In global markets news, VZ stock price remains buoyed by expectations of increased 5G-related revenue from enterprise clients, especially in healthcare and logistics. Shares of Merck soared 7% on Monday, as drugmakers rallied on news of a breakthrough in tariff negotiations . The rub is that apparently the key to securing at least three years of sidestepping hefty U.S. tariffs on pharmaceuticals involves a commitment to slashing prices. Verizon Communications ( NYSE:VZ - Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Monday, July 21st. The cell phone carrier reported $1.22 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.19 by $0.03. Verizon Communications had a return on equity of 19.61% and a net margin of 13.28%.The business had revenue of $34.50 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $33.47 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $1.15 EPS. Verizon Communications's revenue for the quarter was up 5.2% compared to the same quarter last year. Verizon Communications has set its FY 2025 guidance at 4.636-4.728 EPS. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Verizon Communications Inc. will post 4.69 EPS for the current fiscal year. Verizon Communications Increases Dividend Forget QQQ: This ETF Marries the Magnificent 7 and Communications The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, November 3rd. Investors of record on Friday, October 10th will be given a dividend of $0.69 per share. This represents a $2.76 annualized dividend and a yield of 6.3%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, October 10th. This is a positive change from Verizon Communications's previous quarterly dividend of $0.68. Verizon Communications's dividend payout ratio is 63.17%. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Verizon Communications Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Brighton Jones LLC grew its position in shares of Verizon Communications by 61.2% in the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 43,986 shares of the cell phone carrier's stock worth $1,759,000 after buying an additional 16,704 shares during the last quarter. Baker Tilly Wealth Management LLC grew its position in shares of Verizon Communications by 27.3% in the 1st quarter. Baker Tilly Wealth Management LLC now owns 17,059 shares of the cell phone carrier's stock worth $774,000 after buying an additional 3,654 shares during the last quarter. Fiduciary Alliance LLC grew its position in shares of Verizon Communications by 2.9% in the 1st quarter. Fiduciary Alliance LLC now owns 26,318 shares of the cell phone carrier's stock worth $1,194,000 after buying an additional 735 shares during the last quarter. NBC Securities Inc. grew its position in shares of Verizon Communications by 109,308.7% in the 1st quarter. NBC Securities Inc. now owns 75,492 shares of the cell phone carrier's stock worth $3,424,000 after buying an additional 75,423 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Sweeney & Michel LLC bought a new stake in shares of Verizon Communications in the 1st quarter worth approximately $4,164,000. 62.06% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Verizon Communications Company Profile ( Get Free Report ) Verizon Communications Inc, through its subsidiaries, engages in the provision of communications, technology, information, and entertainment products and services to consumers, businesses, and governmental entities worldwide. It operates in two segments, Verizon Consumer Group (Consumer) and Verizon Business Group (Business). Read More Five stocks we like better than Verizon Communications Profitably Trade Stocks at 52-Week Highs PayPal Stock: Why Wall Street May Be Undervaluing This Giant What Does Downgrade Mean in Investing? Why Vertical Aerospace Could Lead the eVTOL Market by 2028 How to Calculate Stock Profit Is Draganfly's Army Partnership a Game-Changer for Investors? This instant news alert was generated by narrative science technology and financial data from MarketBeat in order to provide readers with the fastest and most accurate reporting. This story was reviewed by MarketBeat's editorial team prior to publication. Please send any questions or comments about this story to [email protected]. Should You Invest $1,000 in Verizon Communications Right Now? Before you consider Verizon Communications, you'll want to hear this. MarketBeat keeps track of Wall Street's top-rated and best performing research analysts and the stocks they recommend to their clients on a daily basis. MarketBeat has identified the five stocks that top analysts are quietly whispering to their clients to buy now before the broader market catches on... and Verizon Communications wasn't on the list. While Verizon Communications currently has a Moderate Buy rating among analysts, top-rated analysts believe these five stocks are better buys. View The Five Stocks Here A Guide To High-Short-Interest Stocks MarketBeat's analysts have just released their top five short plays for October 2025. Learn which stocks have the most short interest and how to trade them. Enter your email address to see which companies made the list. Get This Free Report After closing at $40.12 yesterday, VZ stock price reflects market confidence in Verizon’s cost-cutting measures and expansion of 5G infrastructure, a key driver for future revenue streams.