Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) is included among the 10 Best Recession Proof Dividend Stocks to Buy. Johnson & Johnson (JNJ): A Dividend Aristocrat With Unmatched Stability Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ), founded in 1886 to produce sterile surgical supplies after the Civil War, has since grown into one of the largest global pharmaceutical and medical device companies. Unlike some drugmakers that rely heavily on a single blockbuster treatment, Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) maintains a diverse portfolio across ...

Income investors with enough experience know that dividend stocks aren’t fast-and-furious assets. Unlike big tech movers like Palantir, Nvidia, and Tesla, dividend stocks are often steady growers, which perfectly encapsulates how the companies themselves work: steady growth, sustainable cash flow, and, of course, reliable dividends. This concept is especially true for Dividend Aristocrats, a group of S&P 500 listed companies that have increased their dividends for 25 consecutive years or more. But that do ...

Nike (NKE) stock has underperformed terribly since peaking in late 2021. It has closed in the red for three years and is in the red this year as well. However, the stock has a healthy dividend yield of over 2.2% and is on track to become a Dividend Aristocrat. Let's explore the sustainability of Nike's dividend and examine whether the stock is a buy. www.barchart.com Nike Could Be the Next Dividend Aristocrat Nike was never known for its dividends for good reasons. The company characterizes itself as a ...

Core Insights - Companies that have increased their dividends annually for 25 consecutive years are rare, with Medtronic, NextEra Energy, and Realty Income being highlighted as attractive options for dividend investors [1][2] Group 1: Medtronic - Medtronic has increased its dividend for 48 consecutive years, with a current yield of approximately 3.1%, significantly higher than the S&P 500's 1.2% and the healthcare sector's average of 1.8% [3] - The company has faced slow product development and rising costs, impacting earnings growth, but new products are expected to drive revenue growth [4] - A spinoff of its diabetes business is anticipated to benefit earnings, presenting a potential buying opportunity for investors [5] Group 2: NextEra Energy - NextEra Energy has increased its dividend for 31 years, currently yielding around 3%, which is above the average utility yield of 2.7% [6] - The company boasts a remarkable 10% annualized dividend growth rate over the past decade, which is particularly impressive for a utility [7] - With a significant backlog of growth investments in solar and wind power, NextEra Energy is positioned for steady earnings and dividend growth [8] Group 3: Realty Income - Realty Income has achieved 30 consecutive annual dividend increases, offering a high yield of 5.5%, compared to the average REIT yield of 3.9% [9] - The company operates over 16,600 properties, focusing on net lease assets, which are considered low-risk [10] - Realty Income's portfolio is diversified, with 75% in retail properties and 25% in other sectors, providing stability and income generation potential [11] Group 4: Investment Opportunities - Medtronic, NextEra Energy, and Realty Income present attractive businesses with long histories of growing dividends, making them suitable for long-term investors seeking high-yield stocks [12]

Core Viewpoint - TJX Companies' stock price action post-Q2 earnings release shows mixed signals, with a significant pre-market surge followed by an intraday sell-off, indicating potential selling pressure despite positive underlying fundamentals [1][2]. Financial Performance - TJX Companies reported Q2 net revenue of $14.4 billion, a 6.9% increase year-over-year, surpassing consensus estimates by 160 basis points and outperforming industry peers like Target by 700 basis points [6][7]. - The company experienced a 4% increase in comparable sales, with growth across all segments: Marmaxx at 3%, Home Goods at 5%, TJX Canada at 9%, and International business at 5% [7]. - Adjusted earnings per share increased by 15%, amounting to approximately $1.2 billion, with operating cash flow reported at $1.8 billion [8]. Market Outlook - Analysts maintain a bullish outlook on TJX Companies, with a 12-month stock price forecast averaging $147.58, and a high forecast of $172.00 [5][6]. - The company has expanded its adjusted EPS outlook to a low of $4.52, reflecting a 6% gain compared to the previous year, while comparable sales for the year are expected to align with prior forecasts near 3% [9]. Capital Return and Dividend - TJX Companies has a dividend yield of 1.25%, with an annual dividend of $1.70 and a payout ratio of 40%, indicating a strong commitment to returning capital to shareholders [11][13]. - The company has a track record of increasing dividends at a double-digit pace, supported by robust earnings forecasts [13]. Balance Sheet Strength - The balance sheet shows a 13% increase in shareholder equity, with increased current and total assets, despite a reduction in cash due to inventory build [12].

Core Insights - Lowe's Companies demonstrates strong performance with a beat-and-raise quarter, improved profitability, and strategic acquisitions aimed at expanding its Pro market presence and enhancing its position in the new home market [1][2] Financial Performance - The company reported a dividend yield of 1.87% and an annual dividend of $4.80, maintaining a dividend increase track record of 53 years [6][7] - The P/E ratio stands at 21.31, with a price target of $271.68, indicating a potential upside of 5.61% from the current price of $257.24 [11] Market Position and Growth Outlook - Despite macroeconomic challenges, Lowe's is positioned for future growth, particularly with an anticipated rebound in the housing market driven by demand in DIY and Pro segments [2] - Analysts forecast revenue and earnings growth to accelerate to high single-digits over the next few years, supported by recent acquisitions [12] Shareholder Value and Capital Management - The company has a strong balance sheet, with a 17% reduction in deficit and declining net leverage, allowing for continued investment in shareholder value [10] - Share repurchases have reduced the share count by over 25% in the last five years, contributing to upward price action [9] Stock Performance and Market Sentiment - Lowe's stock price has shown volatility, crossing critical resistance points but facing potential pullbacks within its trading range [13] - The guidance for the remainder of the year is optimistic, although it may lead to stock price fluctuations in the near term [11]

Group 1 - iREIT+HOYA Capital focuses on income-producing asset classes that provide sustainable portfolio income, diversification, and inflation hedging [1] - The service offers a free two-week trial for potential investors to explore top ideas within exclusive income-focused portfolios [1] Group 2 - The article emphasizes that successful investing is about purchasing good stocks at favorable prices rather than popularity [2] - It highlights the importance of individual due diligence in making investment decisions [3]

Group 1 - The article emphasizes the importance of companies with specific characteristics in investment portfolios [1] - iREIT® offers in-depth research on various financial instruments including REITs, mREITs, Preferreds, BDCs, MLPs, ETFs, Builders, and Asset Managers [2] - The iREIT® Tracker provides data on over 250 tickers, including quality scores, buy targets, and trim targets [2] Group 2 - A new Ratings Tracker called iREIT Buy Zone has been introduced to assist members in screening for value [2] - The offer includes a 2-week free trial along with a free book [4]

Core Viewpoint - The communication services sector, including AT&T, is performing strongly in 2025, with AT&T's stock rising over 19% and the sector gaining 11.41% compared to the S&P 500's 7.28% gain [1][2]. Financial Performance - AT&T reported Q2 EPS of 54 cents, exceeding the consensus estimate of 51 cents, resulting in a trailing 12-month P/E ratio of 16.79 [2]. - The company expects earnings to grow by 6.07% next year, from an annualized $2.14 per share to $2.27 per share, with a forward P/E ratio of 13.30, indicating a 20.78% improvement [3]. - Q2 revenues were $30.8 billion, up from $29.8 billion in Q2 2024, with net income of $4.9 billion compared to $3.9 billion in the same period [4]. Business Segments - Mobility service revenues increased by 3.5% year-over-year to $16.9 billion, while consumer fiber broadband revenues rose by 18.9% year-over-year to $2.1 billion [4][5]. - The company added 401,000 postpaid phone subscribers, 243,000 AT&T Fiber subscribers, and 203,000 AT&T Internet Air subscribers in Q2 [5]. Shareholder Returns - AT&T repurchased approximately $1 billion of its common shares as part of a $10 billion share repurchase authorization [5]. - The company maintains a dividend yield of 4.06%, with an annual dividend of $1.11 per share and a payout ratio of 68.10% [7]. Market Position and Competition - AT&T is the third-largest wireless provider in the U.S., with a communications infrastructure reaching 290 million people across approximately 24,000 cities and towns [10]. - The company has invested over $145 billion in network buildout since 2019, enhancing its competitive position against rivals like T-Mobile and Verizon [10][9]. Analyst Ratings and Price Target - Analysts have a consensus Moderate Buy rating for AT&T, with 18 out of 25 analysts assigning a Buy rating and an average price target of $29.17, indicating a potential upside of 6.04% [11].

Core Viewpoint - Abbott Laboratories is positioned as a strong investment opportunity for Q2 2025, supported by its management, portfolio, cash flow, capital return, and pipeline despite recent stock price pressure due to Q3 guidance not exceeding market expectations [1][11]. Financial Performance - The company reported a revenue growth of 7.4%, exceeding expectations by approximately 70 basis points, with organic growth at 6.9% and 7.5% excluding COVID-19 testing supplies [7]. - Adjusted earnings reached $1.26, reflecting a 10.5% increase compared to a slower 7.4% top-line growth, aided by improved adjusted gross and operating margins [9][10]. Capital Return and Shareholder Value - Abbott's dividend yield stands at approximately 1.8%, with a payout that has grown at a robust 10% CAGR over the past few years, showcasing its status as a Dividend King with over 50 years of increased payouts [5]. - The company is actively reducing its share count through share repurchases, which is expected to continue through the end of the year, enhancing shareholder value [6][3]. Market Outlook and Analyst Sentiment - Analysts have a 12-month stock price forecast for Abbott Laboratories at $144.79, indicating a potential upside of 15.77%, with a consensus rating of Moderate Buy [8][12]. - The stock is experiencing a bullish sentiment among analysts, with a steady stream of upgrades and price target revisions, suggesting a positive outlook for the company's stock price [12][13]. Guidance and Future Prospects - The company has narrowed its revenue growth guidance to a solid range of 7.5% to 8%, with earnings aligning with consensus figures, although a stronger catalyst is needed for significant share price increases [11]. - Abbott's pipeline shows advancement in key studies and a major approval, which supports the long-term growth trajectory and cash flow sustainability [10][11].