Verizon's (NYSE: VZ ) stock has long been a staple for income-focused investors. Having raised its dividends for 18 consecutive years, the company has established a reputation for its defensive business model rooted in essential telco services. This has been critical to supporting itsAnalyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expres ...