My Top High-Yield ETF to Buy Before the End of the Year (and It's Not Even Close)
The Motley Fool· 2025-12-20 10:45
Core Viewpoint - The Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is highlighted as an ideal investment for income-focused investors, offering a combination of high yield and potential capital gains through a diversified portfolio of stocks [2][4]. Group 1: ETF Overview - The Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF has been established for 14 years and is managed by Charles Schwab, boasting over $71 billion in net assets, making it one of the largest high-yield ETFs [4]. - The ETF has a low expense ratio of 0.06%, ensuring that investors are not overpaying for its benefits [5]. - It pays quarterly dividends with a 30-day SEC yield of 3.8%, which is close to the 10-year Treasury rate of 4.2%, providing a competitive passive income option [6]. Group 2: Investment Strategy - The ETF targets large-cap, high-yield stocks, with approximately 90% of its investments in companies with market capitalizations exceeding $15 billion, appealing to investors seeking diversification [8]. - Over half of the ETF's investments are concentrated in three sectors: energy, consumer staples, and healthcare, which are known for prioritizing dividend growth [9]. Group 3: Sector and Holdings - Key energy holdings include major companies like Chevron, ConocoPhillips, and EOG Resources, which help manage risk across the oil and gas value chain [10]. - The top healthcare holdings, such as Merck and Amgen, offer high yields and favorable valuations, while leading consumer staples like PepsiCo and Coca-Cola have consistently raised dividends for over 50 years, earning the title of Dividend Kings [11]. Group 4: Performance and Value - Since its inception in October 2011, the Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF has more than tripled in value, demonstrating its potential for capital gains alongside dividend income [13]. - The ETF is positioned as a foundational holding for value-focused portfolios or as a means to balance portfolios that have become overly concentrated in growth stocks [12].
Oracle: The Consensus Is Wrong Again And Few Will Take Advantage Of The Opportunity (NYSE:ORCL)
Seeking Alpha· 2025-12-20 10:37
I recommend buying Oracle ( ORCL )( ORAC:CA ) shares after the sharp price drop. This is my initial coverage article about the company. My intention is to discuss why September's euphoria turned intoMore than 5 years of experience in equity analysis in LatAm. We provide our clients with in-depth research and insights to help them make informed investment decisions.Analyst’s Disclosure:I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any su ...
Oracle: The Consensus Is Wrong Again And Few Will Take Advantage Of The Opportunity
Seeking Alpha· 2025-12-20 10:37
Core Viewpoint - The recommendation is to buy Oracle (ORCL) shares following a significant price drop, indicating a potential investment opportunity after a period of market euphoria in September [1]. Company Analysis - Oracle has experienced a sharp decline in share price, which presents a buying opportunity for investors [1]. - The article serves as an initial coverage of Oracle, aiming to provide insights into the company's current market position and future potential [1]. Market Context - The shift from euphoria to a price drop suggests volatility in the market, which may affect investor sentiment and decision-making [1].
Forget IGT Stock and Look at ACEL Instead
The Motley Fool· 2025-12-20 10:35
Core Viewpoint - Accel Entertainment is a lesser-known gaming stock that presents a unique investment opportunity due to its business model and potential for growth in the distributed gaming sector [2][4]. Company Overview - Accel Entertainment operates as a distributed gaming or route operator, placing video gaming terminals (VGTs) in non-casino locations such as bars and convenience stores, distinguishing it from traditional casino operators [4]. - The company has a market capitalization of approximately $936.9 million, making it a small-cap stock with limited coverage from analysts [2][9]. Market Position and Customer Base - Accel's customer base primarily consists of older individuals (age 55+), who are less affected by economic fluctuations and demonstrate loyalty to the gaming terminals [8]. - The company currently controls around 28,000 VGTs across 10 states, with Illinois contributing about 75% of its revenue [8]. Growth Potential - The opening of new markets is seen as a catalyst for Accel's growth, with analysts suggesting that state budget deficits may lead to increased VGT expansion as a less controversial alternative to internet casinos [8]. - Accel's revenue has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19% since 2022, indicating effective execution of its acquisition strategy [13]. Financial Health - Accel boasts one of the strongest balance sheets in the gaming industry, with the potential to generate up to $1.36 per share in free cash flow (FCF) next year [10]. - The company is actively pursuing a prudent mergers and acquisitions strategy to mitigate risks associated with its competitive market, including recent acquisitions in northern Nevada and Louisiana [12].
How Chevron Secured Its Place as Venezuela's Largest Foreign Investor
WSJ· 2025-12-20 10:30
Core Insights - The U.S. oil company and President Trump recognize significant opportunities in the Latin American country [1] Group 1 - The collaboration between the U.S. oil company and the government is expected to enhance investment prospects in the region [1] - The focus on Latin America aligns with broader strategic interests in energy resources [1]
SBI to revisit policy on construction finance for housing projects, says chairman
BusinessLine· 2025-12-20 10:25
Core Viewpoint - State Bank of India (SBI) is reassessing its construction finance policy for residential real estate, emphasizing accountability and transparency in determining interest rates for such loans [1][3]. Group 1: Construction Finance Policy - SBI currently has a negligible presence in construction finance for housing projects but is gradually building its portfolio in commercial real estate, particularly office spaces [1]. - The bank is working on strategies for construction finance in residential real estate, acknowledging past failures in the market due to overleveraging by aggressive players [2]. - Stability in transparency, project management, and risk management is crucial for gaining lender confidence, which will lead to more affordable construction finance [3]. Group 2: Commercial Real Estate - Developers seeking construction finance for office spaces should secure at least 40-50% commitment from potential tenants [3]. - SBI's interest rates on construction finance are linked to the Marginal Cost of Funds based Lending Rate (MCLR), which is revised in accordance with term deposit rates [4]. Group 3: Recommendations for NBFCs - The chairman advises Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) in the housing finance sector to reduce operational costs to offer loans at lower rates [5].
Quote of the Day by Google CEO Sundar Pichai: 'It is important to follow your dreams and heart. Do something that excites you'
The Economic Times· 2025-12-20 10:18
Pichai, one of the world's highest-paid executives, has been at Google since 2004, became its CEO in 2015 and then became Alphabet's CEO in 2019. His leadership and innovation shape the global tech landscape. His strategic vision and leadership have earned him wide praises and accolades, including recognition in Time's annual list of the 100 most influential people in 2016 and 2020. In 2022, Sundar Pichai was honoured with the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award in India. His wise words and ins ...
6 Ultra-High-Yield Dividend Stocks for Safe Income in 2026 and Beyond
The Motley Fool· 2025-12-20 10:15
Core Insights - The article highlights six stocks that offer high-yielding dividends expected to grow in the coming years, amidst a low dividend yield environment in the S&P 500 at around 1.1% [1] Group 1: Clearway Energy - Clearway Energy is a major clean power producer with a diverse portfolio of renewable energy and natural gas assets, providing a 5.5% dividend yield supported by long-term fixed-rate power purchase agreements [3][4] - The company plans to distribute approximately 70% of its stable cash flow as dividends, aiming for a free cash flow growth of 5% to 8% annually, which will support future dividend increases [4] Group 2: Enterprise Products Partners - Enterprise Products Partners owns a diversified portfolio of energy midstream assets, generating stable cash flow with a current distribution yield of 6.8%, comfortably covered by 1.5 times [6][7] - The company has a strong balance sheet and has increased its distribution for 27 consecutive years, with significant capital project completions planned for the second half of the year and further expansions in 2026 [7] Group 3: Healthpeak Properties - Healthpeak Properties is a REIT focused on healthcare-related properties, offering a 7.3% monthly dividend supported by stable cash flow [8][9] - The REIT has a conservative payout ratio and is looking to generate $1 billion from potential sales to reinvest in outpatient medical development and lab properties, which should enhance future dividend growth [9] Group 4: Realty Income - Realty Income is another REIT with a diversified commercial real estate portfolio, currently yielding 5.6% and backed by stable cash flow [11][12] - The company has a strong balance sheet and plans to invest $6 billion this year, which will help in increasing its dividend, having done so 133 times since its public listing in 1994 [12] Group 5: Main Street Capital - Main Street Capital is a business development company providing capital to smaller private firms, currently offering a 5.1% monthly dividend, with a goal to steadily increase this rate [13][14] - The company has raised its monthly dividend by 4% over the past year and has a total yield of 7.6% when including supplemental quarterly dividends [14] Group 6: Verizon - Verizon generates stable cash flow from its mobile and broadband services, currently yielding 6.8% and has raised its dividend for 19 consecutive years [16][17] - The company is in the process of acquiring Frontier Communications for $20 billion, which is expected to enhance its fiber network and customer service offerings, potentially increasing profit margins [17] Conclusion - These six companies are positioned to provide stable cash flow and high-yielding dividends, making them attractive options for investors seeking income in 2026 and beyond [18]
Micron: 200% YTD Return, Trading At Just 12x Forward Earnings
Seeking Alpha· 2025-12-20 10:15
Core Viewpoint - The individual investor adopts a contrarian investment style, focusing on deep value opportunities, particularly in stocks that have recently experienced sell-offs due to non-recurrent events, while also considering insider buying as a positive signal [1] Investment Strategy - The investment portfolio is split approximately 50%-50% between shares and call options, indicating a balanced approach to risk and potential returns [1] - The investor's timeframe for holding positions typically ranges from 3 to 24 months, suggesting a medium-term investment horizon [1] - Fundamental analysis is employed to assess the health of companies, including their leverage and financial ratios compared to sector and industry averages [1] - Technical analysis is utilized to optimize entry and exit points, with a focus on support and resistance levels on weekly charts [1] Stock Selection Criteria - The investor screens for stocks that have undergone recent sell-offs, particularly when there is insider buying at the new lower price, indicating potential recovery [1] - Professional background checks are conducted on insiders who purchase shares post-sell-off, adding an additional layer of due diligence [1]
Weekend reading: AI don’t know
Monevator· 2025-12-20 10:10
Weekend reading: AI don’t know What caught my eye this week.How was your 2025? I mostly mean from a personal finance and investing perspective – let’s put politics aside in this season of goodwill – but also, well, what were the vibes like?For me it’s been a switchback ride. Both in my portfolio and my musings about the future of humanity / my ability to earn a crust. And for the same reason.I’m talking, of course, about AI.Weird scienceWhen I first began dropping AI links into Weekend Reading following Ch ...