Core Viewpoint - AGNC Investment Corp. has declared a cash dividend of $0.12 per share for February 2026, payable on March 10, 2026, to stockholders of record as of February 27, 2026 [1]. Company Overview - AGNC Investment Corp. is a leading investor in Agency residential mortgage-backed securities (Agency MBS), benefiting from guarantees against credit losses by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or Ginnie Mae [1]. - The company employs a leveraged investment strategy, primarily financing its Agency MBS assets through repurchase agreements, and utilizes dynamic risk management strategies to protect portfolio value from interest rate and market risks [1]. - Since its inception in 2008, AGNC has paid over $15 billion in common stock dividends, demonstrating a track record of providing favorable long-term returns through substantial monthly dividend income [1]. Market Position - AGNC serves as a significant source of private capital for the U.S. residential housing market, with a team experienced in managing mortgage assets across various market cycles [1].

Core Viewpoint - Dingdong (Cayman) Limited plans to use a substantial majority of the proceeds from the sale of its China operations for share repurchases and/or dividends to shareholders upon closing the transaction with Meituan [1][2] Group 1: Transaction Details - Dingdong has entered into a definitive Share Purchase Agreement with Two Hearts Investments Limited, a subsidiary of Meituan, to sell all issued and outstanding shares of Dingdong Fresh Holding Limited for a cash consideration of US$717 million [1] - The company expects to receive up to US$997 million in cash proceeds from the transaction, subject to adjustments based on net cash and working capital thresholds [1] - The final adjusted consideration will be paid in two installments: 90% at closing and the remaining 10% after tax settlements related to the transaction [1] Group 2: Conditions for Closing - The transaction is subject to various conditions, including shareholder approval, anti-monopoly clearance from the State Administration for Market Regulation of China, and completion of necessary tax filings [1][2] - Specific conditions include the completion of a pre-closing inventory check, obtaining consents from loan institutions, and passing resolutions by the boards and shareholders of Dingdong BVI and Dingdong Cayman [2] Group 3: Future Plans - Upon successful closing of the transaction, the company intends to utilize not less than 90% of its cash balance for share repurchase plans and/or dividends, with terms to be determined post-closing and subject to board approval [1] - There is no assurance that the transaction will close or that any share repurchase plans or dividends will be executed [1]

Core Viewpoint - Warren Buffett prefers share buybacks over dividends under specific conditions, particularly when shares are undervalued relative to their book value [5][11]. Group 1: Historical Context - In 1967, Warren Buffett regretted agreeing to pay a dividend, which cost the company $101,733, a sum he believed could have been better reinvested [2]. - Following this, Buffett offered a 7.5% debenture to shareholders in exchange for their stock, which 32,000 investors accepted, effectively filtering out those seeking immediate income [4]. Group 2: Preference for Dividends - Despite his reluctance to issue dividends from Berkshire Hathaway, Buffett values dividends from companies in which Berkshire invests, referring to consistent dividend growth as "the secret sauce" for substantial returns [5]. Group 3: Tax Implications and Buybacks - Taxation laws favor long-term holding periods, with both dividends and capital gains taxed at a rate of 0% to 20% for long-term investors, making share buybacks more advantageous in the long run [6]. - Shareholders only incur tax upon selling for a capital gain, with rates capped at 20%, and potentially lower for certain income brackets [6]. Group 4: Buybacks as a Strategy - Buffett has stated that share buybacks are "probably the best use of cash" when shares are repurchased below the company's value, as seen in Apple's $100 billion buyback program in 2018 [8]. - Conversely, poorly executed buybacks can lead to significant losses for investors, as illustrated by Sears' $6 billion share repurchase in 2005, which resulted in a 99% decline in share value [9][10]. Group 5: Criteria for Buybacks - Buybacks are considered shareholder-friendly if shares are repurchased below book value, with Buffett's guideline being to buy back shares when trading below 1.2 times book value [11].

Core Insights - The article provides a recap of January's financial market performance and forecasts for February, highlighting significant records that may be unprecedented in the author's lifetime [1]. Group 1: Financial Models and Strategies - The company offers a community platform called Value & Momentum Breakouts, which utilizes proven financial models including Dividends, Breakout picks, ETFs, and Long Term Value strategies that consistently outperform the market with double-digit returns [1]. - JD Henning, a finance expert with over 30 years of experience, leads the initiative, employing technical and fundamental analysis to identify breakout signals and breakdown warnings across 11 different sectors [1]. - The proprietary Momentum Gauges® provide alerts on market changes and the strength of markets for short-term trading opportunities [1]. Group 2: Community and Features - Value & Momentum Breakouts includes features such as a Premium Portfolio, a bull/bear ETF strategy, morning updates, and an active chat room for members to engage and share insights [1].

Core Viewpoint - The recent sell-off in Mastercard and Visa stocks presents a significant buying opportunity for long-term investors despite concerns over consumer spending and proposed interest rate caps [1]. Financial Performance - Mastercard's revenue increased by 18%, while Visa's revenue rose by 15% [4]. - Mastercard's operating income grew by 25%, with operating margins reaching 55.8% and diluted EPS increasing by 24% [4]. - Visa's operating margin was 61.8%, with non-GAAP EPS rising by 15% [4]. Market Dynamics - Both companies reported high-single-digit to low-double-digit increases in payment volume and frequency, indicating resilience in their business models [5]. - The fee structure of Mastercard and Visa is based on transaction frequency and total sales, making them somewhat recession-resistant [5]. Shareholder Returns - In 2025, Mastercard returned $11.73 billion through stock buybacks and $2.76 billion in dividends, while Visa's latest quarter saw $3.73 billion in buybacks and $1.29 billion in dividends [8]. - Both companies yield less than 1% due to a preference for buybacks over dividends, but if funds were reallocated, Mastercard could yield about 3% and Visa about 3.1% [9]. Valuation and Investment Thesis - Both stocks are considered reasonably valued based on price-to-free cash flow and forward earnings expectations [10]. - Mastercard and Visa are viewed as foundational stocks for long-term portfolios due to their strong business models and global network effects [12]. Regulatory Environment - Concerns about capping credit card interest rates at 10% may persist, but it is believed that such a low cap would lead financial institutions to restrict credit access, ultimately harming consumers [13].

Core Viewpoint - G-III Apparel Group, Ltd. has initiated a quarterly dividend of $0.10 per share, indicating a strategic shift towards returning capital to shareholders while maintaining a strong brand portfolio and financial position [2][5]. Group 1: Financial Performance - G-III reported a strong third quarter with gross margins and earnings exceeding expectations, driven by a higher mix of full-price sales and effective tariff management [3]. - The company has raised its fiscal 2026 earnings guidance due to better-than-expected third-quarter performance, while remaining cautious about consumer spending and potential margin pressures from tariffs [4]. Group 2: Strategic Initiatives - G-III's management believes that its brand portfolio and operating model position the company well to achieve its fiscal 2026 goals, allowing for capital returns through dividends while retaining flexibility for strategic investments [5]. - The company’s brands have shown strong consumer connection, with steady demand expected to continue into the holiday season [3]. Group 3: Company Overview - G-III Apparel Group is a global fashion company involved in design, sourcing, distribution, and marketing, owning and licensing over 30 brands, each with distinct positioning and consumer reach [6].

As of Dec. 31, 2025, Tether Inc. recorded financial income of $10.106 billion and distributed $10.855 billion in dividends, resulting in net equity declining to $6.338 billion from $7.087 billion a year earlier. The company held $192.878 billion in reserve assets against liabilities of $186.540 billion, providing an excess reserve buffer of $6.338 billion. https://t.co/R6Jo1cZxl8 ...

Core Viewpoint - NexPoint Residential Trust, Inc. has announced the final income allocations for its 2025 dividend distributions, indicating that all distributions will be classified as taxable ordinary income with no return of capital [1]. Group 1: Dividend Distribution Details - The company will distribute dividends of $0.51 per share on three occasions: March 31, 2025, June 30, 2025, and September 30, 2025 [1]. - Each dividend distribution will be entirely classified as taxable ordinary income, with no portion designated as return of capital [1]. Group 2: Company Overview - NexPoint Residential Trust is a publicly traded Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "NXRT" [1]. - The company focuses on acquiring, owning, and operating middle-income multifamily properties with value-add potential, primarily in large cities and suburban areas in the Southeastern and Southwestern United States [1]. - NexPoint Residential Trust is externally advised by NexPoint Real Estate Advisors, L.P., which is affiliated with NexPoint Advisors, L.P., an SEC-registered investment advisor with extensive real estate experience [1].

Core Viewpoint - AT&T's stock rose 4.32% to $25.11 following analyst upgrades and a strong fourth-quarter 2025 earnings report, indicating renewed investor interest in the company's earnings stability [1][3]. Group 1: Company Performance - AT&T's trading volume reached 62.3 million shares, which is approximately 37% above its three-month average of 45.6 million shares, reflecting heightened market activity [1]. - The fourth-quarter results demonstrated continued strength in AT&T's wireless and broadband businesses, contributing to the stock's performance on a generally down day for the broader market [3][4]. - The company has experienced a growth of 547% since its IPO in 1983, showcasing its long-term value creation [1]. Group 2: Financial Positioning - The report highlighted AT&T's positioning as a cash-generative telecom operator, with sales growth and steady subscriber trends indicating that network investments are yielding consistent operating performance [4]. - A recent multi-part U.S. dollar bond issuance has provided AT&T with balance-sheet flexibility, while management reiterated plans for 5G and fiber expansion [5]. - Investors are closely monitoring whether AT&T's execution will continue to support dividends and buybacks without increasing leverage, as these factors will influence relative valuation in the future [5].

Core Insights - AT&T's shareholders are set to receive over $45 billion in dividends and stock buybacks in the coming years, reflecting strong financial performance and shareholder returns [1][5] - The company's stock price increased by more than 4% following the announcement of robust subscriber growth metrics [1] Subscriber Growth - In the fourth quarter, AT&T added 421,000 postpaid phone subscribers, 283,000 fiber subscribers, and 221,000 5G fixed wireless home internet customers, indicating strong demand for its services [2] - CEO John Stankey highlighted that investments in spectrum and fiber will enable AT&T to attract more customers across various categories and regions in the U.S. [2] Financial Performance - AT&T's revenue rose by 3.6% year over year to $33.5 billion, while adjusted free cash flow increased by 5% to $4.2 billion [4] - The company has a market capitalization of $163 billion, with a gross margin of 42.7% and a dividend yield of 4.83% [3][4] Future Cash Flow Projections - Management projects free cash flow to exceed $18 billion in 2026, $19 billion in 2027, and $21 billion in 2028, indicating a strong financial outlook [5] - The anticipated cash flow will be utilized for substantial shareholder returns through dividends and stock buybacks [5]