Fintel reports that on August 29, 2023, Citigroup upgraded their outlook for Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) from Neutral to Buy.

Analyst Price Forecast Suggests 22.01% Upside

As of August 2, 2023, the average one-year price target for Verizon Communications is 40.93. The forecasts range from a low of 30.30 to a high of $67.20. The average price target represents an increase of 22.01% from its latest reported closing price of 33.55.

See our leaderboard of companies with the largest price target upside.

The projected annual revenue for Verizon Communications is 143,056MM, an increase of 5.97%. The projected annual non-GAAP EPS is 5.24.

Verizon Communications Declares $0.65 Dividend

On June 1, 2023 the company declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.65 per share ($2.61 annualized). Shareholders of record as of July 10, 2023 received the payment on August 1, 2023. Previously, the company paid $0.65 per share.

At the current share price of $33.55 / share, the stock’s dividend yield is 7.78%.

Looking back five years and taking a sample every week, the average dividend yield has been 4.95%, the lowest has been 3.98%, and the highest has been 8.30%. The standard deviation of yields is 1.08 (n=236).

The current dividend yield is 2.61 standard deviations above the historical average.

Additionally, the company’s dividend payout ratio is 0.52. The payout ratio tells us how much of a company’s income is paid out in dividends. A payout ratio of one (1.0) means 100% of the company’s income is paid in a dividend. A payout ratio greater than one means the company is dipping into savings in order to maintain its dividend – not a healthy situation. Companies with few growth prospects are expected to pay out most of their income in dividends, which typically means a payout ratio between 0.5 and 1.0. Companies with good growth prospects are expected to retain some earnings in order to invest in those growth prospects, which translates to a payout ratio of zero to 0.5.

The company’s 3-Year dividend growth rate is 0.06%, demonstrating that it has increased its dividend over time.

What is the Fund Sentiment?

There are 3914 funds or institutions reporting positions in Verizon Communications. This is a decrease of 130 owner(s) or 3.21% in the last quarter. Average portfolio weight of all funds dedicated to VZ is 0.53%, a decrease of 7.01%. Total shares owned by institutions decreased in the last three months by 2.78% to 2,815,496K shares. The put/call ratio of VZ is 0.67, indicating a bullish outlook.

What are Other Shareholders Doing?

VTSMX – Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Investor Shares holds 118,037K shares representing 2.81% ownership of the company. In it’s prior filing, the firm reported owning 116,802K shares, representing an increase of 1.05%. The firm decreased its portfolio allocation in VZ by 10.84% over the last quarter.

VFINX – Vanguard 500 Index Fund Investor Shares holds 100,095K shares representing 2.38% ownership of the company. In it’s prior filing, the firm reported owning 98,000K shares, representing an increase of 2.09%. The firm decreased its portfolio allocation in VZ by 11.54% over the last quarter.

Charles Schwab Investment Management holds 93,500K shares representing 2.22% ownership of the company. In it’s prior filing, the firm reported owning 89,326K shares, representing an increase of 4.46%. The firm decreased its portfolio allocation in VZ by 2.72% over the last quarter.

Geode Capital Management holds 82,372K shares representing 1.96% ownership of the company. In it’s prior filing, the firm reported owning 80,022K shares, representing an increase of 2.85%. The firm decreased its portfolio allocation in VZ by 10.96% over the last quarter.

Bank Of America holds 66,037K shares representing 1.57% ownership of the company. In it’s prior filing, the firm reported owning 72,008K shares, representing a decrease of 9.04%. The firm increased its portfolio allocation in VZ by 250.91% over the last quarter.

Verizon Communications Background Information
(This description is provided by the company.)

Verizon is one of the largest communication technology companies in the world. Verizon Communications Inc. was formed on June 30, 2000 and is celebrating its 20th year as one of the world’s leading providers of technology, communications, information and entertainment products and services. Headquartered in New York City and with a presence around the world, Verizon generated revenues of $128.3 billion in 2020. The company offers voice, data and video services and solutions on its award winning networks and platforms, delivering on customers’ demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity, security and control.

This article originally appeared on Fintel

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