Verizon's Strategic Position and the 10X Rule: A Case for Long-Term Growth

In the realm of corporate strategy, few frameworks challenge conventional thinking as boldly as Grant Cardone's 10X Rule. This philosophy, rooted in setting goals 10 times greater than perceived limits and taking 10 times the action to achieve them, demands a radical reimagining of ambition and execution. For investors, the question is whether companies can align their strategies with such audacious principles while navigating operational realities. Verizon Communications, a telecommunications giant, offers a compelling case study. By examining its 2023–2025 strategic initiatives through the lens of the 10X Rule, we uncover a business that is not only scaling expectations but also demonstrating the operational rigor to turn them into reality.

Strategic Ambition: Setting 10X Goals

Verizon's leadership under Dan Schulman has embraced a "customer-first" culture, a departure from traditional telecom models that prioritize infrastructure over user experience. This shift reflects the first tenet of the 10X Rule: redefining what is possible. The company's goals-expanding 5G coverage, acquiring Frontier Communications to bolster broadband reach, and integrating private wireless networks into enterprise solutions-exemplify this ambition. For instance, fixed wireless access (FWA) has grown to 5.4 million subscribers by Q3 2025, a 10X leap from earlier projections. Such metrics suggest a willingness to outpace industry benchmarks, a hallmark of the 10X mindset.

Operational Execution: Taking 10X Actions

The second pillar of the 10X Rule-massive action-is where Verizon's recent performance shines. In Q3 2025, the company reported $33.8 billion in operating revenue, a 1.5% year-over-year increase, alongside a $5.1 billion net income, up 50% from the same period in 2024. These results are not accidental but the product of deliberate, large-scale actions: accelerating C-band 5G deployment, expanding fiber networks ahead of schedule, and launching converged services that bundle wireless and broadband offerings. Such initiatives require not only capital but also systemic innovation, a trait the 10X Rule emphasizes.

Verizon's infrastructure investments further underscore this approach. By prioritizing 5G and fiber expansion, the company is future-proofing its network against the rising demand for AI-driven edge computing and smart city technologies. This forward-looking strategy mirrors the 10X Rule's emphasis on anticipating and exceeding market needs.

Overcoming Operational Challenges

Critics often highlight telecom companies' struggles with customer churn and operational inefficiencies. However, Verizon's Q3 2025 results reveal a narrowing churn rate and a 0.8% year-over-year increase in Consumer segment operating income to $7.7 billion. These improvements stem from targeted actions: enhancing customer service through AI-powered support tools and incentivizing loyalty with tailored plans. Such measures align with the 10X Rule's focus on accountability and iterative refinement.

Moreover, the pending acquisition of Frontier-a $10.8 billion deal-demonstrates Verizon's willingness to take bold steps to address market gaps. By integrating Frontier's broadband assets, the company aims to serve 30 million households with Fios, a move that directly counters rural connectivity challenges while expanding its revenue base. This is not incremental growth but a 10X leap in market penetration.

Financial Resilience and Long-Term Value

Verizon's financials reinforce its alignment with the 10X framework. In Q2 2025, total operating revenue rose 5.2% year-over-year to $34.5 billion, with net income surging 8.5%. The company has also raised full-year guidance for adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow, signaling confidence in sustaining these trends. Such resilience is critical for long-term investors, as it mitigates risks associated with high-growth strategies.

Conclusion: A 10X Investment Thesis

Applying the 10X Rule to Verizon's strategy reveals a company that is not merely adapting to market dynamics but redefining them. By setting ambitious goals-such as leading the private 5G revolution-and executing with disproportionate action, Verizon is positioning itself as a leader in the digital economy. For investors, this represents a rare combination of visionary ambition and operational discipline. In a world where incrementalism often dominates, Verizon's 10X approach offers a compelling case for long-term growth.