Key Takeaways WAB raised its dividend by 25% in 2025, while UPS increased the payout by less than 1%. UPS faces dividend sustainability concerns, paying out more in dividends than its free cash flow. WAB stock gained in double digits in 2025, driven by tech upgrades, cost cuts and product innovation.United Parcel Service (UPS) and Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation (WAB) , which operates as Wabtec Corporation, are well-known players in the Zacks Transportation sector. Despite ongoing economic u ...

24/7 Wall St. Quick Read Clorox paid out 123% of free cash flow as dividends in fiscal 2024 before improving to 79% in fiscal 2025. Shareholder equity declined from $908M in fiscal 2020 to $321M in fiscal 2025. Management expects $100M in annual tariff headwinds but considers the impact manageable. A recent study identified one single habit that doubled Americans’ retirement savings and moved retirement from dream, to reality. Read more here. Clorox (NYSE:CLX) operates household brands includi ...

Core Insights - The article provides a detailed analysis comparing Rithm Capital Corp. (RITM) to 17 other mortgage real estate investment trusts (mREITs) to address ongoing requests for such comparisons [1][2] - The analysis is divided into two parts, with Part 1 focusing on RITM's recent results and metrics, while Part 2 emphasizes dividend rates, yield percentages, and sustainability metrics [2][3] Group 1: RITM's Financial Metrics - RITM's book value as of September 30, 2025, is compared to its 17 mREIT peers, providing insights into its financial standing [2] - RITM declared a dividend of $0.25 per common share for Q3 2025, maintaining the same rate as the previous quarter, resulting in a trailing twelve-month (TTM) dividend yield of 8.26% [16][27] - The annual forward yield based on RITM's stock price as of September 19, 2025, is also 8.26%, while the yield based on the company's book value is 7.79% [16] Group 2: Dividend Sustainability Analysis - The article discusses RITM's dividend sustainability, indicating a very high probability (90%) of maintaining a dividend between $0.25 and $0.30 per share for Q1 and Q2 2026 [29] - RITM's quarterly core earnings available to common shareholders for Q3 2025 were reported at $296.9 million, translating to a core earnings per share of $0.54, which is above the dividend rate [23][21] - The dividend distribution payout ratios for RITM have been attractive, with ratios of 48%, 46%, and 47% for Q1, Q2, and Q3 2025, respectively [23] Group 3: Comparative Analysis with Peers - RITM's TTM dividend yield and annual forward yield percentages are notably below average when compared to its peer PMT, indicating a lower risk profile [16][27] - The article emphasizes that RITM has maintained a consistent dividend history, increasing its dividend from $0.35 in Q3 2014 to $0.25 since Q3 2021, contrasting with many peers that have reduced dividends [15][13] - The analysis includes a comparison of RITM's leverage ratio, which is lower than that of PMT, suggesting a more conservative approach to risk management [17] Group 4: Future Projections and Recommendations - The projected adjusted core earnings for Q4 2025 are expected to improve compared to Q3 2025, indicating a positive outlook for RITM's financial performance [30] - The current price target for RITM is approximately $14.60 per share, with recommendations varying from SELL at a premium to BUY at a discount to the projected book value [34][32] - The article concludes that RITM is currently undervalued, with a strong buy recommendation based on its financial metrics and market conditions [33]

The Straits Times Index (SGX: ^STI) has had a remarkable run in 2025, rising by over 21% year-to-date (YTD) as of 15 December 2025. The same cannot be said about real estate investment trusts (REITs). Singapore’s blue-chip REITs have had a mixed 2025, navigating interest rate shifts, overseas headwinds, and changing consumer habits. That said, beneath the headlines, a trio of stalwarts did better than most. Mapletree Pan Asia Commercial Trust (SGX: N2IU): Total Returns 27.5% YTDMapletree Pan Asia Commercial ...

Key Points UPS is reducing Amazon deliveries, which will lower volume but potentially boost profits. SMB market growth remains uncertain due to new tariffs and shifting supply chains. Dividend sustainability is in question, with a possible need for cash reserves or debt. 10 stocks we like better than United Parcel Service › The outlook for United Parcel Service (NYSE: UPS) is not straightforward. The company is set to see some major changes over the next year, but the real question for investors ...

Key Takeaways Mid-America raised its quarterly dividend to $1.53 per share, a 1% increase from the prior payout.The hike marks the 16th straight annual increase, with dividends compounding at an 8.3% rate over five years.MAA's Sun Belt portfolio, 95.6% occupancy and low leverage support sustainable dividend payments.Mid-America Apartment Communities’ (MAA) , also known as MAA, board of directors approved an increase in the company’s quarterly dividend payment. The company will now pay out $1.53 per share, r ...

Focus of Article: The focus of this two-part article is a very detailed analysis comparing Blackstone Secured Lending (BXSL) to some of the company’s business development company (“BDC”) peers (all sector peers I currently fully cover). I am writing this two-part article due to the continued requests that such an analysis be specifically performed on BXSL and some of the company’s BDC peers at periodic intervals. For readers who just want the summarized conclusions/results, I would suggest to scroll down to ...

Core Insights - Altria Group has performed well in 2025, with a stock increase of approximately 10% since January, or 16% including dividends [1] - The company is recognized as a Dividend King, boasting a dividend yield of 7.3% at its recent share price, which is a significant attraction for investors [2][8] - The sustainability of Altria's dividend is a concern for shareholders as the company faces slow growth in sales due to a shrinking customer base [2][5] Financial Performance - Altria's core cigarette business is declining, leading to limited top-line growth, which has resulted in a discounted stock price and higher dividend yield [6] - The company has a solid financial foundation, regularly increasing cigarette prices to counteract declining sales volumes, and is expected to grow earnings by 3% annually over the next three to five years [7] - The dividend payout ratio is 82% of 2025 earnings estimates, and Altria holds a multibillion-dollar stake in Anheuser-Busch InBev, providing liquidity options if necessary [8] Industry Trends - The tobacco industry is gradually shifting from traditional cigarettes to smoke-free products, such as electronic vapes and heat-not-burn devices [10] - Competitors like Philip Morris International and British American Tobacco have successfully integrated next-generation products into their portfolios, with these products accounting for 41% and 18.2% of their net sales, respectively [11] - Altria still heavily relies on cigarettes and cigars, which made up over 88% of its net revenue in the third quarter, indicating a potential risk of losing market share if it does not adapt to industry changes [12]

Core Viewpoint - MSA Safety has demonstrated a strong commitment to maintaining its dividend, even during challenging cash flow conditions, indicating resilience and potential for future growth [2][5][6]. Dividend Performance - MSA Safety pays an annual dividend of $2.08 per share, yielding 1.28% [2]. - The company has delivered 53 consecutive quarterly payments, with the most recent increase being 3.9% in Q2 2025 [2]. - The 5-year growth rate of the dividend stands at 4.2% CAGR [2]. Payout Ratios - The earnings payout ratio is 29.3%, indicating that 71% of profits are retained for reinvestment or debt reduction [3]. - In 2024, the free cash flow (FCF) payout ratio was 32.5%, while in 2023, it spiked to 147% due to cash flow challenges [4][5]. Cash Flow Analysis - In 2024, MSA generated $296.4 million in operating cash flow and $242.2 million in free cash flow, with dividend payments totaling $78.8 million [4]. - In 2023, operating cash flow dropped to $92.9 million, leading to a free cash flow of $50.1 million, which was insufficient to cover dividend payments [5]. Balance Sheet Strength - MSA has a total debt of $674 million against $1.30 billion in shareholders' equity, resulting in a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52x [8]. - The net debt stands at approximately $504 million, with a net debt-to-EBITDA ratio of around 1.0x, indicating a conservative financial position [8].

Core Viewpoint - MSA Safety has maintained a consistent dividend payment history, with a current annual dividend of $2.08 per share, yielding 1.28%, and has paid dividends for 53 consecutive quarters, raising questions about its sustainability moving forward [1][12]. Financial Metrics - The earnings payout ratio stands at 29.3%, indicating that MSA retains approximately 71% of its profits for reinvestment and growth [2]. - In 2024, MSA generated $296.4 million in operating cash flow, resulting in a free cash flow (FCF) of $242.2 million, with a FCF payout ratio of 32.5% [3]. - However, in 2023, operating cash flow dropped to $92.9 million due to inventory build, leading to a FCF of $50.1 million and a FCF payout ratio of 147%, indicating that dividends exceeded free cash flow generation [4]. Yearly Comparison - The earnings payout ratio for 2024 is projected at 26.0%, compared to 26.7% in 2023, reflecting a healthy trend [5]. - The FCF payout ratio for 2024 is 32.5%, a significant improvement from the 146.7% in 2023, which is considered an outlier [5]. - Operating cash flow coverage improved to 3.8x in 2024 from 1.3x in 2023, indicating a strong recovery [5]. Dividend Growth and Stability - MSA has consistently raised its dividend since at least 2015, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.1%, growing from $1.27 in 2015 to $2.10 in 2025 [11]. - The company has never cut its dividend, maintaining payments even during cash flow challenges in 2023, demonstrating a commitment to dividend stability [12]. Balance Sheet Strength - MSA has a total debt of $674 million against $1.30 billion in shareholders' equity, resulting in a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52x, indicating a conservative financial structure [9]. - With $170 million in cash, the net debt is approximately $504 million, leading to a net debt-to-EBITDA ratio of about 1.0x, which is considered manageable [9]. - Interest coverage is robust, with EBIT of $100.9 million covering interest expenses 12 times over, ensuring that debt service does not threaten dividend payments [10]. Conclusion on Dividend Safety - MSA's dividend is rated as safe, supported by an earnings payout ratio under 30%, a recovery in free cash flow, and a clean balance sheet [13]. - The company is positioned as a reliable option for income investors seeking consistent dividends from a stable industrial company, despite the relatively low yield of 1.28% [14].