth just like stocks, but can also be created or destroyed to accommodate investor demand. Each week we monitor the week-over-week change in shares outstanding data, to keep a lookout for those ETFs experiencing notable inflows (many new units created) or outflows (many old units destroyed). Creation of new units will mean the underlying holdings of the ETF need to be purchased, while destruction of units involves selling underlying holdings, so large flows can also impact the individual components held within ETFs.
Further DFUV Research:
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

DFUV, VZ, BMY, VRTX: ETF Outflow Alert

Key Points
Verizon shares offer a secure dividend and a plump 6% yield.
The telecommunications giant also has a few growth tailwinds.
Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) once again showed that its earlier strategy shift of becoming more customer-focused than technology-centric is paying off when it reported its second-quarter results. With a 6% yield and the company starting to see solid momentum, it looks like one of the most attractive high-yield stocks in the market today.
The turnaround continues
One of the big reasons for Verizon's strategy shift was to help reduce churn and start adding new customers. That once again showed up in the quarter, as the wireless carrier added 184,000 postpaid phone subscriptions. This was its best quarter for postpaid phone additions in five years.
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Verizon also had 348,000 broadband net additions, including 193,000 fixed wireless subscriptions and 155,000 fiber households. Consumer post-paid churn, meanwhile, dropped to 84 basis points, its second straight quarter of sequential improvement.
Overall revenue fell by 0.7% year over year to $34.3 billion, although this was due to a 20% decline in equipment revenue. The decline in equipment revenue was due to the company reducing spending on device subsidies. Service revenue, meanwhile, rose 3.5% to $29.2 billion.
Consumer revenue fell by 1.5% year over year to $26.2 billion, with service revenue up 3.3%. The company's business unit was solid, with revenue up by 2.6% year over year to $7.2 billion. Overall adjusted earnings per share (EPS) jumped 6.6% to $1.30, while earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) jumped 7.2% to $13.7 billion.
Looking ahead, Verizon continues to project that it will hit the high end of its prior guidance of adding between 750,000 and 1 million postpaid phone subscribers for 2026. It upped the lower end of its full-year mobility and broadband service revenue guidance, now expecting it to rise between 2.5% to 3%, up from an earlier outlook of 2% to 3%. The telecom giant also raised its adjusted EPS guidance slightly, from a range of $4.95 to $4.99 to a new range of $4.99 to $5.04, representing 6% to 7% growth.
Time to buy the stock
Verizon's stock fell back earlier this year on fears about Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) potentially disrupting the wireless industry. However, given technology and regulation constraints, that looks unlikely unless SpaceX buys a rival mobile carrier. Meanwhile, Verizon is showing that its new customer-focused strategy is paying off with strong retention and increasing customer additions.
At the same time, the company looks prepared to ride some nice tailwinds. The first is that the industry is starting to move away from large subsidies, which should help improve gross margins and help drive profitability and cash flow growth. The second is that Verizon has a big bundling opportunity now that it has closed its acquisition of Frontier, one of the largest fiber providers in the U.S. Only about a fifth of Frontier customers have both wireless and broadband subscriptions, so this should be a sizable growth driver in the coming years.
Verizon also just announced a $1 billion deal with Alphabet, where the search and cloud giant will use Verizon's dark fiber to connect its data centers. Best of all, the company indicated that this is likely the first of many of these types of deals. Dark fiber is unused fiber optic cables, and Verizon providing both dark and lit fiber to AI data centers is another big potential opportunity.
Of course, the biggest reason most investors own Verizon stock is its dividend and high yield. The dividend continues to look very secure, with the telecom's unsecured leverage (net unsecured net/adjusted EBITDA) at 2.5 times, and it's set to generate massive free cash flow this year that will easily cover its dividend.
With a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of just 9.5 based on 2026 earnings estimates, a well-covered and growing dividend, and solid earnings growth opportunities, Verizon is a top dividend stock to buy now.
Should you buy stock in Verizon Communications right now?
Before you buy stock in Verizon Communications, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Verizon Communications wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $390,394!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,209,184!*
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*Stock Advisor returns as of July 29, 2026.
Geoffrey Seiler has positions in Alphabet. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet. The Motley Fool recommends Verizon Communications. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

With a 6% Yield, Is Verizon Stock a Buy as Turnaround Continues?

Key Points
Traders are selling volatile chip stocks and buying more stable investments.
Dividend stocks can add ballast to your portfolio.
Previously high-flying semiconductor stocks have plunged in recent days. Intensifying competition from Chinese chipmakers and mounting concerns that artificial intelligence (AI)-related spending may not produce its promised returns are prompting investors to seek shelter in more defensive businesses.
That's driving up the prices of dividend stocks like Kroger (NYSE: KR), Verizon (NYSE: VZ), and Costco Wholesale (NASDAQ: COST), all of which saw gains of roughly 2% on Tuesday.
Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks to buy right now, when you join Stock Advisor. See the stocks »
Shifting to defense
Companies like Alphabet are being punished for stepping up their capital expenditures, as investors grow increasingly impatient with the ballooning spending plans of hyperscalers and other tech giants.
At the same time, tech leaders like ASML Holding, with competitive moats once thought to be unassailable, are facing new threats from upstarts in China and elsewhere.
In turn, investors who were previously gung-ho on AI stocks are now moving to dial back risk. That's leading many of them to more defensive dividend stocks.
3 dividend stocks to consider for your portfolio
Costco's shares are up 13% so far in 2026. In today's inflationary economic environment, the warehouse store leader's well-curated merchandise, low prices, and treasure hunt-style shopping experience are resonating with bargain-focused shoppers.
Verizon's flat-rate unlimited mobile plans and bundled wireless and internet offerings are helping it win more subscribers. The telecom titan's free cash flow is up 16% in the first half of 2026, and its shares are up 19% so far this year.
Kroger benefits as people choose to dine at home rather than at restaurants. The grocery giant is cutting prices to boost sales. That's weighing on its margins. But with its shares down 6% in 2026 and trading at about 11 times forward earnings projections, Kroger's stock is approaching bargain territory.
Should you buy stock in Kroger right now?
Before you buy stock in Kroger, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Kroger wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $379,662!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,206,116!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 886% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 206% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors.
Joe Tenebruso has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends ASML, Alphabet, and Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool recommends Kroger and Verizon Communications. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Why Costco, Verizon, Kroger, and Other Safe Dividend Stocks Are Rising

At Holdings Channel, we have reviewed the latest batch of the 61 most recent 13F filings for the 06/30/2026 reporting period, and noticed that Verizon Communications Inc (Symbol: VZ) was held by 29 of these funds. When hedge fund managers appear to be thinking alike, we find it is a good idea to take a closer look.
Before we proceed, it is important to point out that 13F filings do not tell the whole story, because these funds are only required to disclose their long positions with the SEC, but are not required to disclose their short positions. A fund making a bearish bet against a stock by shorting calls, for example, might also be long some amount of stock as they trade around their overall bearish position. This long component could show up in a 13F filing and everyone might assume the fund is bullish, but this tells only part of the story because the bearish/short side of the position is not seen.
Having given that caveat, we believe that looking at groups of 13F filings can be revealing, especially when comparing one holding period to another. Below, let's take a look at the change in VZ positions, for this latest batch of 13F filers:
Fund
New Position?
Change In Share Count
Change In Market Value ($ in 1000's)
Verity & Verity LLC
Existing
+1,981
-$4,216
Aggregate Change:
+278,484
-$27,461
In terms of shares owned, we count 16 of the above funds having increased existing VZ positions from 03/31/2026 to 06/30/2026, with 9 having decreased their positions and 2 new positions.
Looking beyond these particular funds in this one batch of most recent filers, we tallied up the VZ share count in the aggregate among all of the funds which held VZ at the 06/30/2026 reporting period (out of the 2,772 we looked at in total). We then compared that number to the sum total of VZ shares those same funds held back at the 03/31/2026 period, to see how the aggregate share count held by hedge funds has moved for VZ. We found that between these two periods, funds reduced their holdings by 82,507,106 shares in the aggregate, from 108,059,425 down to 25,552,319 for a share count decline of approximately -76.35%. The overall top three funds holding VZ on 06/30/2026 were:
»
Fund
Shares of VZ Held
We'll keep following the latest 13F filings by hedge fund managers and bring you interesting stories derived from a look at the aggregate information across groups of managers between filing periods. While looking at individual 13F filings can sometimes be misleading due to the long-only nature of the information, the sum total across groups of funds from one reporting period to another can be a lot more revealing and relevant, providing interesting stock ideas that merit further research, like Verizon Communications Inc (Symbol: VZ).

See Which Recent 13F Filers Hold VZ

Key Points
Verizon, UPS, and General Mills are top dividend stocks that offer exceptional yields.
Verizon's business is in solid shape, as it continues to generate single-digit growth.
UPS and General Mills are in the midst of restructuring efforts that have impacted their recent financial results.
You need money to make money. But if you focus on high-yielding dividend stocks, you don't need as much to generate a lot of recurring cash flow. While some high-yielding stocks can be risky, others are safer than they look.
Three dividend stocks with payouts exceeding 5% that can be excellent options for income-seeking investors today are Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ), United Parcel Service (NYSE: UPS), and General Mills (NYSE: GIS). Here's how by investing $6,000 into each one of these stocks, investors could generate $1,100 in dividend income, and why doing so may not be as risky as it might appear to be at first glance.
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Verizon Communications
At 6%, Verizon offers investors a generous yield at a time when payouts are incredibly low due to rising stock valuations. The S&P 500, for example, yields just 1.1%. That means, with Verizon, investors are getting more than five times the dividend income as with a typical stock in the broad index.
It's a great deal for income investors, especially since Verizon's business is doing just fine. It may not be a growth machine, but it's still doing well and generating single-digit growth, the kind investors might expect from a telecom company. Margins remain good, and Verizon's payout ratio is manageable at around 70% -- there's no cause for alarm regarding its dividend.
Investing $6,000 into the stock at such a high yield would produce around $360 per year in dividends. And with it trading at less than 10 times its estimated future earnings, based on analyst projections, it's still a fairly cheap buy right now.
United Parcel Service
United Parcel Service (UPS) is another high-yielding stock that many investors may be overly worried about. At 5.8%, its yield is nearly as high as Verizon's.
Investors may be spooked that its payout ratio is over 100%. But that doesn't always tell the whole story. UPS reported earnings today, and while net income was down more than 50% in the period ending June 30, the company also incurred restructuring expenses as it looks to improve its operations and efficiency. Its adjusted net income actually rose by 14%.
CEO Carol Tomé says the business "launched a major transformation" but that it's now "through those bumps" and on a stronger path forward. The company beat expectations for the most recent quarter and also raised its outlook for the year.
Another $6,000 invested in the transportation stock could generate roughly $350 in annual dividend income. Combined with Verizon, that would total about $710.
General Mills
The highest-yielding stock on this list belongs to General Mills, the iconic food company. At 6.7%, a $6,000 investment in the stock would produce approximately $400 in annual dividends. Combined with the other investments, that would bring the total to about $1,110.
General Mills posted its year-end results at the start of July, showing minor but stable 1% growth in the last three months of its fiscal year (which ended May 31). It posted a loss for the year overall, as it is also in the midst of restructuring efforts, divesting certain businesses to focus on higher-growth opportunities. By fiscal 2030, General Mills is aiming to achieve $3 billion in cumulative cost savings through its transformation initiative.
The company has paid dividends consistently to its shareholders for 127 years, without interruption. While it faces challenges, its free cash flow remains strong, totaling $1.6 billion over the past fiscal year -- more than the $1.3 billion it paid in dividends.
General Mills stock is down 19% this year, but with strong brands in its portfolio, a focus on cost reduction, and strong free cash flow, its dividend doesn't look to be in any imminent danger. With the stock also trading at just 12 times its estimated future earnings, it could be a good value stock to buy today.
Should you buy stock in Verizon Communications right now?
Before you buy stock in Verizon Communications, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Verizon Communications wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $379,662!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,206,116!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 886% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 206% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors.
David Jagielski, CPA has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends United Parcel Service. The Motley Fool recommends Verizon Communications. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Want Over $1,100 in Annual Dividends? Invest $6,000 in These 3 High-Yielding Stocks

Communications providers are expanding beyond traditional wireless services into artificial intelligence infrastructure, fiber networks and converged connectivity. Verizon Communications VZ is investing across these areas to diversify future growth opportunities.
While these initiatives could strengthen long-term earnings potential, investors should also consider the execution, competitive and capital investment risks that accompany a multi-year transformation.
How Verizon is Building AI Infrastructure
Verizon is expanding its AI infrastructure strategy through a dark fiber agreement with Google and participation in Anthropic's Project Glasswing. Management also expects additional AI infrastructure agreements that could begin contributing to revenue growth in 2027.
These initiatives leverage Verizon's extensive fiber assets to connect AI data centers and enterprise workloads. The company views AI connectivity as an incremental growth opportunity alongside its core mobility and broadband businesses.
Verizon Communications Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise
Why VZ is Expanding Enterprise Services
Verizon's planned joint venture with BT Group is intended to strengthen international enterprise connectivity by combining complementary wireline assets. The strategy is designed to improve global networking capabilities for multinational customers.
Cloud-focused networking services and Verizon's broad fiber footprint create additional opportunities to diversify revenue beyond consumer wireless. Lumen Technologies, Inc. LUMN also targets enterprise networking and fiber connectivity, highlighting the growing strategic importance of fiber infrastructure.
How Verizon is Driving Convergence
Verizon continues combining wireless, fiber broadband and fixed wireless access into integrated offerings such as Verizon One. Management believes converged customers exhibit lower churn and stronger lifetime value than single-product subscribers.
Cross-selling mobility and broadband services also improves customer economics while increasing the value of Verizon's expanding fiber network. AT&T Inc. T is pursuing a similar convergence strategy, reinforcing the importance of bundled connectivity across the industry.
How Verizon is Investing for Long-Term Growth
Verizon continues investing in network modernization, automation, 5G leadership and broadband expansion while integrating Frontier's assets. These investments are expected to support capacity, service quality and long-term competitiveness.
Management acknowledges that returns from AI infrastructure and network investments are likely to develop over several years, making disciplined capital allocation and operational execution critical to achieving targeted financial benefits.
How VZ Ratings Reflect These Industry Trends
The bottom line is that Verizon is aligning its strategy with long-term industry trends through AI connectivity, enterprise networking and converged broadband services. Even so, competition, leverage and continued investment needs remain important factors for investors.
Verizon carries a Neutral long-term recommendation and a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Its Value Score of A, Momentum Score of A and VGM Score of A reflect attractive valuation and improving execution, while the Growth Score of C suggests a measured growth profile as these longer-term initiatives mature. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Research Chief Names "Single Best Pick to Double"
From thousands of stocks, 5 Zacks experts each have chosen their favorite to skyrocket +100% or more in months to come. From those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian hand-picks one to have the most explosive upside of all.
This company targets millennial and Gen Z audiences, generating nearly $1 billion in revenue last quarter alone. A recent pullback makes now an ideal time to jump aboard. Of course, all our elite picks aren’t winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks’ Stocks Set to Double like Nano-X Imaging which shot up +129.6% in little more than 9 months.
Free: See Our Top Stock And 4 Runners Up
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

How Verizon is Positioning Itself for the Next Wave of AI Connectivity

Verizon Communications VZ recently raised its 2026 financial outlook after reporting stronger profitability, improving subscriber trends and higher cash generation. The updated outlook reflects improving execution across its wireless and broadband businesses.
Investors considering the stock can weigh these operational improvements against ongoing leverage, competitive pressures and the capital required to sustain network leadership and long-term growth.
Why VZ Raised Financial Guidance
Verizon reported second-quarter adjusted EPS growth, record adjusted EBITDA and higher free cash flow, supported by improving customer metrics and operating leverage. Stronger postpaid phone additions and broadband growth also contributed to management's confidence.
Based on this performance, the company raised its outlook for adjusted EPS, free cash flow and mobility and broadband service revenues for 2026, reflecting expectations for continued operational momentum.
What Supports Verizon's Valuation
Verizon's investment case continues to benefit from its attractive valuation, earnings outlook and dividend income profile. Strong cash generation is expected to support ongoing capital returns while maintaining investment in network infrastructure.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Management also expanded its share repurchase plans, signaling confidence in future cash flows. Investors often compare Verizon with AT&T Inc. T, another high-dividend telecommunications company pursuing fiber expansion and customer growth.
What Could Limit Verizon Upside
Competitive pricing remains an important challenge as wireless carriers compete for subscribers. Verizon also continues to invest heavily in network expansion while integrating Frontier's operations following the acquisition.
Returns from AI infrastructure investments may take time to develop, and execution risks remain. T-Mobile US, Inc. TMUS continues to compete aggressively for wireless customers, keeping industry pricing and subscriber growth under pressure.
How Verizon Balances Risk and Reward
Improving customer additions, lower churn, broadband expansion and operating leverage strengthen Verizon's long-term outlook. Growing free cash flow also enhances financial flexibility for dividends, buybacks and network investment.
At the same time, successful Frontier integration, disciplined capital allocation and continued network investment will be important factors in sustaining the company's operational momentum.
How VZ Ratings Shape the Investment Case
The bottom line is that Verizon offers a balanced investment profile supported by improving fundamentals and attractive valuation, while execution and competitive risks remain meaningful considerations.
Verizon carries a Neutral long-term recommendation and a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Its Value Score of A, Momentum Score of A and VGM Score of A complement the investment case by highlighting attractive valuation and improving operational momentum, while a Growth Score of C suggests a steadier growth outlook rather than rapid expansion. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Research Chief Names "Single Best Pick to Double"
From thousands of stocks, 5 Zacks experts each have chosen their favorite to skyrocket +100% or more in months to come. From those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian hand-picks one to have the most explosive upside of all.
This company targets millennial and Gen Z audiences, generating nearly $1 billion in revenue last quarter alone. A recent pullback makes now an ideal time to jump aboard. Of course, all our elite picks aren’t winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks’ Stocks Set to Double like Nano-X Imaging which shot up +129.6% in little more than 9 months.
Free: See Our Top Stock And 4 Runners Up
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Is VZ Stock a Buy After Verizon Raises Its 2026 Financial Outlook?

Verizon Communications, Inc. VZ is reinforcing its long-term investment story through improving subscriber trends, broadband expansion, disciplined execution and new enterprise initiatives. Those efforts are helping strengthen earnings potential while the company continues to navigate an intensely competitive and capital-intensive market.
Recent operating momentum suggests Verizon is benefiting from a stronger customer strategy, expanding fiber assets and improving financial performance. Together, these initiatives are creating additional growth avenues beyond its traditional wireless business.
How VZ is Winning More Customers
Verizon posted stronger postpaid phone additions while reducing churn, reflecting improving customer engagement. The company also introduced Simplicity wireless plans, Verizon One and an expanded loyalty program designed to simplify pricing and reward long-term customers.
Management believes bundled mobility and broadband offerings improve retention and customer lifetime value by encouraging households to consolidate services. Verizon continues to compete with AT&T Inc. T, which is also investing heavily in converged wireless and fiber offerings, making customer retention an increasingly important differentiator.
Why Verizon is Expanding Fiber Reach
Broadband growth remains a major contributor as Verizon expands fixed wireless access and integrates Frontier's fiber assets. A larger fiber footprint increases addressable markets while supporting cross-selling opportunities across wireless and broadband products.
Fiber expansion also improves long-term operating efficiency by leveraging common infrastructure. Competition with T-Mobile US, Inc. TMUS in wireless reinforces Verizon's strategy of pairing network quality with broader connectivity offerings to deepen customer relationships.
How VZ is Growing Cash Flow
Disciplined execution helped Verizon deliver record adjusted EBITDA, higher adjusted EPS and stronger free cash flow. Better customer economics, lower churn and operating leverage supported profitability despite continued network investments.
Improving results prompted management to raise its financial outlook for mobility and broadband service revenues, adjusted EPS and free cash flow, reflecting confidence in ongoing operational execution.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Where Verizon Sees Future Growth
Beyond consumer wireless, Verizon is expanding into AI infrastructure through dark fiber connectivity. Its agreement with Google and additional expected enterprise infrastructure projects could provide new long-duration revenue streams.
Management also plans a joint venture with BT Group to strengthen international enterprise connectivity. These initiatives broaden Verizon's growth opportunities beyond traditional wireless services while leveraging its extensive fiber network.
How VZ Ratings Fit the Long-Term Story
The bottom line is that Verizon is building a broader growth platform through stronger subscriber trends, fiber expansion, disciplined execution and enterprise connectivity investments. Competitive pressures and continued capital requirements remain important considerations.
Verizon carries a Neutral long-term recommendation, a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), VGM Score of A, Value Score of A, Growth Score of C and Momentum Score of A. This combination points to attractive valuation and improving operational momentum while recognizing balanced execution and competitive risks rather than indicating a clear bullish or bearish outlook. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Research Chief Names "Single Best Pick to Double"
From thousands of stocks, 5 Zacks experts each have chosen their favorite to skyrocket +100% or more in months to come. From those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian hand-picks one to have the most explosive upside of all.
This company targets millennial and Gen Z audiences, generating nearly $1 billion in revenue last quarter alone. A recent pullback makes now an ideal time to jump aboard. Of course, all our elite picks aren’t winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks’ Stocks Set to Double like Nano-X Imaging which shot up +129.6% in little more than 9 months.
Free: See Our Top Stock And 4 Runners Up
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Why Verizon Stock is Building Momentum Through 5G and Fiber Growth

Shares of Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ) jumped 5.8% after the company reported second-quarter 2026 earnings of $1.3 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.27 per share.
SLB N.V.’s (SLB) shares surged 11% after the company reported second-quarter earnings of $0.55 per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.51 per share.
Shares of Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. (LW) gained 0.8% after the company reported fourth-quarter fiscal 2026 earnings of $0.87 per share, outpacing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.62 per share.
Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation’s (BAH) first-quarter fiscal 2027 earnings of $1.81 per share surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.49 per share.
Zacks' Research Chief Names "Stock Most Likely to Double"
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Company News for July 27, 2026

Key Points
Verizon's 6.3% dividend yield comes backed by very healthy payout ratios.
Altria yields 5.9% and raises its dividend every year, going back decades.
PepsiCo's recession-proof snacks and beverage empire makes it a portfolio stalwart.
High dividend yields can cut both ways, especially if your investing goal is to generate as much income as possible. Monster yields can mean mountains of passive income, but they are also riskier, and you often wind up losing money if the company has to cut the dividend. But there are high-yield dividend stocks out there with strong financials, some with yields as high as 4%, 5%, even 6% or more.
Here are three dividend stocks, each yielding at least 4.3%. These dividends come backed by healthy fundamentals with years of proven performance. You can confidently buy these stocks right now and enjoy the passive income that comes with them.
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1. Verizon Communications
Cellphones and internet connectivity are staples in almost every household in America. People pay their phone bill like they pay their electric and gas utilities, which has made Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) a very dependable dividend stock. The leading U.S. wireless carrier has raised its dividend for 22 consecutive years, giving investors consistent growth alongside its juicy 6.4% yield.
The dividend is quite sustainable at only 57% of Verizon's 2026 earnings estimates and 58% of trailing-12-month cash flow. That means Verizon has plenty of financial breathing room to continue raising the dividend while still meeting the capital expenditure needs of its extensive infrastructure. The stock is hard to pass up when trading at less than 9 times its forward earnings, given that analysts expect high-single-digit earnings growth ahead.
2. Altria Group
Tobacco companies continue to stay relevant despite smoking rates peaking in the United States decades ago. Altria Group (NYSE: MO) dominates America's cigarette market with Marlboro, though it also sells various cigars, oral tobacco, and smoke-free products. Tobacco is notoriously addictive, making Altria an extremely resilient business over the years. It continues to squeeze out growth by raising its prices each year.
Altria is already a Dividend King, a company with over 50 consecutive annual dividend increases. The dividend payout ratio is manageable at 74% of 2026 earnings estimates and is backed by Altria's balance sheet and a multibillion-dollar stake in Anheuser-Busch InBev. Altria will probably continue growing earnings at a low-single-digit pace, but you don't need much when the stock trades at under 13 times forward earnings and yields 5.9%.
3. PepsiCo
It's hard to find much safer stocks than diversified food and beverage giant PepsiCo (NASDAQ: PEP). The company dominates your local grocery store with brands spanning soda and other beverages, chips, snacks, and breakfast foods. People always need to eat and drink, so PepsiCo continues to make money through recessions, pandemics, you name it. That's made the stock a Dividend King with over five decades of dividend growth.
PepsiCo currently spends most of its cash flow on dividends, which is admittedly not ideal. That said, PepsiCo has $10.7 billion in cash and an A+ rating on its balance sheet, so there's probably still minimal risk of a dividend cut. Analysts see PepsiCo growing earnings at a mid-single-digit rate moving forward, so the payout ratio can decline over time. Shares look like a bargain at under 16 times 2026 earnings estimates and offer a strong 4.3% starting yield.
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Justin Pope has positions in PepsiCo. The Motley Fool recommends Verizon Communications. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.