Core Insights - C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. (CHRW) has approved a 1.6% increase in its quarterly cash dividend, raising it to 63 cents per share from 62 cents, reflecting the company's commitment to enhancing shareholder returns [1][5][10] - The company has a strong history of uninterrupted dividend payments, having increased its dividends annually for over 25 years [2][10] - In 2022, CHRW returned $285.32 million in cash dividends and $1.459 billion through share repurchases, while in 2023, it paid $291.56 million in dividends and repurchased shares worth $63.88 million [3] Dividend and Shareholder Returns - The raised dividend will be paid on January 5, 2026, to shareholders of record as of December 5, 2025, indicating a strategic use of free cash flow to benefit shareholders [1] - During the first nine months of 2025, CHRW returned $227.05 million in cash dividends and $240.25 million through share repurchases, demonstrating a consistent approach to shareholder value [3][10] Industry Context - Other companies in the transportation sector, such as Kirby Corporation and Werner Enterprises, are also engaging in shareholder-friendly initiatives, including stock repurchase programs, indicating a broader trend within the industry [6][7][8]

Core Viewpoint - Abacus Global Management has reported its tenth consecutive quarter of earnings, showcasing consistent performance and growth in funding and origination capabilities, with a strong outlook into 2026 [1][2]. Financial Performance - Gross revenue increased by 124% year-over-year, while adjusted net income grew by 60% [2]. - The company has achieved earnings beats greater than 30% in six of the last ten quarters, indicating sustained performance [2]. Business Model and Strategy - Abacus operates as an active management company, monetizing contracts and policies on its balance sheet with strong margins of around 37% [3]. - The company has raised nearly $500 million in new capital this year, driven by strong institutional interest in uncorrelated yield [3]. Revenue Composition - 15% of Abacus's revenue is now recurring, and the recently launched dividend represents just over 20% of adjusted net income, allowing for capital return to shareholders while maintaining a return on equity (ROE) over 20% [4]. Recent Acquisitions - The acquisition of AccuQuote enhances client lifecycle coverage, enabling the company to offer better-suited policies and convert previously unmonetized leads into product sales [5][6]. - AccuQuote brings 30 years of experience and $150 million in issued premium, providing both new policy sales and potential legacy contract value [6]. Securitization and Balance Sheet Strength - A recent $50 million securitized asset transaction strengthens the balance sheet and supports future growth through scalable and competitive rates [7][8]. - The participation of insurance companies and banks in this transaction validates the valuations and underlying assets, while the company earns servicing fees for five years [8]. Market Position and Investor Appeal - Being added to the Russell 2000 and 3000 indexes enhances Abacus's visibility, attracting more capital from ETFs and investors seeking strong companies [9]. - The company is now a dividend-paying stock with a yield between 3.5% and 4.5%, placing it in a selective group among Russell 2000 companies [10].

Core Insights - Dividend-paying stocks are recommended for investors, particularly Baby Boomers aged 61 to 79, as they are more likely to own stocks [1][2] Group 1: Investment Opportunities - Berkshire Hathaway, led by incoming CEO Greg Abel, may introduce a dividend as the company holds a cash reserve of $382 billion [3][4] - Waste Management is considered a stable investment due to its essential services in trash collection and recycling, with a recent forward P/E ratio of 23.5, below its five-year average of 27.4 [6][8] - Realty Income, a REIT, offers a high dividend yield of 5.6% and has a strong track record of paying dividends for 664 consecutive months [10][12] Group 2: Financial Metrics - Berkshire Hathaway has a market cap of $1,077 billion, with a gross margin of 24.85% [4] - Waste Management has a market cap of $81 billion, with a gross margin of 28.92% and a dividend yield of 1.65% [8][9] - Realty Income has a market cap of $52 billion, a gross margin of 48.14%, and a 98.7% occupancy rate across its properties [12][14]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent volatility in the stock market and highlights four companies that have recently increased their dividends, providing potential investment opportunities for cautious investors seeking steady income amidst economic uncertainty [2][3]. Economic Context - Major stock indexes have reached all-time highs, but investor sentiment remains low due to a lack of economic data from the government shutdown, the impact of tariffs imposed by President Trump, and uncertainty regarding a potential interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve [2][4]. - The Federal Reserve recently cut interest rates by 0.25 percentage points, but this did not positively affect stock prices, as Chairman Jerome Powell expressed doubts about further cuts this year [4][5]. - The ongoing government shutdown has deprived investors of key economic data, contributing to fears of a recession as the labor market continues to shrink [6]. Company Highlights - **CDW Corporation**: Announced a dividend of $0.63 per share, with a dividend yield of 1.76%. Over the past five years, CDW has increased its dividend six times, with a payout ratio of 26% of earnings [9][8]. - **California Resources Corporation**: Declared a dividend of $0.41 per share, yielding 3.32%. The company has increased its dividend four times in the last five years, with a payout ratio of 34% of earnings [11][10]. - **Exxon Mobil Corporation**: Announced a dividend of $1.03 per share, yielding 3.47%. Exxon has increased its dividend five times over the past five years, with a payout ratio of 57% of earnings [13][12]. - **Entergy Corporation**: Declared a dividend of $0.64 per share, yielding 2.49%. Entergy has increased its dividend six times in the last five years, with a payout ratio of 59% of earnings [14][12].

Market Overview - Wall Street experienced significant volatility, with major indexes reaching all-time highs, yet investor sentiment remains low due to economic uncertainties [1][3] - The ongoing government shutdown has resulted in a lack of key economic data, complicating investors' ability to gauge the economy's future [5] Federal Reserve Actions - The Federal Reserve recently cut interest rates by 0.25 percentage points for the second time this year, but this did not boost stock performance [3] - Chairman Jerome Powell expressed uncertainty regarding further rate cuts, indicating differing views among Fed officials on future monetary policy [4] Economic Concerns - The labor market is showing signs of contraction, raising fears of a potential recession [5] - Tariffs imposed by President Trump, particularly in relation to China, have contributed to market volatility and increased concerns among investors [6] Dividend-Paying Stocks - In light of market uncertainties, investors may consider dividend-paying stocks for steady income and capital protection [2] - Four companies recently announced dividend increases: - **CDW Corporation**: Dividend of $0.63 per share with a yield of 1.76%, increased dividends six times in five years, payout ratio at 26% [8][7] - **California Resources Corporation**: Dividend of $0.41 per share with a yield of 3.32%, increased dividends four times in five years, payout ratio at 34% [10][9] - **Exxon Mobil Corporation**: Dividend of $1.03 per share with a yield of 3.47%, increased dividends five times in five years, payout ratio at 57% [12][11] - **Entergy Corporation**: Dividend of $0.64 per share with a yield of 2.49%, increased dividends six times in five years, payout ratio at 59% [13]

Key Points Energy Transfer trades at the second-lowest valuation in its peer group. The MLP is in the strongest financial position in its history. It has visible growth coming down the pipeline. 10 stocks we like better than Energy Transfer › I like to invest in dividend-paying stocks. I especially like it when they trade at dirt cheap valuations, because that usually means they have a higher dividend yield. Energy Transfer (NYSE: ET) currently stands out for its combination of yield and value. H ...

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the benefits of investing in dividend-focused ETFs, particularly for generating income and potential price appreciation over time [1][5]. Dividend Income and Growth - Dividend-paying stocks can provide significant annual income; for instance, a portfolio of $400,000 with a 3% yield can generate approximately $12,000 annually, which is expected to grow over time [2]. - Healthy and growing dividend stocks typically increase their payouts, helping investors keep pace with inflation [3]. Investment Strategy - Investing in dividend-paying stocks can be a strategic move, especially during market downturns, as these stocks tend to provide regular income regardless of market conditions [4]. - The article suggests that market timing is ineffective, and investors should consider adding to their positions even during uncertain market periods [5]. Recommended ETFs - Three recommended ETFs include: 1. **iShares Preferred and Income Securities ETF (PFF)**: Offers a high yield of 6.46% but with slower growth potential [6][8]. 2. **Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD)**: Tracks high-quality companies with a yield of 3.79% and a strong performance record [6][10]. 3. **Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG)**: Focuses on companies with a history of increasing dividends, yielding 1.64% [6][11]. Performance Metrics - The article provides performance metrics for the recommended ETFs, highlighting their average annual returns over 5 and 10 years, indicating a trade-off between yield and growth potential [6][7].

Core Insights - FedEx Corporation (FDX) and Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation (WAB) have both announced dividend increases this year, demonstrating a commitment to shareholder returns despite economic uncertainties [1][10]. Dividend Increases - Wabtec's board approved a 25% dividend hike, raising its quarterly cash dividend to $0.25 per share ($1.00 annualized) from $0.20 ($0.80 annualized) [3]. - FedEx's board approved a dividend increase, raising its quarterly cash dividend to $1.45 per share ($5.80 annualized) from $1.38 ($5.52 annualized) [3]. Price Performance Comparison - WAB has achieved a 2.4% year-to-date gain, while FDX has experienced a double-digit decline [5]. - FDX's poor performance is attributed to revenue weakness due to geopolitical uncertainty and high inflation affecting consumer sentiment and growth expectations [8]. - WAB's strength is linked to its focus on new technologies, restructuring actions, and cost-cutting initiatives [9]. Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for WAB's 2025 and 2026 sales indicates year-over-year increases of 6.7% and 5.8%, respectively, with EPS estimates trending upward [13]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for FDX's current year sales implies a 4.4% year-over-year increase, but EPS estimates have been trending downward [14]. Valuation Comparison - WAB is trading at a forward sales multiple of 2.85, above its 5-year median of 2.07, indicating a higher valuation [15]. - FDX has a forward sales multiple of 0.58, below its 5-year median of 0.69, and carries a Value Score of A, while WAB has a Value Score of D [15]. Conclusion - WAB's better price performance and upward earnings estimate revisions suggest a stronger position compared to FDX, which is currently ranked lower [17][18].

Core Insights - Blue-chip stocks are recognized for their strong performance and consistent dividend payments, providing a reliable source of passive income for investors [1] - Several blue-chip companies have announced additional dividends, enhancing their appeal to investors seeking income [2] DBS Group (SGX: D05) - DBS Group, Singapore's largest bank, reported a total income of S$11.6 billion for 1H 2025, a 5% increase year on year, driven by a 3.2% rise in net interest income [3] - Net profit decreased by 1% year on year to S$5.7 billion due to a 15% global minimum tax rate, but total income and profit before tax reached record levels for 1H 2025 [4] - The bank declared a core interim dividend of S$0.60 and a capital return dividend of S$0.15, totaling S$0.75, which is nearly 39% higher than the S$0.54 paid out the previous year [4][5] DFI Retail Group (SGX: D01) - DFI Retail Group reported flat revenue of US$4.4 billion for 1H 2025, while underlying net profit surged by 39% year on year to US$105 million [6] - The group declared a special dividend of US$0.443 per share, its first in 18 years, resulting from the divestment of its Singapore food business and a minority stake in Robinsons Retail [7] - The retailer raised its underlying profit guidance to between US$250 million and US$270 million, indicating positive outlook for its core business [7] Singtel (SGX: Z74) - Singtel reported stable operating revenue of S$14.1 billion for FY2025, with underlying net profit increasing by 9% year on year to S$2.5 billion [8] - The company achieved cumulative savings of around S$400 million by FY2025, targeting S$600 million by the end of FY2026 [9] - Singtel declared a core final dividend of S$0.067 and a value realisation dividend of S$0.033, totaling S$0.10, marking a 13% increase from the previous fiscal year's dividend [9][10] Venture Corporation Limited (SGX: V03) - Venture Corporation reported a revenue decline of 8.8% year on year to S$1.26 billion for 1H 2025, with net profit falling by 8.6% to S$113 million [12] - The company declared an interim dividend of S$0.25 and a special dividend of S$0.05, bringing the total dividend for 1H 2025 to S$0.30, higher than the previous year's S$0.25 [13] - Management expressed optimism about future business opportunities despite current volatility [14]

Core Insights - The Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is favored for its exposure to high-quality dividend-paying stocks, providing both income and growth potential [3][4][5] - The ETF currently offers a dividend yield of approximately 3.7%, significantly higher than the S&P 500's yield of below 1.2% [6] - The fund's holdings have increased their dividend payments at a compound annual growth rate of over 8% in the past five years, indicating strong financial health [6] Fund Characteristics - The Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF includes 100 top dividend stocks selected based on a systematic evaluation of dividend quality [4] - Key metrics for stock selection include cash flow to debt, return on equity, dividend yield, and five-year dividend growth rate, ensuring only financially robust companies are included [4][5] - The ETF serves as a complementary investment for those already holding dividend-paying stocks, enhancing overall portfolio diversification [3][8] Notable Holdings - AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) is the top holding in the ETF, representing 4.2% of its assets, with a strong history of dividend increases since its spinoff from Abbott Laboratories [9] - AbbVie has raised its dividend by 310% since its separation, currently offering a 3% dividend yield, showcasing the potential for sustainable income [9]