Verizon Communications Inc (VZ)

Array completes sale of select spectrum assets to Verizon for $1.0 billionJune 1, 2026 4:05 PM
PR Newswire (US) Board declares special dividend of $11.00 per shareCHICAGO, June 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Array Digital Infrastructure, Inc. (NYSE: AD) (ArraySM) today announced the successful closing of the previously announced agreement with Verizon (NYSE: VZ) to sell a portion of the Company's retained spectrum licenses for total consideration of $1.0 billion. Additionally, certain spectrum sales to T-Mobile totaling $168M, primarily related to 700MHz and 600MHz, were completed in May.These transactions further the objective announced on May 28, 2024, to opportunistically monetize remaining spectrum following the sale of the T-Mobile wireless operation which closed on August 1, 2025.Considering the closing of the Verizon and other transactions alongside current cash on hand, the Array Board of Directors has declared a special cash dividend of $11.00 per Common Share and Series A Common Share. The special dividend is payable on June 25, 2026, to shareholders of record on June 11, 2026. While future dividend declarations are subject to the Board's discretion, the Company at this time does not anticipate that any additional dividends will be paid during 2026. "We have made significant progress in our spectrum monetization efforts and are pleased with the value realized in this sale," said Anthony Carlson, Array President and CEO. "Further, as we have done with prior asset sale proceeds, we are returning value to our shareholders in the form of a special dividend." The declaration of this special dividend is unrelated to the special committee of the Array Board of Directors' evaluation of the non-binding proposal, dated May 7, 2026, from Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (NYSE: TDS) ("TDS") to acquire all of the outstanding common shares of Array not currently owned by TDS, which was previously announced on May 8, 2026, and the special committee has not made any decision with respect to such proposal at this time.Note
Array currently expects that when 1099-DIVs are issued for 2026, this special dividend will be largely designated as an ordinary and qualified dividend, subject to the shareholder's holding period requirements.Advisors
Citigroup Global Markets Inc. served as lead financial advisor and Centerview Partners LLC served as financial advisor to Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (TDS) in connection with the Verizon transaction. TD Securities (USA) LLC and Wells Fargo also served as financial advisors to TDS. Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP served as lead transactional and FCC regulatory counsel to both TDS and Array. In addition, Clifford Chance LLP served as regulatory advisor to both TDS and Array and Sidley Austin LLP served as legal advisor to TDS. PJT Partners LP served as financial advisor and Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP served as legal advisor to the independent directors of Array.About Array
Array Digital Infrastructure, Inc. is a leading owner and operator of shared wireless communications infrastructure in the United States. With over 4,400 cell towers in locations from coast to coast, Array enables the deployment of 5G and other wireless technologies throughout the country. Headquartered in Chicago, Array is approximately 82% owned by TDS. For more information about Array, visit: investors.arrayinc.comSafe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: All information set forth in this news release, except historical and factual information, represents forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements include the statement regarding Array's expectation regarding the designation of the special dividend on 1099-DIV. This statement relies on the company's current assumptions and involves uncertainties that could cause a different result. The ultimate designation of the special dividend depends on several factors including Array's 2026 taxable income and the amount and timing of any additional special dividends issued by Array in 2026. The forward-looking statements also include the statement that the Company at this time does not anticipate that any additional dividends will be paid during 2026. The amount and timing of any dividends is subject to business, economic and other relevant factors. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/array-completes-sale-of-select-spectrum-assets-to-verizon-for-1-0-billion-302787509.htmlSOURCE Array Digital Infrastructure, Inc. Original: Array completes sale of select spectrum assets to Verizon for $1.0 billion

AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon Plan to Launch New Joint Venture that Helps End Dead ZonesMay 14, 2026 6:55 AM
PR Newswire (Canada) DALLAS and BELLEVUE, Wash. and NEW YORK, May 14, 2026 /CNW/ -- Further expands American wireless leadership by?boosting coverage and connectivity for underserved communities in remote regions, through joint efforts including enhanced satellite capacity   Key Takeaways: The Joint Venture (JV) will accelerate American leadership in next-generation direct-to-device (D2D) communications by using satellite-based technologies to address coverage gaps, especially in unserved and underserved communities. This initiative will help America extend its global leadership in wireless communications technology and services by delivering exceptional, resilient connectivity and creating the best and most diverse ecosystem for wireless and satellite products and services The JV will extend mobile connectivity for wireless customers through joint investment in using satellite-based, direct-to-device (D2D) technologies to address coverage gaps Customers will have a more seamless experience, especially in remote areas where traditional cell networks have limited or no service  Collaborative approach will expand customer choice by bringing together IP and terrestrial spectrum and creating industry specifications to enable a more seamless experience for customers and satellite operators AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon have an agreement in principle to form a new JV which aims to help end wireless dead zones in the U.S., including in rural areas, by pooling limited spectrum resources to increase capacity, improve the customer experience, and help satellite providers reach more customers through a unified platform. The JV remains subject to negotiating definitive agreements between the parties and satisfying customary closing conditions. Collectively, satellite services function as supplementary components to the core wireless services customers depend on. By collaborating on this JV, the partners will be able to enhance convenience for their customers, enable competition and foster innovation and growth within the industry."Our goal is to make staying connected simple, no matter where you are — on a rural highway, in a national park, on a boat, or during an emergency. By joining with other carriers, we're bringing our combined expertise to accelerate our customers' access to reliable, and always-on coverage everywhere. This collaboration not only makes connectivity easier; it strengthens America's communications leadership," said John Stankey, Chairman and CEO, AT&T. "Having launched the first nationwide, satellite-powered direct-to-device network for text and data, we've seen firsthand how critical reliable connectivity can be when America needs it most. With the expansion of satellite constellations, soon to be supported by multiple space-based operators, this JV will use expanded capacity and improved performance to deliver the best possible service to customers. This partnership will also make it easier for satellite operators to deliver a broader range of direct-to-device experiences and help accelerate innovation across the wireless and satellite industries. Together, we're aiming to advance a future where America stays connected in more places, with fewer dead zones and greater access to the products and experiences people rely on every day," said Srini Gopalan, President and CEO, T-Mobile. "Customers' daily lives depend on our services. To thrive in today's world, staying connected is essential. We are not just closing gaps on a map, we are building resilient digital infrastructure that meets the changing needs of our customers, no matter where life takes them. This partnership gives customers more options, continues to strengthen America's infrastructure and increases competition for satellite providers," said Dan Schulman, CEO, Verizon. Customer Benefits
Terrestrial mobile networks will continue to deliver the high-quality experience customers expect every day. However, reliable connectivity has never been more important. Once finalized, in areas where traditional cell service is a challenge, the JV would aim to provide customers with stronger, even more reliable connectivity and greater choice. Fewer coverage gaps: Will nearly eliminate dead zones in the U.S. currently without mobile service, reaching previously unserved areas. Reliable connectivity in emergencies: Redundant connectivity will become available when existing ground-based networks are unavailable due to extreme natural disasters or other unusual disruptions.Improved network performance: Will give customers more consistent performance and simpler access to satellite services across providers. This will speed up feature updates and improve connectivity for everyone, everywhere. Innovative communications services: Through combined investment by the three JV partners, provider options will expand, and, as a first step, D2D access will improve. This will enhance competition as consumer choices grow in satellite service. Emerging communications technologies can be more easily and quickly developed and launched to enhance customer experience. Common technical specifications: A unified approach will provide a better and more consistent customer experience across the industry.Industry Benefits
The JV would aim to drive industry progress by enabling competition, fostering innovation, expanding access, and simplifying integration, delivering significant benefits for satellite and mobile connectivity. Expanded access: More satellite service providers will gain opportunities to compete, invest, and grow and the JV will work with rural mobile network operators (MNO) to enable them to bring new products to market for their customers. Easy technical integration: MNOs will be able to deploy innovative new services for customers more quickly. Technology-neutral innovation platform: By applying the best technology solutions to the right use cases, connectivity will expand to areas across the country where coverage is currently limited or unavailable, further strengthening U.S. technology leadership. Efficient use of spectrum: Will improve the application and utilization of valuable and scarce nationally licensed spectrum resources. Industrywide device compatibility: User experience will improve on satellite networks, with a standards-based approach to development involving operating system providers, mobile app developers and original equipment manufacturers.   Existing carrier-satellite agreements will remain in place and the JV partners can continue connectivity efforts independently.About AT&T
We help more than 100 million U.S. families, friends and neighbors, plus nearly 2.5 million businesses, connect to greater possibility. From the first phone call 150 years ago to our 5G wireless and multi-gig internet offerings today, we @ATT innovate to improve lives. For more information about AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T), please visit?us at about.att.com. Investors can learn more at investors.att.com.? About T-Mobile US, Inc. 
As the supercharged Un-carrier, T-Mobile US, Inc. (NASDAQ: TMUS) is powered by an award-winning 5G network that connects more people, in more places, than ever before. With T-Mobile's unique value proposition of best network, best value and best experiences, the Un-carrier is redefining connectivity and fueling competition while continuing to drive the next wave of innovation in wireless and beyond. Headquartered in Bellevue, Wash., T-Mobile provides services through its subsidiaries and operates its flagship brands, T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile and Mint Mobile. For more information please visit: https://www.t-mobile.com.About Verizon Communications Inc.
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) powers and empowers how its millions of customers live, work and play, delivering on their demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity and security. Headquartered in New York City, serving countries worldwide and nearly all of the Fortune 500, Verizon generated revenues of $138.2 billion in 2025. Verizon's world-class team never stops innovating to meet customers where they are today and equip them for the needs of tomorrow. For more, visit verizon.com or find a retail location at verizon.com/stores.  AT&T Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements  
Information set forth in this news release contains financial estimates and other forward-looking statements concerning AT&T that are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results might differ materially. A discussion of factors that may affect future results is contained in AT&T's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. AT&T disclaims any obligation to update and revise statements contained in this news release based on new information or otherwise.T-Mobile Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This communication contains certain forward-looking statements concerning T-Mobile and the potential transaction with Verizon and AT&T to form the potential joint venture. All statements other than statements of fact, including information concerning future results, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are generally identified by the words "plan," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "could" or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the benefits of the potential transaction, including anticipated future financial and operating results, expectations regarding the potential joint venture, T-Mobile's and the joint ventures' objectives, expectations and intentions. There are several factors which could cause actual plans and results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the negotiation and execution of definitive agreements for the potential joint venture, the failure to satisfy any of the conditions to the proposed transaction on a timely basis or at all; the occurrence of events that may give rise to a right of one or both of the parties to terminate the definitive agreements; adverse effects on the market price of T-Mobile's common stock and on T-Mobile's operating results because of failure to complete the proposed transaction in the anticipated timeframe or at all; negative effects of the pendency or consummation of the proposed transaction on the market price of T-Mobile's common stock and on T-Mobile's operating results; the risk of litigation or regulatory actions; the possibility that T-Mobile may not fully realize the projected benefits of the proposed transaction within expected timeframes or at all; business disruption during the pendency of or following the proposed transaction; diversion of management time from ongoing business operations due to the proposed transaction; the risk of any unexpected costs or expenses resulting from the proposed transaction; the risk that the proposed transaction and its announcement or T-Mobile's strategy generally could have an adverse effect on the ability of the parties to retain customers and retain and hire key personnel and maintain relationships with customers, suppliers, employees, stockholders and other business relationships and on its operating results and business generally; and other risks and uncertainties detailed in T-Mobile's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, including in the sections thereof captioned "Risk Factors" and "Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements," as well as in its subsequent reports on Form 8-K and Form 10-Q, all of which are filed with the SEC and available at www.sec.gov and www.t-mobile.com. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions, which are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Given these risks and uncertainties, persons reading this communication are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. T-Mobile assumes no obligation to update or revise the information contained in this communication (whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise), except as required by applicable law. References to our and the SEC's website are inactive textual references only. Information contained on our and the SEC's website is not incorporated by reference in this communication and should not be considered to be a part of this communication.Verizon Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
In this communication we have made forward-looking statements. These statements are based on our estimates and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include the information concerning our possible or assumed future results of operations. Forward-looking statements also include those preceded or followed by the words "anticipates," "assumes," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "forecasts," "hopes," "intends," "plans," "targets," "will" or similar expressions. For those statements, we claim the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We undertake no obligation to revise or publicly release the results of any revision to these forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Given these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.© 2026 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T and the Globe logo are registered trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/att-t-mobile-and-verizon-plan-to-launch-new-joint-venture-that-helps-end-dead-zones-302772269.htmlSOURCE AT&T Original: AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon Plan to Launch New Joint Venture that Helps End Dead Zones

Verizon has completely turned around to the positive side under Dan shulman and his team. Buying back $2.5 billion share of the company.  Advocating for AI implimentation in people's lives. Putting customers in the center focus daily. Providing a road map to the investors of what verizon is doing to assure that their asset is only going to grow...

Dan is the man. Q1 is strong and since he took over the wheel of VZ it was the 1st time for a dacade Verizon buy back shares $2.5 billion... am bet all my money on VZ... $70 here I come

Markets search for direction as geopolitics and earnings dominate focus: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq, Wall Street FuturesApril 28, 2026 5:26 AM
IH Market News
Futures tied to major U.S. equity indices traded mixed on Tuesday, as investors weighed reports that U.S. President Donald Trump is dissatisfied with Iran’s latest proposal to end their two-month conflict. At the same time, corporate developments and central bank signals added to the market’s cautious tone. OpenAI reportedly fell short of internal revenue targets, while BP (NYSE:BP) shares advanced on stronger oil and gas prices. Meanwhile, the Bank of Japan kept interest rates unchanged but signaled a readiness to tighten policy if inflation persists.



Futures drift amid oil gains and earnings anticipation



By 03:28 ET, Dow futures were little changed, S&P 500 futures were down 14 points, or 0.2%, and Nasdaq 100 futures had fallen 117 points, or 0.4%.In the previous session, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite posted gains, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average declined.Investors are also preparing for one of the busiest weeks of the earnings season, with roughly 35% of S&P 500 companies due to report results. On Monday, Verizon (NYSE:VZ) raised its full-year profit outlook, while Domino’s Pizza (NASDAQ:DPZ) warned of weaker growth, sending its shares down 8.8%. Upcoming reports from Visa (NYSE:V), Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO) and T-Mobile US (NASDAQ:TMUS) are expected to draw attention.Tech giants will take center stage later in the week, offering insights into ongoing investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure—spending that has helped support markets despite geopolitical tensions and energy-related risks.



Trump weighs Iran proposal as tensions persist



Reports indicated that Trump is unhappy with Iran’s latest offer, which would end hostilities and reopen the Strait of Hormuz but delay discussions on Tehran’s nuclear program.Trump has repeatedly emphasized that dismantling Iran’s nuclear capabilities—particularly any pathway to a nuclear weapon—has been a key objective of the joint U.S.-Israeli offensive launched in late February. Reuters, citing a U.S. official, said this stance has led to dissatisfaction with the proposal.Hopes for renewed diplomatic engagement were also dampened after Trump canceled plans to send negotiators to Pakistan for fresh talks. Iran’s foreign minister visited Islamabad twice over the weekend before meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday and securing support.Despite these efforts, the Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed to shipping. The waterway, which carries roughly one-fifth of global oil supply, has been heavily restricted for weeks, pushing crude prices significantly higher.This has intensified concerns about an energy-driven inflation surge that could force central banks to raise interest rates. Brent crude futures continued to rise on Tuesday.



OpenAI falls short of internal growth targets



OpenAI has missed internal benchmarks for both user growth and revenue, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal, raising questions about the sustainability of its heavy spending plans.The company reportedly failed to reach its goal of one billion weekly active users for ChatGPT by the end of 2025 and also missed several monthly revenue targets earlier this year.CFO Sarah Friar is said to have warned executives that slower revenue growth could make it difficult to fund future data center commitments. Board members have also raised concerns over recent infrastructure deals and CEO Sam Altman’s push for additional computing capacity.These developments come as OpenAI moves toward a potential IPO later this year, prompting leadership to focus more closely on cost control and operational discipline.



BP shares rise on strong profit growth



BP (NYSE:BP) shares moved higher in London, supported by elevated oil and gas prices that drove a sharp increase in earnings.The company reported underlying replacement cost profit of $3.2 billion, more than double the $1.38 billion recorded a year earlier, highlighting the benefit of tighter global crude supply.



Bank of Japan holds rates but signals tightening bias



The Bank of Japan left its policy rate unchanged at 0.75%, in line with expectations, but warned that slowing growth and rising inflation linked to Middle East tensions could influence future decisions.The vote was not unanimous, with three members of the nine-person board supporting a rate increase—marking the highest level of dissent since 2016.The central bank stated that “[g]iven that underlying inflation has been approaching 2% and real interest rates are at significantly low levels,” it will “continue to raise its policy rate in response to developments in the economy, prices and financial conditions.”Analysts at Capital Economics said: “While the Bank of Japan left interest rates unchanged today, its Outlook report was hawkish and we’re sticking to our forecast that the Bank will hike rates in June.”BP stock priceVerizon Communications stock priceDomino’s Pizza stock priceVisa stock priceCoca-Cola stock priceT-Mobile US stock price

Original: Markets search for direction as geopolitics and earnings dominate focus: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq, Wall Street Futures

Verizon Rises After Earnings Beat and Upgraded OutlookApril 27, 2026 11:21 AM
IH Market News
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) moved higher in premarket trading after delivering first-quarter earnings that topped expectations and lifting its full-year profit outlook, despite revenue coming in below forecasts.Shares gained 4.9% ahead of the open, supported in part by the company’s first positive first-quarter postpaid phone net additions since 2013.



Earnings Top Estimates While Revenue Misses



Verizon reported adjusted earnings per share of $1.28, exceeding analyst expectations of $1.21. Revenue totaled $34.4 billion, missing the consensus estimate of $34.82 billion but still reflecting a 2.9% increase compared to the same period last year.The company attributed the revenue shortfall to a more disciplined stance on promotional activity and softer upgrade trends, which weighed on wireless equipment sales. Results were also impacted by an approximately 80 basis point drag on wireless service revenue growth stemming from a network outage in January.



Guidance Raised for Full-Year 2026



Verizon increased its fiscal 2026 adjusted EPS forecast to a range of $4.95 to $4.99, implying annual growth of 5.0% to 6.0%. The midpoint of $4.97 is above the current analyst consensus of $4.91. The company also now expects total retail postpaid phone net additions to land in the upper end of its previously projected range of 750,000 to 1 million.“Our first-quarter 2026 results show that our turnaround is not only progressing, it is gaining momentum,” said CEO Dan Schulman. “We are beginning to reclaim our market leadership by putting the customer at the center of everything we do, reducing friction to increase loyalty and create genuine value.”



Subscriber Growth and Cash Flow Improve



During the quarter, Verizon added 55,000 postpaid phone subscribers, marking a year-over-year improvement of more than 340,000. Consolidated adjusted EBITDA rose 6.7% to $13.4 billion, while cash flow from operations reached $8.0 billion, up 2.6% from the prior-year period.



More about Verizon Communications Inc.



Verizon Communications Inc. is a leading telecommunications provider offering wireless, broadband, and digital services to consumers and businesses, with a focus on network reliability and customer experience.Verizon Communications stock price

Original: Verizon Rises After Earnings Beat and Upgraded Outlook

Futures Suggest Flat Start for Wall Street: Dow Jones, S&P, NasdaqApril 27, 2026 9:13 AM
IH Market News
U.S. stock futures indicate a largely unchanged open on Monday, pointing to a pause in momentum after the strong gains recorded in the previous session.Investors appear cautious, with limited conviction as uncertainty persists in the Middle East following the breakdown of U.S.-Iran peace discussions over the weekend.As negotiations between Washington and Tehran enter another uncertain phase, reports have indicated that Iran has floated a proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and bring the conflict to an end, while delaying talks over its nuclear programme.Attention is expected to shift toward corporate earnings in the days ahead, with five of the so-called “Magnificent Seven” companies scheduled to release quarterly results this week.Market participants are also awaiting the Federal Reserve’s policy announcement on Wednesday. While the central bank is broadly expected to leave interest rates unchanged, investors will be closely analysing the accompanying statement for signals on the future path of policy.Following a weaker performance on Thursday, equities rebounded on Friday. Both the Nasdaq and S&P 500 erased prior losses and closed at fresh record highs.The tech-heavy Nasdaq led the advance, climbing 398.09 points, or 1.6%, to 24,836.60, while the S&P 500 gained 56.68 points, or 0.8%, to 7,165.08.In contrast, the Dow Jones Industrial Average moved lower, slipping 79.61 points, or 0.2%, to 49,230.71, weighed down by notable declines in Merck & Co. (NYSE:MRK) and Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ).For the week overall, the Nasdaq advanced 1.5% and the S&P 500 rose 0.6%, while the Dow posted a 0.4% decline.The broader market rebound was supported in part by a sharp rally in Intel Corporation (INTEL:INTC), which surged more than 23% to a record closing high.Intel’s gains followed better-than-expected first-quarter earnings and a second-quarter revenue outlook that exceeded analyst forecasts.Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG) also posted strong gains after delivering fiscal third-quarter results ahead of expectations.Investor sentiment was further lifted by a pullback in oil prices, which had surged in recent sessions.U.S. crude futures declined by more than 1% after a Reuters report said Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi was set to arrive in Pakistan for discussions with the U.S.Araqchi said via X that the trip would focus on bilateral issues and regional developments, without providing further details.According to CNN, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to represent the United States, with Vice President JD Vance stepping in if necessary.Meanwhile, Donald Trump’s decision to extend the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon by three weeks also contributed to easing oil prices.Semiconductor stocks rallied strongly alongside Intel, with the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index jumping 4.3% to a record close.Gold-related shares also advanced as bullion prices increased, pushing the NYSE Arca Gold Bugs Index up by 2.3%.Software stocks rebounded after Thursday’s decline, with the Dow Jones U.S. Software Index rising 2.1%.Oil services and computer hardware sectors also posted gains, while telecom, pharmaceutical and banking stocks came under pressure.Verizon Communications stock priceMerck stock priceIntel stock priceProcter & Gamble stock price

Original: Futures Suggest Flat Start for Wall Street: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq

Five Key Market Themes to Watch in the Week AheadApril 27, 2026 6:29 AM
IH Market News
It’s shaping up to be a packed week for financial markets. With U.S.-Iran negotiations stalled and the Strait of Hormuz largely closed, investors are navigating a mix of geopolitical risks, a heavy earnings calendar, major central bank decisions and key economic data releases.



1. U.S.-Iran tensions remain in focus



Market participants are bracing for continued headlines around negotiations between the United States and Iran, which appear to have reached a standstill.Over the weekend, Donald Trump cancelled plans to send negotiators to Pakistan for renewed talks, after Iran’s foreign minister made a brief visit to Islamabad. Trump indicated he would wait for Tehran to “call” him, arguing that Washington holds most of the leverage.Attention on Monday centred on a report from Axios suggesting Iran has submitted a proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and bring the conflict to an end, while delaying discussions on its nuclear programme.Although the report briefly eased oil price pressures, crude remains well above pre-conflict levels due to the disruption in the strait. The passage is a critical route for roughly 20% of global oil supply, and prolonged restrictions could have significant economic consequences worldwide.



2. Heavy earnings week led by tech giants



Beyond geopolitics, investors are also preparing for a busy stretch of corporate earnings.The reporting season begins Monday with Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ), and around 35% of S&P 500 companies are set to release results over the coming days.“[S]tocks aren’t just a geopolitical story. Q1 reporting season has been solid thus far, with the S&P set for a sixth straight quarter of double-digit earnings growth, while enthusiasm towards the tech sector has also made a notable resurgence,” said Michael Brown, Senior Research Strategist at Pepperstone.The spotlight will be firmly on major technology firms heavily investing in artificial intelligence, including Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG), Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) and Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:META).These investments remain central to the ongoing AI-driven market narrative, which has supported equities despite geopolitical headwinds. Stock indices have surged in recent weeks, reaching fresh record highs.



3. Federal Reserve decision takes centre stage



Alongside earnings, attention will turn to central banks, with several key rate decisions scheduled this week.The highlight will be the Federal Reserve, which is widely expected to keep interest rates unchanged following its two-day meeting concluding Wednesday.Expectations for imminent rate cuts have eased since the escalation of the Iran conflict, which triggered an energy shock and renewed inflation concerns globally. Some analysts argue that holding rates steady could still support U.S. assets, especially as other central banks consider tightening policy.Meanwhile, uncertainty remains over the future of Fed Chair Jerome Powell, who is due to step down in May but has not confirmed whether he will remain on the rate-setting committee. Trump’s nominee to succeed him, Kevin Warsh, has yet to be confirmed, though progress may have been made after the Justice Department ended an investigation into Powell.



4. Global central bank decisions lined up



In addition to the Fed, markets will also digest policy updates from the European Central Bank, Bank of England and Bank of Japan.The ECB is expected to leave rates unchanged at its April 30 meeting, although a rate hike in June remains possible as policymakers respond to inflation pressures linked to the conflict.The Bank of England is also seen holding rates steady on Thursday while assessing the impact of inflation and growth trends, though some investors expect tightening later in the year.In Japan, the Bank of Japan is likewise forecast to keep rates unchanged, but could signal a more hawkish stance as inflation risks rise alongside higher energy costs.



5. U.S. GDP and inflation data in focus



Economic data releases will also be closely watched.One of the key indicators will be the first estimate of U.S. GDP for the first quarter, with growth expected to come in at 2.2%, up from 0.5% in the final quarter of 2025.However, Pepperstone’s Brown noted that the figure may be “artificially boosted” due to the reversal of distortions caused by a prolonged government shutdown in the prior quarter.Markets will also look to the March reading of the personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index, a key inflation gauge closely monitored by the Federal Reserve.Verizon Communications stock priceAlphabet stock priceMicrosoft stock priceMeta stock price

Original: Five Key Market Themes to Watch in the Week Ahead

U.S.-Iran Deadlock Weighs on Futures as Earnings Season Kicks Off: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq, Wall StreetApril 27, 2026 5:11 AM
IH Market News
U.S. equity futures traded lower early Monday after Donald Trump halted plans to send negotiators for renewed talks with Iran, prolonging tensions between Washington and Tehran. The continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz is keeping pressure on global oil prices. At the same time, Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) is set to begin a packed week of corporate earnings, including updates from major artificial intelligence players.



Futures drift lower



By 03:30 ET, Dow futures were down 86 points, or 0.2%, while S&P 500 futures slipped 0.1% and Nasdaq 100 futures also eased by 0.1%. Markets are bracing for a week filled with earnings releases, central bank decisions, and any developments in U.S.-Iran diplomacy.Major indices had ended the previous week higher, supported by optimism that talks between the U.S. and Iran could resume and potentially reopen the Strait of Hormuz. However, sentiment shifted after Trump cancelled plans for negotiations in Pakistan, indicating the disruption to the key oil shipping route may persist. He added that Tehran can “call me” as Washington holds “all the cards.”



Oil rises as tensions persist



Uncertainty over the next phase of negotiations continues to dominate market sentiment. Analysts at Vital Knowledge said that “there will probably be a million more Iran headlines” for markets to process in the days ahead.According to Axios, Iran has put forward a new proposal to the U.S. that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz, end hostilities, and delay nuclear negotiations until later. Despite this, supply through the route remains constrained, pushing oil prices higher.Brent crude futures climbed 2.4% to $107.87 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate rose 2.3% to $96.58 a barrel.



Verizon to open earnings flood



The earnings season gathers pace with Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) reporting before the market opens. Consensus estimates compiled by Bloomberg point to a drop of 89,169 in retail postpaid phone subscribers. Adjusted EBITDA is expected at $13.14 billion on revenue of $34.8 billion.Investors will focus on Verizon’s strategy to integrate its wireless and broadband offerings to support subscriber growth, particularly after strengthening its fiber network through the acquisition of Frontier Communications.In January, Verizon issued upbeat guidance for full-year profit and free cash flow, alongside launching its first share buyback programme in nearly six years.The week ahead will also bring results from major technology firms, including Alphabet and Microsoft, with markets watching closely for updates on their substantial artificial intelligence investments, seen as critical to the sector’s expansion.



Budget airlines seek support



A group of U.S. low-cost carriers, including Frontier and Avelo, are pursuing $2.5 billion in government aid in exchange for warrants convertible into equity, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.The figure reflects higher projected fuel costs, with estimates assuming jet fuel prices will average above $4 per gallon for the remainder of the year. Discussions over a potential support package are expected to continue.Airlines globally have been under pressure from rising fuel costs, driven by supply disruptions linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran.



Bank of Japan decision in focus



Attention is also turning to the upcoming policy decision from the Bank of Japan, which is widely expected to leave interest rates unchanged following its April 28 meeting.The central bank is projected to maintain its benchmark rate at 0.75%, marking a third consecutive hold after a rate increase in December. While markets had previously anticipated another hike, recent messaging from policymakers has suggested a more cautious stance.Uncertainty tied to the Iran conflict and its economic impact is likely to keep the Bank of Japan in wait-and-see mode, although it may still signal a hawkish bias and raise inflation forecasts amid rising energy and shipping costs.Verizon Communications stock price

Original: U.S.-Iran Deadlock Weighs on Futures as Earnings Season Kicks Off: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq, Wall Street

VZ, stopped going down

Wall Street set for lower open as renewed U.S.-Iran tensions unsettle markets: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq, FuturesApril 13, 2026 9:17 AM
IH Market News
U.S. stock futures pointed to a weaker start on Monday, with equities likely to retreat after posting strong gains in the previous week.Investor sentiment has been dampened by rising fears of renewed escalation in the Middle East, following the collapse of weekend negotiations between Washington and Tehran.“They have chosen not to accept our terms,” said U.S. Vice President JD Vance during a brief press briefing, while leaving open the possibility of future agreement. Iran, for its part, said that “unreasonable U.S. demands” had stalled progress in the talks.Higher oil prices are also expected to weigh on early trading, with crude futures climbing back above $100 per barrel.The surge in oil comes after President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. would move to block access to the strategically important Strait of Hormuz after negotiations broke down.“Effective immediately, the United States Navy, the Finest in the World, will begin the process of BLOCKADING any and all Ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.He added that U.S. forces were “locked and loaded” and ready to “finish up the little that is left of Iran” at an “appropriate moment.”“Markets are once again being pulled between competing forces, with geopolitical escalation in the Middle East reintroducing uncertainty just as investors turn their focus toward the start of earnings season,” said Daniela Hathorn, Senior Market Analyst at Capital.com.She added, “After a brief period of relief following ceasefire hopes, the breakdown in talks and the emergence of a ‘blockade of the blockade’ strategy by the US has pushed the narrative back toward duration risk: how long this conflict will last and how deeply it will impact the global economy.”After recovering from an early decline on Thursday to close mostly higher, stocks showed limited direction on Friday. Major indices moved unevenly throughout the session before finishing mixed.The tech-heavy Nasdaq rose 80.48 points, or 0.4%, to 22,902.89, its highest close in over a month. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 slipped 7.77 points, or 0.1%, to 6,816.89, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 269.23 points, or 0.6%, to 47,916.57.Despite Friday’s mixed performance, all three major indices recorded solid gains for the week, largely driven by a sharp rally on Wednesday. The Nasdaq jumped 4.7%, the S&P 500 climbed 3.6%, and the Dow advanced 3.0%.The Dow’s decline was partly driven by a drop in Salesforce (NYSE:CRM), which fell 3.5%. Other components including Nike (NYSE:NKE), IBM (NYSE:IBM) and Verizon (NYSE:VZ) also posted notable losses.Broader market sentiment remained cautious amid ongoing uncertainty about whether the fragile Middle East ceasefire can hold.Ahead of the weekend talks in Pakistan, Trump had criticised Iran’s handling of oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, saying it was doing a “very poor job” and adding, “That is not the agreement we have!”He also reacted to reports that Iran was charging fees to tankers passing through the strait, warning, “They better not be and, if they are, they better stop now!”In a separate post, Trump added, “The Iranians don’t seem to realize they have no cards, other than a short term extortion of the World by using International Waterways. The only reason they are alive today is to negotiate!”Investors largely brushed aside weaker consumer sentiment data released by the University of Michigan, which showed a sharp drop in April.The university’s consumer sentiment index fell to 47.6 from 53.3 in March, well below expectations of 52.0 and marking its lowest level on record, amid concerns over the Iran conflict and rising inflation expectations.Separately, data from the U.S. Department of Labor showed consumer prices rose 0.9% in March, in line with forecasts.Sector performance was mixed, reflecting the broader market’s lack of direction.Semiconductor stocks stood out, with the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index rising 2.3% to a record closing high.Gold and computer hardware shares also performed strongly, while software, biotechnology and healthcare stocks came under pressure.Salesforce stock priceNike stock priceIBM stock priceVerizon Communications stock price

Original: Wall Street set for lower open as renewed U.S.-Iran tensions unsettle markets: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq, Futures

VZ! Buy the dip

VZ! Rally ran out of gas

VZ, new high this week

VZ, new high this week

VZ, new high this week

I just want 50, is that asking too much? I have way too much of this stock although it pays a mighty nice divvy.

VZ, kaboom

Fed Chair Speculation, Apple Results and Shutdown Deal Shape Market Moves: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq, Wall Street FuturesJanuary 30, 2026 5:24 AM
IH Market News
U.S. equity futures edged lower on Friday as investors assessed growing speculation that Kevin Warsh could be named the next chair of the U.S. Federal Reserve. Corporate news provided some support, led by a strong earnings update from Apple, while precious metals pulled back from record highs. Meanwhile, political risk eased after signs emerged that a U.S. government shutdown has likely been avoided.



Apple delivers standout quarter and upbeat outlook



Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) reported results that comfortably exceeded expectations for both revenue and profit in its fiscal first quarter, which includes the key holiday period. The group posted its strongest quarterly iPhone sales growth in more than four years, with iPhone revenue surging 23.3% year on year to $85.27bn, the largest increase since the fourth quarter of 2021.Demand has been particularly strong for the latest iPhone 17 range, especially higher-end Pro models, helping Apple lift its global smartphone market share to around 20% in 2025 from 18% a year earlier. The company also surprised on guidance, forecasting revenue growth of up to 16% for the March quarter, driven by sustained iPhone demand, a sharp recovery in China and accelerating momentum in India. Operating expenses are expected to come in between $18.4bn and $18.7bn, slightly higher than in the first quarter.Despite the strong performance, Apple acknowledged ongoing supply-side challenges. “We’re currently constrained. And at this point, it’s difficult to predict when supply and demand will balance,” CEO Tim Cook said, adding, “we’re seeing less flexibility in supply chains than normal, partly because of our increased demand that I just spoke about.” The company, like many peers, continues to face tight availability of memory chips, which is weighing on production.



U.S. futures slip as investors turn cautious



U.S. stock futures traded lower as risk appetite softened ahead of the expected Fed announcement. By 03:25 ET, S&P 500 futures were down 55 points, or 0.8%, Nasdaq 100 futures had fallen 240 points, or 0.9%, and Dow futures were lower by around 400 points, or 0.8%.Wall Street ended Thursday’s session mixed. The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite closed lower, dragged down by weakness in technology stocks following earnings-related losses at Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT), while the Dow Jones Industrial Average edged modestly higher. For the week so far, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq are both up close to 0.8%, while the Dow is slightly negative.Attention is also turning to another busy earnings day, with results due from Exxon Mobil (NYSE:XOM), Chevron (NYSE:CVX), American Express (NYSE:AXP), Verizon (NYSE:VZ), Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:REGN) and Aon (NYSE:AON).



Kevin Warsh emerges as leading Fed contender



President Donald Trump said late Thursday that he will unveil his nominee to succeed Jerome Powell as Federal Reserve chair later in the session, fuelling speculation that former Fed governor Kevin Warsh is the frontrunner. “A lot of people think that this is somebody that could have been there a few years ago,” Trump said. “It’s going to be somebody that is very respected, somebody that’s known to everybody in the financial world.”Those remarks have been widely interpreted as pointing to Warsh, who lost out to Powell for the role in 2017 during Trump’s first term. Reports from Reuters said Warsh visited the White House on Thursday, while both the Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg indicated the administration is preparing to nominate him.Warsh is generally viewed as supportive of lower interest rates, aligning more closely with Trump’s policy preferences, but is also seen as a relatively moderate choice compared with some other names floated for the role. Trump has repeatedly criticised Powell for not cutting rates as aggressively as he wanted, a dispute that has raised concerns about central bank independence. Those concerns intensified earlier this month when Powell suggested that a criminal investigation into a Fed renovation project was politically motivated.



Shutdown risk eases after last-minute deal



Political uncertainty also eased after lawmakers reached a late-night agreement to prevent another U.S. government shutdown. The White House and Senate Democrats agreed to advance a large package of spending bills, while splitting out the Department of Homeland Security budget and funding that agency at current levels for an additional two weeks.Saturday had been the deadline to pass five spending bills required to keep much of the government operating. The Trump administration previously endured a 43-day shutdown last autumn. Democrats had resisted backing DHS funding without changes to immigration enforcement tied to Trump’s mass deportation programme. The compromise is seen as buying time for further negotiations, particularly following renewed scrutiny of enforcement policies after the deaths of U.S. citizens Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minneapolis.



Gold, silver and oil pull back from recent peaks



Precious metals retreated sharply after reaching record levels, as expectations of a less dovish Fed chair candidate boosted the U.S. dollar. Spot gold fell 3.1% to $5,184.26 an ounce, while April gold futures dropped 4.1% to $5,151.24 per ounce. Even after the pullback, gold remains up more than 20% so far in January, on track for a sixth consecutive monthly gain and its strongest monthly rise since 1982.Other metals also cooled after a volatile week. Spot silver slid 7.3% to $106.073 an ounce after hitting a record high on Thursday, while platinum dropped 8.5% to $2,394.98 an ounce.Oil prices eased following a three-day rally, though both benchmarks remained on course for strong weekly gains amid concerns that potential U.S. military action against Iran could disrupt supplies. Brent crude slipped 1.8% to $68.36 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate fell 1.8% to $64.24. Both were still set to rise by more than 5% on the week.OPEC and its allies, known as OPEC+, are due to meet on Sunday. Recent reports suggest the group is likely to keep output unchanged, having paused monthly production increases from January after raising supply by around 2.9 million barrels per day through 2025, a move that had previously weighed heavily on oil prices amid fears of oversupply and softer global demand.Apple stock priceExxonMobil stock priceChevron stock priceAmerican Express stock priceVerizon Communications stock priceRegeneron Pharmaceuticals stock priceAon stock price

Original: Fed Chair Speculation, Apple Results and Shutdown Deal Shape Market Moves: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq, Wall Street Futures

VZ, dollar cost average

VZ! Buy the dip

VZ, dollar cost average

G/L

Yeah I don't know. I just am betting VZ will pay a dividend and not lose value for the time being.

G/L whatever you do...I watch CNBC in the morning, and from early indications it sounds like the first half of 2026 will be sluggish for the stock market.

I don't follow funds much. This is like 7% as opposed to a sweep fund that pays 1%. Haven't thought much about it.

Why not a utility mutual fund - less risk than a single stock?

Why not a utility mutual fund - less risk than a single stock?

Vz bought some at 40.10 to use as my money market. Will buy more under 40.

Vz bought some at 40.10 to use as my money market. Will buy more under 40.

VZ, dollar cost average

VZ, dollar cost average

VZ, dollar cost average

VZ, nice dividend

I’m looking at the Div here for some cash.


The investment community will be closely monitoring the performance of Verizon Communications in its forthcoming earnings report. In that report, analysts expect Verizon Communications to post earnings of $1.08 per share. This would mark a year-over-year decline of 1.82%. In the meantime, our current consensus estimate forecasts the revenue to be $35.92 billion, indicating a 0.67% growth compared to the corresponding quarter of the prior year.

For the full year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates project earnings of $4.7 per share and a revenue of $137.88 billion, demonstrating changes of +2.4% and +2.29%, respectively, from the preceding year.

Additionally, investors should keep an eye on any recent revisions to analyst forecasts for Verizon Communications. Recent revisions tend to reflect the latest near-term business trends. As a result, we can interpret positive estimate revisions as a good sign for the business outlook.

Our research suggests that these changes in estimates have a direct relationship with upcoming stock price performance. To benefit from this, we have developed the Zacks Rank, a proprietary model which takes these estimate changes into account and provides an actionable rating system.

The Zacks Rank system ranges from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell). It has a remarkable, outside-audited track record of success, with #1 stocks delivering an average annual return of +25% since 1988. The Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has moved 0.01% higher within the past month. Verizon Communications is currently a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/verizon-communications-vz-laps-stock-market-heres-why

Verizon Communications Inc. $VZ Total Debt (mrq) $174.74B Book Value only $24.44 per share

VZ reports 10Q Monday

Huge class-action/anti-trust/RICO lawsuit vs vz...VPLM the plaintiff...

$VZ Total Debt (mrq) $172.53B

$VZ Total Debt (mrq) $171.69B Overbought

VZ, hanging in there

Somebody here knows RMTD? and what does he think?

What's really silly is now the company is trying a class action suit, which even if won somehow, would rebate the users of Verizon, not any shareholders of VPLM. Not to mention the lead plaintiff is the IR of VPLM. They keep deleting any post I make to explain this.

You're not wrong. They'll probably get another pump or two while the case moves along but I don't think Verizon is sweating a drop lol.

Verizon has faced multiple lawsuits, including those related to administrative fees, pension risk transfers, and data privacy, resulting in settlements and ongoing legal challenges.
Here's a breakdown of some notable Verizon lawsuits:
1. Administrative Fees Class Action Lawsuit:
What it's about: A class-action lawsuit claimed Verizon deceptively charged customers administrative fees that were not properly disclosed and were higher than advertised.
Settlement: Verizon agreed to a $100 million settlement to resolve the lawsuit, with eligible customers receiving a portion of the settlement.
Who is eligible: Customers with postpaid wireless or data services charged administrative fees between January 1, 2016, and November 8, 2023.
Claim Deadline: The deadline to submit a claim was April 15, 2024.
Settlement Details: Verizon denies any wrongdoing but agreed to the settlement, which also included revised Administrative Charge disclosures in the Customer Agreement. According to Newsweek, the settlement payments have started hitting customers' bank accounts.
How to claim: Customers could file a claim online or by mail.
2. Pension Risk Transfer Lawsuit:
What it's about:
Retirees sued Verizon, claiming the company improperly transferred pension responsibilities to insurers, including a unit of Prudential Financial, potentially endangering their pensions.
Impact:
The pensions of 56,000 Verizon retirees, involving $5.7 billion in assets, were impacted by the transaction.
Legal Action:
The lawsuit alleges that Verizon failed in its fiduciary duty to the retirees by sealing the transactions with the insurers.
3. Data Privacy Lawsuit:
What it's about:
A class-action lawsuit alleged Verizon collected and sold customer data to third parties without proper consent, including browsing history, location data, and app usage.
Allegations:
The lawsuit claims the information disclosed by Verizon aided in creating detailed profiles for targeted advertising, constituting an unwarranted invasion of privacy.
Voice ID:
Another class action lawsuit alleged Verizon collected customer voiceprints through its Voice ID feature without proper consent or notification.
4. Copyright Infringement Lawsuit:
What it's about:
Music labels sued Verizon, claiming the company encouraged customers to commit copyright infringement and ignored copyright violations for profit.
Allegations:
The lawsuit charges Verizon with contributory and vicarious copyright infringement, alleging that Verizon ignored 350,000 infringement notices sent by the record labels since 2020. $VZ

$VZ Verizon’s Critical Race Theory Training https://www.city-journal.org/article/critical-race-capitalism

To be fair, orca doesn't believe what he posts. He's stuck with a ton of VPLM shares and he's posting for those penny stock mullets to read. He's a pump and dumper. The amazing thing is he even admits to it while doing it, so no one takes him seriously.
Soon he'll post about how its mismanaged and everyone should dump their shares so he can average down.

Sorry to waste anyone's time here about nonsense penny stocks

Hilarious.

Enjoyed ' it's not really a company' , 👍