Verizon stock holds near $48 as Q2 beats EPS
Published on 08/18/2026 at 17:12 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
Verizon Communications stock (NYSE: VZ) is trading near $48.15 after the July 24, 2026 quarter, with the latest market pages showing a $200.05 billion market value, a 52-week range of $38.39 to $51.68 and volume of 14.46 million shares.
The same earnings cycle showed $1.30 in quarterly EPS, $0.03 above the $1.27 consensus, while revenue came in at $34.25 billion versus $35.16 billion expected. Management also kept FY 2026 guidance at $4.99 to $5.04 EPS, a range that frames the next leg for the shares.
Margins and guidance
That mix matters because the quarter paired an EPS beat with a revenue miss, leaving investors to weigh earnings quality against top-line pressure. The reported net margin was 11.64%, and return on equity reached 19.48% in the same quarter.
On the valuation side, the stock trades on a trailing P/E of 12.54 and sits close to the midpoint of its 50-day range, which the market pages place at $41.96 to $48.50.
Consensus stays cautious
Broker coverage still points to a Hold stance, with a consensus price target of $50.84 and an average of 21 analysts. The current share price is still below the 52-week high of $51.68, which leaves room for the next move to be driven by earnings execution rather than hype.
Free cash flow and dividend support remain central for Verizon Communications Inc. as a telecom name with steady cash generation and a high payout profile.
Wireless and broadband
The core business still leans on wireless service and broadband, with service revenue trends and subscriber retention shaping the next quarter more than one-off items. For investors, the key signal is simple: earnings power is holding up, but revenue growth must do more of the work if the stock is to push through the recent high.
Price check
Verizon Communications stock is trading at $48.15 as of August 17, 2026, 3:58 p.m. ET, with the quote page also showing a market capitalization of $200.05 billion.
Fact box
Company: Verizon Communications Inc.
ISIN: US92343V1044
Ticker: VZ
Exchange: NYSE
Market cap: $200.05 billion
Sector / Industry: Communication Services / Telecom Services
Index membership: S&P 500
