Verizon Shares Surge on Strong Performance and Strategic Moves

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Verizon Communications Inc. has capped off its 2025 fiscal year with robust momentum, delivering quarterly results that surpassed market expectations. The telecommunications giant is signaling a confident growth trajectory, backed by a significant influx of new subscribers and an ambitious outlook for 2026. Investors have responded positively to announcements of substantial capital returns and key strategic advancements.

The company's financial metrics for the final quarter underscore its operational strength. Adjusted earnings per share came in at $1.09, while total revenue ascended to $36.4 billion. This positive financial picture has been reflected in the equity market, with Verizon's stock price climbing to a new 52-week high of $46.59. Over the past seven trading days, the shares have posted a notable gain exceeding 16 percent.

Subscriber Growth Drives Momentum

A primary driver of the fourth-quarter success was exceptional performance in the wireless segment. Verizon reported adding 616,000 new postpaid phone subscribers, marking its highest quarterly net addition in more than six years. This customer acquisition surge provides significant operational momentum heading into the new fiscal period.

Looking ahead, management has set an ambitious target to attract between 750,000 and one million new wireless customers in 2026.

Strategic Expansion and Future Guidance

A cornerstone of Verizon's future strategy was solidified with the completion of its acquisition of Frontier Communications on January 20, 2026. This strategic move substantially expands the company's fiber optic footprint, granting it access to over 30 million locations. The integration is expected to significantly bolster Verizon's competitive position in offering bundled mobile and broadband services.

Leadership has expressed confidence in maintaining this pace. The company's guidance for 2026 projects adjusted earnings per share in the range of $4.90 to $4.95, representing potential growth of up to five percent. Furthermore, Verizon forecasts revenue growth of two to three percent for its mobility and broadband services in the current 2026 fiscal year, reinforcing its commitment to defending market leadership through network expansion and financial discipline.

Commitment to Shareholder Returns

Verizon is placing considerable emphasis on rewarding its investors. The company has authorized a new share repurchase program, planning to buy back up to $25 billion worth of its own stock over the next three years. Concurrently, it anticipates free cash flow to increase by seven percent to approximately $21.5 billion, a move designed to ensure the sustainability and security of its ongoing dividend payments.

This combination of strong operational results, strategic expansion, and a clear capital return framework confirms Verizon's ongoing growth course, positioning the company for the upcoming fiscal year.