NEW YORK, Feb 17, 2026, 15:03 EST — Regular session
- Verizon edged about 0.2% higher in the afternoon session.
- Annual report points to a rise in both 2025 free cash flow and wireless service revenue; debt climbs as well
- With an eye on 2026 execution, investors are shifting focus to upcoming conference appearances in late February and early March, searching for new signals.
Verizon Communications Inc ticked up roughly 0.2% to $49.13 in Tuesday afternoon action, after an earlier move to $49.46.
Verizon posted net income of $17.2 billion for the year ended Dec. 31, 2025, with free cash flow hitting $20.1 billion. Wireless service revenue reached $83.7 billion, according to the annual report. Debt finished the year at $158.2 billion. The company also warned that phone promotions will continue to dampen wireless service revenue growth in 2026, due to ongoing accounting effects.
The filing hits telecom stocks at a tricky time. Investors are chasing reliable cash returns, yet the sector is still scrapping hard for every subscriber. Verizon’s challenge: prove it can grow its customer base without just throwing money at the problem.
The move throws a spotlight on a fundamental issue for the stock. Verizon’s appeal hinges on its dividend, plus buybacks if the board signs off — but both come down to whatever cash remains once network investments are covered.
Verizon, in its filing, highlighted stronger demand for MyPlan and a boost in its fixed wireless access—mobile-powered home internet—as key factors behind postpaid revenue growth, plus some pricing moves. The company also flagged that stretching out device payments can dampen reported service revenue figures, even if customer retention holds steady.
Verizon at the end of last month laid out a 2026 adjusted profit target between $4.90 and $4.95 per share, projecting free cash flow of at least $21.5 billion. The company also rolled out a fresh $25 billion share buyback. “Verizon will no longer be a hunting ground for our competitors,” CEO Dan Schulman said at the time. Reuters
Shares of AT&T ticked up roughly 0.3%, while T-Mobile US climbed around 0.7% Tuesday afternoon. Rivals were also in positive territory.
Still, Verizon’s risk profile hasn’t improved. Should aggressive promos continue, the company could end up shelling out more just to keep customers, tightening the buffer supporting its dividend. And with its existing debt, there’s little tolerance for stumbles.
The next chance for investors to hear from management isn’t far off. Verizon’s CFO will speak at the Barclays Communications and Content Symposium on Feb. 24. Then Schulman is set for the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media & Telecom Conference on March 2.
