Scotiabank Projects 19.7% Upside With $48 Price Target and 6.81% Yield

VZVZ

Scotiabank set a $48 price target for Verizon on January 7, implying 19.7% upside and a Buy rating supported by a 6.81% dividend yield. New management is cutting headcount and shifting to franchised retail to boost FY2026 profitability while leveraging a $1.35M revenue-per-employee metric in FY2024.

1. Scotiabank Sets Bullish Price Target

On January 7, 2026, Scotiabank established a price target of $48 for Verizon, implying potential upside of approximately 19.69% from current levels. This projection reflects the bank’s confidence in Verizon’s ability to leverage its scale and stable cash flows to drive shareholder returns over the next 12 months.

2. Attractive Valuations and Yield Support Buy Rating

Verizon maintains a Buy rating due to its compelling valuation metrics and a dividend yield of 6.81%. At its present valuation multiple, the company offers an income-oriented entry point for investors seeking steady distributions, with dividend coverage supported by robust free cash flow generation in recent quarters.

3. Operational Restructuring to Enhance Profitability

Under new leadership, Verizon has initiated an operational restructuring program that includes targeted headcount reductions and a strategic pivot toward franchised retail operations. These measures are expected to reduce operating expenses by an estimated $1.2 billion annually beginning in fiscal 2026, bolstering margins and improving return on invested capital.

4. Efficiency Metrics Highlight Growth Prospects

Verizon reported market-leading revenue per employee of $1.35 million in fiscal 2024, well above its major telecom peers. Management forecasts further improvement in this efficiency metric by fiscal 2026, driven by continued network modernization and digital service rollouts, positioning the company for sustained top-line growth and enhanced profitability.

Sources

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