Core Viewpoint - The market is expected to be driven by the expansion of technology, particularly for the S&P 500 in 2026 [1] Investment Strategy - A hybrid investment strategy combining classic dividend growth stocks, Business Development Companies, REITs, and Closed End Funds can enhance investment income while achieving total returns comparable to traditional index funds [1]

Group 1 - The article discusses a dividend investment strategy featuring four stocks that collectively offer a yield of 7.9% [1] - The focus is on identifying dividend growth opportunities within the context of major economic developments related to supply chains, infrastructure, and commodities [1] - The author, Leo Nelissen, is associated with iREIT®+HOYA Capital and aims to provide actionable investment ideas [1]

Core Points - Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. (MAA) announced a quarterly dividend payment of $1.53 per share, to be paid on January 30, 2026, to shareholders of record on January 15, 2026 [1] - The annualized dividend payment will increase to $6.12 per share, reflecting an 8.3% compounded growth over the past five years, marking the 16th consecutive year of dividend increases [1] Company Overview - MAA is a self-administered real estate investment trust (REIT) and a member of the S&P 500, primarily owning or having ownership interests in apartment communities across the Southeast, Southwest, and Mid-Atlantic regions of the U.S. [3] - The company focuses on delivering strong, full-cycle investment performance [3] Earnings Announcement - The board of directors declared the quarterly common dividend ahead of MAA's earnings announcement, which is expected on February 4, 2026 [2]

Core Insights - ServisFirst Bancshares, Inc. (SFBS) has approved a quarterly dividend increase to 38 cents per share, marking a 13.4% increase from the previous payout [1][10] - The company has consistently raised its dividend annually since 2014, with a five-year annualized dividend growth rate of 12.81% [2][6] - SFBS maintains a conservative payout ratio of 28%, allowing for earnings volatility management while supporting dividend growth [2][10] Dividend Policy - The latest dividend increase will be paid on January 13, 2026, to shareholders of record as of January 2, 2026 [1][10] - Prior to this increase, the dividend was raised by nearly 11.7% to 34 cents per share in December 2024 [2] - The current dividend yield stands at 1.79%, based on a closing price of $74.76 [2] Financial Position - As of September 30, 2025, SFBS reported total debt of $1.55 billion and cash and cash equivalents of $1.77 billion, indicating strong liquidity [4][10] - The bank's capital ratios are robust, with a Tier 1 capital to average assets ratio of 10.01% and a common equity tier 1 (CET1) capital to risk-weighted assets ratio of 11.49% [5] - All capital ratios are above regulatory minimum requirements, ensuring financial stability [5][6] Peer Comparison - SFBS's peers, such as Citizens Community Bancorp (CZWI) and Banner Corporation (BANR), also return capital to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases [7] - Citizens Community raised its annual dividend by 12.5% in January 2025, with a current dividend yield of 1.95% and a payout ratio of 28% [8] - Banner Corporation increased its quarterly dividend by 4% to 50 cents per share in October 2025, offering a dividend yield of 2.99% with a payout ratio of 35% [11] Price Performance - Over the past six months, SFBS shares have increased by 3.4%, while the industry has seen a growth of 13.2% [12]

Core Insights - Cathay General Bancorp shows steady balance sheet growth with deposits of $20.52 billion (up 2.6%) and loans of $20.10 billion (up 1.6%), alongside a ROE of 10.6% and a net interest margin of 3.31% [1] - Non-accrual loans increased to 0.84% of total loans, primarily due to a single $38 million relationship, but the bank maintains strong collateral coverage with an average loan-to-value ratio of 49% [2] - The bank's payout ratio is at 7.9% of earnings, allowing for significant dividend growth potential, with a $125 million buyback program in place [3][4] Financial Performance - Cathay reported Q3 net income of $77.7 million despite missing earnings estimates, with a market cap of $3.48 billion [4] - The bank recorded a $14.5 million provision for credit losses in Q3, raising the reserve-to-loan ratio to 0.85% [2] - The bank's efficiency ratio stands at 59.76% and Tier 1 capital at 13.15% [12] Dividend and Share Repurchase Strategy - Management plans to continue repurchasing approximately $35 million per quarter through Q1 2025, having repurchased $50.1 million in stock at an average cost of $42 per share during Q3 [3] - The bank's conservative payout ratio and management's decision to resume dividend growth signal confidence in sustained profitability [13] Market Position - Cathay General Bancorp offers the lowest yield at 0.67%, reflecting exceptional financial discipline [4] - The bank's strong operational metrics and conservative payout policies position it favorably among regional banks [4][12]

Core Insights - The article discusses the exclusive nature of a stock market that is invitation-only, primarily catering to wealthy investors [1]. Group 1: Market Overview - The article highlights a growing trend where high-net-worth individuals have access to a private stock market, which is not available to the general public [1]. - This market is characterized by its focus on unique investment opportunities that are often not found in traditional public markets [1]. Group 2: Analyst Contributions - Leo Nelissen is identified as an analyst who specializes in economic developments related to supply chains, infrastructure, and commodities, contributing to the understanding of this exclusive market [1]. - The analysis aims to provide actionable investment ideas, particularly emphasizing dividend growth opportunities for investors [1].

Market Overview - Market indices such as the S&P 500 and Nasdaq-100 are near all-time highs, leading to investor skepticism about a potential pullback [1] - The current market sentiment reflects a cautious approach among investors despite high index levels [1] Investment Strategy - The company emphasizes a hybrid investment strategy that combines classic dividend growth stocks with Business Development Companies, REITs, and Closed End Funds [1] - This approach aims to enhance investment income while achieving total returns comparable to traditional index funds like the S&P 500 [1]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of conducting personal due diligence before making investment decisions, highlighting that past performance does not guarantee future results [2][3]. Group 1 - The content is based on personal thoughts and research, and it is not intended as financial or investment advice [2][3]. - The author has no stock, option, or similar derivative positions in any of the companies mentioned, nor plans to initiate such positions in the near future [1]. - The article acknowledges the potential for errors or misprints in the information provided, stressing the need for accuracy and up-to-date data [2].

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of methodology for ETF issuers to achieve long-term success, highlighting the ALPS O'Shares U.S. Quality Dividend ETF (OUSA) as a prime example of effective fund positioning [1] Fund Overview - OUSA follows the O'Shares U.S. Quality Dividend Index, focusing on dividend growth, reduced volatility, and high-quality traits, which are essential for investors across various market conditions [2] - The ETF currently manages approximately $807 million in assets [2] Performance and Holdings - OUSA's methodology has resulted in it holding some of the best-performing dividend stocks over the past decade, including Microsoft (MSFT), which ranks as the second-best dividend stock during this period [3] - Texas Pacific Land Corp (TPL) was the best-performing dividend stock in the last 10 years, with a $10,000 investment growing to $210,000, while MSFT would have turned into $112,890 with dividend reinvestment [4] - OUSA has a significant allocation of nearly 24% to technology stocks, positioning it to benefit from the sector's growth and dividend potential [5] Notable Holdings - Other high-performing dividend stocks in OUSA include Caterpillar (CAT) and Cintas (CTAS), which rank third and fourth, respectively, among the best dividend stocks of the past decade [6] - Consumer staples like Costco Wholesale (COST) and Walmart (WMT) are also part of OUSA's holdings, recognized as top dividend payers over the last decade [7]

Core Insights - Fidelity High Dividend ETF (FDVV) is positioned as a suitable investment for retirees, demonstrating strong potential for income generation through dividends [1] Investment Strategy - The fund combines classic dividend growth stocks with Business Development Companies, REITs, and Closed End Funds to enhance investment income while maintaining total returns comparable to traditional index funds [1] Performance Metrics - The investment strategy aims to achieve total returns that align with the S&P 500, indicating a balanced approach between growth and income [1]