Verizon Communications Option Alert: Sep 19 $47 Calls at the Ask: 3000 vs 4786 OI; Earnings 4/22 Before Open 

Verizon Communications Option Alert: Sep 19 $47 Calls at the Ask: 3000 @ $1.75 vs 4786 OI; Earnings 4/22 Before Open Ref=$45.315

Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) Bolsa

Verizon Communications

Wireless services account for about 70% of Verizon Communications' total service revenue and nearly all of its operating income. The firm serves about 93 million postpaid and 20 million prepaid phone customers via its nationwide network, making it the largest US wireless carrier. Fixed-line telecom operations include local networks in the Northeast, which reach about 30 million homes and businesses and serve about 8 million broadband customers. Verizon also provides telecom services nationwide to enterprise customers, often using a mixture of its own and other carriers' networks. Verizon agreed to acquire Frontier Communications in September 2024.

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Verizon Communications Inc

VIZIO HLDG CORP CL A COM

Vizsla Silver Corp

Investors with a lot of money to spend have taken a bullish stance on Verizon Communications (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VZ#NYSE">VZ</a>).
And retail traders should know.
We noticed this today when the trades showed up on publicly available options history that we track here at Benzinga.
Whether these are institutions or just wealthy individuals, we don't know. But when something this big happens with VZ, it often means somebody knows something is about to happen.
So how do we know what these investors just did? 
Today, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga</a>'s options scanner spotted 10 uncommon options trades for Verizon Communications.
This isn't normal.
The overall sentiment of these big-money traders is split between 70% bullish and 20%, bearish.
Out of all of the special options we uncovered, 3 are puts, for a total amount of $269,515, and 7 are calls, for a total amount of $301,262.
<h3>What's The Price Target?</h3>
Taking into account the Volume and Open Interest on these contracts, it appears that whales have been targeting a price range from $42.0 to $48.0 for Verizon Communications over the last 3 months. 
<h3>Insights into Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is an insightful way to conduct due diligence on a stock.
This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for Verizon Communications's options for a given strike price.
Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of Verizon Communications's whale activity within a strike price range from $42.0 to $48.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>Verizon Communications 30-Day Option Volume &amp; Interest Snapshot</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1744822836_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Largest Options Trades Observed:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>VZ</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>10/17/25</td>
<td>$3.75</td>
<td>$3.65</td>
<td>$3.7</td>
<td>$46.00</td>
<td>$180.5K</td>
<td>66</td>
<td align="right">488</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VZ</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/15/27</td>
<td>$4.5</td>
<td>$4.35</td>
<td>$4.35</td>
<td>$45.00</td>
<td>$87.0K</td>
<td>2.3K</td>
<td align="right">146</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VZ</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/25/25</td>
<td>$0.75</td>
<td>$0.73</td>
<td>$0.73</td>
<td>$44.00</td>
<td>$58.4K</td>
<td>760</td>
<td align="right">870</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VZ</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>10/17/25</td>
<td>$1.41</td>
<td>$1.36</td>
<td>$1.41</td>
<td>$48.00</td>
<td>$56.2K</td>
<td>475</td>
<td align="right">400</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VZ</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/18/26</td>
<td>$5.5</td>
<td>$5.4</td>
<td>$5.4</td>
<td>$42.00</td>
<td>$35.1K</td>
<td>2.0K</td>
<td align="right">66</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Verizon Communications</h3>
Wireless services account for about 70% of Verizon Communications' total service revenue and nearly all of its operating income. The firm serves about 93 million postpaid and 20 million prepaid phone customers via its nationwide network, making it the largest US wireless carrier. Fixed-line telecom operations include local networks in the Northeast, which reach about 30 million homes and businesses and serve about 8 million broadband customers. Verizon also provides telecom services nationwide to enterprise customers, often using a mixture of its own and other carriers' networks. Verizon agreed to acquire Frontier Communications in September 2024.
In light of the recent options history for Verizon Communications, it's now appropriate to focus on the company itself. We aim to explore its current performance.
<h3>Where Is Verizon Communications Standing Right Now?</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a volume of 6,628,412, the price of VZ is up 0.63% at $44.76. </li>
<li>RSI indicators hint that the underlying stock may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Next earnings are expected to be released in 6 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Professional Analyst Ratings for Verizon Communications</h3>
In the last month, 3 experts released ratings on this stock with an average target price of $47.83.
Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move
Benzinga Edge's Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22bz20&amp;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=options-activity&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Oppenheimer has decided to maintain their Outperform rating on Verizon Communications, which currently sits at a price target of $50. 
&#x2A; In a cautious move, an analyst from RBC Capital downgraded its rating to Sector Perform, setting a price target of $45. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Scotiabank persists with their Sector Perform rating on Verizon Communications, maintaining a target price of $48. 
Options trading presents higher risks and potential rewards. Astute traders manage these risks by continually educating themselves, adapting their strategies, monitoring multiple indicators, and keeping a close eye on market movements. Stay informed about the latest Verizon Communications options trades with real-time alerts from <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>.

Options

Unpacking the Latest Options Trading Trends in Verizon Communications

President Donald Trump's tariffs against America's trading partners and the subsequent retaliatory measures from China and Europe resulted in major losses for investors across the globe, with no end to volatility in sight. Trade tensions may ease amid expected deals between key countries, but prudent investors are rethinking their long-term strategies.
Dividend stocks have gained significance in this period of market turbulence because of their strong history. A March <a href="https://www.spglobal.com/spdji/en/documents/research/research-sp500-dividend-aristocrats.pdf">report</a> from S&amp;P Global showed that dividends have accounted for about 31% of the total S&amp;P 500 returns since 1926.
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<li>‘Scrolling To UBI' — Deloitte's #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">You can invest today for just $0.26/share with a $1000 minimum.</a></li>
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A few weeks ago, a dividend investor<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/dividends/comments/1jic07f/retired_in_2021/"> shared</a> his income report and portfolio details on r/Dividends — a Reddit community with over 700,000 followers. The portfolio screenshots shared by the investor showed he was making about $9,250 per month, or $111,100 annually, in dividends. His total portfolio yield was about 2.3%.&nbsp;
"Dividends and interest cover 60% of expenses. Decent growth without huge volatility," he said.
The investor, 58, said he was a software engineer in Silicon Valley and retired in 2021. He said his goal is to cover his expenses of $15,000 per month with dividends by 2030.&nbsp;
"YOLO'd tech stocks in my IRA," the investor said, referring to the social media slang for taking a bold, high-risk approach.
Trending: Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/rad-intel">invest pre-IPO from $0.55 per share now</a>.
Let's take a look at some of the key holdings in the investor's portfolio.
iShares Short Treasury Bond ETF&nbsp;
The iShares Short Treasury Bond ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SHV#NASDAQ">SHV</a>) gives investors exposure to US Treasury bonds with remaining maturities of one year or less. SHV is suitable for investors looking for low-risk funds to preserve capital and earn income.&nbsp; The investor said SHV accounted for about 5% of his total portfolio.
iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF
iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AGG#NYSE">AGG</a>) was another key bond ETF in the investor's portfolio.&nbsp; The fund tracks an index composed of investment-grade US bonds.
See Also: BlackRock is calling 2025 the year of alternative assets. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/masterworks">One firm from NYC has quietly built a group of 60,000+ investors who have all joined in on an alt asset class previously exclusive to billionaires like Bezos and Gates.</a>
&nbsp;Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF
The investor earning about $9,000 in monthly dividends had Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SCHD#NYSE">SCHD</a>) in his portfolio. Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index and provides exposure to some of the top dividend stocks trading in the U.S., including Verizon (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VZ#NYSE">VZ</a>), Coca-Cola (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KO#NYSE">KO</a>), ConocoPhillips (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COP#NYSE">COP</a>), Lockheed Martin (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LMT#NYSE">LMT</a>), PepsiCo (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PEP#NASDAQ">PEP</a>) and Chevron (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVX#NYSE">CVX</a>).&nbsp;
iShares Core S&amp;P 500 ETF
The investor making $9,000 a month in dividends said about 60% of his portfolio was allocated to the iShares Core S&amp;P 500 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IVV#NYSE">IVV</a>). The fund tracks the S&amp;P 500 Index and yields about 1.2%. It provides investors exposure to some of the biggest companies in the world, including Nvidia (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), Microsoft (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), Apple (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>), Amazon (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) and Alphabet (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>, GOOGL)), among others.
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<li>Have $200K saved?<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/have-200k-saved-heres-how-to-turn-it-into-lasting-wealth"> Here's how to turn it into lasting wealth</a></li>
<li>Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart &amp; Target – <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">Many are rushing to grab 4,000 of its pre-IPO shares for just $0.26/share!</a></li>
</ul>

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NVDA

SCHD

Software Engineer Making $9,000 a Month in Dividends Shares Portfolio, Says He 'YOLO'd Tech Stocks in IRA'

Investors with a lot of money to spend have taken a bearish stance on Verizon Communications (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VZ#NYSE">VZ</a>).
And retail traders should know.
We noticed this today when the positions showed up on publicly available options history that we track here at Benzinga.
Whether these are institutions or just wealthy individuals, we don't know. But when something this big happens with VZ, it often means somebody knows something is about to happen.
Today, Benzinga's options scanner spotted 15 options trades for Verizon Communications.
This isn't normal.
The overall sentiment of these big-money traders is split between 20% bullish and 46%, bearish.
Out of all of the options we uncovered, there was 1 put, for a total amount of $27,470, and 14, calls, for a total amount of $724,131.
<h3>Expected Price Movements</h3>
Analyzing the Volume and Open Interest in these contracts, it seems that the big players have been eyeing a price window from $34.0 to $46.0 for Verizon Communications during the past quarter. 
<h3>Analyzing Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
In terms of liquidity and interest, the mean open interest for Verizon Communications options trades today is 4397.0 with a total volume of 27,421.00.
In the following chart, we are able to follow the development of volume and open interest of call and put options for Verizon Communications's big money trades within a strike price range of $34.0 to $46.0 over the last 30 days.
<h3>Verizon Communications Option Activity Analysis: Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1744398040_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Significant Options Trades Detected:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>VZ</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$0.68</td>
<td>$0.67</td>
<td>$0.68</td>
<td>$46.00</td>
<td>$152.2K</td>
<td>4.4K</td>
<td>9.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VZ</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$0.72</td>
<td>$0.68</td>
<td>$0.68</td>
<td>$46.00</td>
<td>$108.3K</td>
<td>4.4K</td>
<td>6.7K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VZ</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$0.72</td>
<td>$0.66</td>
<td>$0.68</td>
<td>$46.00</td>
<td>$71.6K</td>
<td>4.4K</td>
<td>4.9K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VZ</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$0.7</td>
<td>$0.69</td>
<td>$0.69</td>
<td>$46.00</td>
<td>$56.7K</td>
<td>4.4K</td>
<td>3.9K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VZ</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$4.45</td>
<td>$4.1</td>
<td>$4.45</td>
<td>$39.00</td>
<td>$54.7K</td>
<td>20</td>
<td>124</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Verizon Communications</h3>
Wireless services account for about 70% of Verizon Communications' total service revenue and nearly all of its operating income. The firm serves about 93 million postpaid and 20 million prepaid phone customers via its nationwide network, making it the largest US wireless carrier. Fixed-line telecom operations include local networks in the Northeast, which reach about 30 million homes and businesses and serve about 8 million broadband customers. Verizon also provides telecom services nationwide to enterprise customers, often using a mixture of its own and other carriers' networks. Verizon agreed to acquire Frontier Communications in September 2024.
<h3>Current Position of Verizon Communications</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a volume of 18,171,552, the price of VZ is up 1.64% at $43.62. </li>
<li>RSI indicators hint that the underlying stock may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Next earnings are expected to be released in 11 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Expert Opinions on Verizon Communications</h3>
In the last month, 3 experts released ratings on this stock with an average target price of $47.83.
Turn $1000 into $1270 in just 20 days?
20-year pro options trader reveals his one-line chart technique that shows when to buy and sell. Copy his trades, which have had averaged a 27% profit every 20 days. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/options-moneyline-2/?t=Moop1arja3be22op14&amp;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=options-activity&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; Reflecting concerns, an analyst from RBC Capital lowers its rating to Sector Perform with a new price target of $45. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Scotiabank has decided to maintain their Sector Perform rating on Verizon Communications, which currently sits at a price target of $48. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Oppenheimer has decided to maintain their Outperform rating on Verizon Communications, which currently sits at a price target of $50. 
Trading options involves greater risks but also offers the potential for higher profits. Savvy traders mitigate these risks through ongoing education, strategic trade adjustments, utilizing various indicators, and staying attuned to market dynamics. Keep up with the latest options trades for Verizon Communications with <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.

Check Out What Whales Are Doing With Verizon Communications

Verizon Communications's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VZ#NYSE">VZ</a>) short percent of float has fallen 8.51% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 72.25 million shares sold short, which is 1.72% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 3.02 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>Verizon Communications Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1744398018_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Verizon Communications has declined since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to rise in the near-term but traders should be aware that less shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing Verizon Communications's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>, Verizon Communications's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 1.41%, which means the company has more short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

Short Sellers

Short Ideas

Trading Ideas

How Do Investors Really Feel About Verizon Communications?

Scotiabank analyst Maher Yaghi maintains Verizon Communications (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VZ#NYSE">VZ</a>) with a Sector Perform and raises the price target from $48 to $48.5.

Price Target

Analyst Ratings

Scotiabank Maintains Sector Perform on Verizon Communications, Raises Price Target to $48.5

Verizon Business, a division of Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VZ#NYSE">VZ</a>) introduced a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/04/g44658506/verizon-business-debuts-industry-defining-broadcast-private-5g-and-ai-solution-at-nab-2025">mobile broadcasting solution, portable Private 5G </a>Network framework, aimed at alleviating the complexities of live event coverage.
Live event broadcasters frequently contend with managing countless video streams while dealing with inconsistent connectivity at event locations. 
The temperature-regulated 5G system powered by NVIDIA Corp&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) advanced AI, is designed to streamline and enhance real-time content production.
NVIDIA&#8217;s technology is at the heart of the system, utilizing its high-performance computing platforms, such as AI Enterprise and Holoscan for Media.
Also Read:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/asset-sales/25/04/44646240/rogers-scores-5-billion-blackstone-deal-to-cut-debt-unlock-wireless-infrastructure-value"> Rogers Scores $5 Billion Blackstone Deal To Cut Debt, Unlock Wireless Infrastructure Value</a>
These solutions empower live producers to identify and focus on key moments as they unfold by intelligently sorting video feeds in real time. 
&#8220;Live content production and experiential events are evolving rapidly, demanding innovative approaches to content creation, distribution, and fan engagement,&#8221; said Daniel Lawson, SVP of Global Solutions, Verizon Business, 
Verizon's setup can operate across various frequency spectrums, including C-band, CBRS, and millimeter wave, giving broadcasters flexibility to deploy the solution across diverse locations. 
Collaborators on the project include FanDuel TV, Haivision, and Ericsson, each bringing expertise in media production and network infrastructure.
Verizon&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/01/43189382/verizon-q4-earnings-revenue-beat-1-million-mobile-and-broadband-subscriber-adds-business-segment-margin-expands">fourth-quarter revenue growth was 1.6%</a> year-over-year, reaching $35.70 billion, with $1.10 adjusted EPS.
The company expects a 2.0%–2.8% growth in wireless service revenue in the first quarter and an adjusted EPS of $4.59 – $4.73.
It is to be noted that, recently, a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/guidance/25/03/44250482/verizon-communications-stock-is-sliding-tuesday-heres-why">Verizon executive said first-quarter growth</a> will probably be soft and expects  Verizon Consumer Group postpaid phone net additions for the first quarter to be affected by three to five basis points of churn.
Price Action: VZ shares closed lower by 5.68% at $43.03 on Friday.
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Photo: Benzinga

Verizon's Private 5G Will Help Tackle Broadcast Challenges

The new trade war precipitated by President <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44647999/trumps-tariff-war-could-take-us-tech-industry-back-a-decade-while-china-steam-rolls-ahead-analyst-says">Donald Trump‘s tariffs</a> has turned investors against companies heavily involved in the import-export market. Instead, companies with stable revenue, low valuations and little exposure to trade are rising.
Especially ones that offer nice dividends. Today, let&#8217;s look at a couple of examples.
Then, we will consider the three best dividend funds to capture this trend.
Consider companies like Verizon (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VZ#NYSE">VZ</a>) (6.07% dividend right now), which does not purchase or sell products in overseas markets, or tobacco giant Altria (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MO#NYSE">MO</a>) (7.25% dividend), which sells most of its products in the USA.
Past that, dividend stocks and funds have been performing well in 2025.
&#8220;Dividend-oriented strategies have performed well in the first quarter of 2025,&#8221; said William Connor, CFA, CFP, partner at Sax Wealth Advisors. &#8220;The SPDR S&amp;P Dividend ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SDY#NYSE">SDY</a>) generated a positive return during Q1 2025 of 2.71%, which compares favorably with the S&amp;P 500, which lost 4.55% in the first quarter of 2025.&#8221;
Although the S&amp;P 500 has outperformed over the last year, increasing 7.1% while the SDY was up 3.86%, dividend stocks tend to be less volatile, often due to the more defensive nature of the economic sectors in which they operate. &#8220;Ned Davis Research conducted a study of dividend-paying companies compared to non-dividend-paying companies,&#8221; Connor noted. &#8220;The results illustrated what many investors intuitively feel; dividend stocks exhibit lower volatility than non-dividend payers and a broad index like the S&amp;P 500.&#8221;
That data matters at a time when the Trump administration has sought a level playing field on tariffs, causing major upheaval in global markets.
&#8220;The impact of potential tariffs on the economy is unknowable at this point, given that the specifics have yet to be announced,&#8221; Connor said. &#8220;What is likely is the uncertainty around tariffs (amounts, sectors, and exemptions, for example) is leading many investors to be concerned about the outlook for US stocks.&#8221;
Since dividend stocks have been less volatile over time than the average stock, it&#8217;s reasonable for investors concerned with the growth outlook to focus on them. &#8220;The dividend payment provides a steady, predictable return to help manage volatility and risk,&#8221; Connor added.
Given the volatility linked to trade and tariffs, will that be the case going forward? Yes and no.
&#8220;In the short-term, tariffs are likely to be seen as a negative for dividend stocks – particularly globally-focused companies – as tariffs increase the price of imported goods or raw materials, which can impact profitability,&#8221; said Rob Edwards, managing director and senior portfolio manager at Florida-based Edwards Asset Management.
In the long run, however, Edwards believes dividend stocks should prosper, even with tariffs, as they are typically more mature companies that have proven resilient to many economic challenges.
&#8220;I believe that you should own dividend stocks to invest throughout an entire market cycle, not around it,&#8221; he noted.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Three Solid Dividend ETFs</h2>
Rather than take your chances with one or two individual dividend-paying stocks, curb some downside risk by leveraging dividend exchange-traded funds, where you can also get some bang for your buck.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">SPDR S&amp;P Dividend ETF</h3>
Like the best dividend ETFs, the SPDR S&amp;P Dividend ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SDY#NYSE">SDY</a>) is a tax-efficient, low-cost, highly liquid investment with broad exposure to high-quality stocks.
The fund aims to produce investment results corresponding to the total return performance of the S&amp;P High Yield Dividend Aristocrats Index. &#8220;The fund really focuses on S&amp;P Composite 1500 Index companies that have followed a managed-dividends policy of consistently increasing dividends every year for at least 20 consecutive years,&#8221; Connor said.
Dividend payments are about 0.80% and the fund has returned 4.76% year-to-date.
Dividend ETFs are not flashy, but they&#8217;re steady, and that&#8217;s what Steven Kibbel, a financial planner and chief editorial advisor at Gold IRA Companies in Franklin, Tenn. &#8220;Many people, especially retirees I work with, like them because they give regular income without needing to sell shares. That matters when you&#8217;re trying to make your savings last. These funds mostly hold big companies that keep paying dividends no matter what&#8217;s going on in the market. Think utilities, healthcare, and food companies. That kind of thing.&#8221;
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF</h3>
One dividend fund Kibbel favors holds those same traits &#8211; Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SCHD#NYSE">SCHD</a>).
&#8220;It&#8217;s simple, low-cost, and holds strong companies with solid financials,&#8221; he said. &#8220;I&#8217;ve used it for years with clients who want income and stability. Another one I use is iShares Select Dividend (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DVY#NASDAQ">DVY</a>). That one focuses more on higher yields. It&#8217;s not always the right fit for everyone, but it works well if income is the top goal.&#8221;
SCHD currently offers a healthy 3.85% dividend; its year-to-date returns are 2.93% compared to 4.49% for its category.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"> iShares Core High Dividend ETF</h3>
iShares Core High Dividend ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HDV#NYSE">HDV</a>) is another popular pick among money managers.
The fund holds 75 high-dividend-paying stocks and is energy-heavy, with Exxon (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XOM#NYSE">XOM</a>) and Chevron (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVX#NYSE">CVX</a>) comprising two of the top three fund holdings. Johnson &amp; Johnson (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JNJ#NYSE">JNJ</a>) also joins the group. 
Big-cap brand names are the fund&#8217;s bread and butter, although no one stock tops 9.3% of its holdings (that would be Exxon). The fund is up 7.75% and has generally landed in the 10% annual return range since it launched in 2011. HDV also offers a robust 3.41% dividend yield with an ultra-low 0.8% expense ratio.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What To Look For With Dividend ETFs</h2>
Before you get rolling on dividend funds and kick some tires, have a game plan to leverage that matches you up with the right fund.
&#8220;You want an ETF that holds reliable stocks with a history of raising dividends annually, and that offers a true hedge against inflation,&#8221; said Ketti Rose, the CEO and founder of Wealthy Femme, a money management platform geared toward women investors. &#8220;Also, ensure the expense ratio is low – the less, the better, as there&#8217;s no need to sacrifice returns for fees.&#8221;
Additionally, seek out ETFs that maintained steady — or even increased — dividends through past recessions (e.g., in 2008 or 2020). &#8220;That&#8217;s a strength you can depend on,&#8221; Rose noted.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Predictable Trading In Unpredictable Times</h2>
In a market dominated by tariff tensions, geopolitical surprises and Fed uncertainty, Matt Maley's technical approach delivers clear entry/exit points for consistent income potential. Try it <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/7-day-free-trial-matt-maley-inner-circle/?el=ResearchDaily&amp;he={{email}}&amp;adt_ei={{email}}&amp;utm_adType=SponsorAd&amp;utm_ad=RD0407&amp;utm_campaign=7daytrial">free for 7 days</a>. Gain Trading Confidence &amp; Income Potential. 
Photo: Shutterstock

Dividends

Opinion

ETFs

iShares Dow Jones Select Dividend Index Fund

Sit Out Market Drama With These 3 Dividend Funds

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VZ#NYSE">VZ</a>)&nbsp;announced Thursday that it will offer new and existing customers a three-year price lock guarantee on all myPlan and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/verizon" rel="noreferrer noopener">myHome network plans</a>.
The deal builds on Verizon&#8217;s MyPlan and MyHome offerings, which allow customers to bundle streaming services, mobile phone service and home internet, including <a href="https://www.verizon.com/about/news/accelerating-customer-first-strategy-3-year-price-lock-and-free-phone" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">devices</a>.
Verizon previously offered free phones for its premium subscriber plans.&nbsp;Now, it is offering a free phone to new and existing customers.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43883822/t-mobile-wins-nyc-public-safety-deal-introduces-new-plans-for-first-responders-and-military-families" rel="noreferrer noopener">T-Mobile Wins NYC Public Safety Deal, Introduces New Plans For First Responders And Military Families</a>
The users will need to trade in an old Apple Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), Samsung Electronics (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SSNLF#OTC">SSNLF</a>), or Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) Google phone in any condition and be on a myPlan subscription.&nbsp;
Verizon Consumer CEO Sowmyanarayan Sampath said the three-year price lock across mobile and home provides peace of mind and a free phone on every myPlan, gives customers even more value.
The company will also offer free satellite-based text messaging to any myPlan subscriber on qualifying devices.
However, the three-year guarantee does not encompass fees and taxes, implying Verizon can still raise the monthly bill through increased fees,  cut the monthly autopay discount, or persuade consumers to migrate to a pricier plan with the offer of a new phone, The Verge <a href="https://www.theverge.com/news/642325/verizon-myplan-price-lock-three-years" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>. 
Verizon and its peers&nbsp;AT&amp;T Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/T#NYSE">T</a>)&nbsp;and&nbsp;T-Mobile US Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TMUS#NASDAQ">TMUS</a>) compete intensely for market share.
Since Sampath&nbsp;assumed charge in 2023, he has&nbsp;hiked prices&nbsp;and introduced flexible pricing plans to drive growth, Bloomberg <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-03/verizon-offers-new-perks-to-woo-subscribers-in-tight-market?sref=TBDibEcD" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>. Verizon has also added bundles that include access to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/12/36071567/verizon-unveils-groundbreaking-10-streaming-deal-netflix-max-join-forces" rel="noreferrer noopener">streaming services such</a> as Netflix Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NFLX#NASDAQ">NFLX</a>).
T-Mobile&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/02/43582884/elon-musks-spacex-and-t-mobile-go-live-with-starlink-powered-satellite-to-cell-service-heres-how-much-it-will-cost" rel="noreferrer noopener">plans to charge&nbsp;customers</a> $10-$15 monthly for SpaceX&#8217;s Starlink-supported text and data services.
Price Action: VZ stock is up 0.59% at $45.89 premarket on the last check on Friday.
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GOOGL

NFLX

SSNLF

Verizon's New 3-Year Price Lock, Free Phone Offer: Strategic Move To Boost Customer Retention

This whale alert can help traders discover the next big trading opportunities.
Whales are entities with large sums of money and we track their transactions here at Benzinga on our options activity scanner.
Traders will search for circumstances when the market estimation of an option diverges heavily from its normal worth. High amounts of trading activity could push option prices to exaggerated or underestimated levels. 
Below are some instances of options activity happening in the Communication Services sector: 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>ROKU</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>10/17/25</td>
<td>$60.00</td>
<td>$74.6K</td>
<td>1.8K</td>
<td>1.4K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>META</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>04/11/25</td>
<td>$580.00</td>
<td>$32.1K</td>
<td>1.4K</td>
<td>1.2K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DIS</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$105.00</td>
<td>$29.8K</td>
<td>1.9K</td>
<td>307</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ASTS</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>08/15/25</td>
<td>$25.00</td>
<td>$27.8K</td>
<td>2.5K</td>
<td>241</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VZ</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/20/26</td>
<td>$42.00</td>
<td>$37.1K</td>
<td>2.0K</td>
<td>177</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NFLX</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/15/27</td>
<td>$850.00</td>
<td>$72.9K</td>
<td>103</td>
<td>52</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>GOOG</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/17/27</td>
<td>$200.00</td>
<td>$32.1K</td>
<td>318</td>
<td>18</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These bullet-by-bullet explanations have been constructed using the accompanying table. 
• Regarding ROKU (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ROKU#NASDAQ">ROKU</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 197 day(s) on October 17, 2025. Parties traded 79 contract(s) at a $60.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 3 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $74.6K, with a price of $945.0 per contract. There were 1830 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1445 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For META (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 8 day(s) on April 11, 2025. This event was a transfer of 60 contract(s) at a $580.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $32.1K, with a price of $535.0 per contract. There were 1434 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1288 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For DIS (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIS#NYSE">DIS</a>), we notice a put option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 43 day(s) on May 16, 2025. This event was a transfer of 21 contract(s) at a $105.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $29.8K, with a price of $1420.0 per contract. There were 1994 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 307 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding ASTS (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ASTS#NASDAQ">ASTS</a>), we observe a call option sweep with neutral sentiment. It expires in 134 day(s) on August 15, 2025. Parties traded 61 contract(s) at a $25.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 8 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $27.8K, with a price of $457.0 per contract. There were 2534 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 241 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For VZ (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VZ#NYSE">VZ</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 351 day(s) on March 20, 2026. This event was a transfer of 143 contract(s) at a $42.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 5 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $37.1K, with a price of $260.0 per contract. There were 2070 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 177 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For NFLX (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NFLX#NASDAQ">NFLX</a>), we notice a put option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 652 day(s) on January 15, 2027. This event was a transfer of 6 contract(s) at a $850.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $72.9K, with a price of $12165.0 per contract. There were 103 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 52 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding GOOG (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>), we observe a call option trade with bullish sentiment. It expires in 805 day(s) on June 17, 2027. Parties traded 18 contract(s) at a $200.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $32.1K, with a price of $1785.0 per contract. There were 318 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 18 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
Options Alert Terminology 
 - Call Contracts: The right to buy shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Put Contracts: The right to sell shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Expiration Date: When the contract expires. One must act on the contract by this date if one wants to use it. 
 - Premium/Option Price: The price of the contract. 
For more information, visit our <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/blog/how-to-understand-option-alerts/">Guide to Understanding Options Alerts</a> or read <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options">more news on unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

ASTS

ROKU

7 Communication Services Stocks Whale Activity In Today's Session

For many investors, dividend-focused <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/25/03/44565770/30-year-old-with-65k-in-stocks-sparks-debate-focusing-mostly-on-etfs-but-now-betting-on-bonds-small-caps-and-international-plays">stocks</a> and funds provide a way to generate passive income, whether to supplement retirement, cover day-to-day <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/02/43768530/should-married-couples-split-expenses-dave-ramsey-says-no-youre-married-not-roommates">expenses</a>, or even finance small luxuries like annual vacations.
While some aim for significant <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/03/44518501/20-year-old-university-student-wants-help-with-buying-dividend-stocks-whats-the-best-way-to-start-reddit-weights-in">dividend</a> payouts to replace their salary, others are happy with modest but constant returns that offer a little extra financial freedom.
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This is the case of a Reddit user who is exploring this approach. With $30,000 to invest, he's seeking long-term dividend stocks that can grow over the next 20 years until retirement. While he already holds dividend-paying stocks like Apple (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) and Walt Disney&nbsp; (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIS#NYSE">DIS</a>), he wants to expand his portfolio for stability and future income, even if it's just enough to cover yearly vacations.
&#8220;I currently have some stocks that give out dividends (Apple, Disney) but I&#8217;m looking for others. Long-term stability, that my wife and I can use the dividends as another form of income say in 20 years. Even if it&#8217;s just enough to pay for a yearly vacation here or there. Any thoughts on good companies to choose from?&#8221; he asked.
Let&#8217;s break down the Redditors&#8217; advice received in the comment section.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Where to Invest $30,000 to Generate Enough Income to Cover Yearly Vacations? Reddit Answers</h2>
Put the Money in an ETF
Several commenters recommended Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SCHD#NYSE">SCHD</a>) as a core holding because of its dividend yield, historical growth, and the low-risk, diversified exposure it offers investors.
&#8220;Go all in SCHD. Low risk, nice 3.5% starting yield and it will just keep growing,&#8221; a commenter said.
Reinforcing the idea that SCHD fits the poster&#8217;s long-term stability and dividend payout need, this Redditor also suggested he goes with SCHD: &#8220;Since you want some growth and decent payout, SCHD is a great option. 3.5% dividends and 11% growth over the last 10 years each year.&#8221;
&#8220;I would stick with S&amp;P 500 ETFs being young. Put it in a self-direct investment retirement account to avoid taxes,&#8221; a comment reads.
See Also: Have $200K saved?<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/have-200k-saved-heres-how-to-turn-it-into-lasting-wealth"> Here's how to turn it into lasting wealth</a>
Consider High-Yield Dividend Stocks and Trusts
Several commenters suggested higher-yield assets that would generate higher payouts for the investor in the long run.
&#8220;If you want higher yield stocks check: [Verizon Communications (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/vz#NYSE">VZ</a>)], [AT&amp;T (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/t#NYSE">T</a>)], [Realty Income Corporation (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/o#NYSE">O</a>)], [Altria Group (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/mo#NYSE">MO</a>)], [British American Tobacco (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/bti#NYSE">BTI</a>)],&#8221; a Redditor recommended.
A commenter mentioned United Parcel Service (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UPS#NYSE">UPS</a>) as a great pick since the company seems to start focusing on higher profit margin areas.
&#8220;UPS pays a solid dividend and the share price has been beaten down a lot on the news that they are reducing Amazon deliveries to focus on higher profit margin areas,&#8221; he said.
Suggesting a very detailed portfolio allocation, this Redditor mentioned several ETFs and individual stocks that he considers would help the poster reach his dividend and growth goals.
&#8220;[Vanguard S&amp;P 500 ETF (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/voo#NYSE">VOO</a>)] $5,000, 1.25% dividends. Do [dividend reinvestment plan] SCHD $5,000, 3.5% dividends. Do [dividend reinvestment plan], [JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/jepi#NYSE">JEPI</a>)], [JPMorgan Nasdaq Equity Premium Income ETF (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/jepq#NASDAQ">JEPQ</a>)​] ($5,000), 8% combined dividends. Do [dividend reinvestment plan] [Old Republic International Corporation (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ori#NYSE">ORI</a>)] $2,000, 3% dividends. Do [dividend reinvestment plan] [Waste Management (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/wm#NYSE">WM</a>)] and [Automatic Data Processing (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/adp#NASDAQ">ADP</a>)] ($3,000), 2% average dividend. Do [dividend reinvestment plan] [Pfizer (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/pfe#NYSE">PFE</a>)] and [Johnson &amp; Johnson (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/jnj#NYSE">JNJ</a>)] $2,000, 4.75% average dividend. Do [dividend reinvestment plan] [JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/jpm#NYSE">JPM</a>)] and [UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/unh#NYSE">UNH</a>)] $2,000, 2% average dividends. Do [dividend reinvestment plan] AAPL and [Microsoft (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/msft#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>)] $2,000. [The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ko#NYSE">KO</a>)] and MO $2,000, 5% average dividends. Do [dividend reinvestment plan] JPM or [American Express (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/axp#NYSE">AXP</a>)] $2,000. JPM has good potential growth,&#8221; the suggestion says.
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<li>Can you guess how many retire with a $5,000,000 nest egg? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/5mil-nest-egg-adv">The percentage may shock you</a>.</li>
<li>Inspired by Uber and Airbnb &#8211; Deloitte's fastest-growing software company is transforming 7 billion smartphones into income-generating assets &#8211; <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">with $1,000 you can invest at just $0.26/share!</a></li>
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JEPI

JEPQ

Man With $30K To Deploy Wants Dividends For Life – 'Even If It's Just Enough To Pay For A Yearly Vacation Here Or There,' Reddit Reacts

Top U.S. technology multinationals, which have been the biggest beneficiaries of globalization, come to the fore as tariffs could heavily impact the cost of the goods sold by these firms.
What Happened: The data shared by Gina Martin Adams, the chief equity strategist and global director of equity strategy at Bloomberg Intelligence, shows the top tech companies in the U.S. that are likely to be impacted by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/04/44621408/market-access-has-a-price-trump-unveils-list-of-tariffs-countries-targeted">tariffs announced</a> by President Donald Trump on Wednesday.
These firms &#8220;may suffer the most as tariffs spark trade turmoil and threaten the long-expanding margin domination of American companies,&#8221; explains Adams.
The graphic shared by her shows that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/legal/25/04/44620411/mark-zuckerberg-led-meta-set-to-face-truth-at-senate-hearing-over-china-operations-and-communist-party-censorship-efforts">Mark Zuckerberg</a>&#8216;s Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) spends less than 10% of the total amount required for them to produce their products and services in the U.S., making it the most vulnerable to tariffs.
The top 10 firms also include Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>), Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), and AT&amp;T Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/T#NYSE">T</a>).
Adams says that these firms could face more challenges in the wake of retaliation by other countries, further influencing the global supply chain. &#8220;White House tariffs may only be the start, as retaliations further strain global supply chains,&#8221; she adds.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">US multinationals, arguably the biggest driver and beneficiary of globalization, may suffer most as tariffs spark trade turmoil and threaten margin domination of American companies. White House tariffs may only be the start, as retaliations further strain global supply chains. <a href="https://t.co/kbopS2fsT8">pic.twitter.com/kbopS2fsT8</a>
&mdash; Gina Martin Adams (@GinaMartinAdams) <a href="https://twitter.com/GinaMartinAdams/status/1907580802222690759?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/market-summary/25/04/44602836/tesla-short-interest-soars-to-2116-making-it-the-4th-largest-shorted-stock-heres-what-its-charts-are-indicating">Tesla Short Interest Soars To 21.16%, Making It 4th Most Shorted Stock Currently: Here&#8217;s What Its Charts Indicate</a>
Why It Matters: According to Adams, &#8220;Contrary to popular belief, mega-cap U.S. tech may be at considerable risk, with extremely high valuations and assumptions that margin moats will remain intact.
Companies with high facilities exposure and elevated cost of goods sold outside the U.S. face the greatest direct threats in the short run, while those with elevated revenue exposure are not immune.&#8221;
However, she adds, &#8220;Non-domestic stocks and defensive U.S. sectors may provide some haven as U.S. companies adjust to the new regime.&#8221;
Wedbush&#8217;s Daniel Ives adds that &#8220;Negotiations the only option at this point for White House.&#8221;
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">We would characterize this slate of tariffs as &quot;worse than the worst case scenario&quot; the Street was fearing. The biggest focus will be the China 34% tariff and Taiwan 32% and how this impacts supply chain and demand. Negotiations the only option at this point for White House.
&mdash; Dan Ives (@DivesTech) <a href="https://twitter.com/DivesTech/status/1907611902047338791?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Whereas, Craig Shapiro of Bear Trap Reports contends by saying that Trump isn&#8217;t looking for concessions from trading partners, but &#8220;wants/needs the tariff revenues to help plug the fiscal deficit budget hole.&#8221;
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">What the market fails to realize is that Trump doesn&#39;t want concessions from trading partners. He wants/needs the tariff revenues to help plug the fiscal deficit budget hole <a href="https://t.co/nQf82Q2Zan">https://t.co/nQf82Q2Zan</a>
&mdash; Craig Shapiro (@ces921) <a href="https://twitter.com/ces921/status/1905609335599698141?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Price Action: Here&#8217;s how these top 10 firms listed by Adams have performed.
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Companies</td>
<td>Wednesday After-Hours</td>
<td>YTD</td>
<td>One Year</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>)</td>
<td>-4.83%</td>
<td>-2.55%</td>
<td>15.23%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Deckers Outdoor Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DECK#NYSE">DECK</a>)</td>
<td>-11.85%</td>
<td>-42.32%</td>
<td>-21.41%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Incyte Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INCY#NASDAQ">INCY</a>)</td>
<td>-3.74%</td>
<td>-10.36%</td>
<td>12.69%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>)</td>
<td>-5.79%</td>
<td>-14.65%</td>
<td>-43.04%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>)</td>
<td>-7.14%</td>
<td>-8.19%</td>
<td>31.97%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AT&amp;T Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/T#NYSE">T</a>)</td>
<td>-0.64%</td>
<td>23.26%</td>
<td>59.80%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Albemarle Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ALB#NYSE">ALB</a>)</td>
<td>-3.32%</td>
<td>-15.23%</td>
<td>-43.94%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VZ#NYSE">VZ</a>)</td>
<td>0.02%</td>
<td>11.27%</td>
<td>4.44%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-Mobile Us Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TMUS#NASDAQ">TMUS</a>)</td>
<td>-2.68%</td>
<td>20.51%</td>
<td>62.05%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Best Buy Co Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BBY#NYSE">BBY</a>)</td>
<td>-8.99%</td>
<td>-12.12%</td>
<td>4.51%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
Ahead of the tariff announcements on Wednesday, the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) and Invesco QQQ Trust ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>), which track the S&amp;P 500 index and Nasdaq 100 index, respectively, rose in trade. The SPY was up 0.63% to $564.52, while the QQQ advanced 0.73% to $476.15, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro</a> data.
On Thursday, the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/04/44620686/sp-500-nasdaq-futures-plunge-over-3-as-trumps-reciprocal-tariff-plan-hits-market-confidence">futures</a> of the Dow Jones index dropped 2.25%, whereas the S&amp;P 500 and Nasdaq 100 indices also slumped by 3.02% and 3.52%, respectively.
Read Next:
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</ul>
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Analyst Color

Government

Market Summary

Futures

Economics

Tech

DECK

INCY

Meta, AMD, Apple, AT&T Among Biggest US Tech Giants That 'May Suffer The Most' As Tariffs Spark Trade Turmoil: Here's Why

Whales with a lot of money to spend have taken a noticeably bearish stance on Verizon Communications.
Looking at options history for Verizon Communications (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VZ#NYSE">VZ</a>) we detected 9 trades.
If we consider the specifics of each trade, it is accurate to state that 33% of the investors opened trades with bullish expectations and 66% with bearish.
From the overall spotted trades, 4 are puts, for a total amount of $137,423 and 5, calls, for a total amount of $501,336.
<h3>Projected Price Targets</h3>
Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $32.0 to $47.0 for Verizon Communications over the recent three months. 
<h3>Analyzing Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
Examining the volume and open interest provides crucial insights into stock research. This information is key in gauging liquidity and interest levels for Verizon Communications's options at certain strike prices. Below, we present a snapshot of the trends in volume and open interest for calls and puts across Verizon Communications's significant trades, within a strike price range of $32.0 to $47.0, over the past month.
<h3>Verizon Communications Option Volume And Open Interest Over Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1743619020_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Largest Options Trades Observed:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>VZ</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/18/26</td>
<td>$7.9</td>
<td>$7.3</td>
<td>$7.9</td>
<td>$38.00</td>
<td>$158.0K</td>
<td>708</td>
<td>200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VZ</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$13.0</td>
<td>$12.65</td>
<td>$13.0</td>
<td>$32.00</td>
<td>$117.0K</td>
<td>844</td>
<td>100</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VZ</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$10.25</td>
<td>$10.05</td>
<td>$10.05</td>
<td>$35.00</td>
<td>$100.5K</td>
<td>5.7K</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VZ</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/18/26</td>
<td>$5.4</td>
<td>$5.3</td>
<td>$5.3</td>
<td>$42.00</td>
<td>$87.9K</td>
<td>1.3K</td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VZ</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>07/18/25</td>
<td>$1.8</td>
<td>$1.77</td>
<td>$1.79</td>
<td>$44.00</td>
<td>$50.2K</td>
<td>1.5K</td>
<td>1.7K</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Verizon Communications</h3>
Wireless services account for about 70% of Verizon Communications' total service revenue and nearly all of its operating income. The firm serves about 93 million postpaid and 20 million prepaid phone customers via its nationwide network, making it the largest US wireless carrier. Fixed-line telecom operations include local networks in the Northeast, which reach about 30 million homes and businesses and serve about 8 million broadband customers. Verizon also provides telecom services nationwide to enterprise customers, often using a mixture of its own and other carriers' networks. Verizon agreed to acquire Frontier Communications in September 2024.
Following our analysis of the options activities associated with Verizon Communications, we pivot to a closer look at the company's own performance.
<h3>Where Is Verizon Communications Standing Right Now?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Currently trading with a volume of 10,816,882, the VZ's price is down by -1.66%, now at $44.62. </li>
<li>RSI readings suggest the stock is currently may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Anticipated earnings release is in 20 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What The Experts Say On Verizon Communications</h3>
A total of 2 professional analysts have given their take on this stock in the last 30 days, setting an average price target of $47.5.
Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move
Benzinga Edge's Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22bz20&amp;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=options-activity&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; An analyst from RBC Capital downgraded its action to Sector Perform with a price target of $45. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Oppenheimer keeps a Outperform rating on Verizon Communications with a target price of $50. 
Options are a riskier asset compared to just trading the stock, but they have higher profit potential. Serious options traders manage this risk by educating themselves daily, scaling in and out of trades, following more than one indicator, and following the markets closely.
If you want to stay updated on the latest options trades for Verizon Communications, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

Oppenheimer analyst Timothy Horan maintains Verizon Communications (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VZ#NYSE">VZ</a>) with a Outperform and raises the price target from $48 to $50.

Oppenheimer Maintains Outperform on Verizon Communications, Raises Price Target to $50

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VZ#NYSE">VZ</a>) is dialing up a bullish breakout as its stock pushes past key technical levels. With shares up 12.76% year to date and 5.20% in the past month, Verizon stock has now confirmed <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/golden-cross">a golden cross</a>, a classic bullish indicator signaling potential for more upside.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0331"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="631" height="489" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/31115944/Screenshot-2025-03-31-at-6.32.44-PM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-849608" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/31115944/Screenshot-2025-03-31-at-6.32.44-PM.png 631w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/31115944/Screenshot-2025-03-31-at-6.32.44-PM-300x232.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 631px) 100vw, 631px" /></a></figure>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0331">Chart created using Benzinga Pro</a>
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/sector-etfs/25/03/44420961/exclusive-why-defiance-etf-ceo-sees-big-gains-ahead-during-nvidias-6g-revolution" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EXCLUSIVE: Why Defiance ETF CEO Sees Big Gains Ahead During Nvidia&#8217;s 6G Revolution</a>
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Verizon Stock Technicals Confirm A Strong Uptrend</h1>
At $44.93, Verizon stock is currently above its eight-day simple moving average (SMA) of $44.10, its 20-day SMA of $44.02, and its 50-day SMA of $42.04 — each flashing a bullish signal.
Even more significantly, Verizon stock's 50-day SMA has crossed above its 200-day SMA of $41.73, officially forming a golden cross.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) indicator stands at 0.60, reinforcing the bullish momentum, while the Relative Strength Index (RSI) at 60.70 suggests the stock is gaining strength but has not yet reached overbought territory. 
Selling pressure persists, which could pose risks if momentum stalls.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Investor Takeaway: Bullish Setup, But Watch For Resistance</h1>
Verizon's golden cross could attract technical traders looking to ride the trend, but some caution is warranted. The stock is experiencing selling pressure, which could lead to short-term volatility. 
If Verizon stock holds above key support levels, the uptrend could continue, making it a compelling opportunity for bullish investors.
With telecom stocks gaining renewed interest, all eyes are on whether Verizon can capitalize on its bullish setup or if resistance levels will put the brakes on its rally.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/03/44560485/goldman-sachs-slashes-sp-500-price-outlook-as-tariffs-weaker-growth-hit-earnings">Goldman Sachs Slashes S&amp;P 500 Price Outlook As Tariffs, Weaker Growth Hit Earnings</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Technicals

Signals

Verizon Stock Flashes Bullish Signal As Golden Cross Confirms Uptrend

Whales with a lot of money to spend have taken a noticeably bearish stance on Verizon Communications.
Looking at options history for Verizon Communications (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VZ#NYSE">VZ</a>) we detected 12 trades.
If we consider the specifics of each trade, it is accurate to state that 41% of the investors opened trades with bullish expectations and 58% with bearish.
From the overall spotted trades, 8 are puts, for a total amount of $405,810 and 4, calls, for a total amount of $188,583.
<h3>What's The Price Target?</h3>
Taking into account the Volume and Open Interest on these contracts, it appears that whales have been targeting a price range from $38.0 to $47.0 for Verizon Communications over the last 3 months. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Trends</h3>
Examining the volume and open interest provides crucial insights into stock research. This information is key in gauging liquidity and interest levels for Verizon Communications's options at certain strike prices. Below, we present a snapshot of the trends in volume and open interest for calls and puts across Verizon Communications's significant trades, within a strike price range of $38.0 to $47.0, over the past month.
<h3>Verizon Communications 30-Day Option Volume &amp; Interest Snapshot</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1743435932_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Noteworthy Options Activity:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>VZ</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$4.05</td>
<td>$3.8</td>
<td>$3.85</td>
<td>$45.00</td>
<td>$103.1K</td>
<td>3.2K</td>
<td align="right">746</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VZ</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$1.2</td>
<td>$1.11</td>
<td>$1.18</td>
<td>$47.00</td>
<td>$69.0K</td>
<td>26.7K</td>
<td align="right">659</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VZ</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$1.09</td>
<td>$1.08</td>
<td>$1.08</td>
<td>$44.00</td>
<td>$66.6K</td>
<td>780</td>
<td align="right">881</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VZ</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$6.7</td>
<td>$6.2</td>
<td>$6.55</td>
<td>$40.00</td>
<td>$55.6K</td>
<td>10.0K</td>
<td align="right">115</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VZ</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>07/18/25</td>
<td>$0.66</td>
<td>$0.58</td>
<td>$0.63</td>
<td>$40.00</td>
<td>$49.9K</td>
<td>5.6K</td>
<td align="right">800</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Verizon Communications</h3>
Wireless services account for about 70% of Verizon Communications' total service revenue and nearly all of its operating income. The firm serves about 93 million postpaid and 20 million prepaid phone customers via its nationwide network, making it the largest US wireless carrier. Fixed-line telecom operations include local networks in the Northeast, which reach about 30 million homes and businesses and serve about 8 million broadband customers. Verizon also provides telecom services nationwide to enterprise customers, often using a mixture of its own and other carriers' networks. Verizon agreed to acquire Frontier Communications in September 2024.
Following our analysis of the options activities associated with Verizon Communications, we pivot to a closer look at the company's own performance.
<h3>Verizon Communications's Current Market Status</h3>
<ul>
<li>Currently trading with a volume of 7,127,253, the VZ's price is up by 1.1%, now at $45.42. </li>
<li>RSI readings suggest the stock is currently may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Anticipated earnings release is in 22 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What The Experts Say On Verizon Communications</h3>
Over the past month, 2 industry analysts have shared their insights on this stock, proposing an average target price of $46.5.
Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move
Benzinga Edge's Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22bz20&amp;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=options-activity&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Scotiabank persists with their Sector Perform rating on Verizon Communications, maintaining a target price of $48. 
&#x2A; An analyst from RBC Capital downgraded its action to Sector Perform with a price target of $45. 
Trading options involves greater risks but also offers the potential for higher profits. Savvy traders mitigate these risks through ongoing education, strategic trade adjustments, utilizing various indicators, and staying attuned to market dynamics. Keep up with the latest options trades for Verizon Communications with <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.

A Closer Look at Verizon Communications's Options Market Dynamics

Dividend investing is back on investors' radar after taking a backseat during the AI-led bull run. With tariff uncertainties and fading momentum in AI stocks, investors are looking for stable dividend-paying companies to navigate the current market turbulence. But it's not easy to find quality dividend stocks as it requires assessing factors like yield, payout ratio, financial stability, and growth potential.&nbsp;
Let's turn to a dividend investing case study for ideas and inspiration.
Don't Miss:
<ul>
<li>Can you guess how many retire with a $5,000,000 nest egg? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/5mil-nest-egg-adv">The percentage may shock you</a>.</li>
<li>Warren Buffett once said, "If you don't find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die."<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/warren-buffet-make-money-when-you-sleep"> Here&#8217;s how you can earn passive income with just $100.</a></li>
</ul>
Last month, someone asked income investors on r/Dividends — a Reddit community with 690,000 members — whether it was realistic to live off dividends and how much investment is needed to reach at least $50,000 in annual dividend income. The question also asked Redditors to share how long it takes for the average investor to reach a dividend income that covers basic expenses.
The question received hundreds of comments, but one story caught our eye.
An investor said he was making $175,000 a year in dividends and retired two years ago at the age of 48.
"I'm still not touching them, especially now. I have a small passive business that generates enough to cover my expenses. I've recently gone about 1/3 short term government bonds because I'm VERY worried about a recession," he said.
Trending: BlackRock is calling 2025 the year of alternative assets. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/masterworks">One firm from NYC has quietly built a group of 60,000+ investors who have all joined in on an alt asset class previously exclusive to billionaires like Bezos and Gates.</a>
The investor, 50, said his total portfolio worth was about $3.7 million.
"I used to make $220k for about 11 years. Saved and invested it and retired at 48. Now I spend my money which comes from dividends on travel, cars and doing what the f— I want," he said in a separate comment on the social platform.
Let's discuss some of the top holdings of the investor.
Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF
The Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SCHD#NYSE">SCHD</a>) tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index and provides exposure to some of the top dividend stocks trading in the U.S., including ConocoPhillips (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COP#NYSE">COP</a>), Chevron (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVX#NYSE">CVX</a>), Verizon Communications (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VZ#NYSE">VZ</a>) and Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BMY#NYSE">BMY</a>), among others.
NEOS S&amp;P 500 High Income ETF
NEOS S&amp;P 500 High Income ETF (CBOE: SPYI) is a high-yield covered call ETF that pays monthly dividend income. It invests in some of the top S&amp;P 500 companies and generates extra income by selling call options on stocks, generating extra premium income for shareholders. SPYI has a dividend yield of over 12%.
See Also: Have $200K saved?<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/have-200k-saved-heres-how-to-turn-it-into-lasting-wealth"> Here's how to turn it into lasting wealth</a>
iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF
iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SGOV#NYSE">SGOV</a>) tracks the performance of U.S. Treasury bonds with maturities of 0-3 months.&nbsp;
Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF
The Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VEA#NYSE">VEA</a>) provides investors exposure to companies trading in developed markets outside of the U.S., including Canada, Europe and the Pacific region. VEA pays quarterly dividends.&nbsp;
Janus Henderson AAA CLO ETF
The Janus Henderson AAA CLO ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JAAA#NYSE">JAAA</a>) invests in high-quality collateralized loan obligations and provides investors with exposure to asset classes with low risk and volatility. It yields over 6%.&nbsp;
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/gbr-savings-by-age">If You're Age 35, 50, or 60: Here&#8217;s How Much You Should Have Saved Vs. Invested By Now</a></li>
<li>Many are using retirement income calculators to check if they&#8217;re on pace —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-do-i-calculate-my-retirement-income-adv"> here&#8217;s a breakdown on what&#8217;s behind this formula.</a></li>
</ul>

JAAA

SGOV

SPYI

50-Year-Old Early Retiree Making $175,000 in Dividends Shares Portfolio - 'Now I Spend on Travel, Cars and Doing What I Want'

AT&amp;T Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/T#NYSE">T</a>) shares are trading<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/movers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> nearly flat on Friday.</a>
The company reportedly plans to reduce its monthly autopay discount for some customers.
Starting April 24, customers enrolled in the autopay and paperless billing program using eligible debit cards will see a reduction in their discount from $10 to $5, USA Today <a target="_blank" href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2025/03/27/att-autopay-discounts-cuts-save/82689187007/" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>.
Additionally, those enrolled with any non-AT&amp;T Points Plus credit card will no longer receive the discount.
Meanwhile, customers using a bank account for autopay will continue to receive the $10 discount on eligible internet plans and a $10 discount per phone line for eligible wireless plans.
This move follows similar actions by AT&amp;T's competitors, T-Mobile US, Inc. and Verizon Communications Inc., signaling a broader industry trend.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/03/44535109/feds-favorite-inflation-gauge-rises-more-than-expected-in-february-casting-doubt-on-near-term-rate-cuts" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fed&#8217;s Favorite Inflation Gauge Rises More Than Expected In February, Casting Doubt On Near-Term Rate Cuts</a>
According to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://pro.benzinga.com/?gspk=YWRhbWVja2VydDUzMzY&amp;gsxid=zBMR4PKmcgBw" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Pro</a>, T stock has gained over 60% in the past year. Investors can gain exposure to the stock via iShares U.S. Telecommunications ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IYZ#BATS">IYZ</a>) and&nbsp;WBI Power Factor High Dividend ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WBIY#NYSE">WBIY</a>).
On the financial front, AT&amp;T recently said that it remains on track to meet its 2025 targets, reaffirming its<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/guidance/25/03/44242274/att-confirms-2025-targets-cash-flow-strength-and-debt-reduction-plan-details" rel="noreferrer noopener"> FY25 adjusted EPS guidance of $1.97 to $2.07.</a>
The company also expects to report a first-quarter adjusted EPS of approximately $0.48 or higher, aligning with or exceeding last year's first-quarter performance (excluding DIRECTV).
Additionally, AT&amp;T projects a free cash flow of over $16 billion for the year, with around $2.8 billion expected for the first quarter.
As part of its strategic plan, AT&amp;T continues to make progress on the sale of its 70% stake in DIRECTV, with a planned closing by mid-2025. This transaction is expected to generate $5.4 billion in after-tax proceeds in 2025.
Earlier this month, AT&amp;T also said it continues to focus on improving its leverage, targeting a net-debt-to-adjusted EBITDA ratio of 2.5x by mid-2025.
Price Action: T stock is up 0.02% at $28.21 at last check Friday.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/market-summary/25/03/44531466/us-stocks-likely-to-open-lower-analysts-warn-prolonged-uncertainty-could-hurt-both-us-and-global-risk-assets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">US Stocks Likely To Open Lower, Analysts Warn ‘Prolonged Uncertainty Could Hurt Both US And Global Risk Assets'</a></li>
</ul>
Photo via Shutterstock.

What's Going On With AT&T Stock Today?

Deep-pocketed investors have adopted a bearish approach towards Verizon Communications (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VZ#NYSE">VZ</a>), and it's something market players shouldn't ignore. Our tracking of public options records at Benzinga unveiled this significant move today. The identity of these investors remains unknown, but such a substantial move in VZ usually suggests something big is about to happen.
We gleaned this information from our observations today when Benzinga's options scanner highlighted 10 extraordinary options activities for Verizon Communications. This level of activity is out of the ordinary.
The general mood among these heavyweight investors is divided, with 40% leaning bullish and 60% bearish. Among these notable options, 2 are puts, totaling $69,840, and 8 are calls, amounting to $376,840.
<h3>What's The Price Target?</h3>
After evaluating the trading volumes and Open Interest, it's evident that the major market movers are focusing on a price band between $40.0 and $46.5 for Verizon Communications, spanning the last three months.
<h3>Insights into Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
Assessing the volume and open interest is a strategic step in options trading. These metrics shed light on the liquidity and investor interest in Verizon Communications's options at specified strike prices. The forthcoming data visualizes the fluctuation in volume and open interest for both calls and puts, linked to Verizon Communications's substantial trades, within a strike price spectrum from $40.0 to $46.5 over the preceding 30 days.
<h3>Verizon Communications Option Activity Analysis: Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1743086872_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Largest Options Trades Observed:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>VZ</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$3.25</td>
<td>$3.1</td>
<td>$3.14</td>
<td>$42.00</td>
<td>$125.6K</td>
<td>11.1K</td>
<td>486</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VZ</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>07/18/25</td>
<td>$5.35</td>
<td>$5.25</td>
<td>$5.27</td>
<td>$40.00</td>
<td>$52.5K</td>
<td>1.1K</td>
<td>200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VZ</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/20/26</td>
<td>$4.25</td>
<td>$4.0</td>
<td>$4.2</td>
<td>$45.00</td>
<td>$42.0K</td>
<td>1.9K</td>
<td>100</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VZ</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$4.15</td>
<td>$4.05</td>
<td>$4.11</td>
<td>$41.00</td>
<td>$40.5K</td>
<td>12.9K</td>
<td>116</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VZ</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/04/25</td>
<td>$0.34</td>
<td>$0.29</td>
<td>$0.34</td>
<td>$45.50</td>
<td>$34.0K</td>
<td>515</td>
<td>1.2K</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Verizon Communications</h3>
Wireless services account for about 70% of Verizon Communications' total service revenue and nearly all of its operating income. The firm serves about 93 million postpaid and 20 million prepaid phone customers via its nationwide network, making it the largest US wireless carrier. Fixed-line telecom operations include local networks in the Northeast, which reach about 30 million homes and businesses and serve about 8 million broadband customers. Verizon also provides telecom services nationwide to enterprise customers, often using a mixture of its own and other carriers' networks. Verizon agreed to acquire Frontier Communications in September 2024.
Following our analysis of the options activities associated with Verizon Communications, we pivot to a closer look at the company's own performance.
<h3>Where Is Verizon Communications Standing Right Now?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Currently trading with a volume of 4,866,969, the VZ's price is up by 1.88%, now at $45.01. </li>
<li>RSI readings suggest the stock is currently may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Anticipated earnings release is in 26 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Expert Opinions on Verizon Communications</h3>
Over the past month, 2 industry analysts have shared their insights on this stock, proposing an average target price of $46.5.
Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move
Benzinga Edge's Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22bz20&amp;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=options-activity&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; Reflecting concerns, an analyst from RBC Capital lowers its rating to Sector Perform with a new price target of $45. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Scotiabank persists with their Sector Perform rating on Verizon Communications, maintaining a target price of $48. 
Options trading presents higher risks and potential rewards. Astute traders manage these risks by continually educating themselves, adapting their strategies, monitoring multiple indicators, and keeping a close eye on market movements. Stay informed about the latest Verizon Communications options trades with real-time alerts from <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>.

What the Options Market Tells Us About Verizon Communications

No one stumbles upon <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/12/42301100/most-americans-dont-see-wealth-as-the-key-to-financial-success-heres-what-matters-more-to-59-of-them">financial success</a> by accident. Wealth is built through discipline, learning from mistakes, and sticking to an approach even when the market seems to go awry. Few investing strategies showcase this better than <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/03/44374276/reddit-explodes-over-dividend-math-how-much-would-the-annual-dividend-be-for-a-280k-investment-investors-debate-schds-future-growth">dividend</a> investing.
Dividend investing is the slow-and-steady journey of the financial world, paying consistently while also providing growth in the background, making it perfect for retirees, long-term investors, and anyone who wants passive income.
Don't Miss:
<ul>
<li>Can you guess how many retire with a $5,000,000 nest egg? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/5mil-nest-egg-adv">The percentage may shock you</a>.</li>
<li>If there was a new fund backed by Jeff Bezos offering a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/arrived-private-credit-fund">7-9% target yield with monthly dividends would you invest in it</a>?</li>
</ul>
Still, this approach can also be risky for some if they pick the wrong stocks. One military veteran and Reddit user recently shared his investing journey that started with him making costly mistakes to now earning him $10,000 in dividends per year.
With 13 years of investing experience, the poster, an enlisted service member, had to learn what works through trial and error. He says he tried to be smarter than the market early on, leading to him selling big winners too soon and holding onto losers for too long.
&#8220;I bought [General Electric] in my Roth at what I thought was a great price point of $14.50 or something. Had to [dollar-cost average] over several years to bring the cost basis down and missed out on having that money in better spots in the biggest bull market year I have been a part of,&#8221; he shared.
The 36-year-old mentioned that he&#8217;s gradually shifted his strategy to dividend shares now and his $296,570 portfolio already generates over $10,000 annually in dividends. Let&#8217;s see what dividend shares and ETFs the investor holds.
Trending: BlackRock is calling 2025 the year of alternative assets. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/masterworks">One firm from NYC has quietly built a group of 60,000+ investors who have all joined in on an alt asset class previously exclusive to billionaires like Bezos and Gates.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">From Fatal Mistakes to $10,000/Year in Dividend Income—Reddit Investor Shares Top 10 Stocks and ETFs in His Portfolio</h2>
Abbott Laboratories
Healthcare company, Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABT#NYSE">ABT</a>) specializes in medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and nutritional products. With a 1.89% dividend yield per year, ABT is known for its diversified product portfolio and steady payments.
AbbVie
Pharmaceutical giant AbbVie (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABBV#NYSE">ABBV</a>) focuses on the research and development of therapies for various health conditions. Investors love ABBV because it has a strong yield, generating around 3.28% in dividends per year, and a stable pipeline of drugs.
ConocoPhillips
Energy giant ConocoPhillips (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COP#NYSE">COP</a>) engages in the exploration and production of oil and natural gas. COP pays investors approximately 3.05% in annual dividends.
Duke Energy Corporation
Duke Energy Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DUK#NYSE">DUK</a>) is one of the largest electric power companies in the U.S. and is known for its stable revenue and consistent dividends. DUK generates around 3.62% in annual dividend yield.
Apple
Technology giant Apple (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) has a modest dividend yield but a strong growth potential, and that&#8217;s why both growth and income-focused investors are attracted to this stock. APPL pays investors around 0.47% in dividends per year.
See Also: Have $200K saved?<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/have-200k-saved-heres-how-to-turn-it-into-lasting-wealth"> Here's how to turn it into lasting wealth</a>
Mastercard
Electronic payments company Mastercard (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MA#NYSE">MA</a>) benefits from the ongoing shift toward cashless transactions. This, and the growth potential it offers makes MA a go-to stock for many investors. The company generates around 0.56% in annual dividends.
Verizon
Telecom Verizon Communications (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VZ#NYSE">VZ</a>) provides wireless and wireline services. With a dividend yield of approximately 6.25% annually, VZ has a stable cash flow, making it a favorite among individual stock investors.
Altria Group
Tobacco giant Altria Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MO#NYSE">MO</a>) is mainly known for the Marlboro brand. MO offers a high dividend yield of 7.21% per year, appealing to those seeking higher passive income.
Global X SuperDividend ETF
Tracking the performance of the Indxx SuperDividend U.S. Low Volatility Index, Global X SuperDividend ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIV#NYSE">DIV</a>) focuses on high dividend yields and is known to retain low volatility. DIV generates around 11.37% in dividend yield per year.
Invesco Preferred ETF
Invesco Preferred ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PGX#NYSE">PGX</a>) invests mainly in preferred stocks, which are hybrid securities offering features of both stocks and bonds.​ Paying investors around 5.85% in annual dividends, PGX is a favorite for those who seek higher income.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/gbr-savings-by-age">If You're Age 35, 50, or 60: Here&#8217;s How Much You Should Have Saved Vs. Invested By Now</a></li>
<li>Many are using retirement income calculators to check if they&#8217;re on pace —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-do-i-calculate-my-retirement-income-adv"> here&#8217;s a breakdown on what&#8217;s behind this formula.</a></li>
</ul>

ABBV

From Rookie Mistakes To $10K/Year In Dividends – Military Veteran Who 'Made A Few Great Plays' Shares His 10 Biggest Bets

Many investors find the benefits of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/03/44461718/high-income-earner-with-3000-monthly-to-invest-faces-big-decision-i-definitely-want-to-diversify-beyond-ai-and-dividends">dividends</a>, such as money working for you and steady payouts, incredibly appealing. In fact, for many, dividends are the closest thing to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/07/39914065/financial-freedom-or-bust-why-suze-orman-says-your-wallet-matters-more-than-your-flag">financial freedom</a>: they don&#8217;t need to sell assets, do not need to time the market, and get reliable income.
That&#8217;s why ETFs like Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SCHD#NYSE">SCHD</a>) have become so popular. They offer investors a diversified blend of dividend-paying stocks, stable growth potential, and a tax-efficient income stream.
But is parking $1 million into SCHD only the best move? This is what a Redditor recently asked on the online discussion board, sparking a heated debate in the comments.
Don't Miss:
<ul>
<li>Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart &amp; Target – <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">Many are rushing to grab 4,000 of its pre-IPO shares for just $0.26/share!</a></li>
<li>If there was a new fund backed by Jeff Bezos offering a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/arrived-private-credit-fund">7-9% target yield with monthly dividends would you invest in it</a>?</li>
</ul>
The investor has a portfolio already in place but is contemplating how to invest an unexpected $1 million windfall. His goal is to generate passive income to cover basic expenses like taxes and insurance without risking the principal, so he&#8217;s considering going all in SCHD.
Some in the r/Dividends community agreed wholeheartedly with the poster, while others suggested different strategies. Let&#8217;s see their insights.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">$1 Million Windfall in SCHD? Redditors Showed Mixed Feelings</h2>
SCHD Offers a Balanced Mix of Income and Growth
Many commenters agreed with the poster, saying that SCHD is a good choice and not only does it pay out dividends but it also provides capital appreciation, which makes it a great long-term hold.
&#8220;There&#8217;s nothing wrong with that hypo. Great diversification, growth, and income. All while being conservative. There are alternatives that give the same if not better options, but for a basic answer, yes, it would be fine,&#8221; a Redditor said.
&#8220;In a taxable account, living off the SCHD-qualified dividends and then supplementing that with 401(k) distributions is the way to go in my opinion,&#8221; a commenter wrote.
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One Redditor mentioned a dividend reinvestment plan into SCHD is a good strategy, especially if the poster isn&#8217;t close to retirement.
&#8220;If you are still younger and pre-retirement, and the SCHD is in a retirement account, I say [dividend reinvestment plan] and forget it until closer to retirement,&#8221; he said.
&#8220;SCHD has a relatively high turnover rate, which means that the underlying holdings of the ETF are bought and sold more frequently than the average ETF,&#8221; a Redditor advocated.
Diversify Beyond SCHD
While most comments centered around SCHD, some Redditors suggested mixing in several other stocks or ETFs for higher income and/or better risk-adjusted returns.
&#8220;I like my [JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/jepi#NYSE">JEPI</a>)]/[JPMorgan Nasdaq Equity Premium Income ETF (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/jepq#NYSE">JEPQ</a>)]. Yields about $110,000 on $1 million and pays monthly,&#8221; a user said.
A commenter shared that he balances SCHD with broad-market growth, ensuring he doesn&#8217;t miss out on appreciation.
&#8220;That&#8217;s my plan. Except I do 70% SCHD, 30% [Schwab U.S. Broad Market ETF (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/schb#NYSE">SCHB</a>)]. The SCHB is to participate in the S&amp;P 500 growth. In case my bet on SCHD isn&#8217;t as good as I hope, I can do a variation of stock sales that Bogleheads view as the answer to life.&#8221;
&#8220;My portfolio at age 50 will be about 75% SCHD, 25% [Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/vti#NYSE">VTI</a>)],&#8221; a commenter said.
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One Redditor pointed out that the poster&#8217;s plan is his retirement plan also, but he&#8217;s balancing his portfolio with other assets as well.
&#8220;Nothing wrong with this. This is essentially my retirement plan. $2 million in [SPDR Portfolio S&amp;P 500 ETF (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/splg#NYSE">SPLG</a>)] + $2 million in SCHD + $500,000 in [Invesco QQQ Trust (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/qqq#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>)] = retirement,&#8221; he wrote.
Sharing a list of stocks he would invest in if he were in the poster&#8217;s situation, this Reddit investor splits them into buckets that either focus on dividends or growth.
&#8220;If you&#8217;re looking to create $38,000 from $1 million, you could also put ~$800,000 in Treasuries and $200,000 in pure-growth or dividend-growth stocks to get income and growth. Or you could do a high-low strategy that averages out to 3.8%; high for current income and low for growth. In the high bucket, you can include a combo of stocks like [Altria Group (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/mo#NYSE">MO</a>)], [Energy Transfer LP (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/et#NYSE">ET</a>)], [Realty Income Corp. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/o#NYSE">O</a>)], [Dow (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/dow#NYSE">DOW</a>)], [Verizon Communications (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/vz#NYSE">VZ</a>)]. In the dividend-growth bucket, you can include names like [Broadcom (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/avgo#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>)], [Microsoft (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/msft#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>)], [Apple (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/aapl#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>)], [Texas Instruments (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/txn#NASDAQ">TXN</a>)], and [Target (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/tgt#NYSE">TGT</a>)],&#8221; he wrote.
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