Core Insights - Harmony Gold Mining Co. Ltd. (HMY) and Gold Fields Limited (GFI) are benefiting from a surge in gold prices, currently above $3,300 per ounce, driven by global economic uncertainties and investor demand for safe-haven assets [1][2] - Gold prices have increased approximately 27% this year, with central banks accumulating gold reserves amid geopolitical tensions and trade policy changes [2] - A comparison of HMY and GFI is relevant for investors looking for exposure in the precious metals sector [1] Harmony Gold Mining Co. Ltd. (HMY) - HMY is South Africa's largest gold producer by volume, with production of approximately 1.56 million ounces in fiscal 2024 [4] - The Wafi-Golpu project in Papua New Guinea has an estimated gold reserve of 13 million ounces and is seen as a potential game-changer for HMY [5] - The Eva Copper project in Australia, acquired in 2022, is expected to produce 55,000-60,000 tons of copper annually and is part of HMY's strategy to transition into a low-cost gold and copper mining company [6] - HMY's net cash increased by about 53% to $592 million at the end of Q3 fiscal 2025 [7] - HMY has a dividend policy to pay 20% of net free cash generated, with a current dividend yield of 1.4% and a five-year annualized dividend growth rate of approximately 19.4% [8] Gold Fields Limited (GFI) - GFI's gold production increased roughly 19% year-over-year to 551,000 ounces in Q1 2025, with a production guidance of 2.25-2.45 million ounces for the year [10] - The acquisition of Osisko Mining in October 2024 strengthens GFI's portfolio and expands its presence in Quebec [11] - GFI's Windfall project in Quebec targets an annual production of 300,000 ounces of gold [12] - GFI's net debt decreased to $1,981 million at the end of Q1 2025, and it offers a dividend yield of 2.5% with a five-year annualized dividend growth rate of about 17.3% [15] Valuation and Performance - Year-to-date, HMY stock has increased by 71%, while GFI stock has risen by 91.8%, outperforming the Zacks Mining – Gold industry's increase of 55.4% [16] - HMY trades at a forward earnings multiple of 4.93, representing a 60% discount compared to the industry average of 12.4 [17] - GFI trades at a forward earnings multiple of 8.74, which is below the industry average [19] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for HMY's 2025 EPS implies a year-over-year rise of 190.8%, while GFI's EPS growth is estimated at 93.9% [20][24] Investment Considerations - Both HMY and GFI are well-positioned to capitalize on the current gold price environment, with HMY appearing to have a more attractive valuation and stronger growth projections [26]

So, an investor would need to own approximately $1,999,900 worth of Meta, or 2,857 shares to generate a monthly dividend income of $500. Assuming a more conservative goal of $100 monthly ($1,200 annually), we do the same calculation: $1,200 / $2.10 = 571 shares, or $399,700 to generate a monthly dividend income of $100. Meta Platforms, Inc. META will release earnings results for the second quarter, after the closing bell on Wednesday, July 30. With the recent buzz around the Menlo Park, California-based com ...

Core Insights - Annaly Capital Management (NLY) reported second-quarter 2025 results with earnings exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate, demonstrating resilience amid tariff-related uncertainties and mortgage market volatility [1][4] - The company achieved a positive economic return of 0.7% for the seventh consecutive quarter, supported by its agency, residential credit, and mortgage servicing rights strategies [3] Financial Performance - The average yield on interest-earning assets was 5.42%, an increase from 5.17% in the prior-year quarter [1] - The average net interest spread rose to 1.47% from 1.24% year-over-year, while the net interest margin was 1.71%, up from 1.24% in the same quarter of 2024 [2] - Net interest income (NII) surged to $273.2 million in Q2 2025, compared to $53.6 million in the prior-year quarter [6] - Book value per share decreased to $18.45 as of June 30, 2025, down from $19.25 a year earlier [3] Market Conditions - The Federal Reserve's interest rate cuts have led to a slight decline in mortgage rates, with the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at 6.74% as of July 24, 2025, down from 6.78% a year prior [5] - Housing affordability challenges are easing, contributing to increased loan demand, which positively impacted NLY's financials [6] Portfolio Strategy - Annaly's diversified capital allocation includes residential credit, mortgage servicing rights, and agency mortgage-backed securities, totaling an investment portfolio of $89.5 billion [8][10] - The company is focusing on acquiring newly originated mortgage servicing rights to enhance its MSR business, which tends to increase in value as interest rates rise [11] Dividend Profile - Annaly has a strong dividend yield of 13.5%, significantly higher than the industry average of 12.4%, with a payout ratio of 99% [14][17] - The company raised its dividend by 7.7% in March 2025, reflecting confidence in its cash flow and growth prospects [17] Stock Performance - Over the past six months, Annaly shares have increased by 8.4%, outperforming the industry average of 2.8% and peers like AGNC Investment and Arbor Realty Trust [20][21] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate indicates substantial year-over-year growth in sales of 463.4% for 2025 and 29.2% for 2026 [24] Investment Outlook - Annaly is positioned to deliver stable, risk-adjusted returns due to improving interest spreads, a diversified portfolio, and solid liquidity reserves [30] - The company is trading at a forward P/E multiple of 6.97X, lower than the industry average of 7.98X, suggesting an attractive valuation [31]

Company Overview - Banco Santander (SAN) is based in Madrid and operates in the Finance sector, with a significant share price increase of 96.71% this year [3] - The company currently pays a dividend of $0.09 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 2.02%, which is lower than the Banks - Foreign industry's yield of 3.32% and the S&P 500's yield of 1.45% [3] Dividend Performance - The annualized dividend of Banco Santander is $0.18, reflecting a 20% increase from the previous year [4] - Over the past five years, the company has raised its dividend four times, achieving an average annual increase of 35.07% [4] - The current payout ratio is 18%, indicating that the company distributes 18% of its trailing 12-month earnings per share as dividends [4] Earnings Growth Expectations - For the fiscal year, Banco Santander anticipates solid earnings growth, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 projected at $0.97 per share, representing a 16.87% increase from the previous year [5] - The company is viewed as an attractive dividend play and a compelling investment opportunity, currently holding a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [6]

Core Insights - The S&P 500 index has a low dividend yield of 1.2%, while healthcare stocks average just under 1.8%, but certain healthcare REITs offer yields three to four times higher [1] Group 1: Impact of COVID-19 on Senior Housing REITs - The COVID-19 pandemic severely affected nursing homes and senior housing properties, leading to decreased occupancy levels and increased move-outs, including deaths [2] - Some major healthcare REITs, such as Ventas and Welltower, cut their dividends during the pandemic, while LTC Properties and Omega Healthcare Investors maintained their dividends [4] Group 2: Current Opportunities in Senior Housing REITs - LTC Properties and Omega Healthcare Investors are positioned to benefit from the increasing demand for senior housing as the population ages, with current yields of 6.9% and 6.4% respectively [6] - The demographic trend indicates a significant rise in the oldest population cohort, which will require more assistance with daily needs [6] Group 3: Universal Health Realty Trust - Universal Health Realty Trust has a strong track record of increasing its dividend annually for 40 consecutive years, currently offering a yield of 7.1% [7] - The REIT focuses on medical office properties, with its largest tenant being Universal Health Services, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest [8] - Despite a historical average dividend growth of 1.5% per year, the high yield may appeal to income-focused investors [9] Group 4: Investment Considerations - LTC Properties and Omega Healthcare Investors avoided dividend cuts during the pandemic and are now well-positioned for future growth [10] - A $500 investment can yield approximately 13 shares of either LTC or Omega, or around 12 shares of Universal Health Realty Trust [11]

Core Insights - The primary focus for income investors is generating consistent cash flow, particularly through dividends, which are a significant portion of long-term returns [1][2] Company Overview - Allianz SE (ALIZY), headquartered in Munich, has experienced a price change of 32.42% this year and currently pays a dividend of $1.18 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 2.91% [3] - The company's dividend yield surpasses the Insurance - Multi line industry's yield of 1.8% and the S&P 500's yield of 1.46% [3] Dividend Growth - Allianz's current annualized dividend of $1.18 represents a 15.1% increase from the previous year [4] - Over the past five years, Allianz has increased its dividend four times, averaging an annual increase of 9.02% [4] - The future growth of dividends will depend on earnings growth and the payout ratio, which is currently at 37% [4] Earnings Expectations - For the fiscal year, Allianz expects solid earnings growth, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 at $3.23 per share, indicating a year-over-year growth rate of 17.45% [5] Investment Considerations - Dividends enhance stock investing profits, reduce overall portfolio risk, and offer tax advantages [5] - While high-yielding stocks may struggle during rising interest rates, Allianz is positioned as an attractive dividend play and a compelling investment opportunity, holding a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [6]

Company Overview - United Community Banks (UCB) is headquartered in Greenville and operates in the Finance sector [3] - The stock has experienced a price change of -2.91% since the beginning of the year [3] Dividend Information - UCB currently pays a dividend of $0.24 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 3.06% [3] - The average dividend yield for the Banks - Southeast industry is 2.3%, while the S&P 500's yield is 1.46% [3] - The company's annualized dividend of $0.96 has increased by 2.1% from the previous year [4] - Over the past 5 years, UCB has raised its dividend 4 times, achieving an average annual increase of 6.51% [4] - The current payout ratio for UCB is 41%, indicating that it paid out 41% of its trailing 12-month EPS as dividends [4] Earnings Expectations - UCB is projected to see earnings growth this fiscal year, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 at $2.57 per share, reflecting an expected increase of 11.74% from the previous year [5] Investment Appeal - UCB is characterized as an attractive dividend play and a compelling investment opportunity, holding a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [6]

Company Overview - Royal Bank (RY) is headquartered in Toronto and operates in the Finance sector [3] - The stock has experienced a price change of 9.55% since the beginning of the year [3] Dividend Information - Royal Bank currently pays a dividend of $1.03 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 3.43% [3] - This yield is higher than the Banks - Foreign industry's yield of 3.32% and significantly above the S&P 500's yield of 1.46% [3] - The annualized dividend of $4.53 has increased by 9.2% from the previous year [4] - Over the last 5 years, Royal Bank has raised its dividend 5 times, averaging an annual increase of 6.52% [4] - The current payout ratio is 44%, indicating that 44% of its trailing 12-month EPS is distributed as dividends [4] Earnings Growth Expectations - For the fiscal year 2025, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings is $9.57 per share, reflecting an expected increase of 7.77% from the previous year [5] - Future dividend growth will depend on earnings growth and the payout ratio [4] Investment Considerations - Royal Bank is considered a strong dividend investment opportunity, particularly appealing to income investors [6] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), indicating a stable investment outlook [6]

Core Insights - The article discusses investment opportunities in dividend stocks with yields ranging from 5% to 10% or more, supported by strong earnings [1] - The investment group "Hidden Dividend Stocks Plus" is led by Robert Hauver, who has extensive experience in finance and investing [2] Group 1 - The portfolio managed by "Hidden Dividend Stocks Plus" can include up to 40 holdings at a time, providing a diverse range of income opportunities [1] - The service offers additional features such as a dividend calendar, weekly research articles, exclusive investment ideas, and trade alerts [1] Group 2 - Robert Hauver has over 30 years of investing experience and focuses on undercovered and undervalued income vehicles [2]

Core Insights - Barrick Mining Corporation is focusing on capital returns to shareholders, generating approximately $4.5 billion in operating cash flows in 2024 and returning about $1.2 billion through dividends and share repurchases [1][7]. Financial Performance - In February 2025, Barrick's board authorized a new share repurchase program of up to $1 billion, with $143 million repurchased and $172 million paid in dividends in the first quarter [2][3]. - Barrick ended the first quarter with cash and cash equivalents of around $4.1 billion, positioning itself well for development and exploration opportunities while maintaining shareholder value [3]. Comparison with Peers - Newmont Corporation has returned $1 billion to shareholders since the beginning of 2025, with a record free cash flow of $1.2 billion in the first quarter [4]. - Agnico Eagle Mines Limited returned nearly $1 billion to shareholders last year and delivered a free cash flow of $594 million in the first quarter, returning around 42% through dividends and buybacks [5]. Stock Performance and Valuation - Barrick's shares have increased by 39.4% year to date, compared to the Zacks Mining – Gold industry's rise of 58.7% [6]. - The forward 12-month earnings multiple for Barrick is 9.81, which is approximately 23.4% lower than the industry average of 12.8X, indicating a favorable valuation [9]. - Earnings per share (EPS) estimates for 2025 and 2026 imply growth of 55.6% and 23.1%, respectively, with estimates trending higher [7][8].