Catenaa, Tuesday, May 05, 2026-Verizon raised its full-year earnings outlook after reporting mixed first-quarter results, with modest subscriber gains and stronger profits offset by continued competitive pressure and rising costs.
Verizon added 55,000 retail postpaid phone customers in the first quarter. This marked a reversal from losses of 289,000 a year earlier.
Total connections rose to 93.9 million from 93.2 million. Customer churn edged up slightly year over year but improved compared with the previous quarter.
Growth lagged behind rivals. AT&T added 294,000 postpaid users during the same period, while T-Mobile posted stronger gains last year.
Broadband Expansion Continues
Verizon’s fiber segment delivered another quarter of steady expansion. The business added 127,000 customers, lifting totals to 10.8 million.
Fixed wireless access also grew, with 214,000 additions. The segment reached 6 million users, up from 4.8 million a year earlier.
These gains reflect ongoing demand for high-speed connectivity. Broadband remains a core area of growth for the company.
Revenue And Profit
Mobility and broadband service revenue increased to $19.2 billion from $18.8 billion. Group revenue rose to $34.4 billion from $33.5 billion.
Operating profit climbed 3.3 percent to $8.2 billion. Adjusted earnings per share rose 7.6 percent to $1.28.
The earnings improvement came despite a 2.7 percent increase in operating expenses. The company said this marked its fastest quarterly earnings growth since 2021.
Guidance Raised
Verizon lifted its full-year adjusted earnings outlook to a range of $4.95 to $4.99 per share. This compares with a previous forecast of $4.90 to $4.95.
The company expects postpaid phone additions to reach the upper half of its annual target range. Management signaled confidence in ongoing momentum.
The improved outlook reflects stable service revenue and continued broadband expansion.
Chief executive leadership changes have shaped recent strategy. The company has focused on improving customer retention and reducing friction in services.
Earlier cost-cutting efforts included plans to reduce headcount. However, recent filings show total employees increased to 99,600 from 89,900 at the end of last year.
This shift suggests evolving operational priorities as the company balances efficiency with growth.
Verizon continues to face strong competition in the US telecom market. Rivals have posted higher subscriber additions, intensifying pressure on market share.
Pricing strategies and bundled services remain central to attracting customers. Industry competition is expected to remain intense throughout the year. The company’s ability to sustain subscriber growth will be closely watched by investors.
Verizon is one of the largest telecom operators in the United States, offering wireless, broadband and enterprise services. The company has invested heavily in 5G networks and fiber infrastructure in recent years.
Competition has increased as AT&T and T-Mobile expand aggressive pricing and promotional offers. This has pressured margins and customer growth across the sector.
Telecom providers are also adapting to changing consumer demand for data-intensive services. Broadband and wireless convergence strategies are shaping the next phase of industry competition.
Verizon’s recent results reflect both progress and ongoing challenges. The company is working to strengthen its position while navigating a highly competitive and evolving market.
