Citi analyst Jason Bazinet believes DISH Network (DISH) may be a logical acquisition target for Verizon (VZ) as the 600MHz auction concludes. DISH would help Verizon close its spectrum gap versus rivals, Bazinet tells investors in a research note. Further, Verizon will need a "nationwide team of techs and trucks for installs" should it deploy nationwide fixed wireless for in-home broadband, the analyst contends. He adds that DISH could also help Verizon bundle video/mobile nationally at scale. DISH bears believe Verizon cannot afford a deal, but an acquisition is feasible if Verizon pays with equity, Bazinet writes. He keeps a Buy rating on DISH with a $94 price target. The stock closed yesterday up 82c to $57.44.

Ribbon Communications (RRBN) announced plans for a major network modernization program with Verizon (VZ) to retire legacy TDM switching platforms and replace their function with modern cloud-based technologies. Verizon is leveraging Ribbon's portfolio of Voice Products including the vC20 Call Controller, G5 Line Access Gateway, G6 Universal Media Gateway, virtual and Cloud-native Session Border Controllers, and other products which allows for the consolidation and replacement of equipment with energy efficient, software-centric platforms while maintaining full feature functionality.

Wells Fargo lowered the firm's price target on Verizon to $40 from $44 and keeps an Equal Weight rating on the shares. The firm sees encouraging signs in Q1 - improvement in sub trends and limited churn from price-ups - offset by some softness in the business segment and prepaid. Wells would get more constructive when there's visibility on a sustainable improvement in sub trends.