Group 1 - Samuel Smith has extensive experience in dividend stock research and investment, having served as lead analyst and Vice President at notable firms [1] - He is a Professional Engineer and Project Management Professional, holding degrees in Civil Engineering & Mathematics and a Masters in Engineering with a focus on applied mathematics and machine learning [1] - Samuel leads the High Yield Investor investing group, collaborating with Jussi Askola and Paul R. Drake to balance safety, growth, yield, and value in investment strategies [2] Group 2 - High Yield Investor provides real-money core, retirement, and international portfolios, along with regular trade alerts and educational content [2] - The service includes an active chat room for investors to share insights and strategies [2]

Core Viewpoint - Build-A-Bear Workshop (NYSE: BBW) may not be the first stock that comes to mind for investors looking for great holding opportunities [1] Group 1 - The company is often overlooked in the investment community despite its potential [1]

Company Overview - Artesian Resources (ARTNA) is a water resource management company headquartered in Newark, with a year-to-date price change of 8.55% [3] - The company currently pays a dividend of $0.31 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 3.58%, which is significantly higher than the Utility - Water Supply industry's yield of 2.45% and the S&P 500's yield of 1.54% [3] Dividend Performance - Artesian Resources has an annualized dividend of $1.23, reflecting a 4.1% increase from the previous year [4] - Over the past five years, the company has increased its dividend five times, achieving an average annual increase of 4.17% [4] - The current payout ratio stands at 58%, indicating that the company distributes 58% of its trailing 12-month earnings per share as dividends [4] Earnings Outlook - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Artesian Resources' earnings in 2025 is projected at $2.16 per share, with an expected increase of 9.09% compared to the previous year [5] Investment Consideration - Artesian Resources is positioned as an attractive investment opportunity due to its strong dividend yield and a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) [7]

Group 1 - The leader of The Dividend Dog Catcher investing group shares at least one new dividend stock idea weekly, focusing on yield or extraordinary financial circumstances [1] - All investment ideas are archived and available for review after the weekly announcement [1] Group 2 - The article emphasizes that it is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as investment advice [2] - It clarifies that past performance does not guarantee future results and that no specific investment recommendations are provided [3]

Core Insights - The article discusses the initiation of tracking an investable universe of 50 high-quality dividend growth stocks as of September 1, 2024 [1] Group 1 - The individual has a master's degree in Analytics and a bachelor's degree in Accounting, with over 10 years of experience in the investment field [1] - The focus on dividend investing is highlighted as a personal interest, indicating a commitment to sharing insights with the Seeking Alpha community [1]

Company Overview - Equitable Holdings, Inc. (EQH) is headquartered in New York and operates in the Finance sector [3] - The stock has experienced a price change of 11.72% since the beginning of the year [3] Dividend Information - Currently, EQH pays a dividend of $0.24 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 2.05% [3] - The company's annualized dividend of $1.08 has increased by 14.9% from the previous year [4] - Over the last 5 years, EQH has increased its dividend 5 times year-over-year, averaging an annual increase of 8.95% [4] - The current payout ratio for EQH is 16%, indicating that it paid out 16% of its trailing 12-month EPS as dividends [4] Earnings Growth Expectations - For the fiscal year, EQH anticipates solid earnings growth, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 at $6.62 per share, reflecting an expected increase of 11.64% from the previous year [5] Industry Context - The Insurance - Multi line industry's average dividend yield is 1.82%, while the S&P 500's yield is 1.56%, positioning EQH favorably within its sector [3] - Dividends are significant for investors as they enhance stock investing profits, reduce overall portfolio risk, and offer tax advantages [6] - It is noted that larger, established companies are more likely to offer dividends compared to tech start-ups or high-growth businesses [7] Investment Consideration - EQH is considered a compelling investment opportunity due to its strong dividend profile and current Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [7]

Group 1 - Marjorie Bradt received a gift of over $6,000 worth of AT&T stock in the 1950s and chose to enroll in the company's dividend reinvestment plan instead of selling it [1] - The article emphasizes the importance of creating a portfolio that generates income without the need to sell assets, which can help fund retirement dreams [4] - The Income Method promoted in the article targets a yield of 9-10%, suggesting a strategy focused on high dividend returns [4] Group 2 - The article encourages joining a community for investment support, highlighting the benefits of collective investment strategies [4] - There is a sense of urgency in the article regarding rising prices for membership, indicating a limited-time offer for access to investment resources [4]

Group 1 - The Business Development Company (BDC) sector has faced challenges over the past year due to lower base rates leading to reduced portfolio yields and interest income [1] - Some BDC performances have been negatively impacted as a result of these economic conditions [1] Group 2 - The article emphasizes the importance of quality dividend-paying companies for building investment portfolios, particularly for lower and middle-class workers [1]

Group 1 - The stock market experienced a dip and subsequent recovery following Liberation Day, indicating resilience among investors [1] - Investors focused on quality high-yield stocks, demonstrating a commitment to their investment strategies despite market fluctuations [1] Group 2 - The article reflects a personal investment philosophy centered around dividend investing, highlighting its importance to the author [1]

Core Viewpoint - The current economic environment presents an opportunity for investors to consider quality dividend stocks, as recent challenges have led to lower stock prices and higher yields for leading retail and consumer goods brands [1][2]. Target - Target's stock is currently 64% off its highs, but the company has a history of rebounding from challenges, having previously invested in a robust omnichannel strategy that positioned it well for e-commerce growth [4][8]. - The company faces several pressures, including slow sales growth due to inflation, a smaller grocery segment compared to competitors, and politically motivated consumer boycotts, which have affected consumer confidence [5][6]. - Comparable sales dropped 3.8% year over year in the first quarter, while operating income increased by 13.6%, and same-day delivery saw a 35% year-over-year increase [6]. - Target has a strong digital presence and a robust membership program, and it is a Dividend King with a history of raising dividends for 53 years, currently offering a yield of 4.6% [7][8]. Starbucks - Starbucks' stock is down 31% from its highs, but it remains a strong consumer brand with over 40,000 stores globally, generating healthy margins that support dividend payments [9][10]. - The company is experiencing weak sales, with comparable store sales down 1% year over year, and earnings have decreased by 50% compared to the previous year [10][12]. - A new CEO, Brian Niccol, is focused on improving customer experience and managing costs, which is expected to support future dividend growth [11][12]. - The current quarterly dividend payment is $0.61, resulting in a forward yield of 2.82%, the highest in years, making it an attractive investment for long-term income [13]. Home Depot - Home Depot's stock is currently 15% off its highs, and while it has historically been a top performer, it has underperformed the S&P 500 over the last three years, gaining only 19% compared to the index's 42% [14]. - The company is facing a slowdown in the housing market due to rising mortgage rates, leading to a 0.3% decline in comparable sales, although overall revenue increased by 9.4% to $39.9 billion due to an acquisition [15][16]. - Despite current challenges, there is a housing shortage estimated at around 4 million homes, which could eventually drive demand for home improvement materials [16]. - Home Depot offers a 2.5% dividend yield and has raised its dividend for 16 consecutive years, making it a strong candidate for long-term dividend growth [18].