Core Insights - VEON's subsidiary, Kyivstar, has launched a 5G test zone in Lviv, marking its first local pilot project in Ukraine [1] - The pilot aims to assess network performance in urban conditions, with plans for gradual expansion to other cities like Kharkiv and Borodianka, and later Kyiv and Odesa in 2026 [2][3] - Kyivstar is investing USD 1 billion from 2023 to 2027 to enhance Ukraine's connectivity and digital infrastructure, including 5G and other advanced technologies [5][8] 5G Pilot Project - The 5G pilot in Lviv is a collaborative effort with the Ukrainian government, focusing on populous cities with existing infrastructure [3][4] - Full-scale 5G rollout will be considered post-war, while Kyivstar continues to enhance its 4G network, achieving peak speeds over 1 Gbps in some areas [3][4] - The 5G network in Ukraine will operate on two frequency bands: 3500 MHz for high speeds and 700 MHz for broader coverage, with peak download speeds exceeding 2.4 Gbps during testing [6] Company Commitment and Strategy - Kyivstar's CEO emphasized the company's role in driving digital transformation in Ukraine, including partnerships for satellite connectivity [5] - The company has conducted extensive preparations to ensure 5G activation does not interfere with military communications, having previously tested 5G in February 2024 [5] - Kyivstar's investments are aimed at supporting Ukraine's recovery and enhancing digital services, including a sovereign Ukrainian language model [5][8]

Group 1 - Verizon Communications Inc. is considered one of the most undervalued blue chip stocks currently available for investment [1] - As of January 7, 2026, approximately 40% of analysts covering Verizon are bullish, with a consensus price target of $46.50, indicating a potential upside of 15.40% [2] - The company's network-led strategy is resulting in steadier growth and defensible cash flows, bolstered by a recent commercial agreement with Kodiak AI for 5G, LTE, and IoT connectivity [2] - Verizon's partnership with Array Digital Infrastructure provides access to around 4,400 U.S. towers, enhancing coverage, deployment speed, and long-term cost efficiency [2] Group 2 - Raymond James has reiterated an 'Outperform' rating for Verizon with a price target of $47, reflecting confidence in the company's dividend appeal and potential subscriber growth [2] - Verizon is a leading U.S. telecommunications company offering 5G and 4G wireless, fiber, fixed wireless broadband, and advanced enterprise technology solutions [2]

Bankers said the decision has altered the company's liability profile, adding that clarity on its funding needs and future business plans are crucial for considering fresh funding.Banks have been wary of lending to Vi because of its huge liabilities, majorly consisting of statutory dues including deferred spectrum payment and AGR liabilities, strained cash flows, and doubts about its ability to service new loans. “Our team will reassess (extending fresh funds) in the light of the new developments,” a senio ...

Group 1 - The construction of the China Unicom Ningxia Zhongwei Cloud Data Center project is ongoing, highlighting the importance of adhering to temperature standards for construction materials to prevent future structural issues [2][3] - The project is part of the national strategic initiative "East Data West Computing," positioning the Gobi Desert as a significant computing power hub [2][3] - The challenging working environment and the rigorous demands of construction work are emphasized, showcasing the dedication and resilience of the workforce involved in the project [2][3] Group 2 - The experience of workers, particularly in handling unexpected weather conditions, illustrates the critical nature of teamwork and quick decision-making in construction [3] - The project not only contributes to infrastructure development but also serves as a valuable learning experience for new employees, enhancing their skills and understanding of the industry [3]

Market Overview - The BSE benchmark declined by 2,185.77 points or 2.54% last week, indicating a negative trend in Indian equity markets due to heightened risk aversion from renewed US tariff threats and rising geopolitical tensions [1][3] Company Valuations - Reliance Industries experienced a significant market valuation drop of Rs 1,58,532.91 crore, bringing its total valuation to Rs 19,96,445.69 crore, making it the most valued firm despite the decline [3] - HDFC Bank's valuation decreased by Rs 96,153.61 crore to Rs 14,44,150.26 crore [3] - Bharti Airtel's market valuation fell by Rs 45,274.72 crore to Rs 11,55,987.81 crore [2][3] - Bajaj Finance's valuation plunged by Rs 18,729.68 crore to Rs 5,97,700.75 crore [2][3] - Larsen & Toubro's market capitalization dropped by Rs 18,728.53 crore to Rs 5,53,912.03 crore, while TCS declined by Rs 15,232.14 crore to Rs 11,60,682.48 crore [3] - Infosys saw a decrease in market capitalization by Rs 10,760.59 crore to Rs 6,70,875 crore [3] Gainers in the Market - ICICI Bank's valuation increased by Rs 34,901.81 crore to Rs 10,03,674.95 crore, marking it as a notable gainer [3] - Hindustan Unilever's market capitalization rose by Rs 6,097.19 crore to Rs 5,57,734.23 crore [3] - State Bank of India's valuation edged higher by Rs 599.99 crore to Rs 9,23,061.76 crore [3] Overall Market Impact - The combined market valuation of seven of the top-10 most valued firms eroded by Rs 3,63,412.18 crore last week, with Reliance Industries being the largest contributor to this decline [3]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of looking beyond U.S. large caps for investment opportunities, particularly in undervalued international stocks [1][3][9] - The Benzinga Value Ranking is introduced as a systematic, numbers-driven tool to identify the cheapest stocks globally based on multiple valuation metrics [2][5] Investment Strategy - Investors are encouraged to focus on the top decile of the Benzinga Value Ranking, specifically targeting non-U.S. stocks to access the cheapest part of the global market [7][9] - The current market environment is characterized by extreme valuation dispersion outside the U.S., with many profitable companies trading at low earnings multiples [4][6] Company Highlights - **POSCO Holdings (NYSE:PKX)**: A leading steel producer in South Korea, trading at discounted multiples despite controlling high-quality assets [11] - **Sasol Ltd. (NYSE:SSL)**: An integrated energy and chemicals company in South Africa, generating substantial cash flow but heavily discounted due to past operational issues [12] - **Korea Electric Power Corp. (NYSE:KEP)**: The backbone of South Korea's power system, facing extreme low valuation multiples due to government pricing controls [13] - **LuxExperience (NYSE:LUXE)**: A niche luxury travel company in the Netherlands, undervalued due to lack of investor attention rather than demand collapse [14] - **Gerdau (NYSE:GGB)**: Brazil's largest long steel producer, trading at low multiples despite consistent cash flow generation [15] - **Honda Motor (NYSE:HMC)**: A global manufacturing leader in Japan, undervalued due to lack of hype around its steady profits and cash flow [16] - **SK Telecom (NYSE:SKM)**: South Korea's largest wireless carrier, undervalued due to low growth expectations despite reliable cash generation [18] - **Jiayin Group (NASDAQ:JFIN)**: A Chinese fintech company facing regulatory uncertainty, leading to extreme valuation discounts [19] - **FinVolution Group (NYSE:FINV)**: Another Chinese fintech platform, similarly undervalued due to regulatory challenges and investor distrust [20] - **KT Corp. (NYSE:KT)**: A leading telecommunications provider in South Korea, generating stable cash flow but facing compressed valuation multiples [21]

Core Insights - AT&T has mandated a return to the office five days a week, moving away from hybrid work arrangements to enhance collaboration and innovation [1][2] - The company is relocating its headquarters from Dallas to Plano, Texas, consolidating three locations into a new campus designed for modern work needs [4][5] - A significant trend is emerging where many companies are increasing in-office workdays to strengthen company culture and productivity, with 28% of companies requiring full-time office presence by 2025 [7] Company Policy Changes - AT&T's updated return-to-office policy aims to drive collaboration and innovation, reflecting a broader trend among companies to enhance workplace culture [2][3] - The company faced criticism for inadequate office facilities following the policy change, prompting a reevaluation of workspace needs [3][4] - CEO John Stankey emphasized the need for a workspace that aligns with the company's evolving operational requirements, committing to invest in modern facilities [5][9] Industry Trends - A survey indicates that by 2026, 1 in 8 companies plan to increase required in-office days, with 30% not allowing remote work at all [7] - The main reasons for this shift include strengthening company culture (64%) and improving productivity (62%) [7] - Employee feedback has shown a significant desire for remote work, with 76% indicating they would seek new employment if remote options were eliminated [17]

Core Viewpoint - Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (TDS) is a $4.8 billion telecom holding company that has faced a complex narrative over the past decade, leading to diminished investor interest in the company [1] Company Summary - TDS has been characterized by a convoluted narrative that has made it challenging for investors to engage with the company [1] - The company currently holds a long position in its shares, indicating a positive outlook on its future performance [1]

Core Viewpoint - Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (TDS) is a $4.8 billion telecom holding company that has faced a complex narrative over the past decade, leading to diminished investor interest in the company [1] Company Summary - TDS has been characterized by a convoluted narrative that has made it challenging for investors to engage with the company [1]

Core Viewpoint - Vodafone Idea shares experienced an increase of up to 8% on January 9 following the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) providing relief in the ongoing adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dispute [1] Company Summary - The relief granted by the DoT is significant for Vodafone Idea, as it addresses a long-standing issue related to AGR, which has been a major concern for the telecom operator [1]