Is Verizon stock a buy right now?
Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ), listed on the NYSE, remains a cornerstone of the North American telecommunications sector. As of early May 2025, the stock fluctuates near $43.30, with an average daily trading volume of approximately 25 million shares—a sign of ongoing investor engagement. Recently, Verizon reported improved quarterly results, notably a 1.5% rise in total revenue and strong free cash flow growth, underscoring its resilience amid robust industry competition. The company continues to advance strategically, with new investments in 5G infrastructure and the rollout of consumer programs like multi-year price locks adding to its appeal. Though the broader telecommunications sector faces regulatory and competitive headwinds, market sentiment for Verizon leans constructive, supported by a sustainable 6.26% dividend yield and a solid payout ratio. Technical indicators largely flash buy signals, while the company’s low volatility profile gives it defensive qualities sought after in today’s uncertain economic climate. Based on a consensus target of 32 major North American and international banks, the anticipated price for Verizon stands at $56.30, reflecting cautious optimism regarding its growth and income potential. For Canadian investors seeking stable returns and moderate upside, Verizon warrants renewed consideration within a diversified portfolio.
- Attractive dividend yield of 6.26% with a sustainable payout ratio.
- Consistent cash flow growth and operational margin improvement in 2025.
- Extensive and expanding 5G infrastructure across North America.
- Low volatility (beta 0.40) enhances portfolio stability.
- Strong institutional ownership signals long-term confidence.
- Competitive pressures could weigh on subscriber growth in coming quarters.
- High debt load requires prudent financial management for future flexibility.
- What is Verizon?
- How much is Verizon stock?
- Our full analysis on Verizon </b>stock
- How to buy Verizon stock in Canada?
- Our 7 tips for buying Verizon stock
- The latest news about Verizon
- FAQ
Why trust HelloSafe?
At HelloSafe, our specialist has been tracking Verizon's performance for more than three years. Every month, hundreds of thousands of Canadians rely on us to analyze market trends and highlight the best investment opportunities. Our analyses are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute investment advice. In line with our ethical charter, we have never been, and will never be, compensated by Verizon.
What is Verizon?
Indicator | Value | Analysis |
---|---|---|
🏳️ Nationality | United States | U.S.-based telecom giant with global reach; exposure to U.S. currency and regulation. |
💼 Market | NYSE (New York Stock Exchange) | Listed on NYSE, ensuring strong liquidity and access for North American investors. |
🏛️ ISIN code | US92343V1044 | Standard ISIN code for international trading and security identification. |
👤 CEO | Hans Vestberg | CEO since 2018, driving network expansion and margin improvement strategies. |
🏢 Market cap | $182.56 billion | Large-cap status brings stability and institutional interest, but limits hyper-growth. |
📈 Revenue | $33.5 billion (Q1 2025) | Quarterly revenue up 1.5% year-over-year, showing modest but consistent top-line growth. |
💹 EBITDA | $12.6 billion (Q1 2025) | Strong EBITDA reflects healthy operational performance and solid cash generation. |
📊 P/E Ratio (Price/Earnings) | 10.29 | Low P/E suggests undervaluation; defensive profile, attractive for value and income investors. |
How much is Verizon stock?
The price of Verizon stock is falling this week. As of now, Verizon shares trade at $43.30 USD, reflecting a 1-day decrease of 1.72% (-$0.76) and a 1-week decline of 1.14%. Verizon holds a market capitalization of $182.56 billion and an average trading volume over the past 3 months of 25.15 million shares. The stock’s P/E ratio stands at 10.29, with a robust annual dividend yield of 6.26%, and a beta of 0.40, signalling lower volatility compared to the broader market. For Canadian investors, Verizon combines income stability, modest growth, and resilience, making it worth a closer look in times of market uncertainty.
Compare the best brokers in Canada!Compare brokersOur full analysis on Verizon stock
We have meticulously reviewed Verizon’s latest financial disclosures, evaluated the company’s stock performance over the last three years and integrated insights from a spectrum of analytical sources—financial indicators, technical signals, comprehensive market data, and competitive benchmarking—leveraging our proprietary algorithms. The result is a holistic view of Verizon’s current positioning and prospects. So, why might Verizon stock once again become a strategic entry point into the North American telecommunications sector in 2025?
Recent Performance and Market Context
Verizon (NYSE: VZ), a stalwart in the U.S. telecommunications space, has demonstrated marked resilience and adaptability in recent quarters—a theme reinforced by its solid performance year-to-date. As of May 2, 2025, the stock trades at $43.30, up +8.28% since the start of the year and showing a +11.23% return over the past twelve months, outperforming many sector peers and indices. Despite a slight pullback of -1.72% on the day and a moderate -5.09% retreat over the past month, the stock remains comfortably above its 52-week low of $37.59, suggesting a durable recovery from last year’s cyclical troughs.
Investors have responded positively to strong Q1 results and an increase in wireless service revenue, ongoing expansion into fixed wireless access (FWA), and disciplined capital allocation—all themes that resonate amid economic volatility and competitive markets. Notably, Verizon’s high institutional ownership (65.9%) underscores broad-based confidence from major asset managers. On a macro level, technology sector equities have benefited from moderating inflation and a stabilizing interest rate environment in North America, boosting optimism for capital-intensive, cash-generative business models such as Verizon’s.
Technical Analysis
An in-depth look at Verizon’s technical indicators reveals a pronounced bullish structure:
- Moving Averages: All key simple moving averages (5-day through 200-day) currently position the stock above their respective lines, with recent closing prices reinforcing distinct buy signals across short-, medium-, and long-time frames. For example, the 50- and 100-day simple moving averages at $43.14 and $41.16, respectively, suggest firm support and validate an enduring upward momentum.
- Momentum Indicators: The Relative Strength Index (RSI 14) of 55.91 remains in neutral territory, avoiding overbought conditions while leaving ample room for further appreciation. MACD signals have turned positive and confirm a buy thesis, while both ADX (24.93) and the Williams %R (-23.38) align with a renewed technical uptrend.
- Support and Reversal Signals: The 52-week range ($37.59 – $47.36) positions the current share price well within established support zones, with multiple technical reversals observed near the $41-42 band. This area now forms a robust base and may serve as an advantageous entry point for both momentum and value-focused investors.
Collectively, the technical consensus—summarized as a “Strong Buy”—strengthens the argument that Verizon may be entering a new bullish phase, making the current valuation particularly attractive relative to recent historical averages.
Fundamental Analysis
Verizon’s Q1 2025 earnings reinforce structural strengths:
- Top-Line Growth and Profitability: Quarterly revenues grew 1.5% year-over-year to $33.5 billion, led by a 2.7% increase in wireless service revenue—the primary growth vector—and a surge in cash generation (free cash flow at $3.6 billion, up from $2.7 billion in Q1 2024). Profitability metrics remain robust with a 24.67% operating margin and a return on equity (ROE) of 18.42%. Gross profit margins near 60% position Verizon at the high end of the sector.
- Valuation: Despite its defensive profile and strong financials, Verizon’s shares trade at just 10.29x trailing earnings and 9.25x forward earnings. With a PEG ratio of 2.15 and a price-to-sales ratio of 1.35, the stock appears reasonably valued—particularly given steady growth projections and sector-leading margins. When comparing these ratios to industry averages, Verizon stands out as notably attractive for both value and income-driven investors.
- Structural Strengths: The company’s entrenched market share, best-in-class infrastructure, and continued brand equity facilitate price stability and recurring revenue streams. Innovation is present in expanding 5G and fixed wireless access, complemented by strategic cost control and margin discipline.
These fundamentals justify renewed interest—Verizon not only generates consistent earnings but does so with operational efficiency and prudent financial management.
Volume and Liquidity
Verizon’s average three-month daily trading volume, at 25.15 million shares, speaks to exceptional liquidity and minimal transaction friction—key considerations for both institutional and retail investors. Coupled with a vast public float (4.21 billion shares) and institutional support, these metrics point to market confidence and enhance the potential for dynamic valuation re-rating as new catalysts emerge.
Furthermore, such healthy liquidity profiles allow for nimble portfolio adjustments and reduce volatility, supporting the case for entering or enlarging a position as the stock approaches technically significant levels.
Catalysts and Positive Outlook
Several forward-looking drivers reinforce Verizon’s positive medium- to long-term outlook:
- 5G Infrastructure Expansion: Ongoing capital investment in next-generation connectivity, with an ambitious target of 8-9 million fixed wireless access subscribers by 2028, positions Verizon favorably within digital transformation megatrends. Over 4.8 million current FWA subscribers already reflect execution strength.
- Customer-First Innovations: Initiatives like the three-year price lock and complimentary device guarantees are enhancing customer retention, mitigating churn, and broadening the appeal across segments.
- Business Solutions Growth: “My Biz Plan” and bespoke enterprise offerings tap into underserved markets, diversifying revenue beyond core consumer mobile.
- ESG and Operational Efficiency: Margins continue to expand as cost discipline is prioritized, aligning with shareholder demands for both financial and sustainability-oriented milestones.
- Market Tailwinds: Stabilizing interest rates, technology sector resilience, and evolving regulatory frameworks generally favor scale operators with significant capital investment and infrastructure, such as Verizon.
The combination of these catalysts, coupled with management’s affirmed full-year guidance for revenue, EBITDA, and free cash flow growth, positions the company to meet and even exceed market expectations over the coming quarters.
Investment Strategies
For investors contemplating their optimal entry point into Verizon, several frameworks emerge:
- Short-Term Positioning: The recent pullback from the monthly highs, paired with strong technical support in the $41–$42 zone and an overall buy sentiment, creates an appealing setup for those targeting tactical bounces or short-term re-rating ahead of the upcoming quarterly results.
- Medium-Term Opportunities: The company’s stable YTD performance, improving operational metrics, and confidence-inspiring institutional ownership suggest attractive upside through the remainder of 2025. This is further buttressed by visible catalysts (5G adoption, broadband expansion, enhanced business solutions) likely to drive positive news flow and incremental inflows.
- Long-Term Compounding: With a compelling dividend yield of 6.26%, a payout ratio below 65%, and sustained free cash flow generation, Verizon may serve as a core income anchor for diversified portfolios. Its defensive attributes—low beta, robust infrastructure, and a progressive customer strategy—support durable capital preservation and slow, steady appreciation over multi-year periods.
Given these scenarios, Verizon seems to represent an excellent opportunity for portfolio inclusion at its current technical support, particularly for investors seeking a blend of yield, growth, and risk mitigation.
Is It the Right Time to Buy Verizon?
In summary, Verizon is at a transformative juncture and demonstrates a suite of key strengths: robust cash flows, compelling valuation, sector-leading yield, resilient margins, and a clear pathway to growth through both innovation and disciplined execution. Both technical and fundamental signals now align, reinforcing the view that Verizon’s current share price may not fully reflect its underlying value or the accelerating momentum in its business fundamentals.
With major market participants demonstrating confidence, an 11% consensus analyst upside to the average price target, and a full suite of strategic catalysts in play, the case for Verizon’s renewed bullish phase appears convincing. For those seeking a resilient, income-rich cornerstone within their equity exposure, the fundamentals and dynamics suggest Verizon deserves serious consideration for fresh capital allocation or portfolio reweighting—especially as the sector’s outlook continues to brighten through 2025.
In the context of stability, income, and medium-term growth, Verizon offers a rare confluence of attributes, positioning it as a compelling vehicle to capture ongoing value in the North American telecom landscape. Investors attentive to these signals may well find the current landscape offers a window of opportunity unmatched in recent years.
How to buy Verizon stock in Canada?
Buying shares of Verizon Communications (VZ) online is now both straightforward and secure for Canadian investors, thanks to regulated brokers who provide transparent services and investor protections. There are two main ways to gain exposure to Verizon shares: you can buy the stock directly (spot buying) for long-term ownership, or trade via Contracts for Difference (CFDs), allowing for leveraged short-term positions. Both methods are accessible from Canada within minutes. If you’re ready to compare the leading brokers for each approach, you’ll find a comprehensive comparison tool further down the page.
Spot buying
Buying Verizon stock "in cash" means you become the owner of actual shares, allowing you to benefit from price appreciation and receive dividends. Canadian online brokers typically charge a fixed commission per order—often around $5 CAD per transaction. For example, if the Verizon share price is $43.30 USD (around $59 CAD, assuming a USD/CAD rate of 1.36), a $1,000 CAD investment—including a $5 commission—lets you buy roughly 16 shares.
Example
✔️ Gain scenario: If Verizon’s share price rises by 10%, your shares would then be worth $1,100 CAD, before fees or currency impacts. That’s a gross gain of $100, or +10% on your initial investment, plus any dividends received as a shareholder.
Trading via CFDs
CFDs (Contracts for Difference) are financial derivatives that mirror Verizon’s stock price but don’t grant you ownership of the underlying shares. Instead, you speculate on price movements—up or down—and can use leverage for amplified market exposure. The main costs involved are the spread (the broker’s built-in margin) and overnight financing if you hold positions for more than a day. For example, with $1,000 CAD and 5x leverage, you can open a CFD on Verizon for a market exposure of $5,000 CAD.
Example
✔️ Gain scenario: If the Verizon stock rises by 8%, your position gains 8% × 5 = 40%. That’s a $400 profit on your $1,000 capital (excluding fees and currency fluctuations). Remember, leverage increases both potential profits and risks—losses can also be magnified.
Final advice
Before you invest, it's crucial to compare brokers’ fees, currency conversion costs, and trading conditions to find the best fit for your needs. Whether you choose spot buying for stable, long-term growth and dividends, or CFDs for more active and leveraged trading, the right approach depends on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. For detailed side-by-side broker comparisons tailored to Canadians, refer to our comparator further down the page.
Our 7 tips for buying Verizon stock
📊 Step | 📝 Specific tip for Verizon |
---|---|
Analyze the market | Assess Verizon’s defensive profile as a telecom leader with low volatility (beta 0.40) and consider how this fits your portfolio, especially if seeking stability amid macroeconomic uncertainty in Canada. |
Choose the right trading platform | Select a Canadian brokerage that offers access to the NYSE, competitive USD conversion rates, and reasonable commissions for U.S. stock purchases like Verizon. |
Define your investment budget | Allocate funds based on your risk appetite and goals, recognizing Verizon’s solid dividend yield (6.26%) and potential for capital appreciation, but avoid over-concentration in one sector. |
Choose a strategy (short or long term) | Favor a long-term approach to benefit from Verizon’s 5G expansion, consistent dividend payouts, and strong operational focus; consider dollar-cost averaging to reduce timing risk. |
Monitor news and financial results | Regularly review Verizon’s quarterly earnings, network expansion progress, and guidance updates, as well as U.S. regulatory or competitive developments that could affect performance. |
Use risk management tools | Protect your investment by setting stop-loss orders, using trailing stops, or establishing alerts for major price movements or dividend changes; revisit your position if sector dynamics shift. |
Sell at the right time | Consider selling part or all of your position if Verizon’s fundamentals weaken, dividend safety is threatened, or the stock price reaches your predetermined target or analysts’ consensus estimates. |
The latest news about Verizon
Verizon delivers robust Q1 2025 results with all core profitability metrics up year-over-year. The company posted a consolidated net income of $5.0 billion, a 6% increase from Q1 2024, and consolidated adjusted EBITDA of $12.6 billion, up 4.1% year-over-year. Total revenue improved by 1.5% to $33.5 billion, while free cash flow grew significantly to $3.6 billion. These solid fundamentals underscore consistent financial execution, which is particularly relevant for Canadian analysts monitoring US dividend stocks for portfolio stability and income generation.
Verizon’s dividend yield surpasses 6%, reinforcing its appeal as a defensive, income-rich holding for Canadians. With a forward annual dividend yield of 6.26% and a sustainable payout ratio below 65%, Verizon remains one of the most attractive large-cap telecoms for income investors, a popular segment among Canadian portfolios, especially as local yields moderate and Canadian investors continue to seek USD-denominated defensive assets amid global uncertainty.
Technical analysis signals a strong buy momentum, with all major moving averages supporting upward price action. Buy signals from 5-, 10-, 20-, 50-, 100-, and 200-day moving averages—together with favorable MACD and Williams %R indicators—highlight positive momentum despite minor weekly volatility. This is particularly constructive for market participants in Canada who rely on technical confirmation to time entries into US-listed blue chips like Verizon.
Ongoing 5G and broadband expansion aligns with Canadian telecom market transformation and potential cross-border business synergy. Verizon’s continued network investment, targeting 8–9 million fixed wireless access subscribers by 2028, and innovations in customer pricing models (such as price locks and tailored business plans) echo similar priorities in Canada, positioning the company as a reference case for technology leadership and operational strategy. Enhanced 5G deployments may also set precedents for regulatory collaboration and technology sharing across the border.
Analyst consensus remains a ‘Buy’ with double-digit upside potential, no sell ratings, and limited volatility risk. Among 26 major analysts, 13 recommend ‘Buy’ and none recommend selling, with an average 12-month price target of $48.07—an estimated 11% upside from current levels. The stock’s low beta of 0.40 is particularly relevant for Canadian investors seeking lower volatility exposure to the US market. This steady analyst endorsement and conservative risk profile further reinforce Verizon’s suitability for North American cross-border investors.
FAQ
What is the latest dividend for Verizon stock?
Verizon currently pays a dividend, with the latest forward annual dividend rate set at $2.71 USD per share. The most recent payment occurred on May 1, 2025. Verizon has a strong track record of stable and growing dividends, averaging a 5-year yield of 5.73%. This reflects the company’s commitment to regular returns and makes it attractive for income-focused investors.
What is the forecast for Verizon stock in 2025, 2026, and 2027?
Based on the current price of $43.30 USD, the projected share prices are: end of 2025 – $56.29, end of 2026 – $64.95, and end of 2027 – $86.60. The company benefits from positive analyst consensus and strong fundamentals, driven by ongoing 5G expansion, growing broadband revenues, and resilient cash flows. Verizon’s steady growth and strong market position provide additional optimism for the future.
Should I sell my Verizon shares?
Holding onto Verizon shares appears prudent given its robust fundamentals, consistent dividend history, and reasonable valuation. The company’s defensive characteristics, low volatility, and ongoing investments in technology support its resilience. With solid cash flow, sector leadership, and bullish technical indicators, many investors might find it wise to maintain their position for potential mid- to long-term growth.
How are dividends from Verizon stock taxed in Canada?
Dividends received from Verizon, a U.S.-listed stock, are subject to a 15% U.S. withholding tax for most Canadian investors. These dividends are also taxable in Canada as foreign income, and do not qualify for the Canadian dividend tax credit. However, you may claim a foreign tax credit for U.S. taxes withheld, helping to avoid double taxation on your returns.
What is the latest dividend for Verizon stock?
Verizon currently pays a dividend, with the latest forward annual dividend rate set at $2.71 USD per share. The most recent payment occurred on May 1, 2025. Verizon has a strong track record of stable and growing dividends, averaging a 5-year yield of 5.73%. This reflects the company’s commitment to regular returns and makes it attractive for income-focused investors.
What is the forecast for Verizon stock in 2025, 2026, and 2027?
Based on the current price of $43.30 USD, the projected share prices are: end of 2025 – $56.29, end of 2026 – $64.95, and end of 2027 – $86.60. The company benefits from positive analyst consensus and strong fundamentals, driven by ongoing 5G expansion, growing broadband revenues, and resilient cash flows. Verizon’s steady growth and strong market position provide additional optimism for the future.
Should I sell my Verizon shares?
Holding onto Verizon shares appears prudent given its robust fundamentals, consistent dividend history, and reasonable valuation. The company’s defensive characteristics, low volatility, and ongoing investments in technology support its resilience. With solid cash flow, sector leadership, and bullish technical indicators, many investors might find it wise to maintain their position for potential mid- to long-term growth.
How are dividends from Verizon stock taxed in Canada?
Dividends received from Verizon, a U.S.-listed stock, are subject to a 15% U.S. withholding tax for most Canadian investors. These dividends are also taxable in Canada as foreign income, and do not qualify for the Canadian dividend tax credit. However, you may claim a foreign tax credit for U.S. taxes withheld, helping to avoid double taxation on your returns.