Company Overview - Peoples Bancorp (PEBO) is based in Marietta and operates in the Finance sector, with a year-to-date share price change of 5.13% [3] - The company currently pays a dividend of $0.41 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 5.19%, which is significantly higher than the Banks - Midwest industry's yield of 2.81% and the S&P 500's yield of 1.39% [3] Dividend Performance - The annualized dividend of Peoples Bancorp is $1.64, reflecting a 0.6% increase from the previous year [4] - Over the past five years, the company has increased its dividend five times, achieving an average annual increase of 3.63% [4] - The current payout ratio stands at 54%, indicating that the company distributes 54% of its trailing 12-month earnings per share as dividends [4] Earnings Growth Expectations - For the fiscal year, PEBO anticipates solid earnings growth, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 projected at $3.39 per share, representing a year-over-year growth rate of 8.65% [5] Investment Appeal - Established firms with secure profits are typically viewed as the best dividend options, and PEBO is positioned as an attractive dividend play [6] - The stock has a strong Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating a favorable investment opportunity [6]

Core Viewpoint - The company focuses on helping individual investors achieve financial independence through strategic dividend investing, emphasizing a straightforward method that empowers investors to control their financial future [1] Group 1: Investment Strategy - The investment approach is centered around the motto "Buy Low, Sell High, Get Paid to Wait," which has proven effective in generating reliable income even during market volatility [1] - The company offers three model portfolios tailored for different investing styles: high yield, high growth, and balanced approach, all of which have outperformed the market since inception [1] Group 2: Tools and Resources - Members gain access to a comprehensive suite of tools, including in-depth analysis of 100 handpicked dividend stocks and weekly buy/watch/sell lists to facilitate informed decision-making [1] - The proprietary DFT Charts are part of the resources provided to members, enhancing their investment strategies [1] Group 3: Community and Support - The company fosters a vibrant community of dividend investors, promoting transparency and engagement, where members can learn from each other and share their investment goals [1] - Support is available for both novice and experienced investors, aiming to provide insights necessary for achieving retirement dreams [1]

Core Insights - The article discusses the best high-yield dividend stocks to buy, highlighting the fluctuating popularity of dividend-paying stocks in relation to market sentiment [1][2][3] Market Trends - Investor demand for dividend yield shifts over time, often influenced by market conditions favoring growth stocks [2] - High-dividend investing has been a traditional strategy, gaining traction during market downturns when investors seek stability [3] Methodology - The list of high-yield stocks was created by screening companies with a market cap of at least $2 billion and selecting those with consistent dividend histories and yields above 4% as of January 18 [6] - Stocks were further ranked based on the number of hedge fund investors, indicating potential market performance [7] Company Highlights - **NNN REIT, Inc. (NYSE:NNN)**: - Dividend yield of 5.63% as of January 18, with a quarterly dividend of $0.60 per share announced for February 2026 [8][10] - The company has increased its annual dividend for at least 36 consecutive years, showcasing a strong dividend track record [10] - Operates a conservative financial model, investing in single-tenant, net-leased retail properties with long-term leases [11][12] - **Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (NYSE:EPD)**: - Dividend yield of 6.69% as of January 18, with a quarterly cash distribution of $0.55 per unit for Q4 2025, marking a 2.8% increase from the previous year [13][14] - The company repurchased approximately $300 million worth of common units in 2025, indicating a commitment to returning cash to investors [15] - Operates in the midstream energy sector, providing services across various energy products [16] - **Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. (NYSE:MAA)**: - Dividend yield of 4.46% as of January 18, with a focus on improving existing properties rather than acquiring new ones [17][19] - The company renovated 5,665 apartments in 2024, resulting in a 7.3% increase in rent for upgraded units [19] - Maintains a steady dividend payout since its introduction in 1994, reflecting a disciplined financial approach [20][21]

Core Insights - The article discusses the trade-offs between dividend investing and total return investing, highlighting that each strategy has its own advantages and disadvantages [4][6][16] Dividend Investing - Dividend investing limits the investment universe to companies that pay dividends, potentially excluding high-growth stocks like Amazon, Google, Tesla, and Meta [2][5] - This strategy often leads to sector concentration, favoring financials, utilities, and energy while underweighting technology and healthcare [1][7] - Dividend income is taxed annually, which can create a tax drag that affects compounding potential compared to growth stocks [11][12] - For retirees, dividend strategies provide stable income and psychological comfort, making it easier to maintain discipline during market downturns [10][16] Total Return Investing - Total return investing maximizes long-term wealth accumulation but requires selling shares to generate income, introducing timing risks [4][8] - This strategy is more tax-efficient during the accumulation phase, as it avoids annual taxes on unrealized gains [13][14] - The forced selling aspect can lead to decision fatigue and potential losses during bear markets, which dividend investors can avoid [9][10] Behavioral Aspects - The psychological comfort of receiving regular cash distributions from dividends can help investors stay disciplined during market volatility [10][16] - Younger investors may benefit more from total return strategies due to the focus on growth and compounding, while older investors prioritize income stability [17][18]

Core Viewpoint - Dividend investing can build wealth and provide passive income, with dividend stocks outperforming non-dividend payers in the long run [1] Group 1: Dividend Stocks Overview - Dividend stocks can be ideal long-term investments even for those focused on growth stocks, as they provide stability during market fluctuations [2] - Companies that are essential in their industries and offer in-demand products and services are key targets for dividend investing [2] Group 2: Verizon Communications - Verizon is a leading telecom company in the U.S. with over 146 million wireless customers, playing a significant role in the economy [4] - The company is expanding its broadband business and plans to add over 2.2 million new fiber subscribers through the acquisition of Frontier Communications [5] - Verizon's stock has a yield of 7.01%, a payout ratio of 57.68%, and has raised dividends for 21 consecutive years, paying an annual dividend of $2.76 per share [5] - Despite recent struggles in gaining new wireless customers, Verizon is viewed as a long-term stability and dividend investment opportunity [7] Group 3: Johnson & Johnson - Johnson & Johnson is now a pure-play health company focusing on medical technology and innovative drugs, operating in a non-cyclical industry [8] - The stock has a yield of 2.37%, priced at $219.57, and has gained 48% over the past year [9] - The company reported a 4.4% year-over-year revenue increase and a 15.7% EPS jump in the third quarter, generating $14.3 billion in free cash flow in the first nine months of 2025 [10] - Johnson & Johnson has a payout ratio of 48.94%, has increased dividends for 63 years, and pays an annual dividend of $5.20 per share with a 5-year dividend growth rate of 5.25% [12] Group 4: Coca-Cola - Coca-Cola is a blue-chip dividend stock with a yield of 2.89%, having raised dividends for 63 consecutive years [13] - The stock is priced at $70.48, with a 13% gain over the past year, and has a payout ratio of 67.85%, paying an annual dividend of $2.04 per share [14] - Coca-Cola operates an asset-light business model, selling concentrates and syrups to bottling partners, which minimizes operating costs and generates steady revenue [15] - The company has demonstrated resilience, generating over 100% total return over the past decade, making it a reliable choice for dividend investors [16]

Core Viewpoint - Warren Buffett has made significant changes to the Berkshire Hathaway portfolio, including a $4 billion sale of Apple Inc. shares to increase cash and Treasuries reserves [3]. Group 1: Portfolio Changes - Berkshire Hathaway sold approximately $4 billion in Apple Inc. shares to build a substantial cash and Treasuries reserve [3]. - Investors looking to replicate Buffett's trades through Berkshire's 13F filings should be aware that the information is limited and outdated [4]. Group 2: Investment Opportunities - Long-standing positions like The Coca-Cola Co. and Visa Inc. may be worth considering for investors as they approach the new year [4]. - Coca-Cola has a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 23.8, which is at or below its levels from the past two years, despite some concerns about its valuation compared to alternatives [5]. - Coca-Cola's strong pricing power allows it to maintain cash flow during inflationary periods, and it reported a 4-cent earnings per share (EPS) beat in the last quarter [6]. - With 64 consecutive years of dividend increases and a yield of 2.89%, Coca-Cola remains a strong buy-and-hold candidate [7]. - Visa may have operational advantages over competitors due to potential credit card interest rate limits [7]. Group 3: Potential Risks - Bristol Myers Squibb has attractive qualities but faces near-term challenges from Medicaid changes and patent expirations [7].

Core Viewpoint - Realty Income (O) is highlighted as a favored REIT for investment, with a strong emphasis on dividend investing as a pathway to financial freedom [1]. Company Insights - Realty Income has been a long-term investment for the author, who continues to increase their position in the company [1]. - The company is positioned within the real estate sector, which is part of a broader portfolio that includes technology, software, finance, and consumer staples [1]. Investment Strategy - The article emphasizes the importance of dividend investing as a straightforward method for achieving long-term wealth and financial independence [1]. - The author aims to share insights and experiences to make dividend investing more approachable for others [1].

Group 1 - International equities have shown significant performance improvement over the past year, outperforming U.S.-based funds [1] - Many international funds that were previously trading at discounts compared to U.S. equities have quietly gained traction [1]

Group 1 - The article highlights that Goldman Sachs BDC (GSBD) has experienced a significant sell-off, currently trading at a 27% discount to its Net Asset Value (NAV), which is near multi-year valuation lows for the stock [1] - High Yield Investor is celebrating its fifth anniversary by offering a 30-day money-back guarantee and releasing its Top Picks for 2026, presenting an opportunity for investors [1] Group 2 - Samuel Smith, a lead analyst and Vice President with a diverse background in dividend stock research, leads the High Yield Investor investing group, focusing on balancing safety, growth, yield, and value [2] - High Yield Investor provides various portfolios, including core, retirement, and international options, along with regular trade alerts and educational content for investors [2]

Company Overview - Franklin Resources (BEN) is headquartered in San Mateo and operates in the Finance sector, with a stock price change of 8.71% since the start of the year [3] - The company currently pays a dividend of $0.33 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 5.08%, which is significantly higher than the Financial - Investment Management industry's yield of 2.63% and the S&P 500's yield of 1.34% [3] Dividend Analysis - The current annualized dividend of Franklin Resources is $1.32, reflecting a 3.1% increase from the previous year [4] - Over the past 5 years, the company has increased its dividend 5 times, achieving an average annual increase of 3.38% [4] - The current payout ratio is 58%, indicating that the company paid out 58% of its trailing 12-month earnings per share as dividends [4] Earnings Growth - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Franklin Resources' earnings per share for 2026 is $2.51, representing a year-over-year growth rate of 13.06% [5] - The company is viewed as a strong dividend play, appealing to income investors due to its solid earnings growth and attractive dividend yield [6] Investment Considerations - Established firms with secure profits are typically seen as the best dividend options, while high-growth businesses and tech start-ups rarely offer dividends [6] - Franklin Resources is positioned as a compelling investment opportunity, especially for income investors, and currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [6]