NEW YORK, Jan. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- S&P Dow Jones Indices today announced the indicated dividend net changes (increases less decreases) for U.S. domestic common stocks increased $13.1 billion during Q4 2025, compared to the $10.6 billion increase in Q3 2025 and the $11.7 billion increase in Q4 2024. Increases were $16.1 billion in Q4 2025 versus $14.0 billion for Q3 2025 and $14.2 billion in Q4 2024. Decreases for the quarter were $3.0 billion compared to $3.4 billion in Q3 2025 and $2.5 billion in Q4 20 ...

Core Viewpoint - Ryder System, Inc. is currently undervalued based on its forward price-to-sales ratio, trading at 0.58X compared to the industry average of 2.29X, indicating an attractive valuation [1][7]. Valuation Metrics - Ryder's forward 12-month price-to-sales ratio is 0.58X, significantly lower than the industry average of 2.29X over the past five years, suggesting a cheap valuation [1][7]. Shareholder Returns - Ryder has consistently paid dividends for over 48 years, with dividend payments of $123 million in 2022, $128 million in 2023, and a projected $456 million in 2024 through dividends and share repurchases [5][6]. - In the first nine months of 2025, Ryder paid $108 million in dividends and repurchased shares worth $350 million, reflecting a commitment to shareholder value [5][6]. Financial Performance - Ryder's stock has increased by 25% over the past six months, outperforming the Zacks Transportation - Equipment and Leasing industry's growth of 10.4% [9]. - The company has raised its free cash flow outlook for 2025 to between $900 million and $1 billion, up from a previous estimate of $375 million to $475 million [8]. Operating Costs and Liquidity - Ryder faces significant financial pressure due to rising operating costs, with total operating expenses increasing from $10.8 billion in 2022 to $11.9 billion in 2024 [12]. - The company's liquidity is concerning, with cash and cash equivalents of $189 million against a current debt level of $577 million, indicating insufficient cash to meet obligations [13]. Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Ryder's earnings has been revised downward for the fourth quarter of 2025 and for full-year 2025 and 2026, reflecting a lack of confidence among brokers [15]. - The current earnings estimates for Q1 2026 have also been projected downward, indicating negative sentiment surrounding the stock [15]. Investment Outlook - Despite attractive valuation and shareholder-friendly initiatives, Ryder faces headwinds from increased operating expenses and a volatile macro environment, making it a risky investment choice at this time [17].

Core Insights - Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM) generates most of its earnings from upstream operations, making it vulnerable to commodity price volatility, yet it consistently returns capital to shareholders [1][3] Group 1: Dividend and Share Repurchase - ExxonMobil has increased dividend payments for 43 consecutive years, ranking as the second-largest dividend payer among S&P 500 companies [2][6] - The company plans to repurchase $20 billion of its shares this year and aims to maintain this pace next year [2] Group 2: Financial Resilience - Despite its vulnerability, ExxonMobil has demonstrated resilience through various business cycles, attributed to access to low-cost oil and natural gas resources and a strong balance sheet [3][6] - ExxonMobil's debt-to-capitalization ratio is 13.6%, significantly lower than the industry average of 28.7% [3] Group 3: Comparison with Peers - Diamondback Energy Inc. (FANG) and ConocoPhillips (COP) also exhibit resilience due to lower debt levels, with debt-to-capitalization ratios of 26.3% and 26.6%, respectively [4][6] - Both FANG and COP have operations in the Permian Basin, which helps them navigate low oil prices [4] Group 4: Stock Performance and Valuation - XOM shares have increased by 14.5% over the past year, slightly underperforming the industry average of 15.7% [5] - The company trades at a trailing 12-month enterprise value to EBITDA (EV/EBITDA) of 7.57X, above the industry average of 4.77X [8] Group 5: Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for XOM's 2025 earnings has been revised downward over the past week [10]

Core Viewpoint - The company Strategy (NASDAQ:MSTR) is open to selling Bitcoin to fund dividend payments if necessary, marking a shift in its previous stance on Bitcoin retention [1][3]. Group 1: Company Strategy - CEO Phong Le stated that selling Bitcoin would be considered if the company's trading value fell below the net asset value (mNAV) of its Bitcoin holdings, emphasizing that this would be a last resort [1][2]. - The ultimate goal of the company is to maximize Bitcoin per share, and selling Bitcoin to pay dividends is seen as more accretive under certain conditions [2]. Group 2: Market Position - The company currently holds 650,000 BTC valued at $56.5 billion, representing the largest corporate Bitcoin holdings [5]. - The company's mNAV has recently compressed to 0.99, indicating that it is now valued below its Bitcoin holdings, which reflects a decline in the digital asset treasury trade's appeal [6]. Group 3: Leadership Comments - Michael Saylor, the company's Chair, addressed skepticism regarding the company's willingness to sell Bitcoin for dividends, asserting that it is possible to sell a small fraction of its holdings to cover dividend payments while still increasing Bitcoin holdings [4].

Peter Schiff stated that this is the beginning of the end for MSTR after Strategy established a USD reserve — Source: CoinGape Peter Schiff stated that MSTR is broken and that Saylor's business model is a fraud. Bitcoin advocates like Max Kesier have commended Strategy's move to create a reserve for dividend payments. Saylor explained that the move is to help them navigate short-term volatility. Renowned economist and Bitcoin critic Peter Schiff has predicted that MSTR could suffer a massive crash ...

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Core Insights - WM reported strong second-quarter 2025 results, with adjusted earnings of $1.92 per share, exceeding the consensus estimate by 1.6%, and total revenues of $6.4 billion, surpassing expectations by 1.4% and increasing 19% year-over-year [1] Financial Performance - The company's effective pricing and cost control strategies are crucial for profitability, focusing on aligning price adjustments with service quality and demand while optimizing operational processes [2] - WM has consistently paid dividends since 1998, with payouts increasing from $970 million in 2021 to $1.21 billion in 2024, indicating a commitment to long-term shareholder value [3] Strategic Moves - The acquisition of Stericycle is expected to enhance WM's earnings and cash flows within a year, with anticipated annual run-rate synergies exceeding $125 million, positioning WM favorably in the medical waste industry [4] Financial Challenges - The Stericycle acquisition has increased WM's debt load, raising concerns about financial flexibility and potential impacts on shareholder returns if cash flow does not meet expectations [5] - WM's liquidity appears weak, with a current ratio of 0.86 in Q2 2025, down from 1.07 in the previous year, indicating challenges in covering short-term obligations [6]

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Core Insights - Cintas Corporation (CTAS) is experiencing strong momentum across its segments, particularly in Uniform Rental and Facility Services, driven by new customer growth and increased product penetration [1] - The First Aid and Safety Services segment is benefiting from rising demand for AED Rentals, eyewash stations, and WaterBreak products, alongside strong customer retention and an improved sales mix [1] Segment Performance - The Uniform Rental and Facility Services segment is seeing growth from both new and existing customers, contributing to overall performance [8] - The First Aid segment's performance is bolstered by increasing demand for specific safety products [1][8] Acquisitions and Market Expansion - Cintas has enhanced its product portfolio through strategic acquisitions, including Paris Uniform Services and SITEX, totaling $232.9 million in fiscal 2025 [2][8] - These acquisitions have strengthened Cintas' market presence in key regions such as Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland, West Virginia, and the central Midwest [2] Shareholder Returns - In fiscal 2025, Cintas paid dividends of $611.6 million, reflecting a 15.2% year-over-year increase, and spent $934.8 million on share buybacks, up from $700 million the previous year [3][8] - The quarterly dividend was increased by 15.4% to $1.80 per share, marking 41 consecutive years of dividend increases [3] Financial Performance - Cintas' stock performance has shown a 1.6% gain over the past year, contrasting with a 1.4% decline in the industry [4] - However, the company faces challenges from rising costs, with a 6.9% year-over-year increase in the cost of sales to $1.34 billion and a 9.1% rise in selling and administrative expenses to $728.5 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025 [6] International Exposure - Cintas has significant international operations, which expose it to political and economic disruptions that could impact profitability [7]