Verizon (VZ)

Verizon lost roughly a tenth of its value over the past month, then bounced back about 7% in the last week.

What is going on right now?

The price dipped well below where it had been sitting for most of the year, then snapped back sharply in the past few days. According to reports, a stricter tone from the Federal Reserve on interest rates could weigh on Verizon because the company carries $1.84 in debt for every $1 of its own money.

How is the business itself doing?

Verizon earns money from phone plans, internet, and wireless home broadband. Revenue slipped slightly, and profits dropped by roughly a fifth compared to last year, even as the company still generated about $17.5 billion in cash from its operations.

What stands out?

Its short-term cash on hand covers only about 60 cents of every dollar it owes soon, which is thin. That heavy debt load means even small moves in borrowing costs ripple through its books more than they would for a lighter company.

What comes next?

Verizon's next earnings report is scheduled for October 26, and it will show whether the profit decline has slowed or deepened.