Verizon Comms Stock Price, News & Analysis

Verizon Communications announced the successful completion of its 15 separate offers to purchase a total of approximately $4.9 billion in outstanding notes. The Offers, which concluded with the Early Participation Date on November 8, 2021, allowed for the acceptance of Notes with an Acceptance Priority Level of 4 or higher. The Early Settlement Date is set for November 10, 2021, with no Final Settlement Date due to the exceeded Waterfall Cap. The Offers included an early participation payment of $50 per $1,000 principal amount, enhancing the Total Consideration for investors.

Verizon Business has released its Human Connection Survey, revealing insights from over 5,600 global consumers. The data indicates a growing acceptance of automated interactions, with 56% comfortable with full automation when companies understand their preferences. However, 62% still prefer human interaction for customer service. The survey also highlights the importance of transparency in AI usage, with 65% wanting companies to disclose their use of AI bots. Verizon's new offerings, including Cisco Webex Contact Center, aim to balance AI and human interactions to enhance customer satisfaction.

Verizon has increased the Waterfall Cap for its ongoing offers to purchase notes from $4.0 billion to approximately $4.8 billion. All notes tendered by the Early Participation Date of November 8, 2021, with an Acceptance Priority Level of 4 or higher will be accepted for purchase. The early settlement date is set for November 10, 2021. As of the early participation deadline, the total principal amount of notes tendered exceeded the Waterfall Cap, leading to a no acceptance for notes submitted after this date.

Verizon has appointed Manon Brouillette as the new Executive Vice President and CEO of the Verizon Consumer Group, effective January 1, 2022. She will succeed Ronan Dunne, who will transition to a strategic advisory role. Brouillette, formerly the President and CEO of Vidéotron, brings extensive experience in consumer initiatives and leadership. Her role will include overseeing customer-first strategies and expanding Verizon's consumer operations, particularly in the context of a growing 5G market. Verizon generated $128.3 billion in revenue in 2020.

Verizon Business has partnered with Visionable to create a secure infrastructure for healthcare in the APAC and EMEA regions. The collaboration integrates Verizon's secure network with Visionable's healthcare platform, enabling professionals to access data and resources efficiently. A Connected Healthcare Center will open in the UK in 2022 to showcase advanced technologies like private 5G. This partnership aims to enhance healthcare delivery and improve collaboration among providers, addressing industry challenges and facilitating better patient care.

Verizon has partnered with Lockheed Martin to advance 5G.MIL™ technologies, providing secure and reliable connections for U.S. Department of Defense systems. This collaboration will enable high-tech platforms to work cohesively across various domains, including air, land, sea, space, and cyber. A joint research and development lab will be established to prototype these technologies. Recent tests showcased interoperability between Lockheed Martin's tactical solutions and Verizon's 5G network, significantly enhancing future tactical operations.

On October 27, 2021, Verizon Business announced new enhancements for BlueJeans Meetings, focusing on hybrid and remote learning. The Remote Learning feature pack is designed to aid instructors by streamlining class management and fostering student engagement. This includes customizable layouts, flexible views, and teaching apps to enhance virtual education. With an aim to simplify the teaching process, these features target the administrative burdens teachers face. The enhancements will be generally available in Q1 2022, and educational customers can access them at a discounted rate.

Verizon Business announced the expansion of its global SD WAN offerings through its collaboration with Fortinet. This new service, Verizon Software Defined Secure Branch, aims to secure hybrid and remote work environments by integrating networking and security solutions. The offering responds to increasing cyber threats, with data showing a rise in phishing and ransomware attacks. Additionally, Verizon seeks to provide flexible solutions to support businesses in adapting to digital transformations and changes in workforce models.