Verizon Reports Strong Q4 Results and Optimistic 2026 Guidance
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jan 30 2026
0mins
Should l Buy VZ?
Source: Newsfilter
Verizon's stock rose by 3.00% and reached a 20-day high amid a challenging market environment, with the Nasdaq-100 down 1.32% and the S&P 500 down 0.64%.
The company reported strong Q4 results, achieving 616,000 postpaid phone net additions, a 22.2% increase from the previous year, and total revenue of $138.2 billion, up 2.5%. Additionally, the completion of the Frontier acquisition enhances Verizon's competitive positioning, and the company projects retail postpaid phone net additions of 750,000 to 1 million in 2026, showcasing strong growth potential.
These results indicate a significant recovery in customer attraction and market share, positioning Verizon favorably for future growth despite broader market weakness.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Stop guessing "Should I Buy VZ?" and start using high-conviction signals backed by rigorous historical data.
Sign up today to access powerful investing tools and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Analyst Views on VZ
Wall Street analysts forecast VZ stock price to fall
14 Analyst Rating
4 Buy
10 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 50.140
Low
43.00
Averages
46.42
High
51.00
Current: 50.140
Low
43.00
Averages
46.42
High
51.00
About VZ
Verizon Communications Inc. is a holding company. The Company, through its subsidiaries, provides communications, technology, information and streaming products and services to consumers, businesses and government entities. Its Consumer segment provides wireless and wireline communications services. It also provides fixed wireless access (FWA) broadband through its 5G or 4G Long-Term Evolution (LTE) networks portfolio. The Company's Business segment provides wireless and wireline communications services and products, including FWA broadband, data, video and advanced communication services, corporate networking solutions, security and managed network services, local and long-distance voice services and network access to deliver various Internet of Things (IoT) services and products. It provides these products and services to businesses, public sector customers and wireless and wireline carriers across the U.S. and a subset of these products and services to customers around the world.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
T-Mobile Sues Verizon Over 'Bait-and-Switch' Advertising Claims
- Lawsuit Background: T-Mobile has filed a lawsuit against Verizon in Manhattan, accusing its rival of using 'bait-and-switch' advertising tactics to mislead consumers into switching carriers, highlighting the intense competition in the telecom market.
- False Promise Allegations: T-Mobile claims that Verizon's 'better deal' promise is a ruse, as Verizon cannot provide service plans and prices comparable to those of T-Mobile or AT&T, potentially misleading consumers in their choices.
- Counterclaim History: This lawsuit is a response to Verizon's February lawsuit against T-Mobile for false advertising, where T-Mobile asserted that Verizon's misleading claims caused irreparable harm with promises of over $1,000 in annual savings, indicating escalating legal disputes between the two companies.
- Market Impact: The outcome of this case could affect the public perception and market share of both companies, especially as consumer sensitivity to telecom service pricing increases, potentially leading to broader industry repercussions.
See More
NJIT Expands Workforce Development Partnership with Verizon
- Digital Skills Training Program: NJIT's partnership with Verizon launches a training initiative in early April, offering no-cost training in AI, cybersecurity, and IT to New Jersey residents, which is expected to significantly enhance participants' employability and bridge the digital skills gap.
- Cybersecurity Community of Practice: Central to the program is the establishment of a Cybersecurity Community of Practice, where participants, industry experts, and NJIT graduate students engage in peer learning and mentorship, ensuring students are integrated into a professional network from day one, thereby enhancing career development opportunities.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: The training includes CompTIA A+ certification prep and an AI Literacy microcredential, designed to equip participants with essential technical skills and ethical applications of AI, helping them adapt to the rapidly evolving technological landscape demanded by employers.
- Flexible Training Format: Most training is conducted online, with qualifying participants receiving laptops and internet access, and a variety of schedules are available to accommodate those with other commitments, ensuring broader participation in this vital skills enhancement initiative.
See More
Paramount's Acquisition of Warner Bros. Faces Regulatory Challenges
- Increased Bid: Paramount raised its offer for Warner Bros. Discovery from $30 to $31 per share, surpassing Netflix's $27.75 bid, demonstrating its competitive stance and acquisition ambitions in the media sector.
- Regulatory Approval Outlook: Analysts suggest that Paramount's acquisition is likely to face a smoother regulatory path compared to Netflix's proposal, although it still encounters a complex political and market landscape that could affect the deal's timing and conditions.
- Breakup Fee Arrangements: Paramount has committed to a $7 billion breakup fee in case of regulatory rejection, alongside covering the $2.8 billion fee Warner Bros. would owe Netflix, indicating its serious commitment to the transaction's success.
- Market Competition Impact: The merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. could lead to increased market concentration, with experts warning that this may reduce consumer choices and raise prices, particularly in the streaming and cable sectors, potentially triggering stricter regulatory scrutiny.
See More
Investors Turn to Emerging Dividend Aristocrats for Stability
- Market Haven: In 2026, investors are turning to stable dividend payers due to concerns over artificial intelligence, with Wolfe Research noting that the Dividend Aristocrats ETF (NOBL) has risen over 9% year-to-date, demonstrating the effectiveness of its defensive strategy amid economic uncertainty.
- Telecom Performance: Verizon has raised its dividend for 19 consecutive years, with a 20% stock price increase in 2026 and a current dividend yield of about 5.8%; despite cautious analyst sentiment, Daiwa Capital Markets upgraded it to buy, highlighting its stable profits and dividends.
- Costco's Steady Growth: Costco has consistently raised its dividend over the past 20 years, recently increasing its quarterly payout from $1.16 to $1.30, with a 14% stock price rise in 2026, and analysts predict it will be a key beneficiary in a stimulated consumer environment, with a projected 6% upside in stock price over the next year.
- Emerging Dividend Aristocrats List: In addition to Verizon and Costco, Wolfe Research identified companies like BlackRock, Hershey Co, and Waste Management as emerging dividend aristocrats, highlighting their appeal and stability in an uncertain market.
See More
Congressional Trading Activity Insights
- Small-Cap Focus: Congressman Tim Moore has made multiple trades in 2025, including purchasing shares of Genprex, a gene therapy company with a market cap of $5.2 million, indicating a continued interest in small-cap stocks that may influence investor confidence in this sector.
- Significant Trade Amounts: Moore's three purchases of Genprex totaled between $31,000 and $115,000, reflecting his optimism about the company despite its recent poor performance, which could attract the attention of other investors.
- Investment in Simply Good Foods: Moore also bought shares of Simply Good Foods, with investments ranging from $30,000 to $100,000, despite the company's stock price dropping 53% over the past 52 weeks, highlighting the potential for high-risk investments.
- Outstanding Trading Performance: Moore was recognized as the top-performing member of Congress for stock trades in 2025, achieving a 52% return that significantly outperformed the S&P 500's 16.6% gain, which may draw more investors to his trading strategies.
See More
AST SpaceMobile Shares Surge 9% Following Government Contract Reveal
Recent Contract Award: AST SpaceMobile shares have surged over 9% following the announcement of a $30 million prime contract awarded by the U.S. Space Development Agency for the HALO Europe Program, marking a significant milestone for the company.
Emerging Government Contractor: AST SpaceMobile is positioning itself as a major government contractor, leveraging its partnerships with various telecommunications companies to enhance its capabilities in delivering rapid communication services via its Bluebird satellite constellation.
Future Launch Targets: The company aims to launch 45 to 60 Bluebird satellites into orbit by the end of 2026, with ongoing discussions about its ability to meet these ambitious targets amidst market skepticism.
Investor Sentiment: Despite short-term concerns regarding its upcoming earnings report and previous revenue misses, institutional investors have shown strong interest, with significant inflows into AST SpaceMobile, indicating confidence in its long-term growth potential.
See More
T-Mobile Sues Verizon Over 'Bait-and-Switch' Advertising Claims
- Lawsuit Background: T-Mobile has filed a lawsuit against Verizon in Manhattan, accusing its rival of using 'bait-and-switch' advertising tactics to mislead consumers into switching carriers, highlighting the intense competition in the telecom market.
- False Promise Allegations: T-Mobile claims that Verizon's 'better deal' promise is a ruse, as Verizon cannot provide service plans and prices comparable to those of T-Mobile or AT&T, potentially misleading consumers in their choices.
- Counterclaim History: This lawsuit is a response to Verizon's February lawsuit against T-Mobile for false advertising, where T-Mobile asserted that Verizon's misleading claims caused irreparable harm with promises of over $1,000 in annual savings, indicating escalating legal disputes between the two companies.
- Market Impact: The outcome of this case could affect the public perception and market share of both companies, especially as consumer sensitivity to telecom service pricing increases, potentially leading to broader industry repercussions.
See More
NJIT Expands Workforce Development Partnership with Verizon
- Digital Skills Training Program: NJIT's partnership with Verizon launches a training initiative in early April, offering no-cost training in AI, cybersecurity, and IT to New Jersey residents, which is expected to significantly enhance participants' employability and bridge the digital skills gap.
- Cybersecurity Community of Practice: Central to the program is the establishment of a Cybersecurity Community of Practice, where participants, industry experts, and NJIT graduate students engage in peer learning and mentorship, ensuring students are integrated into a professional network from day one, thereby enhancing career development opportunities.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: The training includes CompTIA A+ certification prep and an AI Literacy microcredential, designed to equip participants with essential technical skills and ethical applications of AI, helping them adapt to the rapidly evolving technological landscape demanded by employers.
- Flexible Training Format: Most training is conducted online, with qualifying participants receiving laptops and internet access, and a variety of schedules are available to accommodate those with other commitments, ensuring broader participation in this vital skills enhancement initiative.
See More
Paramount's Acquisition of Warner Bros. Faces Regulatory Challenges
- Increased Bid: Paramount raised its offer for Warner Bros. Discovery from $30 to $31 per share, surpassing Netflix's $27.75 bid, demonstrating its competitive stance and acquisition ambitions in the media sector.
- Regulatory Approval Outlook: Analysts suggest that Paramount's acquisition is likely to face a smoother regulatory path compared to Netflix's proposal, although it still encounters a complex political and market landscape that could affect the deal's timing and conditions.
- Breakup Fee Arrangements: Paramount has committed to a $7 billion breakup fee in case of regulatory rejection, alongside covering the $2.8 billion fee Warner Bros. would owe Netflix, indicating its serious commitment to the transaction's success.
- Market Competition Impact: The merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. could lead to increased market concentration, with experts warning that this may reduce consumer choices and raise prices, particularly in the streaming and cable sectors, potentially triggering stricter regulatory scrutiny.
See More
Investors Turn to Emerging Dividend Aristocrats for Stability
- Market Haven: In 2026, investors are turning to stable dividend payers due to concerns over artificial intelligence, with Wolfe Research noting that the Dividend Aristocrats ETF (NOBL) has risen over 9% year-to-date, demonstrating the effectiveness of its defensive strategy amid economic uncertainty.
- Telecom Performance: Verizon has raised its dividend for 19 consecutive years, with a 20% stock price increase in 2026 and a current dividend yield of about 5.8%; despite cautious analyst sentiment, Daiwa Capital Markets upgraded it to buy, highlighting its stable profits and dividends.
- Costco's Steady Growth: Costco has consistently raised its dividend over the past 20 years, recently increasing its quarterly payout from $1.16 to $1.30, with a 14% stock price rise in 2026, and analysts predict it will be a key beneficiary in a stimulated consumer environment, with a projected 6% upside in stock price over the next year.
- Emerging Dividend Aristocrats List: In addition to Verizon and Costco, Wolfe Research identified companies like BlackRock, Hershey Co, and Waste Management as emerging dividend aristocrats, highlighting their appeal and stability in an uncertain market.
See More
Congressional Trading Activity Insights
- Small-Cap Focus: Congressman Tim Moore has made multiple trades in 2025, including purchasing shares of Genprex, a gene therapy company with a market cap of $5.2 million, indicating a continued interest in small-cap stocks that may influence investor confidence in this sector.
- Significant Trade Amounts: Moore's three purchases of Genprex totaled between $31,000 and $115,000, reflecting his optimism about the company despite its recent poor performance, which could attract the attention of other investors.
- Investment in Simply Good Foods: Moore also bought shares of Simply Good Foods, with investments ranging from $30,000 to $100,000, despite the company's stock price dropping 53% over the past 52 weeks, highlighting the potential for high-risk investments.
- Outstanding Trading Performance: Moore was recognized as the top-performing member of Congress for stock trades in 2025, achieving a 52% return that significantly outperformed the S&P 500's 16.6% gain, which may draw more investors to his trading strategies.
See More
AST SpaceMobile Shares Surge 9% Following Government Contract Reveal
Recent Contract Award: AST SpaceMobile shares have surged over 9% following the announcement of a $30 million prime contract awarded by the U.S. Space Development Agency for the HALO Europe Program, marking a significant milestone for the company.
Emerging Government Contractor: AST SpaceMobile is positioning itself as a major government contractor, leveraging its partnerships with various telecommunications companies to enhance its capabilities in delivering rapid communication services via its Bluebird satellite constellation.
Future Launch Targets: The company aims to launch 45 to 60 Bluebird satellites into orbit by the end of 2026, with ongoing discussions about its ability to meet these ambitious targets amidst market skepticism.
Investor Sentiment: Despite short-term concerns regarding its upcoming earnings report and previous revenue misses, institutional investors have shown strong interest, with significant inflows into AST SpaceMobile, indicating confidence in its long-term growth potential.
See More
