Verizon CommunicationsVZDON'T BUYMar 14, 2018Stock price when the opinion was issued
As of Sep 11, 2026. Market Open.
A changed company. Older business model was volume-based, now has a bit more of an entrepreneurial spirit and is a bit more growthy. Cutting back on getting the customer at any price to a higher-quality customer. New focus is turning up in cashflow. Returning a lot of cash to investors, lots of buybacks.
Defensive play. Yield is 5.67%.
Their dividend has eroded over past years because they've moved away from the high-margin wire line business (that they sold) and put all their eggs into the wireless basket which now has less-attractive margins. Telecoms historically don't do well in times of rising interest rates.