Verizon Surpasses Q4 Earnings Estimates on Healthy Revenue Growth

Core Insights - Verizon Communications Inc. reported strong fourth-quarter 2025 results, exceeding both adjusted earnings and revenue estimates, while fulfilling its 2025 guidance [1] Financial Performance - Net income for the quarter was $2.45 billion, or 55 cents per share, down from $5.11 billion, or $1.18 per share, in the prior year, primarily due to increased operating expenses [3] - For 2025, GAAP earnings totaled $17.61 billion, or $4.06 per share, compared to $17.95 billion, or $4.14 per share, in 2024; adjusted earnings were $4.71 per share, up from $4.59 [4] - Total operating revenues increased by 2% to $36.38 billion, driven by higher wireless equipment revenues and customer growth, surpassing the consensus estimate of $35.94 billion; total revenues for 2025 reached $138.19 billion, a 2.5% year-over-year increase [5] Segment Results - Consumer segment revenues rose by 3.2% year-over-year to $28.44 billion, with service revenues up 0.9% to $20.25 billion and wireless equipment revenues increasing by 9.6% to $7.11 billion [6] - Business segment revenues decreased by 1.8% to $7.37 billion, impacted by lower wholesale and enterprise revenues, despite growth in business markets [9] Subscriber Growth - The company achieved 319,000 net additions in fixed wireless access, bringing the total subscriber base to nearly 5.7 million, with a target of 8 to 9 million by 2028 [2][10] - Wireless retail postpaid churn was recorded at 1.21%, while retail postpaid phone churn was 0.95% [7] Operating Metrics - Operating income declined to $5 billion, down 32.6% due to an 11% increase in total operating expenses, which reached $31.38 billion [12] - EBITDA for the consumer segment improved by 0.3% to $10.38 billion, with a margin of 36.5%, down from 37.5% in the prior year [8] Cash Flow and Liquidity - Verizon generated $37.14 billion in net cash from operating activities for 2025, compared to $36.91 billion in 2024; free cash flow was $20.13 billion, up from $19.82 billion [13] Future Guidance - For 2026, Verizon anticipates flat wireless service revenue, with total mobility and broadband service revenues expected to grow by 2-3%; adjusted earnings are projected to increase by 4-5% to a range of $4.90-$4.95 per share [14]