Verizon Q3 profit beats; raises 2026 postpaid phone net adds forecast
VZ•Verizon reported Q3 adjusted EPS of $1.31, above the $1.27 analyst consensus, as revenue rose 1.5% year over year. It raised its 2026 postpaid phone net adds forecast to 1.1 million-1.2 million and lifted its adjusted EPS outlook to $5.04-$5.06.
1. Quarterly results
Verizon’s Q3 revenue rose 1.5% year over year, driven by mobility and broadband growth. Adjusted EPS rose 8.3% to $1.31, beating the $1.27 analyst consensus; net income was $5.3 billion and operating cash flow was $11.5 billion.
2. Raised 2026 outlook
For the third consecutive quarter, Verizon raised its full-year 2026 guidance. It now expects postpaid phone net additions of 1.1 million-1.2 million, compared with 750,000-1.0 million previously, adjusted EPS of $5.04-$5.06, and free cash flow growth approaching 12%, up from 9%-10%.
3. Growth drivers
Verizon said its strongest postpaid phone net additions in five years and best net account growth in more than a decade drove results. It attributed improved net income and margins to operational efficiency and reduced promotional costs, and highlighted an expanded AWS partnership and fiber network investments as supporting future growth.
