Group 1 - Samuel Smith has extensive experience in dividend stock research and investment, having served as lead analyst and Vice President at various firms [1] - He is a Professional Engineer and Project Management Professional, holding degrees in Civil Engineering & Mathematics and a Master's 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 [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 - The article discusses the author's commitment to holding Business Development Companies (BDCs) despite the potential for an upcoming recession, indicating a belief in the resilience and long-term value of these investments [1]. Group 1: Investment Strategy - The author identifies as a buy-and-hold investor, focusing on quality over quantity in investment choices, particularly in dividend-paying stocks, BDCs, and REITs [2]. - The goal is to supplement retirement income through dividends within the next 5-7 years, targeting lower and middle-class workers to help them build quality investment portfolios [2]. Group 2: Analyst Disclosure - The author has a beneficial long position in specific BDC shares, namely ARCC and BXSL, indicating a personal investment stake in these companies [3]. - The article is presented as a personal opinion without compensation from the companies mentioned, emphasizing independence in analysis [3].

Core Insights - The author transitioned from a traditional financial career to focus on personal finance education through online platforms [1] Group 1 - The author has a strong educational background in finance, holding a bachelor's degree in finance-marketing, a CFP title, and an MBA in financial services [1] - The author has over a decade of experience in the financial industry, starting in 2003 and working in private banking for five years [1] - In 2016, the author took a significant personal journey traveling across North America and Central America, which influenced the decision to leave the financial industry [1] Group 2 - The author founded investing websites to help others with personal finance, marking a shift from a corporate job to a more fulfilling career [1] - The journey included driving through nine countries and spending three months in Costa Rica, which was described as an eye-opening adventure [1] - The decision to quit the traditional job was driven by a desire to spend more time with family while pursuing a passion for investing [1]

Company Overview - City Holding Company (CHCO) is headquartered in Charleston and operates as a bank holding company for City National Bank of West Virginia [3] - The stock has experienced a price change of 2.64% year-to-date [3] Dividend Information - City Holding currently pays a dividend of $0.79 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 2.6%, which is higher than the Banks - Southeast industry's yield of 2.35% and the S&P 500's yield of 1.54% [3] - The annualized dividend of $3.16 represents a 7.7% increase from the previous year, with an average annual increase of 7.35% over the past five years [4] - The current payout ratio is 40%, indicating that the company pays out 40% of its trailing 12-month earnings per share as dividends [4] Earnings Growth - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings per share in 2025 is $8.02, reflecting a year-over-year earnings growth rate of 1.65% [5] Investment Perspective - Dividends are favored by investors for various reasons, including improving stock investing profits and providing tax advantages [6] - High-growth firms typically do not offer dividends, while established companies with secure profits are seen as better dividend options [7] - City Holding is considered an attractive dividend play and a compelling investment opportunity, holding a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [7]

Company Overview - Banco Santander-Chile (BSAC) is based in Santiago, Chile, and operates in the Finance sector. The company's shares have experienced a price change of 30.7% this year [3]. Dividend Information - BSAC currently pays a dividend of $0.99 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 4.02%. This yield is higher than the Banks - Foreign industry's yield of 3.97% and the S&P 500's yield of 1.54% [3]. - The annualized dividend of $0.99 represents a 74% increase from the previous year. Over the last five years, BSAC has increased its dividend three times on a year-over-year basis, averaging an annual increase of 9.01% [4]. - The company's current payout ratio is 25%, indicating that it paid out 25% of its trailing 12-month earnings per share (EPS) as dividends [4]. Earnings Growth - BSAC is expected to see earnings expansion this fiscal year, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 projected at $2.22 per share, reflecting a year-over-year growth rate of 18.09% [5]. Investment Appeal - BSAC is considered an attractive dividend play and a compelling investment opportunity, currently holding a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) [7].

Market Overview - The stock market has experienced significant volatility over the past year, initially declining due to tariff concerns impacting inflation and economic growth, but has since rebounded as the U.S. reduced its tariff rates [1] Dividend Stocks Performance - Many stocks have recovered from tariff-related losses, but some remain below recent highs, leading to higher dividend yields, with several stocks offering yields above 3%, significantly higher than the S&P 500's yield of below 1.5% [2] Prologis (PLD) - Prologis is highlighted as a strong dividend stock, with a payout growth rate of 13% annually over the past five years, surpassing the S&P 500's 5% and the REIT sector's 6% [5] - The stock price has decreased over 15% from its 52-week high, resulting in a current yield of 3.6% [5] - Despite challenges such as policy uncertainty affecting leasing activity, Prologis reported a 10.9% increase in core funds from operations in the first quarter, supported by strong execution [7] - The long-term outlook remains positive due to limited new warehouse supply and high construction costs, which should sustain rent growth [7] PepsiCo (PEP) - PepsiCo's shares have fallen nearly 30% from their 52-week high, increasing its dividend yield to 4.3% [9] - The company recently raised its dividend by 5%, marking 53 consecutive years of dividend growth, placing it among the elite Dividend Kings [9] - PepsiCo is well-positioned for future growth, with expectations of 4% to 6% annual organic revenue growth driven by product innovation and productivity improvements [11] - The company maintains a strong balance sheet, allowing for strategic acquisitions, such as the recent $1.7 billion purchase of healthier soda maker Poppi [11] NextEra Energy (NEE) - NextEra Energy's shares have declined nearly 20% from their 52-week high, resulting in a dividend yield of 3.2% [12] - The company has a strong history of dividend growth, having increased its payout annually for the past three decades, with expectations to maintain a double-digit growth rate [12] - Future growth is anticipated due to rising power demand, with projections of a 55% increase in U.S. electricity demand by 2040 driven by factors such as data centers and electrification [13] - NextEra Energy's renewable energy business is expected to drive robust earnings growth at a mid- to high-single-digit annual rate [14] Investment Opportunities - Prologis, PepsiCo, and NextEra Energy are identified as attractive investment opportunities due to their current lower stock prices, which allow investors to lock in higher yields while also offering potential for stock price recovery and earnings growth [15]

Analyst's Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of ADC, O, V, PEP 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 whe ...

Dividend ETF Overview - Dividend ETFs in Taiwan have a total AUM of US$62 billion, representing 4.0% of the Taiwan ex-TSMC full float market cap[1] - The upcoming rebalancing period for these ETFs is crucial, occurring from May to June, which will influence stock flows and volatility[1] ETF Rebalancing Details - The 12 largest ETFs manage a combined US$60 billion in assets, with individual AUM ranging from US$400 million to US$14.1 billion[2][7] - Key rebalancing dates include review cut-off dates and effective dates, with significant changes expected in constituent stocks[10][18] Beneficiaries and Risks - A list of the top 50 beneficiaries of dividend ETF flows has been updated, focusing on stocks with high ETF ownership or those likely to be included in the rebalancing[3] - Stocks facing exclusion risks are identified, particularly those with declining dividend yields or weakened fundamentals[6] Stock Selection Criteria - Stocks are selected based on criteria such as liquidity, dividend yield, and market capitalization, with specific thresholds for inclusion in the ETFs[12][15][20] - The selection process includes a buffer zone for additions and exclusions, ensuring a structured approach to rebalancing[11][14][19]

Realty Income (O -1.30%) has been a very reliable investment in its 30 years as a public company. The real estate investment trust (REIT) has delivered positive earnings growth in 29 of those 30 years. Meanwhile, it has increased its dividend every single year. "Our ability to deliver reliable performance through varying market conditions remains a hallmark of our platform," stated CEO Sumit Roy on the REIT's first-quarter earnings conference call. It has strategically focused on building a more durable bus ...

Company Overview - Trustmark (TRMK) is headquartered in Jackson and operates in the Finance sector, with a year-to-date price change of -0.71% [3] - The company currently pays a dividend of $0.24 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 2.73%, which is higher than the Southeast banking industry's yield of 2.33% and the S&P 500's yield of 1.59% [3] Dividend Performance - Trustmark's annualized dividend of $0.96 has increased by 4.3% compared to the previous year [4] - Over the past five years, Trustmark has raised its dividend once on a year-over-year basis, averaging an annual increase of 0.24% [4] - The current payout ratio stands at 29%, indicating that the company distributes 29% of its trailing 12-month earnings per share as dividends [4] Earnings Growth Expectations - Trustmark is projected to experience earnings growth this fiscal year, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 at $3.44 per share, reflecting a year-over-year growth rate of 13.16% [5] Investment Appeal - Trustmark is considered an attractive dividend investment, providing benefits such as improved stock investing profits and reduced overall portfolio risk [6] - The company is ranked 2 (Buy) by Zacks, indicating a compelling investment opportunity [7]