Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ) shares retreated 0.9% on Friday, closing at $49.01 after touching a fresh 52-week high of $49.46 in the prior session. The decline lagged the performance of sector peers T-Mobile US and AT&T as U.S. equity markets drifted lower ahead of the Presidents Day holiday.
A regulatory filing disclosed that Joseph J. Russo, Verizon's executive vice president of global networks and technology, sold 18,529 shares at $48.97 each to cover tax obligations. The transaction followed the vesting of 42,446 performance stock units.
Investor attention remains fixed on the company's capital return strategy. Verizon recently outlined plans to return approximately $55 billion to shareholders through dividends and buybacks by the end of 2028. This includes a new $25 billion share repurchase authorization, with at least $3 billion earmarked for 2026.
The wireless carrier's stock has gained momentum since its late-January earnings report, which featured a 2026 profit outlook that exceeded expectations and its strongest quarterly postpaid phone net additions in six years. CEO Dan Schulman emphasized the company is "no longer a hunting ground for competitors."
However, challenges persist. Verizon carries substantial debt, and rising Treasury yields could pressure its dividend-driven valuation. Any slowdown in subscriber growth or intensification of promotional pricing could further weigh on shares.
Trading will resume Tuesday following the market holiday. The next significant event is scheduled for February 24, when CFO Tony Skiadas is set to speak at the Barclays Communications and Content Symposium.
