Putting those charges aside, Verizon’s adjusted earnings per share actually came in at a respectable $0.38, even after including a $0.07-per-share write-down from Hurricane Sandy damages. In fact, Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) remains as solid as ever, from its best-in-class infrastructure — which nicely positions the company to benefit from the coming onslaught of new 4G mobile consumers — to the potential for Big Red to eventually acquire the remaining 45% of its Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) Wireless subsidiary, which is currently controlled by Vodafone Group Plc (ADR) (NASDAQ:VOD).
Even so, in the meantime investors can happily collect Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ)’s huge 4.4% dividend while they wait for their shares to appreciate.
Intoxicating gains
If mobile phones and warehouse shopping don’t put you to sleep, I’m betting spirits specialist Diageo will.
Diageo enjoys an industry moat as wide as they come as the producer of 17 of the top 100 global premium distilled spirits brands, including Baileys, Captain Morgan, Jose Cuervo, Smirnoff, and Crown Royal. If that weren’t enough, Diageo also owns wine brands including Chalone, Blossom Hill, Sterling Vineyards, Justerini & Brooks, and Dom Perignon.
Still not convinced? Consider the fact that more than one-fifth of Diageo’s sales last year came from its beer brands, which include Guinness, Red Stripe, and Harp Lager.
With that fortress-like moat of powerhouse brands, it’s hard to imagine the day Diageo’s business wanes. Even so, its recently approved deal to take a 27.4% stake in India-based United Spirits shows the industry behemoth still isn’t content to rest on its laurels.
Sleep well
Whether you’d like to benefit from the thriving spirits business, shopping in bulk, or unrivaled opportunities in the mobile space, even the most conservative investors can comfortably resist the wider market’s ebbs and flows by owning any of three of the aforementioned companies.
On that note, Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST)’s low prices haven’t just benefited customers — shareholders have walloped the market, returning 11,000% over the past two decades. However, with prices near all-time highs, is the ride over for Costco investors? To answer that and more, we’ve compiled a premium research report with in-depth analysis on Costco. Simply click here now to gain instant access to this valuable investor’s resource.
The article 3 Solid Dividend Stocks to Let You Sleep at Night originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Steve Symington.
Fool contributor Steve Symington has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Costco Wholesale, Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO) (ADR), and Vodafone. The Motley Fool owns shares of Costco Wholesale. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
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