Verizon Communications Inc., through its subsidiaries, engages in the provision of communications, technology, information, and entertainment products and services to consumers, businesses, and governmental entities worldwide. It operates in two segments, Verizon Consumer Group (Consumer) and Verizon Business Group (Business). The Consumer segment provides wireless services across the wireless networks in the United States under the Verizon and TracFone brands and through wholesale and other arrangements; and fixed wireless access (FWA) broadband through its wireless networks, as well as related equipment and devices, such as smartphones, tablets, smart watches, and other wireless-enabled connected devices. The segment also offers wireline services in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern United States, as well as Washington D.C. through its fiber-optic network, Verizon Fios product portfolio, and a copper-based network. The Business segment provides wireless and wireline communications services and products, including FWA broadband, data, video and conferencing, corporate networking, security and managed network, local and long-distance voice, and network access services to deliver various IoT services and products to businesses, government customers, and wireless and wireline carriers in the United States and internationally. The company was formerly known as Bell Atlantic Corporation and changed its name to Verizon Communications Inc. in June 2000. Verizon Communications Inc. was incorporated in 1983 and is headquartered in New York, New York.

Verizon Communications Inc.

Key Points
Verizon just raised its dividend for the 19th year running and now pays a 6.6% yield.
Its new CEO called its dividend "sacrosanct" in the latestearnings call but this may be tested as the company faces a status quo he admits is "not acceptable."
While its dividend yield is hefty, Verizon's dividend growth has lagged inflation in recent years, and increases may be meager as the company undergoes a turnaround.
"Sacrosanct." That's the word that Daniel Schulman, CEO of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ), used to describe his company's 6.6% dividend at its third-quarter earnings conference. Sure enough, the company has grown its payouts for 19 years running, a period that includes the bear market of 2022, the pandemic of early 2020, and the 2008-to-2009 financial crisis.
But while the dividend increases came every year, they haven't been sizable. This year's hike of $0.0125 per share was just a 1.8% increase over last year, barely half the annual inflation rate of 3%. Since 2020, its dividend has grown by 12%, less than half the rate of inflation in that time frame. Zooming out, Verizon's dividend has doubled since 2000, which only modestly outpaces the 88% inflation seen this century.
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On the other hand, it's hard to ignore a 6.6% yield -- if it really is as safe as the CEO asserts -- especially in these times of falling interest rates. Yields above 6% often prove to be siren songs for investors. These value traps, in which yields are momentarily high only because the stock has sold off with good reason, never end well for investors.
So, is Verizon's dividend safe? Here's what the numbers say.
Tens of millions of loyal customers, but the status quo is "not acceptable"
In Verizon's Q3earnings calllast October, Schulman acknowledged an iconic brand with tens of millions of customers but called for a new chapter for Verizon, saying, "The existing status quo is not acceptable for us."
You might wonder why this is, considering that the company raked in $134.8 billion in revenue in 2024 and today provides wireless retail connections to 146.1 million customers. It serves 99% of Fortune 500 companies, and last quarter, 99% of America's population was covered by its 4G LTE service.
But despite posting adjusted earnings and revenue growth last quarter, Verizon has a problem. It's lost 30% of its market share since 2017, and it's now No. 3 in the telecom industry, having lost its top spot amid heightened competition.
Last quarter, the company lost 7,000 postpaid phone customers, and shortly after the Q3earnings call Verizon laid off 13,000 employees. These dismissals followed that of Verizon's former CEO, Hans Vestberg, who was ousted in September by a board of directors frustrated with Verizon's performance.
There's no sugarcoating that Verizon has lost the battle for network leadership, and its new CEO rightly sees it as his mission to win it back. There were glimmers of hope in his October earnings presentation in which he pointed to 306,000 net adds in Verizon's broadband segment, which is up 1.3 million subscribers year over year and totals 13.2 million subscribers.
The company has also achieved efficiency gains that enable cost cutting and allowed Verizon to log $7 billion in free cash flow in Q3. That's a 17% year-over-year increase and a record not just for the company but for the industry.
So, is Verizon's dividend safe?
Despite Verizon's current woes, its dividend looks safe. With a declared quarterly dividend of $0.69 per share on 4.22 billion shares outstanding, the company will shell out $2.92 billion in dividends to investors next quarter. That's less than half of the $7 billion in cash flow from operating activities that Verizon brought in last quarter.
The company is also taking steps to chip away at its debt and paid off $9.4 billion over the last year. That's almost as much as the $11.2 billion that Verizon paid in dividends in 2024, and with interest rates falling, the company can reduce its debt repayments to shore up its dividend if need be.
But while the dividend is unlikely to be cut anytime soon, that doesn't necessarily make the stock right for you. As we've seen over the last five years, dividend hikes are likely to be incremental, perhaps only a fraction of a penny in some years as management steers resources toward a turnaround.
Verizon's dividend growth is unlikely to keep up with inflation, which makes it less desirable for long-term investors. For those with shorter investment horizons, Verizon could be a worthy income play.
Should you invest $1,000 in Verizon Communications right now?
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Verizon's CEO Calls Its 6.6% Dividend "Sacrosanct." How Safe Is It Really?

AT&T Inc. T and Comcast Corporation CMCSA are prominent players in the telecommunications sector. There are multiple factors that are driving growth in the U.S. telecom market. 5G adoption, fiber expansion, and growing mobile data traffic are primary drivers for this growth.
Per a report by Research and Markets, the U.S. telecom market is expected to witness a 6.8% compound annual growth rate between 2024 and 2029. With deep industry acumen, both AT&T and Comcast hold a strong foothold in the highly competitive U.S. telecom sector. Let us analyze the competitive strengths and weaknesses of the companies in depth to understand which is better positioned to maximize gains from the emerging market trends.
The Case for AT&T
AT&T is benefiting from solid momentum in the communications segment. In the third quarter, the company’s service revenues improved, backed by solid subscriber gains. Higher volumes of non-phone sales and higher-priced phone sales are driving equipment revenues. AT&T recorded net fiber additions of 288,000, while Internet Air added 270,000 subscribers during the quarter. The consistent gain in the fiber broadband business is driving growth in the Consumer Wireline.
AT&T is rapidly expanding its 5G infrastructure nationwide. The company has rapidly deployed mid-band spectrum from Echo Star around 23,000 cell sites. This will ensure a significant increase in speed and capacity for customers in 5,300 cities across 48 states. The integration of the spectrum from Echo Star has improved download speed for mobility by 80%, while it has improved 55% for AT&T Internet Air users.
The acquisition of Echo Star is a smart move from AT&T as it eliminates the requirement of capital-intensive construction of cell sites to boost network capacity. This network capacity enhancement will allow T to meet the requirements of advanced applications such as streaming, gaming, cloud services and various AI use cases. Along with this, the network boost will also support first responders, as the FirstNet customers will also get access to AT&T commercial spectrum.
The company is also actively working to integrate AI to enhance efficiency across its operations. Ask AT&T Workflows is a newly developed AI agent tool that takes customer service update requests, synchronizes data across systems, and auto-installs information in real time. The AI tools can significantly improve end users’ experience by reducing wait times and allowing employees to focus on high-priority work. Such growing emphasis on resource optimization can have a positive impact on the company’s profitability and cash flow.
However, the company faces stiff competition from other industry leaders such as Verizon Communications, Inc. VZ, T-Mobile, Comcast and others. Verizon is steadily expanding its fiber footprint, which affects AT&T’s fiber expansion initiatives. However, with a strong foundation, focus on customer service and margin improvement, AT&T is well equipped to gain a competitive edge.
The Case for Comcast
Comcast is primarily focused on broadband Internet and in-home WiFi. The company offers residential broadband and wireless connectivity services, residential and business video services through the Residential Connectivity & Platforms segment. Revenues from this segment decreased 1.5% year over year in the third quarter. The decline was primarily induced by weakness in the video and advertising business. The declining trend is partially offset by strength in domestic broadband, domestic wireless and international connectivity business.
Comcast has established a differentiated market position through integrated connectivity and wireless convergence. The company boasts a robust broadband infrastructure to offer seamless bundled services combining Internet, wireless and entertainment under unified pricing structures. Comcast Xfinity is one of the widely accessible broadband services in the country. Its Hybrid Fiber-Coaxial (HFC) network provides the required flexibility and scalability to expand network coverage and capacity.
The company’s DOCSIS 3.1 technology facilitates gigabit-plus downstream broadband speeds to residential and business customers. It is also actively rolling out DOCSIS 4.0 technology, which is allowing the company to deliver multigigabit symmetrical broadband speeds over the existing HFC network. Focus on virtualization and automation of the core network to boost operational efficiency is a tailwind.
However, the company is witnessing a downtrend in the Residential Connectivity & Platforms due to growing competition from other broadband providers such as AT&T and Verizon. T recently added 10 million fiber Internet customers in the United States. The acquisition of Lumen’s Mass Markets fiber business, which is expected to close in early 2026, will add 1 million fiber customers and 4 million fiber locations across 11 U.S. states. The company is well-positioned to reach 60 million total fiber locations by the end of 2026. Verizon is also actively expanding its fiber infrastructure nationwide. These factors can further intensify competition and impede Comcast’s growth prospects.
How Do Zacks Estimates Compare for CMCSA & T?
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AT&T’s 2025 sales indicates growth of 2.14% year over year, while EPS implies a decline of 8.85% year over year. The EPS estimates have been trending upward over the past 60 days.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Comcast’s 2025 sales indicates a decline of 0.07% year over year, while EPS is projected to decline 3.46% year over year. The EPS estimates have been trending southward over the past 60 days.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Price Performance & Valuation of CMCSA & T
Over the past year, AT&T has gained 4.1%, while Comcast has declined 31.4%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
CMCSA looks more attractive than AT&T from a valuation standpoint. Going by the price/earnings ratio, CMCSA’s shares currently trade at 6.72 forward earnings, lower than 10.79 for AT&T.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
End Note
AT&T and Comcast carry a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) each. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Both AT&T and Comcast are actively expanding their network infrastructure to drive subscriber growth. Comcast's DOCSIS 4.0 deployment is a positive factor. However, a downtrend in estimate revision underscores dwindling investors’ confidence in Comcast’s growth potential. AT&T is also rapidly expanding its fiber footprint with strategic acquisitions and infrastructure expansion. Moreover, AT&T’s initiative to boost 5G network capacity and AI integration to enhance customer service and optimize resources bodes well for long-term growth. With upward estimate revision and better stock price performance, solid wireless momentum, AT&T appears to be a better investment option right now.
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AT&T Inc. (T) : Free Stock Analysis Report
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AT&T vs Comcast: Which Telecom Stock Should You Bet On?

Investors in Verizon Communications Inc (Symbol: VZ) saw new options begin trading today, for the February 2026 expiration. One of the key data points that goes into the price an option buyer is willing to pay, is the time value, so with 70 days until expiration the newly trading contracts represent a potential opportunity for sellers of puts or calls to achieve a higher premium than would be available for the contracts with a closer expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the VZ options chain for the new February 2026 contracts and identified the following call contract of particular interest.
The call contract at the $45.00 strike price has a current bid of 11 cents. If an investor was to purchase shares of VZ stock at the current price level of $40.67/share, and then sell-to-open that call contract as a "covered call," they are committing to sell the stock at $45.00. Considering the call seller will also collect the premium, that would drive a total return (excluding dividends, if any) of 10.92% if the stock gets called away at the February 2026 expiration (before broker commissions). Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if VZ shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Verizon Communications Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing VZ's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $45.00 strike highlighted in red:
Considering the fact that the $45.00 strike represents an approximate 11% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 74%. On our website under the contract detail page for this contract, Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change and publish a chart of those numbers (the trading history of the option contract will also be charted). Should the covered call contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 0.27% boost of extra return to the investor, or 1.41% annualized, which we refer to as the YieldBoost.
The implied volatility in the call contract example above is 22%.
Meanwhile, we calculate the actual trailing twelve month volatility (considering the last 250 trading day closing values as well as today's price of $40.67) to be 22%. For more put and call options contract ideas worth looking at, visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
Also see:
Preferred Stock ETFs
Top Ten Hedge Funds Holding JMBA
IDYA YTD Return
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

February 2026 Options Now Available For Verizon Communications (VZ)

Verizon Communications Inc. VZ and American Tower Corporation AMT are key players in the 5G ecosystem. Operating as one of the premier wireless service providers in the United States, Verizon provides a vast array of communication and business solutions that include wireless, local exchange, long-distance, data/broadband and Internet, video, managed networking, wholesale and cloud-based services.
American Tower is a leading independent operator of wireless communications towers. The company leases space on its communication sites to tenants and offers a range of tower-related services. Its tenants include wireless service providers, broadcasters and other communication service providers.
Let us delve a little deeper into the companies’ competitive dynamics to understand which of the two is relatively better placed in the broadband and telecom services industry.
The Case for Verizon
Verizon is benefiting from the growing demand for its industry-leading 5G portfolio. With a customer-centric business model, the company delivers faster peak data speeds and capacity for customers, driven by disciplined engineering and steady infrastructure investments. The company’s 5G network hinges on three fundamental drivers to deliver the full potential of next-generation wireless technology. These include massive spectrum holdings, particularly in the millimeter-wave bands for faster data transfer, end-to-end deep fiber resources and the ability to deploy a large number of small cells.
Verizon is witnessing significant 5G adoption and fixed wireless broadband momentum with premium unlimited plans. It is offering various mix-and-match pricing in both wireless and home broadband plans, which has led to solid customer additions. Moreover, in the enterprise and wholesale business, Verizon is shifting its revenue mix toward newer growth services like cloud, security and professional services.
Verizon has further expanded Fios Forward to support digital inclusion and provide opportunities for underserved households to thrive in the digital world. With no data caps, Fios customers can experience faster upload and download speeds than any other comparable plans. The telecom giant plans to accelerate the availability of its 5G Ultra Wideband network across the country. The company’s growth strategy includes 5G mobility, nationwide broadband and mobile edge compute and business solutions.
However, the company operates in a highly competitive market and faces rivalry from other major players, such as AT&T, Inc. T and T-Mobile US, Inc. TMUS. AT&T is also aggressively expanding its fiber footprint. The company is acquiring Lumen’s fiber business. It is placing a strong focus on the densification of its existing fiber infrastructure. Such initiatives from AT&T can pose a challenge to Verizon’s fiber network expansion. In a bid to expand its customer base, Verizon is spending heavily on promotion and is also offering lucrative discounts, which are weighing on margins.
The Case for American Tower
American Tower is strategically positioned to capture incremental demand from global 5G deployment efforts, growing wireless penetration and spectrum auctions. The company is also likely to benefit from the advent of next-generation technologies, including edge computing functionality, autonomous vehicle networks and the IoT, along with the rampant usage of network-intensive applications for video conferencing and cloud services and hybrid-working scenarios. American Tower boasts more than 149,000 communication sites worldwide and a highly interconnected footprint of U.S. data center facilities. The advancement in mobile technology, such as 4G and 5G, and the proliferation of bandwidth-intensive applications, propel growth in mobile data usage globally. On average, approximately 75% of its towers have been upgraded with 5G equipment, so there's still considerable runway for growth as carriers complete their 5G coverage rollouts and shift their attention to network quality with densification activity.
American Tower has a resilient and stable business model that provides a safe harbor. The company generates most of its revenues from non-cancellable, long-term tenant leases (typically with an initial term of 5-10 years and multiple renewal options) on its communication sites with major wireless carriers. In addition, American Tower provides on-site maintenance and servicing of antennas, amplifiers and base station equipment. Since moving equipment from one tower to another is cumbersome, carriers normally renew these contracts upon expiration. This generates a strong long-term lease up-cycle. The revenues generated from leasing and managing such networks are substantial and recurring. Moreover, American Tower’s tall towers allow sufficient space for its customers to install transmission equipment, thereby enabling the company to put up more tenants. Accommodating additional tenants, equipment and upgrades results in additional revenues, offering significant operating leverage as tenancy increases.
However, the company operates in a fiercely competitive market. High customer concentration is another potent risk. The merger between T-Mobile and Sprint resulted in tower site overlap for American Tower, negatively impacting its leasing revenues. Given the contractual lease cancellations and non-renewals by companies like T-Mobile, high churn rate in its U.S. & Canada property segment is likely to remain elevated through 2026.
How Do Zacks Estimates Compare for VZ & AMT?
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Verizon’s 2025 sales and EPS implies year-over-year growth of 2.3% and 2.2%, respectively. The EPS estimates have remained flat over the past 60 days.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for American Tower’s 2025 sales and EPS indicates year-over-year decline of 2.1% and growth of 1.2%, respectively. The EPS estimates have been trending northward (up 0.9%) over the past 60 days.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Price Performance & Valuation of VZ & AMT
Over the past year, Verizon has lost 4.9% compared with the industry’s decline of 8.9%. American Tower has plummeted 7.8% over the same period.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Verizon looks more attractive than American Tower from a valuation standpoint. Going by the price/earnings ratio, American Tower’s shares currently trade at 16.29 forward earnings, higher than 8.31 for Verizon.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
End Note
Both Verizon and American Tower carry a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
American Tower has shown steady revenue growth over the past few years, while Verizon has been witnessing a bumpy road. Estimate revisions for Verizon reveal that investors are largely skeptical about the stock’s growth potential. However, Verizon appears to have attractive valuation metrics compared with American Tower. Based solely on valuation metrics and a VGM Score of B, Verizon appears to be a better investment option at the moment.
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AT&T Inc. (T) : Free Stock Analysis Report
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Verizon or American Tower: Which is the Smarter 5G Bet for 2026?

Key Points
A Wall Street analyst upgraded EchoStar's stock this week.
The analyst believes EchoStar will receive a hefty price for its remaining wireless spectrum assets.
Bloomberg also reported SpaceX, of which EchoStar is a shareholder, may pursue a 2026 IPO at an eye-watering valuation.
Shares of satellite telecommunications company EchoStar (NASDAQ: SATS) rallied 27.3% this week through Thursday trading, according to data from S&P Global Market Intelligence.
EchoStar stock has nearly quintupled this year. Having begun the year as a debt-laden, struggling cable company, EchoStar decided to sell its long-held wireless spectrum assets to other players, and received significantly more money for them than the market had anticipated. Moreover, some spectrum was sold to SpaceX, for which EchoStar received both cash and SpaceX stock.
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This week, EchoStar received even better news regarding the value of its remaining spectrum assets, as well as reports of ever-escalating estimates for SpaceX's valuation.
With spectrum and SpaceX, who cares about the core business?
This week, Morgan Stanley telecom analyst Benjamin Swinburne upgraded EchoStar stock to an "Overweight" rating from "Equal Weight." The rationale is that Swinburne now expects EchoStar's remaining AWS-3 spectrum holdings to receive a strong sale price and a likely bidding war between Verizon and T-Mobile.
This year, the value of EchoStar's spectrum assets has been a significantly more important factor for the stock than the company's operating businesses across satellite cable, broadband, and wireless services. So to see an analyst increase the value of its remaining spectrum asset was important.
Additionally, for a spectrum sale to SpaceX this past summer and a more recent follow-on sale, EchoStar has received a combined $11.1 billion in SpaceX stock this year. The valuation of that SpaceX stock was uncertain at the time of the transactions, but was likely significantly lower than SpaceX's recent financing round, which was rumored to garner an $800 billion valuation.
Then this week, Bloomberg News reported that SpaceX will pursue an initial public offering sometime in 2026, at a rumored valuation of $1.5 trillion.
Needless to say, that valuation would be massive for EchoStar, and likely two to three times higher than the price at which EchoStar acquired its stock.
Is there still upside in a stock up over 350% this year?
Even after this recent rally, EchoStar's market capitalization is only $30 billion. So, if EchoStar acquired its SpaceX stock at a $500 billion valuation and SpaceX manages to go public at a $1.5 trillion valuation, the value of EchoStar's SpaceX stock would be more than EchoStar's entire value. We still don't know exactly at what valuation EchoStar acquired its stock, but that's not an unreasonable estimate. Additionally, when EchoStar's other spectrum sales close, the company should be left with an additional $8.6 billion in net cash.
EchoStar's actual operating businesses in cable, broadband, and wireless are relatively unexciting. But investors shouldn't really care too much about those businesses these days, as the stock has become a net asset play.
Should you invest $1,000 in EchoStar right now?
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Billy Duberstein and/or his clients have positions in T-Mobile US. The Motley Fool recommends T-Mobile US and Verizon Communications. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Why EchoStar Rallied Again This Week

Key Points
Industry-leading Verizon isn’t a growth stock by any means. But it offers a product no consumer is going to give up.
Ares Capital’s dividend yield alone very nearly matches the broad market’s average annual net gain.
Shares of beverage and snack-food powerhouse PepsiCo have been dragged lower for reasons that just aren’t going to last.
Finding an attractive dividend stock to add to your portfolio today isn't too difficult of a task. Finding a dividend-paying stock you can buy and hold forever, however, is a different story. There's longevity to consider, which too many companies end up not having enough of.
With that as the backdrop, here's a closer look at three dividend stocks you can buy today that will not only be around forever, but should continue growing their top and bottom lines -- as well as their dividends -- forever.
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1. Verizon
For the record, the United States' wireless telecom industry will never be a growth business. It's just too mature, which is to say, it's already fully saturated. Pew Research reports that 98% adults living in the U.S. already own a mobile phone, and none of them need another one. That means most of any growth to be achieved in this industry will be driven by a combination of population growth and price increases, which isn't much of a tailwind.
What the industry lacks in raw growth potential, however, it more than makes up for in persistent cash flow that's ultimately turned into dividends. Most Americans aren't going to give up their mini mobile connections to the rest of the world now. They'll gladly pay their monthly bill to maintain this connection.
Enter Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ), which is not only the nation's biggest wireless service provider (as measured by customer headcount), but also its most compelling dividend payer by virtue of its forward-looking dividend yield of 6.7%.
No, it doesn't have the same history as rival AT&T or the pizzazz of T-Mobile. It's only been around since 2000, in fact, born out of the merger of Bell Atlantic and GTE. And although it's paid a regular quarterly dividend that whole time, the company's annual per-share payout has only been reliably raised since 2007. Being so close to becoming dividend royalty though, Verizon may be one of the market's most underappreciated dividend payers even if it's not a fantastic growth prospect. It doesn't need to be a high-growth name for income-seekers.
2. Ares Capital
Although it trades like one, Ares Capital (NASDAQ: ARCC) isn't a traditional stock in the sense that it reflects the market's ever-changing perception of its underlying company's value. Rather, Ares is a business development company, or BDC. That just means it provides funding -- usually in the form of a loan -- to promising up-and-coming companies that can do something constructive with the money, but might struggle to secure it through more conventional means.
As of the latest look, Ares was financially backing 587 different organizations, with a loan portfolio worth nearly $29 billion boasting an average interest rate of around 10%. After covering all of its costs (including its internal cost of capital), Ares clears on the order of $400 million in quarterly net income, most of which is passed along to shareholders.
More important to income investors, this business model usually works incredibly well, mostly because Ares management team is picky about the companies it funds. That's how its per-share dividend payments have grown from less than $0.30 when it was founded in 2004 to $0.48 per share now, even if the BDC's dividend payments didn't grow each and every year; they were still paid every quarter between then and now. This ticker's forward-looking dividend yield of 9.1% more than makes up for any occasionally stagnant dividend growth.
Like Verizon, there's not going to be a great deal of capital appreciation here. With a reliable dividend that's yielding almost as much as the average annual market gain though, that's not an unfair trade-off.
3. PepsiCo
Finally, add PepsiCo (NASDAQ: PEP) to your list of "forever" dividend stocks to buy while its forward-looking yield stands at just under 4%.
You know the company. PepsiCo is of course the name behind one of the world's best-known colas, although it's not just Pepsi. Mountain Dew, Gatorade, and Tropicana are also part of the PepsiCo family, along with Frito-Lay snack chips (which includes Cheetos and Doritos). The company even owns the Quaker Oats and all of its branded derivatives.
Anyone who's been keeping tabs on PepsiCo likely knows that Quaker's been a bit of a problem of late. Between inflation and ever-evolving consumer tastes, the brand's revenue fell 14% last year, while PepsiCo's entire food business isn't exactly firing on all cylinders this year, either. That's the chief reason the company's net income was down 8% through the first half of 2025 as well as the reason the stock's still down more than 20% from its early 2024 peak.
Nothing lasts forever, though. In fact, with inflation leveling off at the same time PepsiCo is coming up with new products like dye-free Doritos and snacks with more protein and fiber, the company is already seeing progress in the form of stabilized revenue and profits.
More of the same on the way. Although it took some pressure from activist investment outfit Elliott Investment Management, PepsiCo will soon be lowering some of its prices as a means of generating more sales volume, while simultaneously culling operating costs to free up funding for more advertising. This is the kind of directional jolt many shareholders have been waiting on. Even before these plans were announced, however, analysts were calling for modest revenue growth and earnings growth again beginning next year, not that the dividend was ever in any jeopardy.
On that note, PepsiCo has now raised its quarterly dividend for 53 consecutive years. There's no end in sight to this streak, either.
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The Best Dividend Stocks to Buy and Hold Forever

Key Points
Lombard Odier Asset Management (USA) Corp sold 3,334,000 shares of Bausch Health Companies; position value declined by approximately $22,564,800
Change represents approximately 1.53% of Lombard Odier Asset Management (USA) Corp's reportable U.S. equity assets
Post-trade holding: 1,716,000 shares valued at approximately $11,068,200
The position now represents approximately 0.74% of fund AUM, placing it outside the fund's top five holdings
Lombard Odier Asset Management (USA) Corp cut its stake in Bausch Health Companies (NYSE:BHC) by 3,334,000 shares in the third quarter, reducing its position by approximately $22,564,800, according to a November 14, 2025 filing.
The change represents approximately 1.53% of Lombard Odier Asset Management (USA) Corp's reportable U.S. equity assets
Post-trade holding remains at 1,716,000 shares valued at approximately $11,068,200
The position now represents approximately 0.74% of fund AUM, placing it outside the fund's top five holdings
What happened
According to a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing dated November 14, 2025, Lombard Odier Asset Management (USA) Corp reduced its holding in Bausch Health Companies by 3,334,000 shares in the third quarter. The position’s value fell to $11.07 million as of September 30, 2025, with 1,716,000 shares remaining in the portfolio.
What else to know
The reduction means Bausch Health Companies now accounts for 0.74% of the fund’s reportable assets, down from 2.6% the previous quarter
Top holdings after the filing:
NASDAQ: SLN: $7.12 million (1.9% of AUM)
NYSE: RSG: $6.99 million (1.86% of AUM)
NYSE: VZ: $5.01 million (1.34% of AUM)
NASDAQ: GOOGL: $4.76 million (1.27% of AUM)
NYSE: RBC: $4.70 million (1.25% of AUM)
As of November 13, 2025, shares were priced at $6.62, down 24.6% over the past year, underperforming the S&P 500 by 40.08 percentage points
Company Overview
Price (as of market close 2025-11-13)
$6.62
Market Capitalization
$2.34 billion
Revenue (TTM)
$8.26 billion
Net Income (TTM)
$362.00 million
Company Snapshot
Bausch Health Companies Inc. is a global healthcare company with a broad product portfolio spanning pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and consumer health products. It offers a diversified portfolio of pharmaceutical, medical device, and over-the-counter products, with key revenue streams from eye health, gastroenterology, dermatology, and international markets.
Bausch Health Companies Inc. generates revenue through the development, manufacturing, and global distribution of branded and generic drugs, medical devices, and consumer health products across multiple therapeutic segments.
The company serves healthcare professionals, hospitals, clinics, and retail pharmacies worldwide, with a significant presence in the United States and international markets.
Foolish take
Lombard Odier’s decision to shrink its Bausch Health position carries weight because it comes at a moment when investors are still trying to understand whether the company’s recent weakness reflects temporary strain or deeper structural limits. A reduction from a core position to a smaller residual one signals that the fund still sees upside but no longer assigns the same level of conviction to the outcome. When a measured investor recalibrates exposure like this rather than exiting outright, it often suggests that the balance between risk and reward has shifted beneath the surface.
Bausch Health operates with a mature product portfolio that still generates cash but no longer delivers the growth needed to support its heavy debt load. The company depends on established franchises in eye health, gastroenterology, and dermatology, and those franchises were never built to carry this level of leverage for this long. The company has adjusted its strategy many times since the Valeant era, but the central issue remains whether its cash generation can outpace interest costs and ongoing legal liabilities. The low share price often gives the appearance of an easy turnaround, yet the stock’s recent decline points to a capital structure that leaves management with very limited flexibility.
For investors, the next phase depends on whether Bausch can create breathing room without selling off the assets that support the equity case. The outcome will hinge on refinancing progress, actual cash conversion, and any moves that reduce leverage rather than delay it. If Bausch can demonstrate that its cash generation is strong enough to gradually ease the pressure of its capital structure, the stock’s long-term potential may look different from what today’s reduced institutional exposure implies.
Glossary
Asset Management: The professional management of investments such as stocks, bonds, and other assets for clients.
Stake: The ownership interest or share held in a company by an investor or institution.
Position: The amount of a particular security or asset held in a portfolio.
Reportable U.S. equity assets: U.S. stock holdings that must be disclosed in regulatory filings due to their size or significance.
AUM (Assets Under Management): The total market value of investments managed by a fund or asset manager on behalf of clients.
Top holdings: The largest investments in a fund’s portfolio, typically by market value or percentage of assets.
Filing: An official document submitted to regulators, such as the SEC, disclosing financial or investment information.
TTM: The 12-month period ending with the most recent quarterly report.
Branded drugs: Medications marketed under a proprietary, trademarked name by a pharmaceutical company.
Generic drugs: Medications with the same active ingredients as branded drugs, sold under their chemical name after patent expiration.
Therapeutic segments: Categories of medical treatment areas, such as eye health or dermatology, targeted by a company’s products.
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Eric Trie has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet. The Motley Fool recommends Bausch Health Companies and Verizon Communications. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Bausch Health’s Slow Rebuild Faces New Scrutiny After Lombard Odier Cuts Its Stake

Qualcomm Incorporated QCOM and AST SpaceMobile, Inc. ASTS are key players in the broader wireless communications ecosystem. Qualcomm offers high-performance, low-power chip designs for mobile devices, PCs, XR (Extended Reality), automotive, wearables, robotics, connectivity and AI use cases. The company boasts a comprehensive intellectual property portfolio comprising 4G, 5G and other technologies. Its brands include Snapdragon systems-on-chip, FastConnect Wi-Fi and Bluetooth systems and Qualcomm-branded 4G, 5G and IOT equipment. The company is currently pursuing the integration of on-device generative AI into all of its product lines.
AST SpaceMobile is building the world’s first and only global cellular broadband network in space, accessible directly by standard smartphones (4G-LTE/5G devices) for commercial and government use, leveraging its extensive Intellectual Property and patent portfolio. The SpaceMobile service is provided by a constellation of high-powered, large phased-array satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) using low-band and mid-band spectrums controlled by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in areas lacking terrestrial network coverage.
Let us delve a little deeper into the companies’ competitive dynamics to understand which of the two is relatively better placed in the industry.
The Case for Qualcomm
Qualcomm is well-positioned to meet its long-term revenue targets driven by solid 5G traction, greater visibility and a diversified revenue stream. The company is strengthening its foothold in the mobile chipsets market with innovative product launches. Leveraging processors with multi-core CPUs with cutting-edge features, amazing graphics and worldwide network connectivity, Qualcomm Snapdragon mobile platforms are fast with superb power efficiency. Smartphones and mobile devices built with Snapdragon mobile platforms enable immersive augmented reality and virtual reality experiences, brilliant camera capabilities, superior 4G LTE and 5G connectivity with state-of-the-art security solutions. It is currently foraying deeper into the realm of AI capabilities within the laptop and desktop business with the launch of the Snapdragon X chip for mid-range AI desktops and laptops.
The company is increasingly focusing on the seamless transition from a wireless communications firm for the mobile industry to a connected processor company for the intelligent edge. Qualcomm is witnessing healthy traction in EDGE networking, which helps transform connectivity in cars, business enterprises, homes, smart factories, next-generation PCs, wearables and tablets. The company is gaining traction in the vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication systems market with the buyout of Autotalks. With seamless access to Autotalks’ comprehensive V2X expertise, Qualcomm has been able to offer an extensive suite of automotive-qualified global V2X solutions for installation in vehicles, as well as 2-wheelers and roadside infrastructure.
Despite efforts to ramp up its AI initiatives, Qualcomm has been facing tough competition from Intel in the AI PC market. Shift in the share among OEMs at the premium tier has reduced Qualcomm's near-term opportunity to sell integrated chipsets from the Snapdragon platform. The company is also facing stiff competition from Samsung’s Exynos processors in the premium smartphone market, while MediaTek is gaining market share in the mid-range and budget smartphone market. Qualcomm’s extensive operations in China are further likely to be significantly affected by the U.S.-China trade hostilities.
The Case for AST SpaceMobile
AST SpaceMobile is slated to launch BlueBird 6, the first of its next-generation satellites, next week. Featuring the largest commercial phased array in low Earth orbit (LEO) at nearly 2,400 square feet, the satellite will reportedly mark a 3.5x increase in size over its predecessors with 10x data capacity. AST SpaceMobile is reportedly on track to deploy about 45-60 satellites in orbit by the end of 2026. The company’s first five commercial satellites (dubbed BlueBird) in LEO marked a key advancement in developing a space-based mobile network infrastructure. These satellites feature commercial communications arrays spanning 693 square feet, offering non-continuous service across the United States using more than 5,600 cells within the premium low-band spectrum. The company boasts a diverse portfolio of more than 3,800 patents and patent-pending claims worldwide for the direct-to-cell satellite ecosystem from space to Earth.
The SpaceMobile service is compatible with all major brands available in the market and connects directly to everyday mobile phones. It delivers broadband connectivity from space to unmodified mobile devices, providing a service to fill cellular coverage gaps in a differentiated approach compared to other space-based communication services. AST SpaceMobile has partnered with leading carriers, such as AT&T Inc. T and Verizon Communications Inc. VZ, to tap into a pre-existing pool of cell customers and raise funds to help build a worldwide satellite network. This has enhanced cellular coverage in the United States, essentially eliminating dead zones and empowering remote areas of the country with space-based connectivity.
However, unfavorable macroeconomic conditions, including rising inflation, higher interest rates, capital market volatility, tariff imposition and geopolitical conflicts, are negatively impacting the company’s operations. These have led to continued fluctuations in satellite material prices, resulting in increased capital costs and pressure on the company’s financial performance. In addition, AST SpaceMobile faces severe competition from existing and new industry leaders like SpaceX’s Starlink and Globalstar, which are developing satellite communications technology using LEO constellations. To combat such competitive pressure, ASTS has to continuously customize its network offerings, enhance the cost-effectiveness of its products and services and boost the satellite data networks, which increases operating costs and reduces margins.
How Do Zacks Estimates Compare for QCOM & ASTS?
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Qualcomm’s fiscal 2026 sales indicates year-over-year growth of 3.2%, while that for EPS suggests an improvement of 1%. The EPS estimates have been trending northward (up 2.1%) over the past 60 days.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AST SpaceMobile’s 2025 sales implies year-over-year growth of 1142%, while that of EPS suggests a decline of 60.6%. The EPS estimates have been trending southward (down 8.2%) over the past 60 days.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Price Performance & Valuation of QCOM & ASTS
Over the past year, Qualcomm has gained 10.2% compared with the industry’s growth of 72.6%. AST SpaceMobile has surged 209.2% over the same period.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Qualcomm looks more attractive than AST SpaceMobile from a valuation standpoint. Going by the price/sales ratio, Qualcomm’s shares currently trade at 4.13 forward sales, significantly lower than AST SpaceMobile’s 107.22.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
QCOM or ASTS: Which is a Better Pick?
Both Qualcomm and AST SpaceMobile carry a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Both companies expect their sales to improve in 2025. However, ASTS’ bottom line is expected to decline significantly. In terms of price performance, AST SpaceMobile has outperformed Qualcomm, but is trading expensively compared to the latter. Qualcomm has shown a relatively steady revenue growth for years, while AST SpaceMobile has been facing a bumpy road. Consequently, QCOM seems to be a better investment option for 2026.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

QCOM vs. ASTS: Which Wireless Innovator is the Smarter Bet for 2026?

In early trading on Tuesday, shares of Johnson & Johnson topped the list of the day's best performing Dow Jones Industrial Average components, trading up 1.4%. Year to date, Johnson & Johnson registers a 41.3% gain.
And the worst performing Dow component thus far on the day is Verizon Communications, trading down 1.0%. Verizon Communications is showing a gain of 2.2% looking at the year to date performance.
Two other components making moves today are NVIDIA, trading down 0.6%, and Procter & Gamble, trading up 1.2% on the day.
VIDEO: Dow Movers: VZ, JNJ
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Dow Movers: VZ, JNJ

AT&T Inc. T is preparing its network for upcoming winter storms to ensure customers stay connected no matter the weather. AT&T uses its Weather Operations Center, comprising meteorologists, to predict storms and guide network preparation. Since 1992, AT&T has invested over $1 billion in disaster recovery equipment. During emergencies, more than 750 specialized vehicles and tools are ready to be deployed at a quick notice.
AT&T has added snow-ready equipment like snowcats, bulldozers and winter UTVs to its arsenal. To prevent ice buildup, satellite dishes with heaters are implemented. Placing snow chains in disaster recovery vehicles and preparing generators for freezing weather are the key steps taken to face the various upcoming winter challenges.
To meet various winter storm threats, AT&T has improved its network capacity, testing backup batteries at cell sites and placing backup generators and recovery equipment in those areas where the chances of being hit by the storm are maximum. Its Response Operations Group, ROG, led by former responders and equipped with more than 190 deployable units, is always ready to provide reliable backup connectivity during contingencies.
Such initiatives are likely to improve wireless connectivity in extreme weather conditions and enable it to better serve its customers.
How Are Competitors Faring?
AT&T faces stiff competition from Verizon Communications, Inc. VZ and T-Mobile, US, Inc. TMUS. Verizon uses portable cell-sites, satellite-enabled equipment, and mobile generators to restore connectivity if storms or disasters damage fixed infrastructure. During emergencies, Verizon Frontline Crisis Response Team stays on call to assist first responders and communities so that communications remain available. After any natural disaster, customers regain services without too much delay as Verizon restores connectivity very fast using mobile cell sites, satellite backhaul, and temporary generators.
T-Mobile’s Self-Organizing Network uses real-time data and AI to detect service disruptions and can automatically adjust nearby antennas, reroute traffic, and manage spectrum to keep the connectivity stable during bad weather or power loss. T-Mobile uses satellite-enabled mobile cell sites (SatCOWs / SatCOLTs), portable generators, and Wi-Fi for seamless connectivity when fixed infrastructure is damaged. During freezing weather or power outages, T-Mobile reinforces critical infrastructure and deploys portable generators in advance to prevent service interruptions.
T’s Price Performance, Valuation & Estimates
AT&T has gained 6.3% over the past year against the industry’s decline of 3.4%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
From a valuation standpoint, AT&T trades at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 1.39, below the industry tally of 1.87.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Earnings estimates for 2025 have increased 0.5% to $2.06 over the past 60 days, while the same for 2026 have also increased 0.4% to $2.26.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
AT&T currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.