Core Insights - T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:TROW) is recognized among the Best Stocks for a Dividend Achievers List [1] Group 1: Price Target and Earnings Estimates - Morgan Stanley raised its price target on T. Rowe Price to $128 from $126 while maintaining an Equal Weight rating, citing weaker-than-expected client flows in Q4 [2] - The firm lowered its Q4 flow estimate by 30 basis points and reduced its Q4 earnings estimates by approximately 5% across the asset managers it covers, indicating near-term pressures rather than a long-term shift [2] Group 2: Strategic Alliances and Product Launches - Goldman Sachs Asset Management and T. Rowe Price announced the launch of co-branded model portfolios, marking the first products since their strategic alliance in September [3] - Four model portfolios are available on the GeoWealth platform, designed for registered investment advisors, with a fifth portfolio expected to launch in the first half of 2026, aimed at high-net-worth investors [4] Group 3: Company Overview - T. Rowe Price is a global investment management firm providing mutual funds, subadvisory services, separate accounts, and retirement solutions to a diverse client base including individuals, institutions, and financial intermediaries [5]

Core Insights - Dividend-paying stocks provide a balance between growth and reduced volatility, offering real cash returns to investors while reflecting a company's financial health and discipline [2][4] Market Trends - Research indicates that companies that maintain or grow dividends tend to outperform those that do not, especially during market downturns, where dividend stocks have historically shown less volatility [3][5] - During significant market declines, dividend-paying stocks have averaged a decline of 14.44%, compared to 19.89% for the S&P 500 Index and 28.16% for non-dividend payers, highlighting their resilience [5] Company Highlights - **Evergy, Inc. (NASDAQ:EVRG)**: - The stock has increased over 17.5% this year despite earlier weather challenges impacting demand [12] - The company is positioned well with a significant backlog of large power customers and is expected to see earnings growth in the range of 4% to 6% [11][12] - **Pinnacle West Capital Corporation (NYSE:PNW)**: - Reported earnings of $3.39 per share for Q3 2025, driven by higher transmission revenue and solid sales growth, with total growth at 5.4% [16][17] - The company raised its full-year earnings outlook to $4.90 to $5.10 per share, reflecting strong sales and operational improvements [17] - **Regency Centers Corporation (NASDAQ:REG)**: - The company has a dividend yield of 4.41% and has announced a dividend increase of over 7% [19][21] - It remains a leading developer of grocery-anchored shopping centers, with significant project starts and acquisitions planned for 2025 [21][22]

Group 1: United Parcel Service (UPS) - United Parcel Service's stock price has seen a sell-off due to post-COVID market normalization, but it is expected to rebound strongly in Q4 2025 as economic data suggests the impact of tariffs has been less than anticipated [2][4] - The dividend yield for UPS is substantial at 7.78%, with a payout ratio of 85% of the 2025 earnings outlook, supported by a strong balance sheet and growth expectations resuming in 2026 [3][4] - Analysts have a consensus forecast indicating a 30% upside for UPS, with institutional investors returning to buying as the stock hits multiyear lows, suggesting the market is near its bottom [4] Group 2: Verizon Communications (VZ) - Verizon is well-positioned to benefit from the AI boom, with increased mobile demand driven by 5G and IoT applications, which are expected to flourish [6][7] - The dividend yield for Verizon is approximately 6.25%, with a payout ratio of 57% of the earnings outlook, backed by a healthy balance sheet, leading to increased support from analysts and institutional investors [7][8] - Analysts' coverage for Verizon is rising, with a consensus forecast indicating a 10% upside, and the high-end target suggesting a potential 15% increase [8] Group 3: Pfizer (PFE) - Pfizer's stock price is influenced by its recent acquisition of Metsera, which positions the company to introduce a GLP inhibitor candidate by 2028-2029, improving its outlook [10][11] - The dividend yield for Pfizer is 6.32%, with a payout ratio of approximately 50% of the earnings outlook, and the company has increased its dividend for 14 consecutive years, positioning it for potential inclusion in the Dividend Aristocrat Index by 2036 [11][12] - Analysts currently rate Pfizer as a Hold, but there is an increasing number of Buy ratings, with a potential for an 18% increase at the consensus price target, indicating a possible market reversal [12]