WHEELING, W.Va., June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On June 15, devastating heavy rains and flash flooding severely impacted Ohio and Marion counties in West Virginia. This rare event saw up to 3 to 4 inches of rainfall in less than an hour in localized areas. Multiple fatalities and extensive damage to roads, bridges, buildings and homes have been reported. Thousands were left without power and the National Guard has been mobilized to support local emergency operations. In response to this disaster, Verizon ...

Core Insights - Verizon Business, Thames Freeport, and Nokia have formed a strategic partnership to implement Verizon Private 5G Networks in key logistics, manufacturing, and innovation sites along the River Thames Estuary in the UK, aiming for a multiyear, multibillion-dollar operational transformation and economic revival in the region [2][4]. Group 1: Economic Impact - The deployment of Private 5G Networks is expected to create a scalable connectivity foundation for advanced data, AI, edge computing, and IoT infrastructure, enhancing port and manufacturing operations [3][10]. - Thames Freeport has already generated 1,400 jobs and aims to reach 5,000 by 2030, focusing on high-skilled training for local communities [4][10]. Group 2: Technological Advancements - The Private 5G Networks will enable capabilities such as AI-driven data analytics, predictive maintenance, process automation, autonomous vehicle control, safety monitoring, and real-time logistics orchestration [5][9]. - Nokia will provide the hardware and software for the networks, incorporating the Nokia Digital Automation Cloud (DAC) platform and Nokia MX Industrial Edge (MXIE) [5][9]. Group 3: Strategic Goals - The Thames Freeport initiative aims to stimulate trade, foster innovation, support energy transition, create jobs, and improve local living conditions [10][11]. - The use of IoT for autonomous operations and AI for environmental monitoring will enhance operational efficiency and sustainability at the Freeport [11][12].

Core Insights - Verizon is undergoing a significant transformation in customer experience, focusing on personalized support and leveraging advanced technology to enhance service delivery [1][2][4] - The company aims to redefine customer expectations and build loyalty through innovative offerings and improved customer service [2][4] Customer Experience Enhancements - Verizon is introducing a dedicated expert for complex issues, utilizing Google Cloud's AI to ensure full resolution and keep customers updated through their preferred communication method [5] - The company has expanded customer support with 24/7 live agents and live chat options, catering to diverse customer schedules [5] - A new My Verizon app has been launched, featuring AI-powered tools to help customers manage their accounts and maximize savings [5] Retail and Accessibility - Verizon has the largest retail postpaid fleet in the industry, adding nearly 400 stores in the U.S. over the past two years, ensuring 93% of the population is within 30 minutes of a store [5] - The company is committed to providing ongoing, convenient access to in-person support for its customers [5] Customer Rewards and Engagement - Verizon is launching a summer promotion with 35,000 free prizes available through its rewards platform, including tickets to major events and merchandise from popular brands [3]

Group 1 - The focus of PropNotes is on identifying high-yield investment opportunities for individual investors [1] - The company leverages a background in professional Prop Trading to simplify complex investment concepts [1] - PropNotes aims to provide clear, actionable insights to help investors achieve better returns [1] Group 2 - All analyses produced by the company are designed to assist investors in making informed market decisions [1] - The research provided by PropNotes is unique and not available elsewhere [1]

Exchange Offers - Verizon announced the final results of its Exchange Offers, which involved 10 separate private offers to exchange outstanding series of notes for newly issued 5.401% Notes due 2037 [1][3] - The Exchange Offers expired on June 18, 2025, with the settlement date expected on June 25, 2025 [4][9] - Verizon is accepting validly tendered Old Notes based on a "waterfall" methodology, with a maximum aggregate principal amount of New Notes capped at $2.5 billion [7][8] - Approximately $2.2 billion of New Notes due 2037 is expected to be issued, satisfying the Minimum Issue Requirement [9][10] - The Exchange Offer Completion Condition has been satisfied for each series of Covered Notes [23] Cash Offers - Verizon also conducted Cash Offers to purchase any and all of its outstanding notes, which expired on June 18, 2025, with a settlement date expected on June 25, 2025 [16][17] - The maximum aggregate amount for the Cash Offers was increased from $300 million to $500 million, allowing Verizon to purchase all validly tendered Covered Notes [20][21] - The Cash Offers utilized a similar "waterfall" methodology for accepting Old Notes based on their Acceptance Priority Levels [19][21] - Non-Covered Notes were rejected due to breaching the Maximum Total Consideration Condition, and these will be returned to holders [21][22] General Information - Global Bondholder Services Corporation acted as the Information Agent and Exchange Agent for the Exchange Offers and Cash Offers [14][25] - The Offers are not registered under the Securities Act, and participation was limited to eligible holders [11][24]

Core Viewpoint - High-yield stocks with safe, attractive, and growing dividends are valuable investment options, especially for retirement income supplementation [1] Group 1: Safe High-Yield Dividend Stocks - Five of the safest high-yield dividend stocks currently are Verizon Communications, Realty Income, PepsiCo, Enterprise Products Partners, and MPLX [2] - These stocks are characterized by their safe and growing dividends along with high yields [2] Group 2: Verizon Communications - Verizon has a dividend yield of 6.5% and has raised its dividend for 18 consecutive years [4] - The company generated $18.7 billion in free cash flow over the past 12 months and paid out $11 billion in dividends, resulting in a dividend coverage ratio of 1.8 [5] - Verizon's leverage ratio on unsecured debt is 2.3, indicating a strong balance sheet and the potential for continued dividend growth [5] Group 3: PepsiCo - PepsiCo offers a 4.4% yield and has increased its dividend for over 50 years [6] - The company generated $7.2 billion in free cash flow last year, matching its dividend payout, which limits extra cash but emphasizes shareholder returns as a priority [7] - Elevated capital expenditures, including $5.3 billion spent on IT infrastructure, are expected to normalize, improving the coverage ratio [8] Group 4: Realty Income - Realty Income has a 5.6% yield and has consistently increased its dividend for 30 years, paying monthly dividends [9] - The REIT's AFFO rose 3% to $1.06 per share, with a dividend payout of $0.796 per share, resulting in a coverage ratio of over 1.3 [11] - Despite challenges from declining commercial property values, a stable interest rate environment is expected to enhance its performance and dividend growth [12] Group 5: Enterprise Products Partners - Enterprise Products Partners has a 6.9% yield and has raised its distribution for 26 consecutive years [13] - Approximately 85% of its cash flow comes from fee-based operations, providing stability and predictability [13] - The company had a coverage ratio of 1.7 over the past 12 months, supported by a strong balance sheet and investment-grade debt ratings [14] Group 6: MPLX - MPLX boasts the highest yield at 7.4% and has increased its distribution by 12.5% in 2024, marking three consecutive years of double-digit growth [15] - The company has a robust coverage ratio of 1.5 based on distributable cash flow [15] - MPLX is experiencing solid growth in its natural gas and NGL segments, contributing to reliable cash flow [16]

Core Points - Verizon Communications Inc. announced the expiration and preliminary results of its Exchange Offers and Cash Offers for its outstanding notes [1][4][17] - The Exchange Offers involved exchanging Old Notes for newly issued 5.401% Notes due 2037, with a settlement date expected on June 25, 2025 [3][4] - The Cash Offers also expired on June 18, 2025, with a similar settlement date anticipated [17][18] Exchange Offers - The Exchange Offers included 10 separate private offers to exchange various series of Old Notes for New Notes [3][4] - The total principal amount of Old Notes tendered for exchange was detailed in a table, showing significant amounts for each series [6][7] - The acceptance of Old Notes for exchange was based on a "waterfall" methodology, with a maximum aggregate principal amount of New Notes capped at $2.5 billion [10][11] Cash Offers - The Cash Offers consisted of 10 separate offers to purchase Old Notes for cash, with terms outlined in the Offer to Purchase [16][18] - A table indicated the aggregate principal amount of each series of Old Notes tendered for purchase, with notable amounts for several series [18][19] - Similar to the Exchange Offers, the Cash Offers utilized a "waterfall" methodology for acceptance based on priority levels [20][21] Additional Information - Global Bondholder Services Corporation acted as the Information Agent and Exchange Agent for the Exchange Offers, and also for the Cash Offers [14][24] - The final principal amounts of each series of Old Notes validly tendered and accepted for exchange and purchase will be announced by June 23, 2025 [23]

Core Viewpoint - Generating high dividend income requires careful selection of stocks to avoid potential cuts or suspensions in dividend payments, emphasizing the importance of analyzing a company's financial health and future prospects. Group 1: Verizon Communications - Verizon offers a dividend yield of 6.4%, which is considered safe despite a modest share price increase of around 7% over the past year [4][5] - The company's payout ratio stands at a sustainable 64% of its earnings, and it has increased its dividend for 18 consecutive years, with a 23% increase in its quarterly dividend over the past decade [5] - Verizon is projected to generate free cash flow of at least $17.5 billion this year, exceeding its annual dividend payout of approximately $11.3 billion, making it an attractive dividend stock [6] Group 2: United Parcel Service (UPS) - UPS provides a slightly higher dividend yield of 6.5%, with an expected annual dividend income of $715 from an $11,000 investment [8] - The stock has seen a 20% decline in share price since the beginning of the year, which has increased its yield, presenting a favorable buying opportunity [9] - UPS's payout ratio is around 100%, and it generated $5.4 billion in free cash flow over the past year, indicating tight margins but ongoing efforts to cut costs, including a layoff of 20,000 workers [9][11] Group 3: Vici Properties - Vici Properties, a REIT, has a dividend yield of 5.4%, with an annual dividend income of approximately $594 from an $11,000 investment [12] - The company's funds from operations (FFO) per share for the first three months of 2025 was $0.51, which exceeds its current quarterly dividend of $0.4325, indicating a safe payout [13] - Vici's portfolio includes major gaming destinations, providing a stable income stream, and it trades at 13 times its trailing earnings, making it a modestly priced investment [14]

Core Viewpoint - Verizon Communications Inc. has announced the pricing terms for two related transactions involving the repurchase of 10 series of its outstanding notes through Exchange Offers and Cash Offers [1][2]. Exchange Offers - The Exchange Offers consist of 10 separate private offers to exchange outstanding series of notes for newly issued debt securities, referred to as New Notes [3][4]. - The Exchange Offers will expire at 5:00 p.m. (Eastern time) on June 18, 2025, with a settlement date expected on June 25, 2025 [4][9]. - Eligible holders must complete an Eligibility Letter to participate, certifying their status as either a qualified institutional buyer or a non-U.S. qualified offeree [3][4]. - The Total Exchange Price for each series of Old Notes will be based on the fixed spread and yield of the specified Reference U.S. Treasury Security as of the Price Determination Date [11][12]. - Verizon will accept Old Notes for exchange using a "waterfall" methodology, subject to a maximum aggregate principal amount of New Notes capped at $2.5 billion [10][12]. Cash Offers - The Cash Offers consist of 10 separate offers to purchase Old Notes for cash, available only to holders who are not Exchange Offer Eligible Holders [22][23]. - Similar to the Exchange Offers, the Cash Offers will expire at 5:00 p.m. (Eastern time) on June 18, 2025, with a settlement date expected on June 25, 2025 [24][29]. - The Total Consideration for each series of Old Notes will be determined based on the yield corresponding to the bid side price of the applicable Reference U.S. Treasury Security [25][31]. - Verizon's obligation to complete a Cash Offer is conditioned on the Maximum Total Consideration Amount not exceeding $300 million [34][35]. New Notes - The New Notes will mature on July 2, 2037, with a coupon rate of 5.401% based on the Reference U.S. Treasury Security [14][15]. - Verizon will not complete the Exchange Offers if the aggregate principal amount of New Notes issued would be less than $750 million [15][16]. Additional Information - Global Bondholder Services Corporation is acting as the Information Agent and Exchange Agent for the Exchange Offers, and as the Tender Agent for the Cash Offers [21][39]. - Holders are advised to check with their intermediaries regarding submission deadlines for participation in the Offers [41].

Industry Overview - The U.S. telecommunication industry in 2025 is characterized by high competition and rapid evolution driven by 5G adoption, demand for high-speed broadband, and AI-driven network optimization [2] Verizon Communications, Inc. (VZ) - Verizon is expanding its fiber-optic networks to support 4G LTE and 5G standards, which is contributing to solid customer additions through flexible pricing plans [3] - The company has introduced a three-year price lock guarantee for its myPlan and myHome network plans, aimed at attracting new customers and retaining existing ones [3] - Verizon is facing stiff competition from AT&T and T-Mobile, which is impacting its margins, and it has incurred high capital expenditures for its 5G Ultra-Wideband network and fiber asset deployment [4] - The introduction of network slicing in Verizon Frontline across 50 major markets enhances reliability for first responders, indicating a focus on new revenue opportunities [5] Comcast Corporation (CMCSA) - Comcast Xfinity offers widely accessible broadband services through a Hybrid Fiber-Coaxial (HFC) network, enabling gigabit-plus speeds for residential and business customers [6] - The rollout of DOCSIS 4.0 technology allows Comcast to deliver multi-gigabit symmetrical broadband speeds, enhancing its existing infrastructure [7] - Comcast has introduced a Five-Year Price Guarantee for Xfinity Internet Customers, addressing customer pain points related to pricing and transparency [9] - The company has a diverse revenue stream beyond connectivity, including its Studio business and Peacock streaming service, which saw a 20.6% year-over-year increase in paid subscribers to 41 million [10] - Despite macroeconomic challenges, Comcast's diversified business model provides stability, although it faces increased competition in the fiber broadband space [11] Financial Performance - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Verizon's 2025 sales and EPS implies year-over-year growth of 1.7% and 2.18%, respectively, with a downward trend in EPS estimates over the past 60 days [12] - Comcast's 2025 sales are projected to decline by 1.35%, while EPS is expected to grow by 0.46%, with a recent upward trend in EPS estimates [12] - Over the past year, Verizon's stock has gained 4.2%, while Comcast's has declined by 6.3% [14] - From a valuation perspective, Comcast appears more attractive with a price/earnings ratio of 7.64 compared to Verizon's 8.77 [15] Investment Outlook - Both Verizon and Comcast are focusing on expanding their fiber broadband infrastructure and customer base, but face increasing competition [16] - Comcast's diverse revenue streams, including streaming and theme parks, offer greater resiliency, making it a potentially better investment option at present [19]