A Verizon Ploy to Force Vodafone Sale of Verizon Wireless?

Verizon may be on the verge of making Vodafone an offer it can't refuse. Lowell McAdam, Verizon's CEO, suggested at an investors' meeting held earlier this week that the company might not distribute Verizon Wireless profits this year to its owners -- itself and Vodafone.

It's no secret that Verizon wants Vodafone's 45% share of Verizon Wireless for itself. There have been recent reports that the American company is preparing an offer of $100 billion to buyout its U.K.-based partner's stake. But The Wall Street Journal talked to people knowledgeable about the matter who believe Vodafone values its share at $130 billion.

Verizon may be thinking that if it turns off the dividend spigot, Vodafone would be forced to sell, perhaps at a better price. If Verizon does stop the flow of profits, it wouldn't be the first time. From 2005 until the beginning of 2012, Verizon, with its controlling 55%, had paid out nothing -- a point of contention between the companies.

Finally, though, the money started flowing into Vodafone -- over $8 billion worth. So the thought of Vodafone selling off its finally profitable asset has been a controversial topic among investors. One hedge fund, a Vodafone shareholder, has said it would be "insane" for Vodafone to sell the one bright spot in its "collection of modest success and abject failures."

Vodafone, then, could be in a difficult position. Even though it owns a valuable resource, it may feel forced to sell it off for less than it feels it's worth. But if it continues to hold onto its share of Verizon Wireless without seeing a return this year -- or indefinitely, if Verizon really feels like putting Vodafone on the rack -- what good is that asset?

A fresh idea for 2013
The Motley Fool's chief investment officer has selected his No. 1 stock for the year. Find out which stock it is in the brand-new free report: "The Motley Fool's Top Stock for 2013." Just click here to access the report and find out the name of this under-the-radar company.

The article A Verizon Ploy to Force Vodafone Sale of Verizon Wireless? originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor Dan Radovsky has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Vodafone. 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.

Copyright © 1995 - 2013 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.