Core Viewpoint - The article highlights three companies—Altria, Verizon, and Chubb Limited—that are considered insulated from the impact of tariffs proposed by the Trump administration, making them attractive investment options in an unpredictable market [1][2]. Group 1: Altria - Altria is the largest tobacco company in America, controlling 45.9% of the U.S. retail cigarette market in 2024, and has diversified into smokeless products [4][6]. - Despite declining adult smoking rates, Altria has managed to maintain profitability through price increases, cost-cutting, and share buybacks, with analysts projecting a 4% EPS growth in 2025 and 3% in 2026 [5][6]. - The stock trades at 11 times forward earnings and offers a forward dividend yield of 7.1%, having raised its payout annually since 2008, making it appealing to income-oriented investors [6][7]. Group 2: Verizon - Verizon is a major telecom company that generates most of its profits from domestic wireless and wireline services, making it less vulnerable to tariffs [8]. - In 2024, Verizon saw a significant recovery, more than doubling its postpaid phone net additions and reducing its total wireless churn rate to 1.62%, attributed to localized marketing and customizable plans [9]. - Analysts expect Verizon's adjusted EPS to grow by 2% in 2025 and 4% in 2026, with the stock trading at 9 times forward earnings and a forward yield of 6.1%, having raised its payout for 18 consecutive years [10]. Group 3: Chubb Limited - Chubb is the largest publicly traded provider of various insurance policies, which are not directly affected by tariffs, as insurance companies do not engage in import/export activities [11]. - Chubb's core operating income per share rose by 30% in 2023 and 13% in 2024, with consolidated net premiums increasing by 13.5% in 2023 and 8.7% in 2024 [12]. - The stock trades at 14 times forward earnings, offers a forward dividend yield of 1.2%, and has raised its payout for 32 consecutive years, making it a stable investment option [13].

Group 1: Financial Stability and Cash Flow - Strong cash flows reflect financial stability, enabling companies to eliminate debt, pursue growth opportunities, and distribute dividend payments [1][6] - Companies with strong cash flows are better equipped to weather downturns, providing a long-term advantage for investors [1] Group 2: Apple Inc. (AAPL) - Apple has generated $108.8 billion in free cash flow throughout FY24, with flows on a steady uptrend [3] - The company posted adjusted EPS of $2.40 and sales of $124.3 billion, reflecting growth rates of 10% and 4%, respectively, both all-time records [5] - Apple has raised its quarterly dividend payout for 13 consecutive years, currently yielding 0.5% annually with a five-year annualized dividend growth of 4.9% [2][3] Group 3: Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ) - Verizon's FY24 free cash flow of $19.8 billion grew 6% year-over-year, with shares currently yielding 6.2% annually [8] - The company is close to joining the elite Dividend Aristocrats club due to years of consistently higher payouts [8] - Continued customer growth and expanding broadband market share have positively impacted Verizon's performance [10] Group 4: NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) - NVIDIA reported quarterly sales of $39.3 billion, a 78% increase year-over-year, and adjusted EPS of $0.89, reflecting 71% growth YoY [11] - Data Center sales grew 90% year-over-year to $35.6 billion, highlighting strong demand [12] - The company posted free cash flow of $15.2 billion, up 40% from the previous year, driven by demand [13]

Summary of Key Points Core Viewpoint - The Dow Jones Industrial Average index experienced a decline of 1.6% in February, with notable performances from Coca-Cola and Verizon, which were the top gainers among the index constituents. Group 1: Coca-Cola - Coca-Cola was the best-performing stock in February, driven by strong earnings, reporting a 6.4% year-over-year revenue growth for Q4 and a 14% surge in organic revenue [2] - The company's operating margin increased to 23.5% from 21%, and earnings per share (EPS) rose by 12% [2] - For the full year, Coca-Cola reported a 3% growth in revenue and a 12% growth in organic revenue, despite a reduction in free cash flow to $4.7 billion due to tax litigation [3] - Coca-Cola announced a quarterly dividend hike of 5.2%, marking its 63rd consecutive annual dividend increase, contributing to its popularity as a Dividend King [3] Group 2: Verizon - Verizon's stock performance in February was bolstered by strong subscriber growth and initiatives to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) for new revenue streams [4] - The company launched AI Connect, a suite of products for businesses to manage AI workloads, estimating a total addressable market of over $40 billion [5] - In 2024, Verizon added nearly 2.5 million postpaid mobility and broadband subscribers, grew total wireless service revenue by 3%, and generated $19.8 billion in free cash flow [6] - Verizon raised its dividend for the 18th consecutive year, although it anticipates slightly slower wireless service revenue growth of 2% to 2.8% and free cash flow of $18 billion for 2025 [6]

Core Insights - Frank Boulben, senior vice president and chief revenue officer for Verizon's Consumer Group, will speak at the New Street Research and BCG Future of Connectivity Leaders Conference on March 26, 2025 [1] - Verizon is focused on innovating its mobile and broadband platforms, enhancing customer experience, and strengthening customer relationships while remaining on track to meet its 2025 financial and operational guidance [2][3] Financial Expectations for 2025 - Verizon anticipates total wireless service revenue growth of 2.0% to 2.8% [9] - Adjusted EBITDA is expected to grow by 2.0% to 3.5% [9] - Adjusted EPS growth is projected to be between 0% to 3.0% [9] - Cash flow from operations is forecasted to be between $35.0 billion and $37.0 billion [9] - Capital expenditures are estimated to be between $17.5 billion and $18.5 billion [9] - Free cash flow is expected to range from $17.5 billion to $18.5 billion [9] Company Overview - Verizon generated revenues of $134.8 billion in 2024 and serves nearly all of the Fortune 500 companies [6]

Core Insights - Verizon Business announced the winners of its annual Partner Recognition Program at the Channel Partners Conference & Expo in Las Vegas, emphasizing the importance of partnerships in driving business success [1][3] Group 1: Partner Recognition Program - Eleven partners were recognized for their excellence in serving customers and delivering results, with awards based on performance, community impact, customer business impact, and innovation [2] - The winners include categories such as Value Added Distributor of the Year, Value Added Reseller of the Year, and various agent awards, highlighting the diverse contributions of partners [4] Group 2: Company Values and Culture - Mark Tina, Channel Chief at Verizon Business, emphasized that partnerships are a two-way street, and a positive culture and spirit of innovation are core values in their partner relationships [3] - The Verizon Partner Network was awarded a 5-Star Award by CRN, recognizing its commitment to excellence in partner programs and fostering innovation [3] Group 3: Event Engagements - Verizon Business will showcase its solutions at the Channel Partners Conference, providing attendees with opportunities to meet solution experts and learn about Verizon's transformative benefits [6] - Keynote sessions will focus on Partner Experience (PX) and the connection between channel partners and telecommunications [7]

Core Insights - Verizon Business announced the winners of its annual Partner Recognition Program during the Channel Partners Conference & Expo in Las Vegas, highlighting the importance of partnerships in driving customer success and innovation [1][3]. Partner Recognition - Eleven partners were recognized for their exceptional service and results, evaluated on performance, community impact, customer business impact, and innovation [2]. - The winners include: - Value Added Distributor of the Year: GetWireless - Value Added Reseller of the Year: Connected Solutions Group, LLC - Wireline Business Agent of the Year: Intelisys, Inc. - Wireless Business Agent of the Year: ConectUS - Wireline Subagent of the Year: Bluewave Technology Group, LLC - Wireless Subagent of the Year: Intratem - Alternate Channel Distribution Partner of the Year: Axe Elite - A Vaultek Company - SMB Agent of the Year: Victra and Team Wireless - Customer Business Impact Award: Simple Innovations Group - Partner Innovation Award: Intwine Connect - Social & Community Impact Award: Axe Elite - A Vaultek Company [4]. Event Highlights - Verizon Business will showcase its solutions at the Channel Partners Conference, providing attendees with opportunities to meet solution experts and learn about Verizon's transformative benefits [6]. - Keynote sessions will include discussions on Partner Experience and the connection for telecommunications companies [8]. Company Overview - Verizon Communications Inc. generated revenues of $134.8 billion in 2024, serving millions of customers globally and nearly all Fortune 500 companies [9].

Core Points - Verizon Communications Inc. announced the redemption of $984,778,000 of its 2.625% Notes due 2026 on April 23, 2025 [1] - The redemption price will be the greater of 100% of the principal amount or the present value of remaining scheduled payments discounted at the Treasury Rate plus 20 basis points [1] Redemption Details - The specific notes being redeemed have the following identifiers: CUSIP: 92343V DD3, ISIN: US92343VDD38, Common Code: 146607594 [1] - The calculation of the redemption price will occur on the third business day preceding the redemption date [1]

Core Viewpoint - Verizon Communications offers a high dividend yield of around 6.2%, but concerns about the sustainability of this yield have arisen due to recent performance warnings and competitive pressures [1][2]. Financial Performance - Verizon's share prices have decreased by 17% over the past three years, indicating a lack of excitement in the business [2]. - For 2025, Verizon projects wireless service revenue growth between 2% and 2.8%, following a disappointing 2024 where revenue was $134.8 billion, rising by less than 1% [4]. - The company currently pays approximately $2.8 billion quarterly in dividends, totaling around $11.4 billion annually [7]. Dividend Sustainability - The payout ratio stands at 64%, providing a buffer against potential earnings pressure [6]. - Verizon's projected free cash flow for 2025 is between $17.5 billion and $18.5 billion, significantly exceeding its dividend obligations [7]. Market Position - Despite recent warnings affecting stock performance, Verizon's share price has increased by about 9% this year, closing at $43.65, above its 52-week low of $37.59 [8]. - The stock is trading at less than 11 times its trailing earnings, suggesting it may be an undervalued investment opportunity [9].

Core Insights - Verizon Communications Inc. has launched Verizon Business Assistant, a generative AI-powered solution aimed at supporting small business owners by streamlining customer interactions and providing automated responses [1][2] Group 1: Product Features - The solution utilizes generative AI to answer customer inquiries and connects to a live agent when necessary, enhancing the customer experience [2] - It expands its knowledge base with each interaction, improving response quality over time, while allowing business owners to control training and response settings [2] - An insight dashboard provides valuable information on customer behavior and engagement trends, aiding decision-making [2] Group 2: Market Position and Strategy - The Verizon Business Solution offers small businesses access to AI capabilities similar to those of larger organizations, enhancing operational efficiency through automation and customer insights [4] - Verizon's strategy focuses on identifying market gaps and realigning innovation, which is expected to positively impact commercial prospects in the long term [4] Group 3: Stock Performance - Verizon's shares have increased by 10.2% over the past year, in contrast to the industry's growth of 40.7% [5]

Core Viewpoint - Verizon has announced a significant expansion of its satellite texting capabilities, allowing customers to send text messages via satellite outside terrestrial cellular network coverage using select Android devices [1][2]. Group 1: Satellite Texting Capabilities - The new service enables customers to send text messages to any other customer device via satellite when outside the reach of terrestrial cellular networks [1]. - The rollout of this service begins today and will continue over the next two weeks [1]. Group 2: Commitment to Connectivity - Joe Russo, EVP & President of Global Network and Technology, emphasized Verizon's commitment to keeping customers connected wherever they are, highlighting the company's extensive network coverage [2]. - Verizon's strategic approach includes not only satellite-to-cellular messaging but also testing data services and video calling via satellite connectivity [2]. Group 3: Company Overview - Verizon Communications Inc. generated revenues of $134.8 billion in 2024 and serves nearly all of the Fortune 500 companies [3]. - The company is headquartered in New York City and is dedicated to innovation to meet customer needs [3].