Core Insights - Matthews International Corporation (NASDAQ:MATW) is recognized as one of the Best Dividend Stocks for a Dividend Champions List, highlighting its strong dividend performance [1] Company Strategy - The company operates across diverse sectors, including industrial technologies, brand solutions, and memorialization, and is focused on reshaping its portfolio for long-term growth [2] - Key strategies include tailoring offerings in memorialization to align with demographic trends, leveraging innovation in industrial technologies, and maximizing value from joint ventures post-SGK divestiture [3] - Emphasis is placed on disciplined cost controls, steady cash flow, and simplifying the reporting structure, particularly regarding the Propelis partnership [3] Dividend Performance - Matthews International Corporation has achieved its 31st consecutive year of dividend growth as of 2025, making it a strong candidate for income investors [4] - The current quarterly dividend is $0.25 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 4.01% as of October 2 [4]

Core Insights - Essex Property Trust, Inc. (NYSE:ESS) is recognized as one of the Best Dividend Stocks for a Dividend Champions List [1] - The company focuses on coastal markets in California, where housing demand remains strong, leading to rent growth above the national average [2] - Essex maintains conservative financial practices, allowing for steady growth in its apartment portfolio while safeguarding its dividend [2] Growth Strategies - Essex Property Trust employs multiple growth strategies, including acquiring communities through joint ventures, making preferred equity investments, and funding new development projects [3] - This diversified approach has enabled the REIT to generate consistent cash flow, facilitating regular dividend increases [3] Dividend Performance - Since going public in 1994, Essex has consistently grown its dividends, with a current quarterly dividend of $2.57 per share, translating to a dividend yield of 3.9% as of October 2 [4]

Core Insights - Alerus Financial Corporation (NASDAQ:ALRS) is recognized as one of the Best Dividend Stocks for a Dividend Champions List, highlighting its strong performance in dividend payments [1][4] Group 1: Business Segments - Alerus Financial operates in three main areas: banking, retirement and benefit services, and wealth management, providing a balanced revenue stream that mitigates risks from weaknesses in any single segment [2] - The retirement and benefit services segment generates steady fee income through account administration, while the wealth management division focuses on investment advice and planning for clients [2] Group 2: Growth Strategy - The company has been expanding its market presence through acquisitions, entering new markets such as Phoenix and Rochester [3] - Alerus is enhancing its digital capabilities via the "One Alerus" program, which integrates technology upgrades across the customer experience [3] - Management has set key objectives including cost reduction, growth in assets under management, diversification of income streams, and improved operational efficiency [3] Group 3: Dividend Performance - Alerus Financial has a strong track record of rewarding shareholders, having increased dividends for 39 consecutive years [4] - The current quarterly dividend is $0.21 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 3.85% as of October 2 [4]

Group 1 - The York Water Company (NASDAQ:YORW) is recognized as one of the Best Dividend Stocks and is included in the Dividend Champions List [1][2] - The company operates in the utility sector, providing water and wastewater services in Pennsylvania, specifically in 57 municipalities across four counties [2][3] - The nature of the utility business creates a monopoly effect, leading to predictable cash flow and reduced competition concerns [3] Group 2 - The York Water Company has a long-standing history of dividend payments, having paid uninterrupted dividends since 1816, making it the oldest continuously paying dividend stock in the US [4] - The company has increased its dividend payout for 28 consecutive years, with the current quarterly dividend at $0.2192 per share, resulting in a yield of approximately 2.9% as of October 2 [4]

Core Insights - The article discusses the best dividend stocks for a dividend champions list, focusing on companies that have consistently increased their dividends for 25 years or more [2][5]. Dividend Champions Overview - Dividend champions are distinguished from dividend aristocrats by not needing to be part of the S&P Index, but they share a commitment to increasing dividend payouts [2]. - The ability to grow dividends through challenging times, such as the pandemic, highlights the resilience of these companies [3]. Market Trends - There is a growing interest in dividend stocks among younger investors, particularly Gen Z, who are seeking financial independence and early retirement [4]. - Income-focused ETFs have gained significant traction, capturing about one in every six dollars flowing into equity ETFs, with the sector reaching approximately $750 billion by 2025 [5]. Methodology for Stock Selection - The selection process involved analyzing over 150 dividend champions and identifying those with the highest dividend yields as of October 2 [7]. Company Highlights - **The York Water Company (NASDAQ:YORW)**: - Offers a dividend yield of 2.91% and has paid dividends since 1816, increasing payouts for 28 consecutive years [9][12]. - Operates in a monopoly-like environment, providing stable cash flow due to the high costs of establishing utility services [11]. - **The Southern Company (NYSE:SO)**: - Provides a dividend yield of 3.15% and has a strong reputation in nuclear energy, overseeing eight reactors [13][15]. - Has a record of 24 years of consecutive dividend increases and has paid dividends without interruption for 78 years [15]. - **Stepan Company (NYSE:SCL)**: - Offers a dividend yield of 3.16% and has increased its dividend for 57 straight years [16][19]. - Reported an 8% increase in adjusted EBITDA to $51.4 million in the second quarter, with strong growth in its Polymers and NCT product lines [17][18].

Group 1 - The article highlights the significance of companies with a long history of increasing dividend payouts, specifically mentioning "Dividend Champions" that have raised dividends for 25 years or more [1][2] - Notable companies in this category include McDonald's, Walmart, ExxonMobil, and Caterpillar, although some may face economic challenges in the near future [2] - Three recommended Dividend Champion stocks with strong revenue growth potential and analyst upside are International Business Machines (IBM), NextEra Energy, and Royal Gold [3] Group 2 - IBM has achieved 30 consecutive years of dividend increases and is evolving in the generative AI space with its watsonx platform, which has become a critical growth driver [5][6] - IBM's generative AI business generates over $7.5 billion in revenue, with expected revenue growth of 10.3% this year and 11.1% next year, alongside a current dividend yield of 2.7% [6] - NextEra Energy has 31 consecutive years of dividend increases and operates in two segments: Florida Power & Light, the largest utility in the U.S., and NextEra Energy Resources, focusing on renewable energy and power generation [7][9]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights seven companies known as Dividend Champions, which have consistently increased their dividends for at least 25 years, making them attractive options for investors seeking reliable income streams. Group 1: Chevron - Chevron is a leading integrated oil and gas producer with a break-even level of around $30 per barrel, allowing it to remain profitable even during downturns in oil prices [2][3] - The company has increased its dividend for 38 consecutive years, demonstrating resilience during oil market fluctuations [3] - Chevron anticipates adding $12.5 billion to its annual free cash flow starting next year, supported by a recent merger with Hess, which enhances its production and cash flow growth outlook [4] Group 2: Consolidated Edison - Consolidated Edison is an electric and gas utility focused on New York City, benefiting from stable demand and government-regulated rates, which support its dividend growth [5] - The company has delivered its 51st annual dividend increase, making it a Dividend King with over 50 years of dividend increases [6] - Consolidated Edison plans to invest $38 billion to maintain and grow its utility operations through the end of the decade, ensuring reliable earnings growth [7] Group 3: Enterprise Products Partners - Enterprise Products Partners is a master limited partnership (MLP) with energy midstream assets, providing predictable cash flow through long-term contracts [8] - The MLP has increased its distribution for 27 consecutive years and has $6 billion in organic capital projects expected to boost cash flow by 2026 [9] - Enterprise has a strong balance sheet, allowing it to continue growing its business and high-yielding distribution [10] Group 4: Enbridge - Enbridge is a North American energy infrastructure company with 98% of earnings from predictable revenue frameworks, ensuring visibility into its earnings [12] - The company has increased its dividend for 30 consecutive years and has a backlog of approximately $23 billion in capital projects to support future growth [13] Group 5: Genuine Parts - Genuine Parts is a provider of automotive and industrial replacement parts, with a history of growing sales in 91 of its 97 years [14] - The company has raised its dividend for 69 consecutive years, supported by strong cash flows and a disciplined acquisition strategy [15] Group 6: NNN REIT - NNN REIT focuses on single-tenant, net leased retail properties, generating stable rental income due to tenants covering operating costs [16] - The REIT has increased its dividend for 36 consecutive years and maintains a conservative financial profile to support future dividend growth [17] Group 7: PepsiCo - PepsiCo is a global beverage and snacking company with a strong cash flow supporting its nearly 4% dividend yield [18] - The company has raised its dividend for 53 consecutive years and invests heavily in product innovations and capacity expansions to drive growth [19] Conclusion - These companies exemplify resilience and financial strength, making them ideal choices for investors seeking durable and steadily rising passive dividend income [20]

Group 1 - The focus is on income-producing asset classes such as REITs, ETFs, Preferreds, and 'Dividend Champions' that target premium dividend yields up to 10% [1] - iREIT®+HOYA Capital is highlighted as a premier income-focused investing service that offers sustainable portfolio income, diversification, and inflation hedging [2] - The service provides access to exclusive income-focused portfolios and top investment ideas, encouraging users to start with a free two-week trial [2] Group 2 - The Retired Investor has a background in data analysis and pension fund management, focusing on helping others prepare for retirement through investments in CEFs, ETFs, BDCs, and REITs [3] - The investment strategy includes long-only positions and trading options with an emphasis on cash-secured puts [3]

Group 1 - The Dividend Champions list is a monthly compilation of companies that have consistently increased their annual dividend payouts, but the data can quickly become outdated due to its monthly publication frequency [1] - Justin Law is a contributor to The Dividend Kings, a group of analysts focused on teaching individuals how to invest wisely in dividend stocks [1] - The Dividend Kings curates the Dividend Champions list, highlighting companies with a history of increasing dividends [1] Group 2 - Justin Law holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Rice University and has earned the CFA Institute Investment Foundations certificate, applying his expertise to deep value and dividend-paying stocks [2]

Core Insights - The article discusses the performance of consumer-facing Dividend Champions in 2025, highlighting that Coca-Cola has outperformed the S&P 500 despite a market trend favoring high-beta growth stocks [1][3][5]. Company Overview - Coca-Cola has 30 billion-dollar brands, including Coca-Cola, Sprite, and Fanta, with 15 brands developed organically and 15 through acquisitions [6][8]. - The company is a leader in the commercial beverage industry, holding the top market share in sparkling soft drinks, water, sports drinks, and juice [9]. Market Position - Coca-Cola has a 14% market share in developed beverage markets and a 7% share in emerging markets, indicating significant growth potential [10]. - The company benefits from a long-term trend where non-commercial drinks in emerging markets (68%) are expected to decrease, potentially increasing Coca-Cola's market share [12]. Financial Performance - Coca-Cola has increased its value share for 17 consecutive quarters, contributing to its stock performance in 2025 [13]. - The company has a dividend yield of 2.9%, which is more than double that of the S&P 500, and has grown its dividend payments for 62 consecutive years [14]. Dividend and Valuation - Coca-Cola utilizes 69% of its net income for dividend payments, allowing room for future increases, although its dividend growth rate has slowed to 5% annually over the last decade [15]. - The stock currently has a P/E ratio of 24, slightly below its five-year average of 27, indicating it is fairly valued [19]. Future Outlook - Management aims to grow earnings per share by 8% over the long term, suggesting that Coca-Cola could provide market-similar returns, making it a suitable option for income-seeking investors [20].