Starbucks (NASDAQ: SBUX ) (NEOE: SBUX:CA ) continues to grab my attention, and as its earnings approach, I see three red flags that I would like to bring to everyone's attention. In fact, we should not ignore that, when a stock such as Starbucks, with itsI focus on long term growth and dividend growth investing. I follow both the US and the European stock markets, looking for undervalued stock and/or for high quality dividend growing companies that provide me with cash to reinvest. Over time, I have come to ...

Group 1 - The founder of Dividend Mantra and Mr. Free At 33 emphasizes the importance of financial independence through disciplined living and smart investing [1] - The company focuses on dividend growth investing, targeting undervalued high-quality dividend growth stocks and high-yield opportunities [2] - The journey from financial struggle to freedom is highlighted, showcasing a transition from being below broke at age 27 to achieving financial independence by age 33 [2]

Market Overview - The S&P 500 index is currently approximately 9% above its 52-week low recorded just last week, indicating a slight recovery in the market [1]. Investor Sentiment - There remains significant uncertainty in the financial markets, which could impact investor confidence and market stability [1].

Core Insights - Dividend stocks act as financial fortresses during market volatility, with 85% of the S&P 500's cumulative total return since 1960 attributed to reinvested dividends and compounding power [1] - Dividend growers have outperformed the broader market since 1973 while exhibiting lower volatility [1] Costco Wholesale - Costco has transformed into a global retail leader with a loyal customer base, utilizing a membership model that ensures predictable revenue [4] - The company has a strong commitment to shareholder returns, boasting 20 consecutive years of dividend increases and an average growth rate of 12.6% over the past decade [5] - Despite a current dividend yield of 0.47%, Costco's stock has significantly outperformed the S&P 500 since 2015, reflecting strong price appreciation [6] - With a conservative payout ratio of 27%, Costco has ample room for future dividend increases, supported by projected net sales of $250 billion for fiscal year 2024, a 5% year-over-year increase, and a growing membership base of nearly 137 million [8] Visa - Visa operates one of the largest electronic payment networks globally, connecting various stakeholders without issuing cards or extending credit [9] - The company has a remarkable 10-year dividend growth rate of 17.5%, with 16 consecutive years of dividend increases [10] - Visa offers a higher current yield of 0.71% compared to Costco, with a conservative payout ratio of 21.7%, indicating strong potential for continued dividend growth [11] - The asset-light business model allows Visa to benefit from increased transaction volumes and expansion into emerging markets, positioning it for robust free cash flow and sustained dividend growth [12][13] Comparative Analysis - For investors focused on dividend growth, Visa is identified as the more compelling option due to its higher historical growth rate, lower payout ratio, and higher current yield [14] - Both Costco and Visa can complement each other in a diversified dividend growth strategy, as they have different business models and industry exposures while maintaining a commitment to shareholder returns [15] - If only one stock can be chosen, Visa is considered the better choice in this comparison [16]

Group 1 - Joseph Jones is a professor with over fifteen years of experience studying the market, focusing on portfolio construction from a dividend growth investor's perspective [1] - The insights expressed in his research are solely his own and do not represent the views or financial interests of his employer [1] Group 2 - There is no stock, option, or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, nor are there plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours [2] - The article expresses the author's own opinions and is not receiving compensation for it, other than from Seeking Alpha [2] Group 3 - Seeking Alpha emphasizes that past performance is no guarantee of future results and does not provide recommendations or advice on investment suitability [3] - The views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole, and the analysts are third-party authors who may not be licensed or certified [3]

Group 1 - The article discusses the benefits of market corrections, suggesting they provide opportunities for investors [1] - The author has been involved in dividend investing since 2009 and has documented their journey towards financial independence through a blog [1] - The author expresses gratitude for the blog's role in connecting them with the Seeking Alpha community as an analyst [1] Group 2 - The article does not provide specific investment recommendations or advice [2] - It emphasizes that past performance is not indicative of future results [2] - The authors of the articles on Seeking Alpha may not be licensed or certified by any regulatory body [2]

Core Insights - The article discusses the journey to financial independence through disciplined living and strategic investing, highlighting the transition from financial struggle to freedom within a six-year period [2]. Group 1: Financial Independence Journey - The individual began blogging in 2011 about achieving financial independence by living below means and investing wisely [2]. - Achieved financial freedom at the age of 33 after starting from a position of being "below broke" at 27 [2]. Group 2: Investment Focus - The content created focuses on dividend growth investing, emphasizing the importance of living off dividends and identifying undervalued high-quality dividend growth stocks [2]. - The strategy includes exploring high-yield investment opportunities and other long-term investment prospects [2].

This is the latest in my series of articles where I provide predictions of annual dividend increases for long-term dividend growth companies. At the end of February, I provided predictions for 7 dividend growth companies that have historically announced annual I'm an individual investor looking to grow my wealth over the long term. I've tried many different styles of investing over the last 25 years and have found that buying dividend growth stocks and reinvesting the dividends is one of the easiest ways to ...

Group 1 - The article identifies 10 undervalued dividend growth stocks for further research and potential investment, emphasizing their suitability for a dividend growth portfolio [1] - The candidates are ranked based on quality scores, highlighting their high quality and undervaluation [1] - The author, FerdiS, has over 20 years of investment and trading experience, focusing on dividend growth investing and options trading [1] Group 2 - FerdiS manages a portfolio named DivGro, primarily consisting of dividend growth stocks, established in January 2013 [1] - The article mentions collaboration with the founders of Portfolio Insight, an online platform for portfolio management and investment analysis [1] - Dividend Radar is maintained and published as a weekly free spreadsheet of dividend growth stocks [1]

Group 1 - OFS Credit Company Inc (NASDAQ: OCCI) operates as a closed-end fund focused on generating high income from its portfolio of CLO investments [1] - CLOs (Collateralized Loan Obligations) consist of various pools of loans, which are the primary investment vehicle for the company [1] - The company aims to create a hybrid investment strategy that combines growth and income, achieving total returns comparable to traditional index funds like the S&P [1] Group 2 - The article emphasizes the importance of diversifying investments by including high-quality dividend stocks, Business Development Companies, REITs, and Closed End Funds to enhance investment income [1] - The author has over 15 years of experience in investing and specializes in identifying lucrative market opportunities [1]