AT&T And Verizon Grow Customers And Lift EPS Outlooks

The Tip Desk · October 27, 2026 · 1 min read

Customer gains accompanied higher adjusted earnings and stronger annual adjusted EPS outlooks at AT&T and Verizon.

AT&T and Verizon expanded their customer bases in the third quarter, pairing wireless demand with broadband additions: AT&T added 379,000 postpaid phone customers, while Verizon added 406,000. AT&T also reported record Advanced Connectivity internet net additions, while Verizon gained customers across fiber and fixed wireless broadband.

Verizon translated growth into a wider adjusted EBITDA margin, reaching 40.2% against 37.8% a year earlier, and credited operational efficiency with supporting profitability. AT&T likewise reported higher adjusted EBITDA, with transformation initiatives providing cost reductions that partially offset increased operating expenses.

Both companies raised their annual adjusted EPS outlooks: AT&T now expects the $2.40 range for 2026, while Verizon projects $5.04 to $5.06. AT&T also lowered its long-term capital investment outlook, while Verizon raised its free cash flow growth forecast.

Those outlooks accompany substantial shareholder-return commitments: AT&T maintained plans to return $45 billion+ during 2026-2028 through dividends and repurchases, while Verizon retained its expectation for up to $4.5 billion in buybacks in 2026.

Sources: AT&T and Verizon third-quarter 2026 earnings releases.