Company Overview - Horace Mann (HMN) is based in Springfield and operates in the Finance sector, with a year-to-date share price change of 6.07% [3] - The company currently pays a dividend of $0.35 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 3.36%, which is significantly higher than the Insurance - Multi line industry's yield of 1.68% and the S&P 500's yield of 1.62% [3] Dividend Performance - The current annualized dividend of Horace Mann is $1.40, reflecting a 2.9% increase from the previous year [4] - Over the past five years, the company has raised its dividend five times, achieving an average annual increase of 3.18% [4] - The current payout ratio stands at 43%, indicating that the company distributes 43% of its trailing 12-month earnings per share as dividends [4] Earnings Growth - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Horace Mann's earnings in 2025 is projected at $3.80 per share, with an expected increase of 19.50% compared to the previous year [5] Investment Considerations - Dividends are favored by investors as they enhance stock investing profits, reduce overall portfolio risk, and offer tax advantages [6] - While tech start-ups and high-growth companies rarely offer dividends, established companies like Horace Mann are more likely to provide consistent payouts [7] - The stock is currently rated with a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), indicating it is a compelling investment opportunity, particularly for income investors [7]

Company Overview - Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. (EBMT) is based in Helena and operates in the Finance sector, with a year-to-date share price change of 17.35% [3] - The company currently pays a dividend of $0.14 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 3.17%, which is higher than the Banks - Midwest industry's yield of 3.08% and the S&P 500's yield of 1.62% [3] Dividend Performance - The current annualized dividend of $0.57 represents a 0.9% increase from the previous year [4] - Over the past five years, EBMT has increased its dividend five times, achieving an average annual increase of 9.81% [4] - The company's payout ratio stands at 40%, indicating that it distributes 40% of its trailing 12-month earnings per share as dividends [4] Earnings Growth Expectations - For the fiscal year 2025, the Zacks Consensus Estimate predicts earnings of $1.70 per share, reflecting a year-over-year growth rate of 37.10% [5] Investment Appeal - EBMT is viewed as an attractive dividend investment, offering benefits such as improved stock investing profits and reduced overall portfolio risk [6] - The company is ranked 1 (Strong Buy) by Zacks, highlighting its potential as a compelling investment opportunity [7]

Core Viewpoint - Annaly Capital Management offers a high dividend yield of over 14%, significantly higher than the S&P 500, and has recently increased its dividend despite past cuts [1][2]. Investment Strategy - The company employs a three-pronged investment strategy, utilizing leverage to invest in additional mortgages and profiting from the spread between interest paid and income earned [4]. - Annaly's investment portfolio includes Agency MBS, mortgage servicing rights (MSRs), and residential credit, with a focus on prime jumbo mortgages [5]. Financial Performance - Annaly generated $0.72 per share of earnings available for distribution (EAD) for two consecutive quarters, indicating a recovery in earnings after previous declines [5][7]. - The company raised its quarterly dividend from $0.65 to $0.70 per share, marking a partial reversal of a previous cut from $0.88 to $0.65 earlier in 2023 [7]. Portfolio Composition - As of early 2023, Annaly had an $85.5 billion investment portfolio, which decreased to $84.9 billion by the first quarter of the current year, with improved returns across its investment strategies [9]. - The company has shifted some capital towards residential credit and MSRs, allowing for less leverage while still achieving higher returns [9][10]. Market Outlook - The CEO expressed confidence in the company's diversified housing finance portfolio, suggesting it can deliver superior risk-adjusted returns over the long term [11]. - The mortgage investment strategy is characterized as high-risk but potentially lucrative, appealing to risk-tolerant investors [12].

If you are looking for dividend stocks in today's market, you need to be selective. Given that the average stock in the S&P 500 (^GSPC -0.64%) is offering a paltry 1.3% yield, you can easily find higher-yielding investments. But finding high yields from companies you'd want to hold onto for a decade requires deeper consideration. Hormel's dividend yield is around 3.8%, which is nearly three times the level of the S&P 500 index. It also happens to be near the highest levels in the food maker's history. That ...

Company Overview - Citizens Financial Services (CZFS) is headquartered in Mansfield and operates in the Finance sector [3] - The stock has experienced a price decline of -10.76% since the beginning of the year [3] Dividend Information - CZFS currently pays a dividend of $0.5 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 3.5%, which is higher than the Banks - Northeast industry's yield of 2.87% and the S&P 500's yield of 1.6% [3] - The annualized dividend of $1.98 has increased by 1% from the previous year, with an average annual increase of 2.52% over the last 5 years [4] - The current payout ratio for CZFS is 32%, indicating that 32% of its trailing 12-month earnings per share (EPS) is distributed as dividends [4] Earnings Growth - CZFS is projected to see earnings growth this fiscal year, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 at $6.54 per share, reflecting a year-over-year growth rate of 8.82% [5] Investment Appeal - The company is viewed as an attractive dividend investment, with benefits such as improved stock investing profits, reduced overall portfolio risk, and tax advantages [6] - CZFS is ranked 2 (Buy) by Zacks, indicating it is considered a compelling investment opportunity [7]

Company Overview - DTE Energy is headquartered in Detroit and operates in the Utilities sector, specifically in Electric Power [3] - The company has experienced a price change of 12.93% year-to-date [3] Dividend Information - DTE Energy currently pays a dividend of $1.09 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 3.2%, which is higher than the Utility - Electric Power industry's yield of 2.98% and the S&P 500's yield of 1.6% [3] - The annualized dividend of $4.36 has increased by 5.1% from the previous year [4] - Over the past five years, DTE Energy has raised its dividend four times, averaging an annual increase of 1.01% [4] - The company's current payout ratio is 60%, indicating that it pays out 60% of its trailing 12-month earnings per share as dividends [4] Earnings Growth - DTE Energy is expected to see earnings growth this fiscal year, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 at $7.24 per share, reflecting a year-over-year growth rate of 6% [5] Investment Considerations - DTE Energy is viewed as a compelling investment opportunity due to its strong dividend profile and current Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [7] - The company is categorized among established firms with secure profits, making it an attractive option for income investors [7]

Getting big returns from financial portfolios, whether through stocks, bonds, ETFs, other securities, or a combination of all, is an investor's dream. But for income investors, generating consistent cash flow from each of your liquid investments is your primary focus.While cash flow can come from bond interest or interest from other types of investments, income investors hone in on dividends. A dividend is that coveted distribution of a company's earnings paid out to shareholders, and investors often view i ...

Company Overview - Capital City Bank (CCBG) is headquartered in Tallahassee and operates in the Finance sector [3] - The stock has experienced a price change of 1.91% since the beginning of the year [3] Dividend Information - CCBG currently pays a dividend of $0.24 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 2.57%, which is higher than the Banks - Southeast industry's yield of 2.38% and the S&P 500's yield of 1.6% [3] - The annualized dividend of $0.96 represents a 9.1% increase from the previous year [4] - Over the past five years, CCBG has increased its dividend five times, averaging an annual increase of 12% [4] - The current payout ratio is 28%, indicating that the company pays out 28% of its trailing 12-month earnings per share as dividends [4] Earnings Growth Expectations - For the fiscal year 2025, the Zacks Consensus Estimate predicts earnings of $3.14 per share, reflecting a 0.64% increase from the previous year [5] Investment Considerations - CCBG is considered a compelling investment opportunity due to its strong dividend performance and a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [7] - Income investors should be aware that high-yielding stocks may face challenges during periods of rising interest rates [7]

Core Viewpoint - Chevron is highlighted as an attractive investment for passive income through its dividends, with a strong history of dividend growth and financial flexibility to support future increases [1][6]. Dividend Information - Chevron currently pays a quarterly dividend of $1.71 per share, totaling $6.84 annually [4]. - To achieve $10,000 in annual dividends, an investor would need to own approximately 1,462 shares, requiring an initial investment of about $199,212 at the current share price of $136.26 [4]. Dividend Growth Potential - Chevron announced a 5% increase in its dividend payout in January 2025, marking the 38th consecutive annual dividend increase [6]. - The company's dividend payout ratio stands at roughly 67%, indicating the ability to maintain and moderately increase dividends without financial strain [7]. Financial Metrics - Chevron generated free cash flow of $15.3 billion in 2024, with dividends paid amounting to $11.8 billion, suggesting the capacity to allocate more free cash flow to dividends if desired [8]. - The company aims to increase its free cash flow by $10 billion by 2026 through enhanced production and reduced expenses [9]. Share Repurchase Program - In 2024, Chevron repurchased $15.2 billion of its outstanding shares and plans to continue with annual stock buybacks between $10 billion and $20 billion, which can enhance shareholder value by reducing the number of outstanding shares [10]. Future Outlook - Despite recent stock performance challenges, Chevron is increasing production and investing in renewable energy and carbon capture initiatives, which may yield significant long-term benefits [11].

Group 1: Coca-Cola - Coca-Cola is a 139-year-old brand with annual sales of $47 billion and a year-to-date stock increase of over 14% [2][4] - The company recently raised its quarterly dividend by 5% to $0.51, marking 63 consecutive years of dividend increases, with a forward dividend yield of 2.8% [3][7] - Coca-Cola maintains a payout ratio around 75% of annual earnings, allowing for continued dividend payments even during economic downturns [4][11] - In Q1, Coca-Cola's adjusted revenue grew by 6% year over year, with unit case volume increasing by 2%, indicating stable demand [4][5] - The company sees growth opportunities in emerging markets, which represent about 80% of the global population, with only North America showing a decline in unit case volume [6] Group 2: Procter & Gamble - Procter & Gamble has a strong track record of increasing dividends for 69 consecutive years, supported by a portfolio of leading brands [8] - The company reported $15.5 billion in net income on approximately $84 billion in sales over the last four quarters, demonstrating effective marketing and supply chain efficiency [9] - In fiscal 2025 Q3, P&G's adjusted sales and earnings per share rose by 1% year over year, with management expecting adjusted earnings to increase by 6% to 8% for the fiscal year [10] - P&G increased its quarterly dividend by 5% to $1.0568, resulting in a payout ratio of about two-thirds of annualized earnings, providing flexibility for future increases [11] - Investors purchasing shares at around $160 can expect a forward yield of 2.6%, with the company having paid dividends every year since 1890 [12]