Research
Research Alert: Verizon Communications Beats Expectations In Q1, Adds 55k Postpaid Subscribers
CFRA, an independent research provider, has providedwith the following research alert. Analysts at CFRA have summarized their opinion as follows:Verizon posted a breakthrough Q1 with first positive postpaid phone net additions since 2013 at 55k, representing a dramatic 344k improvement from 289k losses in Q1 2025, while adjusted EBITDA reached a record $13.4B (+6.7% Y/Y) and adjusted EPS grew 7.6% to $1.28. This milestone performance validates CEO Schulman's transformation strategy and marks a clear inflection point in competitive positioning, stemming from healthier customer economics and reduced churn. Management raised 2026 adjusted EPS guidance to $4.95-$4.99 (5%-6% growth) and expects total retail postpaid phone net additions in the upper half of 750k-1M range, about 2x-3x the 2025 result. The Frontier acquisition (closed on January 20) is expected to deliver $1B+ of run-rate operating cost synergies by 2028, double initial estimates. We believe strong operational momentum, combined with broadband growth of 341k net additions and AI-first strategy deployment, positions Verizon well for sustained market share recovery and convergence opportunities.
$VZ