tiprankstipranks
Trending News
More News >
Lumen Technologies (LUMN)
NYSE:LUMN
Advertisement

Lumen Technologies (LUMN) AI Stock Analysis

Compare
5,669 Followers

Top Page

LUMN

Lumen Technologies

(NYSE:LUMN)

Select Model
Select Model
Select Model
Neutral 55 (OpenAI - 4o)
Rating:55Neutral
Price Target:
$6.50
▲(9.80% Upside)
Lumen Technologies' overall stock score is primarily impacted by its weak financial performance, which presents significant risks. However, positive technical indicators and strategic moves highlighted in the earnings call provide some optimism. The valuation remains unattractive due to negative earnings, but the company's efforts to improve its financial position could lead to future improvements.
Positive Factors
Debt Refinancing
The successful debt refinancing reduces interest expenses and extends debt maturities, enhancing financial flexibility and stability.
Sale of Consumer Business
This strategic divestiture strengthens the balance sheet by reducing debt and interest expenses, allowing focus on core enterprise services.
Increased Free Cash Flow Guidance
Higher free cash flow guidance indicates improved cash generation, supporting investments in growth and debt reduction.
Negative Factors
Declining Revenue
Continued revenue decline in key business segments suggests challenges in maintaining market share and competitive positioning.
High Leverage
High financial leverage poses risks to solvency and limits the company's ability to invest in growth or weather economic downturns.
Negative Free Cash Flow
Negative free cash flow indicates challenges in covering operational expenses and capital investments, impacting long-term sustainability.

Lumen Technologies (LUMN) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Lumen Technologies Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionLumen Technologies, Inc., a facilities-based technology and communications company, provides various integrated products and services under the Lumen, Quantum Fiber, and CenturyLink brands to business and residential customers in the United States and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Business and Mass Markets. It offers compute and application services, such as cloud services, IT solutions, unified communication and collaboration solutions, colocation and data center services, content delivery services, and managed security services; and IP and data services, including VPN data network, Ethernet, internet protocol (IP), and voice over internet protocol. The company also provides fiber infrastructure services comprising high bandwidth optical wavelength networks; and unlit optical fiber and related professional services. In addition, it offers voice and other services, including private line services, a direct circuit or channel specifically dedicated for connecting two or more organizational sites; a portfolio of traditional time division multiplexing voice services; and synchronous optical network-based Ethernet, legacy data hosting services, and conferencing services. As of December 31, 2021, the company served approximately 4.5 million broadband subscribers. The company was formerly known as CenturyLink, Inc. and changed its name to Lumen Technologies, Inc. in September 2020. Lumen Technologies, Inc. was incorporated in 1968 and is headquartered in Monroe, Louisiana.
How the Company Makes MoneyLumen Technologies generates revenue through multiple streams, primarily by offering telecommunications services, including local and long-distance voice services, broadband internet, and data networking solutions. The company earns significant income from its enterprise segment, which serves large businesses with customized solutions for data transport, cloud services, and cybersecurity. Additionally, Lumen has developed partnerships with various technology firms to enhance its service offerings, such as integrating cloud solutions with its network infrastructure. The company also leverages its extensive fiber-optic network to provide high-capacity data transport services, which are crucial for businesses seeking reliable connectivity. Overall, its revenue model is built on a combination of subscription-based services, usage-based billing for data services, and long-term contracts with enterprise clients.

Lumen Technologies Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Jul 31, 2025
(Q2-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Oct 29, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call presented a mix of positive and negative developments. Lumen Technologies highlighted significant achievements such as the successful sale of its consumer business, debt refinancing, increased free cash flow guidance, and strong growth in key metrics. However, the company also faced challenges, including a withdrawal from the RDOF program, declines in certain revenue segments, and negative free cash flow. Overall, the positives, particularly the financial improvements and strategic moves, outweigh the negatives.
Q2-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Sale of Consumer Fiber-to-Home Business
Lumen Technologies announced the sale of its consumer fiber-to-the-home business to AT&T for $5.75 billion, which is expected to strengthen the balance sheet and reduce annual interest expense by approximately $300 million.
Successful Debt Refinancing
Lumen Technologies refinanced $2 billion in debt, extending maturities to 2033 and reducing the coupon rate by over 3.5%, saving approximately $50 million in annual interest expense.
Increased Free Cash Flow and EBITDA Guidance
Lumen raised its 2025 free cash flow guidance by $500 million and increased its 2025 run rate cost-out target from $250 million to $350 million.
Strong Growth in Key Performance Indicators
Network as a Service (NaaS) saw quarter-over-quarter growth with customers up 35%, total active NaaS ports up 31%, and total active services up 22%.
New PCF Contracts
Lumen signed nearly $500 million of new PCF contracts, bringing the total to just under $9 billion.
Positive Financial Results Despite RDOF Impact
Reported solid financials with revenue and adjusted EBITDA exceeding expectations despite a $46 million onetime RDOF giveback.
Tax Benefits from Legislation
The reconciliation bill is expected to reduce Lumen's 2025 tax liability by approximately $400 million.
Negative Updates
RDOF Program Withdrawal
Lumen withdrew from the RDOF program, resulting in a $46 million onetime revenue and adjusted EBITDA giveback.
Decline in Business Segment Revenue
Total business revenue declined 3.4% year-over-year, with North American enterprise channels revenue decreasing by 2.4%.
Mass Markets Revenue Decline
Mass Markets segment revenue declined 12.8% year-over-year.
Negative Free Cash Flow
Free cash flow was negative $209 million in the second quarter.
Company Guidance
During the Lumen Technologies Second Quarter 2025 Earnings Call, significant guidance and updates were provided. Lumen announced the sale of its consumer fiber-to-the-home business to AT&T for $5.75 billion, which will reduce annual interest expenses by approximately $300 million and decrease CapEx by about $1 billion. The company reported nearly $500 million in new PCF contracts, adding to the existing $8.5 billion, and raised its 2025 free cash flow guidance by $500 million. Lumen also achieved a successful $2 billion bond offering, reducing coupon rates by over 3.5% and saving an additional $50 million annually in interest expenses. The company expects its adjusted EBITDA to hit the high end of the $3.2 billion to $3.4 billion range, despite a $46 million RDOF giveback, and anticipates a $400 million tax refund due to recent tax legislation. Additionally, Lumen is on track to achieve $350 million in run rate cost-out targets for 2025, up from $250 million, and is focused on strategic investments and innovations, including AI infrastructure and Network as a Service (NaaS) offerings.

Lumen Technologies Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Lumen Technologies faces significant financial challenges, with declining revenues and profitability issues. The balance sheet shows high leverage and potential solvency risks, while cash flow generation remains a concern. The company needs to address these issues to improve its financial health and stability.
Income Statement
35
Negative
Lumen Technologies has experienced declining revenue over recent periods, with a negative revenue growth rate of -1.35% in the TTM. The company has struggled with profitability, as indicated by negative net profit margins and EBIT margins. The gross profit margin has also decreased slightly over time, reflecting challenges in maintaining cost efficiency.
Balance Sheet
25
Negative
The balance sheet reveals significant financial leverage, with a negative stockholders' equity leading to an undefined debt-to-equity ratio in the TTM. This indicates potential solvency issues. The return on equity is negative, reflecting ongoing losses. The equity ratio is also concerning, suggesting a high reliance on debt financing.
Cash Flow
40
Negative
Cash flow analysis shows a decline in free cash flow growth, with a negative growth rate of -7.77% in the TTM. However, the operating cash flow to net income ratio is positive, indicating that the company generates cash from operations despite net losses. The free cash flow to net income ratio is low, reflecting limited cash available after capital expenditures.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue12.82B13.11B14.56B17.48B19.69B20.71B
Gross Profit6.12B6.41B7.41B9.61B11.20B11.78B
EBITDA2.57B4.10B-6.09B3.58B8.52B5.90B
Net Income-1.18B-55.00M-10.30B-1.55B2.03B-1.23B
Balance Sheet
Total Assets32.98B33.50B34.02B45.58B57.99B59.39B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments1.57B1.89B2.23B1.25B354.00M406.00M
Total Debt18.17B18.16B20.26B20.92B29.37B32.22B
Total Liabilities33.57B33.03B33.60B35.14B46.15B48.23B
Stockholders Equity-595.00M464.00M417.00M10.44B11.84B11.16B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow938.00M1.10B-940.00M1.72B3.60B2.79B
Operating Cash Flow4.38B4.33B2.16B4.74B6.50B6.52B
Investing Cash Flow-3.28B-2.83B-1.20B5.48B-2.71B-3.56B
Financing Cash Flow-1.03B-1.85B-18.00M-9.31B-3.81B-4.25B

Lumen Technologies Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price5.92
Price Trends
50DMA
4.82
Positive
100DMA
4.51
Positive
200DMA
4.65
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.32
Positive
RSI
59.50
Neutral
STOCH
33.65
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For LUMN, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 5.92 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 5.56, above the 50-day MA of 4.82, and above the 200-day MA of 4.65, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 0.32 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 59.50 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 33.65 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for LUMN.

Lumen Technologies Risk Analysis

Lumen Technologies disclosed 45 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Lumen Technologies reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Lumen Technologies Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (60)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
79
Outperform
$5.09B11.7511.17%5.45%19.25%5.69%
70
Neutral
$4.07B7.3725.78%8.74%0.35%19.08%
55
Neutral
$6.07B-78.94%-6.50%43.47%
55
Neutral
$4.05B-39.28-0.82%0.43%-5.62%80.09%
54
Neutral
$3.49B-225.2318.66%2.75%3.89%-107.44%
53
Neutral
$4.14B-157.28-0.54%47.95%-3.65%-134.04%
60
Neutral
$48.67B4.58-11.27%4.14%2.83%-41.78%
* Communication Services Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
LUMN
Lumen Technologies
5.92
-1.18
-16.62%
PHI
PLDT
19.04
-6.49
-25.42%
TEO
Telecom Argentina
7.41
0.04
0.54%
TKC
Turkcell Iletisim
5.94
-0.68
-10.27%
AD
Array Digital Infrastructure
47.97
9.86
25.87%
TDS
Telephone & Data Systems
37.51
14.37
62.10%

Lumen Technologies Corporate Events

Private Placements and Financing
Lumen Technologies Completes $425M Note Offering
Positive
Sep 8, 2025

On September 8, 2025, Level 3 Financing, a subsidiary of Lumen Technologies, completed an offering of $425 million in additional 7.000% First Lien Notes due 2034. The proceeds will be used to redeem existing higher-interest notes and cover related expenses, potentially improving the company’s financial structure by lowering interest obligations and enhancing its debt profile.

The most recent analyst rating on (LUMN) stock is a Hold with a $4.09 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Lumen Technologies stock, see the LUMN Stock Forecast page.

Private Placements and Financing
Lumen Technologies Announces $425M Note Offering
Neutral
Sep 4, 2025

On September 4, 2025, Lumen Technologies announced that its subsidiary, Level 3 Financing, plans to offer an additional $425 million of 7.000% First Lien Notes due 2034 in a private offering. The proceeds will be used to redeem existing notes and cover related expenses. Additionally, Lumen expects to amend its New Credit Agreement to establish a new tranche of term loans and make other adjustments, though this is subject to market conditions.

The most recent analyst rating on (LUMN) stock is a Hold with a $4.09 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Lumen Technologies stock, see the LUMN Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Sep 23, 2025