Verizon is a leader in the U.S. telecommunications industry. The company was created in July 2000 when Bell Atlantic and GTE merged. Operations include fiber and broadband, 5G and 4G LTE network capabilities, and Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC) infrastructure. Fios by Verizon provides bundled internet, television, and telephone service in nine states with seven million digital connections. The company is focused on growing its subscribers and broadband footprint through acquisitions. As of the beginning of 2026, the company had just under 147 million wireless retail connections and over 16 million fixed wireless and fiber broadband connections. The company has FCC spectrum licenses to provide wireless services on low- to mid-band spectrum covering nearly all of the U.S. population. Verizon also has licenses for millimeter wave spectrum and citizens broadband radio service. The company also has wholesale wireline services. Verizon is a component of the S&P 500.

The major U.S. stock indices are broadly lower at midday. News hitting the tape includes earnings reports, many of which are from tech companies; wild actions in the markets for precious metals; and an ongoing partial government shutdown, now in its fourth day.

Wireless services account for 75% of Verizon Communications' total service revenue and nearly all of its operating income. The firm serves about 94 million postpaid and 20 million prepaid phone customers via its nationwide network, making it the largest US wireless carrier. Fixed-line telecom operations include local networks in the Northeast that reach about 30 million homes and businesses, including about 20 million served by the Fios fiber-optic network. Verizon closed its acquisition of Frontier Communications in January, adding networks that reach another 15 million locations, including 9 million with fiber. These networks serve about 11 million broadband customers. Verizon also provides telecom services nationwide to enterprise customers, using a mix of its own and other networks.

Uncertainty over President Trump's new tariff policies almost knocked stocks into a bear market a year ago. While growth stocks suffered the most, value stocks also declined. Even bond prices were lower amid the confusion. Stocks have since recovered and the bull market that began in 2022 remains intact. But inflation is still an issue and now the Federal Reserve's treasured and valuable independence may be in question. Is a correction in the offing, given the high level of stock prices? Taking into account all the variables, is it time for investors to cash in their chips? As the market fluctuates between bull and bear, we note that investors exit equities at their own peril. So what's a potential equity strategy for investors amid all the uncertainty? Argus believes that Min Vol is an all-weather strategy that is timely in any investing climate.