Updated
Updated · Trefis · Jul 13
Verizon Reaffirms 2%-3% 2026 Growth Guidance as Q1 Wireless Revenue Falls 1%
Updated
Updated · Trefis · Jul 13

Verizon Reaffirms 2%-3% 2026 Growth Guidance as Q1 Wireless Revenue Falls 1%

2 articles · Updated · Trefis · Jul 13

Summary

  • Verizon kept its full-year outlook for 2% to 3% mobility and broadband service revenue growth, even after core wireless service revenue slipped 1% year over year in the first quarter.
  • Management said the quarter should mark the low point of 2026, attributing part of the decline to a one-time network outage credit and arguing operating trends are improving.
  • 55,000 postpaid phone net adds gave Verizon its first positive first-quarter phone additions in 13 years, while consumer postpaid phone churn fell below 85 basis points and acquisition and retention costs dropped about 35% from the prior quarter.
  • Still, the stock has fallen 9% over the past three months, reflecting investor doubt that better subscriber metrics and lower promotions can translate into sustained top-line growth.
  • At about $42.12, Verizon trades on a 10.2 price-to-earnings multiple and generates free cash flow equal to 11.2% of its market value, leaving investors focused on whether revenue growth can validate that yield.

Insights

With insiders selling shares, is Verizon's massive cash flow a sign of strength or a prelude to decline?
Can Verizon's disciplined strategy win against T-Mobile's aggressive growth and the rise of budget-friendly competitors?