Verizon Adds 616,000 Postpaid Subscribers, Lifts 2026 Net-Add Guidance
Verizon shares have climbed 23% year-to-date through February 12, outpacing both the S&P 500 and sector ETF. The company reported a 2% sales increase and $1.09 adjusted EPS in Q4, and added a five-year-high 616,000 net postpaid wireless subscribers, then raised its 2026 net-add guidance to 750,000–1,000,000.
1. Strong Year-to-Date Performance
Verizon shares have risen 23% through February 12, outperforming the S&P 500’s flat return and the Communication Services sector ETF’s 3% decline, marking the strongest start among major U.S. telecom peers.
2. Q4 Earnings Beat and Share Reaction
In Q4, Verizon posted a 2% year-over-year revenue increase and delivered $1.09 in adjusted EPS, driving a nearly 12% one-day share jump on January 30—the largest post-earnings gain in at least ten years.
3. Subscriber Growth and 2026 Guidance
The company added 616,000 net postpaid wireless subscribers in Q4, far exceeding forecasts of 417,000, and now expects 750,000–1,000,000 net additions in 2026, two to three times its 2025 performance.
4. Dividend and Analyst Outlook
Verizon’s 5.5% dividend yield boosts total return appeal, and while the consensus price target implies modest downside, all tracked targets rose after earnings, signaling confidence in its turnaround trajectory.