Verizon Adds 55,000 Q1 Subscribers, Raises 2026 EPS Outlook to $4.99
Verizon added 55,000 postpaid wireless subscribers in Q1, its first net gain in over a decade, versus analysts’ forecast of an 81,809 decline. It raised its 2026 adjusted EPS outlook to $4.95-$4.99 from $4.90-$4.95 following lower churn from revamped bundled offers.
1. Subscriber Growth
Verizon achieved its first quarterly net addition in over ten years by signing up 55,000 postpaid wireless subscribers in Q1, compared with analysts’ expectation of an 81,809 subscriber decline. Targeted promotions for customers switching from rival carriers and improved billing incentives fueled this unexpected turnaround.
2. Profit Forecast Revision
The company lifted its full-year adjusted EPS forecast to a range of $4.95 to $4.99 per share from $4.90 to $4.95 and reported Q1 adjusted earnings of $1.28 per share versus $1.20 expected. Quarterly revenue reached $34.4 billion, narrowing the gap with consensus estimates.
3. Bundled Plans and Outage Credits
Verizon’s focus on discounted bundles combining high-speed internet and wireless services helped reduce customer churn and attract new subscribers. However, wireless service revenue growth was partially offset by $20 credits issued to customers following a 10-hour January service outage affecting hundreds of thousands of accounts.