Dividend income offers a great way to strengthen your overall financial position. It can potentially make you less dependent on the income you earn from a job, maybe even allowing you to work less or retire earlier than planned. Money doesn't buy happiness, but being less dependent on work to fund your lifestyle could be a contributor to a happier, less stressful life.A great way to build up dividend income is to invest in high-yielding dividend stocks that also happen to be lower-risk investments. Pfizer ( ...

Market Overview - The stock market is experiencing volatility, with the S&P 500 index falling nearly 20% from February highs but recovering fully by May 22 [1] - Investors are concerned about high tariffs, a proposed major tax bill, and the potential for recession or rising inflation [1] Amgen - Amgen is a pharmaceutical company known for its diverse range of drugs, including Enbrel, Prolia, XGEVA, Otezla, and Repatha [3] - The company is developing a weight-loss drug, MariTide, and has initiated two phase 3 trials [4] - In Q1, Amgen reported adjusted earnings of $4.90 per share, surpassing Wall Street estimates of $4.26, with revenue growth of 9% year over year [6] - Amgen has consistently paid dividends since 2011, increasing them for 14 consecutive years, with a current dividend yield of approximately 3.5% [7] - Management expects free cash flow to rebound to $7.4 billion in 2023, covering the expected $5.2 billion in dividend payments [7] Sirius XM - Sirius XM is a leading digital audio company in the U.S., operating Sirius satellite radio and Pandora, reaching 160 million listeners monthly [8] - The company has faced significant challenges, with stock down about 57% over the last five years due to rising competition and declining subscribers [8] - Management is investing in technology, expanding its podcast network, and streamlining subscription offerings, aiming for a 25% increase in subscribers to 50 million and a 50% increase in free cash flow to $1.8 billion [9] - In Q1, Sirius XM's revenue fell 4.3% year over year, and total U.S. subscribers declined by 2% [10] - The company offers a 4.9% dividend yield, having regularly paid and increased its annual dividend since 2017, with a trailing free cash flow yield close to 10% [11]

Core Viewpoint - Investing in high-yielding dividend stocks, such as EPR Properties, can provide significant passive income opportunities due to their attractive dividend yields and stable cash flows [1][2]. Company Overview - EPR Properties is a real estate investment trust (REIT) focusing on experiential real estate, including movie theaters, eat-and-play venues, and fitness properties [4]. - The REIT currently offers a dividend yield close to 7%, which translates to nearly $350 of annual passive income from a $5,000 investment [2]. Financial Performance - EPR Properties expects to generate between $5 and $5.16 per share of funds from operations (FFO) in 2025, marking a 4.3% increase from the previous year [5]. - The company pays a monthly dividend of $0.295 per share, resulting in an annual payout of $3.54 and a dividend payout ratio of approximately 70% [5]. Investment Strategy - The REIT plans to invest between $200 million and $300 million in its portfolio this year, with $37.7 million already invested in the first quarter [9]. - Recent investments include a $14.3 million attraction property in New Jersey and various build-to-suit projects [9][10]. Asset Management - EPR Properties is strategically reducing its exposure to theater and educational sectors by selling properties, with plans to sell $80 million to $120 million worth of properties this year [11]. - The company has secured $148 million in experiential development and redevelopment projects to be funded over the next two years [10]. Growth Outlook - The current investment strategy is expected to support a 3% to 4% annual growth rate in FFO per share, which should align with a similar growth rate in dividends [12]. - If interest rates decline, the company may increase its investment rate, potentially accelerating growth [12]. Dividend Stability - EPR Properties' portfolio generates stable rental income, allowing for consistent monthly dividends and funding for portfolio expansion [13]. - The combination of stable cash flow, a conservative payout ratio, and a strong balance sheet underpins the REIT's high-yielding dividend [7].