Thoughts on AT&T (T) as a stock to purchase?

[TNGary]

Company has numerous times, CEO, confirmed commitment to 6-7% dividend.
Q1 was on the upside
high debt but appears able to manage debt and still have some free cash flow.

Any thoughts as a stock to purchase?

[Viperguy]

Warner media.....CNN. No way

[justjim]

OP, ask a question and isn’t that what this forum is about? OP, ATT is a “blue chip” stock and a couple of my mutual funds have the stock. As I don’t follow the Market closely anymore, frankly I let the “various diversified funds” pick the stocks and it’s all been good and much less stressful than picking and trading in the market daily, or weekly. As noted, ATT pays a very nice dividend and IMHO an excellent conservative stock pick. Of course, there are others so to each his own.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

Ah, I think that there are other better stocks for a dividend plus growth, than AT&T. The competition and investment requirements are intense. . .but I am just a poster on a retirement development web site, and could be anyone. . .

Best to talk with your investment advisor that a bunch of web site typists

and yes I am in corp finance. . .

[tsmall22204]

The very people you are seeking advice from have investment companies that advise them. Get your own.

[dewilson58]

Come here for advise on a stock?

Absolutely!!!

People come here for advice on: retirement, golf carts, houses, brokers, pizza, dog poop, mortgages, impact fees, NOTHING, humidity, plumbers, golf conditions, doctors.

[Catalina36]

Excellent choice, I have been in AT&T for about 1 1/2 years. I tell my friends about this stock. I started watching around 26 to 27. Pays a great dividend of 6.8% the high at one time was around 39. So I feel there’s room to go up. Pays quarterly dividends. Also check IIM a muni fund pays 4.9% fed tax free. Pays monthly dividend. I have been in this for over 5 years. Trades like a stock buy today sell tomorrow. No term.

[Catalina36]

Oh I forgot AT&T is now around 31.50 nice move up and a great dividend. I have been in since $26.78. Enjoy very little risk AT&T is not going bankrupt.

[dewilson58]

Enjoy very little risk AT&T is not going bankrupt.

Oooooooooo, you were doing so well until this statement.

:ohdear:

[lkagele]

Too much debt. If you're not adverse to 'sin stocks', check out MO.

[stan the man]

Absolutely!!!

People come here for advice on: retirement, golf carts, houses, brokers, pizza, dog poop, mortgages, impact fees, NOTHING, humidity, plumbers, golf conditions, doctors.

Oh thank you

[Stu from NYC]

I have a bridge with very little usage that would be available for a good price.

On a different note consider a dividend growth type mutual fund that will pay less in dividends than A T and T but give you diversification with less risk.

[diamond2005]

Excellent choice, I have been in AT&T for about 1 1/2 years. I tell my friends about this stock. I started watching around 26 to 27. Pays a great dividend of 6.8% the high at one time was around 39. So I feel there’s room to go up. Pays quarterly dividends. Also check IIM a muni fund pays 4.9% fed tax free. Pays monthly dividend. I have been in this for over 5 years. Trades like a stock buy today sell tomorrow. No term.

Check their debt! If you are buying strictly for dividend,
then go for it. It will not appreciate much until it sheds
some debt.

[Boomer]

Come here for advise on a stock?

When I need my shoes fixed - I go to a shoemaker. When I need advice............

The very people you are seeking advice from have investment companies that advise them. Get your own.


Ah, yes, what a surprise — snide comments from the patrol boys. Not sure why some posters think they have to judge and approve every question.

Anyway, OP (TNGary), I understand what you are asking — because I also like to talk generally about individual stocks sometimes.

It looks like you are watching T closely. That dividend is tempting and you are aware of the debt thing.

I need to look at whether they have increased the dividend again. CEOs do not like to lose the status that goes with years and years of consecutive dividend increases — even if the increase has to be a tiny one. (I am going to look this up later.)

If you don’t own any T right now, you might want to buy a few shares — which will make it more interesting for you to follow, without betting the farm. See how owning it makes you feel. (Yeah, I have to determine how a stock makes me “feel” but maybe that’s a woman thing. :) )

I looked this morning to see how Fidelity’s rating looked and the computer-generated number was at the low end of neutral. But I am never sure what goes into that number.

Anyway, thanks for the discussion, and good luck with your decision.

Boomer

[dewilson58]

One poster recommended GUT as a dividend investment.

[DAVES]

Company has numerous times, CEO, confirmed commitment to 6-7% dividend.
Q1 was on the upside
high debt but appears able to manage debt and still have some free cash flow.

Any thoughts as a stock to purchase?

All stocks are a matter of opinion. I recall reading no one is right all the time. To make money you just need to be right more often then you are wrong.

Are you asking about T? I hold some. Some of what I hold is worth more than I paid for it. Some is worth less than my cost not counting the dividends. I bought the new lower priced shares intending to have as many shares at a lower cost and have the taxman share part of my loss. To date it has not reached my sell price. Preserving the high dividend? Promises do not mean much. Right now they are borrowing money to pay the dividend. There are always buyers and sellers. If, you are buying perhaps you will end up with the shares I am selling when they hit my ask price.

We all want safety and stocks that only go up and of course pay a great dividend. Reality is so truly rude and real.

[Stu from NYC]

Ah, yes, what a surprise — snide comments from the patrol boys. Not sure why some posters think they have to judge and approve every question.

Anyway, OP (TNGary), I understand what you are asking — because I also like to talk generally about individual stocks sometimes.

It looks like you are watching T closely. That dividend is tempting and you are aware of the debt thing.

I need to look at whether they have increased the dividend again. CEOs do not like to lose the status that goes with years and years of consecutive dividend increases — even if the increase has to be a tiny one. (I am going to look this up later.)

If you don’t own any T right now, you might want to buy a few shares — which will make it more interesting for you to follow, without betting the farm. See how owning it makes you feel. (Yeah, I have to determine how a stock makes me “feel” but maybe that’s a woman thing. :) )

I looked this morning to see how Fidelity’s rating looked and the computer-generated number was at the low end of neutral. But I am never sure what goes into that number.

Anyway, thanks for the discussion, and good luck with your decision.

Boomer

I didnt think my comment was snide, when I need investment advise would want to go to people who are knowledgeable not a bunch of anonymous folks who may or may not have a clue on stocks.

[DAVES]

I have a bridge with very little usage that would be available for a good price.

On a different note consider a dividend growth type mutual fund that will pay less in dividends than A T and T but give you diversification with less risk.

That old joke is about the Brooklyn bridge an made fun of uneducated immigrants. It is way above my ability to raise money however it could be a good investment at the right price.
Scrap value? I seem to recall reading the cables are not steel but are wrought iron which is not as strong as steel but is rust resistant. Steel production no longer starts with wrought iron to which you add carbon to make steel. Most real wrought iron comes from scrap. I can't help it. At the right price the Brooklyn Bridge would be a steal.

[DAVES]

I didnt think my comment was snide, when I need investment advise would want to go to people who are knowledgeable not a bunch of anonymous folks who may or may not have a clue on stocks.

We tend to think alike until we read an try to make it make sense. Knowledgeable vs dismissing others. We tend to dismiss people who do not repeat what we do not realize we are repeating as being wrong or more often we choose other demeaning adjectives.

Knowledgeable? Buffet is knowledgeable personified. We have even coined the term Buffet like. I find the reality amusing. Buffet has said that was a mistake I lost 45 million dollars on that-oops. My reality, was I to lose 45 million there would be a lot of people wondering how they could have been so stupid as to lend me that much money.
Buffet does not even trade in the same market where we prawns swim. Also amusing
Buffet is 86 years old. Buffet says he buys stocks for long term. Is he in different world? Buffet is a math genius. Does he simply refuse to see an actuarial table?

Diversified? Our most recent collapse, was it 2006. Real Estate took a dive. Stocks took a dive. Bonds took a dive. Antiques took a dive. The only thing that held it's value was gold. No I did not have gold then and I do not have gold now.

We think gold and real estate always go up. I remind all of us, including me EXCEPT WHEN THEY DON'T.

[dougjb]

I love getting investment advice from TOTV. I put it right behind getting legal advice on TOTV. Of course, the medical advice is outstanding. Given all that I have learned here about medical advice, I think I am ready to do open heart surgery on myself. Right after that, I will follow the legal advice and then the investment advice that others have so thoughtfully provided on TOTV.

There is a reason why people rely upon experts. Unless one thinks they have greater knowledge than those who have trained to be "experts" in their fields and who have spent a huge number of years in their education and in excess of 40 hours per week immersed in their field of expertise, I should think it might be worth the money to consult the "experts" not typists posting in TOTV. Thank god, Amazon was slow in delivering the scalpels!

[Aloha]

If you have money in a savings account, which is paying less than 1 percent interest, you may want to allow that same money to earn 6 percent interest, or more, with high dividend stocks. Research these 3 stocks : EPD, UTG, T. Or, just continue to lose asset value due to inflation.

[Luv2Bretired]

For over 30 years I have gradually bought T. It mostly has moved within a ten point band and I have added to my position when I felt it low. T is only about 5% of my portfolio. I would not bet the farm on it but it has provided a high dividend yield during a long historically low interest period

[DAVES]

Company has numerous times, CEO, confirmed commitment to 6-7% dividend.
Q1 was on the upside
high debt but appears able to manage debt and still have some free cash flow.

Any thoughts as a stock to purchase?

Any answer here would be to short to be of any real value. I currently hold (T) a commitment to hold the dividend and not cut it, is a statement. It is not binding or a guarantee. Depending on when I bought my shares some are worth more than I paid and others are worth less than I paid. Neither counts the dividend I do not drip dividends. My view since we no longer pay commissions dripping makes zero sense.
As far as the dividends, (T) is borrowing money to pay it-not a good business model.

I have decided to sell my most expensive shares and take the tax loss. In every stock trade there is a buyer and a seller. If, you are buying and it hits my price your shares may well be very local.

[DAVES]

If you have money in a savings account, which is paying less than 1 percent interest, you may want to allow that same money to earn 6 percent interest, or more, with high dividend stocks. Research these 3 stocks : EPD, UTG, T. Or, just continue to lose asset value due to inflation.

Often a four line post on complex subjects leaves out simple good manners. It is true to all that interest on safe cash after inflation and taxes is negative numbers. However, reality
money to buy stocks, invest or more true gamble that it will not go down from your buy price, has to come from somewhere-that is cash.

[dewilson58]

I love getting investment advice from TOTV.

OP asked for thoughts, not advice.

[DAVES]

Excellent choice, I have been in AT&T for about 1 1/2 years. I tell my friends about this stock. I started watching around 26 to 27. Pays a great dividend of 6.8% the high at one time was around 39. So I feel there’s room to go up. Pays quarterly dividends. Also check IIM a muni fund pays 4.9% fed tax free. Pays monthly dividend. I have been in this for over 5 years. Trades like a stock buy today sell tomorrow. No term.

Re: telling your friends
I am very cautious about doing that. If, they follow your advice they will tell everyone how smart THEY are. If, they lose money they will tell everyone how dumb you are. One way or the other it is a lose not a win for you.

[jfree9035]

Company has numerous times, CEO, confirmed commitment to 6-7% dividend.
Q1 was on the upside
high debt but appears able to manage debt and still have some free cash flow.

Any thoughts as a stock to purchase?
To me AT&T is not a purchase for growth. It is a purchased to buy and hold for its dividend. It's current dividend yield is 6.77% That is the reason I would purchase the stock. However, I would wait until after Monday, May 4 as that is the dividend payout date for this quarter ($0.52) and the stock will usually drop by that amount on the payout date.

[Stu from NYC]

OP asked for thoughts, not advice.

Seems to me that is a distinction without a difference.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

I didnt think my comment was snide, when I need investment advise would want to go to people who are knowledgeable not a bunch of anonymous folks who may or may not have a clue on stocks.

Nah, you weren't rude, more like direct, which some people don't like as much.

My wife is a very beat around the bush type, particularly in typing emails to customers, vendors, and colleagues, not wanting to be just direct and to the point.

I tend to be direct as well, some times too much, but I also know my audience so that if I know the person to whom I am directly speaking and they are not the direct type, then I don't do the direct type, but this is a bbs, web site, and anyone can be offended by anything, and that's where differing opinions makes the world go round.

corp finance guy

[jimhurtt@twc.com]

AT&T will be coming into a lot of money in January. They just screwed over thousands of retirees by reducing benefits. Drastically lowered life insurance coverage payouts, Death benefit payouts and Health insurance coverage. These are existing retirees they are hurting.

[dewilson58]

AT&T will be coming into a lot of money in January. They just screwed over thousands of retirees by reducing benefits. Drastically lowered life insurance coverage payouts, Death benefit payouts and Health insurance coverage. These are existing retirees they are hurting.

Is this a Buy recommendation??

[DAVES]

Ah, yes, what a surprise — snide comments from the patrol boys. Not sure why some posters think they have to judge and approve every question.

Anyway, OP (TNGary), I understand what you are asking — because I also like to talk generally about individual stocks sometimes.

It looks like you are watching T closely. That dividend is tempting and you are aware of the debt thing.

I need to look at whether they have increased the dividend again. CEOs do not like to lose the status that goes with years and years of consecutive dividend increases — even if the increase has to be a tiny one. (I am going to look this up later.)

If you don’t own any T right now, you might want to buy a few shares — which will make it more interesting for you to follow, without betting the farm. See how owning it makes you feel. (Yeah, I have to determine how a stock makes me “feel” but maybe that’s a woman thing. :) )

I looked this morning to see how Fidelity’s rating looked and the computer-generated number was at the low end of neutral. But I am never sure what goes into that number.

Anyway, thanks for the discussion, and good luck with your decision.

Boomer

The rules of the game have changed dramatically. First of all access to information and opinion is easy to find. You mention Fidelity. They offer no commission trades. You can buy partial shares. I regularly discover what I don't know. Much is rumor and opinion. A trade of say 100 shares. It sometimes shows say 10 trades to fill an order for 100 shares. Three shares, six shares, 20 shares etc oh and all at the same tenth of a second. No commission, and no advantage to buying round lots-100 shares, makes it a whole new ballgame.

In an IRA it is supposed to be TAX FREE till you withdraw the funds and they are taxed at you regular income rate. That, right now small nuance TAX they charge you every time you sell. Ask them about this TAX and they will spin it as a FEE not a tax. A tax by any other name is still a tax. Bring it up and they may well ask if you know DAVE.

I think it was Ben Franklin who said watch the pennies and the dollars will take care of themselves.

[Stu from NYC]

Nah, you weren't rude, more like direct, which some people don't like as much.

My wife is a very beat around the bush type, particularly in typing emails to customers, vendors, and colleagues, not wanting to be just direct and to the point.

I tend to be direct as well, some times too much, but I also know my audience so that if I know the person to whom I am directly speaking and they are not the direct type, then I don't do the direct type, but this is a bbs, web site, and anyone can be offended by anything, and that's where differing opinions makes the world go round.

corp finance guy

Amazed how people will come here asking for advise from people they know nothing about.

Last week went to a financial dinner with the so called advisor telling us how many people he has helped in over 20 years.

Noticed he said nothing about his background and didnt want questions so during the dinner planned to ask questions.

His office manager comes around to collect the sheets on setting up appointments so ask her the question. She has no clue.

Later on he comes around and I ask the question and he starts telling me about his childhood and early schooling so finally look at him and say you do realize that is not what I am asking.

Than he tells me about the on line courses he took. Never mentioned any classes in whatever schooling he did. Said thank you and he walked away.

Remarkably nobody seems to think this is important when he is asking you to entrust your life sayings with him.

Was a very nice dinner though.

[bobchap]

AT&T does have a great dividend yield. However, I am surprised know one has mentioned the pay out ratio which is -594%!! This is not a good sign. But everyone has their own risk level.

[dewilson58]

AT&T does have a great dividend yield. However, I am surprised know one has mentioned the pay out ratio which is -594%!! This is not a good sign. But everyone has their own risk level.

Look past the headlines.

[Boomer]

The rules of the game have changed dramatically. First of all access to information and opinion is easy to find. You mention Fidelity. They offer no commission trades. You can buy partial shares. I regularly discover what I don't know. Much is rumor and opinion. A trade of say 100 shares. It sometimes shows say 10 trades to fill an order for 100 shares. Three shares, six shares, 20 shares etc oh and all at the same tenth of a second. No commission, and no advantage to buying round lots-100 shares, makes it a whole new ballgame.

In an IRA it is supposed to be TAX FREE till you withdraw the funds and they are taxed at you regular income rate. That, right now small nuance TAX they charge you every time you sell. Ask them about this TAX and they will spin it as a FEE not a tax. A tax by any other name is still a tax. Bring it up and they may well ask if you know DAVE.

I think it was Ben Franklin who said watch the pennies and the dollars will take care of themselves.


Yes. Those kinds of records of trades can be tedious. I always set a limit price on a trade and now I plug in “all or none” on the order. With no commissions now, I realize making the order read “all or none” might seem moot. But I just don’t want to see little batches traded within nano-seconds when I look at buy and sell histories.

I never recommend a stock — although, obviously, sometimes I do like to discuss stocks. Earlier in this thread, I did recommend playing around, just a little, with a stock to see what you really think about owning it — for real — for a more significant amount or time. (Easiest done, if possible, inside an IRA so no tax consequences for capturing a gain if you want to.)

Nobody can predict the market. I am aware that even without commissions built in and semi-hidden fees, a lot of those giving “expert” advice get paid on a percentage basis. If it’s 1% a year, they tap the account quarterly. Whether the client is making money or not, the advisor always does — obviously more when the investments are up — but never “nothing.”

Dave, I am not clear on what you mean about IRAs and the “fee” you mention. All I know is that IRAs remain tax-deferred until tapped, whether by choice or because the RMD age has been reached. That’s when the tax-hit happens. (At RMD age, using a QCD, if charitably inclined, can be a tax advantage and a good one — definitely worth learning about to consider, at least.)

I think if you hit an IRA before 59 & 1/2, there is an early withdrawal tax penalty and I am pretty sure it’s 10%. But those are the only things I know about tax consequences from an IRA. I don’t know anything about a “fee” other than the tax thing.

Anyway, thanks for the conversation.

Boomer

[Boomer]

AT&T does have a great dividend yield. However, I am surprised know one has mentioned the pay out ratio which is -594%!! This is not a good sign. But everyone has their own risk level.

Yep. Just looked at some research and saw that. Never saw a payout ratio like that before. (Pause for thought.)

[CoachKandSportsguy]

Amazed how people will come here asking for advise from people they know nothing about.

Last week went to a financial dinner with the so called advisor telling us how many people he has helped in over 20 years.

Noticed he said nothing about his background and didnt want questions so during the dinner planned to ask questions.

His office manager comes around to collect the sheets on setting up appointments so ask her the question. She has no clue.

Later on he comes around and I ask the question and he starts telling me about his childhood and early schooling so finally look at him and say you do realize that is not what I am asking.

Than he tells me about the on line courses he took. Never mentioned any classes in whatever schooling he did. Said thank you and he walked away.

Remarkably nobody seems to think this is important when he is asking you to entrust your life sayings with him.

Was a very nice dinner though.

WOW! a friend of mine has a CFP, CFA and CMT. He would go to the dinners, get a nice meal, sign up for a meeting, and never show up to the meeting. He also would ask questions as he know the answers, and some stopped sending him invitations.

I prefer to make my own mistakes and pay my education to learn than to give my money to someone else and lose it all.

Yes, there are very, very few people who will create a great personal plan for you,customized to see what you can do, etc.

finance guy

[Stu from NYC]

WOW! a friend of mine has a CFP, CFA and CMT. He would go to the dinners, get a nice meal, sign up for a meeting, and never show up to the meeting. He also would ask questions as he know the answers, and some stopped sending him invitations.

I prefer to make my own mistakes and pay my education to learn than to give my money to someone else and lose it all.

Yes, there are very, very few people who will create a great personal plan for you,customized to see what you can do, etc.

finance guy

Some of these people give me food for thought and that makes it worth going, not to mention if the dinner is in a good restaurant we have wanted to try.

Do think it is wrong to make an appointment and not show up. Better to just tell them you are not interested in further discussions.

[DAVES]

Yes. Those kinds of records of trades can be tedious. I always set a limit price on a trade and now I plug in “all or none” on the order. With no commissions now, I realize making the order read “all or none” might seem moot. But I just don’t want to see little batches traded within nano-seconds when I look at buy and sell histories.

I never recommend a stock — although, obviously, sometimes I do like to discuss stocks. Earlier in this thread, I did recommend playing around, just a little, with a stock to see what you really think about owning it — for real — for a more significant amount or time. (Easiest done, if possible, inside an IRA so no tax consequences for capturing a gain if you want to.)

Nobody can predict the market. I am aware that even without commissions built in and semi-hidden fees, a lot of those giving “expert” advice get paid on a percentage basis. If it’s 1% a year, they tap the account quarterly. Whether the client is making money or not, the advisor always does — obviously more when the investments are up — but never “nothing.”

Dave, I am not clear on what you mean about IRAs and the “fee” you mention. All I know is that IRAs remain tax-deferred until tapped, whether by choice or because the RMD age has been reached. That’s when the tax-hit happens. (At RMD age, using a QCD, if charitably inclined, can be a tax advantage and a good one — definitely worth learning about to consider, at least.)

I think if you hit an IRA before 59 & 1/2, there is an early withdrawal tax penalty and I am pretty sure it’s 10%. But those are the only things I know about tax consequences from an IRA. I don’t know anything about a “fee” other than the tax thing.

Anyway, thanks for the conversation.

Boomer

My view. A large part of knowledge is knowing what you don't know. For many people, they don't know but will gladly argue that what they don't know but they are sure they are right.

I am aware that there is an all or none option. I'm not sure if you chose that option it, might prevent your order from going through, As I stated I have had trades where it is say a few hundred shares and it trades in groups of weird numbers all at the same 10th of a second. Like 6 shares, 8 shares etc etc etc it seems to be impossible and yet, I've seen it many times. I don't recall ever placing a sell at whatever price I've put in and had only part of it sold. We do not see what is going on. I assume once part of your sell order goes though you get put on some sort of priority status.

Re: not recommending a stock. I proudly think different than most. In discussing a stock I always make it clear that I HAVE and say it as many times as necessary for it to sink in, I am not an expert. I will be happy if you make money because it means that I have made money. If, you lose money, I to have lost money. When, talking money, truth is it is very rare that anyone will tell you the truth. Many people even without knowing it lie to themselves. Wow I made xxxx on this trade and xxxx on that trade. It is far to easy to forget wow I lost it all plus on that trade. I like the fidelity reports. It keeps me honest with myself.

Re: 1% to an advisor. I don't know what your position is on this. As you said they do not take 1% of your gains. I may be wrong but I think that was made illegal at the time of the great depression. People do not understand math. If, an advisor is charging you 1%
and your account is 10,000 I don't think they would take such an account but the math is the same. 10,000x.01=$100. If, you make one percent that year they take your entire gain. If, you lose money that year say 1%, they still take their 1%. Fuzzy math but you are down not 1% but 2%. Nothing is free. Is it worth it? Perhaps.

Re: calling a TAX a fee in an IRA.
Actually the same is true in a ROTH. When, you sell a stock there is a FEE that goes to the government. I had looked it up in the past. This FEE that is a TAX on what is supposed to be a non-taxible account is as I stated a word spin. Right now, if, I recall it is like .15 on any sale. Like ,25 on 10,000. Yes, it is nominal. We should know from experience any TAX always works the same. It is slipped in and then it goes up.

As far as RMD. It is now 72. I have about a year to go. I am planing on what to do.
Last I looked giving to charity is limited to 100,000. I'm not sure what my number is.
But, I do expect tax laws to change in a year. I read years ago they need to keep changing the tax laws to prevent people from figuring out how to minimize the taxes they pay. There is no problem finding people ready, willing and able to take the money I've worked for.

[DAVES]

Some of these people give me food for thought and that makes it worth going, not to mention if the dinner is in a good restaurant we have wanted to try.

Do think it is wrong to make an appointment and not show up. Better to just tell them you are not interested in further discussions.

We were supposed to learn, you get nothing for nothing. So many opportunities. One I recall was from match books-FREE STAMPS. They got me with that one. Perhaps of more local interest at about 13 I sent in a coupon from a bus for great land deals in Florida. They were really hounding me. I was wealthy. My income at 13 was my allowance. It was less than a dollar a week. Took my dad telling them I was 13 till they stopped calling.

Those free diner things. Hum, perhaps they have stopped or perhaps they target people who have just moved in. Selling investments that way. We may think we are immune but we are not. They are planned. You show up for the diner. They start their sales pitch. You will not leave you are there for the free diner. After diner, and a bit more of their sales pitch they hand you a form to fill out. It is shocking how much VALUABLE information people will FREELY give to them. Name, age, address, cell number, your net worth, where your money is now etc etc etc. We protect your information. Next time you go to a free protected information seminar, misspell your name. It is then easy to see that they are selling your information. It is worth far more than what the diner costs them.

I think it was my aunt who corrected my file on SPOKEO. Surveys, I never give out correct information. At one time due to some survey another survey where I supplied false information, it stated I am well over 150 years old and am still doing surgery and have more money that Buffet and Gates combined.

[Stu from NYC]

My view. A large part of knowledge is knowing what you don't know. For many people, they don't know but will gladly argue that what they don't know but they are sure they are right.

I am aware that there is an all or none option. I'm not sure if you chose that option it, might prevent your order from going through, As I stated I have had trades where it is say a few hundred shares and it trades in groups of weird numbers all at the same 10th of a second. Like 6 shares, 8 shares etc etc etc it seems to be impossible and yet, I've seen it many times. I don't recall ever placing a sell at whatever price I've put in and had only part of it sold. We do not see what is going on. I assume once part of your sell order goes though you get put on some sort of priority status.

Re: not recommending a stock. I proudly think different than most. In discussing a stock I always make it clear that I HAVE and say it as many times as necessary for it to sink in, I am not an expert. I will be happy if you make money because it means that I have made money. If, you lose money, I to have lost money. When, talking money, truth is it is very rare that anyone will tell you the truth. Many people even without knowing it lie to themselves. Wow I made xxxx on this trade and xxxx on that trade. It is far to easy to forget wow I lost it all plus on that trade. I like the fidelity reports. It keeps me honest with myself.

Re: 1% to an advisor. I don't know what your position is on this. As you said they do not take 1% of your gains. I may be wrong but I think that was made illegal at the time of the great depression. People do not understand math. If, an advisor is charging you 1%
and your account is 10,000 I don't think they would take such an account but the math is the same. 10,000x.01=$100. If, you make one percent that year they take your entire gain. If, you lose money that year say 1%, they still take their 1%. Fuzzy math but you are down not 1% but 2%. Nothing is free. Is it worth it? Perhaps.

Re: calling a TAX a fee in an IRA.
Actually the same is true in a ROTH. When, you sell a stock there is a FEE that goes to the government. I had looked it up in the past. This FEE that is a TAX on what is supposed to be a non-taxible account is as I stated a word spin. Right now, if, I recall it is like .15 on any sale. Like ,25 on 10,000. Yes, it is nominal. We should know from experience any TAX always works the same. It is slipped in and then it goes up.

As far as RMD. It is now 72. I have about a year to go. I am planing on what to do.
Last I looked giving to charity is limited to 100,000. I'm not sure what my number is.
But, I do expect tax laws to change in a year. I read years ago they need to keep changing the tax laws to prevent people from figuring out how to minimize the taxes they pay. There is no problem finding people ready, willing and able to take the money I've worked for.

Taxes have become so complicated we have people (CPA) to make recommendations.

[Boomer]

My view. A large part of knowledge is knowing what you don't know. For many people, they don't know but will gladly argue that what they don't know but they are sure they are right.

I am aware that there is an all or none option. I'm not sure if you chose that option it, might prevent your order from going through, As I stated I have had trades where it is say a few hundred shares and it trades in groups of weird numbers all at the same 10th of a second. Like 6 shares, 8 shares etc etc etc it seems to be impossible and yet, I've seen it many times. I don't recall ever placing a sell at whatever price I've put in and had only part of it sold. We do not see what is going on. I assume once part of your sell order goes though you get put on some sort of priority status.

Re: not recommending a stock. I proudly think different than most. In discussing a stock I always make it clear that I HAVE and say it as many times as necessary for it to sink in, I am not an expert. I will be happy if you make money because it means that I have made money. If, you lose money, I to have lost money. When, talking money, truth is it is very rare that anyone will tell you the truth. Many people even without knowing it lie to themselves. Wow I made xxxx on this trade and xxxx on that trade. It is far to easy to forget wow I lost it all plus on that trade. I like the fidelity reports. It keeps me honest with myself.

Re: 1% to an advisor. I don't know what your position is on this. As you said they do not take 1% of your gains. I may be wrong but I think that was made illegal at the time of the great depression. People do not understand math. If, an advisor is charging you 1%
and your account is 10,000 I don't think they would take such an account but the math is the same. 10,000x.01=$100. If, you make one percent that year they take your entire gain. If, you lose money that year say 1%, they still take their 1%. Fuzzy math but you are down not 1% but 2%. Nothing is free. Is it worth it? Perhaps.

Re: calling a TAX a fee in an IRA.
Actually the same is true in a ROTH. When, you sell a stock there is a FEE that goes to the government. I had looked it up in the past. This FEE that is a TAX on what is supposed to be a non-taxible account is as I stated a word spin. Right now, if, I recall it is like .15 on any sale. Like ,25 on 10,000. Yes, it is nominal. We should know from experience any TAX always works the same. It is slipped in and then it goes up.

As far as RMD. It is now 72. I have about a year to go. I am planing on what to do.
Last I looked giving to charity is limited to 100,000. I'm not sure what my number is.
But, I do expect tax laws to change in a year. I read years ago they need to keep changing the tax laws to prevent people from figuring out how to minimize the taxes they pay. There is no problem finding people ready, willing and able to take the money I've worked for.

:ho: DAVES, regarding your first point, you, sir, have been validated by me because the very day I posted about "all or none," it kicked me out. I had plugged in a trade as such and left the house. Later that day, I took a peek at the close by phone and saw that the day's high was exactly the price I had put in. Thought I had sold. Got back home. Logged in to the account and :boom: -- what you said. (Even though I have, a few times, had the thing happen with the divided numbers of shares trading, I will henceforth let the limit price ride. With no commissions now, I just need to get over myself on that one.)

Speaking of advisors, I never spend time with any of those guys who want to buy me dinner first. I used to go sometimes, years ago, because I thought I might learn something, but, even then, I never gave out any information. I guess I did learn a few things -- like what I did not want to do. One guy, a long time ago, was even asking for SSNs.

(Note to Stu from NYC: I agree with your response earlier about the guy with all the letters after his name who goes to dinners, makes appointments, and then stiffs the presenter by not showing up. Your comment was low-key and pretty darned gracious though. My comment? Such arrogant, bordering on narcissistic, behavior is not what I would want in an advisor.)

DAVES, about that fee -- so THAT'S what that small amount is.

And, about the RMD -- since the last tax change made it nearly impossible to use the charitable deduction, the QCD, I think, seems to work out better sometimes because the money never appears in the AGI. Managing the RMD with a QCD could help some taxpayers to stay below Medicare’s IRMAA -- although for anybody nearing the IRMAA threshold, they would need to run the numbers to decide if they would rather be charitable or take the hit -- answers will vary, of course.

Boomer

[Stu from NYC]

Used to mostly own stocks but have gone to now invest in good no load mutual funds with stable management and good historical results.

Get good diversification and have gotten good growth over the years. These days find that funds recommended by Kiplingers have given me good results and diversification by being in numerous types of funds.

With hindsight should have put most of my money with the Oracle of Omaha but not that smart.

And by going to a number of financial dinners have gone to some of the best restaurants around here for free. How great is that!

[l2ridehd]

I have been a buyer and seller of AT&T for many years. I buy in the low range and sell in it’s high range. $30 to $37. And collect the dividend while owning. Solid company, great return, pretty safe. There are others that follow this same pattern. I count this as a “bond” in my asset allocation because of it’s return. It actually behaves much like a bond. As long as your overall investment plan is based on diversity, AT&T is a good addition to most portfolio,s.

[DAVES]

Any answer here would be to short to be of any real value. I currently hold (T) a commitment to hold the dividend and not cut it, is a statement. It is not binding or a guarantee. Depending on when I bought my shares some are worth more than I paid and others are worth less than I paid. Neither counts the dividend I do not drip dividends. My view since we no longer pay commissions dripping makes zero sense.
As far as the dividends, (T) is borrowing money to pay it-not a good business model.

I have decided to sell my most expensive shares and take the tax loss. In every stock trade there is a buyer and a seller. If, you are buying and it hits my price your shares may well be very local.

Update 5/4/21 T hit my sell price Low for day 31.55 high 32.08, close 32.02. I sold my most expensive shares today at 31.99. Whoever bought them, they are up nine cents a share-good for them.. Would be amusing if they are still in the villages.

[TNGary]

I have been a buyer and seller of AT&T for many years. I buy in the low range and sell in it’s high range. $30 to $37. And collect the dividend while owning. Solid company, great return, pretty safe. There are others that follow this same pattern. I count this as a “bond” in my asset allocation because of it’s return. It actually behaves much like a bond. As long as your overall investment plan is based on diversity, AT&T is a good addition to most portfolio,s.

Excellent comment regarding consideration of allocation as a bond, creative thinking and does make sense. I suspect once the ship is righted, may not transition south of 30, time will tell. Very interesting day today, up 1.65%.

[Pairadocs]

Check their debt! If you are buying strictly for dividend,
then go for it. It will not appreciate much until it sheds
some debt.

Agree! I am long term holder for the dividends but agree not going to see much appreciation due to debt. Also holding onto Ford...doubting the wisdom of that one, probably should have cut that one loose long ago ???

[TNGary]

Monday 05/16 expect announcement, Rumors that ATT will merge with Discovery channel and a possible spin off. Will be interesting to see if confirmed and would expect some type of market reaction.

[HandyGrandpap]

Appears merger with spin off and dividend cut.
Good news or bad news for holders? Curious of thoughts?

[Boomer]

Appears merger with spin off and dividend cut.
Good news or bad news for holders? Curious of thoughts?

You will find an article titled, "What AT&T's WarnerMedia Spinoff Means for Your Dividends" -- written today and found on kiplinger.com

Boomer

[manaboutown]

"AT&T’s dividend: AT&T CEO John Stankey said on Monday that AT&T plans to “reset” its dividend after the transaction, which sounds like a euphemism for “cut.” The company said in its release on Monday morning that it will target an annual dividend payout ratio of 40% to 43% of free cash flow, which it forecasts as being at least $20 billion in 2022. That means about an annual dividend payment in the low $8 billion range, versus about $15 billion last year for a dividend payout ratio in the high 50%. AT&T investors get a stake in the new media company, but the dividend payment on their AT&T shares will drop by roughly half—from $2.08 per share annually, to some $1.10, based on the most recent available share count."

From: Here Are the Winners and Losers of the AT&T-WarnerMedia-Discovery Mega Deal | Barron's (https://www.barrons.com/articles/here-are-the-winners-and-losers-of-the-at-t-warnermedia-discovery-mega-deal-51621280105?siteid=yhoof2)

[CoachKandSportsguy]

So the lesson learned here is not to invest in stocks for the dividend which has a high dividend and a very high debt load. In the early 2010's, there was a big push by investors to force companies to lever up with increased debt with low interest rates to pay out increase dividend payouts and push prices higher.

I heard stories of some of this in action, so the accounting analysis is that the EPS per share is minorly impacted with low rate debt as only the interest on the debt is deductible on the income statement. However, the principle still has to be paid, and that shows up only in the cash flow statements. Well, the investors were just greedy for income or price appreciation as always their primary goal. . . So years later the debt is coming due, the business hasn't kept up as the economy is not growing like it did 20 years ago, and companies are stuck with a heavy debt, income which has been slowing down and interest and dividend payments choking off cash flow for investments. . . .

Likewise, as Bloomberg mentioned by one of the analysts, telecom companies requires large cash investment to maintain their services against the competitors, and AT&T is slowly falling behind. One of the sneaky things AT&T did was to limit wifi calling during the day on the service plans about a year ago . . . which then forced phones to switch over to cell calling and people's bills went up tremendously. . . was not great for customer renewals. .. a sign that they needed cash . . . it was temporary, but now they have run out of temporary

The issue with individual stocks is specific event and management risk, which can be diversified away with a larger portfolio. . . GE was in the same boat, and two different friends worked there and told me of the revenue manipulation for growth until they reached the limit of revenue legally, went beyond legal, and then the company collapsed in price due to debt and accounting issues . . . now been selling off divisions to pay off debt. . .

so with debt there is no free ride, with issuing shares, dilution, the company lives on in its current form. . . grad school case final exam, i picked debt over equity. . lost my good grades during the semester for a lower final grade. . . . will always remember that. . and the pandemic caused more debt than equity issues. . .

finance guy

[dewilson58]

Appears merger with spin off and dividend cut.
Good news or bad news for holders? Curious of thoughts?

Buy, Buy, Buy.

[Boomer]

Buy, Buy, Buy.

No. No. No.

Remember GE.

Investing in dividend stocks cannot be the set-it-and-forget-it routine. Even utilities are not the safety nets they were once thought to be. Dominion (D) slashed its dividend by 33% in late 2020. Debt did in D’s dividend, too.

I have concerns right now about the national real estate market. Selling prices are bloated due to low inventory and bidding wars — and also due to a bigger-than-usual emotional component in this one.

Retirees who want to downsize but want to stay in their natural habitat, instead of moving far from home, are fighting it out with the first-time buyers, bidding smaller home prices up, up, up.

The real estate market has a way of growing arms and legs reaching into the overall economy. The current national RE market better breathe — before it creates a false sense of wealth tied to home equity that turns out to be phantom equity. (Will homeowners beware of banks bearing HELOCs?)

We are a nation of amnesiacs.

Cassandra Boomer

[DAVES]

Company has numerous times, CEO, confirmed commitment to 6-7% dividend.
Q1 was on the upside
high debt but appears able to manage debt and still have some free cash flow.

Any thoughts as a stock to purchase?

Like any stock, you need to decide to hold, buy, sell or buy more or sell some of what you hold. Commitment to hold the dividend? I sold off my most expensive shares into the caused rise. I still held quite a bit that due to having sold off my most expensvie shares was at a 12% gain, not counting dividends. I did not want to pay short term taxes. The market fixed that problem for me. The stock dove on the deal.
I can see the future. You can bet they will be sued. The CEO cannot claim he was not aware of the pending deal when he said the dividend was secure.
If, you have not been involved in any of these suits, the attorneys will make tons of money, you will not get a dime.

I sold all of mine. As of today 5/25/21 it is below what I got for mine.

[DAVES]

WOW! a friend of mine has a CFP, CFA and CMT. He would go to the dinners, get a nice meal, sign up for a meeting, and never show up to the meeting. He also would ask questions as he know the answers, and some stopped sending him invitations.

I prefer to make my own mistakes and pay my education to learn than to give my money to someone else and lose it all.

Yes, there are very, very few people who will create a great personal plan for you,customized to see what you can do, etc.

finance guy

Your friend. I've done presentations not in finance. There is always some fool that is there to disrupt the meeting. They have always been the same. Have been like that since third grade. I am great at forcefully showing him or her to be a fool.

There are terms for people who mooch a meal. None are polite or meant to flatter.

[DAVES]

No. No. No.

Remember GE.

Investing in dividend stocks cannot be the set-it-and-forget-it routine. Even utilities are not the safety nets they were once thought to be. Dominion (D) slashed its dividend by 33% in late 2020. Debt did in D’s dividend, too.

I have concerns right now about the national real estate market. Selling prices are bloated due to low inventory and bidding wars — and also due to a bigger-than-usual emotional component in this one.

Retirees who want to downsize but want to stay in their natural habitat, instead of moving far from home, are fighting it out with the first-time buyers, bidding smaller home prices up, up, up.

The real estate market has a way of growing arms and legs reaching into the overall economy. The current national RE market better breathe — before it creates a false sense of wealth tied to home equity that turns out to be phantom equity. (Will homeowners beware of banks bearing HELOCs?)

We are a nation of amnesiacs.

Cassandra Boomer

Reality, we are a herd mentality. Very few thinkers in the mob.
We all know stocks only go up, real estate only goes up EXCEPT WHEN THEY DON'T.