Core Insights - Investors are increasingly favoring dividend stocks to mitigate market volatility and enhance income amidst high inflation [1] - A Reddit user shared a portfolio generated with ChatGPT, aiming for $2,000 monthly in dividend income from a $300,000 investment [1][2] Company Summaries - **Altria Group Inc. (NYSE:MO)**: Noted for a strong dividend growth record, having raised dividends for 56 consecutive years, with a current yield exceeding 7% and a stock price increase of approximately 12% this year [3] - **Enbridge Inc. (NYSE:ENB)**: Canadian energy company with a dividend yield of about 5.8%, having raised dividends for 31 years, and recently reaffirmed its 2025 earnings guidance [4] - **Enterprise Products Partners LP (NYSE:EPD)**: Recognized for its tax-deferred MLP structure and a strong history of distribution growth, currently offering a dividend yield of about 6.8%. Recently downgraded by JPMorgan from Overweight to Neutral due to lower EBITDA growth compared to peers [4] - **NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF (NASDAQ:QQQI)**: Provides exposure to Nasdaq 100 companies and generates income through selling covered call options on the index [5] - **Virtus InfraCap US Preferred Stock ETF (NYSE:PFFA)**: Invests in preferred stocks of U.S. companies, boasting a dividend yield of over 9% [6]

Core Viewpoint - Ares Capital and Verizon Communications are highlighted as attractive dividend stocks for income investors, with Ares Capital currently being favored due to its higher dividend yield and favorable growth prospects [1][14]. Ares Capital - Ares Capital boasts an ultra-high dividend yield of 9.5% and has maintained stable or increasing quarterly dividends for 16 consecutive years [3][4]. - The company operates in a total addressable market estimated at approximately $5.4 trillion, with direct lending gaining popularity among borrowers [5]. - Ares Capital has outperformed its peers in terms of annualized total returns with lower volatility since its IPO in 2004 [6][8]. - Recent indications from CEO Kort Schnabel suggest a positive outlook, with an increase in transaction volume under review compared to previous periods [9]. Verizon Communications - Verizon offers a forward dividend yield of 6.8% and has increased its dividend for 19 consecutive years, supported by a rise in free cash flow from $14.5 billion to $15.8 billion year-over-year [10][12]. - Despite facing high competition and subscriber churn, Verizon's business is growing, and the new CEO plans to transform the cost structure for sustainable returns [12][13]. - Verizon is positioned as a leader in developing high-speed 6G technology, which is expected to be available by 2030, potentially enhancing its growth prospects [13]. Comparison - Ares Capital is considered the better dividend stock at the moment due to its higher dividend yield and more favorable growth outlook compared to Verizon [14]. - Both companies are recommended for income investors, allowing for diversification within high-yield dividend stocks [15].

In this article, we will take a look at some of the best blue-chip stocks to invest in.Dividend stocks have fallen behind the broader market this year as investors have piled into tech and AI names. Still, that doesn’t take away from their long-term value. Kirsten Cabacungan, an investment strategist in the Chief Investment Office at Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank, points out that total return is about more than just share price moves. Dividend income matters too.She noted that dividend-paying sto ...

Core Insights - Visa is highlighted as a potentially attractive investment option despite its relatively low dividend yield [1] - The company is recognized as one of the most profitable globally, particularly noted for its high operating profit margin [1] Company Analysis - Visa's stock price was referenced as of the afternoon of December 10, 2025, indicating a specific timeframe for the analysis [1] - The video discussing Visa was published on December 12, 2025, providing context for the timing of the insights [1]

Core Insights - Market indexes are near all-time highs, creating caution among investors regarding equity accumulation [1] - Attractive opportunities exist in income funds due to suppressed valuations from higher interest rates [1] - A hybrid investment strategy combining classic dividend growth stocks, Business Development Companies, REITs, and Closed End Funds can enhance investment income while achieving total returns comparable to traditional index funds like the S&P [1] Investment Strategy - The focus is on high-quality dividend stocks and assets with long-term growth potential [1] - The strategy aims to balance growth and income, providing a robust approach to investment income generation [1] - The total return achieved through this hybrid system is on par with the S&P index, indicating effective performance [1]

A stronger economy and Fed rate cuts could provide tailwinds for dividend stocks next year. Consider buying names such as AbbVie, FedEx, and Coca-Cola. ...

Core Insights - Coca-Cola and Home Depot are highlighted as strong dividend-paying stocks that can be integral to long-term investment portfolios [2] Group 1: Coca-Cola - Coca-Cola has a long history, selling its first beverage in 1886, and now operates in over 200 countries with a diverse product range beyond soda [4] - In Q3, Coca-Cola's revenue increased by 6% after adjusting for foreign currency impacts and acquisitions, indicating steady revenue generation despite a lack of rapid growth [5] - The company has a market capitalization of $301 billion, a gross margin of 61.55%, and a dividend yield of 2.91%, which is higher than the S&P 500 average of 1.1% [6][8] - Coca-Cola maintains a comfortable payout ratio of 67% and is recognized as a Dividend King, having increased its dividends for 63 consecutive years [7] Group 2: Home Depot - Home Depot is the largest retailer in the home improvement sector, focusing on both DIY customers and professional contractors, with recent acquisitions to strengthen its professional segment [9] - In its fiscal Q3, Home Depot's same-store sales increased by only 0.2%, impacted by reduced customer traffic and sluggish home improvement spending [10] - The company has a market capitalization of $344 billion, a gross margin of 31.40%, and a dividend yield of 2.66%, which is competitive in the market [12][14] - Home Depot generated $10.4 billion in free cash flow, allowing it to comfortably cover its $6.9 billion in dividends, with a commitment to prioritize dividends over share repurchases [13]

Core Insights - Telsey Advisory raised Best Buy's price target to $95 from $90, maintaining an Outperform rating, highlighting the company's strong execution and growing market share in consumer electronics [1] - Best Buy reported a 2.7% increase in comparable sales, with overall revenue reaching $9.6 billion, up from $9.4 billion year-over-year, and an EPS of $1.40, exceeding analysts' expectations of $1.31 [2] - CFO Matthew Bilunas anticipates continued growth in computing and mobile phones into Q4 and the following year, with a quarterly dividend of $0.95 per share announced, consistent with previous payouts [3] Financial Performance - Best Buy's overall revenue for the recent quarter was $9.6 billion, reflecting a year-over-year increase from $9.4 billion [2] - The company's EPS of $1.40 surpassed the analysts' forecast of $1.31, indicating strong financial performance [2] Market Outlook - The company is expected to introduce new initiatives and product innovations that will contribute to future earnings growth [1] - Continuous growth in the computing and mobile phone segments is anticipated, as indicated by the CFO [3]

Core Insights - Dividend investors often focus on well-known companies like Pepsi, Johnson & Johnson, and Procter & Gamble, but this approach overlooks numerous other opportunities that may offer better returns [1][2] - There are lesser-known dividend stocks that operate in stable industries, consistently raise their payouts, and outperform larger, more popular dividend stocks [2][4] - The current market volatility has prompted investors to seek companies that can grow without relying on ideal market conditions, making these under-the-radar dividend stocks appealing for their stability and potential upside [4][5] Company Summaries - **Rexford Industrial Realty**: Operates industrial properties in Southern California, the largest supply-constrained industrial market in the U.S. The company has achieved a compound growth rate of 16% in funds from operations over the past five years, nearly double that of its peers. The stock yields 4.21%, with an annual return of $1.72 per share, and has increased dividends for 12 consecutive years [8][9] - **Automatic Data Processing (ADP)**: Known for payroll and HR services, ADP has raised its dividends for 51 years. The stock yields 2.60% with an annual dividend of $6.80. The company maintains a moderate payout ratio, indicating potential for future increases, and benefits from predictable cash flow due to high client retention [11][12][13] - **Williams Sonoma**: A well-known retail name that has successfully navigated supply chain challenges and changing consumer habits. The company has a consistent dividend growth supported by strong operating cash flow. The stock yields 1.49% with an annual dividend of $2.64 and a payout ratio of 27.98%, making it an attractive option for investors [15][16]

Core Insights - Dividend stocks, while popular among long-term investors, have underperformed the broader market, with the Dividend Aristocrats Index rising by nearly 4% in 2025 compared to a 16.6% return for the broader market [2] - A study indicated that non-dividend-paying companies and those that cut dividends have historically underperformed other asset classes, showing higher volatility [3] - During market declines of over 10%, dividend stocks have outperformed non-dividend stocks, with a 14.4% decline compared to nearly 20% for the broader market from 1975 to March 2025 [4] Company Performance - Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO) has seen a year-to-date decline in share price of 29.8% as of December 8, 2025, attributed to sluggish sales in Latin America and declining alcohol consumption among Gen Z [9][11] - UBS downgraded Diageo to Neutral from Buy, reducing its price target from 2,250 GBp to 1,850 GBp, citing continued downside risks in the US spirits market [10] - Despite challenges, Diageo reported flat organic net sales and a 2.9% growth in organic volume in fiscal Q1 2026, with expectations of approximately $3 billion in free cash flow in 2026 [12][13] Owens Corning Performance - Owens Corning (NYSE:OC) has experienced a year-to-date decline in share price of 32.8% as of December 8, 2025, due to challenging market conditions affecting residential trends in the US [14] - Barclays reduced its price target for Owens Corning to $130 from $131, maintaining an Overweight rating, while noting volatility in the housing market [15] - The company announced a 15% increase in its quarterly dividend to $0.79 per share and returned $278 million to investors through dividends and share repurchases [16][17]