Core Insights - A significant concern exists among consumers regarding online safety when using free public WiFi networks, indicating a demand for more secure networks in these locations [1][6][8] Consumer Sentiment - The Kinetic Business Digital Safety & Privacy report revealed that 57% of consumers feel unsafe using public or business WiFi, while only 17% feel safe, with 24% remaining neutral [2][9] - 77% of consumers express concern about their internet safety, with 60% feeling unsafe online due to current economic conditions and the rise of artificial intelligence [7][8] Data Handling Perception - Consumers' sense of safety is closely linked to their perceived control and accountability over their personal data, with trust diminishing when they feel powerless regarding data collection and usage [4][5] - Familiar and regulated entities, such as healthcare and financial institutions, are viewed as safer for handling personal data compared to distant third-party companies [5] Business Implications - The report emphasizes the necessity for businesses to implement secure guest WiFi networks and enhance transparency around data collection practices to build consumer trust [3][6][8] - As two-thirds of consumers (67%) report being more cautious with their personal data, increased customer education and awareness are essential to address public perception [3][6]

Core Viewpoint - Brazilian internet provider Desktop is in preliminary discussions with telecom operator Claro regarding a potential acquisition, although no binding agreement has been reached yet [1][2]. Group 1: Company Developments - Desktop specializes in fiber optic internet services and has confirmed non-binding talks with Claro about a potential transaction [1]. - The news of the potential acquisition led to a significant increase in Desktop's share price, which surged by as much as 16% before settling 10% higher, while Brazil's benchmark Bovespa stock index fell by 1.6% [2]. - Claro, owned by Mexican telecommunications firm America Movil, is reportedly conducting due diligence but has not submitted a binding offer yet [2][3]. Group 2: Market Context - This is not the first instance of Desktop being a target for acquisition; in 2024, Claro's rival Telefonica Brasil also engaged in discussions for a potential purchase of Desktop [3]. - America Movil and Chilean firm Entel are considering a joint offer for Telefonica's operations in Chile, indicating ongoing consolidation activities in the telecommunications sector [3].

Core Insights - Kinetic has completed a $3 million fiber network expansion project in China Grove, providing multi-gig internet speeds to an additional 3,060 locations [1][2] - The project aims to enhance connectivity, support local economic growth, and improve the quality of life for residents [3][4] Company Commitment - The project was fully funded by Kinetic, highlighting the company's dedication to high-quality connectivity [2] - Kinetic emphasizes its role as a long-term partner in the community, aiming to create digital equity and bridge the digital divide [5] Economic Impact - Communities with fiber internet experience significant benefits, including 213% higher business growth, 10% higher self-employment rates, and a 14-17% increase in home values [4] - The expansion is expected to bolster local businesses, enhance educational opportunities, and improve access to telehealth services [5][9] Service and Customer Engagement - Kinetic is committed to customer satisfaction, actively monitoring service performance and encouraging user feedback for improvements [6] - The company is also hiring in the communities it serves, indicating growth and investment in local employment [6] Community Recognition - China Grove is now recognized as a 'Gig-Ready' community, with over 75% of the town having access to Kinetic's Next Generation Gigabit Internet [3]

Core Insights - Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. (NYSE:BIP) is recognized for significant dividend growth and is listed among the 20 Best Stocks to Buy and Hold for a Lifetime [1] Group 1: Medium-Term Note Offering - Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. announced a $700 million medium-term note offering on September 22, 2025, consisting of $375 million Series 15 Notes due in 2031 at 3.7% interest and $325 million Series 16 Notes due in 2035 at 4.526% interest [2] - The net proceeds from the offering are designated for general corporate purposes, including debt repayment, and the notes are guaranteed by Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. and its subsidiaries, with an anticipated closing date around September 24 [3] Group 2: Acquisition of Hotwire Communications - Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. agreed to acquire Hotwire Communications, an internet service provider, for almost $7 billion, including debt, which enhances the company's focus on long-term, high-quality assets with steady cash flows [4] - This acquisition expands Brookfield's global infrastructure portfolio across the Americas, Asia Pacific, and Europe, covering sectors such as utilities, transportation, midstream, and data [4] Group 3: Financial Performance - The infrastructure assets owned and operated by Brookfield Infrastructure Partners produce steady, long-term financial flows, reinforcing its position as one of the best stocks to buy [5]

Core Insights - Kinetic has made a total donation of $7,500 to support the Ruidoso community, including $5,000 to the Lincoln County Community Foundation and $2,500 to the Lincoln County Food Bank, emphasizing its commitment to local recovery efforts after recent disasters [1][2][3] Community Support - The donations aim to assist residents and business owners in Ruidoso who are recovering from devastating fires and floods over the past 15 months [1][3] - Kinetic's contributions are recognized by local officials, highlighting the company's role as a partner in the community's resilience and recovery [3] Infrastructure Development - Kinetic has launched a new fiber-optic network in Ruidoso, providing fiber internet to 8,000 locations, which enhances the daily lives of residents and supports their technology needs [4] - Ruidoso is now designated as a 'Gig-Ready' community, with 75% of the town having access to Kinetic's Next Generation Gigabit Internet [4] Company Commitment - Kinetic's leadership emphasizes a long-term commitment to the community, focusing on providing necessary resources and infrastructure to foster resilience and growth [5] - The company operates in 1,400 markets across 18 states, offering multi-gigabit fiber internet and related services, indicating a strong presence in the telecommunications industry [6]

Core Insights - Kinetic has completed a new fiber-optic network in Ruidoso, enhancing the community's internet infrastructure and demonstrating a long-term commitment to the area [1][10] - The fiber expansion project, a public-private partnership, provides high-speed internet to 8,000 homes and businesses, covering approximately 125 miles of fiber-optic cables [2][10] - Ruidoso is now recognized as a 'Gig-Ready' community, with over 75% of the town having access to Kinetic's Next Generation Gigabit Internet [2][10] Economic Impact - The new fiber-optic network is expected to boost economic growth, telehealth opportunities, and remote work options [3] - Research indicates that communities with fiber can experience 213% higher business growth, 10% higher self-employment rates, and a 14-17% increase in home values [3] Community Commitment - Kinetic's investment in Ruidoso is part of a broader strategy to support the community's recovery from recent natural disasters, including flooding and wildfires [4][6] - The company has prioritized restoring connectivity and is replacing fire-damaged copper networks with more resilient fiber infrastructure [5][6] Company Overview - Kinetic is a business unit of Uniti, providing multi-gigabit fiber internet and related services across 1,400 markets in 18 states [9]

Group 1 - Madison Small Cap Fund's second-quarter 2025 performance was impacted by the liberation day tariffs, which initially caused a decline in equities and treasuries, followed by a rebound due to a pause in tariff implementation and positive macroeconomic data [1] - The Russell 2000 Index increased by 8.5% for the quarter and is down only 1.79% year-to-date, while the Madison Small Cap Fund (class Y) returned 4.42% in the quarter, underperforming compared to the Russell 2000 and Russell 2500 [1] - The fund highlighted Cogent Communications Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:CCOI) as a key stock, which has seen a one-month return of 0.35% but a significant decline of 48.00% over the last 52 weeks, with a market capitalization of $1.852 billion as of September 17, 2025 [2] Group 2 - The underperformance of Madison Small Cap Fund was attributed to stock selection in Information Technology and Consumer Staples, with Cogent Communications Holdings, Inc. being the worst-performing IT stock [3] - Cogent Communications, which carries nearly 25% of the world's internet traffic, recently launched Wavelength Services aimed at providing high-capacity, low-latency networking connections, but the company slightly missed growth expectations for this service, leading to a sharp decline in stock price [3] - The company has been viewed as experiencing early growing pains with its new service, and the fund has taken this opportunity to increase its investment in CCOI, believing the market reaction to be an overreaction [3]

Group 1: Avista Corp. - Avista has a history of raising dividends for 22 consecutive years, with the most recent increase on Feb. 12, raising the quarterly payout from $0.475 to $0.49 per share, resulting in an annual figure of $1.96 per share [3] - The current dividend yield for Avista is 5.39% [3] - As of June 30, Avista's annual revenue was $1.96 billion, and Q2 2025 revenues were reported at $411 million with an EPS of $0.17, both below consensus estimates [4] Group 2: Cogent Communications - Cogent Communications has increased its dividend for 51 consecutive years, with the latest hike on May 8, raising the quarterly payout from $1.01 to $1.015 per share, equating to an annual figure of $4.06 per share [6] - The current dividend yield for Cogent Communications is 11.30% [6] - As of June 30, the company's annual revenue was $1 billion, and Q2 2025 revenues were $266.17 million, which missed the consensus estimate of $246.83 million, while the per-share loss of $1.21 was better than the consensus of $1.08 loss per share [7] Group 3: Mondelez International - Mondelez International is involved in the manufacturing, marketing, and selling of snack food and beverage products globally [8]

Core Insights - Kinetic hosted a week-long "Kinetic Commitment to Community" event in Broken Arrow, focusing on community service and support for local nonprofits [1][2] - The company donated a total of $7,500 to two local organizations: $5,000 to Soldier's Wish and $2,500 to Broken Arrow Neighbors, highlighting its commitment to community leadership [2][6] - Kinetic is actively expanding its fiber internet services, currently constructing new infrastructure to serve tens of thousands of residents in the area [3][4] Company Overview - Kinetic, a brand under Uniti (NASDAQ: UNIT), provides multi-gigabit fiber internet and related services to approximately 1.7 million households across 1,400 markets in 18 states [4] - The company emphasizes the benefits of fiber internet, including 99.9% network reliability, gigabit speeds, symmetrical upload and download capabilities, and no data caps [3][4] Community Engagement - The event included volunteering activities with local nonprofits, showcasing Kinetic's dedication to community involvement [1][6] - Local food and entertainment were part of the community appreciation event, fostering connections between Kinetic employees and residents [1][5]

Core Points - Kinetic is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of individuals involved in the theft or vandalism of its copper and fiber infrastructure in North Carolina [1][8] - Recent incidents of copper and fiber optic cable theft have disrupted services for over 50 customers in Moore County, affecting their ability to access emergency services [2][3] - The company emphasizes the serious implications of these crimes on public safety, as they hinder connectivity for first responders and essential services [4][6] Company Actions - Kinetic is increasing collaboration with local law enforcement and implementing active deterrent measures to combat theft and vandalism [6] - The company is committed to pursuing the strongest legal actions against offenders to protect public safety [6] - Kinetic encourages community vigilance to help reduce the impact of these crimes on residents [6] Company Overview - Kinetic, a brand of Uniti, provides multi-gigabit fiber internet and related services to approximately 1.7 million households across 1,400 markets in 18 states [7]