Market Overview - Wall Street has experienced significant volatility in 2026, with major indexes losing previous gains, particularly affected by the downturn in tech stocks that have previously driven market rallies [1][3] - High inflation and uncertainty regarding the Federal Reserve's interest rate policies have contributed to market instability [1][6] Dividend-Paying Stocks - In light of market volatility, investors seeking steady income may consider dividend-paying stocks as a protective measure [1][2] - Three notable dividend-paying stocks include Verisk Analytics, Inc. (VRSK), Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp (SHIP), and Vulcan Materials Company (VMC) [2] Verisk Analytics, Inc. (VRSK) - Verisk Analytics is a leading data analytics provider serving various sectors, including insurance and energy, with a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [7] - The company announced a dividend of $0.50 per share, with a dividend yield of 1.02% and a payout ratio of 26% of earnings [8] Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp (SHIP) - Seanergy Maritime is a prominent Capesize ship-owner providing marine dry bulk transportation services, holding a Zacks Rank of 1 [11] - The company declared a dividend of $0.20 per share, with a dividend yield of 4.11% and a payout ratio of 28% of earnings [12] Vulcan Materials Company (VMC) - Vulcan Materials is the largest supplier of construction aggregates in the U.S. and has a Zacks Rank of 3 [13] - The company announced a dividend of $0.52 per share, with a dividend yield of 0.65% and a payout ratio of 23% of earnings [14]

Economic Overview - The U.S. economic landscape remains resilient with major indexes moving higher, driven by strong earnings from large technology companies and steady consumer spending [1] - The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed above the 50,000 mark for the first time in February 2026 [1] - Market participants expect the Federal Reserve to begin cutting interest rates later this year, although there is uncertainty regarding new Fed leadership and future monetary policy [1] Inflation and Geopolitical Concerns - Inflation is currently above the Fed's long-term target of 2%, which may lead the central bank to maintain higher interest rates for an extended period [2] - Rising geopolitical tensions pose a significant concern, potentially impacting U.S. exports and corporate profits [2] Investment Trends - Investors are shifting towards steady industrial growth stocks due to concerns over high valuations in technology companies and the costs associated with sustaining the AI revolution [3] - Economic reports are being closely monitored, as even minor surprises could lead to significant market movements [3] Dividend-Paying Stocks - In the current market conditions, investors looking to diversify can consider dividend-paying stocks, which indicate a healthy business model [4] - Stocks that have recently increased dividends tend to exhibit a sound financial structure and can withstand market volatility [4] Company Highlights NetEase (NTES) - NetEase is an Internet technology company based in China, with a dividend of $1.16 per share declared for March 27, 2026, and a dividend yield of 1.9% [5] - Over the past five years, NTES has increased its dividend 10 times, with a payout ratio of 29% of earnings [6] Penske Automotive Group (PAG) - Penske Automotive Group operates automotive and commercial truck dealerships globally, declaring a dividend of $1.40 per share for March 5, 2026, with a dividend yield of 3.2% [7] - PAG has increased its dividend 20 times in the past five years, with a payout ratio of 38% of earnings [8] Urban Edge Properties (UE) - Urban Edge Properties is a real estate investment trust focused on shopping centers, declaring a dividend of 21 cents per share for March 31, 2026, with a dividend yield of 3.7% [9][11] - UE has increased its dividend five times over the past five years, with a payout ratio of 54% of earnings [11] Gilead Sciences (GILD) - Gilead Sciences specializes in developing drugs for HIV treatment, declaring a dividend of 82 cents per share for March 30, 2026, with a dividend yield of 2% [12] - GILD has increased its dividend six times in the past five years, with a payout ratio of 39% of earnings [12] Royal Caribbean Cruises (RCL) - Royal Caribbean Cruises operates multiple global cruise brands, declaring a dividend of $1.50 per share for April 3, 2026, with a dividend yield of 1.2% [13] - RCL has increased its dividend five times over the past five years, with a payout ratio of 26% of earnings [14]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses two investment options in the energy sector for 2026: Chevron, which has exposure to oil and gas prices, and Enterprise Products Partners, a midstream company that avoids commodity risk [1]. Group 1: Enterprise Products Partners - Enterprise Products Partners offers a high yield of 6.2%, supported by 27 consecutive annual distribution increases, making it a reliable income investment [2]. - The company operates primarily as a toll-taker, charging fees for the use of its energy infrastructure, which helps it avoid commodity volatility risks [3]. - For investors prioritizing income and safety, Enterprise is likely the better choice for their portfolio [7]. Group 2: Chevron - Chevron has a diversified business model with exposure to upstream, midstream, and downstream segments, which exposes it to energy price volatility but helps mitigate extreme price fluctuations [4]. - The company offers a yield of 3.9%, with a history of annual dividend increases for over three decades, supported by a low debt-to-equity ratio of 0.22x [5]. - If oil prices rise sharply, Chevron is expected to outperform Enterprise in 2026, making it suitable for those seeking exposure to oil prices [6].

Investing in dividend-paying stocks is one way to make your money work for you. As companies grow, they generate a higher profit and share a part of the profit with the shareholders as a cash dividend. ...

Core Viewpoint - Invesco High Yield Equity Dividend Achievers ETF (NYSEARCA:PEY) generates income by holding dividend-paying stocks [1] Group 1 - The ETF focuses on straightforward income generation through investments in dividend-paying equities [1]

Core Insights - Investing in small-cap stocks often involves a trade-off between quality and growth potential, with many small-cap indexes containing unprofitable companies [1] Group 1: Small-Cap ETFs - The WisdomTree US Smallcap Quality Dividend Growth Fund (DGRS) is a notable small-cap ETF that emphasizes dividends and quality, with a total asset value of $353.2 million as of its debut in July 2013 [2] - DGRS has shown extended out-performance over the last six years compared to "junk" small-caps, particularly benefiting from dividend-paying smaller companies with quality traits [3][4] - The Russell 2000 Index, a benchmark for U.S. small-cap equity performance, had approximately 28% of its weight in companies with negative earnings over the prior 12 months as of September 30, 2025 [5] Group 2: Investment Strategy and Market Trends - DGRS's focus on profitability provides a strategy for investors to mitigate volatility, which is not commonly found in basic small-cap funds [4] - DGRS also offers value at a time when many small-caps are experiencing high valuations, making it an attractive option for investors [6] - A shift in investor tolerance for money-losing companies could favor quality ETFs like DGRS, especially if traditional small-cap funds struggle [7] - Historically, companies with steady earnings and dividends have lagged behind speculative firms, indicating a reversal of trends seen post-global financial crisis [8]

Group 1: Market Overview - Stock market investing is a reliable method for long-term wealth building, though it can be stressful due to volatility [1] - In 2026, the macroeconomic situation is tense, prompting investors to focus on companies with strong business models capable of weathering downturns while maintaining payouts [2] Group 2: Realty Income - Realty Income, founded in 1965, is a prominent real estate investment trust (REIT) with a market cap of $53.4 billion, known for returning the majority of its profits to shareholders [4] - The company's real estate portfolio is diversified across consumer staples providers, which are typically resilient during economic downturns, as rent payments are fixed costs that businesses prioritize [5] - Realty Income utilizes triple-net leases, which require tenants to cover property-level expenses, thereby stabilizing cash flow and shielding the REIT from inflation [6] - The current dividend yield of Realty Income is 5.6%, elevated compared to historical levels of 3%-5% before 2020, influenced by higher interest rates; however, rates are expected to decline in 2026, making the current dividend attractive [7] Group 3: Dollar General - Dollar General experienced a significant bull run in 2025, with shares increasing by 99% over the previous year, benefiting from attracting new income brackets amid economic challenges [8] - The company has shown resilience against inflation and is considered a recession-proof option in the current uncertain macroeconomic climate [9]

Group 1 - The core focus for dividend investors is not only high yield but also the reliability of that yield over the long term, which is challenging to find [1] - The healthcare sector presents solid options for dividend-paying stocks, including Bristol Myers Squibb, Medtronic, and Johnson & Johnson, with yields up to 4.6% [1][4] - Economic factors such as inflation can erode the purchasing power of dividend income, making it essential to choose companies with growth potential and a history of dividend increases [2] Group 2 - The healthcare industry is driven by innovation and population growth, with rising socio-economic conditions leading to increased demand for medical products [3] - Bristol Myers Squibb has a dividend yield of 4.6% but faces challenges due to patent expirations on blockbuster drugs, which raises concerns among investors [7] - Medtronic is approaching Dividend King status, while Johnson & Johnson has a strong track record with over 50 annual dividend increases [7]

Group 1 - The NEOS Bitcoin High Income ETF (BTCI) is designed to provide investors with exposure to Bitcoin while generating income through high dividend-paying stocks and ETFs [1] - The fund's strategy focuses on risk-adjusted performance, diversification, and sustainability, which are essential for investors seeking financial independence and effective portfolio management [1] Group 2 - The article emphasizes the importance of having a high conviction in a portfolio, particularly in dividend-paying assets, to ensure peace of mind for investors [1]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the resurgence of interest in dividend-paying stocks, particularly those offering monthly dividends, as a reliable source of income in volatile market conditions [1][3][4]. Dividend Market Overview - Dividend-paying stocks have historically provided steady returns across various market environments, contributing approximately 50% of total stock returns on average since the 1930s [4]. - The focus on dividends has increased as investors seek income rather than relying solely on price appreciation, especially following market downturns in the 2000s and the Great Recession [2][3]. Methodology for Stock Selection - The article outlines a methodology for selecting stocks that pay monthly dividends, focusing on those with the highest dividend yields, which range from 3.5% to nearly 19.5% as of December 18 [7]. - Most selected stocks are from the REIT and capital market sectors, which are required to distribute a significant portion of their income to shareholders [8]. Company Highlights - **Phillips Edison & Company, Inc. (NASDAQ:PECO)**: - Dividend Yield: 3.58% as of December 18 - Barclays raised its price target to $42 from $40 following an investor presentation [11]. - The company has a strong portfolio with a median household income of about $92,000 within a three-mile radius of its centers, which is 15% higher than the US average [12]. - Management expects portfolio income to rise by approximately 26% over the next five years [13]. - **Agree Realty Corporation (NYSE:ADC)**: - Dividend Yield: 4.33% as of December 18 - Mizuho lowered its price target to $75 from $77 but maintained a Neutral rating [16]. - The company has transitioned to monthly dividend payments, with a consistent annual growth rate of 5.3% over the past decade [18][19]. - **Main Street Capital Corporation (NYSE:MAIN)**: - Dividend Yield: 5.17% as of December 18 - RBC Capital reduced its price target to $66 from $67 while keeping an Outperform rating [21]. - The company recently completed a follow-on investment in Chamberlin Holding LLC, supporting its acquisition of a commercial roofing contractor [22][24].