VZ Stock Rises Pre-Market As Verizon Lays Out Bullish 2026 Growth Outlook

• Verizon sees retail postpaid phone net additions in 2026 to be between 750,000 and 1 million, roughly two to three times the level reported in 2025.
• The company also expects broadband and mobility service revenue to rise by about 2% to 3%, to nearly $93 billion.
• For Q1, the company reported a revenue of $36.4 billion with an adjusted EPS of $1.09.

Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ) on Friday outlined 2026 expectations, suggesting a sharp increase in customer additions and solid earnings growth as the telecommunications company builds on momentum from a strong finish to 2025. 

The company provided a 2026 outlook following its fourth-quarter (Q4) and full-year 2025 earnings. 

Customer Growth 

Verizon sees retail postpaid phone net additions in 2026 to be between 750,000 and 1 million, roughly two to three times the level reported in 2025, marking a sign of renewed traction.

The company also expects broadband and mobility service revenue to rise by about 2% to 3%, to near $93 billion, even as traditional wireless service revenue growth remains flat. 

Verizon anticipates adjusted earnings per share (EPS) in the range of $4.90 to $4.95, reflecting a 4%–5% improvement year over year (YoY).

Following the update, Verizon stock traded over 4% higher in Friday’s premarket. On Stocktwits, retail sentiment around the stock jumped to ‘bullish’ from ‘neutral’ territory the previous day. Message volume improved to ‘high’ from ‘normal’ levels in 24 hours. 

Operating cash flow is forecasted at $37.5 billion to $38.0 billion, with free cash flow of at least $21.5 billion, which would mark the highest free cash generation since 2020. Capital expenditures for infrastructure upgrades, including fiber expansion, are set between $16 billion and $16.5 billion. 

Q1 Financial Performance

For Q1, the company reported a revenue of $36.4 billion and adjusted EPS of $1.09, both exceeding analysts’ consensus estimates of $36.19 billion and $1.06, respectively, according to Fiscal AI data. 

“Verizon will no longer be a hunting ground for our competitors.”

-Dan Schulman, CEO, Verizon 

In the fourth quarter of 2025, Verizon reported more than 1 million total net additions across mobility and broadband, its strongest quarterly result for those segments since 2019, with 616,000 postpaid phone net additions.

VZ stock has only gained 0.8% in the last 12 months. 

Also See: Why Did GCL Stock Soar 53% Pre-Market Today?

For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.

Share

·

Add us on