Latest news with #VZ
The Advertiser
5 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Cupra Born VZ: EV hot hatch coming early 2026, more affordable options could follow
Cupra Australia will finally bring the 240kW Born VZ electric hot hatch early in 2026, though customers eager for less powerful variants will have to wait a little longer. Speaking with CarExpert, head of product for Cupra Australia – Jeff Shafer – said the high-performance Born will arrive at the beginning of next year (despite being earmarked for late-2025 as recently as March), while lesser variants may arrive with an incoming mid-life facelift. "We're in the process of planning the rest of the Born range beyond the VZ – even for the VZ we're still locking in a couple of final details," Mr Shafer said. "There's a facelift coming soon, so we're looking at the timing in terms of whether it makes sense to bring [lower variants] back in the shorter term, or wait for the [mid-life update]." CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Asked about how the ever-changing EV market has impacted Cupra's approach, particularly with regards to re-introducing the Born, Mr Shafer said the Spanish brand will focus on driver enjoyment and value to stand out from increasing competition from the likes of emerging Chinese brands. "Cupra doesn't aspire to be all things to all people… so we really want to make sure that we're bringing cars that are appealing to people's emotions, and are above all fun to drive," Mr Shafer said. "With the Born, we got a lot of positive feedback on the ride and handling, and how there was a feeling of quality. I think these aspects take the VZ up to another level in terms of the responsiveness. "Bringing Tavascan into the market, in the EV space just making sure you've got a product that doesn't follow the others [is important]. "[Pricing] is always a challenge, and we don't take anything for granted in the Australian market. It did move very quickly, so we're trying to make sure we're bringing a product that has the right positioning, offers value that customers can see. "But also, making sure that the points of difference that we believe we have in design, ride and handling, and calibration of our assistance systems is also communicated so that people understand what they're getting for their money," Mr Shafer continued. "It's important that people feel like they have value. So we're not always chasing the cheapest price point, I don't think that's ever our position, but you definitely have to have a value that people can see and appreciate." The Cupra Born VZ features a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 240kW of power and 545Nm of torque, increases of 70kW and 235Nm over the standard 170kW Born that is now sold out in Australia. As a result, the Born VZ can sprint from 0-100km/h in 5.6 seconds, and reach a top speed of 200km/h. Other changes under the skin of the VZ include a slightly larger 79kWh battery pack and a new DCC Sport chassis setup that includes revised dampers, anti-roll bars and rear springs. Exterior upgrades are limited to wider tyres and a choice of two 20-inch alloy wheel designs (globally): either forged or with 3D copper inserts. Two new colours join the palette: Midnight Black and Dark Forest green. Inside the cabin, the VZ is ready for the racetrack with bucket seats finished in recycled materials. The tech has also been improved over the base car, with the fitment of an upsized 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen that features Cupra's latest operating system. The early 2026 launch timing is yet another delay for the flagship Born, which was originally due in May 2025, then pushed back to late 2025 as recently as March. This means when it arrives, it will be almost a year late. No doubt one reason for the delay is the Spanish brand's local strategy of giving each new model "the right time in the sun", as communicated by Cupra Australia's former director Ben Wilks earlier this year. "It's important to really roll these out responsibly in terms of timing. Each of these models needs the right time in the sun," Mr Wilks told CarExpert in March. "These are not necessarily delays from a factory perspective, but rather structure and order from our perspective." However, since Mr Wilks' comments launch timings for several new models have changed again. The facelifted Formentor and hotter Born VZ electric hatch were both initially due on sale here before the end of 2025, and now both are coming early next year. Stay tuned to CarExpert for all the latest Cupra Born updates MORE: Explore the Cupra Born showroom Content originally sourced from: Cupra Australia will finally bring the 240kW Born VZ electric hot hatch early in 2026, though customers eager for less powerful variants will have to wait a little longer. Speaking with CarExpert, head of product for Cupra Australia – Jeff Shafer – said the high-performance Born will arrive at the beginning of next year (despite being earmarked for late-2025 as recently as March), while lesser variants may arrive with an incoming mid-life facelift. "We're in the process of planning the rest of the Born range beyond the VZ – even for the VZ we're still locking in a couple of final details," Mr Shafer said. "There's a facelift coming soon, so we're looking at the timing in terms of whether it makes sense to bring [lower variants] back in the shorter term, or wait for the [mid-life update]." CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Asked about how the ever-changing EV market has impacted Cupra's approach, particularly with regards to re-introducing the Born, Mr Shafer said the Spanish brand will focus on driver enjoyment and value to stand out from increasing competition from the likes of emerging Chinese brands. "Cupra doesn't aspire to be all things to all people… so we really want to make sure that we're bringing cars that are appealing to people's emotions, and are above all fun to drive," Mr Shafer said. "With the Born, we got a lot of positive feedback on the ride and handling, and how there was a feeling of quality. I think these aspects take the VZ up to another level in terms of the responsiveness. "Bringing Tavascan into the market, in the EV space just making sure you've got a product that doesn't follow the others [is important]. "[Pricing] is always a challenge, and we don't take anything for granted in the Australian market. It did move very quickly, so we're trying to make sure we're bringing a product that has the right positioning, offers value that customers can see. "But also, making sure that the points of difference that we believe we have in design, ride and handling, and calibration of our assistance systems is also communicated so that people understand what they're getting for their money," Mr Shafer continued. "It's important that people feel like they have value. So we're not always chasing the cheapest price point, I don't think that's ever our position, but you definitely have to have a value that people can see and appreciate." The Cupra Born VZ features a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 240kW of power and 545Nm of torque, increases of 70kW and 235Nm over the standard 170kW Born that is now sold out in Australia. As a result, the Born VZ can sprint from 0-100km/h in 5.6 seconds, and reach a top speed of 200km/h. Other changes under the skin of the VZ include a slightly larger 79kWh battery pack and a new DCC Sport chassis setup that includes revised dampers, anti-roll bars and rear springs. Exterior upgrades are limited to wider tyres and a choice of two 20-inch alloy wheel designs (globally): either forged or with 3D copper inserts. Two new colours join the palette: Midnight Black and Dark Forest green. Inside the cabin, the VZ is ready for the racetrack with bucket seats finished in recycled materials. The tech has also been improved over the base car, with the fitment of an upsized 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen that features Cupra's latest operating system. The early 2026 launch timing is yet another delay for the flagship Born, which was originally due in May 2025, then pushed back to late 2025 as recently as March. This means when it arrives, it will be almost a year late. No doubt one reason for the delay is the Spanish brand's local strategy of giving each new model "the right time in the sun", as communicated by Cupra Australia's former director Ben Wilks earlier this year. "It's important to really roll these out responsibly in terms of timing. Each of these models needs the right time in the sun," Mr Wilks told CarExpert in March. "These are not necessarily delays from a factory perspective, but rather structure and order from our perspective." However, since Mr Wilks' comments launch timings for several new models have changed again. The facelifted Formentor and hotter Born VZ electric hatch were both initially due on sale here before the end of 2025, and now both are coming early next year. Stay tuned to CarExpert for all the latest Cupra Born updates MORE: Explore the Cupra Born showroom Content originally sourced from: Cupra Australia will finally bring the 240kW Born VZ electric hot hatch early in 2026, though customers eager for less powerful variants will have to wait a little longer. Speaking with CarExpert, head of product for Cupra Australia – Jeff Shafer – said the high-performance Born will arrive at the beginning of next year (despite being earmarked for late-2025 as recently as March), while lesser variants may arrive with an incoming mid-life facelift. "We're in the process of planning the rest of the Born range beyond the VZ – even for the VZ we're still locking in a couple of final details," Mr Shafer said. "There's a facelift coming soon, so we're looking at the timing in terms of whether it makes sense to bring [lower variants] back in the shorter term, or wait for the [mid-life update]." CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Asked about how the ever-changing EV market has impacted Cupra's approach, particularly with regards to re-introducing the Born, Mr Shafer said the Spanish brand will focus on driver enjoyment and value to stand out from increasing competition from the likes of emerging Chinese brands. "Cupra doesn't aspire to be all things to all people… so we really want to make sure that we're bringing cars that are appealing to people's emotions, and are above all fun to drive," Mr Shafer said. "With the Born, we got a lot of positive feedback on the ride and handling, and how there was a feeling of quality. I think these aspects take the VZ up to another level in terms of the responsiveness. "Bringing Tavascan into the market, in the EV space just making sure you've got a product that doesn't follow the others [is important]. "[Pricing] is always a challenge, and we don't take anything for granted in the Australian market. It did move very quickly, so we're trying to make sure we're bringing a product that has the right positioning, offers value that customers can see. "But also, making sure that the points of difference that we believe we have in design, ride and handling, and calibration of our assistance systems is also communicated so that people understand what they're getting for their money," Mr Shafer continued. "It's important that people feel like they have value. So we're not always chasing the cheapest price point, I don't think that's ever our position, but you definitely have to have a value that people can see and appreciate." The Cupra Born VZ features a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 240kW of power and 545Nm of torque, increases of 70kW and 235Nm over the standard 170kW Born that is now sold out in Australia. As a result, the Born VZ can sprint from 0-100km/h in 5.6 seconds, and reach a top speed of 200km/h. Other changes under the skin of the VZ include a slightly larger 79kWh battery pack and a new DCC Sport chassis setup that includes revised dampers, anti-roll bars and rear springs. Exterior upgrades are limited to wider tyres and a choice of two 20-inch alloy wheel designs (globally): either forged or with 3D copper inserts. Two new colours join the palette: Midnight Black and Dark Forest green. Inside the cabin, the VZ is ready for the racetrack with bucket seats finished in recycled materials. The tech has also been improved over the base car, with the fitment of an upsized 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen that features Cupra's latest operating system. The early 2026 launch timing is yet another delay for the flagship Born, which was originally due in May 2025, then pushed back to late 2025 as recently as March. This means when it arrives, it will be almost a year late. No doubt one reason for the delay is the Spanish brand's local strategy of giving each new model "the right time in the sun", as communicated by Cupra Australia's former director Ben Wilks earlier this year. "It's important to really roll these out responsibly in terms of timing. Each of these models needs the right time in the sun," Mr Wilks told CarExpert in March. "These are not necessarily delays from a factory perspective, but rather structure and order from our perspective." However, since Mr Wilks' comments launch timings for several new models have changed again. The facelifted Formentor and hotter Born VZ electric hatch were both initially due on sale here before the end of 2025, and now both are coming early next year. Stay tuned to CarExpert for all the latest Cupra Born updates MORE: Explore the Cupra Born showroom Content originally sourced from: Cupra Australia will finally bring the 240kW Born VZ electric hot hatch early in 2026, though customers eager for less powerful variants will have to wait a little longer. Speaking with CarExpert, head of product for Cupra Australia – Jeff Shafer – said the high-performance Born will arrive at the beginning of next year (despite being earmarked for late-2025 as recently as March), while lesser variants may arrive with an incoming mid-life facelift. "We're in the process of planning the rest of the Born range beyond the VZ – even for the VZ we're still locking in a couple of final details," Mr Shafer said. "There's a facelift coming soon, so we're looking at the timing in terms of whether it makes sense to bring [lower variants] back in the shorter term, or wait for the [mid-life update]." CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Asked about how the ever-changing EV market has impacted Cupra's approach, particularly with regards to re-introducing the Born, Mr Shafer said the Spanish brand will focus on driver enjoyment and value to stand out from increasing competition from the likes of emerging Chinese brands. "Cupra doesn't aspire to be all things to all people… so we really want to make sure that we're bringing cars that are appealing to people's emotions, and are above all fun to drive," Mr Shafer said. "With the Born, we got a lot of positive feedback on the ride and handling, and how there was a feeling of quality. I think these aspects take the VZ up to another level in terms of the responsiveness. "Bringing Tavascan into the market, in the EV space just making sure you've got a product that doesn't follow the others [is important]. "[Pricing] is always a challenge, and we don't take anything for granted in the Australian market. It did move very quickly, so we're trying to make sure we're bringing a product that has the right positioning, offers value that customers can see. "But also, making sure that the points of difference that we believe we have in design, ride and handling, and calibration of our assistance systems is also communicated so that people understand what they're getting for their money," Mr Shafer continued. "It's important that people feel like they have value. So we're not always chasing the cheapest price point, I don't think that's ever our position, but you definitely have to have a value that people can see and appreciate." The Cupra Born VZ features a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 240kW of power and 545Nm of torque, increases of 70kW and 235Nm over the standard 170kW Born that is now sold out in Australia. As a result, the Born VZ can sprint from 0-100km/h in 5.6 seconds, and reach a top speed of 200km/h. Other changes under the skin of the VZ include a slightly larger 79kWh battery pack and a new DCC Sport chassis setup that includes revised dampers, anti-roll bars and rear springs. Exterior upgrades are limited to wider tyres and a choice of two 20-inch alloy wheel designs (globally): either forged or with 3D copper inserts. Two new colours join the palette: Midnight Black and Dark Forest green. Inside the cabin, the VZ is ready for the racetrack with bucket seats finished in recycled materials. The tech has also been improved over the base car, with the fitment of an upsized 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen that features Cupra's latest operating system. The early 2026 launch timing is yet another delay for the flagship Born, which was originally due in May 2025, then pushed back to late 2025 as recently as March. This means when it arrives, it will be almost a year late. No doubt one reason for the delay is the Spanish brand's local strategy of giving each new model "the right time in the sun", as communicated by Cupra Australia's former director Ben Wilks earlier this year. "It's important to really roll these out responsibly in terms of timing. Each of these models needs the right time in the sun," Mr Wilks told CarExpert in March. "These are not necessarily delays from a factory perspective, but rather structure and order from our perspective." However, since Mr Wilks' comments launch timings for several new models have changed again. The facelifted Formentor and hotter Born VZ electric hatch were both initially due on sale here before the end of 2025, and now both are coming early next year. Stay tuned to CarExpert for all the latest Cupra Born updates MORE: Explore the Cupra Born showroom Content originally sourced from:
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Do Wall Street Analysts Like Verizon Communications Stock?
Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ), headquartered in New York, is a leading multinational telecom company, focused on wireless services, broadband, and digital media. The company enjoys a strong presence in both consumer and business sectors. Through its varied offerings, Verizon provides innovative solutions in communication, connectivity, and technology. It has a market capitalization of $178.6 billion. Shares of this leading telecom provider are lagging behind the broader market. Over the past 52 weeks, VZ stock has gained 6.7%, while the broader S&P 500 Index ($SPX) has surged 16.6%. On a year-to-date (YTD) basis, the stock has rallied 6.8%, while the S&P 500 is up by 8.3% in 2025. More News from Barchart Here's What Happened the Last Time Novo Nordisk Stock Was This Oversold Earnings Will Be 'Worse Than Expected' for UnitedHealth. How Should You Play UNH Stock Here? As SoFi Raises 2025 Guidance, Should You Buy, Sell, or Hold SOFI Stock Here? Tired of missing midday reversals? The FREE Barchart Brief newsletter keeps you in the know. Sign up now! The underperformance becomes even more apparent when compared with the SPDR S&P Telecom ETF's (XTL) gains of 42.2% over the past 52 weeks and 12.2% YTD. On July 21, Verizon reported its second-quarter results for fiscal 2025. On the same day, its stock jumped by 4%. The telecom company's revenue amounted to $34.5 billion, up 5.2% year-over-year (YoY) and higher than the Wall Street consensus estimate. At the heart of this growth was the company's growth in total broadband connections and a growing subscriber base. Verizon reported an EPS of $1.18, up 8.3% YOY. For the fiscal year 2025, ending in December 2025, Wall Street analysts expect a modest growth in Verizon's bottom line, forecasting a 2.4% YoY EPS growth to $4.70 on a diluted basis. The company has a history of surpassing consensus estimates, topping them in all of the trailing four quarters. Wall Street analysts are cautiously optimistic about VZ stock – signaling there's bullish energy, but it's not without hesitation. Overall, the stock has a 'Moderate Buy' consensus rating. Of the 28 analysts covering the stock, nine are highly bullish, advising a 'Strong Buy,' while three have rated it a 'Moderate Buy.' The majority, 16 analysts, are playing it safe, recommending a 'Hold' rating. This configuration is slightly bullish than a month ago, when eight analysts suggested a 'Strong Buy' rating. On July 22, JPMorgan raised the price target on VZ from $47 to $49, while maintaining a 'Neutral' rating on the stock. Analysts at JPMorgan cited the company's focus on driving profitability rather than subscriber growth. On the same day, Morgan Stanley analysts also raised the price target from $47 to $48, while keeping their 'Equal Weight' rating on the stock. The consensus price target of $48.17 represents a 12.8% premium over Verizon's current levels. The Street-high price target of $58 reflects a 35.8% upside potential. On the date of publication, Sristi Jayaswal did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
After Surprising Earnings Pop, Should You Buy This High-Yield Dividend Stock?
Verizon Communications (VZ) just logged its strongest trading session in a long time after delivering solid Q2 2025 results and raising its full-year free cash flow outlook to between $19.5 billion and $20.5 billion. This unexpected hikes comes at a critical time for the broader industry. Global telecom spending is now expected to reach $1.42 trillion in 2025, an increase of nearly 4% from last year, pointing to steady demand for connectivity and digital tools. Still, even with Verizon gaining ground, uncertainty and pressure still linger related to its wireless business. More News from Barchart Get exclusive insights with the FREE Barchart Brief newsletter. Subscribe now for quick, incisive midday market analysis you won't find anywhere else. With Wall Street taking a cautious but watchful stance on how these segments will perform, is Verizon's latest rally a sign to buy into its above-6.4% dividend or just a reaction to stronger-than-expected financials? Let's look closer. Decoding Verizon's Financial Surge Verizon (VZ), a telecom heavyweight, plays a big part in keeping people and businesses connected through its wide network of wireless, broadband, and digital services. Over the past 52 weeks, the stock is up 5.6%, and so far this year, it has climbed 5.8%. On the valuation side, Verizon trades at a forward price-earnings ratio of 9.2x, which is well below the sector median of 14.1x. For those looking for income, the annual dividend yield sits at 6.4% with a payout ratio of 55.8%. After raising its dividend for 20 straight years, investors view Verizon as a reliable dividend payer. Behind these numbers, recent results offer more reasons for optimism. Operating revenue in Q2 reached $34.5 billion, up 5.2% from last year, while adjusted EPS came in at $1.22. Free cash flow in the first half of the year was $8.8 billion, slightly ahead of the same time last year, reflecting smart cost control and steady operations. Net income moved up to $5.1 billion, and wireless service revenue led the industry at $20.9 billion, even as postpaid subscriber numbers edged down. Growth Engines and Red Flags Although Verizon is poised to benefit from continued growth in 5G and artificial intelligence, the path ahead isn't without pressure. Verizon lost 9,000 postpaid customers this quarter, largely attributed to churn following price hikes it implemented earlier this year. Competition is rising, and Verizon now faces pressure to ease up on price hikes and sweeten the deal with new promotions to retain and grow its user counts. Analysts are only expecting small gains in wireless revenue and little improvement in churn through the end of the year, which makes it harder for postpaid growth to stay consistent. Wall Street's Verdict Verizon's performance in the first half of 2025 gave management enough confidence to raise full-year guidance. Adjusted EBITDA is now expected to grow between 2.5% and 3.5%, while cash flow from operations is projected to hit between $37 billion and $39 billion. Earnings per share are forecast at $1.19 in Q3 and $1.10 in Q4, bringing the full-year estimate to $4.70. That boost hasn't gone unnoticed. After the latest earnings report, RBC Capital raised its price target to $46 and maintained a 'Sector Perform' rating. Raymond James held its 'Outperform' call and pushed its target to $47. Both highlighted Verizon's stronger free cash flow and more upbeat guidance as signs that the company is staying disciplined and that its dividend looks solid, even with ongoing pressure in the postpaid business. For dividend-focused investors, the support from analysts is clear. The 28 surveyed maintain a 'Moderate Buy' consensus rating, showing broad confidence in the stock. The average price target now stands at $48.17. That implies upside potential of about 13%. Conclusion Verizon's post-earnings surge is hard to ignore, especially for anyone chasing steady income in a shaky market. The company's free cash flow is trending up, its dividend is well-protected, and analysts are firmly in its corner, even if growth in wireless and postpaid remains modest. For now, Verizon looks like a classic case of 'boring is beautiful' in the dividend world. Patient investors wanting high yield and some stability could easily find it worth a spot on their radar. On the date of publication, Ebube Jones did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
24-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Verizon Raises 2025 Earnings Outlook Following Quarterly Beat; Postpaid Phone Subscribers Unexpectedly Decline
Verizon Communications (VZ) lifted the lower end of its full-year earnings growth outlook on Monday
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Jim Cramer on Verizon: 'I Think It's Okay'
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) is one of the stocks Jim Cramer reflected on. When a caller inquired about the stock, keeping its 7% dividend in view, Cramer replied: 'I think it's okay. It's really just a bond. I mean, there's a lot of competition now in the telco business.' Ken Wolter / Verizon (NYSE:VZ) provides communications, technology, and entertainment services, with solutions including wireless and wireline connectivity, broadband, and related devices. The company serves consumers, businesses, and government clients with mobile, fiber, IoT, and network solutions. During a May episode, Cramer remarked that the company was not as bad as before, as he said: 'No, that's fine… The dividend, 6% is good. They're doing better… I gotta put it like this way, Verizon, not as bad as it used to be. I mean that's not enough for me, but that's kind of enough for them. Hey, we're not so bad, that's a good slogan for them. Hey Verizon, we're not so bad. I like that.' While we acknowledge the potential of VZ as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
