Verizon (VZ) Stock Surges 4% on Strong Q1 Results and First Subscriber Growth Since 2013

Key Takeaways

• Verizon shares climbed approximately 4% during premarket hours following stronger-than-expected Q1 results
• Company reported 55,000 net postpaid phone subscriber additions — marking the first positive first quarter since 2013
• Adjusted earnings per share reached $1.28, surpassing Wall Street’s $1.21 forecast
• 2026 full-year EPS outlook increased to $4.95–$4.99 range from previous $4.90–$4.95 guidance
• Service outage in January temporarily impacted wireless revenue due to $20 customer compensation credits

Verizon delivered quarterly earnings on Monday that exceeded Wall Street expectations, sending shares higher in early trading. The telecommunications company saw its stock climb approximately 4% before market open, hitting $48.33.

Verizon Communications Inc., VZ

The carrier reported adjusted earnings of $1.28 per share, topping the FactSet analyst consensus estimate of $1.21. Total revenue reached $34.4 billion, representing a 2.9% increase compared to the same period last year, although falling just short of the anticipated $34.8 billion.

While the earnings beat drew praise, the real story centered on customer growth. Verizon brought in 55,000 net postpaid phone subscribers during the first quarter. Wall Street analysts had projected losses ranging from 81,000 to 88,000 customers.

This marks the first time Verizon has delivered positive postpaid phone customer growth during a first quarter since 2013. For a telecom giant working to revitalize its wireless operations, this represents a significant achievement.

Behind the Customer Growth Revival

A key component of this approach involved aggressive targeting of competitors’ customers. Verizon provided enhanced incentives to consumers who presented bills from AT&T and T-Mobile, successfully converting rival subscribers to its network.

The company has also expanded its focus on bundled offerings — pairing home internet services with wireless packages — a tactic AT&T has successfully employed to improve customer retention. Early indicators suggest this strategy is delivering results.

The quarter also represents Verizon’s first financial report including Frontier, following the acquisition’s completion on January 20.

One notable challenge: wireless service revenue faced pressure from $20 customer credits distributed after a roughly 10-hour service disruption in January. These compensation payments, issued to hundreds of thousands of affected customers, modestly reduced overall revenue.

Upgraded Full-Year Outlook

Verizon increased its full-year adjusted earnings per share projection to a range of $4.95–$4.99. This revision moves up from the company’s prior $4.90–$4.95 target and exceeds the $4.90 analyst consensus at the midpoint.

The telecommunications provider also indicated it now anticipates total retail postpaid phone net customer additions for 2026 will fall within the upper half of its 750,000 to 1 million forecast range.

While subtle, this represents a significant upgrade in confidence. Verizon isn’t merely celebrating one strong quarter — management is signaling sustained momentum ahead.

S&P 500 futures traded relatively flat on Monday as investors awaited earnings reports from major technology companies.

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