Core Viewpoint - The article discusses a selection of stocks with high dividend yields that are currently viewed unfavorably by Wall Street analysts, suggesting potential investment opportunities in these "hated" stocks. Group 1: Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) - National Storage Affiliates Trust (NSA) has a yield of 7.9% and operates 1,069 properties across 37 states and Puerto Rico, benefiting from a recession-resistant business model, although it is currently facing a 20% pullback in performance [3][4] - NSA's recent quarter showed declines in earnings, core FFO, same store net operating income, and occupancy, reflecting broader challenges in the self-storage sector rather than unique issues for NSA [3][4] - Alexander's (ALX) has an 8.5% yield and is highly concentrated, with 60% of its revenues coming from tenant Bloomberg. The company is in discussions for loan restructuring after failing to repay a $300 million loan [5][6] - Despite challenges, ALX has shown double-digit total returns in 2025, outperforming the broader real estate sector, but Wall Street remains skeptical due to dividend concerns [7] Group 2: Talent Solutions and Consulting - Robert Half (RHI) has a yield of 9.0% and operates in contract talent solutions, permanent placement, and consulting services. The company has seen its stock price drop 80% since its peak in 2022, leading to more Sell and Hold ratings than Buys [10][11] - The decline in RHI's stock is attributed to a post-COVID hiring moderation, with significant job losses reported, although the company believes the impact of AI on its business is overstated [12][13] - RHI's earnings are expected to drop by 45% this year, raising concerns about dividend coverage as the payout is projected to exceed earnings through at least the end of 2026 [14] Group 3: Crafting and Creativity Platform - Cricut (CRCT) boasts a high yield of 20.6% and operates as a creativity platform, offering machines and software for crafting. The company initiated a new semiannual dividend program despite declining profits [16][17] - The stock has seen a significant decline, leading to a yield increase above 20%, with analysts recommending selling the stock [19] - Despite a loyal user base and expected profit growth of over 20% in 2025, Cricut faces challenges with flat or declining revenues projected in the coming years, particularly if economic conditions affect holiday shopping [20][21]

Group 1: Analyst Ratings and Market Sentiment - Wall Street analysts have "Buy" ratings on 388 stocks in the S&P 500, representing over 76% of the index, indicating a general optimism among analysts [1] - The prevalence of "Buy" ratings means that any upgrades are limited, as most stocks are already rated highly, while "Holds" and "Sells" present potential for improvement [2] - The article suggests that contrarian investors should consider stocks with lower ratings, as they may present better buying opportunities [2] Group 2: National Storage Affiliates Trust (NSA) - NSA is a self-storage REIT with 1,075 properties across 41 states and Puerto Rico, known for being recession-resistant [3][4] - Despite a historical competence in operations, NSA faces a bearish consensus with only one "Buy" rating against 10 "Holds" and four "Sells" [6] - NSA's dividend yield is over 6%, but its payout is tight at 97% of its 2025 FFO estimates, and the stock trades at approximately 15 times those estimates [6][7] Group 3: CNA Financial (CNA) - CNA is a major commercial property and casualty insurer in the U.S., with 90% ownership by conglomerate Loews [8] - The company pays a regular dividend of 46 cents per share, yielding 3.9%, along with a special dividend that has been consistent for the past decade [9][11] - CNA has a bearish consensus rating, but only one analyst covers it, indicating a lack of interest from analysts [12][13] Group 4: Cricut (CRCT) - Cricut is known for its crafting machines and software, and it has recently initiated a special dividend of 40 cents per share and a regular semiannual dividend of 10 cents [14][15] - Despite the dividend announcements, Cricut's revenues have declined by 7% in 2024, and profits are expected to decrease in the coming years [17][18] - The stock currently has three "Sell" calls and one "Hold," reflecting negative sentiment among analysts [18] Group 5: Goldman Sachs BDC (GSBD) - GSBD is a business development company targeting firms with annual EBITDA between $5 million and $75 million, primarily dealing in debt [19][20] - The company has faced challenges, including a nearly 30% cut to its regular dividend due to high non-accruals and declining net investment income [22][23] - Despite these issues, GSBD offers a high yield of 16.5% based on promised dividends for 2025, trading at a 17% discount to NAV [24]