Core Insights - Grain Management, LLC has appointed Steven R. Smith as Managing Director on the Investment Team, bringing over 30 years of experience in the TMT industry [1][2] - Smith's previous role at Verizon included leading Corporate Finance and overseeing a multi-billion dollar capital program, which enhances Grain's capabilities in spectrum-related opportunities [1][2] - The addition of Smith aligns with Grain's strategy to expand its leadership in telecommunications and digital infrastructure, particularly in light of industry growth driven by immersive technology, generative AI, and 5G networks [3] Company Overview - Grain Management, founded in 2007, is a global investment firm specializing in digital infrastructure and broadband communications [4] - The firm emphasizes the importance of broadband and digital infrastructure in the tech-enabled transformation across various industries [4] - Grain's investment strategy is guided by a combination of sector knowledge, operational experience, and a disciplined analytical approach, focusing on fiber networks, data centers, wireless spectrum, and cell towers [4]

Verizon Communication, Inc. (VZ) recently introduced new cell sites and expanded network capacity in the Savannah, GA, region to empower its residents, businesses and visitors with high-performing 4G LTE and 5G Ultra Wideband coverage. The expansion covers Pooler, Port Wentworth, Savannah's Historic District and enhanced in-building network coverage at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. The network upgrades are part of Verizon's multi-year initiative to improve its nationwide infrastructure, enabli ...

Meeko Media/iStock via Getty Images Co-authored by Treading Softly When was the last time that you had a second thought about paying your power bill, cell phone bill, or Internet bill? When was the last time you thought deeply before flipping on a light switch or starting your car? You see, there are many things that we do without even a second of additional thought. We do them because they're necessary, or we do them because we need to. We turn on the lights when we enter a room because we need visibility. ...

Verizon Communication, Inc. (VZ) recently disclosed that it is set to incur a severance charge between $1.7 billion and $1.9 billion in the third quarter of 2024. In a bid to trim operating costs, the telecom giant announced a voluntary separation program in June for management staff based in the United States. Per the program, about 4,800 employees are expected to depart by the end of March, 2025 and over half of these workers are set to leave by the end of September 2024. The company is also planning to d ...

What you need to know: Verizon Business in partnership with Ericsson will host its third Innovation Session of 2024 at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. on September 17The session will feature panel discussions from industry experts at Google, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Secret Service, NHL, Monumental Sports & Entertainment and Ericsson NEW YORK, Sept. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Verizon Business is set to bring the latest iteration of its Innovation Sessions tour to Capital One Arena in ...

ALPHARETTA, Ga., Sept. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Verizon recently turned on new cell sites, bringing fast and reliable 4G LTE and 5G Ultra Wideband service to residents and visitors of Pooler, Port Wentworth, and Savannah, including the Historic District. Whether enjoying connecting with friends and family while on the move, connecting their smart homes through Verizon Home Internet, or using Verizon service for small business or enterprise applications, Verizon customers in the Savannah area just got a ...

In the latest market close, Verizon Communications (VZ) reached $43.75, with a +0.23% movement compared to the previous day. The stock's change was less than the S&P 500's daily gain of 1.07%. Elsewhere, the Dow gained 0.31%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq added 2.17%.The the stock of largest U.S. cellphone carrier has risen by 7.04% in the past month, leading the Computer and Technology sector's loss of 0.16% and the S&P 500's gain of 2.92%.The investment community will be paying close attention to the earnin ...

The telecom giant's leverage ratio is about to go in the wrong direction.Verizon (VZ 3.84%) is one of the top dividend stocks in the S&P 500. The telecom giant's payout currently yields more than 6.5%. That puts it among the 10 highest yields in that broad market index, where the average is less than 1.5%. Further, the company recently increased its payout for the 18th straight year. That's the longest current streak in the U.S. telecom sector. A big factor driving Verizon's ability to continue increasing i ...

J Studios/DigitalVision via Getty Images The biggest complaint about Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) for years now has been the weak balance sheet. The wireless giant constantly places too much emphasizes into hiking the dividend annually and the BoD didn't fail to disappoint last week with a dividend hike and a large cash acquisition thrown on top. My investment thesis remains Neutral on the stock, with the balance sheet again stressed by these moves. Source: Finviz Dividend Just when Verizon was ...

Summary of Verizon Communications Inc. Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ) - **Event**: Goldman Sachs Communacopia + Technology Conference - **Date**: September 9, 2024 - **Participants**: - Hans Vestberg - CEO and Chairman - Jim Schneider - Goldman Sachs Telecom Analyst Key Points Acquisition of Frontier Communications - Verizon announced the acquisition of Frontier Communications for **$20 billion** to expand its fiber footprint to **30 million fiber passings** by **2026** [4][5] - The acquisition aligns with Verizon's strategy to increase its Total Addressable Market (TAM) and sustain growth [6][7] - Frontier currently generates over **55%** of its revenue from fiber, indicating a successful transition from copper to fiber [7] - The acquisition is expected to be accretive to revenue growth and EBITDA from day one, with EPS and cash flow benefits anticipated within a year [8] Fixed Wireless vs. Fiber Strategy - Verizon maintains a dual strategy focusing on both fixed wireless and fiber, emphasizing customer optionality [11][13] - Fixed wireless access has a high Net Promoter Score (NPS) and is seen as a competitive product [12] - Verizon aims to reach **4 to 5 million fixed wireless access customers** and will provide updates on its broadband strategy thereafter [14] AI and Edge Computing Initiatives - Verizon has been investing in AI for over **10-15 years**, focusing on efficiency, personalization, and revenue generation [19] - AI applications have improved customer service efficiency, reducing call handling time and enhancing sales through better data utilization [20][21] - Verizon is well-positioned in Mobile Edge Compute, with partnerships with Google, Amazon, and Microsoft, anticipating growth in GenAI applications at the edge [22][23] Consumer Market Insights - The necessity for broadband and wireless connectivity has increased, with Verizon's consumer base showing high quality and FICO scores [28] - There has been no significant increase in bad debt or delinquency rates, and Verizon expects to reach **50%** of its consumer base on its premium offering, myPlan, within a year and a half [29] Wireless Market Dynamics - The wireless market is experiencing a third phase, with a shift in customer acquisition patterns and a focus on service revenue growth [36][37] - Verizon has implemented a more segmented approach to promotions, ensuring financial discipline while enhancing customer value [33][34] Competitive Landscape - Verizon views cable companies as both competitors and wholesale partners, maintaining a healthy relationship while competing in the wireless market [48][49] - The company has been financially disciplined in pricing strategies, focusing on value enhancement for customers [45][46] Future Outlook and Spectrum Needs - Verizon has a strong spectrum position with **1,600 MHz** on millimeter wave and **161 MHz** mid-band, but emphasizes the need for ongoing spectrum availability to maintain competitiveness [63][64] - The company urges the government to facilitate spectrum auctions to avoid future disadvantages in the telecom sector [64] Conclusion - Verizon is strategically positioned for growth through its acquisition of Frontier, dual focus on fixed wireless and fiber, and ongoing investments in AI and edge computing. The company remains committed to financial discipline and enhancing customer value while navigating a competitive landscape.