Core Insights - The article discusses the increasing appeal of dividend-paying stocks amid rising inflation, prolonged higher interest rates, and market volatility, particularly for risk-averse investors [2][4] Dividend Stock Trends - Global assets under management in dividend-focused ETFs reached nearly $600 billion as of December 31, 2024, more than double the amount recorded in December 2020, indicating a significant rise in dividend investing popularity [3] Methodology for Stock Selection - The article outlines a methodology that involves scanning stocks with consistent dividend records and sustained shareholder payouts, further refining the selection to those with a projected upside potential of over 10% based on analyst price targets as of October 8 [6] Company Profiles Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) - Verizon has a modest revenue growth expectation of about 3% for this year and next, despite adding 278,000 new fixed wireless access subscribers in Q2 2025, bringing the total to over 5.1 million [9][10] - The company generated nearly $9 billion in free cash flow in the first half of 2025, with projections for FY25 free cash flow between $19.5 billion and $20.5 billion, supporting its dividend payments of nearly $12 billion annually and a dividend yield of 6.68% [10][11] PepsiCo, Inc. (NASDAQ:PEP) - PepsiCo has a diversified portfolio contributing about 55% of its revenue, with international operations accounting for roughly 40% of total sales and operating profits in 2024 [13] - The company has raised its dividend for 53 consecutive years, currently offering a quarterly payout of $1.4225 per share, yielding about 4.10% as of October 8 [15] The Sherwin-Williams Company (NYSE:SHW) - Sherwin-Williams has maintained a conservative payout ratio of about 26.6% over the past decade, supported by strong free cash flow [17] - The company has rewarded shareholders with steady dividend increases for 46 consecutive years, paying a quarterly dividend of $0.79 per share, translating to a yield of roughly 0.94% as of October 8 [18]

Core Insights - AST SpaceMobile's stock surged by as much as 19% on Wednesday, continuing a strong upward trend, with an increase of over 300% in 2025 [1][4] - The company announced a significant agreement with Verizon to provide direct-to-cellular satellite service to consumers starting next year [1][2] Group 1: Company Developments - AST SpaceMobile's network is noted as the largest commercial communications array deployed in low Earth orbit, capable of connecting directly to standard smartphones [2] - The partnership with Verizon is seen as a major milestone, potentially transforming AST SpaceMobile from a meme stock to a serious competitor in the space tech sector [3] Group 2: Market Reaction - The announcement of the Verizon deal elicited a positive response from retail traders, particularly on platforms like Reddit's Wall Street Bets [3] - Prior to the Verizon news, AST SpaceMobile's stock had experienced a brief surge due to a false report about América Móvil considering a stake in the company [4]

Core Insights - On October 8, shares of AST SpaceMobile rose over 9%, while Verizon Communications' shares remained virtually flat [1] Company Performance - AST SpaceMobile experienced a significant increase in share price, indicating positive market sentiment or potential developments [1] - Verizon Communications did not see any notable change in its share price, suggesting stability or lack of investor interest on that day [1] Analyst Perspective - The article references an analyst who focuses on value-oriented investment strategies, particularly in the oil and gas sector, emphasizing the importance of assessing cash flows and intrinsic value [1]

Core Viewpoint - A federal judge dismissed a pension risk transfer case against AT&T but acknowledged that the plaintiffs had standing to sue, indicating a complex legal landscape for plan sponsors [2][3][4]. Group 1: Case Dismissal and Legal Standing - The case, Piercy et al v. AT&T Inc. et al, was dismissed based on the insufficiency of the plaintiffs' substantive claims rather than on standing, which is considered unfavorable for plan sponsors [4]. - The plaintiffs have filed a motion to amend their complaint, suggesting that the court's decision is not a complete victory for plan sponsors [3]. - The judge noted that the question of whether the plaintiffs had standing was a "close question," indicating the legal complexities involved [5]. Group 2: Allegations and Financial Implications - The lawsuits allege that AT&T's choice of Athene Annuity and Life Co. for an $8.05 billion pension risk transfer jeopardized the financial security of 96,000 retirees [4]. - The complaints also claim that State Street, as AT&T's fiduciary adviser, would benefit from the selection of Athene, raising concerns about fiduciary responsibilities [4]. - A spokesperson for Athene characterized the claims as frivolous and driven by predatory trial lawyers, emphasizing the company's stance on the legitimacy of the pension risk transfer [5].

Core Insights - AST SpaceMobile has partnered with Verizon Communications to provide direct-to-customer broadband service across the continental U.S., leading to a significant increase in AST SpaceMobile's stock price, which surged 250% this year [1][4]. Group 1: Partnership Details - The service will be available to Verizon customers in 2026, allowing them to have cell reception anywhere in the continental U.S. without the need for specialized equipment [2][6]. - The partnership aims to enhance coverage in remote areas, marking the beginning of a new era of space-based connectivity [3][4]. Group 2: Technological Impact - The deal will extend Verizon's 850 MHz premium low-band spectrum into areas that will benefit from space-based broadband technology [4]. - Verizon's senior vice president emphasized that this partnership is not merely about filling coverage gaps but creating a new paradigm of connectivity that will unlock the full potential of the digital age [4].

Core Points - AT&T, Verizon Communications, and Brady will trade ex-dividend on 10/10/25, with AT&T paying $0.2775, Verizon $0.69, and Brady $0.245 [1] - The expected price adjustments for the stocks are approximately 1.06% lower for AT&T, 1.67% lower for Verizon, and 0.33% lower for Brady upon opening on the ex-dividend date [2] - Historical dividend yields indicate potential future stability, with estimated annualized yields of 4.24% for AT&T, 6.67% for Verizon, and 1.31% for Brady [6] Company Summaries - AT&T's quarterly dividend is set at $0.2775, translating to an expected yield of 1.06% based on its recent stock price of $26.16 [1][2] - Verizon Communications will pay a quarterly dividend of $0.69, with an anticipated yield of 6.67% [1][6] - Brady's quarterly dividend is $0.245, leading to an expected yield of 1.31% [1][6] Market Performance - On the day of reporting, AT&T shares increased by approximately 1.1%, while Verizon Communications shares decreased by about 0.1%, and Brady shares fell by around 1.6% [7]

Core Insights - AST SpaceMobile has partnered with Verizon Communications to provide direct-to-customer broadband service across the continental U.S., leading to a significant increase in AST SpaceMobile's stock price [2][4] - The service will enable Verizon customers to access cellphone service anywhere in the continental U.S. without the need for specialized equipment, enhancing connectivity in remote areas starting in 2026 [3][5] - The partnership aims to extend Verizon's low-band spectrum coverage and create a new paradigm of connectivity, unlocking the potential of the digital age [4] Company Developments - AST SpaceMobile's shares have surged 250% this year following the announcement of the partnership [4] - The financial terms of the agreement between AST SpaceMobile and Verizon have not been disclosed [3] Industry Impact - The collaboration signifies a shift towards space-based connectivity solutions, promising more reliable coverage in underserved areas [3][4] - Verizon's senior vice president emphasized that this partnership is not merely about expanding coverage but about transforming connectivity in the digital era [4]

Core Insights - Proactive provides fast, accessible, and informative business and finance news content to a global investment audience [2] - The company focuses on medium and small-cap markets while also covering blue-chip companies and broader investment stories [3] - Proactive's news team delivers insights across various sectors, including biotech, mining, oil and gas, and emerging technologies [3] Technology Adoption - Proactive is committed to adopting technology to enhance workflows and content production [4] - The company utilizes automation and software tools, including generative AI, while ensuring all content is edited and authored by humans [5]

Shares of AST SpaceMobile surged 12% to $83.43 in premarket trading on Wednesday after the company announced a partnership with Verizon Communications to offer space-based broadband connectivity to th... ...

AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ:ASTS) has struck a commercial agreement with U.S. telecom Verizon (NYSE:VZ) to provide space-based cellular and broadband services to Verizon customers starting in 2026. ASTS shares are up 13% in premarket trading on Wednesday. The agreement comes after ...