Verizon Communications stock gains 1.72 percent after AI investment

Published on 09/25/2026 at 11:47 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS

Verizon Communications stock is tied to a USD 34.25 billion Q2 revenue report dated July 24, 2026. Adjusted EPS reached USD 1.30 versus USD 1.27 consensus, while FY 2026 guidance is USD 4.990-5.040.

Ein schlanker 5G-Antennenmast aus Stahl steht bei Sonnenuntergang auf einem weiten Feld, orangeroter Abendhimmel, markenneutral — Verizon US92343V1044 zeigt einen generischen 5G-Antennenmast bei goldenem Sonnenuntergang auf weitem offenem Feld, Illustration mit AI erstellt.

Verizon Communications stock (ISIN US92343V1044) gained 1.72 percent to USD 47.32 on the NYSE on September 24, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. ET. The move followed Verizon's announcement of a USD 70 million nationwide AI training initiative, reported by MarketScreener on September 23, 2026.

AI investment adds a strategic angle

Verizon said the program will provide free AI training for job seekers, small businesses, and educators, with partners including IBM, Google, Microsoft, Anthropic, and OpenAI. The initiative targets hundreds of thousands of people, while the immediate financial commitment equals USD 70 million.

The spending is modest relative to Verizon's operating scale, but it gives the company a visible role in workforce technology as its core telecom business remains closely tied to service revenue and network investment. For the stock, the announcement adds a strategic narrative rather than a near-term earnings driver.

Q2 earnings show a mixed picture

In Q2 2026, Verizon reported adjusted EPS of USD 1.30 against USD 1.27 consensus, a USD 0.03 beat, while revenue reached USD 34.25 billion versus USD 35.16 billion expected. MarketBeat reported the July 24, 2026 results and said revenue declined 0.7 percent year over year.

Management's fiscal 2026 adjusted EPS guidance stands at USD 4.990-5.040, while the Q2 adjusted EPS figure was USD 0.08 above the USD 1.22 result from the comparable prior-year quarter. That combination puts earnings execution alongside revenue pressure in the current valuation debate.

Target remains above the share price

MarketBeat reported that Moffett Nathanson cut its target from USD 56 to USD 49 on July 20, 2026, while maintaining a Neutral rating. The USD 49 target lies 3.55 percent above the September 24 share price, and the broader consensus target was USD 50.97 with a Hold rating.

Verizon stock trades above prior close

Verizon stock stood at USD 47.32 on the NYSE on September 24, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. ET, compared with a prior close of USD 46.52. The 52-week range was USD 38.39 to USD 51.68, market capitalization was USD 197,587,499,200, and volume reached 20,808,577 shares.