Lumen reports Q3 2026 loss of $265 million as revenue falls 12% to $2.72 billion
Lumen Technologies posted a net loss of $265 million for the third quarter of 2026, narrower than the $621 million loss a year earlier. Revenue declined 12% year‑over‑year to $2.72 billion, while its strategic services segment generated $1.28 billion, up 10% and now accounting for about 55% of total business revenue. The company reaffirmed its full‑year adjusted EBITDA guidance of $3.1 billion‑$3.3 billion and said it expects to realize $1 billion‑$1.5 billion in pretax net proceeds from copper decommissioning over the next five years.
Why it matters
The reaffirmed EBITDA outlook signals that Lumen expects to reach its profitability inflection target in 2026, which may support the stock’s recovery after a 5.9% drop. The projected copper‑related proceeds could fund further investment in higher‑margin strategic services.
Key facts
- 1Net loss for Q3 2026 was $265 million, compared with a loss of $621 million in Q3 2025. stocktitan.net
- 2Quarterly revenue was $2.72 billion, down 12% from $3.09 billion a year earlier. investing.com
- 3Strategic services revenue reached $1.28 billion, a 10% year‑over‑year increase and representing roughly 55% of total business revenue. crn.com
- 4Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $715 million. investing.com
- 5Full‑year 2026 adjusted EBITDA guidance remains $3.1 billion‑$3.3 billion. investing.com
- 6The company projects pretax net copper decommissioning proceeds of $1 billion‑$1.5 billion over the next five years. seekingalpha.com
Summary written by AlphAI AI Desk from 5 of 5 sources. Not investment advice. Figures are as stated by the linked sources.