Financial analyst by day and a seasoned investor by passion, I've been involved in the world of investing for over 15 years and honed my skills in analyzing lucrative opportunities within the market.I specialize in uncovering high quality dividend stocks and other assets that offer potential for long term-growth that pack a serious punch for bill-paying potential. I use myself as an example that with a solid base of classic dividend growth stocks, sprinkling in some Business Development Companies, REITs, an ...

Core Insights - Altria Group, Inc. is recognized for its perceived safety in investments, often associated with phrases like "Sleep well at night" and "Like Clockwork" [1] Group 1 - The company is known for its dividends, appealing to long-term investors through Dividend Growth Investing (DGI) and Dividend Reinvestment Plans (DRIP) [1] - Altria is also considered a viable option for short-term trading, indicating its versatility in investment strategies [1]

Core Insights - The indicated dividend net changes for U.S. domestic common stocks increased by $7.4 billion in Q2 2025, a decline from $15.3 billion in Q1 2025 and $16.0 billion in Q2 2024 [1][6] - For the 12-month period ending June 2025, the net dividend rate increased by $44.1 billion, down from $54.6 billion for the same period in 2024 [2][6] - Dividend growth has declined due to concerns over cash commitments amid uncertainties regarding tariffs and their economic impact [3][4] Dividend Increases - In Q2 2025, U.S. common dividend increases totaled $9.8 billion, a decrease of 49.8% from $19.5 billion in Q1 2025 and down 52.1% from $20.4 billion in Q2 2024 [6][7] - For the 12-month period ending June 2025, total dividend increases were $57.6 billion, down 26.8% from $78.7 billion in the previous year [8][6] - A total of 480 dividend increases were reported in Q2 2025, compared to 539 in Q2 2024, marking a 10.9% year-over-year decrease [7] Dividend Decreases - In Q2 2025, there were 38 issues that decreased dividends, an 81.0% year-over-year increase from 21 issues in Q2 2024 [15] - Dividend decreases amounted to $2.3 billion in Q2 2025, compared to $4.4 billion in Q2 2024 [15] - For the 12-month period ending June 2025, 155 issues decreased their dividend payments, down from 175 in the previous year [15] Future Outlook - The second half of 2025 may see stronger dividend performance as companies await clarity on economic policies and tariff resolutions [4] - Q3 2025 is expected to show improvements in dividend payments, particularly from large banks following positive stress test results [4] - The S&P 500 is projected to achieve a record in dividend payments for 2025, with a 6% increase anticipated, down from an earlier expectation of 8% [4]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the effectiveness of investing in dividend growth stocks and reinvesting dividends as a strategy for long-term wealth growth [1] Group 1: Investment Strategy - The individual investor has explored various investment styles over 25 years, concluding that dividend growth stocks are a reliable method for wealth accumulation [1] - The investor has experience with a diverse range of investment vehicles, including stocks, options, ETFs, treasury notes, and mutual funds [1] - The blog, HarvestingDividends.com, focuses on providing information about S&P Dividend Aristocrats and other dividend growth stocks [1]

Core Viewpoint - The private sector is experiencing job losses, which is beneficial for earnings season and dividend growth stocks due to easing wage pressures and lower inflation, leading to better profit margins and dividend hikes [2]. Dividend Growth Stocks Dividend Growth Stock 1: T-Mobile US (TMUS) - T-Mobile US initiated a new dividend program in 2023 and raised its dividend by 35% to 88 cents per share after merging with Sprint [6][8]. - The company is expanding its margins and free cash flow, which supports its dividend growth strategy [7][9]. Dividend Growth Stock 2: Amphenol (APH) - Amphenol has seen significant growth, particularly in AI-related applications, with total orders increasing by nearly 60% year-over-year in Q1 2025 [12]. - The company raised its dividend by 50% last year, marking one of its largest increases [12]. Dividend Growth Stock 3: California Resources (CRC) - California Resources has shifted towards green-energy initiatives and has increased its quarterly distribution by 128% since its initiation [15]. - The company has been profitable since emerging from bankruptcy in 2021 and has seen its shares triple since relisting [16]. Dividend Growth Stock 4: RLJ Lodging Trust (RLJ) - RLJ Lodging Trust reduced its dividend significantly during the pandemic but has since increased it by 1,400% from its low point [19]. - Analysts project a 40% AFFO payout ratio for RLJ, indicating potential for further dividend growth [20]. Dividend Growth Stock 5: Coca-Cola Consolidated (COKE) - Coca-Cola Consolidated has shown consistent top-line growth and recently announced a $16-per-share special dividend, along with a quintupled regular payout to $2.50 per share [24]. - The company currently pays out only 15% of its earnings as dividends, suggesting room for future increases [24].

Group 1 - The focus is on growth and dividend income as a strategy for retirement planning [1] - The portfolio is structured to generate monthly dividend income that grows through reinvestment and annual increases [1] Group 2 - The article expresses personal opinions and is not intended as investment advice [2][3] - It emphasizes the importance of conducting individual research before making investment decisions [2]

There are different ways to use dividends when it comes to selecting investments. Often, dividend investors focus all their attention on the highest-yielding stocks. But you can also buy stocks with a history of attractive dividend growth. And right now, you can purchase these two dividend growers with well-above-market yields of as much as 4.2%. Here's what you need to know.1. Prologis is a giant industrial REIT that's still growing quicklyWith a nearly $100 billion market cap, Prologis (PLD -0.25%) is one ...

Key Takeaways LAMR shares climbed 18.4% in three months, outpacing the industry growth of 10.1%. The expansion of digital billboards and recent acquisitions support long-term growth. Five-year annualized dividend growth of 24.17% and active buybacks lift investor confidence.Lamar Advertising (LAMR) shares have risen 18.4% in the past three months compared with its industry’s growth of 10.1%.The company’s impressive footprint of outdoor advertising assets across the United States and Canada positions it we ...

Key Takeaways DAL raised its quarterly dividend to 18.75 cents, marking its second increase since resuming payouts in 2023. The stock trades at a low 0.52 forward price/sales ratio, below the sector average and five-year median. Q1 labor costs rose 8% to $4.1B, while DAL's low 0.38 current ratio signals mounting liquidity concerns.Delta Air Lines’ (DAL) board of directors recently announced a 25% hike in its quarterly dividend payout, raising this airline heavyweight’s quarterly cash dividend to 18.75 cen ...

Core Insights - Occidental Petroleum Corporation (OXY) has made significant strides in improving its balance sheet and enhancing shareholder returns since acquiring Anadarko in 2019, reducing debt by $6.8 billion in the last 10 months, which has decreased annual interest expenses by $370 million and boosted net income [1][8] - The company has a strong free cash flow supported by low-cost, high-margin operations in the Permian Basin, which, along with contributions from international assets, allows for a dual focus on debt reduction and shareholder returns [2][8] - Occidental's diversified asset base, including its OxyChem segment and carbon capture initiatives, provides resilience and optionality to earnings, positioning the company as a potential player in the long-term energy transition [3][4] Financial Performance - In 2024, Occidental increased its dividend by 22%, reflecting management's commitment to sustainable and disciplined capital returns [2][8] - The company's operational efficiency and broad cash flow streams create a strong foundation for maintaining and gradually increasing dividends over time, despite exposure to commodity price fluctuations [4][8] - Occidental's earnings have consistently beaten estimates in the last four quarters, with an average surprise of 24.34% [7][9] Market Position - Occidental's return on invested capital (ROIC) stands at 6.26%, slightly below the industry average of 6.61% [9] - The company's stock has gained 8.4% over the last three months, outperforming the Zacks Oil and Gas-Integrated-United States industry's rise of 8% [11]