Core Viewpoint - Consumer staples companies, such as Coca-Cola, are considered safe haven investments during economic downturns due to consistent demand for their products, which are often necessities or frequently purchased items [2][4]. Group 1: Coca-Cola - Coca-Cola is recognized for its strong brand and has maintained a dividend yield of 2.9%, having increased its dividend for over 50 years, earning it the title of Dividend King [5]. - The stock is currently viewed as somewhat expensive, with price-to-sales and price-to-earnings ratios above their five-year averages [5]. Group 2: PepsiCo - PepsiCo, also a Dividend King, offers a diversified portfolio that includes snacks and packaged foods, with a higher dividend yield of 3.7% [6]. - The company’s valuation is attractive, with both price-to-sales and price-to-earnings ratios below their five-year averages, and it continues to invest in growth through acquisitions [6]. Group 3: Unilever - Unilever presents a more adventurous option with a portfolio that includes consumer products and food, generating around 40% of its revenue from North America and Europe, while the rest comes from faster-growing markets in Latin America and Asia [7]. - The company offers a dividend yield of 3.1%, making it an appealing choice for investors seeking growth [7]. Group 4: Tobacco Companies - Altria and British American Tobacco are high-yield options, with dividend yields of 7.2% and 7.5% respectively, despite facing long-term volume decline in cigarette sales [8][9]. - These companies have shown resilience during uncertain times, as smokers tend to remain loyal and may increase consumption during economic stress [8]. Group 5: Overall Consumer Staples Sector - The consumer staples sector offers a variety of investment options that can provide stability and reliable dividends during market volatility [10][11]. - Companies like Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Unilever, Altria, and British American Tobacco are highlighted as solid choices for investors concerned about market conditions [11].

Core Viewpoint - Dividend-paying stocks are perceived as stable investments, providing passive income through regular payments, with blue-chip companies like Coca-Cola and Procter & Gamble being prime examples [1] Group 1: Global Self Storage - Global Self Storage has a dividend yield of 5.89% and an annual dividend of $0.29, with a 3-year annualized dividend growth of 0.71% [3] - The company has a high dividend payout ratio of 161.11%, indicating potential risks of overpaying dividends [5] - Despite a nearly 7% decline year-to-date, Global Self Storage has outperformed the S&P 500 as of April 11, 2025 [4] Group 2: ACCO Brands - ACCO Brands offers a high dividend yield of 8.21% and an annual dividend of $0.30, with a 3-year annualized dividend growth of 3.57% [7] - The company has faced declining revenues and negative net income due to impairment charges, but generates substantial free cash flows of at least $100 million annually [8] - ACCO's shares are down about 30% year-to-date, resulting in a low price-to-sales ratio of 0.2, making it potentially attractive to investors [9] Group 3: Mativ Holdings - Mativ Holdings has the highest dividend yield among the three companies at 8.27%, with an annual dividend of $0.40, but has experienced a 55% share price decline year-to-date [11][12] - The company faces significant tariff risks and has had negative annualized 3-year dividend growth of -38.97% [11] - Analysts have upgraded Mativ from Hold to Buy, setting a price target of $10, which is more than double its current share price [12]

Analyst's Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of ODFL, CAT either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether ...

Group 1: Market Overview - Major stock market indexes are down significantly this year, with many valuable companies leading the decline [1] - Some companies, such as Medical Properties Trust and CVS Health, are performing well, with CVS Health up by 50% and Medical Properties Trust's shares rising 26% [1] Group 2: Medical Properties Trust (MPT) - MPT faced significant challenges when its largest tenant, Steward Healthcare, defaulted on rent and filed for bankruptcy, leading to a decline in revenue and earnings [3] - The company has signed deals to place new tenants in facilities previously occupied by Steward Healthcare, although not all facilities are filled yet [4] - MPT's portfolio is now more diversified, with average lease lengths of 18 years for new tenants, and it has improved its financial health by selling facilities and issuing secured notes [5] - MPT is required to distribute 90% of its earnings as dividends, currently offering a forward yield of 6.1%, making it attractive for long-term income-seeking investors [8] Group 3: CVS Health - CVS Health has faced uncertainty due to lost revenue from coronavirus-related products and rising costs in its Medicare Advantage business, leading to lower-than-expected earnings [10] - The company appointed a new CEO, David Joyner, and delivered better-than-anticipated results in the fourth quarter, raising questions about future improvements [11] - CVS is a diversified healthcare brand with strengths in health insurance and primary care, but it has yet to take tangible steps to address its challenges [12][13]

Group 1: AbbVie - AbbVie's share price has increased by a double-digit percentage in 2025, indicating strong demand for its products regardless of economic conditions [2] - The company has effectively managed the patent expiration of its top-selling drug, Humira, with successors Rinvoq and Skyrizi expected to generate more sales combined than Humira at its peak [3] - AbbVie has made significant acquisitions, adding growth drivers like Elahere, Botox, and Vraylar, and has over 90 programs in clinical development, including promising late-stage candidates [4] - AbbVie boasts a forward dividend yield of 3.25% and has a history of 53 consecutive years of dividend increases, qualifying it as a Dividend King [5] Group 2: Amgen - Amgen has faced challenges in organic revenue growth and a clinical setback with its weight management drug, MariTide, but its long-term prospects remain strong [6] - The company has strengthened its lineup through acquisitions, with growth drivers like Tepezza and Tezspire, and has over 30 candidates in phase 3 studies to ensure steady revenue and earnings growth [7][8] - Amgen has consistently raised its dividends, with a 201% increase over the past decade, and a forward yield of 3.1%, surpassing the S&P 500 average of 1.3% [8][9] Group 3: Eli Lilly - Eli Lilly's current dividend yield is less than 1%, but the company has significantly increased its dividend over the years, currently paying $1.50 per quarter, more than double the amount from five years ago [10][11] - The stock has appreciated by 480% over the past five years, with total returns including dividends reaching approximately 533%, compared to the S&P 500's 135% [12] - Eli Lilly is recognized for its growth potential with assets like Zepbound and Mounjaro, and despite a high valuation, it is considered a strong long-term investment due to its fast-growing business and robust dividend growth [13]

Core Viewpoint - The healthcare sector is often avoided by investors due to a lack of reliable dividend payers, but notable exceptions exist in companies like Amgen and AbbVie, which have attractive dividend policies [1][2]. Group 1: Amgen - Amgen is recognized for its strong performance in the obesity drug market and has a robust lineup of blockbuster drugs and a promising pipeline [3]. - In the previous year, Amgen's overall revenue increased by 19% to over $33.4 billion, with net income at nearly $4.1 billion, despite higher costs in research and development [5]. - Amgen raised its quarterly dividend by 6% to $2.38 per share, resulting in a yield of approximately 3%, which is nearly double the average yield of S&P 500 companies [6]. Group 2: AbbVie - AbbVie emphasizes its quarterly dividend, currently yielding over 3%, and has a history of regular dividend increases, with a recent 6% hike to $1.64 per share [8]. - Over the past decade, AbbVie has more than tripled its per-share payout, demonstrating a strong commitment to returning value to shareholders [9]. - AbbVie reported a nearly 4% increase in total net revenue to $56.3 billion, with net income slightly down to just under $4.3 billion due to rising costs [11]. - The company is well-positioned for future growth, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in revenue in the high single-digit percentages through 2029, and an increased sales forecast for its drugs Rinvoq and Skyrizi to $31 billion by 2027 [12].

Group 1 - The primary goal of the "High Income DIY Portfolios" Marketplace service is to provide high income with low risk and capital preservation for DIY investors [1] - The service offers seven portfolios designed for income investors, including retirees or near-retirees, featuring three buy-and-hold portfolios, three rotational portfolios, and a conservative NPP strategy portfolio [1] - The portfolios include two high-income portfolios, two dividend growth investing (DGI) portfolios, and a conservative NPP strategy portfolio aimed at low drawdowns and high growth [1] Group 2 - The monthly series on Dividend Stocks involves scanning approximately 7,500 stocks listed on U.S. exchanges to select five relatively safe options based on proprietary filtering criteria [2] - The author has disclosed beneficial long positions in a wide range of stocks, indicating a vested interest in the performance of these companies [2]

Core Viewpoint - Investing in dividend stocks is a resilient strategy, especially during potential bear markets, as regular payouts can mitigate losses [1] Group 1: Apple - Apple is a significant holding in Berkshire Hathaway's portfolio and is praised for its strong business model and economic moat [3][4] - The company has built customer loyalty and high switching costs, making it difficult for users to transition to competitors [4] - Apple generates substantial revenue and profits, with over 2 billion devices in circulation and more than a billion paid subscriptions [5] - The services segment is the fastest-growing unit, providing multiple long-term growth opportunities [6][7] - Despite a market cap above $3 trillion, Apple has a forward dividend yield of 0.5% and has increased its payout by 92.3% over the past decade, with a conservative cash payout ratio of 14% [8] Group 2: Visa - Visa is the leading payment network globally, with over 4 billion cards in circulation and acceptance by more than 150 million businesses [9] - The company benefits from a network effect, where increased card ownership leads to more businesses accepting Visa, resulting in growing revenue and profits [10] - The trend of cash displacement in favor of cards provides a long-term growth tailwind, especially in markets outside the U.S. [11][12] - Visa has increased its dividends by 391.7% in the past decade, with a forward yield of 0.7% and a cash payout ratio of 22.6%, indicating room for further dividend increases [13]

Core Insights - High-quality dividend stocks have historically outperformed non-payers, with an annualized return of 9.17% compared to 4.27% over the past 50 years [3] - The current market conditions, including a correction in major indices, make dividend stocks an attractive investment option [4] Group 1: Annaly Capital Management - Annaly Capital Management offers a yield of 13.79%, averaging around 10% over the last two decades, and has declared approximately $27 billion in dividends since its IPO in 1997 [5] - The company is sensitive to interest rate changes, with recent increases in the federal funds rate impacting its net interest margin and book value [6] - The Federal Reserve's current rate-easing cycle may benefit Annaly, allowing it to adjust its asset portfolio for better profitability [7] - Annaly's portfolio primarily consists of agency securities, which provide a safety net and allow for leverage to enhance profitability [8] - With improving yield-curve conditions and historical performance during declining interest rates, Annaly's financial metrics are expected to improve [9] Group 2: Realty Income - Realty Income has a yield of 5.56% and has increased its dividend for 110 consecutive quarters, positioning it well for long-term growth despite recession concerns [11] - The company's portfolio includes 15,621 commercial real estate properties, with 91% being resilient to economic downturns [12] - Realty Income's lessees are primarily brand-name businesses, ensuring consistent traffic and rental income even during economic challenges [12] - The company has a low percentage of lessees failing to pay rent, and its funds from operations are predictable [13] - Realty Income's shares are currently trading at a 22% discount to their five-year average cash flow multiple, indicating potential value [14] Group 3: Alliance Resource Partners - Alliance Resource Partners offers a yield of 10.26%, which has been sustainable despite the industry's challenges [15] - The company has successfully locked in volume and price commitments, ensuring consistent cash flow [17] - Alliance Resource has maintained a conservative approach to production expansion, resulting in a low net debt of $221.4 million [18] - The diversification into oil and natural gas royalties allows the company to benefit from price increases in these commodities [19] - The stock is valued at approximately 8.5 times forward-year earnings, presenting a solid investment opportunity [19]

Group 1: Lockheed Martin - Lockheed Martin has a record backlog of $176 billion, representing 2.4 years of sales based on 2025 guidance [4] - The company has a book-to-bill ratio of 1.2 times in 2024, indicating strong order momentum across all business areas [5] - Management expects mid-single-digit sales growth in 2025, with earnings per share guidance of $27-$27.30, comfortably covering the dividend per share of $13.20 [5] - Lockheed Martin's customers are primarily governments, ensuring reliable demand even during economic slowdowns [8] Group 2: Air Products & Chemicals - Air Products has increased its dividend for over 43 consecutive years, with a forward dividend yield of 2.4% [9][11] - The company has a strong infrastructure, including 1,800 miles of industrial gas pipeline and over 750 production facilities, creating high barriers to entry [10] - Air Products has achieved an approximately 8% compound annual growth rate in dividends from 2014 to 2025, with a payout ratio averaging 61% over the past five years [11] - The stock is currently trading at 17 times trailing earnings, below its historic P/E of 27, making it an attractive option for passive income [12] Group 3: FedEx - FedEx reported adjusted revenue of $22.2 billion, a 2.3% increase year-over-year, but has faced challenges with a poor near-term outlook [13] - The company has lowered its full-year guidance, projecting adjusted earnings per share of $18 to $18.60, which is below previous forecasts [14] - Despite near-term challenges, FedEx offers a dividend yield of 2.3%, comparable to well-known dividend stocks like Procter & Gamble and McDonald's [17] - The dividend payout of $5.52 per share is less than a third of its earnings guidance, indicating a safe payout ratio [18] - FedEx is considered a value stock for long-term investors with a three to five-year investment horizon [19]