NEW YORK — U.S. telecom giant Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ) reported stronger-than-expected third-quarter profit and wireless subscriber additions, driven by strategic promotions around Apple’s latest iPhone releases and growing demand for flexible mobile plans.

The results exceeded Wall Street forecasts and helped ease investor concerns that Verizon might be losing market share to aggressive competitors such as T-Mobile US and budget cable-based mobile operators.

Strong Wireless Subscriber Growth

Verizon added 44,000 monthly bill-paying wireless subscribers in the third quarter, more than double the 19,000 additions analysts expected, according to FactSet data. The gain marks a positive turnaround for the carrier, which has been working to stabilize its customer base amid an increasingly competitive market.

The company’s success in attracting new users was largely attributed to promotional offers and trade-in programs tied to September’s iPhone launches. These incentives helped Verizon retain existing customers while drawing new subscribers from rival networks.

“Carriers have been aggressively targeting switchers with attractive deals,” said one market analyst. “Verizon’s balanced strategy of value, flexibility, and long-term pricing stability is clearly paying off.”

Popularity of myPlan and Bundled Services

A key contributor to Verizon’s steady growth has been its myPlan service, a customizable subscription plan introduced to meet the growing demand for flexibility. The plan, which includes a three-year price guarantee, allows customers to tailor their mobile packages with add-ons for streaming, gaming, and security.

The company also reported that over 18% of its postpaid wireless users have subscribed to Verizon’s broadband offerings, demonstrating increasing cross-service adoption. This bundling strategy is central to Verizon’s goal of expanding average revenue per user (ARPU) while strengthening long-term customer loyalty.

Solid Financial Performance and Outlook

For the quarter ending September 30, Verizon posted total revenue of $33.8 billion, just shy of the $34.28 billion average analyst estimate compiled by LSEG. However, on an adjusted basis, the telecom leader earned $1.21 per share, surpassing expectations of $1.19 per share.

The company reaffirmed its full-year profit and free cash flow guidance, citing disciplined cost management and continued demand for its 5G and broadband services. Verizon also maintained its projection for capital expenditures (capex) in the range of $17.5 billion to $18.5 billion, noting spending could finish at or below the lower end of that guidance.

CEO Dan Schulman’s Strategic Direction

This quarter’s earnings come as Dan Schulman, Verizon’s newly appointed CEO, takes the reins with a focus on driving digital transformation, network leadership, and long-term value creation. Schulman, formerly of PayPal, is expected to provide further insights into Verizon’s growth strategy and capital allocation priorities during the company’s earnings call.

Industry watchers anticipate he will outline Verizon’s roadmap for expanding its 5G Ultra Wideband coverage and increasing profitability through enterprise services, private networks, and AI-driven customer experiences.

Competitive Landscape

Verizon’s strong quarterly results arrive amid an intense battle for market share in the U.S. telecom industry. T-Mobile continues to attract cost-conscious consumers with aggressive pricing, while AT&T focuses on bundled internet and mobile plans. Meanwhile, cable-based mobile offerings from companies such as Comcast’s Xfinity Mobile and Charter’s Spectrum Mobile are steadily gaining traction.

Despite these challenges, Verizon’s diversified portfolio and strategic focus on premium service quality have helped sustain its reputation as one of the most reliable networks in the country.

Looking Ahead

Verizon’s management reaffirmed that the company is on track to meet or exceed its 2025 operational and financial goals, including steady revenue growth, strong free cash flow, and expanded 5G adoption.

With a continued emphasis on customer experience, network reliability, and digital innovation, Verizon aims to solidify its leadership position as the U.S. wireless industry enters a new era of high-speed connectivity and converged services.