Core Insights - The ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (SDOG) is experiencing a market rotation away from technology stocks towards sectors perceived as less vulnerable to artificial intelligence disruption [1] - The fund has returned 10.45% year-to-date and 3.94% over the past month, indicating strong performance amid sector-level shifts [1] - Significant gains were observed in utilities and basic materials, with Edison International (EIX) rising 20% and LyondellBasell Industries (LYB) increasing by 17.4% in February [1] Sector Performance - The Morningstar U.S. Energy Index surged 24.97%, the Basic Materials Index rose 18.73%, and the Industrials Index climbed 16.99%, while the Technology Index declined by 5.41% [1] - Software stocks are under pressure, with many falling 30% to 40% this year due to fears of AI disruption, exemplified by Accenture (ACN) declining 20.8% [1] Fund Methodology - SDOG's strategy involves selecting the five highest-yielding stocks from each of the 10 market sectors, allowing it to capture investor preferences across sectors [1] - The fund charges a 0.36% expense ratio and pays quarterly distributions, maintaining roughly 10% allocations across all sectors as of December 31 [1] Notable Stock Performances - Dow Inc. (DOW) gained 11.5% and Altria Group Inc. (MO) added 11.4% in February, reflecting the fund's focus on high-dividend, established companies [1] - Health care stocks like Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. (BMY) and Merck & Co. Inc. (MRK) also performed well, rising 13.3% and 12.3% respectively, avoiding the turbulence faced by technology stocks [1]

Smart Connected Services Investor Presentation M a r c h 4 , 2 0 2 6 Safe Harbor Statement This presentation contains forward-looking statements. In particular, statements regarding future economic performance, finances, and expectations and objectives of management constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical facts and generally contain words such as "believes", "expects", "may", "will", "should", "seeks", "ap ...

Core Insights - The primary focus for the company in 2026 is to return to broadband growth, which is considered the top priority [2] - Significant long-term investment programs are nearing completion, including rural build and network evolution, which are expected to enhance the company's infrastructure and service offerings [2] - The company aims to improve its messaging around value and utility, as well as to enhance its service reputation based on quality of service investments [3] Investment Strategy - The completion of rural build and extension of the footprint is anticipated by the end of the current year, setting the stage for future growth [2] - Network evolution is approximately 50% complete, with the remainder expected to be finalized next year, which will further solidify the company's competitive position [2] - The focus on value messaging and service reputation is intended to drive customer growth and sustainable EBITDA and free cash flow growth [3]

Core Insights - Dividend exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are currently providing a combination of performance and income, with Franklin U.S. Dividend Booster Index ETF (XUDV) and Franklin International Dividend Booster Index ETF (XIDV) showing strong early-year performance [1] - XUDV has increased by over 9% and XIDV by 6.11% year-to-date, outperforming the S&P 500 [1] Domestic Performance: XUDV - XUDV tracks the VettaFi New Frontier U.S. Dividend Select Index (NFUS), focusing on U.S. large-cap companies that are essential, cash-flow positive, and dividend-focused [1] - Notable performers in February include: - LyondellBasell Industries NV (LYB) with a return of 17.4% - Edison International (EIX) achieving a 20.0% return - Vertiv Holdings Co (VRT) with a significant 36.9% return [1][1][1] International Performance: XIDV - XIDV tracks the VettaFi New Frontier International Dividend Select Index (NFDM), appealing to investors seeking high yield without leverage or derivatives [1] - Key performers in February include: - Infrastrutture Wireless Italiane SpA (INW) with a 20.0% return - Keppel Ltd (BN4:SES) returning 20.1% - Magna International Inc (MGA) surging 23.3% [1][1][1] Yield and Performance - Both XUDV and XIDV offer quarterly dividend yields, with XUDV at 4.55% and XIDV at 4.71% as of January 31 [1] - The funds utilize an optimization process that maximizes yield while limiting concentration risk and volatility, with competitive expense ratios of 9 basis points for XUDV and 19 basis points for XIDV [1][1][1]

Core Insights - Dividend exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are providing a combination of performance and income, with Franklin U.S. Dividend Booster Index ETF (XUDV) and Franklin International Dividend Booster Index ETF (XIDV) being highlighted as strong performers in early 2026 [1] Performance Overview - XUDV has outperformed the S&P 500 with a year-to-date increase of just over 9%, while XIDV has risen by 6.11%, making XUDV suitable for investors seeking performance and dividend maximization, and XIDV appealing for those looking for international diversification [2] Fund Strategies - XUDV tracks the VettaFi New Frontier U.S. Dividend Select Index (NFUS), focusing on U.S. large-cap companies that are essential, cash-flow positive, and dividend-focused [4] - XIDV follows the VettaFi New Frontier International Dividend Select Index (NFDM), aiming to deliver high yield without leverage or derivatives, benefiting from ongoing dollar weakness and stretched valuations [4] Yield and Expense Ratios - As of January 31, XUDV has a 30-day SEC yield of 4.55% and XIDV has a yield of 4.71%, providing investors with income alongside performance [5] - Both funds have competitive expense ratios, with XUDV at nine basis points and XIDV at 19 basis points, which helps in maximizing yield while limiting concentration risk and volatility [6] Notable Holdings Performance - In February 2026, notable performers in XUDV included: - Vertiv Holdings Co (VRT) with a return of 36.9% - Edison International (EIX) achieving a 20.0% return - LyondellBasell Industries NV (LYB) returning 17.4% [7] - For XIDV, standout performers included: - Magna International Inc (MGA) with a 23.3% increase - Keppel Ltd (BN4:SES) returning 20.1% - Infrastrutture Wireless Italiane SpA (INW) achieving a 20.0% return [8]

Core Viewpoint - Investors are increasingly seeking stability through dividend-paying companies amid market uncertainty, particularly due to the rapid development of artificial intelligence and its potential impact on business models [2][3] Dividend Growth Outlook - S&P Global Market Intelligence forecasts a 2.9% increase in total global dividends for 2026, reaching approximately $2,471 billion, which is a slowdown from the 4.7% growth in 2025 [3][5] - The previous year's growth was unexpectedly strong, driven by significant increases in the Asia-Pacific region, but a similar surge is unlikely in 2026 as the market adjusts to a more cautious economic backdrop [5] Economic Factors Influencing Dividends - Broader economic factors such as trade tensions, shifting interest rates, currency fluctuations, and geopolitical conflicts are contributing to a less predictable earnings environment, which may slow dividend growth [4] Investment Strategy - The article highlights a methodology for selecting dividend stocks under $50, focusing on companies with recent noteworthy developments and ranking them based on hedge fund interest [7][8] Company Highlights - **Kinetik Holdings Inc. (NYSE:KNTK)**: - Share price as of March 3 was $46.41, with a price target raised to $51 by Citi due to a recent earnings beat and positive growth outlook [9] - The company operates in the midstream sector, providing services for natural gas and crude oil producers [12] - **TELUS Corporation (NYSE:TU)**: - Share price as of March 3 was $13.71, with a new commercial agreement with AST SpaceMobile to expand cellular broadband coverage across Canada [13][14] - TELUS will invest in ground-based satellite infrastructure and aims to enhance connectivity in remote areas, supporting its broader effort to improve nationwide network capabilities [16][17]

Summary of Uniti Group FY Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Uniti Group (NasdaqGS: UNIT) - **Industry**: Telecommunications, specifically fiber optics - **Background**: Uniti Group was spun off from Windstream in 2015, initially serving as a fiber provider primarily for Windstream. The company has since diversified its operations through multiple fiber acquisitions, aiming to create a metro dense fiber platform in the Southeast [5][6]. Core Business Segments - **Residential Business (Kinetic)**: Focused on Fiber to the Home (FTTH) with a target to expand from 1.9 million fiber-served homes to 3.5 million by 2029. Currently, there are about 535,000 fiber subscribers, with a penetration rate approaching 30% [25][26]. - **Fiber Infrastructure**: Provides dark and lit fiber services to various customers, including telcos and hyperscalers, across a dense network in the central and southeastern U.S. [9][12]. - **Uniti Solutions**: Involves Windstream's legacy enterprise business, generating cash flow but not considered core to the ongoing strategy [7][8]. Strategic Developments - **Merger with Windstream**: The merger completed in 2025 aimed to leverage Windstream's focus on fiber build-out and Uniti's existing infrastructure to create synergies in both residential and wholesale markets [6][7]. - **Investment in Fiber Infrastructure**: Significant investments are being made in both Kinetic and Fiber Infrastructure to enhance service offerings and expand market reach [8][27]. Competitive Landscape - **Market Position**: Uniti Group has a competitive advantage in the Southeast due to its dense fiber networks, which are crucial for hyperscalers needing quick connectivity for large data centers [15][17]. - **Competition**: The company faces competition primarily from cable providers and other fiber companies, but its existing infrastructure and strategic investments allow it to maintain a favorable position [28][30]. Financial Metrics - **Average Revenue Per User (ARPU)**: Currently around $76, with historical growth rates exceeding 10%. Recent quarterly growth was 5% [30][31]. - **Cost to Build**: The cost to pass a home is between $900-$1,000, expected to stabilize between $800-$900 in the future, which is competitive within the industry [54]. Future Outlook - **Growth Strategy**: The focus will be on increasing fiber penetration in less competitive markets, enhancing customer experience, and potentially exploring M&A opportunities to further strengthen market position [38][49]. - **Fiber to the Home Expansion**: Continued investment in replacing copper networks with fiber is expected to drive growth, with a strategic approach to pricing and service offerings to attract customers [25][30]. Additional Insights - **AI and Data Centers**: The company is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for fiber infrastructure driven by AI and data center expansions, particularly in the Southeast [12][13]. - **Supply Chain Management**: Uniti Group has effectively managed supply chain risks and labor availability, ensuring that growth plans can be met without significant disruptions [40][42]. Conclusion Uniti Group is strategically positioned in the telecommunications sector with a focus on fiber infrastructure and residential services. The company is leveraging its existing assets and market position to drive growth while navigating competitive pressures and exploring future opportunities in M&A and service expansion.

Core Viewpoint - Nokia Federal Solutions has been awarded a significant contract with the Missile Defense Agency, valued at a ceiling of $151 billion, for the SHIELD program, which aims to enhance defense capabilities [1] Group 1: Contract Details - The contract is an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) type, allowing for flexibility in the delivery of services and products [1] - The SHIELD contract encompasses a wide range of work areas, facilitating rapid delivery of innovative capabilities to the warfighter [1] Group 2: Strategic Importance - The award of the SHIELD contract highlights Nokia Federal Solutions' role in providing advanced defense solutions with increased speed and agility [1] - The selection for this contract underscores the company's commitment to supporting national defense initiatives [1]

Core Viewpoint - FMR LLC has exceeded a 5% ownership stake in Nokia Corporation, indicating a significant investment interest in the company [1][2]. Shareholding Details - FMR LLC's indirect holdings in Nokia Corporation reached 5.04% of the total shares, which amounts to 289,538,191 shares [2]. - The total number of shares in Nokia Corporation is 5,742,239,696, which corresponds to the same number of voting rights [1]. - The voting rights held by FMR LLC are 4.83% of the total voting rights [2]. Financial Instruments - The report does not specify any financial instruments held by FMR LLC that would affect the shareholding percentage [3]. Ownership Structure - FMR LLC is part of a larger chain of controlled undertakings, including Fidelity Management & Research Company and various Fidelity entities, which collectively manage the shares and voting rights [3]. Company Overview - Nokia is recognized as a global leader in connectivity, focusing on advancements in fixed, mobile, and transport networks to enhance connectivity in the AI era [4][5].

Core Insights - Mavenir and Turkcell have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance Turkcell's deployment of AI applications in voice and messaging services, aiming to improve customer experience and simplify daily interactions [1][3] - The partnership will leverage Mavenir's cloud-native IMS architecture to innovate traditional voice and messaging capabilities, embedding AI directly into the mobile core to ensure high-quality service and continuous innovation [3][4] - This collaboration signifies a shift in the telecommunications industry towards AI-native network capabilities, integrating intelligence into core services rather than relying on external applications [4][6] Company Overview - Turkcell is a leading telecommunications and technology company in Türkiye, providing a diverse range of voice, data, and IPTV services across mobile and fixed networks, as well as digital consumer and enterprise solutions [7] - Mavenir specializes in developing AI-driven, cloud-native software solutions for mobile operators, with a proven track record of deployments with over 300 operators globally, serving more than 50% of the world's subscribers [8]