Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Weaker than Market" investment rating for the U.S. stock market [1] Core Insights - The U.S. stock market experienced narrow fluctuations with most sectors declining, as the S&P 500 fell by 0.3% and the Nasdaq by 0.1% [3] - There were 8 sectors that increased while 16 sectors decreased, with notable gains in Energy (+2.6%), Semiconductor Products and Equipment (+2.4%), and Transportation (+1.2%) [3] - Conversely, sectors that saw significant declines included Telecommunications (-4.8%), Insurance (-2.6%), and Banks (-2.5%) [3] Summary by Sections Market Overview - The S&P 500's estimated fund flow was -$5.7 billion this week, a decrease from the previous week's +$23.4 billion, with a total of +$216.4 billion over the last 13 weeks [4] - Fund inflows were observed in 11 sectors, with Semiconductor Products and Equipment leading at +$17.2 billion, followed by Transportation (+$6.0 billion) and Energy (+$4.1 billion) [4] - Sectors experiencing fund outflows included Software and Services (-$15.9 billion) and Automotive and Parts (-$8.2 billion) [4] Earnings Forecast - The dynamic F12M EPS forecast for S&P 500 constituents was adjusted upward by 0.3%, following a 0.2% increase the previous week [5] - Earnings expectations were raised for 21 sectors, with the highest adjustments in Integrated Finance (+0.8%), Automotive and Parts (+0.8%), and Semiconductor Products and Equipment (+0.8%) [5] - Three sectors saw downward revisions, notably Healthcare Equipment and Services (-1.0%) and Telecommunications (-0.2%) [5] Price Performance - The Energy sector recorded a price return of +2.6% this week, while the Telecommunications sector saw a decline of -4.8% [15] - Over the past 52 weeks, the Energy sector has increased by 5.1%, while the Telecommunications sector has decreased by 4.0% [15] - The Semiconductor Products and Equipment sector has shown a remarkable increase of +48.0% over the past 13 weeks [15] Fund Flow Analysis - The Industrial sector led with a net fund inflow of $781 million this week, followed by Energy with $409 million [19] - The Semiconductor Products and Equipment sector also saw significant inflows of $1.716 billion, indicating strong investor interest [19] - In contrast, the Software and Services sector experienced the largest outflow of -$1.594 billion [19]

Core Viewpoint - Annaly Capital Management offers a high dividend yield of over 14%, but its business model and volatility in dividends and stock price suggest it may not be suitable for traditional dividend investors [1][8][12]. Business Model - Annaly Capital operates as a real estate investment trust (REIT) that does not purchase physical properties but instead buys mortgages pooled into bond-like securities, which is a complex model not easily replicated by small investors [2][4]. - The company aims to profit from the difference between the interest earned on mortgage securities and its operational costs, including leverage costs, indicating a higher risk profile [4]. Market Dynamics - Mortgage securities traded by Annaly are subject to rapid value changes influenced by interest rates, housing market conditions, and mortgage repayment rates, making it challenging for most investors to monitor [5]. - The volatility in both the stock price and dividends has been significant, with the annual dividend showing a downward trend until its recent increase [8]. Investment Suitability - Mortgage REITs like Annaly are better suited for active and aggressive investors rather than traditional dividend investors, as the focus is on total return rather than consistent dividend income [6][12]. - While Annaly's total return has historically kept pace with the S&P 500, it does not provide a reliable income stream, which is a primary goal for many long-term dividend investors [11][12]. Portfolio Considerations - For investors focused on total return and diversification across asset classes, Annaly may be a suitable addition to their portfolio, provided they understand the importance of reinvesting dividends to achieve total return goals [11][13].

Group 1 - The article invites active investors to join a free trial and engage in discussions with sophisticated traders and investors [1] Group 2 - There are no stock, option, or similar derivative positions held by the analyst in any of the mentioned companies, nor plans to initiate such positions within the next 72 hours [2] - The article expresses the author's own opinions and is not compensated for it, except from Seeking Alpha [2] Group 3 - Seeking Alpha clarifies that past performance does not guarantee future results and no investment recommendations are provided [3] - The views expressed may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole, and the analysts may not be licensed or certified by any regulatory body [3]

Group 1 - REITs are perceived as income investments with limited growth potential, but they actually offer significant growth and capital gain components, outperforming the S&P [1] - The company has released its latest top investment picks for July 2025, indicating a focus on identifying lucrative opportunities [1] - The company invests substantial resources, over $100,000 annually, into researching profitable investment opportunities, enhancing its real estate strategies [2] Group 2 - The company has received over 500 five-star reviews from satisfied members, reflecting the effectiveness of its investment strategies [2] - The call to action emphasizes the urgency for potential investors to join now to maximize their returns [2]

Core Insights - EPR Properties (EPR) is highlighted as a preferred Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) for generating monthly income and is a significant component of the author's REIT portfolio [1] - The author emphasizes the importance of dividend investing as a pathway to financial freedom, sharing insights to make the process more accessible for others [1] Company Overview - EPR Properties is positioned as a key holding in the author's investment strategy, focusing on steady income through dividends [1] - The author has a professional background in M&A and business valuation, which informs their investment decisions in sectors such as tech, real estate, software, finance, and consumer staples [1] Investment Philosophy - The article promotes dividend investing as a straightforward method for building long-term wealth and achieving financial independence [1] - The author aims to share knowledge and experiences to help others navigate the world of dividend investing [1]

Group 1 - The article discusses the author's journey into investing, starting in high school in 2011, focusing on REITs, preferred stocks, and high-yield bonds, indicating a long-standing interest in markets and the economy [1] - The author has recently adopted a strategy that combines long stock positions with covered calls and cash secured puts, emphasizing a fundamental long-term investment approach [1] - The author primarily covers REITs and financials on Seeking Alpha, with occasional articles on ETFs and other stocks influenced by macro trade ideas [1]

Core Points - Braemar Hotels & Resorts Inc. declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.05 per diluted share for its common stock for Q3 2025, equating to an annual rate of $0.20 per share, payable on October 15, 2025 [1] - The Board also declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.3438 per diluted share for the 5.5% Series B Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, payable on October 15, 2025 [2] - A quarterly cash dividend of $0.5156 per diluted share was declared for the 8.25% Series D Cumulative Preferred Stock, also payable on October 15, 2025 [3] - Monthly cash dividends were declared for the Series E Redeemable Preferred Stock at $0.15625 per share, with payments scheduled for August 15, September 15, and October 15, 2025 [4] - For the Series M Redeemable Preferred Stock, monthly dividends of $0.17917, $0.17708, and $0.17500 per share were declared, with similar payment schedules [5][6][7] - As of June 30, 2025, there were 13,391,250 shares of Series E Redeemable Preferred Stock and 1,420,421 shares of Series M Redeemable Preferred Stock issued and outstanding [8]

Core Viewpoint - Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. has declared multiple dividends for its preferred stock series for the third quarter ending September 30, 2025, with payments scheduled for October 15, 2025 [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11]. Dividend Declarations - The Company declared a dividend of $0.5281 per diluted share for its 8.45% Series D Cumulative Preferred Stock [1]. - A dividend of $0.4609 per diluted share was declared for the 7.375% Series F Cumulative Preferred Stock [2]. - The same dividend amount of $0.4609 per diluted share was declared for the 7.375% Series G Cumulative Preferred Stock [3]. - A dividend of $0.46875 per diluted share was declared for the 7.50% Series H Cumulative Preferred Stock [4]. - The same dividend amount of $0.46875 per diluted share was declared for the 7.50% Series I Cumulative Preferred Stock [5]. - Monthly cash dividends of $0.16667 per share for Series J Redeemable Preferred Stock will be paid on three separate dates [6]. - Monthly cash dividends of $0.17500 per share for Series K Redeemable Preferred Stock will be paid on three separate dates [7]. - Monthly cash dividends of $0.17292 per share for another set of Series K Redeemable Preferred Stock will be paid on three separate dates [8]. - Monthly cash dividends of $0.17083 per share for remaining Series K Redeemable Preferred Stock will be paid on three separate dates [9]. - Monthly cash dividends of $0.15625 per share for Series L Redeemable Preferred Stock will be paid on three separate dates [10]. - Monthly cash dividends of $0.16042 per share for Series M Redeemable Preferred Stock will be paid on three separate dates [11]. Company Overview - As of June 30, 2025, Ashford Hospitality Trust had 7,699,923 shares of Series J Redeemable Preferred Stock, 747,299 shares of Series K Redeemable Preferred Stock, 112,181 shares of Series L Redeemable Preferred Stock, and 145,232 shares of Series M Redeemable Preferred Stock issued and outstanding [12]. - The Company operates as a real estate investment trust (REIT) primarily focused on investing in upper upscale, full-service hotels [12].

Group 1 - The focus is on real yields and the iShares TIPS Bond ETF (TIP), with a consideration of inflation expectations among investors [1] - Pearl Gray is identified as a proprietary investment fund and independent market research firm that specializes in systematic analysis, particularly in Bonds, Preferreds, and REITs [1] - The primary sectors of interest for Pearl Gray are Financials and Real Estate, aiming to discover actionable total return ideas [1] Group 2 - The content provided does not constitute financial advice and is intended to foster discussion among subscribers [3] - There is a disclosure indicating that the author has no financial positions in the companies mentioned and is not receiving compensation for the article [2]

Core Insights - Simon Property Group (SPG) possesses a high-quality portfolio of premium retail assets, benefiting from strong demand in the retail real estate sector, leading to robust leasing momentum and solid occupancy levels [1][2] - The company's focus on enhancing omnichannel retail offerings and expanding its mixed-use portfolio is expected to positively impact future performance [2] Group 1: Portfolio and Acquisitions - SPG recently acquired full ownership and operational control of the retail and parking component at Brickell City Centre in Miami, previously holding a 25% non-managing interest [3] - The company signed 259 new leases and 550 renewal leases in Q1 2025, totaling approximately 3.1 million square feet, indicating strong leasing activity [6][10] Group 2: Financial Health - As of March 31, 2025, SPG reported an occupancy rate of 95.9%, an increase from 95.5% the previous year, with expectations for a year-end occupancy of 96% [7][10] - The company exited Q1 2025 with $10.1 billion in liquidity, a total secured debt to total assets ratio of 16%, and a fixed-charge coverage ratio of 4.6, indicating strong financial flexibility [8] Group 3: Dividend and Shareholder Value - SPG has increased its dividend 12 times in the past five years, with a payout growth of 11.69% during the same period, reflecting a commitment to enhancing shareholder wealth [9] Group 4: Market Challenges - Despite recovery in mall foot traffic post-pandemic, the convenience of online shopping continues to pose challenges for brick-and-mortar retailers and retail REITs like SPG [11] - The company faces high borrowing costs due to elevated interest rates, with a total debt of approximately $30.86 billion as of March 31, 2025, and an estimated 4.6% rise in interest expenses for 2025 [12]