Verizon Wireless added 1.4 million net retail connections in the second quarter, of which all were postpaid (contract) subscribers. At the end of the quarter, Verizon Wireless claimed 35.2 million retail accounts and 104.6 million retail connections. Average revenue per account (ARPA) rose 4.7% year-over-year to $159.73 a month, essentially flat sequentially.
Wireless operating margin in the second quarter slipped from 35.0% in the first quarter to 32.5%. Total revenues in the wireless business came in at $21.5 billion, up 7.5% year-over-year and about 2.9% sequentially.
In the wireline business, Verizon added 139,000 new Internet connections and 100,000 new video connections to its FiOS fiber network. The company’s wireline business generated $9.8 billion in revenues for the quarter, up 0.3% year-over-year.
The company’s CEO said:
We have great momentum heading into the second half of the year. We remain focused on profitable growth and on meaningful network investments that provide our customers with the best, and with a continuously improving, overall experience.
Smartphones now account for 75% of the Verizon Wireless retail customer phone base, up from 72% in March. During the quarter Verizon added 1.15 million postpaid tablets to its roster, along with 304,000 new phones.
Verizon did not offer detailed revenue or earnings guidance, but it did say it expects top-line growth of 4% year-over-year. Based on 2013 revenues of $120.55 billion, that works out to $125.37 billion. Verizon did say that it continues to expect to invest $16.5 billion to $17.0 billion in the current fiscal year. The consensus estimates for the third quarter call for EPS of $0.93 on revenues of $31.45 billion. For the full year, estimated EPS totals $3.52 on revenues of $125.32 billion.
Verizon’s results were telegraphed last week when the company pre-announced its new subscriber additions. The shares will not move much — if at all — in a positive direction because investors were probably hoping for another surprise that Verizon did not deliver.
Shares were up down about 0.8% at $50.29 in premarket trading, in a 52-week range of $45.08 to $51.94. Prior to this release, Thomson/Reuters had a consensus price target of around $53.90 on the company’s shares.
ALSO READ: States With the Highest Gas Prices
100 Million Americans Are Missing This Crucial Retirement Tool
The thought of burdening your family with a financial disaster is most Americans’ nightmare. However, recent studies show that over 100 million Americans still don’t have proper life insurance in the event they pass away.
Life insurance can bring peace of mind – ensuring your loved ones are safeguarded against unforeseen expenses and debts. With premiums often lower than expected and a variety of plans tailored to different life stages and health conditions, securing a policy is more accessible than ever.
A quick, no-obligation quote can provide valuable insight into what’s available and what might best suit your family’s needs. Life insurance is a simple step you can take today to help secure peace of mind for your loved ones tomorrow.
Click here to learn how to get a quote in just a few minutes.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.