Verizon Communications (VZ) Q1 2026 Earnings Preview – What to Watch
Key Takeaways
- Consensus calls for Q1 2026 revenue of $34.79 billion and EPS of $1.23.
- Q4 2025 beat expectations with $1.09 EPS (vs. $1.06 estimate) and $36.38 billion in revenue.
- Analysts expect momentum from 5G network‑slice deployments and the ongoing integration of Frontier Communications.
- FY 2026 guidance projects full‑year EPS of $4.90‑$4.95, slightly above the consensus $4.81 estimate.
- Dividends are slated to rise for the 20th straight year and a $3 billion share‑repurchase program is planned for 2026.
Why This Quarter Matters
Verizon Communications VZ is the largest integrated telecom provider in the United States, serving both consumer and enterprise markets with wireless, fiber‑optic broadband, and managed network services. The upcoming Q1 2026 report is the first after Verizon’s acquisition of Frontier Communications, which expands its fiber footprint to more than 30 million locations. Investors are keen to see how the company leverages its 5G network‑slice capabilities and whether the record net additions recorded in Q4 2025 can be sustained. The outcome will influence FY 2026 earnings expectations, dividend policy, and capital‑allocation priorities.
Consensus Estimates and What to Expect
Wall Street’s median forecasts picture revenue of $34.79 billion, a modest year‑over‑year rise driven by higher broadband subscriptions and continued growth in 5G data usage. EPS is projected at $1.23, up from $1.09 in the prior quarter, reflecting anticipated operating‑margin expansion as cost‑saving programs mature. Key metrics to watch include post‑paid wireless net additions, fiber‑to‑the‑home (FTTH) subscriber growth, and average revenue per user (ARPU). Full‑year guidance remains at $4.90‑$4.95 EPS, a touch above the consensus $4.81, with revenue expected in the $138‑$140 billion range.
I also ran a quick scan with Tickeron’s AI Trend Prediction Engine to see how Verizon’s recent trends compare with sector peers; the signals remain broadly positive but warrant close monitoring.
Market Sentiment Ahead of the Report
Investor sentiment is cautiously optimistic. The prevailing view is that recent network investments and the Frontier integration should bolster top‑line growth, while disciplined cost‑management could protect margins. Nonetheless, concerns linger about heightened competition in the wireless space, regulatory pressures on 5G spectrum fees, and the capital intensity of fiber deployments. Prior to earnings, VZ shares have traded in a relatively tight range, with a slight premium to the 30‑day average, reflecting a balance between growth expectations and risk appraisal.
Drivers and Risks to Monitor Going Forward
Several catalysts will shape Verizon’s trajectory beyond Q1 2026:
- Frontier integration. The speed of fiber rollout and cross‑selling of wireless services could unlock incremental recurring revenue.
- 5G network‑slice adoption. Early uptake among enterprise customers will be an indicator of future margin expansion.
- Cost‑saving initiatives. Targeting $5 billion in annual efficiencies, these programs should start reflecting in operating income if execution stays on track.
Macro‑level factors also deserve attention: interest‑rate trends that influence cap‑ex financing, pricing pressure from AT&T and T‑Mobile, and any regulatory developments affecting spectrum allocation or net‑neutrality rules. Finally, Verizon’s dividend policy and the planned $3 billion share‑repurchase program remain central for income‑focused investors, especially if the company can sustain FY 2026 guidance and retain its dividend‑aristocrat status.
My Research Toolkit – Tickeron’s AI Screener
When I’m evaluating telecom stocks, I routinely turn to Tickeron’s AI Screener. It allows me to filter the market based on a blend of technical patterns, fundamentals, and AI‑driven signals, which is particularly handy for spotting opportunities across the sector. By customizing filters for industry, market cap, and specific metrics such as moving‑average crossovers or price‑breakout patterns, I can quickly surface stocks that align with my thesis on 5G growth or fiber expansion. The tool has become an integral part of my workflow, helping me stay data‑driven without getting bogged down in manual screen building.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
Contributor
Financial writer and active order flow futures trader with a focus on fundamental analysis, macroeconomic factors, and equity research. I make in-depth blogs on stocks and ETFs, bridging the gap between raw market data and real-world trading decisions.
VZ in upward trend: price expected to rise as it breaks its lower Bollinger Band on September 17, 2026
VZ may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options. In 23 of 36 cases where VZ's price broke its lower Bollinger Band, its price rose further in the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 64%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where VZ's RSI Indicator exited the oversold zone, 19 of 36 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 53%.
The Stochastic Oscillator suggests the stock price trend may be in a reversal from a downward trend to an upward trend. 29 of 58 cases where VZ's Stochastic Oscillator exited the oversold zone resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 50%.
Following a +1.87% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where VZ advanced for three days, in 144 of 316 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 46%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 107 of 221 cases where VZ Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 48%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on September 16, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on VZ as a result. In 35 of 81 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 43%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for VZ turned negative on September 02, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 46 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 20 of the 46 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 43%.
VZ moved below its 50-day moving average on September 21, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
The 10-day moving average for VZ crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on September 28, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 10 of 22 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 45%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where VZ declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 48%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 14 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is seriously undervalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (1.866) is normal, around the industry mean (10.715). P/E Ratio (12.156) is within average values for comparable stocks, (33.181). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.830) is also within normal values, averaging (8.005). Dividend Yield (0.060) settles around the average of (0.027) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (1.509) is also within normal values, averaging (5.777).
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 23 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 48 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. VZ’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 54 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 75 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. VZ’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 83, placing this stock better than average.
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General Information
a provider of wired and wireless telecommunication services
Industry MajorTelecommunications
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