Group 1 - The article emphasizes the importance of simplicity in investment strategies, highlighting the influence of renowned investors like Warren Buffett and Peter Lynch [1] - The author identifies as a buy-and-hold investor focused on quality blue-chip stocks, Business Development Companies (BDCs), and Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) [1] - The goal is to assist lower and middle-class workers in building investment portfolios that consist of high-quality, dividend-paying companies [1] Group 2 - The article serves educational purposes and encourages readers to conduct their own due diligence before making investment decisions [1] - There is a clear disclosure that the author has no current positions in any mentioned companies and does not plan to initiate any within the next 72 hours [2] - The article does not provide specific investment recommendations or guarantees regarding future performance [3]

I'm on a mission to become financially independent through passive income. My strategy is to continually invest in income-generating assets to steadily grow my passive income to the point where it can cover my basic living expenses. Investing in high-yielding dividend stocks is a core aspect of my strategy. I buy more shares of top high-yielding dividend stocks any chance I get. Two high-yield dividend stocks that I just can't stop buying this year are PepsiCo (PEP -2.31%) and Vici Properties (VICI -1.68%). ...

In the past, a good portion of equity investing was about dividends -- that nice chunk of cash public companies return to investors every quarter. A focus on tangible income helped keep stock valuations grounded and gave investors an enhanced sense of ownership in a business. You essentially got a cut of profits, which is incredible when you think about it. According to The Wall Street Journal, dividends started losing their popularity in the 1980s and 1990s. Investors started prioritizing growth, and compa ...

Core Viewpoint - Dividend investors should be cautious about over-focusing on high dividend yields, as seen in the comparison between Annaly Capital Management and W.P. Carey, where a lower yield may provide more reliable income over time [1]. Company Overview - Annaly Capital Management operates as a mortgage REIT, purchasing pooled mortgages that are traded as bond-like securities, which are influenced by interest rates and housing market conditions [2]. - The business model of Annaly involves significant leverage, which can amplify both gains and losses, depending on the volatility of mortgage securities [4]. Dividend Analysis - Annaly's 14% dividend yield is not reliable for investors seeking consistent income, as both its dividend and stock price have declined over time, indicating potential risks for those who rely on dividends for living expenses [5][7]. - In contrast, W.P. Carey, despite cutting its dividend in late 2023, has a history of 24 consecutive annual increases and has resumed increasing its dividend quarterly since the cut, suggesting a more stable income stream for investors [8][9]. Business Model Comparison - W.P. Carey's business model is more traditional, focusing on physical properties that generate rental income, which allows for potential growth in dividends over time, contrasting with Annaly's total return investment approach that relies on dividend reinvestment [9][10]. - The recent dividend cut by W.P. Carey was a strategic decision to exit the struggling office sector, positioning the company for long-term growth and making it potentially more attractive for investors seeking reliable income [8].

When I looked at Starwood Property Trust (NYSE: STWD ), the first thing I wanted to check was the yield. I have been looking for the best dividend picks lately, so the yield is one of the main things II’m passionate about finance and investing, focusing on business analysis, fundamental analysis, valuation, and long-term growth, especially in sectors like AI, fintech, finance and tech. I study finance and economy and have hands-on experience in equity research, financial modeling, and creating investment co ...

Company Overview - Upbound Group (UPBD) is headquartered in Plano and operates in the Finance sector [3] - The stock has experienced a price decline of 14.5% since the beginning of the year [3] Dividend Information - Upbound Group currently pays a dividend of $0.78 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 6.26% [3] - The average yield for the Financial - Leasing Companies industry is 4.09%, while the S&P 500's yield is 1.6% [3] - The company's annualized dividend of $1.56 has increased by 4% from the previous year [4] - Over the last 5 years, Upbound Group has raised its dividend 4 times, averaging an annual increase of 5.93% [4] - The current payout ratio is 39%, indicating that 39% of its trailing 12-month EPS is distributed as dividends [4] Earnings Growth - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Upbound Group's earnings per share for 2025 is $4.18, reflecting a year-over-year growth rate of 9.14% [5] Investment Appeal - Upbound Group is considered an attractive dividend play and a compelling investment opportunity, holding a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) [7]

Group 1 - The article discusses the appeal of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) as a means of generating income through real estate ownership, emphasizing their requirement to distribute significant income streams [1] - The author expresses a long-term investment strategy focused on quality blue-chip stocks, Business Development Companies (BDCs), and REITs, aiming to supplement retirement income through dividends within the next 5-7 years [1] - The article aims to assist lower and middle-class workers in building investment portfolios comprised of high-quality, dividend-paying companies, promoting financial independence [1] Group 2 - The author has a beneficial long position in the shares of ADC, indicating a personal investment interest in the company [2] - The article is presented as an opinion piece, with no compensation received from companies mentioned, highlighting the author's independent perspective [2] - Seeking Alpha clarifies that past performance does not guarantee future results and that the views expressed may not represent the platform as a whole [3]

Samuel Smith has a diverse background that includes being lead analyst and Vice President at several highly regarded dividend stock research firms and running his own dividend investing YouTube channel. He is a Professional Engineer and Project Management Professional and holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering & Mathematics from the United States Military Academy at West Point and has a Masters in Engineering from Texas A&M with a focus on applied mathematics and machine learning.Samuel leads the High Yield Inve ...

Key Takeaways O has outperformed peers and benchmarks in 2025, fueled by resilient income and dividend growth. Realty Income invested $1.37B in Q1 2025 and targets $4B for the year across the United States and Europe. O maintains 98.5% occupancy and a 5.63% dividend yield, backed by a stable, non-discretionary tenant base.Realty Income’s (O) solid 9.3% year-to-date (YTD) return has left many investors questioning whether the REIT remains attractively valued or if a better entry opportunity lies ahead. O s ...

The U.S. stock market stumbled near all-time highs last week, prompting investors to review the landscape. With conflicts brewing overseas and economic data beginning to weaken, it might be time to once again focus on income over capital appreciation. One area with both strong growth prospects and dividends is the international banking sector, and today we’ll look at three international bank stocks that could help preserve capital if market conditions break down. Get Banco Santander alerts:The End of U.S. E ...