New York-based Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ) offers a range of communications, technology, information, and entertainment products and services to consumers, businesses, and government entities. Valued at a market cap of $186.5 billion, the company is best known for its industry-leading wireless network and its ongoing investments in 5G technology to strengthen connectivity and drive future growth.

Companies valued at $10 billion or more are typically classified as “large-cap stocks,” and VZ fits the label perfectly, with its market cap exceeding this threshold, underscoring its size, influence, and dominance within the telecom services industry. The company’s strength lies in its extensive and reliable wireless network, which consistently ranks among the best in the U.S. for coverage and performance. Additionally, it leverages its Fios fiber-optic services and enterprise solutions to provide broadband, TV, and digital network offerings, reinforcing its position as a leader in next-generation communication infrastructure.

This communications services giant has dipped 6.6% from its 52-week high of $47.36, reached on Mar. 10. Shares of VZ have gained 2.1% over the past three months, underperforming the Nasdaq Composite’s ($NASX) 11.9% return during the same time frame.

In the longer term, VZ has gained 6.6% over the past 52 weeks, lagging behind NASX’s 22.2% uptick over the same time period. Moreover, on a YTD basis, shares of VZ are up 10.6%, compared to NASX’s 11.1% return. 

To confirm its bullish trend, VZ has been trading above its 200-day moving average since mid-February, with slight fluctuations, and has remained above its 50-day moving average since early August.

On Jul. 21, shares of VZ surged 4% after it delivered better-than-expected Q2 results. Due to growth in service revenues and higher wireless equipment revenues, the company’s overall sales improved 5.2% year-over-year to $34.5 billion, surpassing consensus estimates by 2.7%. Furthermore, its adjusted EPS advanced 6.1% from the year-ago quarter to $1.22, beating Wall Street expectations of $1.18. 

VZ has lagged behind its rival, AT&T Inc. (T), which soared 47.8% over the past 52 weeks and 28.6% on a YTD basis. 

Despite VZ’s recent underperformance, analysts remain moderately optimistic about its prospects. The stock has a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy” from the 29 analysts covering it, and the mean price target of $48.35 suggests a 9.3% premium to its current price levels.