Core Insights - First American Financial Corporation (FAF) announced a 2% increase in its quarterly cash dividend to 55 cents per share, reflecting its strong financial position and commitment to shareholders [1][2][9] - The new dividend yield is 3.2%, significantly higher than the industry average of 0.2%, making FAF an attractive option for yield-seeking investors [3][9] - FAF has a solid track record of dividend increases, with a nine-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5% [3][9] Financial Strength and Capital Management - FAF is committed to returning excess cash to shareholders through both dividend increases and share repurchases, with a new repurchase plan authorizing up to $300 million [4][5] - As of June 30, 2025, FAF had $114.2 million in cash and cash equivalents, along with $900 million available on its revolving credit facility, indicating strong liquidity [6][9] - The return on equity for FAF was 10.4%, outperforming the industry average of 7.6%, which supports its ability to sustain dividend payments [7] Market Performance - FAF shares have gained 9% year-to-date, outperforming the industry growth of 7.5%, indicating positive market momentum [8] - The company's strategy of enhancing growth and capital position is expected to help maintain this momentum [8]

Company Overview - Synovus Financial (SNV) is headquartered in Columbus and has experienced a price change of 0.29% this year [3] - The company currently pays a dividend of $0.39 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 3.04%, which is higher than the Banks - Southeast industry's yield of 2.23% and the S&P 500's yield of 1.51% [3] Dividend Performance - The current annualized dividend of Synovus Financial is $1.56, reflecting a 2.6% increase from the previous year [4] - Over the past 5 years, the company has increased its dividend 3 times year-over-year, with an average annual increase of 4.48% [4] - The current payout ratio is 30%, indicating that the company pays out 30% of its trailing 12-month earnings per share as dividends [4] Earnings Growth Expectations - For the fiscal year, Synovus Financial anticipates solid earnings growth, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 at $5.48 per share, representing a 23.70% increase from the previous year [5] - Dividends are favored by investors as they enhance stock investing profits, reduce overall portfolio risk, and offer tax advantages [5] Investment Considerations - High-growth firms or tech start-ups typically do not provide dividends, while larger, established companies are often viewed as better dividend options [6] - Synovus Financial is considered a compelling investment opportunity due to its strong dividend profile and a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [6]

Core Viewpoint - Home Depot, UnitedHealth Group, and NextEra Energy are highlighted as strong options for investors seeking safe and growing dividend income, with each company having increased its dividend payments by at least 50% over the past five years [2]. Group 1: Home Depot - Home Depot currently yields about 2.2%, surpassing the S&P 500 average of 1.2%, with a quarterly dividend of $2.30, which has increased by 53% from $1.50 in 2020 [5][6]. - The company maintains a modest payout ratio of around 62%, indicating potential for further dividend increases [6]. - Despite challenging economic conditions, Home Depot projects comparable sales growth of 1% for the current fiscal year [6][7]. Group 2: UnitedHealth Group - UnitedHealth Group's stock has fallen over 35% this year, but it currently yields 2.8%, above the S&P 500 average, with a quarterly dividend of $2.21, up 77% from $1.25 in 2020 [8][9]. - The payout ratio is only 37%, suggesting room for continued dividend payments and increases [9]. - The company reported earnings from operations of $14.3 billion in the first half of the year, down 10% year over year, but remains in a strong financial position [10]. Group 3: NextEra Energy - NextEra Energy is the highest-yielding stock on the list at about 3.3%, with a quarterly dividend of $0.57, which is 62% higher than the $0.35 paid five years ago [11][12]. - The company has a payout ratio of 75%, indicating no immediate concerns regarding the safety of its dividend [12]. - For the most recent quarter, NextEra reported operating revenue of $6.7 billion, a 10% increase year over year, and operating income of $1.9 billion, up 14% from the prior-year period [13].

Core Insights - VICI Properties Inc. has announced a 4% increase in its quarterly cash dividend, raising it to 45 cents per share from 43.25 cents, effective October 9, 2025, for shareholders of record as of September 18, 2025 [1][10] - The new annualized dividend rate is $1.80 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 5.37% based on a share price of $33.50 as of September 4, 2025 [2][10] - VICI has increased its dividend six times in the past five years, with a payout growth of 6.8% during this period [2][3] Dividend Sustainability - VICI aims to distribute 75% of adjusted funds from operations (AFFO) to shareholders, providing a reliable income stream for dividend-focused investors [4] - The company has a solid foundation for its dividend payouts, supported by a high-quality portfolio of gaming and experiential assets, including flagship properties like Caesars Palace and MGM Grand [5][6] - VICI maintains a 100% occupancy rate across its 54 gaming and 39 experiential properties, secured by long-term, triple-net leases averaging 40.1 years [6] Lease Structure and Financial Resilience - A significant portion of VICI's rent roll is linked to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), with 40% currently and expectations to increase to 90% by 2035, aiding in revenue growth during inflationary periods [7] - 74% of VICI's rent comes from S&P 500 tenants, enhancing income stability and creditworthiness [7] - Since its inception in 2017, VICI has expanded its adjusted EBITDA by 377%, diversifying its portfolio to include experiential assets, which reduces sector-specific risks [8] Financial Position - VICI has $3 billion in liquidity as of June 30, 2025, providing financial flexibility to navigate market fluctuations [8] - The company's last quarter annualized net leverage ratio was 5.2, within its long-term target range of 5.0-5.5 [8] - With a solid operating platform and growth opportunities, VICI is well-positioned for sustainable dividend growth [9]

Group 1 - Primerica, Inc. (PRI) and American States Water Company (AWR) are both classified as dividend-growth stocks, with AWR having a significantly longer history in this category [1] - AWR is recognized as a "dividend king," indicating a strong track record of increasing dividends over time, while PRI has not yet achieved this status [1] - The focus on high-quality and reliable dividend growth investments aims to provide stability and long-term wealth creation for investors [1] Group 2 - The service mentioned offers ideas for writing options to further enhance investors' income [1]

Core Viewpoint - The Eiger Express Pipeline project, a joint venture involving ONEOK, Enbridge, MPLX, and WhiteWater, is set to enhance the growth potential of these high-yielding dividend stocks by transporting natural gas from the Permian Basin to the Gulf Coast, with completion expected by mid-2028 [1][2][4]. Group 1: Eiger Express Pipeline Overview - The Eiger Express Pipeline will transport up to 2.5 million cubic feet per day of natural gas, enabling producers in the Permian Basin to access higher-value markets along the Gulf Coast [4]. - The pipeline will support growing demand from gas-fired power plants and LNG export terminals, receiving gas from various processing facilities in the Permian Basin [4]. Group 2: Financial Structure and Ownership - Firm transportation contracts with terms of 10 years or more will provide stable income for the pipeline's owners upon its commercial service launch in mid-2028 [5]. - The Matterhorn JV, which owns 70% of the Eiger Express Pipeline, includes WhiteWater (65%), ONEOK (15%), MPLX (10%), and Enbridge (10%) [5]. Group 3: Growth Prospects for ONEOK - ONEOK will hold a 25.5% interest in the Eiger Express Pipeline, positioning it as the largest beneficiary among publicly traded pipeline companies [6]. - The company is also involved in other significant projects, including a JV with MPLX for the Texas City Logistics LPG export terminal and associated MBTC pipeline, with an investment of approximately $1 billion [6]. Group 4: MPLX's Growth Strategy - MPLX will have a 15% direct interest in the Eiger Express Pipeline, enhancing its long-term growth outlook alongside several expansion projects in its backlog [9]. - The company aims for mid-single-digit annual earnings growth, supporting distribution growth at or above this level, with a historical increase in payouts exceeding 10% annually since 2021 [10]. Group 5: Enbridge's Expansion Plans - Enbridge will have a 10% interest in the Matterhorn JV, but it has a substantial expansion project backlog exceeding 32 billion Canadian dollars ($23 billion) [11]. - The company anticipates 3% compound annual cash flow per-share growth through 2026, increasing to around 5% annually thereafter, supporting dividend growth of up to 5% per year [12]. Group 6: Investment Outlook - The Eiger Express Pipeline adds a significant growth driver for ONEOK, MPLX, and Enbridge, enhancing their ability to grow high-yielding dividends, making them attractive long-term investment options for passive income [13].

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 both growth and income, ultimately achieving total returns on par with the S&P 500 index [1].

Group 1 - The Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a popular choice for investors focused on dividend growth, showing a significant increase in total assets under management [1] - The fund emphasizes investments in industry leaders to ensure stability and long-term wealth creation for investors [1] - The service also offers ideas for writing options to further enhance income for investors [1] Group 2 - The company provides access to a portfolio, watchlist, and live chat for members, allowing them to view publications and exclusive articles [2]

Core Viewpoint - The Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF is an attractive investment option for long-term growth-oriented investors, but it may not be suitable for those seeking immediate income [2][12]. Investment Strategy - The ETF tracks the S&P U.S. Dividend Growers Index, focusing on U.S. companies that have increased their dividends for at least 10 years [3][5]. - The ETF eliminates the highest-yielding 25% of stocks, which indicates it is not designed for income seekers [5][6]. Dividend Performance - The ETF currently has a dividend yield of 1.7%, which is lower than many income-focused ETFs [6]. - Since its inception in 2006, the ETF's dividend has increased by more than 750%, suggesting significant long-term income potential for investors who hold it [11]. Target Investors - The ETF is ideal for investors with a long time horizon until retirement, as it offers exposure to companies with a history of dividend growth [8][10]. - It is also suitable for growth-oriented investors who appreciate the compounding effect of reinvesting dividends over time [9][10]. Cost Efficiency - The ETF has a low expense ratio of 0.05%, making it a cost-effective way to gain diversified exposure to over 300 stocks [9].

Core Viewpoint - Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc. has announced an increase in its quarterly cash dividend to $0.32 per common share, reflecting the company's consistent profitability and strong capital position [1][2]. Group 1: Dividend Announcement - The quarterly cash dividend is set to be paid on October 1, 2025, to stockholders of record as of September 15, 2025 [1]. - This marks the 18th increase in the quarterly dividend rate since 2011, resulting in a cumulative increase of 167% over that period [2]. Group 2: Company Overview - Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc. has $9.21 billion in assets and was incorporated in 1988 as a bank holding company [2]. - The company is the parent of Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company, which was established in 1904, and its common shares trade on NASDAQ under the symbol "SYBT" [2].