VERIZON COMMUNICATIONS INC 8-K

What Happened

• On January 30, 2026, Verizon Communications Inc. filed an 8-K describing its earnings and cash-flow expectations for 2026 and announcing a capital-return plan. The Board declared a quarterly dividend of $0.7075 per share (annualized increase of $0.07, or 2.5%) payable May 1, 2026 to holders of record at the close of business on April 10, 2026.
• The Board also authorized a new share repurchase program for up to $25 billion of common stock and said it expects to repurchase at least $3 billion of stock in 2026. Verizon said the changes to its cost structure and strategy support funding for investment, debt reduction, and shareholder returns totaling about $55 billion through the end of 2028.

Key Details

• Quarterly dividend: $0.7075 per share; record date April 10, 2026; payment date May 1, 2026; annualized increase = $0.07 (2.5%).
• Share repurchase authorization: up to $25 billion; methods may include open-market, privately negotiated, or Rule 10b5-1/10b-18 plans; program ends when $25B is spent or a new plan supersedes it.
• 2026 repurchase expectation: at least $3 billion, subject to stock price, market and economic conditions.
• Capital-return goal: approximately $55 billion to stockholders (dividends + buybacks) through end of 2028; forward-looking statements subject to risks and uncertainties.

Why It Matters

• For investors, the dividend increase and large buyback authorization signal a stronger focus on returning cash to shareholders and reducing shares outstanding over time, which can support earnings per share.
• The company’s commitment to repurchase at least $3B in 2026 provides near-term buyback visibility, but repurchases are discretionary and dependent on market conditions.
• Verizon’s statements about 2026 earnings and cash-flow expectations are forward-looking and subject to risks (competition, economic conditions, execution of cost changes, regulatory and operational risks), so outcomes may differ from the plan.