Core Insights - The Federal Reserve is shifting towards monetary easing as inflation cools, prompting investors to consider shareholder-yield investing as a strategy to protect capital and enhance returns [1][3][5] Shareholder Yield Companies - CION Investment Corporation (CION) offers a competitive dividend yield of approximately 14.83%, with a history of increasing its dividend payout seven times in the past five years, reflecting an annualized growth rate of 7.63% and a payout ratio of 81% [18][19][20] - Grupo Cibest S.A. (CIB) provides a dividend yield of around 6.05%, having increased its dividend payout seven times over the past five years with an impressive annualized growth rate of 73.86%. The company has significantly reduced its long-term debt from $8.89 billion in 2021 to $2.29 billion by Q3 2025 [21][22][23] - W.P. Carey (WPC) has a dividend yield of about 5.72% and has increased its dividend payout 20 times in the past five years, despite a negative annualized growth rate of 4.78%. The payout ratio stands at 74%, indicating sustainable long-term capital allocation [24][25][26] Market Dynamics - The Federal Open Market Committee has initiated a rate-cut cycle, with the federal fund target rate now between 3.50% and 3.75%, down from a peak of 5.25-5.50%, as a response to easing inflation pressures [3] - Cooling inflation is evident, with the U.S. CPI indicating a headline inflation rate of about 2.7% year over year and core inflation near 2.6%, supporting expectations for continued monetary easing [5][6] Geopolitical Risks - Geopolitical risks, including military actions and tensions in regions like Venezuela and the Indo-Pacific, add uncertainty to the market, emphasizing the importance of resilient cash-generating companies [7][8][10][12] Investment Strategy - In the current environment of moderating inflation and easing rate policy, shareholder yield investing is highlighted as a practical framework for defensive equity investing, focusing on companies with disciplined capital return practices [15] - Companies with strong shareholder yield metrics can provide income resilience and capital support in volatile macro conditions, making them attractive for U.S. investors [16]

Core Insights - W. P. Carey Inc. reported a record full-year investment volume of $2.1 billion for 2025, with a weighted-average initial cash cap rate of approximately 7.6% and an estimated average yield of about 9.2% [2][10] - The company disposed of 44 properties in Q4 2025 for gross proceeds of approximately $500 million, contributing to a total of $1.5 billion in dispositions for the full year [5][6] - The company sold 6.3 million shares of common stock under its ATM program, generating total gross proceeds of approximately $423 million [8] Investment Activity - The full-year investment volume of $2.1 billion included approximately 68% in single-tenant warehouse and industrial properties and 22% in retail properties [3] - The geographic distribution of investments showed that about 69% were located in the U.S. and 26% in Europe [3] - In Q4 2025, the company completed investments totaling about $625 million, including a $322 million acquisition of 10 fitness facilities net leased to Life Time Fitness [4] Disposition Activity - The company’s full-year disposition included the sale of 63 self-storage operating properties for gross proceeds of approximately $785 million, with 31 properties sold in Q4 for about $325 million [6] - The disposition activity allowed the company to fund new investments, achieving around 150 basis points of spread to the initial cash cap rates for reinvested proceeds [7] Forward Equity - The company sold 6.3 million shares of common stock at a weighted-average gross price of $67.53 per share, with Q4 sales accounting for 3.5 million shares and approximately $235 million in gross proceeds [8] Portfolio Update - The company experienced a rent loss from tenant credit events totaling about $6 million for the full year, which was better than the previously disclosed assumption of about $10 million [9] - As of year-end 2025, W. P. Carey owned 11 self-storage operating properties, which are anticipated to be sold in the first half of 2026 [6]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses an upgrade in the recommendation for W. P. Carey Inc. (WPC) from a hold to a more favorable position, indicating a positive outlook for the stock [1]. Company Overview - W. P. Carey Inc. is a company that has been previously analyzed, with the last report issued in July 2024 [1]. - The company operates in the real estate investment trust (REIT) sector, focusing on providing long-term capital to businesses through its diversified portfolio [1]. Analyst Background - The analyst has a background in finance, having earned a CFA charter and CIPM certificate, and has experience in helping firms comply with Global Investment Performance Standards (GIPS) [1]. - The analyst expresses a sector-agnostic approach, willing to cover any company that can be understood, often writing articles based on personal investment considerations [1].

Group 1 - European stocks experienced significant growth in 2025, driven by previously undervalued assets that became attractive to investors [2] - The investment focus is on income-producing asset classes, including REITs, ETFs, closed-end funds, preferreds, and dividend champions, targeting dividend yields up to 10% [2] - The investment service aims to provide sustainable portfolio income, diversification, and inflation hedging for investors [1][2] Group 2 - The investment group iREIT+HOYA Capital emphasizes high-yield, dividend growth investment ideas, catering to investors seeking dependable monthly income [2] - The service is designed to assist investors in navigating foreign stocks, particularly in the European market, which has shown resilience and potential for growth [2] - The company promotes a free two-week trial for potential investors to explore its income-focused portfolios [1]

Group 1 - The iREIT+HOYA Capital service focuses on income-producing asset classes, aiming to provide sustainable portfolio income, diversification, and inflation hedging [1][2] - European stocks experienced significant growth in 2025, as the region's undervaluation became increasingly apparent to investors [2] - The investment group offers high-yield, dividend growth ideas, targeting dividend yields up to 10% across various asset classes including REITs, ETFs, and closed-end funds [2]

Core Insights - The "High Income DIY Portfolios" service aims to provide high income with low risk and capital preservation for DIY investors, particularly targeting income investors such as retirees [1] - The service offers a total of 10 model portfolios, including various strategies for income generation and risk management, with a focus on sustainable yields [2] Group 1: Portfolio Strategies - The service includes seven portfolios: three buy-and-hold, three rotational portfolios, and a conservative NPP strategy portfolio designed for low drawdowns and high growth [1] - The investment approach emphasizes dividend-growing stocks and aims for a 30% reduction in drawdowns while targeting a 6% current income [2] Group 2: Additional Features - The service provides buy and sell alerts, live chat, and strategies for portfolio management and asset allocation to help investors achieve stable, long-term passive income [2]

Core Viewpoint - W.P. Carey is positioned as a strong investment opportunity for passive income through its high-yielding dividend and stable cash flow from its real estate portfolio [3][4][6]. Financial Performance - W.P. Carey is one of the largest REITs focusing on net lease real estate, which generates stable rental income as tenants cover all operating expenses [3]. - The REIT's same-store annual base rent grew at a rate of 2.4% during the third quarter [3]. - The expected adjusted funds from operations (FFO) for 2025 is projected to be between $4.93 and $4.99 per share, supporting its annualized dividend rate of $3.68 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 5.7% [4]. Financial Stability - W.P. Carey maintains a strong balance sheet with an investment-grade credit rating and a leverage ratio of 5.8 times as of the end of the third quarter [5]. - The company plans to close between $1.3 billion and $1.5 billion in sales in 2025 to recycle capital into higher-returning investments [5]. Growth Potential - The REIT has built-in lease escalation clauses that enable it to achieve sector-leading same-store rent growth [9]. - W.P. Carey has multiple growth drivers, including financial flexibility for expanding its portfolio through sale-leaseback transactions, property acquisitions, and build-to-suit projects [9].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of conducting personal in-depth research and due diligence before making investment decisions, highlighting the inherent risks involved in trading [3]. Group 1 - The analysis is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be interpreted as professional investment advice [3]. - There is a clear disclaimer regarding the lack of any stock, option, or derivative positions in the companies mentioned, indicating a neutral stance [2]. - The article expresses that past performance does not guarantee future results, underscoring the uncertainty in investment outcomes [4].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of conducting thorough personal research and due diligence before making investment decisions, highlighting the inherent risks involved in trading [3]. Group 1 - The analysis is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be interpreted as professional investment advice [3]. - Investors are encouraged to reach out for insights and contrasting views on stock portfolios, indicating a collaborative approach to investment analysis [1]. - There is a clear disclaimer regarding the lack of any current stock or derivative positions in the companies mentioned, ensuring transparency in the analysis [2].

Core Insights - Recent dividend increases from U.S. REITs, specifically Whitestone REIT, W. P. Carey Inc., and Realty Income Corporation, are driven by operational performance improvements and strong cash generation, indicating sustainability rather than opportunistic accounting moves [2] Whitestone REIT - Whitestone REIT approved a 5.6% increase in its quarterly dividend to 14.25 cents per share for Q1 2026, reflecting its commitment to long-term core FFO growth targets of 5-7% annually [3][4] - The company has achieved a same-store net operating income growth rate of approximately 5.1% from 2021 to 2025 and maintains a portfolio occupancy rate of 94.2%, demonstrating strong tenant demand [5] - Whitestone targets a long-term core FFO per share growth of 5-7%, with a 5.5% core FFO CAGR since 2021 and a 5.9% dividend CAGR over the same period, supporting continued dividend coverage [5] W. P. Carey - W. P. Carey increased its quarterly dividend to 92 cents per share, a 1.1% increase from the previous payout and a 4.5% increase compared to the prior year [6] - The company owns a diversified portfolio of approximately 1,662 net lease properties across industrial, warehouse, and retail sectors in the U.S. and Europe, achieving a high occupancy rate of 97% as of September 30, 2025 [7] - Its diversification strategy, including long-term net leases with built-in rent escalations, contributes to stable cash flows and attractive risk-adjusted returns [8] Realty Income - Realty Income announced its 133rd dividend increase, raising its monthly payout to 27.00 cents per share, continuing its long-standing history of dividend growth [9][10] - The company boasts a portfolio of over 15,500 properties with nearly 99% occupancy, which supports consistent rent inflows across economic cycles [11] - Realty Income's dividend policy is based on recurring operational strength, evidenced by its long history of increases tied to steady AFFO expansion [11]