Verizon Communications recorded a slight increase in revenue in the first quarter and exceeded expectations with fewer losses in postpaid phone connections. The company benefited from higher prices for its plans.

In the quarter ended March 31, Verizon posted a profit of $4.72 billion, or $1.09 per share, compared with $5.02 billion or $1.17 per share in the previous year. Analysts had expected a profit per share of $1.09, according to FactSet.

After adjusting for certain one-time effects, the earnings per share were at $1.15, thus exceeding the analysts' forecast of $1.12.

The translation of the heading to English is:
"Revenue increased by 0.2 percent to $32.98 billion, but missed the $33.23 billion expected by analysts."

Verizon reported a net loss of 68,000 postpaid phone subscriptions in the quarter, an improvement compared to a net loss of 127,000 in the previous year. Analysts had expected a net loss of about 100,000.

Additionally, the company recorded 389,000 broadband net additions, including 53,000 net additions in Fios Internet.

CEO Hans Vestberg emphasized that benefits from earlier price increases were offset by a decline in revenue from the sale of mobile devices due to fewer upgrades.

Vestberg expressed optimism that the company will achieve its financial goals for the year and will record net additions in consumer postpaid phone subscriptions.