Verizon shares rise as earnings beat and guidance boost offset revenue miss

Verizon Communications reported second-quarter 2026 results that exceeded Wall Street expectations for adjusted earnings, despite a slight revenue miss. Adjusted earnings per share came in at $1.30, above analyst estimates of $1.27-$1.28, while total revenue of $34.25 billion fell short of the $35.28 billion forecast. The company added 184,000 postpaid phone customers, more than double analyst expectations, marking its strongest consumer Q2 postpaid phone net additions in five years. Mobility and broadband service revenue grew 2.8% year-over-year to approximately $23.4 billion, with Verizon forecasting acceleration to around 4% in Q4 2026. Broadband net additions totaled 348,000, including 193,000 fixed wireless access and 155,000 fiber broadband additions. Following the results, Verizon raised its full-year guidance, now expecting mobility and broadband service revenue growth of 2.5% to 3.0% and adjusted EPS of $4.99 to $5.04, representing 6% to 7% year-over-year growth. The company also increased its share buyback target to up to $4.5 billion. CEO Dan Schulman attributed the gains to new plans and loyalty programs. Shares rose about 3% on the news.