The Motley Fool
Search documents
Looking For Lucrative Passive Income Streams? These 3 Dividend Stocks Yield as Much as 9% (And Just Raised Their Payments).
The Motley Fool· 2026-01-29 08:30
Core Insights - The S&P 500's dividend yield is currently at 1.1%, nearing an all-time low, leading to fewer stocks offering attractive income streams. However, companies like Delek Logistics Partners, Hess Midstream, and Plains All American Pipeline provide yields up to 9% and have recently increased their payouts [1]. Delek Logistics Partners - Delek Logistics Partners declared a quarterly distribution payment of $1.125 per unit, reflecting a 0.4% increase from the previous quarter, extending its distribution growth streak to 52 consecutive quarters and raising its yield to 9% [2]. - The company generated enough cash to cover its distribution payment by over 1.3 times last year, allowing for reinvestment in expansion projects and maintaining financial flexibility [3]. - Delek's market cap is $2.7 billion, with a gross margin of 22.31% and a dividend yield of 8.86%. Recent investments include the completion of the Libby 2 gas processing plant and the acquisition of Gravity Water [5]. Hess Midstream - Hess Midstream announced a quarterly cash distribution payment of $0.7641 per share, a 1.2% increase from the prior quarter, resulting in a yield of 8.2%. The company has increased its dividend by 65% since 2021 [6]. - The company has 100% fee-based minimum-volume contracts, providing stability in cash flow through 2028, and expects to increase its dividend by at least 5% annually during this period while generating about $1 billion in excess free cash flow [9]. - Hess Midstream's market cap is $4.7 billion, with a gross margin of 63.94% and a dividend yield of 8.07% [7]. Plains All American Pipeline - Plains All American Pipeline announced a quarterly distribution payment of $0.4175 per unit, a 10% increase from the previous level, resulting in a yield of 8.5%. The company has grown its payout at a 21% compound annual rate over the last four years [10]. - The company is selling its Canadian natural gas liquids business for $3.8 billion, which will enhance its financial position and allow for reinvestment into its oil pipeline operations [12]. - Plains has the financial flexibility to invest in organic expansion projects and acquisitions, which will help grow its cash flow and continue increasing its high-yielding distribution [13]. Investment Opportunities - The energy midstream sector, represented by Delek Logistics Partners, Hess Midstream, and Plains All American Pipeline, offers attractive passive income investment opportunities with yields between 8% and 9%, and all three companies have a history of regularly raising their payments [14].
Should You Buy the Dip in Netflix Stock?
The Motley Fool· 2026-01-29 08:05
Group 1: Stock Performance - Netflix stock has plummeted nearly 30% over the last six months, with a significant drop of about 27% since the summer [1][2] - In 2025, shares initially rose by approximately 37% in the first half of the year before entering a downward trend [1] Group 2: Economic Factors - As a services business, Netflix is vulnerable to macroeconomic themes like inflation, which can impact consumer purchasing power [2] - Despite inflation and tariffs affecting the economy, recent GDP growth indicates that consumer spending remains resilient [2] Group 3: Acquisition Context - The main drag on Netflix stock is attributed to its ongoing contest with Paramount Skydance for the film and television assets of Warner Bros. Discovery, rather than economic factors [3] - Wall Street tends to dislike unpredictability, which is a significant concern surrounding acquisitions [3] Group 4: Business Model Insights - Investors should focus on Netflix's business model rather than the specifics of the Warner Bros. acquisition [4] - The last five years have been transformational for Netflix, with accelerating revenue and improving gross margins indicating efficient business operations post-pandemic [5] Group 5: Customer Retention and Growth - Netflix has maintained customer retention through smart capital allocation and content refreshes, which keeps its library updated [8] - The company's recurring revenue model and profitable subscriber economics have led to a surge in earnings growth, creating a virtuous cycle of strong retention rates and steady growth [9] Group 6: Valuation Considerations - Netflix's forward price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of 27 may not seem like a bargain at first glance [10] - The stock is trading at a considerable discount compared to less profitable streaming companies and is near its cheapest level in five years based on forward earnings estimates [12]
Palantir Investors Just Got Incredible News from Wall Street
The Motley Fool· 2026-01-29 08:02
Core Viewpoint - Some investors are avoiding Palantir due to its high valuation, which may be a costly mistake as the company shows strong growth potential and market demand for its services [1] Company Performance - Palantir's stock has increased by 2,190% over the past three years, despite experiencing significant volatility, including a drop of over 80% between early 2021 and early 2023 [2] - The stock currently trades at 388 times earnings and 116 times next year's expected earnings, indicating a lofty valuation [3] Analyst Insights - Citi analyst Tyler Radke maintains a buy rating for Palantir, raising the price target to $235, suggesting a potential gain of 42% from the current price [4] - Radke believes Palantir has "broken" traditional valuation models, citing strong growth acceleration and margin expansion as key factors [5] Revenue Growth - In Q3, Palantir's revenue grew by 63% year over year, with the U.S. commercial segment, including the AI Platform (AIP), surging by 121% year over year [6] - The company's remaining performance obligation increased by 65% to $2.6 billion, indicating a solid foundation for future revenue growth [8] Future Projections - Management has raised its full-year revenue forecast to grow by 53% to approximately $4.4 billion, with U.S. commercial revenue expected to grow at least 104% to $1.43 billion [9] - The defense segment is projected to grow by 51%, contributing to total revenue growth of 70% to 80% by 2026 [5]
UPS Just Delivered Good News, Bad News, and Great News for Investors
The Motley Fool· 2026-01-29 07:55
Core Viewpoint - United Parcel Service (UPS) is showing signs of a turnaround, with a stock increase of approximately 25% over the last four months, despite mixed results in its Q4 2025 earnings report [1] Good News - UPS exceeded Wall Street expectations in Q4, generating revenue of $24.5 billion, surpassing the average estimate of $24 billion, and reported adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $2.38, above the consensus estimate of $2.20 [2] - CEO Carol Tomé highlighted strong revenue quality and solid cost management as key drivers of the results, noting the highest Q4 revenue in four years for the international small package business [3] - Despite a 10.8% year-over-year decline in U.S. daily volume, revenue per piece increased by 8.3%, indicating a successful focus on revenue quality [4] - The company achieved its highest small- and medium-sized business (SMB) penetration in history during Q4, and business-to-business (B2B) penetration reached the highest level in six years, with healthcare logistics identified as a robust growth area [5] Bad News - Following the Q4 update, UPS shares fell moderately as investors focused on negative outlooks, anticipating a 30% year-over-year profit decline in Q1 2026 [7][8] - Factors contributing to the weak first half of 2026 include a decline in Amazon volume, transition costs from shifting Ground Saver back to the U.S. Postal Service, higher costs from retiring the MD-11 aircraft fleet, and tariff impacts [9] Great News - UPS is expected to experience an inflection point in 2026, shifting focus from shrinking its business to growth in higher-margin areas, with the Amazon glide-down expected to be completed this year [10] - Although overall shipment volume may decline, UPS anticipates a lower cost structure and a more agile network due to the Amazon strategy [10] - For income investors, the dividend yield is projected to be more secure in 2026, with expected free cash flow of $6.5 billion and planned dividends of around $5.4 billion, subject to board approval [11] - The voluntary driver separation program is expected to enhance future free cash flow, making a dividend cut unlikely in the near term [12]
Should You Buy UnitedHealth Group Stock After Its Steep Sell-Off?
The Motley Fool· 2026-01-29 07:47
Core Viewpoint - UnitedHealth Group's stock experienced a significant decline of 20% following the announcement of its Q4 results and 2025 guidance, despite better-than-expected earnings, primarily due to disappointing Medicare Advantage rate proposals from CMS [1][2]. Group 1: Stock Performance and Market Reaction - UnitedHealth Group's share price is down over 50% from its late 2024 peak, closing at $293.98 after a 3.99% increase on the day of the report [1]. - The stock's market capitalization stands at $266 billion, with a trading volume of 1.2 million shares [2]. Group 2: Medicare Advantage Rate Impact - The proposed increase in 2027 Medicare Advantage rates by CMS is only 0.09%, which is significantly lower than the anticipated 4% to 6% increase, leading to a sharp decline in UnitedHealth's stock [2][3]. - Other health insurance stocks were also affected, with Humana's shares dropping 22% and CVS Health's stock falling nearly 14% following the CMS announcement [3]. Group 3: Company Leadership Insights - Timothy Noel, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, expressed concerns that the CMS rates do not accurately reflect medical utilization and cost trends, indicating potential significant benefit reductions [4]. - CEO Stephen Hemsley projected modest growth for 2026, with expectations of low double-digit earnings growth in 2027 and a return to historical growth levels by 2028, maintaining long-term growth rates of 13% to 16% [7]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The initial sell-off of UnitedHealth Group's stock may have been overdone, as Medicare Advantage accounts for only about 15% of its total medical membership, suggesting the financial impact may not justify a 20% decline in valuation [5]. - Analysts suggest that the proposed CMS rates could be revised upward, with a potential 2.5% increase being hinted at, which would be more favorable for UnitedHealth Group [6].
Is Costco Wholesale Stock an Underrated Dividend Investment?
The Motley Fool· 2026-01-29 07:45
Core Viewpoint - Costco Wholesale has demonstrated significant growth, with shares increasing over 170% in the past five years, outperforming the S&P 500's 80% gains during the same period [1] Dividend Analysis - Costco's current dividend yield stands at 0.5%, which may not attract investors initially, but the company has a history of increasing dividends and paying special dividends, suggesting it could be an underrated income stock [2] - The dividend yield is lower due to the substantial rise in stock price; as the stock value increases, the yield decreases even if the dividend payment remains the same [2] - The quarterly dividend has doubled from $0.65 at the start of 2020 to $1.30, reflecting a compounded annual growth rate of 12.2% [3] - Costco has issued special dividends twice, paying $10 per share in 2020 and $15 per share in 2023, indicating a strong performance and willingness to reward shareholders [4] Investment Perspective - While Costco's dividend should not be the primary reason for investment, it is a valuable aspect that may be overlooked due to its low yield [6] - The stock is currently valued at over 50 times earnings, which may be challenging for some investors, but it could still be a good long-term investment due to growth potential and dividend benefits [7] - For long-term investors, Costco represents a solid stock to hold, benefiting from both growth and dividend payments over time [8]
Prediction: 2026 Will Be the Year of Upstart
The Motley Fool· 2026-01-29 07:30
Core Insights - Upstart Holdings has faced a challenging four years, with stock performance stagnating since its peak in late 2021, despite a return to growth in 2023 [1][2] - The company utilizes an AI algorithm that assesses over 2,500 variables to evaluate creditworthiness, resulting in 43% more loan approvals without additional defaults compared to traditional methods [4][3] - Upstart's revenue increased nearly 80% year-over-year through the first three quarters of 2025, indicating a positive trajectory moving forward [5] Company Overview - Upstart is a unique lending platform that differentiates itself from traditional credit scoring agencies like Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion by employing advanced AI technology [3] - The platform has gained traction, with over 100 banks and credit unions as regular customers [5] Financial Performance - Despite a recent downturn in loan originations due to economic headwinds, analysts project a per-share profit of $2.38 for the current year, with the stock trading at less than 20 times this figure, suggesting it is undervalued [9][6] - The company's gross margin stands at an impressive 97.61%, reflecting strong operational efficiency [7] Market Sentiment - The stock has not reacted positively to recent warnings about economic challenges affecting loan origination, leading to market panic [6] - Analysts expect that as the year progresses, investors will recognize the company's actual profit potential, which has been understated in recent earnings reports [9]
The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Stock That's Quietly Building the Future of Cloud Computing
The Motley Fool· 2026-01-29 06:53
CoreWeave has built a compelling AI cloud product despite the stiff competition in the space.When it comes to cloud computing, Amazon was the pioneer, and it remains the leading company in the industry: Amazon Web Services still has a 29% market share. Over time, though, companies like Microsoft, Alphabet, and many others have emerged as competitors. Nonetheless, when it comes to the next generation of data center technology, CoreWeave (CRWV 2.61%) seems to be emerging as a leader, particularly when it come ...
The Motley Fool Interviews Redwire CEO Peter Cannito
The Motley Fool· 2026-01-29 06:37
Company Overview - Redwire is a space technology company focused on building infrastructure for the space economy, formed through acquisitions and public since 2021 [3][4] - The company operates in what is considered a second golden age of space, primarily driven by commercial companies rather than just government initiatives [2][6] Market Potential - The global space industry is projected to reach a value of one trillion dollars by 2040, indicating significant growth potential [7] - Redwire aims to provide fundamental building blocks for space missions, including subsystems and components necessary for various applications [7][10] Strategic Direction - Redwire has shifted its strategy to move up the value chain, evolving from a provider of subsystems to a platform provider, now offering seven platforms including spacecraft and drones [7][10] - The acquisition of Edge Autonomy has expanded Redwire's capabilities and positioned it for larger opportunities in the national security sector, as it combines space and drone technologies [10][11] Technology and Innovation - Redwire is involved in early-stage breakout technologies, such as solar arrays for commercial space stations and quantum secure constellations in partnership with Honeywell [13] - The company has a strong intellectual property portfolio, developed through significant government funding and years of investment in critical technologies [17] Future Outlook - Redwire envisions itself as a high-growth, non-traditional company capable of scaling in a controlled manner, with a focus on innovation and addressing challenges in the space industry [19] - The company is excited about the potential for breakthroughs in space that could create value on Earth, including advancements in manufacturing and data centers in space [19][20]
Silver Prices Have Soared. Does That Make First Majestic Stock a Buy in 2026?
The Motley Fool· 2026-01-29 06:05
Core Viewpoint - Silver prices have significantly increased due to demand outpacing supply, benefiting companies like First Majestic Silver, which has seen substantial stock price growth [1][2]. Industry Overview - Silver prices have surged 280% since the start of 2025, with First Majestic's stock rising 364% in the same period [1][2]. - Industrial silver demand has increased by 33% since 2020, with expectations of double-digit growth driven by applications in technology such as AI, solar panels, and electric vehicles [4]. Company Performance - First Majestic Silver has a market capitalization of $13 billion, with a current stock price of $26.25 and a gross margin of 25.72% [3]. - The company reported mine operating earnings of $99 million in Q3, attributed to higher silver production and a 31% increase in the average realized silver price [7]. - The company generates 57% of its revenue from silver, with precious metals accounting for 90% of total revenue [5]. Production and Reserves - First Majestic acquired a 70% stake in the Cerra Los Gatos Mine, which adds significant production capacity, contributing 2.1 million silver equivalent ounces in Q3 [6]. - The company faces a silver deficit, with annual consumption at approximately 1,150 million ounces against production of about 835 million ounces, marking the fifth consecutive year of shortfall [4]. Future Outlook - Analysts project earnings growth of 52% in 2026 and 47% in 2027 for First Majestic, as rising silver prices are expected to enhance earnings and margins [8]. - The company is positioned as a leveraged play on silver prices, benefiting from the ongoing demand and supply dynamics in the silver market [8].