Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the resilience of certain healthcare companies, specifically Medtronic and Johnson & Johnson, in maintaining and increasing their dividends despite facing various challenges in the market. Group 1: Medtronic - Medtronic is a leading medical device company that has faced challenges, including tariffs impacting financial results, yet it has performed well this year and exceeded analyst estimates [4] - The company has a strong underlying business with consistent revenue and earnings growth, driven by the development and marketing of new products across multiple therapeutic areas [6] - Medtronic has increased its dividends for 48 consecutive years, with a current forward yield of 3.1%, significantly higher than the S&P 500's average of 1.3% [8] Group 2: Johnson & Johnson - Johnson & Johnson is also encountering challenges, such as tariff-related issues and generic competition, but it has shown strong performance and increased its guidance for fiscal year 2025 [9] - The pharmaceutical segment is well-diversified, with robust R&D spending leading to consistent new product launches, helping to offset losses from products that have fallen out of patent protection [10] - Johnson & Johnson has a long history of dividend increases, with 62 consecutive years, and maintains a higher credit rating than the U.S. government, indicating its capability to fulfill financial obligations despite recent challenges [12][13]

Core Viewpoint - Dividend-paying companies are essential for long-term investors as they provide income and stability, especially in volatile market conditions [1] Group 1: Walmart (NYSE: WMT) - Walmart has shown strong performance among large-cap U.S. retailers, with stock up over 35% in the past year and trading at $101, reflecting a 12% year-to-date increase [2] - The company has exceeded Wall Street's earnings expectations for 11 consecutive quarters and is well-positioned in a high-inflation environment due to its scale and cost leadership [4] - In fiscal Q1 2026, Walmart's sales increased by 4% year-over-year, with management forecasting 3% to 4% growth for the full year; e-commerce sales surged by 22% [5] - Walmart has raised its dividend for 53 consecutive years, currently paying a quarterly dividend of $0.24 per share, yielding 0.93% annually [5][6] Group 2: Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) - Johnson & Johnson reached a 52-week high of $177.98, with stock up over 11% in the past year and nearly 24% year-to-date [8] - The company benefits from a diversified portfolio in pharmaceuticals and medical devices, supported by over 275 subsidiaries globally, with 26 product platforms each generating over $1 billion in annual sales [10] - Johnson & Johnson pays a quarterly dividend of $1.30 per share, yielding 2.92%, reflecting its commitment to returning value to shareholders [11]

Analyst's Disclosure:I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of BEP either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. I am not an investment advisor. This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute as financial advice. Readers are encouraged a ...

Core Insights - Three companies, Realty Income, Verizon, and Pfizer, have consistently raised their dividend payouts for over 16 years while offering attractive yields above 5% [2] Group 1: Realty Income - Realty Income has been providing monthly dividend payments for over 50 years, but its stock price has declined about 22% from its peak three years ago [4] - The company employs net leases, which ensure predictable cash flows, and has raised its dividend 131 times since going public in 1994 [5] - Realty Income's stock currently offers a yield of 5.5%, with total distributions in Q2 increasing by 3.7% year over year [6] - As of June, 98.6% of Realty Income's 15,606 properties were occupied, with an average lease term of nine years, ensuring steady cash flow growth [7] Group 2: Verizon - Verizon's stock is down about 28% from its all-time high in late 2019, yet it has raised its dividend for 18 consecutive years, currently offering a yield of 6.1% [8][9] - The company's wireless service revenue rose 2.2% year over year to $20.9 billion in Q2, contributing to a total revenue increase of 5.2% [9] - Verizon has raised its free cash flow forecast for 2025 to between $19.5 billion and $20.5 billion, indicating the ability to maintain dividends while reducing debt [10] Group 3: Pfizer - Pfizer's stock has decreased by about 59% from its 2021 peak, primarily due to concerns over expiring drug patents, but it has raised its dividend every year since 2009, currently offering a yield of 6.8% [11] - The company anticipates a revenue decline of $17 billion to $18 billion due to patent expirations starting in 2026, but it has prepared for this by acquiring Seagen for $43 billion [12] - By 2030, assets from Seagen and other acquisitions are expected to generate over $20 billion in annual sales, potentially allowing Pfizer to continue its dividend-raising streak [13]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of a hybrid investment strategy that combines classic dividend growth stocks with 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 investment approach focuses on high-quality dividend stocks and assets that provide long-term growth potential, which can significantly contribute to income generation [1]. - The strategy aims to create a balanced portfolio that captures total returns on par with the S&P 500, indicating a robust performance relative to market benchmarks [1].

Group 1 - The healthcare sector is characterized by rapid changes and frequent adjustments within companies' portfolios of medicines [1] - Investors often allocate a significant portion of their resources to the healthcare industry due to its potential for growth [1] - A hybrid investment strategy combining classic dividend growth stocks with Business Development Companies, REITs, and Closed End Funds can enhance investment income while achieving total returns comparable to traditional index funds like the S&P [1]

Core Viewpoint - Long-term dividend stocks are generally more stable and provide consistent dividends due to their established nature and lower volatility compared to the broader market [1][2] Group 1: Waste Management - Waste Management Inc. is a significant player in the waste and recyclables collection industry, with a market capitalization exceeding $92 billion [4] - The company has a dividend yield of 1.40%, an annual dividend of $3.30, and a 22-year track record of increasing dividends, with a payout ratio of 48.96% [5] - In the second quarter of 2025, Waste Management reported a 19% year-over-year increase in revenue, alongside strong earnings per share (EPS) [6] - Operating expenses have decreased to less than 60% of revenue, contributing to a solid free cash flow projection of nearly $3 billion for the year [7] Group 2: Eversource Energy - Eversource Energy, a major utility provider in the northeast, has a dividend yield of 4.63% and an annual dividend of $3.01, but a high payout ratio of 129.18% [9] - The company managed to slightly increase its EPS to 96 cents, surpassing analyst expectations, and reaffirmed its full-year EPS guidance [10] - Eversource's revenue grew by 12% year-over-year, although it fell short of predictions, with a permanent rate increase in New Hampshire expected to provide stability [11] Group 3: Johnson & Johnson - Johnson & Johnson boasts a dividend yield of 3.00%, an annual dividend of $5.20, and an impressive 64-year history of dividend increases, with a payout ratio of 55.61% [12][13] - The company exceeded EPS predictions by 9 cents and revenue estimates by nearly $900 million in its mid-July earnings report [13] - Growth is driven by its innovative medicine business, particularly in oncology, with potential peak sales of $5 billion for its drug candidate TAR200 [14]

Group 1: Merck - Merck offers a dividend yield of approximately 4.1%, significantly higher than the healthcare sector's average of 1.8% [2] - The company has a history of increasing its dividend for 15 consecutive years, making it an attractive option for dividend investors [2] - Concerns exist regarding the expiration of current patents and reliance on the oncology drug Keytruda for revenue, but Merck's strong R&D capabilities and scale provide long-term stability [3][4] Group 2: Ventas - Ventas, a REIT focused on senior housing, has a dividend yield of 2.8% and previously cut its dividend during the pandemic [6][7] - The dividend cut allowed Ventas to adapt its business model towards growth, increasing its ownership and operational exposure to properties [8] - The company reported a 9% year-over-year increase in adjusted funds from operations in the second quarter, indicating potential for future dividend increases [9] Group 3: Omega Healthcare Investors - Omega Healthcare has a high dividend yield of 6.7%, maintaining its payout without cuts during the pandemic [10] - The company is experiencing a recovery with an 8% rise in adjusted funds from operations in the second quarter, suggesting sustainability of its dividend [11] - Omega's focus on senior housing positions it for growth as the sector rebounds post-pandemic, making it an appealing option for income-seeking investors [12] Group 4: Overall Healthcare Sector Insights - Despite the average healthcare stock yield being only 1.8%, Merck, Ventas, and Omega Healthcare present attractive dividend opportunities [13] - Merck is recognized for its reliable dividend payments and strong business fundamentals, while Ventas is repositioning for growth and Omega is stabilizing post-pandemic [14]

Core Viewpoint - Several top-tier real estate investment trusts (REITs) have reported stronger-than-expected occupancy, investment activity, and rent growth, presenting potential investment opportunities in a market where many stocks are at or near all-time highs [1][2]. Group 1: Tanger Factory Outlet Centers - Tanger Factory Outlet Centers is the only pure-play outlet mall REIT, with a portfolio of approximately 40 properties located in coastal and tourist-heavy areas [4]. - In Q2, Tanger reported a 9.4% year-over-year growth in funds from operations (FFO), with portfolio occupancy at 96.6%, an increase of 80 basis points sequentially [5]. - The average tenant sales were $465 per square foot over the past 12 months, up $27 from the previous year, indicating strong consumer spending [5]. - Tanger's spreads on new and renewal leases were 12% in Q2, and the company raised its full-year FFO guidance based on these strong results [6]. - Currently, Tanger trades at about 14 times FFO with a 3.7% dividend yield, well-supported by its cash flow [6]. Group 2: Realty Income - Realty Income has a portfolio of over 15,000 single-tenant properties, primarily retail, focusing on non-discretionary and service-based tenants [7]. - In Q2, Realty Income invested $1.2 billion in properties at an average initial yield of 7.2%, while issuing $1.3 billion in new debt at an average interest rate of 3.6% [8]. - The company raised its full-year investment guidance to $5 billion from a previous $4 billion and increased its full-year FFO guidance midpoint [9]. - Realty Income shares trade at 13.4 times expected FFO and offer a 5.7% dividend yield paid monthly [9]. Group 3: Market Context - Both Tanger and Realty Income are performing well with solid occupancy, leasing activity, and tenant performance, while trading at relatively low valuations [10]. - The current high interest rate environment poses challenges for REITs, increasing the cost of raising growth capital and putting pressure on commercial real estate values [11]. - A potential decline in interest rates over the next couple of years could provide a positive tailwind for these REITs [11].

Group 1 - Income funds are valuable during market uncertainty and volatility due to better price stability [1] - President Trump's tariffs have created uncertainty among investors regarding industry reactions [1] - A hybrid investment strategy combining classic dividend growth stocks, Business Development Companies, REITs, and Closed End Funds can enhance investment income while achieving total returns comparable to traditional index funds like the S&P [1]