Company Overview - PPG Industries is headquartered in Pittsburgh and operates in the Basic Materials sector, specifically in paint and coatings [3] - The company's stock has experienced a price change of -0.98% this year [3] Dividend Information - PPG Industries currently pays a dividend of $0.68 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 2.3%, which is higher than the Chemical - Specialty industry's yield of 0.94% and the S&P 500's yield of 1.52% [3] - The annualized dividend of $2.72 has increased by 2.3% from the previous year [4] - Over the past 5 years, PPG Industries has raised its dividend 5 times, achieving an average annual increase of 5.96% [4] - The current payout ratio is 34%, indicating that the company pays out 34% of its trailing 12-month earnings per share as dividends [4] Earnings Growth - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for PPG's earnings in 2025 is $7.89 per share, reflecting a year-over-year earnings growth rate of 0.25% [5] Investment Considerations - PPG Industries is considered a compelling investment opportunity due to its strong dividend profile and current Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [6] - The company is positioned well for income investors, especially compared to tech start-ups or growth businesses that typically do not offer dividends [6]

Company Overview - Artesian Resources (ARTNA) is a water resource management company based in Newark, operating in the Utilities sector with a year-to-date share price change of 6.8% [3] Dividend Information - The company currently pays a dividend of $0.31 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 3.64%, which is significantly higher than the Utility - Water Supply industry's yield of 2.57% and the S&P 500's yield of 1.52% [3] - Artesian Resources has an annualized dividend of $1.23, reflecting a 4.1% increase from the previous year, and has increased its dividend five times over the last five years, averaging an annual increase of 4.17% [4] Earnings Growth and Future Outlook - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 projects earnings of $2.16 per share, indicating a 9.09% increase from the previous year [5] - Future dividend growth will depend on earnings growth and the company's payout ratio, which currently stands at 58%, meaning 58% of its trailing 12-month EPS is paid out as dividends [4] Investment Appeal - Artesian Resources is characterized as an attractive dividend play and a compelling investment opportunity, holding a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) [6]

Investment Rating - The report indicates a positive outlook for cash returns in the Chinese market, with expectations for aggregate dividends and buybacks to reach Rmb3.0tn and Rmb0.6tn respectively in 2025, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 10% and 35% [1][11]. Core Insights - Chinese listed companies are experiencing record-high cash returns, driven by strong policy support and conservative cash return practices, with a significant increase in dividends and buybacks anticipated in the coming years [1][11]. - The report highlights a preference among investors for "Old China" companies that prioritize shareholder returns, with a correlation between cash spending on dividends/buybacks and increased company valuations [2][45]. - There is a growing appetite for cash return strategies among various types of Chinese investors, as these strategies are perceived as offering superior returns compared to bonds in a low-interest rate environment [3][53]. Summary by Sections Cash Returns Growth - Following the "Nine Measures" policy released in April 2024, over 4300 companies recorded Rmb2.7tn in dividends in 2024, with a dividend payout ratio of 39%, up from 37% in 2023 [11][12]. - The expectation for total dividends in 2025 is Rmb3.0tn, supported by high-single digit earnings growth and an increase in payout ratios [11][12]. Buybacks and Financial Incentives - A-share and offshore companies repurchased approximately Rmb160bn and Rmb300bn worth of shares in 2024, marking increases of 56% and 79% year-on-year [20][31]. - The re-lending program for corporate buybacks has seen strong adoption, with over 620 A-share firms announcing credit agreements totaling Rmb133bn [31][25]. Investment Strategies - The GS China Shareholder Returns Portfolio has been refreshed to include 30 GS-Buy rated companies, which are actively returning capital to shareholders [63][64]. - The GS Chinese Prominent 10 portfolio focuses on large-cap companies investing heavily in growth while also providing decent cash returns, appealing to investors seeking a mix of growth and income [64][65]. Sector Analysis - Companies in traditional sectors like Financials and Utilities tend to favor dividends, while those in New Economy sectors like TMT and Healthcare are more inclined towards buybacks [37][46]. - The report categorizes over 6700 Chinese listed companies into "New China" and "Old China," noting differing investor preferences for capital allocation between these groups [46][45].

Global Research Risk and Alpha amid Rising Volatility Cathy Fang Analyst S1460518100001 cathy.fang@ubs.com +86 21 3866 8891 July 2025 This document has been prepared by UBS Securities Co. Limited. UBS does and seeks to do business with companies covered in its research reports. As a result, investors should be aware that the firm may have a conflict of interest that could affect the objectivity of this report. Investors should consider this report as only a single factor in making their investment decision. ...

Core Insights - The indicated dividend net changes for U.S. domestic common stocks increased by $7.4 billion in Q2 2025, a decline from $15.3 billion in Q1 2025 and $16.0 billion in Q2 2024 [1][6] - For the 12-month period ending June 2025, the net dividend rate increased by $44.1 billion, down from $54.6 billion for the same period in 2024 [2][6] - Dividend growth has declined due to concerns over cash commitments amid uncertainties regarding tariffs and their economic impact [3][4] Dividend Increases - In Q2 2025, U.S. common dividend increases totaled $9.8 billion, a decrease of 49.8% from $19.5 billion in Q1 2025 and down 52.1% from $20.4 billion in Q2 2024 [6][7] - For the 12-month period ending June 2025, total dividend increases were $57.6 billion, down 26.8% from $78.7 billion in the previous year [8][6] - A total of 480 dividend increases were reported in Q2 2025, compared to 539 in Q2 2024, marking a 10.9% year-over-year decrease [7] Dividend Decreases - In Q2 2025, there were 38 issues that decreased dividends, an 81.0% year-over-year increase from 21 issues in Q2 2024 [15] - Dividend decreases amounted to $2.3 billion in Q2 2025, compared to $4.4 billion in Q2 2024 [15] - For the 12-month period ending June 2025, 155 issues decreased their dividend payments, down from 175 in the previous year [15] Future Outlook - The second half of 2025 may see stronger dividend performance as companies await clarity on economic policies and tariff resolutions [4] - Q3 2025 is expected to show improvements in dividend payments, particularly from large banks following positive stress test results [4] - The S&P 500 is projected to achieve a record in dividend payments for 2025, with a 6% increase anticipated, down from an earlier expectation of 8% [4]

As Conagra Brands, Inc. CAG gears up to unveil its fourth-quarter earnings on July 10, all eyes are on whether the food giant can maintain its profitability amid shifting market dynamics and a declining revenue forecast—while investors weigh the allure of a tempting dividend yield that could reshape their portfolios.Analysts expect the company to report quarterly earnings of 61 cents per share, in line with the 61 cents per share reported in the year-ago period. Conagra Brands is projected to report quarter ...

Core Insights - The article discusses the author's background in analytics and accounting, highlighting over 10 years of experience in the investment arena, starting as an analyst and progressing to a management role [1]. Group 1 - The author holds a master's degree in Analytics from Northwestern University and a bachelor's degree in Accounting [1]. - The author has a personal interest in dividend investing and aims to share insights with the Seeking Alpha community [1].

Group 1 - AdvanSix Inc. (NYSE: ASIX) is trading at low multiples due to the cyclical nature of its revenue and the industry it operates in, which is considered one of the worst in US markets [1] - The market is believed to be mispricing AdvanSix, indicating potential undervaluation [1] Group 2 - The analysis is grounded in a mix of financial education, including CFA studies and valuation books, focusing on fundamental analysis while considering other relevant perspectives [1] - The investment research approach is primarily bottom-up, covering sectors such as utilities, consumer discretionary, consumer staples, REITs, and materials across the Americas [1] - The focus is on stocks with a mid-term return perspective, specifically within a 1 to 3-year timeframe [1]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the effectiveness of investing in dividend growth stocks and reinvesting dividends as a strategy for long-term wealth growth [1] Group 1: Investment Strategy - The individual investor has explored various investment styles over 25 years, concluding that dividend growth stocks are a reliable method for wealth accumulation [1] - The investor has experience with a diverse range of investment vehicles, including stocks, options, ETFs, treasury notes, and mutual funds [1] - The blog, HarvestingDividends.com, focuses on providing information about S&P Dividend Aristocrats and other dividend growth stocks [1]

Core Viewpoint - The private sector is experiencing job losses, which is beneficial for earnings season and dividend growth stocks due to easing wage pressures and lower inflation, leading to better profit margins and dividend hikes [2]. Dividend Growth Stocks Dividend Growth Stock 1: T-Mobile US (TMUS) - T-Mobile US initiated a new dividend program in 2023 and raised its dividend by 35% to 88 cents per share after merging with Sprint [6][8]. - The company is expanding its margins and free cash flow, which supports its dividend growth strategy [7][9]. Dividend Growth Stock 2: Amphenol (APH) - Amphenol has seen significant growth, particularly in AI-related applications, with total orders increasing by nearly 60% year-over-year in Q1 2025 [12]. - The company raised its dividend by 50% last year, marking one of its largest increases [12]. Dividend Growth Stock 3: California Resources (CRC) - California Resources has shifted towards green-energy initiatives and has increased its quarterly distribution by 128% since its initiation [15]. - The company has been profitable since emerging from bankruptcy in 2021 and has seen its shares triple since relisting [16]. Dividend Growth Stock 4: RLJ Lodging Trust (RLJ) - RLJ Lodging Trust reduced its dividend significantly during the pandemic but has since increased it by 1,400% from its low point [19]. - Analysts project a 40% AFFO payout ratio for RLJ, indicating potential for further dividend growth [20]. Dividend Growth Stock 5: Coca-Cola Consolidated (COKE) - Coca-Cola Consolidated has shown consistent top-line growth and recently announced a $16-per-share special dividend, along with a quintupled regular payout to $2.50 per share [24]. - The company currently pays out only 15% of its earnings as dividends, suggesting room for future increases [24].