Verizon Communications returned $59 billion to shareholders over the past five years, predominantly through dividends ($55.7 billion) versus buybacks ($3.5 billion). Despite this massive payout, the stock delivered only a 16.4% total return during that period, significantly trailing the S&P 500's 88% return. The telecom giant generated $138.9 billion in revenue over the last twelve months, with a 21% operating margin exceeding the S&P 500 median. Its free cash flow yield stands at 10.3%, supporting dividend payments. However, revenue grew just 1.4% last year. Management has raised full-year free cash flow growth guidance to 9–10% and recently signed a $1 billion agreement with Google for fibre network use in data centres. The company's customer-friendly strategy eliminated activation and upgrade fees, potentially impacting reliable revenue streams.

Verizon Communications has partnered with Lockheed Martin, Nvidia, Keysight Technologies, ODC and Astris AI to demonstrate drone-tracking technology using 5G networks. The system, called NetSense, was tested in Miami in July. NetSense combines Verizon's existing 5G spectrum with Nvidia's AI Aerial platform, ODC's AI-native Radio Access Network software, and Keysight's radio-frequency simulation technology. The system analyses radio-frequency disturbances to identify drones, predict flight paths and provide real-time alerts. The demonstration showed NetSense could detect and track drones without requiring changes to existing cellular infrastructure. The technology is designed for airports, power plants, stadiums, schools, hospitals and other critical infrastructure, as well as government monitoring. Separately, Morningstar named Verizon among its top 10 dividend stocks.

Ford names new Chief AI and Data Officer to advance AI strategy. Mano Mannoochahr joins Ford after leading enterprise AI, data and analytics strategies at Verizon and Travelers. On the Dash: * Ford is elevating AI and data leadership as the automaker looks to expand these capabilities across its major business units. * Mannoochahr's background in enterprise AI at Verizon and Travelers brings the automaker an executive with experience scaling AI across large organizations. * His role spans Ford's retail, commercial, EV and financial operations, signaling a broad approach to how the automaker plans to use AI and data. Ford has appointed Mano Mannoochahr as its Chief AI and Data Officer, as the automaker aims to enhance its artificial intelligence and data capabilities. In this role, Mannoochahr will collaborate with teams across Ford Blue, Ford Model e, Ford Pro and Ford Credit to advance the company's AI and data strategy. Prior to joining Ford, Mannoochahr served as Chief Data, Analytics and AI Officer at Verizon, where he led the enterprise-wide strategy for data, analytics and artificial intelligence. He managed an organization of more than 3,000 employees dedicated to deploying AI across Verizon's customer, network and enterprise operations. Before his time at Verizon, Mannoochahr spent six years at Travelers as Senior Vice President and Chief Data and Analytics Officer. In this position, he directed the company's data, analytics, AI and engineering capabilities, advising the CEO on digital transformation and AI-driven growth. Mannoochahr described his transition to Ford as a "meaningful homecoming," citing his earlier career in American manufacturing at companies such as John Deere and General Electric. Ford's history of innovation and its vision for the future drove his decision to join the company. In his new position, Mannoochahr will work with Ford's leadership and its enterprise technology organization as the company expands its use of AI across its business operations. His appointment brings Ford an executive with extensive enterprise AI experience as Ford continues to develop technology across its automotive and financial sectors. Mannoochahr's background includes leading large-scale data and AI organizations and implementing digital transformation initiatives in global businesses. His role positions AI and data as central elements of Ford's strategy across its vehicle, commercial and financial operations.