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Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ) Stock Fundamental Analysis & AI Rating 2026

VZ NYSE Telephone Communications (No Radiotelephone) DE CIK: 0000732712
Updated This Month • Analysis: Mar 19, 2026 • SEC Data: 2025-12-31
📅 Next earnings: Apr 27, 2026 (in 11 days) • Pre-market ET • EPS est. $1.22 (vs $1.19 prior year) • All earnings →
Combined AI Rating
HOLD
76% Confidence
STRONG AGREEMENT
HOLD
72% Conf
HOLD
79% Conf

📊 VZ Key Takeaways

Revenue: $138.2B
Net Margin: 12.4%
Free Cash Flow: $24.8B
Current Ratio: 0.91x
Debt/Equity: 1.32x
EPS: $4.06
AI Rating: HOLD with 72% confidence
Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ) receives a HOLD rating with 76% confidence from our AI fundamental analysis based on SEC 10-K filings. With revenue of $138.2B, net profit margin of 12.4%, and return on equity (ROE) of 16.2%, Verizon Communications Inc. demonstrates mixed fundamentals in the Telecom sector. Below is our complete VZ stock analysis for 2026.

Is Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ) a Good Investment?

Claude

Verizon demonstrates solid fundamental health with strong operating margins (21.2%) and robust free cash flow generation ($24.8B), supporting its mature telecom operations. However, declining net income (-2.5% YoY) and elevated leverage (1.32x D/E) constrain upside potential, while modest revenue growth (+2.5% YoY) reflects industry maturity.

ChatGPT

Verizon shows strong underlying cash generation and solid operating profitability, with a 21.2% operating margin and $24.80B of free cash flow on $138.19B of revenue. However, growth quality is modest as revenue rose 2.5% while net income and diluted EPS declined, and the balance sheet remains heavily leveraged with $139.53B of long-term debt and sub-1.0 liquidity ratios. The fundamentals support resilience rather than clear acceleration.

Why Buy Verizon Communications Inc. Stock? VZ Key Strengths

Claude
  • + Strong operating margins at 21.2% indicating efficient operational execution
  • + Robust free cash flow of $24.8B with 17.9% FCF margin providing capital flexibility
  • + Solid interest coverage ratio of 8.8x demonstrating adequate debt servicing capability
  • + Healthy ROE of 16.2% generating reasonable shareholder returns
ChatGPT
  • + Strong free cash flow generation with $24.80B in FCF and a 17.9% FCF margin
  • + Healthy operating profitability, including a 21.2% operating margin and 8.8x interest coverage
  • + Large asset and equity base with ROE of 16.2%, indicating decent capital productivity

VZ Stock Risks: Verizon Communications Inc. Investment Risks

Claude
  • ! Deteriorating profitability with net income declining 2.5% YoY despite revenue growth
  • ! Elevated leverage at 1.32x debt-to-equity ratio constraining financial flexibility
  • ! Weak liquidity position with current ratio of 0.91x below ideal threshold
  • ! Sluggish revenue growth of 2.5% YoY reflecting mature, saturated market conditions
ChatGPT
  • ! Earnings quality is mixed as revenue growth did not translate into net income or EPS growth
  • ! High leverage remains a constraint, with long-term debt of $139.53B and debt-to-equity of 1.32x
  • ! Liquidity is tight, with current ratio of 0.91x and quick ratio of 0.87x

Key Metrics to Watch

Claude
  • * Net income trend reversal and margin expansion trajectory
  • * Debt reduction pathway and leverage ratio improvement
  • * Free cash flow sustainability and capital expenditure efficiency
  • * Revenue growth acceleration potential in core segments
ChatGPT
  • * Free cash flow after capital expenditures
  • * Net income and diluted EPS trend versus revenue growth

Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ) Financial Metrics & Key Ratios

Revenue
$138.2B
Net Income
$17.2B
EPS (Diluted)
$4.06
Free Cash Flow
$24.8B
Total Assets
$404.3B
Cash Position
$19.0B

💡 AI Analyst Insight

The current ratio below 1.0x warrants monitoring of short-term liquidity.

VZ Profit Margin, ROE & Profitability Analysis

Gross Margin N/A
Operating Margin 21.2%
Net Margin 12.4%
ROE 16.2%
ROA 4.2%
FCF Margin 17.9%

VZ vs Telecom Sector: How Verizon Communications Inc. Compares

How Verizon Communications Inc. compares to Telecom sector averages

Net Margin
VZ 12.4%
vs
Sector Avg 14.0%
VZ Sector
ROE
VZ 16.2%
vs
Sector Avg 15.0%
VZ Sector
Current Ratio
VZ 0.9x
vs
Sector Avg 1.0x
VZ Sector
Debt/Equity
VZ 1.3x
vs
Sector Avg 1.2x
VZ Sector

Sector benchmarks are approximate industry averages. Actual sector performance may vary.

Is Verizon Communications Inc. Stock Overvalued? VZ Valuation Analysis 2026

Based on fundamental analysis, Verizon Communications Inc. has mixed fundamental signals relative to the Telecom sector in 2026.

Return on Equity
16.2%
Sector avg: 15%
Net Profit Margin
12.4%
Sector avg: 14%
Revenue Growth
N/A
Year-over-year
Debt/Equity
1.32x
Sector avg: 1.2x

Note: This is a fundamental analysis based on SEC filings. For P/E ratio, price targets, and market-based valuation, consult financial data providers. This is not investment advice.

Verizon Communications Inc. Balance Sheet: VZ Debt, Cash & Liquidity

Current Ratio
0.91x
Quick Ratio
0.87x
Debt/Equity
1.32x
Debt/Assets
0.0%
Interest Coverage
8.78x
Long-term Debt
$139.5B

VZ Revenue & Earnings Growth: 5-Year Financial Trend

VZ 5-year financial data: Year 2021: Revenue $133.6B, Net Income $19.3B, EPS $4.65. Year 2022: Revenue $136.8B, Net Income $17.8B, EPS $4.30. Year 2023: Revenue $136.8B, Net Income $22.1B, EPS $5.32. Year 2024: Revenue $136.8B, Net Income $21.3B, EPS $5.06. Year 2025: Revenue $138.2B, Net Income $11.6B, EPS $2.75.
Revenue
Net Income
EPS (right axis)

5-Year Trend Summary: Verizon Communications Inc.'s revenue has shown modest growth of 3% over the 5-year period. The most recent EPS of $2.75 reflects profitable operations.

VZ Revenue Growth, EPS Growth & YoY Performance

Revenue Growth
N/A
Year-over-year
Net Income Growth
N/A
Year-over-year
EPS Growth
N/A
Earnings per share
FCF Margin
17.9%
Free cash flow / Revenue

VZ Quarterly Earnings & Performance

Quarterly financial performance data for Verizon Communications Inc. including revenue, net income, and earnings per share.
Quarter Revenue Net Income EPS
Q3 2025 $33.3B $3.3B $0.78
Q2 2025 $32.8B $4.6B $1.09
Q1 2025 $33.0B $4.6B $1.09
Q3 2024 $33.3B $3.3B $0.78
Q2 2024 $32.6B $4.6B $1.09
Q1 2024 $32.9B $4.6B $1.09
Q3 2023 $33.3B $4.8B $1.13
Q2 2023 $32.6B $4.6B $1.10

Data sourced from SEC EDGAR 10-Q quarterly filings. Figures may represent quarterly or cumulative values.

Verizon Communications Inc. Dividends, Buybacks & Capital Allocation

Operating Cash Flow
$37.1B
Cash generated from operations
Capital Expenditures
$12.3B
Investment in assets
Dividends Paid
$11.5B
Returned to shareholders

VZ SEC Filings: Latest 10-K & 10-Q Analysis

Access official SEC EDGAR filings for Verizon Communications Inc. (CIK: 0000732712)

📋 Recent SEC Filings

Date Form Document Action
Apr 10, 2026 4 xslF345X06/wk-form4_1775849000.xml View →
Apr 10, 2026 4 xslF345X06/wk-form4_1775848960.xml View →
Apr 10, 2026 4 xslF345X06/wk-form4_1775848922.xml View →
Apr 10, 2026 4 xslF345X06/wk-form4_1775848867.xml View →
Apr 10, 2026 4 xslF345X06/wk-form4_1775848824.xml View →

Frequently Asked Questions about VZ

What is the AI rating for VZ?

Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ) has a Combined AI Rating of HOLD from Claude (HOLD) and ChatGPT (HOLD) with 76% combined confidence, based on fundamental analysis of SEC EDGAR filings.

What are VZ's key strengths?

Claude: Strong operating margins at 21.2% indicating efficient operational execution. Robust free cash flow of $24.8B with 17.9% FCF margin providing capital flexibility. ChatGPT: Strong free cash flow generation with $24.80B in FCF and a 17.9% FCF margin. Healthy operating profitability, including a 21.2% operating margin and 8.8x interest coverage.

What are the risks of investing in VZ?

Claude: Deteriorating profitability with net income declining 2.5% YoY despite revenue growth. Elevated leverage at 1.32x debt-to-equity ratio constraining financial flexibility. ChatGPT: Earnings quality is mixed as revenue growth did not translate into net income or EPS growth. High leverage remains a constraint, with long-term debt of $139.53B and debt-to-equity of 1.32x.

What is VZ's revenue and growth?

Verizon Communications Inc. reported revenue of $138.2B.

Does VZ pay dividends?

Verizon Communications Inc. pays dividends, with $11,481.0M distributed to shareholders in the trailing twelve months.

Where can I find VZ SEC filings?

Official SEC filings for Verizon Communications Inc. (CIK: 0000732712) including 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K reports are available on SEC EDGAR.

What is VZ's EPS?

Verizon Communications Inc. has a diluted EPS of $4.06.

How is the AI analysis conducted?

Two independent AI systems — Claude (Anthropic) and ChatGPT (OpenAI) — analyze SEC EDGAR filings including 10-K annual reports and 10-Q quarterly reports. Each AI evaluates financial health, profitability ratios, balance sheet strength, and growth metrics. The combined rating reflects both perspectives for balanced insights.

Is VZ a good stock to buy right now?

Based on our AI fundamental analysis in April 2026, Verizon Communications Inc. has a HOLD rating with 76% confidence. Review the strengths and risks sections above before making a decision. This is not investment advice.

Is VZ stock overvalued or undervalued?

Valuation metrics for VZ: ROE of 16.2% (sector avg: 15%), net margin of 12.4% (sector avg: 14%). Higher ROE suggests strong returns relative to peers.

Should I buy VZ stock in 2026?

Our dual AI analysis gives Verizon Communications Inc. a combined HOLD rating for 2026. Revenue is data pending, with profitability at or below sector average. Always conduct your own research.

What is VZ's free cash flow?

Verizon Communications Inc.'s operating cash flow is $37.1B, with capital expenditures of $12.3B. FCF margin is 17.9%.

How does VZ compare to other Telecom stocks?

Vs Telecom sector averages: Net margin 12.4% (avg: 14%), ROE 16.2% (avg: 15%), current ratio 0.91 (avg: 1).

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Disclaimer: This analysis is generated by Claude AI (Anthropic) and ChatGPT (OpenAI) based on publicly available SEC EDGAR filings. It does not include stock price data and should not be considered financial advice. All fundamental data is sourced from SEC public domain filings. Always conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.
Data Source: SEC EDGAR | Analysis Date: Mar 19, 2026 | Data as of: 2025-12-31 | Powered by Claude AI