Tag: VZ

Unlocking Income Potential: Top High Dividend Stocks in the Dow to Consider Now

by Fred Fuld III

Investing in high dividend stocks can be an attractive option for income-seeking investors, especially in uncertain economic times. Dividend-paying stocks offer the dual benefit of regular income and potential capital appreciation, providing a cushion during market volatility.

Given current economic uncertainties, such as inflation and interest rate fluctuations, high dividend stocks can act as a safer harbor for conservative investors looking to balance risk with reward. As companies with strong cash flow generation, they often maintain or grow dividends, offering a hedge against inflation. Among the 30 stocks that make up the Dow Jones Industrial Average, Chevron (CVX), Dow Inc. (DOW), and Verizon (VZ) stand out for their robust dividend yields, making them appealing choices for those seeking reliable income streams.

Chevron Corporation (CVX), one of the largest integrated energy companies in the world, currently offers a dividend yield of around 4.6%. As of the most recent financial data, Chevron has a market cap of approximately $257 billion and a trailing P/E ratio of around 14. Chevron’s strong dividend is backed by its solid cash flows, driven by its oil and gas production activities. Despite the energy sector’s volatility, Chevron’s disciplined capital spending and focus on shareholder returns have helped it weather periods of low oil prices. In 2023, Chevron’s earnings benefited from higher oil prices due to global supply constraints and growing demand, helping the company continue its record of paying dividends for over a century. Its forward-looking strategy of expanding into renewable energy while maintaining core oil and gas operations positions Chevron well for both stability and future growth.

Another top yielding Dow stock is Dow Inc. (DOW), a global leader in chemicals and materials, currently provides a dividend yield of around 5.6%. Dow’s market cap stands at roughly $35 billion, and it has a trailing P/E ratio of 35, but a very favorable forward P/E of 13.5. The company’s portfolio includes essential products in sectors ranging from packaging to construction, making it a critical player in various global supply chains. In recent quarters, Dow has seen some pressure due to softening demand in certain sectors, particularly housing and industrial production, leading to reduced earnings. However, the company remains committed to rewarding shareholders through dividends, supported by its ability to generate cash flow even in challenging environments. As the global economy stabilizes, Dow’s strong balance sheet and diversified product line should enable it to maintain its high dividend, while potential improvements in demand for its products could further support share price appreciation.

Verizon Communications (VZ), a giant in the telecommunications industry, is known for its reliable, income-generating potential, offering a dividend yield of about 6%. Verizon’s market cap hovers around $187 billion, and its trailing P/E of 17 and a forward P/E ratio of approximately 9. The company’s stock price has faced challenges in recent years due to stiff competition in the telecom space and increased capital expenditures related to 5G infrastructure rollout. However, Verizon’s stable, recurring revenue from its wireless and broadband services provides the financial flexibility needed to continue paying high dividends. With the ongoing expansion of its 5G network, Verizon aims to capitalize on new growth opportunities in areas like the Internet of Things (IoT) and edge computing. While growth may be moderate, Verizon’s consistent cash flow from its massive subscriber base should allow it to maintain its attractive dividend, making it an appealing choice for income-oriented investors.

In conclusion, investing in high dividend stocks like Chevron, Dow, and Verizon offers a compelling opportunity for income-focused investors. Each company has its own unique strengths and challenges, but their consistent cash flows, solid dividend yields, and market positions make them attractive options for those looking to balance income and growth potential in their portfolios. These stocks, while not without risks, provide a relatively stable investment in an increasingly uncertain market environment.

Disclosure: Author didn’t have any positions in any of the above at the time the article was written.

Stocks Going Ex Dividend in July 2024

The following is a short list of some of the many stocks going ex-dividend during the next month, which can be helpful for traders and investors interested in the stock trading technique known as “Buying Dividends” or “Dividend Capture.” This strategy involves purchasing stocks before the ex dividend date and selling them shortly after the ex-date at a similar price, while still being eligible to receive the dividend payment.

Although this technique generally proves effective in bull markets and flat or choppy markets, it is advisable to exercise caution and consider avoiding this strategy during bear markets. To qualify for the dividend, it is necessary to buy the stock before the ex-dividend date and refrain from selling it until on or after the ex-date.

However, it is important to note that the actual dividend may not be paid for several weeks, as the payment date can be delayed by up to two months after the ex-date.

For investors seeking a comprehensive list of stocks going ex-dividend in the near future, WallStreetNewsNetwork.com has compiled a downloadable list containing numerous dividend-paying companies. Here are a few examples showcasing the stock symbol, ex-dividend date, periodic dividend amount, and annual yield.

State Street Corporation (STT)7/1/20240.693.80%
Cisco Systems, Inc. (CSCO)7/5/20240.403.38%
Walt Disney Company (DIS)7/8/20240.450.88%
Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ)7/10/20240.6656.48%
Abbott Laboratories (ABT)7/15/20240.552.09%
Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (WSM)7/19/20240.571.52%
Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (LOW)7/24/20241.152.11%
Delta Air Lines, Inc. (DAL)7/30/20240.151.23%

To access the entire list of over 100 ex-dividend stocks, subscribers will receive an email in the next couple days with the full list. If you are not already a subscriber, you can sign up using the provided signup box below. Don’t miss out on this valuable information, and the best part is that it’s free!

Dividend Definitions

To better understand the dividend-related terms, let’s define them:

Declaration date: This refers to the day when a company announces its intention to distribute a dividend in the future.
Ex-dividend date: On this day, if you purchase the stock, you would not be eligible to receive the upcoming dividend. It is also the first day on which a shareholder can sell their shares and still receive the dividend.
Record date: This marks the day when you must be recorded on the company’s books as a shareholder to qualify for the dividend. Typically, the ex-dividend date is set two business days prior to the record date.
Payment date: This is the day on which the dividend payment is actually made to the eligible shareholders. It’s important to note that the payment date can be as long as two months after the ex-date.

Before implementing the “Buying Dividends” technique, it is crucial to reconfirm the ex-dividend date with the respective company to ensure accuracy and avoid any unexpected changes.

In conclusion, being aware of the stocks going ex-dividend can be advantageous for traders and investors employing the “Buying Dividends” strategy. WallStreetNewsNetwork.com provides a convenient resource to access a comprehensive list of such stocks, allowing individuals to plan their investment decisions effectively. Remember to stay informed and consider market conditions before employing any investment strategy.

Disclosure: Author owns DIS.

Stocks Going Ex Dividend in April 2024

The following is a short list of some of the many stocks going ex-dividend during the next month, which can be helpful for traders and investors interested in the stock trading technique known as “Buying Dividends” or “Dividend Capture.” This strategy involves purchasing stocks before the ex dividend date and selling them shortly after the ex-date at a similar price, while still being eligible to receive the dividend payment.

Although this technique generally proves effective in bull markets and flat or choppy markets, it is advisable to exercise caution and consider avoiding this strategy during bear markets. To qualify for the dividend, it is necessary to buy the stock before the ex-dividend date and refrain from selling it until on or after the ex-date.

However, it is important to note that the actual dividend may not be paid for several weeks, as the payment date can be delayed by up to two months after the ex-date.

For investors seeking a comprehensive list of stocks going ex-dividend in the near future, WallStreetNewsNetwork.com has compiled a downloadable list containing numerous dividend-paying companies. Here are a few examples showcasing the stock symbol, ex-dividend date, periodic dividend amount, and annual yield.

New York Times Company (NYT)4/1/20240.131.19%
JP Morgan Chase & Co.  (JPM)4/4/20241.152.35%
Verizon Communications Inc.  (VZ)4/9/20240.6656.51%
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.  (AEO)4/11/20240.1252.02%
Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (WSM)4/18/20241.131.47%
Krispy Kreme, Inc.  (DNUT)4/23/20240.0350.81%
Heineken N.V ADR (HEINY)4/29/20240.4535981.96%

To access the entire list of over 100 ex-dividend stocks, subscribers will receive an email in the next couple days with the full list. If you are not already a subscriber, you can sign up using the provided signup box below. Don’t miss out on this valuable information, and the best part is that it’s free!

Dividend Definitions

To better understand the dividend-related terms, let’s define them:

Declaration date: This refers to the day when a company announces its intention to distribute a dividend in the future.
Ex-dividend date: On this day, if you purchase the stock, you would not be eligible to receive the upcoming dividend. It is also the first day on which a shareholder can sell their shares and still receive the dividend.
Record date: This marks the day when you must be recorded on the company’s books as a shareholder to qualify for the dividend. Typically, the ex-dividend date is set two business days prior to the record date.
Payment date: This is the day on which the dividend payment is actually made to the eligible shareholders. It’s important to note that the payment date can be as long as two months after the ex-date.

Before implementing the “Buying Dividends” technique, it is crucial to reconfirm the ex-dividend date with the respective company to ensure accuracy and avoid any unexpected changes.

In conclusion, being aware of the stocks going ex-dividend can be advantageous for traders and investors employing the “Buying Dividends” strategy. WallStreetNewsNetwork.com provides a convenient resource to access a comprehensive list of such stocks, allowing individuals to plan their investment decisions effectively. Remember to stay informed and consider market conditions before employing any investment strategy.

Disclosure: Author did not own any of the above at the time the article was written.

Top Cell Tower Stocks

by Fred Fuld III

You may have seen an ad on TV recently from one of the major telephone companies, bragging about how they DON’T own cell towers in order to provide the consumers with lower costs and better service.

So what’s that all about?

Are there investment opportunities in the cell tower industry?

The cell tower industry, often referred to as the wireless infrastructure sector, plays a crucial role in enabling our ever-expanding mobile connectivity. It’s the backbone of the cellular networks that keep us connected on our phones, tablets, and laptops, providing the physical foundation for calls, texts, data transmission, and even emerging technologies like 5G.

At the core of the industry are the tower companies, who own and operate the physical cell towers. These companies lease space on their towers to mobile network operators [MNOs] like Verizon (VZ), AT&T (T), and T-Mobile (TMUS), who then install their own equipment to broadcast their signals. This allows MNOs to provide coverage to their subscribers in various locations, from bustling cities to remote rural areas.

The cell tower industry is a multi-billion dollar sector, driven by the ever-increasing demand for mobile data. As more and more devices connect to the internet, and as we rely on our phones for more aspects of our lives, the need for reliable and widespread coverage grows. This, in turn, fuels the demand for more cell towers and infrastructure upgrades.

The industry is also constantly evolving, with the deployment of 5G technology being a major driver of change. 5G requires a denser network of cell towers and small cell installations to deliver its promised ultra-fast speeds and low latency. This is opening up new opportunities for tower companies and creating fresh challenges in terms of network planning and deployment.

The cell tower industry is a vital but often unseen sector that underpins our mobile world. As our reliance on mobile technology continues to grow, the industry is sure to play an even more critical role in ensuring that we stay connected, informed, and entertained.

American Tower Corporation (AMT) is the largest real estate investment trust focused on owning, operating, and leasing wireless communications infrastructure. 

Imagine a silent landlord for the cell towers that keep your phone buzzing – that’s ATC in a nutshell. They own and operate a whopping 225,000 communications sites across a staggering 25 countries, making them the world’s biggest independent owner of these crucial towers.

American Tower Corporation’s role in the cell tower industry is crucial, as it provides the backbone infrastructure that supports wireless communication, enabling people around the world to stay connected and access mobile services. With its strong market position, global presence, and focus on emerging technologies, ATC continues to play a significant role in shaping the future of wireless communication networks.

The stock, with a market cap of $95.5 billion, trades at 136 times trailing earnings and 44 times forward earnings. It pays an annual dividend yield of 3.33%.

Crown Castle International (CCI) stands tall as a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) in the realm of wireless infrastructure, boasting a crown jewel portfolio of over 40,000 cell towers, 115,000 small cell nodes, and an impressive 85,000 route miles of fiber – blanketing major US markets. From a strictly investment perspective, let’s delve into the kingdom of CCI and assess its potential for your portfolio.

A Moated Stronghold: Crown Castle’s moat lies in its dominant market position. As the largest tower operator in the US, they wield significant bargaining power with mobile network operators (MNOs) like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. These MNOs are constantly vying for space on CCI’s towers to cater to the insatiable demand for mobile data, leading to stable and predictable long-term lease agreements for Crown Castle. This translates to consistent rental income for investors, a cornerstone of REIT appeal.

Golden Growth Prospects: The ascent of 5G paints a golden picture for CCI’s future. This next-generation wireless technology requires a denser network of smaller cell installations – an arena where Crown Castle is rapidly expanding. Their strategic acquisitions of fiber assets and small cell providers position them to capitalize on this multi-billion dollar opportunity, potentially fueling dividend growth for investors in the years to come.

The stock, which has a market cap of $47.1 billion, has a trailing price to earnings ratio of 30 and a forward P/E of 31. The company pays a generous yield of 5.8%.

There are a few other smaller players in the cell tower arena, such as SBA Communications (SBAC), with a market cap of $25 billion.

However, if you want diversification, you might want to consider a cell tower ETF.

Pacer Benchmark Data & Infrastructure Real Estate SCTR ETF (SRVR) yields 3.68%.

Defiance 5G Next Gen Connectivity ETF (FIVG) has a yield of 1.4%.

Just remember, the dominant position, predictable income, and growth potential in the 5G era offer a compelling proposition. However, navigating the regulatory landscape and the ever-evolving telecom market requires a keen eye and a well-balanced portfolio.

Disclosure: Author didn’t own any of the above at the time the article was written.

Stock Earnings Calendar for July

by Fred Fuld III

We are now entering into earnings season, a time when companies will be reporting and the stocks of those companies may experience more volatility than usual.

If you are interested in doing some earnings plays, the next few weeks will be the time to look for opportunities.

The following are some of the major companies that will be announcing their earnings.

July 14, 2021 before open

BAC, C, DAL, WFC

July 15, 2021 before open

MS, USB

July 20, 2021 after close

CMG, UAL

July 21, 2021 before open

JNJ, KO, VZ

July 22, 2021 before open

AA, LUV, T

July 23, 2021 before open

AXP, SLB

July 27, 2021 before open

GE, UPS

July 27, 2021 after close

AAPL, V

July 28, 2021 before open

MCD, PFE

July 28, 2021 after close

FB, PYPL

Of course, there are many other companies reporting for the month or July, and these dates and times may be subject to change.

Happy Trading and Investing!!!

What Warren Buffett is Dumping and Buying

by Fred Fuld III

You know, if you are thinking of investing in Apple (AAPL) stock, you just might want to consider buying shares of Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway (BRK-A) (BRK-B) stock, as 40% of the Berkshire portfolio is made up of Apple.

This way, if Apple does well, you participate through Berkshire, and if it doesn’t, at least you have diversification though Berkshire’s ownership of over 45 other stocks.

So let’s look at the rest of Buffett’s portfolio. In the first quarter of the year, he sold out of two companies, Suncor Energy (SU) and Synchrony Financial (SYF).

Warren Buffett has been reducing positions in a couple bank stocks, US Bancorp (USB) and Wells Fargo (WFC). He has also been lightening up on General Motors (GM), Chevron (CVX), Abbvie (ABBV), Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMY), Merck (MRK), Stoneco (STNE), Axalta Coating (AXTA), Sirius XM Radio (SIRI), and Liberty Global (LBTYA).

He hasn’t been buying much, but he has been adding to his positions in Verizon (VZ), buying over 12 million additional shares. He also added 17.5 million shares to his Kroger (KR) position, and bought more Restoration Hardware (RH) and Marsh & McLellan (MMC).

There is one brand new stock in the Berkshire Hathaway portfolio., the insurance company Aon (AON). The stock has a trailing price to earnings ratio of 27.5 and a forward P/E of 22.5. It pays a yield of 0.81%.

To see the list of all the Warren Buffett holdings, click HERE.

Maybe some of these stocks will make you as successful as Warren Buffett.

 

Disclosure: Author owns AAPL.

Warren Buffett’s Recent Stock Portfolio Changes

by Fred Fuld III

Warren Buffett, head of Berkshire Hathaway (BRKA) (BRKB), is one of the richest men in the world and one of the most followed investment professional.

Many long term investors pay close attention to his stock moves and the Berkshire Hathaway stock portfolio, and often follow in his footsteps.

Here are his recent changes:

He sold off over 57 million shares of Apple (AAPL), but the stock still makes up over 43% of his portfolio and his largest holding.

He added 88 million shares of Verizon (VZ) to his current holdings in the company.

He sold off more than 800,000 shares of US Bancorp (USB), but still owns131 million  shares.

He added 4 million shares of Chevron (CVX) to his current stockholdings.

He reduced his General Motors holdings (GM) by 7.5 million shares.

He sold off a substantial amount of his holdings in Wells Fargo (WFC), about 75 million shares.

He bought more shares of Abbvie (ABBV), Merck (MRK), Kroger (KR), Restoration Hardware (RH), T-Mobile (TMUS), Marsh & McLennan (MMC), and Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMY).

He sold 5 million shares of Suncor (SU).

Finally, he closed out his entire positions in JP Morgan Chase (JPM), M&T Bank (MTB), Barrick Gold (ABX), PNC Financial (PNC), and Pfizer (PFE).

To se Warren Buffett’s portfolio, click HERE. Let’s see if you can outperform Warren Buffett this year.

 

Disclosure: Author owns AAPL, MRK, and PFE.

Wireless Charging: The Stocks in this Latest Hot Industry

Imagine that you have just landed from a flight and your cell phone is dead due to a used up battery charge. You walk through the airport and as you are strolling along, your phone is picking up radio frequencies that is charging your phone’s battery.

Or say you are walking down the street, the battery is dead in your cell phone, so you head into a coffee shop. A tiny chip in your phone picks up radio frequencies and converts them into energy to charge up your phone.

Think this is science fiction? Companies are already working on this technology now.

As an example, Energous Corp (WATT), a San Jose, California based company founded in 2012, has been working on just such a system. The company is developing WattUp, which allows for the wire-free distance charging of devices, including laptops, cellphones, and smart watches.

The stock took a dump today, dropping 5% to 14.74 per share, probably due to the fact that it was just announced yesterday that the Senior Vice President of Product Marketing sold 1615 shares on June 14. However, if you look closer, you would find that, first, this was an automatic sale, and second, he still has over 100,000 shares of the stock. So the sale represented only a small part of his position.

According to a report in the Weekly Register, 27 institutions have increased positions in the stock, with 21 new positions. The stock has a market cap of $303 million.

Investors should be aware that the company is generating significant negative earnings, and should therefore be considered very speculative.

Other wireless electricity stocks can be found by looking at the publicly traded members of the Wireless Power Consortium, of which over 200 businesses have joined. They utilize Qi wireless charging as an open standard.

Of course, you will find many of the large corporations, such as Apple (AAPL), AVID (AVID), Texas Instruments (TXN), and Verizon Wireless (VZ), are members.

Leggett & Platt (LEG), which is a producer of engineered products, has a division for developing wireless power transmitters for integration.

ON Semiconductor (ON) is also working on wireless power technology. This semiconductor company is based in Phoenix, Arizona.

Semtech Corporation (SMTC) a Camarillo, California which makes and sells analog and mixed-signal semiconductor products, is also developing wireless power technology products.

Altogether, there are about 20 publicly traded stocks that are part of the Consortium. Maybe one of these companies can charge up your portfolio.

Disclosure: Author owns WATT. 

Please note: some of these stocks are very low cap and should be considered very speculative.

Why You Should Buy Stocks with a High Tax Rate

If you are looking for a short term speculation or a long term investment, you may want to look for stocks that are currently paying a high tax rate. Why?

According to the Tax Policy Institute, President-Elect Donald Trump has proposed a substantially reduced rate of 15% for corporations. What that means for stocks is that if companies are currently paying taxes at a high rate, they will benefit significantly from tax savings that will flow to the bottom line.

Surprisingly there are some companies that have a tax rate in excess of 60% (e.g. Amazon (AMZN)), according to a report by Wallet Hub. This includes state taxes.

Here are some of the hight overall tax bracket stocks, which may warrant further investigation.

Comcast (CMCSA) 37.1%

Home Depot (HD) 36.4

Norfolk Southern (NSC) 36.3%

Altria (MO) 35.1%

Verizon (VZ) 34.9%

Emerson Electric (EMR) 34.3%

Do your homework and your own due diligence. Hopefully, a corporate tax break with benefit your portfolio.

Disclosure: Author owns AMZN.