Spin-offs part of long-term pattern

VERIZON COMMUNICATIONS INC. $38 (New York symbol VZ; Conservative Growth Portfolio, Utilities sector; Shares outstanding: 2.9 billion; Market cap: $110.2 billion; WSSF Rating: Average) is slowly shifting away from its traditional telephone business into areas with higher growth potential. For example, it recently acquired business… Read More

Idearc Inc. $31 – New York symbol IAR

IDEARC INC. $31 (New York symbol IAR; Income Portfolio, Consumer sector; Shares outstanding: 146.0 million; Market cap: $4.5 billion; WSSF Rating: Average) publishes over 1,200 white pages and yellow pages directories in 35 states.

The company is the former directories division of Verizon Communications Inc. In… Read More

Hold This Spin-off For Its High Yield

VERIZON COMMUNICATIONS INC. $35 (New York symbol VZ, Conservative Growth Portfolio, Utilities sector; WSSF Rating: Average) has spun off its directories business as a separate company called IDEARC INC. $29 (New York symbol IAR; Income Portfolio, Consumer sector; WSSF Rating: Average).

Idearc publishes over 1,200 yellow… Read More