Verizon

Former FBI Director James Comey has filed a motion to dismiss a federal indictment accusing him of threatening President Donald Trump. The charge stems from an Instagram photo of seashells arranged to read "86 47," which prosecutors interpreted as a death threat. Comey’s lawyers argue the post is protected political hyperbole under the First Amendment, not a "true threat." They also allege vindictive prosecution and illegal Secret Service surveillance of Comey and his wife. The DOJ has not yet responded.

12 reports · 5 sources · Updated Jul 29, 11:00 PM UTC

Bain Capital is leading a $1.5 billion capital infusion into Eaton Fiber, a fiber infrastructure platform. The investment is specifically aimed at accelerating the expansion of Verizon's fiber broadband network across the United States. The deal highlights growing private equity interest in telecommunications infrastructure, particularly fiber-optic networks, which are critical for high-speed internet and 5G backhaul. The funding will support the buildout of fiber-to-the-home and other broadband services, enhancing connectivity in underserved and competitive markets. The announcement was first reported by PE Hub, a private equity news outlet.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 11:44 AM UTC

Apple announced a new leasing program called 'Upgrade' in partnership with Klarna, allowing U.S. customers to lease an iPhone starting at $17.99 per month for up to two years. The program, available at Apple retail and online stores, also covers Apple Watch, Mac, and iPad leases. This move comes a month after Apple raised iPad and Mac prices by at least $100 due to the global memory shortage, with analysts expecting iPhone price hikes as well. The lease requires a soft credit check, no security deposit, and no late fees, but devices must be returned after 24 months or purchased with an additional payment. Apple discontinued its previous iPhone Upgrade Program (with Citizens Bank) in favor of this new offering. The strategy aims to smooth seasonal sales, reduce reliance on device cycles, and compete with carrier installment plans. Prices vary by device, with an iPhone 17 Pro costing $31.99/month for two years. Analysts note the average iPhone replacement cycle has stretched to nearly four years.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 12:18 PM UTC

Verizon Communications announced a dark fiber agreement with Alphabet's Google worth over $1 billion, positioning the telecom carrier as a key connectivity provider for AI data center infrastructure. CEO Dan Schulman disclosed the deal during Verizon's second-quarter earnings call, stating that Verizon will provide dark fiber to connect Google's data centers. Schulman described the AI infrastructure buildout as one of the largest capital cycles of the lifetime and said Verizon is uniquely positioned to participate. Verizon stock rose over 3% following the announcement, while Alphabet shares gained about 1%. Schulman indicated this is the start of a broader push, with additional agreements expected by year-end that could generate multiple billions in revenue over several years. The company is leveraging its long-haul and metro fiber assets originally built for a different era but now suited for linking AI data centers and compute clusters.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 06:09 PM UTC

Verizon CEO Dan Schulman announced a $1 billion dark-fiber deal with Google to connect the search giant's data centers, disclosed during Verizon's Q2 earnings call. Dark fiber gives Google greater control over network capacity and design. The deal comes as Alphabet reports negative free cash flow of $5.9 billion in Q2 2026 due to accelerated AI infrastructure spending, raising its 2026 capex guidance to $195-205 billion. Verizon also raised its full-year adjusted earnings and free cash flow forecasts after beating subscriber and earnings estimates, adding 184,000 postpaid wireless subscribers. Verizon expects to announce additional multi-billion-dollar data center connectivity deals by year-end, separate from prior collaborations with Google on 5G, AI, and cloud services.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 02:45 PM UTC

Verizon Communications reported second-quarter 2026 results that exceeded Wall Street expectations for adjusted earnings, despite a slight revenue miss. Adjusted earnings per share came in at $1.30, above analyst estimates of $1.27-$1.28, while total revenue of $34.25 billion fell short of the $35.28 billion forecast. The company added 184,000 postpaid phone customers, more than double analyst expectations, marking its strongest consumer Q2 postpaid phone net additions in five years. Mobility and broadband service revenue grew 2.8% year-over-year to approximately $23.4 billion, with Verizon forecasting acceleration to around 4% in Q4 2026. Broadband net additions totaled 348,000, including 193,000 fixed wireless access and 155,000 fiber broadband additions. Following the results, Verizon raised its full-year guidance, now expecting mobility and broadband service revenue growth of 2.5% to 3.0% and adjusted EPS of $4.99 to $5.04, representing 6% to 7% year-over-year growth. The company also increased its share buyback target to up to $4.5 billion. CEO Dan Schulman attributed the gains to new plans and loyalty programs. Shares rose about 3% on the news.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 02:27 PM UTC

The Invesco S&P 500 High Dividend Low Volatility ETF (SPHD) currently yields 4.4% with a beta of 0.60, offering defensive positioning through heavy allocations to real estate, consumer staples, utilities, and healthcare. The fund's annual distributions grew from $1.61 in 2024 to $1.97 in 2025, with trailing 12-month payouts at $2.33. SPHD has returned about 12% year-to-date and 14% over the past year, trailing the S&P 500's 18% one-year return but providing lower volatility. The aggregate payout ratio of 73% is elevated but considered manageable given the cash-flow strength of top holdings like Altria and Verizon. Over five years, SPHD returned 47% versus SPY's 71%, reflecting its income-focused, lower-beta strategy suitable for investors prioritizing drawdown protection over growth.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 05:19 PM UTC

The article, published on July 22, 2026, by The Motley Fool's Leo Sun, argues that AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ: ASTS) is a compelling buy during a potential market crash. The author notes the S&P 500 trading at high multiples, possible interest rate hikes, and geopolitical tensions as precursors to a crash. AST SpaceMobile produces low Earth orbit satellites for telecom giants like AT&T and Verizon, differentiating itself from SpaceX's Starlink by focusing on extending terrestrial networks to rural areas. The article highlights AST's larger satellites, ground-based data processing (enabling easier upgrades to 6G), and a clearer path to profitability. Analysts project revenue growth from $71 million in 2025 to $1.87 billion by 2028, with positive adjusted EBITDA expected in 2027. Despite a current enterprise value of $20.7 billion, the author suggests a market crash could halve valuations, creating a buying opportunity for patient investors.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 01:50 PM UTC

David Beckham, former England captain and co-owner of Inter Miami, earned £19 million (over €22 million) from advertising contracts with 11 major brands during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to market analysts. The tournament, held from June 11 to July 19 in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, saw Spain crowned world champion after defeating Argentina 1-0 in extra time. Beckham's brand partners included Adidas, Bank of America, EA Sports, Home Depot, Lay's, Lenovo, McDonald's, Ninja Kitchen, Pepsi, Stella Artois, and Verizon. Brand expert Nick Ede noted that Beckham's surname, social media presence, and international fame retain significant marketing value for events watched by billions. His eldest son Brooklyn also benefited, earning about £1 million from a DoorDash ad. Other celebrities earning major fees included Shakira and Justin Bieber.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 01:09 PM UTC

For the first time in roughly 20 years, computer science enrollment in US colleges has declined, according to research by Hoover Institution economist Jacob Light. Analyzing over 50 million course sections across 1,019 colleges, Light found CS class enrollment dropped about 4.6% year-on-year at the average school. National data from the National Student Clearinghouse shows undergraduate CS enrollment at four-year colleges fell 8.1% in autumn 2025, from about 659,700 to 606,100 students. This follows a decade-long boom where CS bachelor's degrees more than doubled from 56,000 in 2014 to 122,000 in 2024. The decline coincides with the mainstream adoption of AI coding assistants and a cooling entry-level software job market. However, Light does not attribute the drop solely to AI, listing five possible drivers including weaker math preparation, immigration shifts, and the rise of data science. Experts note enrollment remains above 2022 levels, and the trend may signal a broader reassessment of the value of a CS degree amid AI advancements.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 12:00 AM UTC

This Yahoo Finance article, published July 21, 2026, analyzes five high-yield dividend stocks favored by retirees, collectively offering yields far exceeding the S&P 500. It highlights Ares Capital (ARCC) with a 10.3% yield and AGNC Investment (AGNC) with a 12.7% yield, both covering dividends from Q1 2026 income. Altria Group (MO) yields 5.96% with a strong dividend track record and coverage. Verizon (VZ) offers a 6.46% yield, supported by solid free cash flow guidance. Enterprise Products Partners (EPD) is noted for 27 consecutive years of distribution growth. The article assesses dividend safety, coverage ratios, and key risks for each, including secular decline in cigarette volumes for Altria and high debt for Verizon. It also includes a promotional segment for a separate list of AI stocks.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 04:51 PM UTC

The article, published by The Motley Fool on July 21, 2026, recommends five stocks to buy amid the AI build-out and connectivity demand. Broadcom is highlighted for its custom AI chips and networking gear, with a massive AI order backlog. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing is noted as an irreplaceable chokepoint in AI chip production, with raised growth outlook and $100 billion investment. Alphabet combines Google Search cash flow with AI investments and cloud growth, backed by Berkshire Hathaway. T-Mobile is presented as a telecom growth story with broadband and fiber expansion. Verizon offers a defensive, income-focused alternative with a hefty dividend and expanded fiber footprint from the Frontier acquisition.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 03:35 PM UTC

This financial analysis article, published on July 21, 2026, discusses four high-yield ETFs suitable for income investors during market volatility, particularly when the VIX spikes. It focuses on the Invesco S&P 500 High Dividend Low Volatility ETF (SPHD), which yields 4.5% and pays monthly, screening for high-yield and low-volatility stocks. The article compares SPHD with SCHD, USMV, and JEPI, highlighting tradeoffs between income, stability, and total return. It notes that the VIX recently touched 31 and the 10-year Treasury yield is near 5%, pressuring dividend strategies. SPHD's top holdings include Pfizer, Altria, and Verizon, but its low-volatility screen underweights growth sectors, limiting total return compared to the S&P 500's 43% five-year gain. The piece advises against abandoning low-volatility positioning during complacent markets.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 03:29 PM UTC

Financial analyst James Brumley of The Motley Fool identifies three dividend stocks he considers reliable enough to hold through any market conditions. The first pick is Verizon Communications, citing near-universal smartphone dependency in the US, its 19-year dividend growth streak, and expansion into broadband and enterprise communication solutions. The second pick is Coca-Cola, noted for its 64-year annual dividend growth record and resilient demand for beverages regardless of economic conditions. The article emphasizes that these companies have business models built to sustain dividend payments during both good and bad economic times, making them suitable for long-term buy-and-hold investors.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 05:35 PM UTC

This Motley Fool article by James Brumley, published on July 20, 2026, identifies three dividend stocks that the author considers reliable enough to hold through any market conditions. The article details two of the three picks: Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO). Verizon is highlighted for its essential wireless services, with 146.8 million connections and a 19-year streak of dividend increases, plus growth in broadband and enterprise communications. Coca-Cola is praised for its 64-year dividend growth streak and resilient demand for beverages regardless of economic cycles. The author emphasizes that these companies have strong business models and consistent dividend histories, making them suitable for long-term, market-independent holding. The article also includes a promotional pitch for Nvidia-related investment signals.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 05:35 PM UTC

According to The Times, as reported by Hupu on July 20, David Beckham has filmed or participated in advertising campaigns for at least 12 different brands during the current World Cup. The brands include Stella Artois, The Home Depot, Adidas, Lay's, Walkers, Lenovo, McDonald's, Ninja Kitchen, Pepsi, Verizon, Bank of America, and Major League Soccer (MLS). Twenty years have passed since his last World Cup appearance, and at 51 years old, Beckham remains the most visible and almost ubiquitous face of the tournament, demonstrating his enduring commercial appeal and marketability in global sports marketing.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 08:06 PM UTC

Verizon is laying off more than 3,000 employees and selling 274 company-owned retail stores to franchisers as it continues to struggle with customer losses and heightened competition. The moves come under CEO Dan Schulman, who took over in October 2025 and has accelerated workforce reductions, including a previous layoff of over 13,000 employees in November 2025. Verizon has lost about 2.25 million wireless customers over the past three years following price increases. The company plans to retain at least 1,000 corporate-owned stores over the next three years. Critics, including Bosch USA's John Sinclair, argue the layoffs reflect poor leadership and a failure to innovate, while industry analysts note the strategy offloads expensive operational risks. The changes follow Verizon's latest earnings report showing elevated postpaid phone churn.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 05:07 PM UTC

Verizon is laying off more than 3,000 employees and selling 274 company-owned retail stores to franchisers as part of an aggressive turnaround strategy under CEO Dan Schulman. The move follows the loss of about 2.25 million wireless customers over the past three years due to price increases and intense competition. The carrier previously laid off over 13,000 workers in November 2025 and cut hundreds more in May 2026. The store sales, effective Aug. 16, will reduce Verizon's corporate-owned retail footprint to 1,000 locations. Critics, including Bosch USA executive John Sinclair, argue the cuts reflect poor leadership and risk hollowing out institutional knowledge. Verizon's latest earnings report showed rising wireless postpaid phone churn, underscoring its struggle to compete in a challenging market.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 05:07 PM UTC

Verizon is conducting another round of cost-cutting measures, laying off over 3,000 employees and selling 274 company-owned retail stores to franchisers, effective August 16, 2026. This move follows the company's loss of approximately 2.25 million wireless customers over the past three years due to price increases and intense competition. Under CEO Dan Schulman, who took over in October 2025, Verizon previously laid off more than 13,000 employees in November 2025 and sold 179 stores. The latest cuts include 500 corporate employees, with the remainder coming from store sales. Industry experts have criticized the strategy, with Bosch USA's John Sinclair calling it a failure to lead and a reliance on cutting skilled workers rather than pursuing innovation. Verizon aims to maintain at least 1,000 corporate-owned stores to support its long-term strategy.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 05:07 PM UTC

AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) shares have tumbled 59% from their May 2026 all-time high of $133.86, driven by a $1 billion convertible note offering that raised dilution concerns and a significant Q1 2026 earnings miss. The company reported revenue of $14.7 million, far below the consensus estimate of $38.4 million, and a non-GAAP EPS loss of $0.66 versus an expected loss of $0.23. Net loss ballooned to $191 million from $45.7 million a year earlier, largely due to an $88.65 million induced conversion expense and $55.35 million in stock-based compensation. Despite the miss, revenue grew 1,952% year-over-year. The stock also faced headwinds from the SpaceX IPO redirecting space sector capital. ASTS holds $3.5 billion in cash and reaffirmed full-year 2026 revenue guidance of $150-200 million, with approximately 45 BlueBird satellites expected in orbit during 2026. The company has nearly 60 mobile network operator partners covering over three billion subscribers globally.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 02:00 PM UTC

This financial analysis article explores how much capital is needed to generate $30,000 annually in passive income to fund lifelong learning. It outlines three dividend yield strategies: a 3.5% yield requiring $857,000 in capital (using stocks like Johnson & Johnson and Procter & Gamble for growth), a 6% yield requiring $500,000 (using Realty Income and Verizon), and a 10% yield requiring $300,000 (using Main Street Capital). The article emphasizes that dividend growth can outpace education cost inflation (assumed at 4%) and recommends holding income-generating assets in IRAs or Roth accounts to maximize after-tax learning budgets. It includes sponsored content from SmartAsset for financial advisor matching.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 11:11 AM UTC

A Motley Fool analyst predicts SpaceX stock could reach a $5 trillion market cap if its Starmind initiative succeeds. Starmind aims to build a constellation of up to 1 million satellites for space-based AI processing, leveraging free solar power and lower cooling costs. Currently, SpaceX has a market cap over $1.7 trillion, driven by Starlink and SpaceXAI. The company's total addressable market is estimated at $28.5 trillion, with $26.5 trillion related to AI. SpaceXAI already has major contracts with Anthropic ($1.25 billion/month) and Google Cloud ($920 million/month). The analyst acknowledges significant technological hurdles but believes SpaceX is uniquely positioned to dominate space-based AI computing.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 09:35 AM UTC

A Motley Fool analysis compares SpaceX and Micron Technology based on CFRA analyst ratings. Keith Snyder of CFRA gives SpaceX a sell rating with a $115 target price, implying 12% downside from its current $131 share price, citing high valuation at 88 times sales despite SpaceX's dominance in space launches and Starlink growth. Angelo Zino of CFRA gives Micron a buy rating with a $1,500 target price, implying 76% upside from its current $853 share price. The article notes SpaceX's Q1 revenue grew 15% to $4.6 billion but reported a net loss of $4.2 billion, while highlighting recent cloud deals with Anthropic and Google. The piece concludes SpaceX is risky despite potential, while Micron appears more attractive based on analyst targets.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 08:32 AM UTC

AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ: ASTS) is nearing the commercial launch of its satellite-based cellular broadband service, now delayed to early 2027. Unlike SpaceX's Starlink, which developed direct-to-consumer technology, AST SpaceMobile partners with cellphone companies like AT&T and Verizon, giving it a built-in customer base. In Q1 2026, the company generated $15 million in revenue, mostly from U.S. government contracts. It projects up to $1 billion in revenue in 2027 after commercial launch. The stock has fallen nearly 60% from its highs, presenting a potential buying opportunity for aggressive investors. However, the company is still pre-revenue from commercial operations and must successfully build and launch more satellites. The article advises most investors to wait for proof of execution, while risk-tolerant investors may see the dip as an entry point.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 02:35 AM UTC

This financial analysis compares SpaceX (SPCX) and AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) as investment opportunities in the satellite communications sector. SpaceX, through its Starlink broadband network and rocket launch services, reported FY 2025 revenue of $18.7 billion but a net loss of $5 billion due to heavy capital expenditures. AST SpaceMobile, building a direct-to-device cellular network, generated $70.9 million in revenue in FY 2025 with a net loss of $342 million. The article highlights key differences: SpaceX has a larger subscriber base (10.3 million) and dominant launch market position, while AST SpaceMobile partners with 60 mobile operators including AT&T and Verizon, targeting 3 billion potential subscribers. Both companies face significant risks—SpaceX from technical complexity and regulatory hurdles, AST SpaceMobile from financial strain and unproven technology. The piece concludes that profitability remains distant for both during their build-out phases.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 07:39 PM UTC

This article analyzes Verizon Communications (VZ) stock, which has returned +13.6% over the past year and trades at a premium valuation of 10.6 times earnings, compared to AT&T's 7.1 times. Verizon's operational performance shows improvement, including 55,000 postpaid phone net adds in Q1 (first net gain in 13 years), reduced churn at 90 basis points, and a 35% cut in customer acquisition costs. The company raised its full-year adjusted EPS growth guidance to 5-6%. However, wireless service revenue declined 1% year-over-year due to a one-time customer credit, and the core revenue engine has not fully recovered. The article questions whether the premium price is justified given persistent pricing pressures and the need to hit 2-3% total mobility and broadband service revenue growth targets. It also notes the risk of single-stock concentration in the telecom sector.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 06:05 PM UTC

This Seeking Alpha article previews AT&T's upcoming Q2 earnings announcement, arguing that the competitive threat from satellite-based telecom services (like those from SpaceX/Starlink) is overstated. The author, Max Greve, suggests that while satellite technology is advancing, it is unlikely to disrupt traditional telecom infrastructure in the near term. However, the article identifies two critical unanswered questions for AT&T: its ability to manage debt and generate free cash flow, and its strategy for maintaining subscriber growth amid intense competition from Verizon and T-Mobile. The piece includes the author's disclosure of long positions in TMUS and VZ, and standard disclaimers from Seeking Alpha. It is categorized as an analytical opinion piece rather than breaking news.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 04:14 PM UTC

Nearly 40 companies have announced layoffs in 2026, continuing a trend of significant workforce reductions across tech, media, finance, and retail. Companies including Block, Coinbase, and Standard Chartered cited artificial intelligence as a key driver. Target is shifting resources from supply chain to stores under a new CEO turnaround strategy. Over 100 additional companies have filed WARN notices for future job cuts. A World Economic Forum survey found 41% of companies globally expect AI to reduce their workforces within five years, while jobs in big data, fintech, and AI are projected to double by 2030. Business Insider continues to track layoffs, following 65 major companies in 2025.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 02:32 PM UTC

This article from The Motley Fool on Yahoo Finance recommends two Vanguard ETFs for investors seeking to outperform the S&P 500. The first is the Vanguard Communication Services ETF (VOX), which is heavily concentrated in Meta Platforms and Alphabet (44% of portfolio), making it an indirect AI play. Analysts expect the communication services sector to produce 32.4% returns over the next 12 months based on FactSet data. The second recommended ETF is the Vanguard Consumer Discretionary ETF (VCR), though the article text cuts off before providing details on this fund. The article notes that AI stocks continue to drive market performance and that analysts expect the bull market to persist through 2026.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 10:20 AM UTC

U.S. wireless carrier Verizon announced on July 16, 2026, that it will sell 274 company-owned retail locations and cut approximately 500 corporate jobs as part of its restructuring. The moves will affect about 3,000 retail and corporate employees, leaving Verizon with 1,000 company-owned stores after the sale effective August 16. This follows earlier job cuts of over 13,000 in November and several hundred in May. Verizon noted that historically about 70% of employees at sold retail locations took jobs with the new operators. The company, now led by CEO Dan Schulman, is competing with AT&T and T-Mobile in a saturated U.S. telecom market. Verizon recently introduced simpler plans, dropped activation fees, and launched a loyalty program. The three carriers also agreed in May to form a joint venture to address rural coverage gaps using satellite technology, potentially as a defensive move against SpaceX's Starlink.

1 reports · 1 sources