Core Insights - Microsoft Corporation is recognized for its advancements in artificial intelligence and office applications, alongside its growth in various business sectors [1] - The Xbox gaming console, despite being a long-standing product, often receives less attention compared to other business segments [1] Company Overview - Microsoft has a significant presence in the artificial intelligence sector, which contributes to its overall business growth [1] - The company continues to innovate and expand its offerings in office applications, enhancing its competitive edge [1] Gaming Segment - The Xbox gaming console has been developed over many years, indicating a long-term commitment to the gaming industry [1] - The gaming aspect of Microsoft's business is frequently overshadowed by its other technological advancements [1]

Group 1 - The article emphasizes the importance of identifying major trends for long-term investment success, suggesting that understanding these drivers can enhance the risk/reward profile for investors [1] - It highlights the availability of in-depth research on various income alternatives, including REITs, mREITs, Preferreds, BDCs, MLPs, and ETFs, which can aid investors in making informed decisions [1] Group 2 - The article mentions a free 2-week trial for accessing research, indicating a commitment to providing valuable insights to potential investors [1]

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 with degrees in Civil Engineering & Mathematics and a Master's in Engineering focused 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 - High-yield dividend stocks are highlighted as a reliable source of income for investors, particularly in retirement, with a focus on companies that have a proven track record of consistent dividend payments [1][2]. Group 1: Company Summaries - **Realty Income**: Current yield is 5.6%, known for being one of the largest REITs globally, paying monthly dividends, and has raised dividends for 110 consecutive quarters, with a payout ratio of 75% of anticipated 2025 funds from operations [4][5]. - **Altria Group**: Current yield is 6.7%, recognized as a Dividend King with over 50 years of uninterrupted dividend increases, despite declining cigarette volumes, maintains a payout ratio around 80% of cash flow, and has a significant stake in Anheuser-Busch InBev [6][7][8]. - **British American Tobacco**: Current yield is 6.8%, operates globally with a focus on next-generation nicotine products, has a dividend payout ratio of 66% of cash flow, and has transitioned to a quarterly payment schedule [9][10]. - **Verizon Communications**: Current yield is 6.1%, a leader in the U.S. wireless market with 21 consecutive annual dividend increases, and a payout ratio of only 58% of 2025 earnings estimates [11][12]. - **Enbridge**: Current yield is 5.7%, operates extensive pipelines and utilities, has a strong dividend track record with 28 consecutive annual increases, and maintains a payout ratio of 60% to 70% of distributable cash flow [13][14].

Company Overview - Associated Banc-Corp (ASB) is headquartered in Green Bay and has experienced a price change of -3.05% this year [3] - The company currently pays a dividend of $0.23 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 3.97%, which is higher than the Banks - Midwest industry's yield of 3.13% and the S&P 500's yield of 1.57% [3] Dividend Performance - The current annualized dividend of $0.92 represents a 3.4% increase from the previous year [4] - Over the past five years, Associated Banc-Corp has increased its dividend four times, averaging an annual increase of 5.65% [4] - The company's payout ratio is currently 41%, indicating that it pays out 41% of its trailing 12-month earnings per share as dividends [4] Earnings Growth Expectations - For the fiscal year, ASB anticipates solid earnings growth, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 projected at $2.49 per share, reflecting a year-over-year growth rate of 4.62% [5] Investment Considerations - Associated Banc-Corp is viewed as a compelling investment opportunity due to its strong dividend profile and current Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [7]

Group 1 - Canadian Natural Resources (NYSE: CNQ) has demonstrated resilience in a challenging oil industry by achieving record production in Q1 2025, reducing capital expenditures, and increasing dividends [1] - The company is characterized by growth in revenue, earnings, and free cash flow, indicating strong financial health and operational efficiency [1] - Canadian Natural Resources is positioned favorably with excellent growth prospects and favorable valuations, making it an attractive investment opportunity [1]

Core Insights - Warren Buffett and Berkshire Hathaway have never paid a dividend, focusing instead on capital deployment for shareholder rewards, yet they invest in dividend-paying stocks for passive income [1] - This year, Berkshire is set to collect over $1.3 billion in passive income from its investments in Chevron and Kraft Heinz [1] Group 1: Chevron - Berkshire Hathaway has invested in over 118.6 million shares of Chevron, making it the fifth largest equity holding in their portfolio, accounting for slightly under 6% of it [2] - Chevron has paid a quarterly dividend of $1.71 per share for the first two quarters of the year, resulting in an expected annual dividend collection of approximately $811.3 million for Berkshire [4] - Chevron has a strong dividend track record, increasing its quarterly dividend by 5% this year, marking the 38th consecutive year of annual dividend increases [5] - The company expects to generate an additional $10 billion in free cash flow by 2026, assuming oil prices are at $70 per barrel, with a priority on growing dividends over share buybacks [6] Group 2: Kraft Heinz - Berkshire Hathaway, in partnership with 3G, acquired Heinz for over $23 billion in 2013 and merged it with Kraft in 2015, but the stock has underperformed since then [7] - There are speculations that Berkshire may sell part of its position in Kraft Heinz, especially as its representatives on the board are set to leave [9] - Kraft Heinz has paid dividends for the past decade, with a current yield over 6%, but significantly cut its dividend in 2019 and has not raised it since [10] - Assuming Berkshire maintains its stake of over 325.6 million shares, it is expected to collect over $521 million in dividends this year [10] - Kraft Heinz's trailing-12-month free cash flow yield is close to 9.5%, with projections of $2.63 free cash flow per share, which is sufficient to cover the expected $1.60 per share in dividends [11]

Core Insights - Warren Buffett's long-term investment in Coca-Cola continues to yield significant dividends, with Berkshire Hathaway set to receive over $200 million in dividends in July 2025 [1][2] - Coca-Cola has maintained a consistent dividend performance, marking its 63rd consecutive yearly increase with a recent 5.2% raise [5] - The company projects solid growth potential, with organic revenue growth of 5% to 6% and EPS growth of 2% to 3% for 2025, outperforming competitors like PepsiCo [6] Dividend Performance - Coca-Cola's upcoming quarterly dividend is $0.51 per share, leading to a total of $204 million for Buffett on July 1, 2025 [1][2] - The dividend payout ratio is a sustainable 69%, based on projected earnings per share of $2.88 for 2024 and up to $2.95 for 2025 [5] - The company has a dividend yield of approximately 2.8%, making it attractive for income-focused investors [9] Financial Performance - Coca-Cola's first-quarter 2025 results showed a 6% increase in organic revenue, meeting the top of its forecast range, while EPS rose 1% year-over-year despite currency challenges [7] - The company reaffirmed its full-year guidance, indicating resilience amid broader market uncertainties [8] Market Position - Coca-Cola shares have performed in line with the broader market, recently closing at $72, reflecting a less than 1% increase [3] - The company's strong global brand recognition and fundamentals support its growth potential, distinguishing it from peers facing weaker consumer demand [6]

iREIT+HOYA Capital is the premier income-focused investing service on Seeking Alpha. Our focus is on income-producing asset classes that offer the opportunity for sustainable portfolio income , diversification , and inflation hedging . Get started with a Free Two-Week Trial and take a look at our top ideas across our exclusive income-focused portfolios.It’s a great time to be an income investor, with many names trading at well above average dividend yields. While it may be tempting some high-yielding stocks ...

Company Overview - CenterPoint Energy (CNP) is based in Houston and operates in the Utilities sector, with a year-to-date share price change of 16.96% [3] - The company currently pays a dividend of $0.22 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 2.37%, which is lower than the Utility - Electric Power industry's yield of 3.27% and the S&P 500's yield of 1.56% [3] Dividend Performance - The annualized dividend of CenterPoint Energy is $0.88, reflecting an 8.6% increase from the previous year [4] - Over the last five years, the company has increased its dividend four times on a year-over-year basis, achieving an average annual increase of 8.25% [4] - The current payout ratio stands at 55%, indicating that the company pays out 55% of its trailing 12-month earnings per share as dividends [4] Earnings Growth Expectations - For the fiscal year, CenterPoint Energy anticipates solid earnings growth, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 projected at $1.75 per share, representing a year-over-year earnings growth rate of 8.02% [5] Investment Considerations - CenterPoint Energy is viewed as a compelling investment opportunity due to its attractive dividend and strong Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [7] - The company is positioned favorably compared to high-growth firms or tech start-ups, which typically do not offer dividends [6][7]