Bernstein Sees Deal Between Vodafone, Verizon Unlikely, Says Recent Mgmt Comments Suggest Verizon Could Withhold Dividends

Bernstein's Robin Bienenstock issued a note Tuesday morning suggesting a deal by Vodafone

to sell its Verizon Wireless

stake is "highly unlikely" in the next two years. Bienenstock said Vodafone management believes Verizon Wireless is a more attractive option than its controlled European options -- at least over the long term. The analyst feels recent comments from Vodafone suggest Verizon to withhold dividend payments oer the near term. Verizon shares are down 1.3 percent to $52.05 at last check.