The Moody’s Investors Service segment publishes credit ratings and provides assessment services on various debt obligations, programs and facilities and entities that issue such obligations, such as various corporate, financial institution and governmental obligations, as well as and structured finance securities. This segment provides ratings in approximately 140 countries. Its ratings are disseminated through press releases to the public through electronic media, including the internet and real-time information systems used by securities traders and investors. This segment has rated approximately 5,000 non-financial corporates; 3,600 financial institutions; 16,000 public finance issuers; 145 sovereigns; 47 supranational institutions; 459 sub-sovereigns; and 1,000 infrastructure and project finance issuers, as well as 9,100 structured finance deals.
The Moody’s Analytics segment develops a range of products and services that support the risk management activities of institutional participants in financial markets, and it offers subscription-based research, data and analytical products comprising credit ratings, credit research, quantitative credit scores and other analytical tools, economic research and forecasts, business intelligence and company information products, commercial real estate data and analytical tools, and on-line and classroom-based training services, as well as credentialing and certification services.
Moody’s also offers offshore analytical and research services with learning solutions and certification programs, and software solutions, as well as related risk management services.
Investors receive a 1.02% dividend. RBC Capital Markets has set a $329 target price, while the consensus target for Moody’s stock is $321.60. The stock closed at $265.35 on Monday.
Verizon
This top telecommunications stock offers tremendous value at current levels, and Berkshire Hathaway owns 158.8 million shares. Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ) is one of the largest U.S. telecom companies. It provides wireless and wireline service to retail, enterprise and wholesale customers.
The company’s wireless network serves approximately 120 million mobile connections with 115 million postpaid subscribers. Its wireline business has undergone a period of secular decline due to wireless substitution and cable competition.
Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America’s most advanced fiber-optic network, and it delivers integrated business solutions to customers worldwide.
Verizon Communications stock comes with a 5.04% dividend. The BofA Securities target price is $64. The consensus target is $58.61. Shares closed Monday’s session trading at $49.59.
Given Buffet’s proclivity for only owning the stock of companies that he understands inside and out, these all make sense now for growth and income investors worried about the potential for a steep market decline. While they could sell off in a large correction, they will hold up far better than most, and they are less likely to be stung by higher interest rates.
Originally posted at 24/7 Wall St.
Sponsored: Find a Qualified Financial Advisor
Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to 3 fiduciary financial advisors in your area in 5 minutes. Each advisor has been vetted by SmartAsset and is held to a fiduciary standard to act in your best interests. If you’re ready to be matched with local advisors that can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
