Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ) has reached a pivotal moment in its corporate evolution, announcing fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results that indicate a strategic pivot towards growth and customer focus. Under CEO Dan Schulman’s “play to win” mandate, the company has reported record mobility and broadband volumes, achieving its best quarterly performance since 2019. This not only highlights Verizon’s resilience but also marks the initiation of a rigorous turnaround strategy aimed at reclaiming market territory from competitors.
Strategic Intent: A Calculated Shift
Schulman’s message was clear: “Our performance in the fourth quarter proves that we can grow by delighting our customers and building deep trust and loyalty.” This statement encapsulates Verizon’s intent to redefine its relationship with consumers while also establishing a formidable stance against competitors. The impending closure of Verizon’s acquisition of Frontier on January 20 elevates this strategy further, expanding its fiber coverage to 30 million homes and businesses. This shift is not merely a numbers game; it serves a deeper tactical hedge against rising competition and evolving consumer demands.
2025 Financials: Strength in Numbers
In 2025, Verizon announced an earnings per share (EPS) of $4.06, with adjusted EPS reaching $4.71, a steady increase from 2024’s $4.06. Total operating revenue climbed to $138.2 billion, surpassing last year’s figure of $134.8 billion. This growth extended beyond mere revenue—free cash flow also rose to $20.1 billion, showcasing Verizon’s ability to generate capital effectively while managing operational efficiency.
| Metrics | 2024 | 2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Earnings Per Share (EPS) | $4.06 | $4.71 | +16% |
| Total Operating Revenue | $134.8B | $138.2B | +2.5% |
| Free Cash Flow | $19.8B | $20.1B | +1.5% |
The Mobility and Broadband Landscape
Verizon’s mobility and broadband sectors showcased exceptional growth in Q4 2025. The company recorded postpaid phone net additions of 616,000, contrasting with last year’s gains of 504,000—establishing the best quarter for phone net additions in nearly half a decade. Wireless service revenues hit $21.0 billion, climbing 1.1% year-over-year, underlining the effectiveness of Verizon’s updated service offerings. Notably, the company also gained 372,000 broadband net additions in the fourth quarter, a critical metric reinforcing its transition into fortified broadband service offerings.
Local and Global Ripples
This strategic recalibration resonates across not only the U.S. but also the wider telecommunications landscape in markets like the UK, Canada, and Australia. In the U.S., consumers can expect enhanced fiber offerings, which will likely heat up competitive dynamics between major telecom players. Meanwhile, in Canada and the UK, where consumer telecommunications are similarly competitive, Verizon’s moves could accelerate partnerships and potentially inspire competitive responses from other operators. In Australia, as infrastructure investments proliferate, Verizon’s strategic emphasis on broadband may position it favorably in the context of rising digital demand.
Projected Outcomes: Future Watchpoints
As Verizon moves into 2026, stakeholders should anticipate several key trends:
- Continued Customer Communications Growth: With forecasts of retail postpaid phone net additions ranging between 750,000 and 1 million, the emphasis on customer expansion will be critical.
- Revenue Steadying Dynamics: Projected 2% to 3% growth in mobility and broadband service revenue indicates a gradual enhancement as the company adjusts to a more sustainable growth mode.
- Fiber Expansion Efforts: A build pace of at least 2 million fiber passings will be pursued, enhancing Verizon’s market reach and infrastructure resilience.
Verizon’s strategic repositioning is not merely about figures on a balance sheet; it reflects an organizational ethos focused on customer satisfaction and competitive durability. As telecom ecosystems become increasingly tech-driven, Verizon is preparing to defend and expand its territory, indicating a turning tide in the telecommunications sector.
