Core Insights - Verizon Communications Inc. has appointed Dan Schulman, former CEO of PayPal, as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately [2][3] - Mark Bertolini has been elected as the Chairman of the Board of Directors, while Hans Vestberg will serve as a Special Advisor until October 4, 2026 [2][3] - The company reiterated its full-year 2025 financial guidance, with third-quarter earnings set to be reported on October 29, 2025 [6] Leadership Transition - Dan Schulman is recognized for his transformative leadership and operational excellence, having previously tripled PayPal's revenue from $8 billion to $30 billion and significantly increased its customer base [3] - Hans Vestberg, who has led Verizon through significant network investments and the development of its 5G strategy, will assist in the transition and remain on the Board until the 2026 Annual Meeting [3][5] - The transition is seen as timely, coinciding with the upcoming acquisition of Frontier Communications, which is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026 [2][4] Strategic Focus - Schulman aims to redefine Verizon's trajectory by increasing market share and enhancing key financial metrics, focusing on customer satisfaction and sustainable growth [4] - The company plans to optimize capital allocation and reduce costs to serve, ensuring long-term value for shareholders [4] - Verizon's 5G network strategy, developed under Vestberg's leadership, is a cornerstone of its growth and competitive positioning in the telecommunications sector [5] Financial Performance - Verizon generated revenues of $134.8 billion in 2024, indicating a strong market presence and operational capacity [7] - The company is committed to maintaining its financial guidance for 2025, reflecting confidence in its operational strategies and market conditions [6]

This story was originally published on Payments Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Payments Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: Former Fiserv Chief Executive Frank Bisignano, who left the payments processor earlier this year after President Donald Trump tapped him to lead the Social Security Administration, has been appointed as CEO of the Internal Revenue Service as well. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who is acting commissioner for the IRS, announced Bisignano’s appoin ...

Group 1 - Verizon Communications Inc. is recognized as one of the best and cheap stocks to buy currently [1] - Geotab announced the acquisition of Verizon's Connect telematics business operations in several countries, including the UK, Ireland, Italy, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, and Australia [1][2] - The acquisition does not include Verizon's Connect products, engineering, and non-sales-focused teams, allowing Geotab to strengthen its position in key international markets [2] - Over 400 Verizon Connect employees in Europe and Australia will transition to Geotab as part of the acquisition, ensuring a smooth transition for Verizon Connect customers in these regions [3] Group 2 - Verizon Communications Inc. operates as a holding company providing communications and technology services through its subsidiaries [3]

Core Insights - Verizon Business has launched the GE Vernova MDS™ Orbit, an industrial wireless platform designed for utility companies to secure and manage their networks and assets, now available on Verizon's network [1][2] - The MDS™ Orbit platform aims to support utilities in their digital transformation by providing a resilient and efficient communication solution for critical applications such as SCADA and automation [2][3] - This collaboration between Verizon and GE Vernova enhances the capabilities of utility companies to modernize their grid operations and improve energy service resilience [3] Company Overview - Verizon Communications Inc. generated revenues of $134.8 billion in 2024 and serves nearly all Fortune 500 companies, focusing on mobility, reliable connectivity, and security [5] - GE Vernova Inc. is a global energy company with approximately 75,000 employees across 100 countries, dedicated to leading the energy transition while electrifying and decarbonizing the world [6]

Core Insights - High-yield dividend stocks can provide significant income but come with risks related to sustainability of payouts [1][2] - Current focus on three high-yield stocks: Pfizer, Verizon, and Altria, which yield over 6% [3] Pfizer - Pfizer offers a dividend yield of 7.2%, with a recent quarterly dividend of $0.43 per share, marking 347 consecutive quarters of dividends [4] - Concerns exist regarding the sustainability of its dividend due to declining revenue from COVID-19 vaccine sales, with a stock price decline of 30% over the past five years [5] - Despite challenges, Pfizer's free cash flow of $12.4 billion exceeds its $9.6 billion in dividend payouts, indicating potential for maintaining its dividend [5][6] Verizon - Verizon has a dividend yield of 6.3% and announced a dividend increase for the 19th consecutive year [7] - The company's payout ratio is 63%, with projected free cash flow between $19.5 billion and $20.5 billion, significantly above its $11.4 billion in annual dividend payments [8] - Verizon's stock has risen by 8% this year, trading at a price-to-earnings multiple of 10, making it an attractive investment for stable income [9] Altria - Altria has a dividend yield of 6.5% and a payout ratio of 79%, suggesting sustainability of its dividend [10] - The company's free cash flow over the past four quarters is $8.7 billion, higher than its annual dividend payments of $6.9 billion [10] - Concerns about Altria's long-term viability exist due to declining tobacco use, with 88% of its revenue still coming from smokeable products, raising doubts about future dividend sustainability [11][12]

Core Insights - American Tower's growth outlook is closely linked to limited carrier activity, with T-Mobile US leading colocations to comply with FCC buildout rules, while Verizon and AT&T's network upgrades yield only minor leasing revenue [1][3] - RBC Capital analyst Jonathan Atkin downgraded American Tower's stock rating from Outperform to Sector Perform and reduced the price target from $260 to $220 [2] - Colocation activity has increased, but American Tower is under pressure due to Verizon's high-rent relocation program targeting American Tower ahead of a master lease expiration [1][6] Company Performance - Carrier activity among the major U.S. tower companies remained subdued through Q3 2025, with no significant changes expected for site rental revenue [3] - T-Mobile is noted as the most active carrier, focusing on colocations and amendments to meet FCC requirements by Q1 2026 [3] - Verizon is concentrating on mid-band spectrum coverage, while AT&T is slightly ahead in its network modernization efforts, which provide only incremental benefits to tower leasing revenues [4] Financial Estimates - Atkin slightly raised financial estimates for American Tower, projecting 2025 revenue at $10.523 billion and adjusted EBITDA at $7.066 billion, up from previous estimates of $10.508 billion and $7.058 billion [7] - For 2026, revenue is forecasted at $11.071 billion and EBITDA at $7.459 billion, reflecting a modest increase from earlier projections [7] - Expected AFFO per share is $10.63 in 2025 and $11.65 in 2026, surpassing consensus estimates of $10.57 and $11.35 [7]

Core Insights - The article discusses the significance of investing in companies with a strong history of dividend payments and consistent growth, highlighting the concept of "Dividend Aristocrats" and "Dividend Kings" as indicators of stability and reliability in investments [3][4][5]. Company Analysis - **Coca-Cola Company**: Holds a 40% share of the global non-alcoholic beverage market and is recognized as a Dividend King with 64 years of consecutive dividend increases. The company benefits from a robust brand presence and a diversified product portfolio, including high-growth brands like Fuze Tea and Powerade [5][6][7]. - **Realty Income Corporation**: Operates a vast portfolio of 15,600 properties with a 98.5% occupancy rate. The company prioritizes monthly dividend distributions and has maintained this practice since its inception in 1969, achieving Dividend Aristocrat status in 2020. Its current dividend yield is 5.31% [9][19]. - **Consolidated Edison**: One of the oldest utility companies in the US, supplying electricity, natural gas, and steam to over 5 million customers. It has a dividend yield of 3.41% and is recognized as a Dividend King, reflecting its long-standing reliability and importance in New York's infrastructure [10][11][13]. - **Verizon Communications**: The largest US wireless carrier, with a focus on expanding its 5G and AI technologies. It has a dividend yield of 6.33% and has increased dividends for 19 consecutive years, positioning itself for future growth in the rapidly evolving telecom sector [14][16][17]. Industry Trends - The article emphasizes the importance of investing in essential industries such as telecom, utilities, real estate, and food and beverage, which are expected to provide stable income and growth opportunities despite market fluctuations [19].

Core Viewpoint - The telecommunications industry has undergone significant changes over the past decade, with increased competition impacting traditional operators like Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) [1][5]. Financial Performance - Over the past five years, Verizon has provided a total return of -1.42% to investors, while the S&P 500 index has delivered a total return of 112.5% [3]. - Verizon's Q2 earnings report showed a GAAP EPS of $1.18, exceeding expectations by $0.10, with actual revenue of $34.05 billion, slightly above market expectations [3][9]. - The company's net profit margin currently stands at 13.28%, which is below its 10-year average [9]. User Growth and Market Position - Verizon's postpaid phone user losses have narrowed, but broadband user growth has slowed, with net adds dropping from 339,000 in Q1 2025 to 293,000 in Q2 2025 [4]. - The company holds nearly 37% market share in a saturated U.S. market, but this share is at risk due to increasing competition [4][11]. Competitive Landscape - Verizon faces intense competition from AT&T, T-Mobile, and Cricket Wireless, with customers showing low brand loyalty [5][11]. - Despite recent price increases, competitors are using promotional discounts to attract customers, which may impact Verizon's market share [11]. Debt and Cash Flow - Verizon's cash flow has stagnated since December 2020, with the company planning to spend between $17.5 billion and $18.5 billion this year, while its debt approaches $170 billion [7]. - The company's ability to increase dividends is limited due to high spending and rising debt levels [7]. Strategic Moves - Verizon's acquisition of Frontier Communications for $20 billion has been approved by the FCC and may provide slight benefits, particularly in expanding its 5G network [11]. - The company is recognized for its strong reputation among consumers, which may help improve its 5G network capabilities [11].

Core Insights - Artificial intelligence (AI) is identified as the greatest investment opportunity of the current era, with a strong emphasis on the urgent need for energy to support its growth [1][2][3] - A specific company is highlighted as a key player in the AI energy sector, owning critical energy infrastructure assets that are essential for meeting the increasing energy demands of AI technologies [3][7][8] Investment Opportunity - Wall Street is investing heavily in AI, but there is a looming question regarding the energy supply needed to sustain this growth [2] - The company in focus is positioned to benefit from the surge in demand for electricity driven by AI data centers, making it a potentially lucrative investment [3][8] Energy Infrastructure - The company owns significant nuclear energy infrastructure, which is crucial for America's future power strategy [7] - It is capable of executing large-scale engineering, procurement, and construction projects across various energy sectors, including oil, gas, and renewables [7][8] Financial Position - The company is noted for being debt-free and having a substantial cash reserve, amounting to nearly one-third of its market capitalization [8] - It is trading at a low valuation of less than 7 times earnings, indicating a potentially undervalued investment opportunity [10] Market Trends - The company is well-positioned to capitalize on the onshoring trend driven by tariffs, as well as the increasing U.S. LNG exports under the current administration [5][14] - The influx of talent into the AI sector is expected to drive continuous innovation and advancements, further solidifying the importance of energy infrastructure [12] Conclusion - The combination of AI's energy demands, the company's strategic assets, and favorable market conditions presents a compelling investment narrative [1][3][14]

Core Insights - The article discusses the strategy of selecting high-yield dividend stocks from the Global X SuperDividend US ETF (DIV), emphasizing the importance of both yield and price stability in the current market environment [1][2][4]. Group 1: Investment Strategy - The focus is on identifying three stocks from the DIV ETF that not only offer attractive dividend yields but also exhibit favorable price patterns, minimizing the risk of capital loss [1][8]. - The article highlights the necessity of analyzing stocks for their potential to provide price gains alongside high dividend payments, particularly in a volatile market [8][16]. Group 2: Market Context - Dividend stock investing has been experiencing a downturn, with less emphasis on high, consistent dividend payouts compared to previous years [6][16]. - The current market conditions require a higher standard for what constitutes a good yield-focused total return investment, as many traditional high-yield stocks have suffered significant price declines [3][16]. Group 3: Stock Analysis - The three highlighted stocks include Verizon (VZ), Clearway Energy Class C (CWEN), and Evergy (EVRG), each with varying yields and historical volatility [10][11][12]. - VZ offers a yield of 6.3%, while CWEN is approaching a recent high with a yield above 6%, and EVRG, despite a lower yield of 3.5%, has shown promising price movement [13][14][15].