Latest news with #VZ
NZ Autocar
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
2025 Cupra Formentor VZ Review
Each time we've driven the Cupra Formentor crossover, we get the feeling we've experienced about the best there is in the compact crossover sector. But can that last forever? Er, apparently, because there's still nothing much else in the area that thinks it's a hot hatch in disguise. This still goes like stink and corners like a car, so what's not to like? Perhaps a price rise precisely when the global economy seems to be on a knife edge. Things have changed somewhat though, for the Formentor has undergone a recent facelift. There's a new more go-get-em look up front, with an aggressive prow and reshaped bonnet line. Down the back are new lights, and a Cupra sign that illuminates at night, along with a full-width light bar. But the shape is still familiar, as is the urban friendly size of Formentor (4.45m long, by 1.84m wide). It fits easily enough in our garage and will tote five adults at a pinch, better for four though. A turning circle of 10.7m is city friendly too, not that rearward visibility is exactly first rate. Nevermind as a surround camera circumvents that issue. The Formentor line-up slims down for this year; the hybrid is now to-order only. Meantime, Cupra is making moves to become a national player. Outlets are on the up. Previously, there was just the single 'garage' in Auckland but now there are six. Five are scattered about the North Island, two in Auckland, either side of the bridge. There's a lone Christchurch site on the mainland. Cupras are now more expensive but what isn't subject to price creep? The entry-level V model is asking $65,500. When we drove it in 2022 it was under $50k. That's in part due to a repositioning of Cupra as a more premium brand. So it competes now with a different calibre of rival, as does the VZ you see here. At one time this model with the hot 2.0T engine and DCT tranny was available for under $70k but now commands a price tag of $87,500. At least now you can haggle over the price however, Cupra moving away from the agency model. As if to emphasise its shift in status, the retail outlets are placed in close proximity to Audi dealerships, putting it in good premium company. You buy the Audi if you want the conservative choice, the Cupra if you want something a bit more dynamic with outgoing style. Despite fewer models in each area, the line-up is growing. Aside from Cupra Formentor and Leon SportsTourer – the hatch has dropped out, as has Cupra Born – there's also the new Terramar SUV, along with the electric Tavascan due here later this year. So now most Cupras you can buy have ICE power and electrification…except for the one you see here. It's pure 2.0T power, hooked up to a seven-speed twin-clutch transmission and driving through all four wheels. It can honk, naturally, given its output of 245kW and 420Nm, cutting the sprint out in 4.8sec. We near as dammit managed that on a damp road. That's so far ahead of the V it isn't funny, being almost twice as quick. You pay more up front and at the pump of course. That said, we easily met its mean fuel consumption figure of 8.3L/100km (8.8 rightcar) on the motorway at cruising speed, even if the long term average was just into double figures. The mild hybrid V model uses a suggested 5.5L/100km. Yes, it's still a proper riot, especially in the more vibrant Cupra mode where it's amongst the fastest, most dynamic and tastiest of compact crossovers available at present. And the best bit is that the ride is, if anything, even better. Sure, it's firm in the go-hard Cupra and Race modes, but not jarringly so. And in the Personal mode, you can dial up adaptive damper settings from Comfort to Cupra. In the Comfort mode it borders on pampering, midway is ideal for regular out-of-town drives and Cupra is for, well, Cupra driving. This is the main difference from its natural Eastern rival, the LBX Morizo RR. It also feels more premium and is somewhat roomier. It's also more potent, sounds better and is a half second quicker in the sprint. Like the RR, this is a limpet in the dry, confident in the wet. And its quick steering and Cupra bark make it feel even more like a hot-hatch. Beware the options boxes as they add up. With Akrapovic exhaust ($7400), the Century Bronze matte paint ($4k), matrix LED headlights ($2k), panoramic sunroof ($3100) and special copper-coloured forged alloy wheels ($3300) that put the price over the top to $107,300. You can also order an Akebono front brake upgrade for $4500 but we'd not bother for the standard items are good as is. Other rivals are more expensive and not as quick, like X2 M35i, and Q3 Sportback (ditto). VW's T-Roc R costs less but isn't as ornery. Cupra Formentor VZ $87,500 / 8.3L/100km / 200g/km 0-100 km/h 4.78s Engine 1984cc / IL4 / DI / T Max power 245kW@5600-6500rpm Max torque 420Nm@2100-5500rpm Drivetrain 7-speed-twin clutch / AWD Weight (claimed) 1679kg
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
FCC Greenlights Verizon's $20 Billion Acquisition of Frontier Communications
On May 16, the Federal Communications Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau approved Verizon Communications Inc.'s (NYSE:VZ) $20 billion acquisition of Frontier Communications (NASDAQ:FYBR), which granted the necessary license and authorization transfers. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr stated that this approval would lead to billions of dollars in new infrastructure investments nationwide. The $20 billion deal is an all-cash transaction that was announced earlier in September 2024. A smiling customer receiving customer contact center solutions on their smartphone. The approval came about 3 hours after Verizon announced the immediate termination of all its DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) programs across employee recruitment, training, suppliers, and corporate sponsorships. Verizon's Chief Legal Officer, Vandana Venkatesh, in a letter to FCC Chair Carr, acknowledged that some DEI policies could be associated with discrimination. Following Verizon's announcement to end its DEI programs, Carr lauded it as a good step forward for equal opportunity. Democratic FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez criticized Verizon's decision to end DEI programs Verizon CEO Hans Vestberg believes that the deal will enhance the company's competitiveness, while Frontier CEO Nick Jeffery noted it would provide a cash premium for shareholders and expand connectivity access. Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) would acquire Frontier Communications Parent Inc. (NASDAQ:FYBR) for about $9.6 billion and assume $10 billion in debt. The deal is expected to close in early 2026. While we acknowledge the potential of VZ to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than VZ and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock. READ NEXT: and . Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
FCC approves Verizon-Frontier merger
The FCC's Wireline Competition Bureau approved Verizon's (VZ) $20B acquisition of Frontier (FYBR) by granting a series of applications that transfer FCC licenses and authorizations. Chairman Carr issued the following statement: 'By approving this deal, the FCC ensures that Americans will benefit from a series of good and common-sense wins. The transaction will unleash billions of dollars in new infrastructure builds in communities across the country-including rural America. This investment will accelerate the transition away from old, copper line networks to modern, high-speed ones. And it delivers for America's tower and telecom crews who do the hard, often gritty work needed to build high-speed networks.' Quickly and easily unpack a company's performance with TipRanks' new KPI Data for smart investment decisions Receive undervalued, market resilient stocks straight to you inbox with TipRanks' Smart Value Newsletter Published first on TheFly – the ultimate source for real-time, market-moving breaking financial news. Try Now>> See the top stocks recommended by analysts >> Read More on VZ: Disclaimer & DisclosureReport an Issue Verizon Sacrifices DEI Policies to Seal $10B Acquisition of Frontier Communications Verizon announces $5B commitment to invest in America Mixed options sentiment in Verizon (VZ), with shares down $-0.32 (-0.74%) near $42.34 Mixed options sentiment in Verizon (VZ), with shares down $-0.34 (-0.78%) near $42.66. affirms court acceptance of Second Amended Complaint Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Forbes
11-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Where Will Verizon Stock Be In 5 Years?
Verizon stock represents a compelling option for income-focused investors seeking dividend stability ... More with moderate growth potential. Verizon Communications (VZ) is one of America's telecommunications giants, yet its stock performance has followed a trajectory distinct from many technology sector peers. While tech valuations have soared recently, Verizon shares have exhibited more restrained movement, leading investors to question the company's long-term growth potential. This analysis examines Verizon's current position, market challenges, and growth initiatives to formulate evidence-based projections for where VZ stock might trade in 2030. Verizon Communications is an integrated telecommunications company that provides wireless communication, internet and digital television services across the United States. Its business model relies primarily on subscription-based revenue streams, with approximately 143 million wireless retail connections, 7.2 million broadband connections and 3.5 million Fios video connections as of Q1 2024. The company derives approximately 70% of its revenue from its Consumer segment, with Business solutions and other segments comprising the remainder. Historically, the company's competitive advantage stemmed from network superiority, with capital expenditures averaging $18-20 billion annually to maintain infrastructure leadership. Verizon's wireless network consistently ranks among industry leaders for reliability and coverage, though this gap has narrowed as competitors have enhanced their networks. The company maintains a robust balance sheet with approximately $130 billion in long-term debt against $285 billion in total assets, with debt reduction initiatives targeting $10-12 billion in deleveraging by the end of 2025. Market penetration remains significant, with Verizon serving approximately 31% of the U.S. wireless market, positioning it as the second-largest carrier behind T-Mobile (34%) and just ahead of AT&T (30%). This scale provides substantial recurring revenue streams, though market saturation limits organic subscriber growth opportunities in core segments. Verizon stock has underperformed broader market indices over recent periods, with share prices declining approximately 30% over the past five years while the S&P 500 gained 85% during the same interval. Current trading levels place VZ at approximately 8.3x forward earnings, significantly below its 10-year average P/E ratio of 12.5x and the broader telecommunication services sector average of 14.2x. Financial performance metrics reveal both strengths and challenges. Revenue growth has remained modest at 1.2% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the past five years, substantially below the broader technology sector's 12% growth rate. Operating margins have contracted from 23.4% to 21.8% during this period, reflecting competitive pressures and increased infrastructure investments. Free cash flow generation remains robust at approximately $16-18 billion annually, supporting the company's dividend program with a payout ratio of 52%, resulting in a current dividend yield of roughly 6.5%. Despite tepid stock performance, Verizon maintains an impressive 17-year streak of consecutive annual dividend increases, with raises averaging 2% annually over the past five years. This dividend stability represents a key value proposition for income-oriented investors in the current market environment, though growth investors have found limited appreciation potential. Verizon's trajectory over the next five years will depend on several interconnected factors influencing revenue growth potential and margin stability. These variables, ranging from subscriber dynamics to technological infrastructure deployment, determine whether Verizon can transition from a value-oriented dividend stock to one offering meaningful capital appreciation. Wireless retail subscriber trends represent a critical leading indicator for Verizon's revenue stability. Recent quarterly results demonstrate mixed performance with postpaid phone net additions of 143,000 in Q1 2024, underperforming T-Mobile's 532,000 and AT&T's 349,000 during the same period. This subscriber growth disparity has persisted for eight consecutive quarters, suggesting structural competitive challenges rather than temporary market dynamics. The slowing growth in the domestic wireless market (currently at 98% penetration) means subscriber acquisition increasingly relies on competitive switching rather than new market entrants. Verizon's premium pricing strategy, while supporting a higher average revenue per user (ARPU) of $58.24 versus the industry average of $49.87, creates vulnerability to price-competitive offerings, particularly during economic downturns when consumers prioritize cost savings over marginal network quality differences. Fiber Optics And Edge Computing Growth Verizon's fiber infrastructure expansion represents a potential growth catalyst beyond traditional wireless services. The company currently passes approximately 18 million premises with fiber capabilities, with expansion targets of 25 million by 2026. This infrastructure supports both residential broadband services and enterprise-level connectivity solutions with margins approximately 3-5 percentage points higher than traditional copper-based services. Edge computing initiatives, including the company's partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS), position Verizon to capitalize on the estimated $18 billion edge computing market by 2027. The mathematical advantage comes from reduced latency, with edge computing delivering response times of 10-30 milliseconds compared to 50-100 milliseconds for traditional cloud solutions. This performance differential enables new enterprise applications in manufacturing automation, real-time analytics and autonomous systems that could contribute an estimated $2-3 billion in annual revenue by 2029. Competitive intensity in the telecommunications sector has increased following T-Mobile's acquisition of Sprint, creating a more balanced three-player market structure. T-Mobile's mid-band spectrum deployment has substantially narrowed Verizon's network quality advantage while maintaining a 12-15% price discount on comparable plans. This competitive pressure has compressed Verizon's churn advantage, with monthly postpaid phone churn increasing from 0.77% to 0.89% over the past eight quarters. Cable companies, including Comcast and Charter, have also entered the wireless market as mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), capturing approximately 8.5 million subscribers through aggressive bundling strategies. These new entrants primarily target value-conscious consumers with promotional rates approximately 25-35% below traditional carriers, creating margin pressure in the price-sensitive segment of the market that accounts for approximately 30% of total subscribers. Data consumption trends continue to drive network capacity requirements, with average monthly data usage per smartphone reaching 19.5 GB in 2023 and projected to exceed 42 GB by 2029. This 16.5% CAGR in data consumption necessitates continued network densification and spectrum deployment to maintain performance standards, requiring sustained capital expenditures of $18-20 billion annually. Consumer subscription bundling behavior has shifted toward standalone wireless services, with traditional triple-play bundles (voice, video and internet) declining at 8% annually. This unbundling trend creates challenges and opportunities, potentially reducing customer retention while enabling more focused investment in high-growth wireless and broadband segments rather than declining legacy services like landline voice and traditional television. Verizon's 5G deployment strategy focuses on monetizing its $45 billion investment in C-band spectrum acquired in 2021. This mid-band spectrum enables the company to deliver average download speeds of 300-500 Mbps to approximately 250 million Americans by the end of 2024, representing a substantial improvement over 4G capabilities, averaging 35-75 Mbps. Revenue monetization of this infrastructure investment remains the critical challenge, with current 5G adoption adding approximately $5-7 in incremental ARPU through premium plan upcharges. The company's target of generating $3 billion in annual 5G-related service revenue by 2026 requires both consumer adoption of premium unlimited plans and development of enterprise use cases leveraging network capabilities for applications like private networks, IoT connectivity and industrial automation. Wall Street analysts maintain cautious optimism regarding Verizon's near-term prospects, with consensus price targets averaging $48 per share, representing approximately 10-12% upside from current levels. Institutional ownership has declined slightly over the past four quarters, decreasing from 66.8% to 64.2%, suggesting modestly negative sentiment shifts among professional investors. However, this has been partially offset by increased retail investor interest, attracted by the company's dividend yield of 6.5%, which significantly exceeds both the S&P 500 average yield of around 1.3% and the 10-year Treasury yield of around 4%. Quantitative valuation metrics indicate potential undervaluation relative to historical norms, with the current price-to-free-cash-flow ratio of 7.2x falling below the company's 10-year average of 9.8x. Multiple expansion toward historical averages alone could drive 35% share price appreciation independent of underlying business improvement, providing a potential floor for long-term investors. In an optimistic scenario, Verizon shares could trade between $62-68 by 2029, representing 55-70% appreciation from current levels. This outcome would require several catalysts to materialize: successful monetization of 5G investments driving 3-4% annual service revenue growth, operating margin expansion of 100-150 basis points through network efficiency initiatives, and continued dividend growth of 2.5-3% annually. The mathematical foundation for this bullish case stems from potential multiple expansion toward the sector average of 14.2x forward earnings, coupled with earnings growth from both revenue expansion and the company's $10 billion share repurchase program authorized through 2026. This scenario would deliver a total shareholder return of approximately 11-13% annually when including dividend payments, significantly outperforming the stock's recent historical performance. The pessimistic outlook suggests Verizon shares could decline to $32-36 by 2029, representing 10-20% depreciation from current levels. This scenario assumes continued subscriber growth challenges with quarterly postpaid phone losses averaging 50,000-100,000, operating margin compression of 150-200 basis points due to competitive pricing pressure, and dividend growth slowing to 1% annually or potentially freezing if free cash flow generation deteriorates. This bearish projection incorporates accelerating cord-cutting in the Fios video segment continuing at 8-10% annually, further competition from cable MVNOs capturing an additional 10 million wireless subscribers by 2029, and capital expenditure requirements remaining elevated at $19-21 billion annually despite diminishing returns on network investments. Under these conditions, the stock's valuation multiple would compress further to 7- 7.5x forward earnings, creating significant headwinds for share price appreciation. Balancing these competing scenarios and their respective probabilities, Verizon stock should trade in the $45-52 range by 2029, representing 12-30% appreciation from current levels. This base case assumes modest wireless service revenue growth of 1.5-2% annually, stable operating margins between 21-22% and continued dividend growth of approximately 2% annually, maintaining the company's status as a dividend aristocrat. This projection incorporates a gradual improvement in postpaid phone net additions to 200,000-300,000 annually as network perception improves, fiber broadband connections increasing from 7.2 million to 10 million through focused geographic expansion and enterprise 5G solutions contributing $2-3 billion in annual revenue. These operational improvements and modest multiple expansion toward 9-10x forward earnings support the projected share price range. When including dividend payments, this base case scenario delivers total shareholder returns of approximately 8-10% annually over the five-year horizon, slightly below the projected market average of 10-12% but with significantly lower volatility. This risk-adjusted return profile positions Verizon as a defensive portfolio component offering income generation with moderate appreciation potential. Bottom Line Verizon stock represents a compelling option for income-focused investors seeking dividend stability with moderate growth potential. While unlikely to deliver market-beating total returns over the next five years, the combination of 6.5% current yield, modest capital appreciation potential of 2-3% annually, and below-market volatility creates an attractive risk-adjusted return profile. The company's entrenched market position, infrastructure assets and consistent free cash flow generation provide downside protection, while 5G monetization and enterprise solutions offer potential upside catalysts. Verizon represents an appropriate long-term investment for income-focused portfolios seeking dividend stability and inflation protection, though growth-oriented investors may find limited appreciation potential compared to other technology sectors. Verizon will likely continue its dividend growth trajectory at approximately 2% annually over the next five years, supported by its stable free cash flow generation and management's commitment to maintaining its dividend aristocrat status. Verizon's primary competitors in the wireless segment include T-Mobile and AT&T, along with cable providers Comcast and Charter, which have entered the wireless market as MVNOs leveraging wholesale network agreements.
The Irish Sun
09-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Cupra Born VZ fully electric hot-hatch is silent but it's deadly
I HAVE reviewed the Cupra Born on this SunMotors website before. But this week it's the turn of the VZ model, Cupra's sportiest, most potent version. So does this mean the Born is now a proper hot-hatch? Yes, the Born VZ is packing 326bhp and 545Nm of instant torque because in case you didn't know, the Born is fully-electric. VZ stands for Veloz in Spanish, meaning fast, and the Born VZ is also rear-wheel drive, not the usual format for a hot-hatch, as they normally are front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. 5 EV HOT HATCH: Cupra Born VZ model packs a 321bhp fully-electric punch Credit: Cupra UK Key Facts: Cupra Born VZ Cost: From €47,585 (from £44,635 in the UK) Engine: 240kW electric motor Power: 321hp Torque: 545Nm 0-100kph: 5.6 seconds Top Speed: 200kph (124mph) Battery: 79kWh lithium-ion Range: 508km (316mile) Real world range: 444km (276mile) Rivals: Volkswagen ID. 3, MG4 XPower and Smart Brabus #1 So this means the Born VZ is more sportscar-like than hot-hatch — but it's no drift car as the grip is superb. You can't fully turn off the traction control — you can change the ESC to Sport which means directional stability is restricted, but the rear end stays firmly planted no matter how hard you push it. In its most potent driving setting, and my fave, Cupra mode, things really heat up and the Born VZ is its most lively with a noticeable increase in acceleration and its power delivery. But it's just a pity the dash doesn't start to glow red or the ambient lighting change colour. 5 TOUCH OF CLASS: Infotainment is big with sharp graphics but heating and audio control operated via the touch screen Credit: Cupra UK Instead you see a small Cupra logo appearing in the driver's display, but this 5.3-inch screen is quite small to be honest. The central infotainment screen is big, 12.9-inch, and the graphics are also superb. Most read in Motors But you have to use the screen to adjust the audio and heating via slider controls, although these controls are now illuminated at night which helps a lot. And if you are on the Drive Profile screen then when you press the various driving modes you will see different images on the display. 5 SABELT SEATS: Cupra Born VZ Sabelt Cup bucket seats are amazing, heated and electrically operated Credit: Cupra UK For instance, Range displays a picture of a city, Comfort a motorway with mountains in the background and Performance is a twisty road. Cupra is a racetrack and for Individual the clip is a Cupra workshop or garage. But the Born VZ is also missing some sort of engine or exhaust sound, something you come to expect from a petrol-powered Cupra. It's virtually silent, and Cupra already pump some sound into the cabin of the petrol-powered Formentor VZ. 5 CHARGING TIMES: Charging at 11kW takes 8hr 30 mins to go from 0-100per cent and using a 120kW DC fast charger takes 26min to go from 5-80per cent Credit: Cupra UK In Cupra mode its 2.0-litre turbo engine is amplified to sound like a five-cylinder Audi engine. That really does ramp the experience up to the max. So, sadly, the Born is silent but it's deadly, as it is an absolute blast to drive with superb road-holding. The fact the battery is placed low and in the middle of the car means the centre of gravity is nice and low and it never feels overly heavy even though it weighs 1,999kg. 5 BOOT SIZE: Born's boot is 385 litres and that rises to 1,267 litres with the rear seats down Credit: Cupra UK VZ trim means it comes fitted with incredible Cup bucket seats that are made by Sabelt, a company synonymous with the manufacturing of performance seating for race and rally cars. The are covered in Alcantara and have really deep bolstering, plus they're heated, electrically operated and the steering wheel is heated too. Read more on the Irish Sun It's a practical car too as it is a five door-hatch, the boot is a decent 385 litres and drop the rear seats for 1,267 litres. It's not cheap, the Born range starts at €42,295 but the VZ model will set you back €47,585.
