Verizon's Subscriber Losses Raise Concerns, But Strong Business Revenue, Guidance Keeps Analyst Optimistic

Core Viewpoint - Goldman Sachs analyst James Schneider maintains a Buy rating on Verizon Communications Inc with a price target of $52, despite mixed results in subscriber metrics [1][5]. Financial Performance - Verizon reported total revenue of $33.5 billion, aligning with analyst estimates of $33.4 billion and the Street's estimate of $33.3 billion [1]. - Adjusted EPS was $1.19, surpassing the analyst estimate of $1.14 and the consensus of $1.15 [1]. - Total wireless service revenue reached $20.8 billion, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 2.7%, consistent with analyst estimates of $20.83 billion and above the Street's estimate of $20.44 billion [1]. Subscriber Metrics - Postpaid phone net additions were -289k, significantly below the analyst estimate of -240k and the Street's estimate of -199k [2]. - Consumer revenue was $25.6 billion, matching analyst estimates of $25.56 billion and the Street's estimate of $25.45 billion [2]. - Consumer postpaid phone net additions were -356k, underperforming against the analyst estimate of -320k and the Street's estimate of -289k [2]. - Consumer fixed wireless net additions were +199k, in line with the analyst estimate of +200k and the Street's estimate of +195k [2]. Business Outlook - Verizon reiterated its financial guidance for 2025, projecting wireless service revenue growth of 2%-2.8%, which translates to $83.7-$84.4 billion, compared to the analyst estimate of $84.2 billion and the Street's estimate of $82.8 billion [4]. - Adjusted EPS growth guidance is set at 0%-3%, implying a range of $4.59-$4.73, compared to the analyst and Street estimate of $4.68 [4]. Market Reaction - Verizon stock increased by 1.12% to $43.44 at the time of publication [7].