The Communication Services sector has been the best-performing S&P 500 area so far in 2025. Its gains have been driven primarily by Alphabet ( GOOGL ) ( GOOG ) and Meta Platforms ( META ). Legacy communications companies have fared well, butFreelance Financial Writer | Investments | Markets | Personal Finance | RetirementI create written content used in various formats including articles, blogs, emails, and social media for financial advisors and investment firms in a cost-efficient way. My passion is putti ...

The Communication Services sector has been the best-performing S&P 500 area so far in 2025. Its gains have been driven primarily by Alphabet ( GOOGL ) ( GOOG ) and Meta Platforms ( META ). Legacy communications companies have fared well, butFreelance Financial Writer | Investments | Markets | Personal Finance | RetirementI create written content used in various formats including articles, blogs, emails, and social media for financial advisors and investment firms in a cost-efficient way. My passion is putti ...

Core Insights - Verizon is the official telecommunications sponsor for FIFA World Cup 26™, offering customers thousands of free tickets and unique experiences [1][2][4] - The campaign features David Beckham and aims to enhance fan engagement through special events and giveaways [1][3][4] Group 1: Customer Engagement and Promotions - Verizon will provide thousands of free tickets to the FIFA World Cup 26™, with ticket drops starting on October 2, 2025, available on a first-come, first-served basis through the My Verizon app [4] - Customers will have the chance to win "Golden Tickets" for pitchside access during the tournament, with a sweepstakes launching in November [5] - The campaign includes collaborations with soccer stars and various promotional events leading up to the tournament [2][4] Group 2: Technological Commitment - Verizon's 5G network will support the connectivity infrastructure for the FIFA World Cup 26™, enhancing fan experiences and operational excellence at tournament venues [6] - The company has a history of investing in soccer in the U.S., partnering with various leagues and clubs to promote the sport [8] Group 3: Market Position and Financials - Verizon generated revenues of $134.8 billion in 2024, showcasing its strong market position and commitment to innovation [10]

We recently compiled a list of the 12 Most Undervalued Dow Stocks to Buy According to Analysts. Verizon Communications Inc. is one of them. Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ), one of the U.S.’s largest telecommunications providers, is strengthening its market position with solid financial results, dividend growth, and new technology partnerships. The company reported strong second-quarter performance in 2025, prompting an upward revision of its guidance for adjusted EBITDA, EPS, and free cash flow. Bu ...

Core Insights - High-yielding dividend stocks are becoming harder to find as the S&P 500's dividend yield has dropped to less than 1.2%, nearing its lowest level on record [1][2] Group 1: Clearway Energy - Clearway Energy offers a dividend yield of 6.3%, supported by long-term, fixed-rate power purchase agreements (PPAs) that provide stable cash flow [4][5] - The company plans to distribute 70% to 80% of its cash flows as dividends while investing the remainder in renewable energy projects, aiming for over 20% cash flow per share growth in the next two years, which could lead to a dividend increase of more than 10% by the end of 2027 [5][6] - Clearway has multiple growth drivers, including repowering wind farms and acquiring new projects, with expectations of 5% to 8% annual cash flow growth beyond 2027 [6] Group 2: Realty Income - Realty Income has a dividend yield of 5.4% and pays dividends monthly, making it attractive for passive income investors [8] - The REIT has a strong history of dividend increases, having raised its payment 132 times since 1994, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.2% [8][9] - Realty Income's diversified portfolio and long-term triple net leases provide stable cash flow, with a significant $14 trillion investment opportunity in NNN real estate [9] Group 3: Verizon - Verizon leads the group with a 6.4% dividend yield, supported by substantial cash flows from consumer and business services [10][11] - The company expects $38 billion in operating cash flow this year, allowing for investments in network expansion, acquisitions, and debt repayment [11] - Verizon has a strong track record of dividend increases, recently marking its 19th consecutive annual increase, with expectations for continued growth [12] Group 4: Investment Opportunity - Clearway Energy, Realty Income, and Verizon are highlighted as strong options for investors seeking high-yielding dividends backed by solid financial profiles and consistent dividend growth [13]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights three ultra-high-yield dividend stocks that are considered reliable and likely to continue paying and growing their dividends, providing reassurance to income investors. Group 1: Enbridge - Enbridge offers a forward dividend yield of approximately 5.4% and has increased its dividend for 30 consecutive years, indicating strong dividend reliability [3][6] - About 75% of Enbridge's total revenue comes from its pipelines and midstream operations, which have minimal exposure to volatile commodity prices [4] - Enbridge is the largest natural gas utility in North America, delivering 9.3 billion cubic feet of natural gas to 7 million customers daily, enhancing the safety of its dividends [5] - The company has demonstrated reliable distributable cash flow during turbulent periods, including the financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic [6] Group 2: Realty Income - Realty Income has a dividend yield of 5.4% and has also increased its dividend for 30 consecutive years, similar to Enbridge [7] - Realty Income pays dividends monthly and is structured as a real estate investment trust (REIT), which must distribute at least 90% of its income as dividends to avoid federal income taxes [8] - The company has delivered a compound annual total return of 13.5% since its listing in 1994 and has shown positive operational returns for 29 consecutive years [9] - Realty Income owns over 15,600 properties across 91 industries, providing impressive stability through a diversified portfolio [10] - The total addressable market for net lease properties is estimated at $14 trillion, with Europe accounting for $8.5 trillion, presenting solid growth prospects for Realty Income [11] Group 3: Verizon Communications - Verizon Communications offers a dividend yield of 6.4% and has increased its dividend payout for 19 consecutive years [12] - Despite intense competition in the wireless services market, Verizon has maintained strong performance, posting the highest revenue in the industry in Q2 2025 [13] - The company has the most broadband and mobile customers and has been recognized for having the top-ranked network in the nation [13] - The high cost of building infrastructure for wireless services makes it unlikely for new entrants to disrupt the market [14] - Verizon's guidance for free cash flow this year is $20 billion, providing ample coverage for its dividend payments [15]

Group 1 - Verizon will be the first wireless carrier to offer the new Meta Ray-Ban Display AI glasses, enhancing connectivity for customers on the go [1][2] - The Meta Ray-Ban Display features a high-resolution in-lens display and AI-powered functionalities, allowing users to interact through hand gestures [2] - The glasses will be available for purchase at select Verizon stores starting this Fall, with in-person demos offered to customers [2] Group 2 - Verizon Communications Inc. generated revenues of $134.0 billion in 2023 and is a leading provider of technology and communications services [3] - The company offers a range of services including data, video, and voice solutions, focusing on mobility, reliable connectivity, and security [3] - The Meta Ray-Ban Display allows for hands-free video calls, real-time language translation, and turn-by-turn walking directions [4]

Core Viewpoint - The National Advertising Division (NAD) recommended that AT&T modify its advertising to clarify that not every customer on every AT&T plan can receive a free iPhone 16 Pro, following a challenge initiated by Verizon Communications Inc. [1][5] Group 1: Advertising Claims - The claim "Learn how everyone gets iPhone 16 Pro on us" was challenged for potentially misleading consumers into believing that all AT&T customers are eligible for a free phone [2][5] - NAD found that the term "everyone" could be interpreted as implying that all AT&T subscribers are eligible, but reasonable consumers would understand there are limitations [3][4] Group 2: Recommendations and Appeals - NAD determined that AT&T must disclose that the offer only applies to certain plans, which is material information that should be clearly communicated [5] - AT&T announced its intention to appeal NAD's decision to the National Advertising Review Board (NARB) [5]

Core Viewpoint - Verizon Communications Inc. is recognized as a strong candidate for dividend-focused retirement portfolios, bolstered by consistent dividend increases and a positive outlook for future growth [2][3]. Group 1: Financial Performance - Verizon reported stronger-than-expected second-quarter earnings and raised its full-year guidance, enhancing investor confidence in its growth and shareholder return balance [2]. - The company has achieved its 19th consecutive year of dividend increases, the longest streak in the US telecom sector, indicating a commitment to returning value to shareholders [3]. Group 2: Dividend Information - Verizon currently offers a quarterly dividend of $0.69 per share, translating to a dividend yield of 6.35% as of September 21 [4]. Group 3: Strategic Initiatives - The company is investing in the transition to 5G technology, which is expected to provide faster data speeds and support future growth [3]. - Verizon's $20 billion acquisition of Frontier Communications in 2024 aims to expand its fiber network, further supporting earnings growth [3].

Core Viewpoint - Investors should focus on shareholders' yield, which encompasses dividend yield, net buyback yield, and debt reduction yield, to gain a comprehensive understanding of how companies return value to shareholders [2][3]. Shareholders' Yield Calculation - Shareholders' yield is calculated as: - Shareholder's Yield = Dividend Yield + Net Buyback Yield + Debt Reduction Yield [3][9]. - This metric provides a more holistic view of a company's capital allocation compared to just dividend payments [3]. Benefits of Shareholders' Yield - Focusing on shareholders' yield allows investors to identify companies that effectively reward their shareholders, leading to more informed investment decisions [3][5]. - A higher shareholders' yield often indicates steady income streams and potential capital appreciation, contributing to superior long-term performance [5]. Company Examples - **Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNQ)**: - Offers a competitive dividend yield of approximately 5.28% and has increased its dividend payout 17 times in the past five years, reflecting an annualized growth rate of 23.3% [8][10]. - Reduced long-term debt from $16.02 billion in 2020 to $13.74 billion in December 2024 and repurchased $2.66 billion worth of common stock in 2024 [11]. - **Bain Capital Specialty Finance (BCSF)**: - Provides a high dividend yield of 11.59% and has increased its dividend payout four times in the past five years, with an annualized growth rate of 6.4% [13]. - Reduced its debt from $1.46 billion in 2020 to $1.39 billion in 2024, indicating a focus on long-term financial stability [14]. - **CSX**: - Has a dividend yield of approximately 1.57% and has increased its dividend payout five times over the past five years, resulting in an annualized growth rate of 8.9% [15]. - Repurchased shares worth $2.2 billion in 2024 and had $2.6 billion in total repurchase authority remaining as of December 31, 2024 [16]. - **Verizon Communications (VZ)**: - Offers a dividend yield of around 6.28% and has increased its dividend payout six times in the past five years, reflecting an annualized growth rate of almost 2% [17]. - Reduced long-term debt from $123.17 billion in 2020 to $121.38 billion in December 2024, maintaining a solid balance sheet [18].