Verizon is being impacted by slower growth in the wireless phone space following the easing of Covid-19, while competition has also been mounting with carriers doling out aggressive promotions to add customers. While we believe Verizon can expand its earnings, driven by more premium plans and the winding down of its expensive 5G build-out, the stock could see some headwinds due to economic uncertainties. April 2021: Inflation rates cross 4% and increase rapidly Early 2022: Energy and food prices spike due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.