Verizon’s low-risk mobile bet

Article Excerpt

Verizon’s shares dropped 4% after the company announced that it is buying full control of its wireless joint venture in early September 2013. That’s mainly because investors fear that Verizon is paying too much. As well, big acquisitions like this usually involve substantial risk. However, this case is different. Verizon already owns 55% of the wireless subsidiary and has operated it for 13 years, so there is little risk of an unpleasant surprise. Buying the remaining 45% will also make it easier for Verizon to respond to competitors and launch new services. Moreover, the wireless business’s strong cash flow will help Verizon quickly pay down the extra debt. VERIZON COMMUNICATIONS INC. $47 (New York symbol VZ, Conservative Growth and Income Portfolios, Utilities sector; Shares outstanding: 2.9 billion; Market cap: $136.3 billion; Priceto- sales ratio: 1.2; Dividend yield: 4.5%; TSINetwork Rating: Average; www.verizon.com) is the second-largest wireless service provider in the U.S., with 100.1 million subscribers. Market leader AT&T has 107.9…