Verizon: It's hard to beat modest growth with safety

More

Verizon Communications' (NYSE: VZ) shares have pulled-back from a high above $32 registered earlier this year, but you can view this move lower as a way to establish or to add to a VZ position, which is I'm reiterating my Buy rating for the company, first recommended on February 12, 2009 at a price of $29.86.

Verizon, which boasts 6 million landline subscribers, is still viewed by institutional investors as more old economy than new economy -- this despite being the largest wireless carrier in the U.S. with about 88 million wireless subscribers. Further, VZ's FiOS broadband service continues to exceed expectations, and the company's recently raised dividend adds to the positive mix: not bad, for a 'stodgy' old company.

In sum, Verizon offers modest growth and ample safety -- an enviable pair, given current economic conditions. The First Call FY2009/FY2010 EPS estimates for VZ are $2.47 to $2.53.

Stock Analysis: Verizon is a low-risk stock. If you've already purchased the company's shares, hold them. If not, consider buying a 50% position in VZ now; then buy another 25% in one month, if U.S. economic conditions don't worsen substantially. Under any circumstance, don't buy more than 75% of your VZ position before December 2009. Sell/Stop Loss if you were to buy shares in this company: $18.

- -

Disclosure: Lazzaro has no positions in stocks, but does own shares in two Pimco Bond Funds: PHDAX and PYMAX.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Symbol Lookup
IndexesChangePrice
DJIA+150.2510,058.64
NASDAQ+24.822,150.87
S&P 500+13.781,070.52

Last updated: February 10, 2010: 08:58 AM

Hot Stocks

DailyFinance Headlines

TheFlyOnTheWall.com Headlines

BioHealth Investor Headlines

WalletPop Headlines

My Portfolios

Track your stocks here!

Find out why more people track their portfolios on AOL Money & Finance then anywhere else.

BloggingStocks Partners

More from AOL Money & Finance

WalletPop Headlines