Verizon's story is one of constant innovation. From pay phones to flip phones to smartphones, to rolling out 4G LTE nationwide, to being one of the first major carriers to launch fiber to the home with Fios, to pioneering the first 5G mobile network, Verizon has kept America and its customers at the forefront of technology. Along the way, our "Can you hear me now?" campaign has become a cultural touchstone, reminding consumers that reliability matters. A commitment to communities Marking a quarter century o ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The competitive intensity in the market has increased, with gross adds showing double-digit growth on the postpaid phone side [6][10] - The company has seen a slight increase in churn due to price hikes and competitive pressures, but expects to return to a business-as-usual (BAU) posture in the second half of the year [54][74] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The broadband and mobility businesses are identified as the two engines of growth, with a clear path to becoming the number one converged player in America [10][14] - The company aims to cover 40 million homes with fiber and continues to see strong momentum in its Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) product, targeting 8 to 9 million subscribers [13][24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The switcher pool has increased, with both port-ins and port-outs rising, indicating a competitive environment [6][10] - The company has a strong position in the prepaid market, having gained market share over the last three quarters [37][38] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to be the number one converged player in America, focusing on both mobility and broadband [10][14] - The strategy includes leveraging AI for operational efficiencies and enhancing customer care, which is seen as a potential differentiator in the market [106][109] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the competitive landscape but believes the company's value proposition resonates well with customers [7][10] - The company expects to see continued growth in gross adds and a reduction in churn as it implements its strategies [54][74] Other Important Information - The company has committed to a million-plus new fiber offerings post-acquisition of Frontier, with a focus on reducing build costs through automation and AI [21][23] - Adjacent products and perks are becoming a significant part of the business, with a projected $2 billion run rate and mid-30% margins [78][81] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the expectations for gross adds in the second half of the year? - Management expects gross add momentum to continue due to a strong value proposition and improved sales execution [56][61] Question: How does the company view the competitive landscape and its impact on ARPU? - The company does not aggressively pursue pre-to-post migration but focuses on serving customers well in the prepaid space, maintaining a premium mix [63][64] Question: What is the strategy for reducing churn? - A strong value proposition, cross-selling opportunities, and loyalty programs are key strategies for reducing churn [69][72] Question: How does the company leverage AI in its operations? - AI is used to enhance customer care, improve operational efficiencies, and provide personalized experiences [106][109]

The bulls are still shunning this bellwether of the telecom sector.Verizon Communications (VZ 1.40%) is often considered a reliable income stock. It's one of the largest telecom companies in America, and it's raised its dividend for 18 consecutive years. But over the past five years, its stock price declined nearly 30% as the S&P 500 advanced more than 90%.Verizon's stock stumbled as it struggled to gain new wireless subscribers. But at $42 a share, it looks undeniably cheap at 9 times forward earnings and ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Wireless service revenue increased by 2.7%, reaching the high end of the guided range [9] - Adjusted EBITDA was reported at $12.6 billion, marking a 4% growth and the highest result ever [9][20] - Free cash flow improved by over $900 million compared to the previous year, totaling $3.6 billion [9][27] - Adjusted EPS for the quarter was $1.19, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 3.5% [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consumer postpaid phone net losses were 356,000, primarily due to recent pricing actions [21] - Prepaid net adds reached 137,000, the best performance since the TracFone acquisition [13][24] - Broadband services saw 339,000 net adds, with continued market share growth in both Fios and fixed wireless access [24][14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is on track to deploy C-Band to 80% to 90% of planned sites by year-end, enhancing mobility services [11] - Fios expansion is ahead of schedule, with a target of 650,000 incremental passings this year [12] - The fixed wireless access product is expected to reach 8 million to 9 million subscribers by 2028 [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to grow wireless service revenue, expand adjusted EBITDA, and generate strong free cash flow [17] - Focus on customer-first offerings, including myPlan, myHome, and My Biz Plan, to enhance customer experience and retention [10][34] - The pending acquisition of Frontier is expected to significantly enhance broadband offerings and market reach [10][39] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating the current macroeconomic environment, citing the essential nature of connectivity services [7][8] - The company anticipates improved consumer postpaid phone net adds for the full year, despite recent challenges [22] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining financial discipline and operational excellence to achieve long-term growth [18][27] Other Important Information - The company was recognized as having the best, fastest, and most reliable 5G network in the US by RootMetrics [11] - The Verizon Value Guarantee, a new three-year price lock and free phone guarantee, is expected to drive customer loyalty and growth [46][55] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of tariffs on handsets and telecom equipment - Management indicated that tariffs on handsets could affect consumer pricing but emphasized that they are prepared to manage these challenges without compromising capital expenditures [61][67] Question: Churn expectations with new plans and promotions - Management expects churn to improve in the second half of the year due to the introduction of the Verizon Value Guarantee and ongoing C-Band expansion [72][73] Question: March and April gross adds improvement - Management noted that the new Verizon Value Guarantee has led to double-digit growth in gross adds, indicating strong market resonance [87] Question: Sustainability of business EBITDA growth - Management confirmed that the recent EBITDA growth is supported by ongoing cost transformation efforts and a shift towards higher-margin wireless services [90][93] Question: Consumer behavior changes due to tariffs - Management reported no significant changes in consumer behavior but noted some uptick in handset upgrades attributed to new offers [100][102] Question: Postpaid phone industry growth expectations - Management maintains that the postpaid market is expected to grow between 8 million and 8.5 million, with a focus on migrating customers from prepaid to postpaid [119] Question: Marketing and pricing strategy adjustments - Management is focused on maintaining a competitive pricing strategy while ensuring that service revenue growth remains sustainable [125][135]

Verizon (VZ) Q1 2025 Earnings Call April 22, 2025 08:30 AM ET Company Participants Brady Connor - Senior Vice President-Investor RelationsHans Vestberg - Chairman & CEOTony Skiadas - EVP & CFOSowmyanarayan Sampath - Executive VP & CEO of Verizon Consumer GroupKannan Venkateshwar - Managing DirectorSam McHugh - Managing Director Conference Call Participants John Hodulik - Telecom and Cable AnalystBenjamin Swinburne - AnalystJames Schneider - AnalystMichael Rollins - AnalystPeter Supino - MD & Senior Analyst ...