Core Viewpoint - AT&T's proposed $177 million settlement for a class action lawsuit related to data breaches has received preliminary approval from a judge, addressing the exposure of personal information of tens of millions of customers [2][3]. Group 1: Settlement Details - The settlement will compensate affected customers with payments of either $2,500 or $5,000, depending on the incident, and remaining funds will be distributed to other customers whose personal information was accessed [3]. - AT&T denies responsibility for the criminal acts leading to the data breaches but agreed to the settlement to avoid the costs and uncertainties of prolonged litigation [3]. Group 2: Data Breach Context - The data breaches occurred in May 2024 and July 2024, exposing personal information of tens of millions of customers [2]. - The stolen records included telephone numbers that interacted with AT&T's wireless network but did not contain the content of calls or texts or personally identifiable information [4]. Group 3: Cybersecurity Incident Background - The data theft is believed to have originated from a prior breach involving Snowflake, a cloud storage and data warehousing vendor [5]. - In September 2024, AT&T settled with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for $13 million related to a January 2023 hack that compromised customer information from a vendor's cloud environment [6].

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 - The article presents a list of U.S. stocks with a market capitalization of at least $10 billion and a dividend yield above 5%, which can generate $100 in annual income with an initial investment of $2,000 or less. Group 1: Company Summaries - **HSBC Holdings**: A major global bank with a market cap exceeding $200 billion, currently offering a dividend yield of approximately 5.5%, requiring an investment of about $1,818 to generate $100 in annual income [2] - **Verizon Communications**: Despite a 25% decline in value over the past five years, Verizon's dividend yield has risen to 6.5%, maintaining consistent payouts for over a decade [3] - **Pfizer**: A leading pharmaceutical company with a market cap of $135 billion, trading at 17 times earnings, significantly lower than the S&P 500 average. Pfizer's dividend yield stands at 7.2% [4] - **British American Tobacco**: Known for reliable dividends, it currently offers a yield of 6.1%. The company is adapting to declining cigarette volumes by focusing on smokeless products [5] - **Altria Group**: Similar to British American Tobacco, Altria provides a 6.9% dividend yield. The company is managing the transition in the nicotine market effectively, with earnings expected to grow by 2% to 5% this year [6] - **Enbridge**: Operates a vast pipeline network and is a favorite among dividend investors, currently offering a dividend yield of about 6.1% [8] - **BP**: A diversified oil and gas company with a 6.2% dividend yield, despite minimal share price appreciation since 1997 [9] - **The Bank of Nova Scotia**: A major Canadian bank with a more consolidated banking industry, currently providing a 5.9% dividend yield [10] - **Realty Income**: A real estate investment company with a 5.6% dividend yield, owning a large portfolio of income-producing properties [11] - **Pembina Pipeline**: Smaller than Enbridge, Pembina has a variable dividend payout but currently offers a yield of 5.7% [13]

Core Points - ATN International, Inc. announced a quarterly dividend increase of 15% to $0.275 per share, payable on July 7, 2025 [1] - The decision to increase the dividend reflects the company's confidence in its financial strength and future cash flow generation [2] - The company is focused on monetizing investments made during a recent three-year strategic capital spending cycle, supported by cost management and efficiency initiatives [2] Company Overview - ATN International, Inc. is headquartered in Beverly, Massachusetts, and provides digital infrastructure and communications services in the U.S. and internationally, particularly in rural and remote markets [3] - The company's services include advanced wireless and wireline connectivity, high-speed Internet, data services, and carrier and enterprise communications services [3]

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]

Core Insights - VEON Ltd. announces that Kyivstar has received regulatory approval for testing Starlink Direct-to-Cell (D2C) services in Ukraine, marking a significant step towards enhancing connectivity in the region [1][4] - Successful integration of Kyivstar's SIM cards with Starlink's satellite network has been confirmed, indicating compatibility and paving the way for the launch of D2C services [2] - The planned launch of D2C services, which will support SMS and over-the-top (OTT) messaging, is set for Q4 2025, aimed at improving connectivity in areas affected by infrastructure damage and during emergencies [3] Company Overview - VEON is a digital operator serving nearly 160 million customers across six countries, focusing on technology-driven services that promote economic growth [5] - Kyivstar, as Ukraine's largest digital operator, serves over 23 million mobile subscribers and has committed to investing USD 1 billion in telecom technologies from 2023 to 2027 [6] - Kyivstar has allocated over UAH 2 billion in the past two years to support wartime challenges, including assistance to the Armed Forces and social projects [6]

Core Viewpoint - The National Advertising Division (NAD) found that Verizon's claims regarding its Satellite Texting services and "largest network" advertising were partially supported but recommended modifications for clearer disclosures in future advertising [1][5][8]. Satellite Claims - NAD reviewed Verizon's claims that it is "conquering dead zones with satellite" and found that these claims do not imply exclusivity over the functionality [2][3]. - The partnership with AST SpaceMobile, currently in testing, does not substantiate the claims made by Verizon regarding satellite texting [3]. - A previous commercial's disclosure about satellite connectivity was deemed insufficiently clear regarding the requirement for newer phone models [4]. - NAD concluded that while Verizon has a reasonable basis for its satellite claims, future advertising must include clear and conspicuous disclosures about the availability of satellite texting features [5]. "Largest Network" Claims - T-Mobile challenged Verizon's claim of having "America's largest network," arguing that this typically refers to geographic coverage rather than subscriber numbers [6]. - NAD found the term "largest network" ambiguous and noted that "postpaid phone connections" may not clearly indicate Verizon subscribers [7][8]. - NAD recommended that Verizon modify its disclosure to clarify what "postpaid phone connections" refers to, ensuring that the claims can be substantiated with appropriate qualifications [8]. Compliance and Discontinuation - Verizon has permanently discontinued the challenged implied claims related to satellite-supported texting and its wireless network, and NAD will treat these claims as recommended for discontinuation for compliance purposes [9]. - Verizon stated it will comply with NAD's recommendations regarding advertising practices [9].