Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ) shares traded in a narrow range Wednesday, closing at $49.23, down 1.26% on the day but remaining close to their 52-week high of around $50.48 reached earlier in February. The telecommunications giant has seen its stock rise steadily in early 2026, supported by strong subscriber growth, an attractive dividend yield and positive analyst sentiment following a robust fourth-quarter earnings report.

Verizon

The New York-based company, one of the largest wireless carriers in the United States, continues to benefit from its investments in 5G networks and broadband expansion. Verizon's stock has outperformed broader market expectations in recent months, with gains driven by record wireless subscriber additions and strategic moves in fiber optics.

In its most recent earnings release on Jan. 30, Verizon reported adjusted earnings per share of $1.09 for the fourth quarter of 2025, surpassing Wall Street estimates of $1.06. Revenue came in at $36.4 billion, exceeding forecasts of approximately $36.1 billion. The company highlighted its strongest quarterly net additions for wireless phone subscribers in six years, adding 616,000 postpaid phone net additions during the holiday period — well above analyst expectations.

For the full year 2025, Verizon generated $20.1 billion in free cash flow and posted adjusted EPS of $4.71. Looking ahead, the company issued optimistic guidance for 2026, projecting adjusted EPS between $4.90 and $4.95, above consensus estimates around $4.76 to $4.80. Executives emphasized continued momentum in wireless service revenue growth, which rose 2% for the full year 2025, and plans for significant broadband subscriber gains through fiber initiatives.

A key driver of Verizon's outlook has been its aggressive push into fiber broadband. The company's acquisition of Frontier Communications has expanded its fiber footprint to reach approximately 30 million locations, positioning it to compete more effectively in the high-speed internet market. Analysts have noted that this convergence of wireless and broadband services could fuel sustained subscriber growth, with Verizon targeting 750,000 to 1 million net additions in broadband for 2026.

"Verizon is reshaping its fiber, costs and enterprise services through strategic moves like the Frontier integration and partnerships such as with Aduna," one market analysis noted recently. The company has also focused on cost management and operational efficiencies to support margin improvement amid competitive pressures in the telecom sector.

Dividend-focused investors continue to find Verizon appealing. The company recently raised its quarterly dividend to $0.7075 per share, equating to an annualized payout of about $2.83 and a yield hovering around 5.5% to 5.7% based on current share prices. This marks Verizon as one of the higher-yielding stocks in the communication services sector, attracting income-oriented portfolios in an environment of economic uncertainty.

Analyst reactions have been largely positive in recent weeks. Multiple firms raised price targets following the earnings beat. Citi increased its target to $50 from $48, maintaining a Buy rating. JPMorgan lifted its target to $49 from $47, while TD Cowen boosted theirs to $54 from $51. Daiwa Securities upgraded the stock to Buy from Outperform, citing improved market share trends and subscriber momentum. Other adjustments came from RBC Capital, Scotiabank, BofA, UBS and Wells Fargo, with most targets clustering in the high $40s to low $50s.

The consensus price target sits around $49 to $50, implying limited near-term upside from current levels but reflecting confidence in the company's defensive qualities. Some analysts view Verizon as a safe haven for anxious investors amid broader market volatility, with one recent report recommending the stock — alongside peers — for its stability.

Not all developments have been uniformly positive. Insider activity included CEO Hans Erik Vestberg selling 225,000 shares on Feb. 24 for approximately $11.1 million. The company also faced minor consumer backlash over a temporary device unlock policy change that introduced a waiting period, though it later reversed course. Leadership transitions occurred in the consumer division, and a board member announced plans to step down in 2026.

Verizon has pursued debt market activity as well, issuing €2.25 billion in fixed-rate junior subordinated notes in late February to support its capital structure. The company maintains a strong balance sheet overall, with ongoing investments in network infrastructure balanced against shareholder returns through dividends and potential buybacks.

Over the longer term, Verizon's performance in 2026 will hinge on execution in broadband growth, retention of wireless customers and navigation of regulatory environments. The telecom industry faces ongoing competition from T-Mobile and AT&T, but Verizon's scale, 5G leadership and fiber expansion provide a solid foundation.

Shares have climbed roughly 26% in the past month, trading near the upper end of their 52-week range of $38.39 to $50.48. Year-to-date performance remains positive, with the stock benefiting from a rotation into value and dividend names.

As Verizon prepares for upcoming events, including a speaking engagement at the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media & Telecom Conference in early March, investors will watch closely for updates on subscriber trends and integration progress from recent acquisitions.

With a market capitalization exceeding $207 billion and a price-to-earnings ratio around 12, Verizon continues to trade at a discount to many growth-oriented peers, appealing to those seeking reliable income and moderate growth in a challenging economic landscape.