North American operators

It seems there isn’t a dedicated thread for US operators, so let’s create one! Surely there are a few forum members here who have these companies in their portfolios. Here you can then share your own views, news, and pretty much anything - more or less - value-adding content.

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Verizon on polkenut 6–7 vuotta paikallaan, eikä muilla isoilla operaattoreilla ole tainnut sujua sen häävimmin. Mitä T-Mobilen ja Sprintin yhdistymiselle kuuluu?

Otetaanko ketjuun mukaan myös kanadalaiset operaattorit, suurimpina Bell, Rogers ja Telus? Pieniähän ne kyllä kaikki ovat jenkkioperaattoreihin verrattuna.

Itselläni on hieman tuntumaa Telus-kenttään, vaikka salkussani onkin harmittavasti reikä siinä kohdassa. Rogers ei ole oikein rokannut viime vuosina. Sen sijaan Telus saavutti juuri kaikkien aikojen korkeimman noteerauksensa; harmittaa, etten aikanaan kohdistanut operaattorivalintaani siihen.

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Verizon achieved strong results in the last quarter of 2024, driven by record customer growth and profitability.

The company significantly increased the number of mobile and broadband subscriptions, and Verizon also managed to continue the steady rise in wireless service revenue. Consumer business grew, but the enterprise segment’s results weakened slightly. Debt was successfully reduced and free cash flow improved, which will enable future investments in new technologies.

For 2025, Verizon expects moderate growth in service revenues and profitability.

https://x.com/Earnings_Time/status/1882767884717543740

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I would like to add Canada to this group of US operators. The three biggest have a near-monopoly, a bit like in Finland. Each has its own strengths, some strengths being “in quotes”.

Telus:
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Diversified outside of telecom operators into, for example, health technology and agriculture. Cash flow has taken a big hit from 5G investments, now hopefully returning to a growth trajectory. Also invested in technology, although success has not yet materialized. (TIXT) I own a small amount.

BCE:
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In addition to being a telecom operator, television rights are in a strong position. Television, however, is dying due to competition from streaming services.

Rogers:
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Like BCE, media is strong, especially the sports side, such as NHL, NBA, etc. Growth is the weakest of the three.

Canada is one of the most expensive countries in the world for operators, but it requires a lot to challenge them, so competition has not emerged. In sparsely populated areas, Musk’s Starlink is probably the biggest challenger.

@Sijoittaja-alokas can probably move this elsewhere if expanding to North America as a whole is too much.

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I think it fits very well here, the thread is quiet anyway, so it’s good to get more discussion on the topic. :slight_smile:

I changed the title:
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From the illustrative tweet, I would conclude that T-Mobile is clearly pulling harder than its competitors. :thinking:

I haven’t followed companies in the industry much, but I could gradually start monitoring them so I can compare.

https://x.com/finchat_io/status/1884659035510890702

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Google Translate of Canadian Bell (BCE) earnings presentation:

CEO: Regarding the dividend, I would say that what we intend to do here in capital allocation is to balance long-term investments to generate growth. And you’ve already asked me two questions about that. But at the same time, we will strengthen the balance sheet and optimize the cost of capital, and in doing so, we will return value to our shareholders. And as I said in my opening remarks, the dividend payout ratio has now increased. It is outside our policy, and we are not happy with where the share price is. And so, the review of the dividend and dividend policy will continue by the BCE board, and when we do that, we will take into account, as I said, the competitive environment, the macroeconomic environment, the regulatory environment, and the progress we make on the various strategic and operational initiatives that I am outlining. So, to summarize these three questions into one, Maher, I would say that the message to take away from me is that we will continue to execute in the market according to the four or five core vectors I have outlined. We are focused on our investment-grade rating. We intend to deleverage and optimize our cost of capital.

My conclusion: Dividend cut likely.

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Verizon reported Q1 EPS and revenue better than forecasts, even though the number of postpaid phone subscriptions decreased more than expected.

The company confirmed its full-year growth outlook in earnings, operating profit, services, and free cash flow. Management particularly emphasized customer-centricity, network quality, and overall financial strength.

Verizon strongly grew its broadband customer base in both fixed and wireless networks. Free cash flow significantly improved from the previous year. The CEO emphasized the company’s strong network, financial stability, and ability to respond to customers’ changing needs, among other things.

https://x.com/CmgVenture/status/1914661403819991082

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Verizon’s second quarter was strong, with earnings, revenue, and cash flow improving from last year.

The company stated it benefited from its loyal customer base, clear growth strategy, and the quality of its networks, so Verizon raised its full-year earnings forecasts. :slight_smile:

https://x.com/Earnings_Time/status/1947252301984416096
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Company’s Own Materials

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Here is SalkunRakentaja’s article about Verizon. :slight_smile:

Through acquisitions, Verizon has sought to ensure that it possesses technological expertise and business models in new growth areas.

Acquisitions also support the development of Verizon’s core operations: acquisitions can bring expertise and new technology, for example, to the areas of 5G networks and enterprise data solutions. However, the company has later sold or integrated some of the acquisitions into other operations, recognizing the pace of market change and the return potential of investments.

Subheadings:

  1. Verizon is a Dividend Aristocrat – also in the future
  2. An Important Acquisition Supports Verizon’s Growth Strategy
  3. The Opportunity for New Growth Lies in 6G Network Technology
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The news below states that Verizon and AST SpaceMobile have agreed to collaborate on providing a satellite-based mobile network in the United States starting in 2026.

The service will enable connectivity via space with regular phones, even in dead zones. The agreement expands the companies’ existing partnership.

AST’s stock rose over 15 percent, and the company’s share price has more than tripled during the year. :open_mouth:

https://www.cnbc.com/2025/10/08/verizon-signs-deal-with-ast-spacemobile-to-provide-cellular-service-from-space.html

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RBC raised T-Mobile’s recommendation to “buy” and estimated a 22 percent upside for the stock.

According to them, the company is growing strongly, also benefits from the acquisition of UScellular, and is investing in new services that can positively impact the future. Additionally, the company’s large share repurchases and management change support confidence in the future.

https://www.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/tmobile-sees-stronger-subscriber-growth-than-its-wireless-peers-4286511

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T-Mobile delivered another strong performance; this quarter mostly exceeded expectations, and additionally, the company raised its full-year forecasts.

The number of customers grew significantly, especially in the subscription segment, and the acquisition of UScellular supports growth better than expected. Revenue and profitability developed positively, which indicates good momentum. :slight_smile:

Earnings slightly weakened due to a one-time expense, but the core business is nevertheless in good shape. T-Mobile is now investing in the development of its network and new areas, which is reflected in even higher investments.

Overall, the company continues steadily on the path of growth and profitability, and apparently, there are hardly any signs of slowdown.

https://x.com/earnings_guy/status/1981314334853615641



The Company’s Own Materials




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Verizon reported a stable quarter and strong cash flow, but new CEO Dan Schulman promised a bold transformation. :thinking:

The consumer business is still struggling, although the enterprise and broadband segments strengthened. The market is now waiting to see what the company’s major strategic overhaul means in practice.

https://x.com/CmgVenture/status/1983513764646338953



Company’s Own Materials


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Verizon sold a large batch of bonds to finance the acquisition of Frontier, while taking advantage of favorable market conditions.

New CEO Dan Schulman stated that the company plans to boldly move into a new phase and strengthen its position by expanding, for example, its fiber optic networks with the help of the Frontier deal.

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Verizon announced it would cut 13,000 jobs and reduce external labor costs (e.g., temporary staff, subcontractors, etc.) under the leadership of new CEO Dan Schulman.

The company is offering a $20 million reskilling program for those laid off, and the extensive cuts reflect large corporations’ efforts to streamline their operations and also that companies are preparing for an economy shaped by AI. According to Schulman, Verizon needs significant changes.

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