Lumen Technologies (NYSE:LUMN), a longstanding player in the American telecommunications field, has faced a drastic decrease in its share price over the past few years. However, recent encouraging signs, including a Q4 earnings beat and strategic debt management, have sparked cautious optimism about the company’s potential comeback among investors. Nonetheless, Wall Street’s consensus rating indicates that analysts remain skeptical about LUMN stock.
Lumen’s Steep Fall
Monroe, Louisiana-based Lumen Technologies offers a broad spectrum of services, including communications, network services, security, cloud solutions, voice, and managed services.
Lumen has a rich history, once being the third-largest telecom company in the US. It was listed on the Fortune 500 and the S&P 500 index from 1999 until 2023.
However, the company has seen its share price crater by more than 85% over the past three years. A large part of the plunge in the stock is due to the loss of investor confidence following a significant earnings miss for Q3 2023, an enormous $9 billion write-down, and the company’s ongoing massive debt of close to $20 billion.
Recent Stock Activity
Despite more than 50% stock decline over the past year, Lumen Technologies’ recent performance has sparked some hope in investors. Lumen’s earnings in the fourth quarter outpaced Wall Street’s expectations. The company delivered adjusted earnings per share of $0.08, in contrast to the anticipated adjusted loss per share of -$0.02. Although down 7.4% year-over-year, revenue still exceeded predictions, indicating the potential for an improvement.
Further, Lumen’s guidance for 2024 indicates a solid recovery trajectory, including notable progress in restructuring its $19.8 billion debt by pushing maturities further, securing new lines of capital, and reducing potential bankruptcy risks, thus allowing more flexibility for transformation initiatives.
Since Q4 financials were announced on February 6, 2024, the share price has jumped 19%.
What is the Forecast for LUMN in 2024?
Despite the Q4 earnings beat, most analysts have maintained a cautious outlook on the stock. In a recent report, Eric Luebchow of Wells Fargo reiterated a Hold rating, with a price target of $1.75, recommending investors maintain a neutral stance until material improvements are observed in the company’s more significant business segments.
Similarly, TD Cowen analyst Gregory Williams reaffirmed a Hold rating and set a price target of $3.50, citing uncertainty regarding plans to stabilize revenue.
Overall, LUMN is currently rated a Moderate Sell based on the ratings from six Wall Street analysts, including four Hold and two Sell recommendations. The average price target is currently $1.78, with a forecast range of $3.50 at the high and $1.00 at the low. The average price target represents a potential upside of 10.6% from the current levels.
Final Thoughts
Lumen Technologies has faced significant challenges over the past several years. However, the company’s Q4 results showed some promise, demonstrating potential recovery signs. With a strategic approach to managing its substantial debt and securing new financing channels, Lumen is eyeing a reversal. This is echoed in the company’s 2024 outlook.
That said, given the persistent uncertainty in the company’s performance, analysts suggest the prudent course for investors is to remain cautious until more tangible improvements are evident.
