Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ) provides communication, information, and entertainment products and services. The consumer segment offers wireless and wired communication services and products. The business segment provides wireless and wired communication services and products, including FWA broadband services, data transmission services, video and conference calls, corporate network solutions, security and managed network services, local and long-distance voice services, as well as network access for providing various IoT services and products. The company was founded in 1983, and its headquarters is located in New York, New York. 100% of the company's revenue comes from the U.S.
Investment attractiveness factors:
High dividend yield. For the third quarter of 2024, VZ increased its quarterly dividend by 2% to $0.6775 per share. The yield at current prices is an impressive 7.2%. The company's significant cash flows allow for substantial payouts to shareholders.
Reduction in net debt. The completion of large investments in 5G network infrastructure development allowed the company to reduce capital expenditures from more than $23 billion in 2022 to $19 billion in 2023. In 2024, investments could fall to $17 billion. The reduction in capital expenditures allows the company to reduce its debt burden. Over the first nine months of 2024, VZ reduced its net debt by $3.7 billion, and by the end of 2024, this figure could decrease by more than $5 billion. Consensus estimates suggest that Verizon’s net debt will decrease by an additional $3 billion in 2025. As the debt burden decreases and the Federal Reserve lowers interest rates, the company is also expected to see a significant reduction in interest expenses.
Low valuation by multiples. Despite expectations of revenue growth and a reduction in net debt in the coming years, the company is undervalued according to multiples. The forecasted price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) for VZ stock in 2024 is 8.7x and could drop to 8.1x by the end of 2025. The forecasted EV/EBITDA ratio for the company in 2024 is 7x (6.6x by the end of 2025).
Target price for VZ – $42.