Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) reported first-quarter 2026 results on Monday, with the stock trading higher following the release, as adjusted earnings topped expectations while revenue came in slightly below estimates.
Adjusted EPS was $1.28, beating the $1.20 estimate, while revenue of $34.4 billion missed the $34.836 billion consensus. GAAP diluted EPS rose 4.3% year over year to $1.20, and net income increased 3.3% to $5.1 billion.
Strong Profitability And Cash Flow Growth
Total operating revenue grew 2.9% year over year to $34.4 billion. Adjusted EBITDA increased 6.7% to $13.4 billion, marking a record quarterly level, while adjusted EPS growth of 7.6% was the strongest since 2021.
Cash flow from operations was $8.0 billion, up 2.6%, and free cash flow rose 4.0% to $3.8 billion.
Capital expenditures totaled $4.2 billion. Verizon ended the quarter with $142.5 billion in total unsecured debt and $130.1 billion in net unsecured debt.
The company repurchased $2.5 billion in shares and remains on track for at least $3.0 billion for the full year. It also paid …