Lumen Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:LUMN ) TD Cowen Communications Infrastructure Summit Conference August 12, 2025 1:15 PM ET Company Participants Christopher David Stansbury - Executive VP & CFO Conference Call Participants Gregory Bradford Williams - TD Cowen, Research Division Gregory Bradford Williams Good afternoon. Welcome to our 11th Annual TD Cowen Communications Infrastructure Service Conference.
Lumen Technologies Inc. (LUMN) is facing revenue declines, heavy debt, and industry challenges through asset sales and refinancing, with its rebound from a 50-year low leaving the outlook split between recovery and renewed decline.
Lumen's Q2 results showed ongoing revenue declines, but significant cost reductions and debt restructuring signal improving fundamentals. The AT&T fiber sale will reduce annual interest and capex by ~$300M and $1B, respectively, supporting free cash flow and debt reduction. Shares trade at a reasonable valuation given ongoing revenue struggles, but the turnaround story is progressing nicely so far.
Lumen Technologies, Inc. is a turnaround story that markets overlook, as it focuses on balance sheet health, EBITDA growth, and returning to revenue growth driven by AI infrastructure investments. Despite a Q2 loss and revenue decline, Lumen raised its free cash flow outlook and continues executing on major contracts, including an $8.5 billion private connectivity fiber deal. Debt remains a manageable risk, with recent refinancing reducing interest expenses and extending maturities, supporting the company's transformation efforts.
LUMN posts narrower-than-expected loss in the second quarter, lifts 2025 free cash flow outlook and has now about $9 billion in AI-fueled fiber deals.
Lumen Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:LUMN ) Q2 2025 Earnings Conference Call July 1, 2025 5:00 PM ET Company Participants Christopher David Stansbury - Executive VP & CFO Jim Breen - Corporate Participant Kathleen E. Johnson - President & CEO Conference Call Participants Batya Levi - UBS Investment Bank, Research Division Eric Thomas Luebchow - Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, Research Division Frank Garrett Louthan - Raymond James & Associates, Inc., Research Division Gregory Bradford Williams - TD Cowen, Research Division Michael Ian Rollins - Citigroup Inc., Research Division Nicholas Ralph Del Deo - MoffettNathanson LLC Sebastiano Carmine Petti - JPMorgan Chase & Co, Research Division Operator Ladies and gentlemen, greetings, and welcome to Lumen Technologies Second Quarter 2025 Earnings Call.
Although the revenue and EPS for Lumen (LUMN) give a sense of how its business performed in the quarter ended June 2025, it might be worth considering how some key metrics compare with Wall Street estimates and the year-ago numbers.
Lumen (LUMN) came out with a quarterly loss of $0.03 per share versus the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of $0.24. This compares to a loss of $0.13 per share a year ago.
Lumen Technologies Inc. has taken investors on a journey in recent years, and now it says an improving balance sheet will open up more opportunities.
Lumen Q2 2025 gains likely came from PCF momentum and AI-driven growth, despite legacy drag and high debt concerns.
Lumen's turnaround is progressing, with stable revenue and improving earnings surprises, despite recent share price declines and ongoing volatility. Lumen Technologies' stock valuation remains extremely attractive at a 0.33 P/S ratio, supported by strong cash flow margins and management's cost-saving initiatives. I maintain a cautious Buy-and-Hold stance on LUMN stock, recognizing turnaround risks but seeing significant long-term upside potential as transformation continues.
Upgrading Lumen Technologies from hold to buy, raising LUMN stock's price target to $5.64, representing a 33% upside, based on improved cost efficiency and strategic clarity. The confirmed sale of Lumen's mass markets fiber business to AT&T brings in $5 billion in cash, reduces debt by $4.8 billion, and allows the company to focus on enterprise. Despite ongoing revenue declines, Lumen's “Grow” portfolio has increased nearly 10% year-over-year, now comprising 48% of total revenue, showing strong traction in enterprise services.