Don't Race Out To Buy Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) Just Because It's Going Ex-Dividend

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) is approaching its ex-dividend date of October 9th, with a dividend payment of US$0.7075 per share, resulting in a trailing yield of 6.2%. While the dividend appears sustainable, covered by 73% of profits and 58% of free cash flow, the company has shown flat earnings growth over the past five years. This lack of earnings growth, despite a consistent dividend, suggests potential sub-optimal outcomes for dividend-focused investors.