VZ Surpasses Q2 Earnings Estimates on Solid Wireless Traction

Core Insights - Verizon Communications Inc. reported strong second-quarter 2025 results with adjusted earnings and revenues exceeding Zacks Consensus Estimates [1] Financial Performance - The company achieved net income of $5.12 billion or $1.18 per share, an increase from $4.7 billion or $1.09 per share in the prior-year quarter, primarily driven by top-line growth [3] - Total operating revenues rose by 5.2% to $34.5 billion, surpassing the consensus estimate of $33.58 billion, fueled by growth in service revenues and higher wireless equipment revenues [4] Segment Performance - Consumer segment revenues increased by 6.9% year over year to $26.65 billion, exceeding estimates of $25.63 billion, with service revenues up 2.1% to $20.26 billion and wireless equipment revenues up 29.6% to $5.37 billion [5] - Business segment revenues decreased by 0.3% to $7.27 billion, falling short of estimates due to lower wholesale and enterprise revenues, partially offset by growth in business markets [8] Subscriber Growth - Verizon recorded 278,000 net additions in fixed wireless access, bringing the total subscriber base to over 5.1 million, positioning the company to meet its target of 8 to 9 million subscribers by 2028 [2][9] - Wireless retail postpaid churn was 1.12%, while retail postpaid phone churn was 0.9%, indicating stable customer retention [6] Cash Flow and Guidance - The company generated $16.76 billion in net cash from operating activities for the first half of 2025, with free cash flow of $5.17 billion for the quarter [12] - For 2025, Verizon expects wireless service revenue growth of 2%-2.8% and adjusted EBITDA growth of 2.5%-3.5%, with adjusted earnings anticipated to grow by 1-3% [13]