Company Overview - First Financial Corp. (THFF) is headquartered in Terre Haute and operates in the Finance sector [3] - The stock has experienced a price change of -6.78% since the beginning of the year [3] Dividend Information - First Financial Corp. currently pays a dividend of $0.51 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 4.74% [3] - The dividend yield of the Banks - Midwest industry is 3.6%, while the S&P 500's yield is 1.64% [3] - The company's annualized dividend of $2.04 has increased by 51.1% from the previous year [4] - Over the last 5 years, First Financial Corp. has raised its dividend 4 times, averaging an annual increase of 15.55% [4] - The current payout ratio is 45%, indicating that the company pays out 45% of its trailing 12-month EPS as dividends [4] Earnings Growth - First Financial Corp. is expected to see earnings growth this fiscal year, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 at $5.56 per share, reflecting a year-over-year growth rate of 39% [5] Investment Opportunity - First Financial Corp. is considered a compelling investment opportunity due to its attractive dividend and strong Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [7]

Company Overview - Enterprise Financial Services (EFSC) is based in Clayton and operates in the Finance sector, with shares experiencing a price change of -18.09% this year [3] - The company currently pays a dividend of $0.29 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 2.51%, which is lower than the Banks - Midwest industry's yield of 3.47% and the S&P 500's yield of 1.68% [3] Dividend Performance - EFSC's current annualized dividend of $1.16 has increased by 9.4% from the previous year [4] - Over the past 5 years, the company has raised its dividend 3 times year-over-year, achieving an average annual increase of 11.56% [4] - The current payout ratio for EFSC is 23%, indicating that the company paid out 23% of its trailing 12-month earnings per share as dividends [4] Earnings Growth - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for EFSC's earnings per share for 2025 is $4.93, reflecting a year-over-year growth rate of 1.02% [5] Investment Considerations - EFSC is considered a compelling investment opportunity due to its strong dividend profile and current Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [7] - The company is positioned as a strong dividend play, appealing to income investors despite the general trend of high-yielding stocks struggling during periods of rising interest rates [7]

Realty Income (O 1.81%) has become a dividend stalwart, even for a REIT that has to pay out at least 90% of its net income in the form of dividends. The commercial property owner, otherwise known as the "monthly dividend company," has increased its payout at least once a year since 1994. Additionally, its dividend yield now stands at 5.9%, more than quadruple the S&P 500 (^GSPC 1.81%) average of 1.35%. Thanks to this massive return, generating $1,000 of sustainable dividend income is possible on a relativel ...

Core Viewpoint - Altria Group (NYSE: MO) is considered a strong investment choice for uncertain market conditions, with a focus on its resilience and dividend-generating capabilities [1]. Company Insights - Altria is currently the largest holding in the consumer products portfolio, indicating confidence in its stability during market fluctuations [1]. - The company is positioned well for dividend investing, which is highlighted as a key strategy for achieving financial freedom [1]. Investment Strategy - The article emphasizes the importance of dividend investing as a straightforward and accessible method for building long-term wealth [1]. - The author shares insights from extensive experience in M&A and business valuation, which supports the analysis of Altria's financial health and investment potential [1].

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of dividend investing in quality blue-chip stocks, BDCs, and REITs for building a sustainable retirement income [1][2]. Group 1: Investment Strategy - The company adopts a buy-and-hold investment strategy, focusing on quality over quantity in its portfolio [1]. - The goal is to help lower and middle-class workers build investment portfolios that consist of high-quality, dividend-paying companies [1]. Group 2: Personal Investment Philosophy - The company aims to achieve financial independence through dividend income within the next 5-7 years [1]. - There is a strong emphasis on educating investors to conduct their own due diligence before making investment decisions [1].

Group 1 - The stock market's recent performance has been challenging, but income investors find the situation more manageable [1] - A focus on building a market-beating portfolio targeting strong capital appreciation and aggressive dividend growth is emphasized [2] - The strategy involves investing in blue-chip companies with competitive advantages and attractive valuations in the US and European markets [2] Group 2 - Dividend investing is primarily about free cash flow rather than just yield chasing [2]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of dividend investing in quality blue-chip stocks, BDCs, and REITs for building a sustainable retirement income strategy [1]. Group 1: Investment Strategy - The company focuses on a buy-and-hold investment strategy, prioritizing quality over quantity in its portfolio [1]. - The goal is to help lower and middle-class workers build investment portfolios that consist of high-quality, dividend-paying companies [1]. Group 2: Personal Investment Philosophy - The company aims to achieve financial independence through dividend income within the next 5-7 years [1]. - There is a strong emphasis on conducting due diligence and providing a new perspective for investors [1].

If you're a dividend investor, now can be an ideal time to go bargain-hunting. The stock market is in the midst of a broad sell-off, with investors dumping all types of stocks, both bad ones and good ones. Fear has taken over, and while it may seem like a terrible time to buy, it may actually be a great one, especially if you're looking for stocks to buy and hold for the long haul. Three dividend stocks that are near their 52-week lows and which may make for solid income-generating investments are Pfizer (P ...

2. United Parcel Service United Parcel Service, better known as just UPS, is another dividend stock I'd put on my buying list right now. Its yield is up to 6.7%, and investing $6,000 into it would generate more than $400 in annual dividends. Dividend stocks can provide you with some valuable income on a recurring basis. And the more you invest, the more you can collect in dividends. Given the decline in the stock market of late, now may be a great time for investors to scoop up some quality income stocks at ...

Company Overview - Realty Income Corporation, known as "The Monthly Dividend Company®," has declared its 658th consecutive monthly dividend of $0.2685 per share, which annualizes to $3.222 per share, payable on May 15, 2025 [1] - Founded in 1969, Realty Income is an S&P 500 company that invests in diversified commercial real estate, with a portfolio exceeding 15,600 properties across all 50 U.S. states, the U.K., and six other European countries [2] - The company has a mission to deliver dependable monthly dividends that increase over time and is recognized as a member of the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats® index for increasing its dividend for the last 30 consecutive years [2] Dividend Information - The declared dividend of $0.2685 per share is payable to stockholders of record as of May 1, 2025 [1] - The annualized dividend amount of $3.222 per share reflects the company's commitment to consistent dividend payments [1]