** U.S. wireless carrier Verizon VZ.N raised the lower end of its annual profit forecast, riding on strong demand for its premium plans and benefits from the Trump administration's new tax law

** Co reported revenue of $34.5 billion, beating estimates of $33.74 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG; its adjusted earnings per share of $1.22 also beat estimates

** Stock rated "buy" from an average of 28 analysts' ratings; median PT is $48, per data compiled by LSEG

FIBERING ITS WAY

** J.P.Morgan ("neutral," PT: $49) expects the competitive dynamics in the wireless industry to shift in the coming years, as bundled service offerings become the main driver of new customer additions and market share change

** Citigroup ("buy," PT: $48) expects VZ to focus more on bundled service offerings, with broader coverage through fixed wireless access and an expanded fiber network

** "We believe the market is underappreciating the multi-year opportunity for Verizon to improve financial performance" - Citigroup

** TD Cowen ("buy," PT: $56) says VZ managed to deliver strong results, supported by price increases, cost savings

** Oppenheimer ("outperform," PT: $50) says the focus is on growing wireless service revenue and improving retention through new marketing and AI-driven customer experience, aiming for stabilization by year-end

(Reporting by Akriti Shah in Bengaluru)

((akriti.shah@thomsonreuters.com))