Swiss Life Asset Management Ltd Has $253.12 Million Stock Holdings in Verizon Communications Inc. $VZ

Key Points

• Swiss Life Asset Management reduced its Verizon position by 5.9% during the second quarter, selling 372,543 shares. It still held 5.98 million shares worth approximately $253.1 million, representing about 1% of its portfolio.
• Verizon reported quarterly EPS of $1.30, beating estimates of $1.27, although revenue of $34.25 billion fell short of forecasts and declined 0.7% year over year. The company reaffirmed fiscal 2026 EPS guidance of $4.99–$5.04.
• Analysts maintain a generally neutral view, with a consensus “Hold” rating and an average price target of $50.84. Verizon’s $0.7075 quarterly dividend implies a 5.8% yield, while investors are watching whether its fiber and AI-connectivity initiatives can improve growth.

Swiss Life Asset Management Ltd trimmed its holdings in Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ - Free Report) by 5.9% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 5,978,303 shares of the cell phone carrier's stock after selling 372,543 shares during the period. Verizon Communications accounts for approximately 1.0% of Swiss Life Asset Management Ltd's holdings, making the stock its 15th largest position. Swiss Life Asset Management Ltd owned about 0.14% of Verizon Communications worth $253,121,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Strengthening Families & Communities LLC boosted its holdings in Verizon Communications by 490.0% in the fourth quarter. Strengthening Families & Communities LLC now owns 649 shares of the cell phone carrier's stock worth $26,000 after purchasing an additional 539 shares in the last quarter. Robinswood Financial LLC acquired a new position in Verizon Communications during the first quarter worth $27,000. Lam Group Inc. bought a new position in Verizon Communications during the first quarter valued at about $28,000. EQ Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new position in Verizon Communications during the fourth quarter valued at about $29,000. Finally, Sarver Vrooman Wealth Advisors lifted its position in shares of Verizon Communications by 173.0% in the fourth quarter. Sarver Vrooman Wealth Advisors now owns 707 shares of the cell phone carrier's stock worth $29,000 after buying an additional 448 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 62.06% of the company's stock.

Verizon Communications News Summary

Here are the key news stories impacting Verizon Communications this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Verizon is using its fiber network to support AI-related connectivity, including a reported $1 billion-plus agreement with Google and potential additional hyperscaler contracts. These deals could create new enterprise revenue opportunities beyond traditional wireless services. Can AI Infrastructure Drive Verizon's Next Long-Term Growth?
• Positive Sentiment: Analysts continue to highlight Verizon as a value stock, supported by its relatively modest valuation, income potential and defensive telecommunications business. That profile may appeal to investors seeking stability while broader markets remain elevated. Here's Why Verizon Communications Is a Strong Value Stock
• Positive Sentiment: Verizon’s preparation for Tropical Storm Lala in Hawaii— including backup generators, satellite assets and pre-positioned equipment— reinforces network reliability and customer support, though the immediate financial impact is likely limited. Verizon Readies for Tropical Storm Lala
• Neutral Sentiment: A comparison with Nokia emphasizes Verizon’s connectivity strengths as both companies position for AI-driven telecom demand. The article does not identify a material change to Verizon’s near-term earnings outlook. Verizon vs. Nokia: Which Telecom Stock is the Better Buy Now?
• Negative Sentiment: Investors remain mindful that Verizon has returned substantial cash to shareholders while its stock has lagged the broader market. This raises questions about whether dividends and buybacks are producing sufficient shareholder value compared with reinvestment in growth. VZ Paid Holders $59 Billion While the Stock Trailed the Market

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research firms have recently issued reports on VZ. Freedom Capital upgraded Verizon Communications to a "hold" rating in a research note on Friday, June 12th. Erste Group Bank reissued a "hold" rating on shares of Verizon Communications in a research note on Tuesday, May 5th. Barclays boosted their target price on Verizon Communications from $45.00 to $46.00 and gave the stock an "equal weight" rating in a report on Monday, July 27th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their target price on Verizon Communications from $49.00 to $52.00 and gave the stock a "neutral" rating in a research report on Thursday, April 30th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reissued a "buy (b)" rating on shares of Verizon Communications in a research report on Friday, May 29th. Nine investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and twelve have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of "Hold" and an average price target of $50.84.

Verizon Communications Trading Up 0.6%

Verizon Communications stock opened at $48.50 on Friday. Verizon Communications Inc. has a 52 week low of $38.39 and a 52 week high of $51.68. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.36, a quick ratio of 0.57 and a current ratio of 0.60. The firm has a market capitalization of $201.51 billion, a PE ratio of 12.63, a PEG ratio of 1.35 and a beta of 0.25. The business's 50-day simple moving average is $45.30 and its 200-day simple moving average is $46.99.

Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ - Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Friday, July 24th. The cell phone carrier reported $1.30 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.27 by $0.03. The firm had revenue of $34.25 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $35.16 billion. Verizon Communications had a return on equity of 19.48% and a net margin of 11.64%.The firm's revenue for the quarter was down .7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $1.22 EPS. Verizon Communications has set its FY 2026 guidance at 4.990-5.040 EPS. Equities research analysts forecast that Verizon Communications Inc. will post 5.03 earnings per share for the current year.

Verizon Communications Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, August 3rd. Stockholders of record on Friday, July 10th were given a $0.7075 dividend. This represents a $2.83 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.8%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, July 10th. Verizon Communications's dividend payout ratio is currently 73.70%.

Verizon Communications Company Profile

Verizon Communications Inc NYSE: VZ is a major U.S.-based telecommunications company that provides a broad range of communications and information services. Its operations span consumer and business markets, with core offerings that include wireless voice and data services, fixed-line broadband and fiber-optic services, and enterprise networking solutions. Verizon is headquartered in New York City and operates a nationwide wireless network that supports consumer subscribers as well as business and government customers.

The company's consumer products include mobile phone plans, unlimited data services, and Fios, its branded fiber-optic internet, television and voice service for homes and small businesses.

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