What dominates the section
- 5G deployment, network resilience and cybersecurity dominate Verizon’s operational risks.
- Lead-sheathed copper cables create a distinct regulatory, litigation and remediation exposure.
- Debt, financing, labor and employee-benefit commitments could constrain profitability and financial flexibility.
The risks most specific to Verizon Communications
with the implementation and introduction of these services materially increase, our ability to retain and attract customers could be adversely affected
Delays, equipment shortages, unexpected costs or regulatory issues could slow Verizon’s 5G deployment or impair network performance.
- Operational Risks
Cyberattacks impacting our networks or systems could have an adverse effect on our business
Ransomware, malware, denial-of-service attacks, credential theft or social engineering could disrupt Verizon’s networks, systems or suppliers.
- Operational Risks
We depend on key suppliers and vendors to provide services and equipment that we need to operate our business
Disruptions involving suppliers of fiber, network equipment, smartphones, customer support or other services could impair Verizon’s operations.
- Regulatory and Legal Risks
Changes in the regulatory framework under which we operate could adversely affect our business prospects or results of operations
FCC, federal, state, local and foreign regulatory changes could restrict Verizon’s operations or the products and services it provides.
- Regulatory and Legal Risks
Allegations related to lead sheathed copper cables in our copper network infrastructure could expose us to regulatory scrutiny, litigation, penalties, removal and compliance costs, operational impact or reputational damage
Allegations that lead-sheathed copper cables pose health or environmental risks could trigger scrutiny, lawsuits, penalties, removal costs and reputational harm.
- Operational Risks
A significant portion of our workforce is represented by labor unions, and we could incur additional costs or experience work stoppages as a result of the renegotiation of our labor contracts
Labor contracts covering approximately 25% of Verizon’s workforce could lead to higher costs or work stoppages during renegotiations.
- Financial Risks
Verizon has significant debt, which could increase further if we incur additional debt in the future and do not retire existing debt
Verizon’s approximately $117.9 billion of unsecured and $26.1 billion of secured debt could increase financial pressure.
- Financial Risks
Increases in costs for pension benefits and active and retiree healthcare benefits may reduce our profitability and increase our funding commitments
Pension and healthcare costs affect profitability and funding requirements for approximately 99,600 employees and 179,700 retirees.
We face significant competition that may negatively affect our operating results
Competition from telecommunications, cable, wireless, satellite and technology companies could weaken Verizon’s customer retention, growth and operating results.
All 17 risk factors
Headings as the filing states them, in filing order.
Other
- 01We face significant competition that may negatively affect our operating results
- 02with the implementation and introduction of these services materially increase, our ability to retain and attract customers could be adversely affected
- 03Adverse conditions in the U.S. and international economies could impact our results of operations and financial condition
Operational Risks
- 04Cyberattacks impacting our networks or systems could have an adverse effect on our business
- 05Natural disasters, extreme weather conditions, acts of war, terrorist or other hostile acts could cause damage to our infrastructure and result in significant disruptions to our operations
- 06We depend on key suppliers and vendors to provide services and equipment that we need to operate our business
- 07A significant portion of our workforce is represented by labor unions, and we could incur additional costs or experience work stoppages as a result of the renegotiation of our labor contracts
- 08We believe that our reputation and brands significantly contribute to the success of our business and our relationships with our customers, employees and other stakeholders
- 09Public health crises could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations
Regulatory and Legal Risks
- 10Changes in the regulatory framework under which we operate could adversely affect our business prospects or results of operations
- 11Our business may be impacted by changes in tax laws and regulations, or their interpretations, and challenges to our tax positions
- 12We are subject to a substantial amount of litigation, which could require us to pay significant damages or settlements
- 13Allegations related to lead sheathed copper cables in our copper network infrastructure could expose us to regulatory scrutiny, litigation, penalties, removal and compliance costs, operational impact or reputational damage
Financial Risks
- 14Verizon has significant debt, which could increase further if we incur additional debt in the future and do not retire existing debt
- 15Adverse changes in the financial markets and other factors could increase our borrowing costs and reduce the availability of financing
- 16Increases in costs for pension benefits and active and retiree healthcare benefits may reduce our profitability and increase our funding commitments
- 17We are subject to risks associated with mergers, acquisitions, divestitures and other strategic transactions
Other Verizon Communications 10-Ks
- 2026 10-K risk factors
20 risks. Verizon faces intense industry competition and must continuously adapt to rapid technological developments and changing consumer demands. Cybersecurity, heavy debt burdens, and potential liabilities regarding legacy lead-sheathed copper cables dominate risk factors. Substantial labor union representation and pension obligations create significant ongoing cost pressures.
Filed Feb 17, 2026
About this page
Item 1A of the 10-K on EDGAR was split into its risk factors and, where the company's previous 10-K is on file, each heading was matched to last year's and the text compared word for word. The headings are the filing's own. The one-line readings and the overview were written by a language model from the text of the new, dropped, and rewritten risks; they refer to risks by position and cannot misquote a heading.