Company Overview - Equitable Holdings, Inc. (EQH) is headquartered in New York and operates in the Finance sector [3] - The stock has experienced a price change of 11.72% since the beginning of the year [3] Dividend Information - Currently, EQH pays a dividend of $0.24 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 2.05% [3] - The company's annualized dividend of $1.08 has increased by 14.9% from the previous year [4] - Over the last 5 years, EQH has increased its dividend 5 times year-over-year, averaging an annual increase of 8.95% [4] - The current payout ratio for EQH is 16%, indicating that it paid out 16% of its trailing 12-month EPS as dividends [4] Earnings Growth Expectations - For the fiscal year, EQH anticipates solid earnings growth, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 at $6.62 per share, reflecting an expected increase of 11.64% from the previous year [5] Industry Context - The Insurance - Multi line industry's average dividend yield is 1.82%, while the S&P 500's yield is 1.56%, positioning EQH favorably within its sector [3] - Dividends are significant for investors as they enhance stock investing profits, reduce overall portfolio risk, and offer tax advantages [6] - It is noted that larger, established companies are more likely to offer dividends compared to tech start-ups or high-growth businesses [7] Investment Consideration - EQH is considered a compelling investment opportunity due to its strong dividend profile and current Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [7]

Group 1 - The article emphasizes the importance of identifying major trends for long-term investment success, suggesting that understanding these drivers can enhance the risk/reward profile for investors [1] - It highlights the availability of in-depth research on various income alternatives, including REITs, mREITs, Preferreds, BDCs, MLPs, and ETFs, which can aid investors in making informed decisions [1] Group 2 - The article mentions a free 2-week trial for accessing research, indicating a commitment to providing valuable insights to potential investors [1]

Group 1 - Samuel Smith has extensive experience in dividend stock research and investment, having served as lead analyst and Vice President at notable firms [1] - He is a Professional Engineer and Project Management Professional with degrees in Civil Engineering & Mathematics and a Master's in Engineering focused on applied mathematics and machine learning [1] - Samuel leads the High Yield Investor investing group, collaborating with Jussi Askola and Paul R. Drake to balance safety, growth, yield, and value in investment strategies [2] Group 2 - High Yield Investor provides real-money core, retirement, and international portfolios, along with regular trade alerts and educational content [2] - The service includes an active chat room for investors to share insights and strategies [2]

Core Viewpoint - High-yield dividend stocks are highlighted as a reliable source of income for investors, particularly in retirement, with a focus on companies that have a proven track record of consistent dividend payments [1][2]. Group 1: Company Summaries - **Realty Income**: Current yield is 5.6%, known for being one of the largest REITs globally, paying monthly dividends, and has raised dividends for 110 consecutive quarters, with a payout ratio of 75% of anticipated 2025 funds from operations [4][5]. - **Altria Group**: Current yield is 6.7%, recognized as a Dividend King with over 50 years of uninterrupted dividend increases, despite declining cigarette volumes, maintains a payout ratio around 80% of cash flow, and has a significant stake in Anheuser-Busch InBev [6][7][8]. - **British American Tobacco**: Current yield is 6.8%, operates globally with a focus on next-generation nicotine products, has a dividend payout ratio of 66% of cash flow, and has transitioned to a quarterly payment schedule [9][10]. - **Verizon Communications**: Current yield is 6.1%, a leader in the U.S. wireless market with 21 consecutive annual dividend increases, and a payout ratio of only 58% of 2025 earnings estimates [11][12]. - **Enbridge**: Current yield is 5.7%, operates extensive pipelines and utilities, has a strong dividend track record with 28 consecutive annual increases, and maintains a payout ratio of 60% to 70% of distributable cash flow [13][14].

Company Overview - Associated Banc-Corp (ASB) is headquartered in Green Bay and has experienced a price change of -3.05% this year [3] - The company currently pays a dividend of $0.23 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 3.97%, which is higher than the Banks - Midwest industry's yield of 3.13% and the S&P 500's yield of 1.57% [3] Dividend Performance - The current annualized dividend of $0.92 represents a 3.4% increase from the previous year [4] - Over the past five years, Associated Banc-Corp has increased its dividend four times, averaging an annual increase of 5.65% [4] - The company's payout ratio is currently 41%, indicating that it pays out 41% of its trailing 12-month earnings per share as dividends [4] Earnings Growth Expectations - For the fiscal year, ASB anticipates solid earnings growth, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 projected at $2.49 per share, reflecting a year-over-year growth rate of 4.62% [5] Investment Considerations - Associated Banc-Corp is viewed as a compelling investment opportunity due to its strong dividend profile and current Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [7]

Group 1 - Marjorie Bradt received a gift of over $6,000 worth of AT&T stock in the 1950s and chose to enroll in the company's dividend reinvestment plan instead of selling it [1] - The article emphasizes the importance of creating a portfolio that generates income without the need to sell assets, which can help fund retirement dreams [4] - The Income Method promoted in the article targets a yield of 9-10%, suggesting a strategy focused on high dividend returns [4] Group 2 - The article encourages joining a community for investment support, highlighting the benefits of collective investment strategies [4] - There is a sense of urgency in the article regarding rising prices for membership, indicating a limited-time offer for access to investment resources [4]

Group 1 - The Business Development Company (BDC) sector has faced challenges over the past year due to lower base rates leading to reduced portfolio yields and interest income [1] - Some BDC performances have been negatively impacted as a result of these economic conditions [1] Group 2 - The article emphasizes the importance of quality dividend-paying companies for building investment portfolios, particularly for lower and middle-class workers [1]

Group 1 - The stock market experienced a dip and subsequent recovery following Liberation Day, indicating resilience among investors [1] - Investors focused on quality high-yield stocks, demonstrating a commitment to their investment strategies despite market fluctuations [1] Group 2 - The article reflects a personal investment philosophy centered around dividend investing, highlighting its importance to the author [1]

Group 1 - Canadian Natural Resources (NYSE: CNQ) has demonstrated resilience in a challenging oil industry by achieving record production in Q1 2025, reducing capital expenditures, and increasing dividends [1] - The company is characterized by growth in revenue, earnings, and free cash flow, indicating strong financial health and operational efficiency [1] - Canadian Natural Resources is positioned favorably with excellent growth prospects and favorable valuations, making it an attractive investment opportunity [1]

Core Insights - Warren Buffett and Berkshire Hathaway have never paid a dividend, focusing instead on capital deployment for shareholder rewards, yet they invest in dividend-paying stocks for passive income [1] - This year, Berkshire is set to collect over $1.3 billion in passive income from its investments in Chevron and Kraft Heinz [1] Group 1: Chevron - Berkshire Hathaway has invested in over 118.6 million shares of Chevron, making it the fifth largest equity holding in their portfolio, accounting for slightly under 6% of it [2] - Chevron has paid a quarterly dividend of $1.71 per share for the first two quarters of the year, resulting in an expected annual dividend collection of approximately $811.3 million for Berkshire [4] - Chevron has a strong dividend track record, increasing its quarterly dividend by 5% this year, marking the 38th consecutive year of annual dividend increases [5] - The company expects to generate an additional $10 billion in free cash flow by 2026, assuming oil prices are at $70 per barrel, with a priority on growing dividends over share buybacks [6] Group 2: Kraft Heinz - Berkshire Hathaway, in partnership with 3G, acquired Heinz for over $23 billion in 2013 and merged it with Kraft in 2015, but the stock has underperformed since then [7] - There are speculations that Berkshire may sell part of its position in Kraft Heinz, especially as its representatives on the board are set to leave [9] - Kraft Heinz has paid dividends for the past decade, with a current yield over 6%, but significantly cut its dividend in 2019 and has not raised it since [10] - Assuming Berkshire maintains its stake of over 325.6 million shares, it is expected to collect over $521 million in dividends this year [10] - Kraft Heinz's trailing-12-month free cash flow yield is close to 9.5%, with projections of $2.63 free cash flow per share, which is sufficient to cover the expected $1.60 per share in dividends [11]