If you spend much time perusing the stocks that Wall Street analysts expect to produce eye-popping returns, you may have noticed a common theme: There's usually a ton of risk involved.If you'd prefer a portfolio that can outperform the overall market without taking huge risks on each individual stock, sticking with dividend payers is the way forward. During the 50-year period that ended 2024, the average dividend-paying stock in the S&P 500 index delivered a 9.2% annualized return. Over the same time frame ...

Core Viewpoint - Focusing solely on high dividend yields can lead to overlooking strong investment opportunities with lower yields but significant dividend growth potential [1] Group 1: Eli Lilly - Eli Lilly's sales increased from $28.5 billion in 2022 to over $45 billion in the past year [4] - The company offers a low yield of 0.8%, attributed to a stock price increase of over 370% in five years [5] - Eli Lilly has raised its dividend by an average of 15% annually for seven years, with a current quarterly dividend of $1.50, up from $0.74 in 2020 [6][7] Group 2: TJX Companies - TJX Companies provides a dividend yield of 1.4%, slightly above the S&P 500 average of 1.2% [8] - The company's revenue for the first quarter of fiscal 2026 rose by 5% year-over-year, totaling $13.1 billion [9] - TJX has increased its dividend by 13% this year, marking the 28th increase in 29 years, with an average annual increase of 20% [10][11] Group 3: American Express - American Express has a modest dividend yield of 1%, with revenue net of interest expense reaching nearly $17 billion, a 7% year-over-year increase [12] - The company raised its quarterly dividend by 17% in March, with the current dividend at $0.82, which is 91% higher than the $0.43 paid five years ago, reflecting a compounded annual growth rate of 13.8% [13][14]

Coca-Cola (KO -0.51%) is a top beverage company that investors have come to rely on for its dividend. With a yield of 2.9%, the stock can provide you with a fantastic payout -- the S&P 500 average yield is only 1.2%. But with changing market dynamics and potentially more challenging economic conditions ahead, the company's growth rate may be a bit light in the near term, which could impact its rate of future dividend increases. Could the company's historically safe dividend be in trouble, or is Coca-Cola st ...

Group 1: NextEra Energy - NextEra Energy has a dividend yield of 3.2%, which is above the market average of 1.3% and the utility sector's average of 2.8% [2] - The company has achieved 31 consecutive annual dividend increases, indicating strong dividend growth potential [2][4] - NextEra operates both regulated utility operations in Florida and a significant clean energy business, positioning it for long-term growth despite current political concerns [3][4] Group 2: Chevron - Chevron offers a dividend yield of 4.7%, higher than the energy sector average of 3.5% [6] - The company has increased its dividend for 38 consecutive years, showcasing resilience in a volatile energy sector [6] - Chevron's strong balance sheet and diversified operations across the energy value chain help mitigate the impact of oil price fluctuations [7][8] Group 3: Enterprise Products Partners - Enterprise Products Partners operates in the midstream energy sector with a high distribution yield of 6.9% and has increased its distribution for 26 consecutive years [9] - The company generates revenue primarily through fees for the use of its energy infrastructure, making its cash flows resilient even during low energy price periods [10] - The high yield from Enterprise is expected to be a significant portion of investor returns, appealing to income-focused investors [11] Group 4: Market Overview - Despite the S&P 500 being near all-time highs and offering a low average dividend yield, there are still attractive dividend stocks available [12] - Investors are encouraged to look beyond the overall market to identify high-yield opportunities like NextEra Energy, Chevron, and Enterprise [12]

Group 1: Oneok - Oneok operates a large and integrated energy infrastructure platform, generating stable cash flow with approximately 90% of its revenue from fee-based contracts [3] - The company has delivered over 25 years of dividend stability and growth, raising its dividend by more than 1,200% since 2000 [3] - Recent acquisitions, including the $18.8 billion purchase of Magellan Midstream Partners, are expected to fuel earnings growth through 2027 [4][5] - Oneok anticipates annual dividend growth of 3% to 4% in the coming years due to ongoing expansion projects and merger synergies [5] Group 2: Verizon - Verizon's mobile and broadband businesses generate significant recurring revenue, allowing for investment in 5G and fiber networks while maintaining a high-yielding dividend [6] - The company expects to generate $17.5 billion to $18.5 billion in free cash flow this year, covering its annual dividend cost of over $11 billion [6] - Verizon's acquisition of Frontier Communications for $20 billion, expected to close in 2026, will enhance its fiber operations and generate over $500 million in annual cost savings [7] - The company has delivered its 18th consecutive annual dividend increase, the longest current streak in the U.S. telecom sector [8] Group 3: Vici Properties - Vici Properties is a REIT focused on gaming, hospitality, and entertainment, leasing properties under long-term, triple net agreements, providing stable cash flow [9] - The REIT pays out about 75% of its stable cash flow in dividends and retains the rest for portfolio growth [10] - Vici Properties has raised its dividend every year since its formation, achieving a 7.4% compound annual growth rate, outperforming its peers [11] Group 4: Investment Opportunity - Investing in high-quality, high-yielding dividend stocks like Oneok, Verizon, and Vici Properties can generate a meaningful and growing stream of dividend income [12]

Group 1: Constellation Brands - Constellation Brands is the top seller and importer of three major imported beers in the U.S.: Modelo, Pacifico, and Corona [3] - The company has faced recent sales weakness due to macroeconomic issues, but it generates sufficient earnings to support growing dividends, with a forward dividend yield of 2.37% [4][5] - Constellation has been increasing its dividend since 2015 and aims to save over $200 million annually by fiscal 2028, which is expected to lead to more earnings and dividend increases for shareholders [6] - Despite a decline in stock price, Constellation's beer business gained market share, making the current dip a potential buying opportunity [7] - The forward price-to-earnings multiple is currently at 13.6, with management guiding for adjusted earnings per share between $12.60 to $12.90 [8] Group 2: Home Depot - Home Depot is the world's largest home improvement retailer with 2,350 stores across multiple regions, and it has experienced soft sales recently [9] - The stock offers an attractive forward yield of 2.48%, and if interest rates decrease, the stock could surge to new highs [9][10] - Home Depot has a long-term growth trend supported by increasing household net worth, with a $10,000 investment 20 years ago now worth $107,000, or $176,000 with dividend reinvestment [11] - The company has paid dividends for 38 consecutive years, covering 61% of earnings in dividends, and recently raised its quarterly dividend by 2% to $2.30 [12] - Home Depot generates $162 billion in annual sales and targets a $1 trillion addressable market in home improvement, indicating strong growth potential [12]

Core Insights - The iShares Core High Dividend ETF (HDV) and Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) have slightly underperformed compared to the S&P 500 over the past five years [1] - The focus is on constructing investment portfolios that generate additional income through dividends by identifying companies with competitive advantages and strong financials [1] - A well-diversified portfolio across various sectors and industries is emphasized to minimize volatility and mitigate risk [1] Investment Strategy - The investment strategy combines high Dividend Yield and Dividend Growth companies to reduce dependence on broader stock market fluctuations [1] - Companies with a low Beta Factor are suggested to further reduce overall investment risk [1] - The selection process for high dividend yield and growth companies is meticulously curated, prioritizing total return, which includes both capital gains and dividends [1] Portfolio Composition - Suggested investment portfolios consist of a blend of ETFs and individual companies, emphasizing broad diversification and risk reduction [1] - The approach aims to maximize returns while considering the full spectrum of potential income sources [1] - The goal is to generate extra income through dividends while reducing risk through diversification [1]

Core Points - Atrium Mortgage Investment Corporation has declared a monthly dividend of $0.0775 per common share for July 2025, payable on August 12, 2025, to shareholders of record on July 31, 2025 [1] - The company currently pays monthly dividends at an annual rate of $0.93 per share, with a potential special dividend at year-end if declared dividends are less than taxable income for that fiscal year [2] - Atrium offers a Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRIP) allowing shareholders to reinvest dividends in new shares at a 2% discount from market price without commissions, facilitating compound growth of their investment [3] - Atrium is recognized as a non-bank provider of residential and commercial mortgages in major urban centers in Canada, focusing on stable and liquid real estate markets [4] - As a Mortgage Investment Corporation (MIC) under the Canada Income Tax Act, Atrium is not taxed on income as long as taxable income is distributed to shareholders as dividends within 90 days after year-end [5]

Core Viewpoint - Enovix Corporation announced a special dividend in the form of warrants to common stockholders, coinciding with the launch of its AI-1™ battery platform, aimed at enhancing shareholder value and providing a financing opportunity for future growth [1][5]. Warrant Distribution Details - Stockholders will receive one warrant for every seven shares held as of July 17, 2025, with the distribution expected around July 21, 2025 [2][6]. - Holders of the 3.00% convertible senior notes due 2028 will also receive warrants based on the same ratio [7]. - Each warrant allows the purchase of one share of common stock at an exercise price of $8.75, and the warrants will be listed on the Nasdaq under the ticker ENVXW [3][4]. Financial Implications - The transaction could raise up to $253.8 million in gross proceeds, with equity issued at an approximate 12% premium to the trailing 60-day volume-weighted average price [4]. - The dividend is designed to provide immediate shareholder value while allowing the company to raise capital efficiently without dilution [9]. Strategic Context - The announcement follows the launch of the AI-1™ platform, which is intended for next-generation smartphones requiring higher energy storage and power for AI functions [5]. - The proceeds from potential warrant exercises could support the scale-up of Fab2, accelerate customer ramps, and advance strategic priorities [9][18]. Expiration Conditions - The warrants will expire on October 1, 2026, unless the Early Expiration Price Condition is met, which requires the VWAP of the common stock to equal or exceed $10.50 for 20 out of 30 consecutive trading days [10]. Company Overview - Enovix is a leader in lithium-ion battery technology, focusing on high-performance energy storage solutions with proprietary 3D cell architecture [14].

Core Viewpoint - PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. has increased its quarterly cash dividend by 6% to $1.70 per share, reflecting the company's financial strength and confidence in its strategy and outlook [1][6]. Dividend Increase - The dividend will be paid on August 5, 2025, to shareholders of record as of July 15, 2025 [1]. - This increase follows the successful completion of the Federal Reserve's 2025 stress test, with PNC's projected CET1 ratio remaining well above the regulatory minimum [2][9]. - Prior to this increase, PNC raised its dividend by 3% to $1.60 per share in July 2024, with a five-year annualized dividend growth rate of 8.49% [3]. Financial Metrics - PNC's current payout ratio stands at 45% of its earnings, and its current dividend yield is 3.26%, significantly higher than the industry average of 1.87% [3][9]. - As of March 31, 2025, PNC had $38.4 billion in total available liquidity and $60.7 billion in total borrowed funds [7]. Capital Distribution Actions - PNC has an ongoing share repurchase program, with 40.5 million shares available for repurchase under a previously authorized plan of 100 million shares [6][9]. - The company anticipates maintaining a similar level of share repurchases in the upcoming quarters of 2025 [6]. Market Performance - PNC's shares have gained 23.7% over the past year, although this is lower than the industry's growth of 41.1% [8].