Workflow
Verizon(VZ) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
VZVerizon(VZ)2025-04-22 16:34

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 12.6billion,markinga412.6 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 3.6billion[9][27]AdjustedEPSforthequarterwas3.6 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]