Group 1 - RPM International Inc. is recognized as one of the 13 Best January Dividend Stocks to Invest in [1] - UBS has lowered its price target for RPM to $119 from $127 while maintaining a Neutral rating [2] - Mizuho has also reduced its target to $128 from $138 but keeps an Outperform rating, citing pressure from rising exports from China on basic chemical markets [3] Group 2 - RPM's board approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.54 per share, to be paid on January 30, 2026 [4] - The recent dividend follows a 6% increase in October 2025, marking the 52nd consecutive year of dividend growth, with approximately $3.8 billion returned to shareholders over this period [5] - RPM operates subsidiaries focused on coatings, sealants, building materials, and related services, organized into Construction Products Group, Performance Coatings Group, and Consumer segments [6]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the trend of investors shifting towards dividend-paying stocks as market valuations reach historically high levels, particularly in the tech sector, indicating a preference for income and stability in uncertain times [1][2][3]. Market Trends - Valuations in the S&P 500 are elevated across 18 of 20 measures tracked by Bank of America, prompting a rotation from tech stocks to more defensive sectors [1][3]. - Defensive sectors such as health care, utilities, and consumer goods are regaining favor as tech stocks revert to their traditional growth role [2][3]. Dividend Stocks Performance - Dividend-paying stocks are favored during periods of high market valuations due to their lower valuations and steady cash flows, which help cushion against volatility [3]. - An analysis by T. Rowe Price indicates that dividend growth stocks in the Russell 1000 Index delivered an annualized return of 11.3% from 1985 to 2019, outperforming both dividend payers (10.8%) and the index as a whole (10.5%) [4]. Specific Companies - **JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM)**: - Ex-dividend date is January 6 with a dividend yield of 1.80%. Barclays raised its price target to $391 from $342, citing continued earnings growth into 2026 [10][11]. - The company launched a new advisory unit focusing on specialized insights in areas like AI and cybersecurity, aiming to expand its advisory services [12][13][14]. - **Edison International (NYSE:EIX)**: - Ex-dividend date is January 7 with a dividend yield of 5.79%. The company announced a quarterly dividend increase to $0.8775 per share, marking a 6% rise in annual dividends [15][17]. - The CEO emphasized the company's financial strength and commitment to long-term growth targets of 5% to 7% [17]. - **Marvell Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:MRVL)**: - Ex-dividend date is January 9 with a dividend yield of 0.27%. Melius Research upgraded the stock to Buy, citing a growing backlog in custom silicon and expected revenue doubling in 2027 [18][19]. - The company is positioned well due to increasing demand for AI-focused application-specific integrated circuits, with ASIC shipments projected to grow 45% in 2026 [20][21].

Core Viewpoint - The article presents a list of 26 top dividend stocks for 2026, highlighting both established companies and new entrants in the dividend space [1]. Dividend Kings - AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV): A pharmaceutical company with a market cap of $405 billion and a forward dividend yield of 3%. It has successfully navigated a patent cliff with its drug Humira [3][4]. - The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO): A multinational beverage maker with a market cap of $301 billion and a forward dividend yield of 2.9% [3]. - Walmart (NASDAQ: WMT): A large retailer with a market cap of $888 billion and a forward dividend yield of 0.8% [3]. High-Yield Dividend Stocks - Ares Capital (NASDAQ: ARCC): A leading publicly traded business development company (BDC) with a market cap of $14 billion and a forward dividend yield of 9.5% [6]. - Realty Income (NYSE: O): A large real estate investment trust (REIT) with a market cap of $52 billion and a forward dividend yield of 5.7%. It is noted for paying dividends monthly and has increased its dividend for 30 consecutive years [6][7]. Growth-Oriented Dividend Stocks - The article mentions the "Magnificent Seven" stocks, which are primarily recognized for their growth potential rather than dividends. However, some members of this group do offer dividends [8].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of a hybrid investment strategy that combines classic dividend growth stocks with other asset types like Business Development Companies, REITs, and Closed End Funds to enhance investment income while achieving total returns comparable to traditional index funds [1]. Investment Strategy - The company advocates for a diversified investment approach that includes high-quality dividend stocks, which can provide significant long-term growth and income potential [1]. - By integrating various asset classes, the company aims to create a balanced portfolio that maximizes income and total return, aligning with the performance of the S&P index [1].

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]

Group 1 - Cardinal Health, Inc. (NYSE:CAH) is recognized as one of the 20 Best Performing Dividend Stocks in 2025, indicating strong market performance and investor confidence [1] - The company has shifted its focus towards higher-margin areas such as specialty pharmaceuticals and managed services, resulting in significant earnings growth, with forecasts estimating a growth of 19.3% in FY 2026 and 12.6% in FY 2027 [2] - The current payout ratio for dividends is at a modest 30.6%, providing the company with flexibility to potentially increase returns to shareholders in the future [3] Group 2 - Cardinal Health has raised its fiscal 2026 outlook, now expecting adjusted earnings per share between $9.65 and $9.85, an increase from the previous range of $9.30 to $9.50, reflecting a strong first-quarter performance [4] - The forecast includes contributions from the pending acquisition of Solaris Health, expected to close in early November, which may further enhance the company's growth prospects [4] - Cardinal Health operates as a global healthcare company, involved in the distribution of pharmaceuticals and medical products, manufacturing medical supplies, and providing various healthcare services [5]

Core Viewpoint - Investors are particularly attracted to dividend stocks with ultra-high yields due to their ability to provide substantial passive income and significant total return potential [1] Group 1 - Dividend stocks are favored by investors for their capacity to generate passive income streams [1] - Ultra-high yield dividend stocks are seen as offering significant total return potential [1]

Core Insights - Blackstone's management and advisory fees reached a record $2 billion in Q3 2025, marking a 14% year-over-year increase [1] - The company is the largest owner of commercial real estate globally, managing a diverse portfolio that includes warehouses, offices, and residential units [2] - Blackstone manages over $1.2 trillion in assets and has a history of acquiring stakes in companies to enhance their performance [3] - The company has consistently paid quarterly dividends since 2007, with a forward dividend of $4.69 and a yield of approximately 3% [4] - Performance allocations, which are incentive fees based on investment success, generated $781.5 million in Q3, down from $1.6 billion a year ago [7] - Total revenue for Q3 2025 was around $3.09 billion, a 16% decrease from the previous year, with GAAP net income at approximately $625 million, reflecting a 20% decline [8] - Distributable earnings surged 48% to $1.9 billion, indicating strong cash flow despite overall revenue declines [8] Financial Performance - Management and advisory fees surpassed $2 billion in Q3 2025, a 14% increase year-over-year [1] - Performance allocations fell to $781.5 million in Q3 from $1.6 billion the previous year, highlighting volatility in this revenue stream [7] - Total revenue decreased to $3.09 billion, a 16% decline from the prior year, while GAAP net income was approximately $625 million, down 20% [8] - Distributable earnings increased by 48% to $1.9 billion, showcasing resilience in cash flow [8] Investment Considerations - Blackstone's strong market position as the largest alternative asset manager supports its potential for long-term income generation [6] - The company's diverse investment strategy includes loans to companies lacking traditional financing and investments in large-scale global projects [2] - The consistent dividend payments and growth over the past decade make Blackstone an attractive option for income-focused investors [4]

Market Overview - The S&P 500 has increased nearly 18% in 2025, marking the potential for a third consecutive year of double-digit gains for the broader US market [1] - Wall Street anticipates continued profit growth, with S&P 500 earnings expected to rise by approximately 15.5% in 2026, up from 13.2% in 2025 and 12.1% in 2024 [2] - Goldman Sachs forecasts a 2.6% growth in US GDP for 2026, slightly above consensus, indicating a supportive environment for stock prices [3] Dividend Stocks Performance - The Dividend Aristocrat index, tracking companies with at least 25 consecutive years of dividend growth, has risen over 6% this year, maintaining investor interest in dividend stocks for income and consistency [4] - A review of companies with the strongest returns in 2025 led to the selection of 20 dividend-paying stocks based on year-to-date performance, not on dividend size [6] Company Highlights C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHRW) - YTD return as of December 30 is 58.08% with a dividend yield of 1.56% [9] - The company reported a profit beat in Q3 2025, attributed to its use of AI for operational efficiency, which has helped streamline logistics processes [10][12] - Revenue for the North American Surface Transportation segment increased by 1.1%, despite a challenging backdrop in US freight volumes [11] RTX Corporation (NYSE:RTX) - YTD return as of December 30 is 58.84% with a dividend yield of 1.48% [13] - The company secured a $1.6 billion sustainment contract for F135 engines and raised its full-year adjusted earnings outlook to $6.10 to $6.20, up from $5.80 to $5.95 [15][16] - RTX's ability to manage tariff impacts positively reflects on its business outlook, with a forecasted revenue increase to $86.5 billion to $87 billion [17] HCA Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE:HCA) - YTD return as of December 30 is 58.85% with a dividend yield of 0.61% [18] - The company reported a 2.1% year-over-year increase in same-facility admissions and a 6.6% increase in revenue per equivalent admission [20] - HCA aims to increase its market share from 27% in 2022 to 29% by 2030, supported by an aging population and ongoing investments in technology [21][22]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses Service Properties Trust (NASDAQ: SVC) and reflects on its previous rating of "Hold" due to concerns despite a high dividend yield of 9.69% [1]. Group 1 - The company has been previously analyzed over two years ago, with a focus on its dividend yield and financial stability [1]. - The author expresses a personal investment strategy aimed at achieving financial independence through dividend stocks, indicating a preference for steady income [1].