Company Overview - United Bankshares (UBSI) is based in Charleston and operates in the Finance sector, with a year-to-date share price change of 10.94% [3] - The company currently pays a dividend of $0.38 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 3.57%, which is significantly higher than the Banks - Southeast industry's yield of 2.03% and the S&P 500's yield of 1.37% [3] Dividend Performance - The annualized dividend of United Bankshares is $1.52, reflecting a 2% increase from the previous year [4] - Over the past five years, the company has increased its dividend two times on a year-over-year basis, with an average annual increase of 1.39% [4] - The current payout ratio stands at 46%, indicating that the company pays out 46% of its trailing 12-month earnings per share as dividends [4] Earnings Expectations - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings per share in 2026 is $3.54, with an expected increase of 8.26% from the previous year [5] - The company is anticipated to experience earnings expansion this fiscal year, which will influence future dividend growth [5] Investment Appeal - UBSI is considered a compelling investment opportunity due to its attractive dividend yield and strong Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [6] - The company is viewed as a solid dividend option, particularly in contrast to high-growth businesses or tech start-ups that typically do not offer dividends [6]

Broad-Based Growth in 4Q25 Midstream/MLP Dividends## Summary- Midstream indexes have kicked off 2026 with exceptionally strong performance, generating double-digit total returns year-to-date through February 18 that handily outpace the broader market.- Both MLPs and corporations drove sequential growth in payouts for 4Q25. No AMNA constituent has cut its regular dividend since July 2021.- On a year-over-year basis, 92.7% of the Alerian Midstream Energy Index (AMNA) by weighting have grown their dividends.Fo ...

Group 1 - Dividend Aristocrats are distinguished among dividend growth stocks due to their proven track record within the S&P 500 index [1] - Scott Kaufman, known as Treading Softly, has over a decade of experience in the financial sector and provides insights into high-quality dividend growth and undervalued opportunities [2] - The focus of the analysis is on achieving substantial cash dividends and strong capital gains for robust total returns [2]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of macroeconomic analysis combined with bottom-up stock research to identify durable businesses with strong cash-flow potential [1]. Group 1 - The author, Leo Nelissen, is a long-term investor and macro-focused strategist with a focus on dividend growth and high-quality compounders [1]. - The article discusses the significance of structural investment themes in the current market environment [1]. - It highlights the author's approach of combining big-picture macro analysis with detailed stock research to uncover investment opportunities [1].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the full year of 2025, the company reported record sales of $1.037 billion, an increase of 8.8% compared to the prior year, marking the first time sales surpassed $1 billion [5] - Record earnings from operations reached $209 million, up 14.4%, and record Adjusted EBITDA was $275 million, an increase of 9.8% from the previous year [5] - Fourth quarter consolidated revenues were $264 million, a 9.8% increase year-over-year, with GAAP earnings from operations of $52 million, up 10.2% [12][13] - Quarterly adjusted EBITDA was $68 million, an increase of 8.1%, with consolidated net income at $39 million, up 16.8% [13][18] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - The human nutrition and health segment generated sales of $166 million, a 12.7% increase from the prior year, with earnings from operations of $37 million, up 8.9% [19][20] - The animal nutrition and health segment reported sales of $61 million, a 4.9% increase, with earnings from operations of $6 million, up 8.6% [20][21] - The specialty products segment delivered sales of $35 million, a 6% increase, with earnings from operations of $11 million, up 5.5% [22][23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - More than half of the sales growth in 2025 came from markets outside the United States, indicating a strong international demand [8] - The dairy market remains healthy, particularly for dairy protein, while modest improvements were noted in the European feed-grade choline market following anti-dumping duties [14][21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to invest in strategic growth priorities, including expanding sales and marketing reach both domestically and internationally [8][10] - Significant investments were made in plant and equipment to support growth, including a new microencapsulation manufacturing facility in New York State [10][11] - The company is focused on maintaining a strong balance sheet while returning capital to shareholders through share repurchases and dividend increases [11][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate macroeconomic challenges and maintain growth momentum [24] - The company anticipates continued top and bottom-line growth in 2026, supported by strong competitive positions and a differentiated product portfolio [24] Other Important Information - The company achieved a net debt reduction to $89 million, with a leverage ratio of 0.3 [19] - The annual dividend was increased from $0.87 to $0.96 per share, marking the 17th consecutive year of double-digit growth [11][12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Discussion on the partnership with the New York Jets - Management highlighted the successful partnership, which has shifted the dialogue around the importance of choline for adult health, leading to increased adoption in various products [30][34] Question: Updates on clinical trials and their potential impact - Management confirmed ongoing clinical trials, with several expected to conclude in 2026, which could lead to new sales opportunities based on positive results [38][39] Question: Planned sales and promotional activities for 2026 - The company plans to enhance marketing efforts through social media and digital marketing, alongside existing partnerships with professional sports teams [49][50] Question: Impact of recent tariff decisions - Management expressed confidence in managing potential disruptions from tariff changes, noting that previous impacts were manageable and the company is well-positioned [46][48] Question: Effective tax rate assumptions - The effective tax rate is expected to be around 23% for modeling purposes, consistent with previous years [52] Question: International growth and pricing dynamics in Europe - Management reported improvements in European markets following recent regulatory changes, with expectations for continued growth in both volume and pricing [70][72][75]

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]. Group 1: Investment Strategy - The company advocates for a diversified approach to investing, focusing on high-quality dividend stocks that provide long-term growth potential and reliable income [1]. - By integrating various asset classes, the company aims to create a balanced portfolio that maximizes income and total return, aligning with the performance of the S&P index [1].

Despite the technological innovation seen in the U.S. and around the world, the banking system remains one of the most essential lubricants of the economic engine. Banks don't just take deposits, though that is one of the industry's important functions. These institutions extend the credit needed for companies to expand and for people to buy houses. Financial institutions support the vibrant functioning of capital markets, and banks backstop vital consumer needs, such as auto loans and credit cards. Where ...

One of the dominant early themes of 2026 has been the return of non-tech stocks. Investors have started to think twice about the potential impact of the AI boom and have begun rotating into more defensive and value-oriented areas of the market. That shift has also benefited dividend stocks in a big way. Strategies that involve long-term dividend growth aren't necessarily exciting, but under conditions where investors take risk off the table, they can, well, pay dividends. Where to invest $1,000 right now ...

Leo Nelissen is a long-term investor and macro-focused strategist with a passion for dividend growth, high-quality compounders, and structural investment themes. He combines big-picture macro analysis with bottom-up stock research to identify durable businesses with strong cash-flow potential. Leo also writes for Main Street Alpha, where he publishes deeper-dive research and actionable investment ideas for long-term investors.Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of AM, RE ...

Core Viewpoint - Hormel Foods is a global branded food company focused on protein and consumer understanding, emphasizing strong corporate governance and disciplined capital allocation [1][2] Group 1 - Hormel has raised its dividend for 60 consecutive years, showcasing its commitment to returning value to shareholders [2] - The company is currently navigating a dynamic food environment with a strong portfolio of market-leading brands and a well-positioned foodservice segment [2] - Hormel has an expansive global presence, which supports its competitive positioning in the food industry [2]