Verizon (VZ) Edges Lower in Morgan Stanley's Target Reset Amid Competitive Priorities

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) is included among the 11 Best Low Priced Dividend Stocks to Buy According to Analysts.

On December 10, Morgan Stanley analyst Benjamin Swinburne reduced the firm’s price target on Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) to $47 from $48 and kept an Equal Weight rating on the shares. The analyst, in his research note, highlighted that the US wireless market is highly concentrated, which supports a “healthy growth environment” for other companies in the sector as well. However, the firm is dialing back its estimates for VZ as the carrier enters 2026 with a strategy centered on defending market share.

In the third quarter of 2025, Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) grew its wireless revenue by 2.1% to $21 billion, an industry-leading figure. Its total revenues were even better, coming in at $33.8 billion, up 1.47% from the same period last year. The company’s broadband connections also grew by 11.1% to 13.2 million in Q3.

That said, Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) has been struggling over the years due to high debt levels and competition from its peers. Though the company has decreased its total unsecured debt at the end of Q3 from $126.4 billion to $119.7 billion, it has affected its dividend growth over the years, which has averaged nearly 2%. In the first nine months, Verizon’s operating cash flow was $28 billion, and its free cash flow came in at $15.8 billion, which showed growth from the previous year.

On December 4, Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) declared a quarterly dividend of $0.69 per share, which was in line with its previous dividend. Overall, it has been rewarding investors with growing dividends for the past 19 consecutive years.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) is an American telecommunications company that specializes in wireless networks.

While we acknowledge the potential of VZ as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you’re looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 15 Best Stocks to Buy for the Long Term and 11 Worst Performing Dividend Stocks Year-to-Date.

Disclosure: None.