Group 1 - The article emphasizes the importance of high-quality and reliable dividend growth investments for building growing income for investors [1] - It highlights a focus on investments that are leaders within their industry, aiming to provide stability and long-term wealth creation [1] - The service also includes ideas for writing options to further enhance investors' income [1] Group 2 - The article invites readers to join a membership that provides access to a portfolio, watchlist, and live chat [2] - Members receive early access to all publications and exclusive articles not available elsewhere [2]

Core Insights - Badger Meter has demonstrated significant long-term growth, with a hypothetical $1,000 investment in 1990 now worth $288,000, despite a current market cap of $5 billion [1] - The company is positioned for continued growth, especially as its shares are down 32% from their highs, making it an attractive dividend growth stock [2] Financial Performance - Over the past five years, Badger Meter has achieved sales growth of 15% and free cash flow (FCF) growth of 16%, while increasing its dividend by 14% [3] - The company's FCF margin has improved from 6% in 2015 to 18% today, driven by the expansion of its software-as-a-service (SaaS) sales [6] Market Position and Strategy - Badger Meter's BlueEdge solution aims to modernize outdated water and sewer utilities in the U.S., addressing the need for advanced technology in this sector [4] - The company has a strong acquisition track record, having acquired 14 companies since 2010, which has reinforced its leadership position and expanded its technology offerings [5] Dividend Growth Potential - Badger Meter's current dividend yield is 0.8%, with only 25% of its FCF allocated to dividend payments, indicating substantial room for future dividend increases as FCF margins improve [8]

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]. Investment Strategy - The investment approach focuses on high-quality dividend stocks and assets that provide long-term growth potential, which can significantly contribute to income generation [1]. - The strategy aims to create a balanced portfolio that captures total returns on par with the S&P index, demonstrating the effectiveness of blending growth and income investments [1].

Core Insights - The article discusses the comparison of ultra-short bond ETFs, specifically the Vanguard Ultra-Short Bond ETF (VUSB), with CDs and money market funds as options for emergency funds [1] Group 1: Investment Options - The Vanguard Ultra-Short Bond ETF (VUSB) is highlighted as a top pick for emergency funds [1] - The analysis is based on insights from Joseph Jones, a professor with over fifteen years of market study experience [1] Group 2: Research Perspective - Joseph Jones focuses on portfolio construction from a dividend growth investor's perspective [1] - The insights expressed in the research are solely his own and do not represent the views or financial interests of his employer [1]

Group 1 - Nuveen Quality Muni Income Fund (NYSE: NAD) operates as a closed-end fund aiming to provide attractive total returns from a portfolio of municipal securities [1] - NAD specifically invests in municipal securities that offer income exempt from federal taxes [1] - The fund's strategy includes a hybrid system combining growth and income, which allows it to capture total returns comparable to traditional index funds like the S&P [1]

Company Overview - Nuveen Dynamic Municipal Opportunities (NYSE: NDMO) operates as a closed-end fund that provides investors with exposure to a diverse range of municipal securities [1] Investment Strategy - The fund aims to invest in securities that can generate income from various sources, focusing on high-quality dividend stocks and other assets that offer potential for long-term growth [1] - The investment approach 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] Performance Insights - The company has developed a hybrid system that balances growth and income, successfully capturing total returns that align with the performance of the S&P [1]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP) as a significant dividend growth investment, highlighting its importance in the author's portfolio since the pandemic-related lockdowns in 2020 [1]. Group 1 - Union Pacific Corporation is identified as the fifth-largest dividend growth investment for the author [1]. - The company was one of the first investments made after the initial pandemic lockdowns in 2020 [1].

Group 1 - The Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is highlighted as a preferred choice for dividend growth due to its low expense ratio and attractive dividend yield [1] - The ETF has demonstrated impressive dividend growth, making it appealing for investors seeking income [1] Group 2 - The company invests significant resources, over $100,000 annually, into researching profitable investment opportunities [2] - The approach has garnered over 180 five-star reviews from members, indicating satisfaction and positive outcomes [2]

Group 1 - The Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is highlighted as a preferred dividend growth ETF due to its very low expense ratio of 0.06% [1] - The ETF's lack of leverage is noted as a positive feature, contributing to its stability [1] Group 2 - The company invests significant resources, over $100,000 annually, into researching profitable investment opportunities [2] - The approach has garnered over 180 five-star reviews from satisfied members, indicating a strong track record of success [2]

Group 1 - Realty Income is a well-known retail real estate investment trust (REIT) primarily focused on retail locations but is exploring different industries as it grows [1] - The company aims to provide high-quality and reliable dividend growth ideas to build growing income for investors [1] - Realty Income emphasizes investments that are leaders within their industry to ensure stability and long-term wealth creation [1] Group 2 - The service offered by Realty Income includes ideas for writing options to further enhance investors' income [1]