These two underappreciated dividend payers offer above-average yields and relatively rapid payout growth.Despite a recent dip in response to unfavorable economic data, the stock market's bull run seems unstoppable. From April 4 through Aug. 8, the S&P 500 index shot up a whopping 25.9%.For dividend-seeking investors, a buoyant stock market can be a little annoying. Stock prices rising faster than profits means most dividend payers offer unattractive yields. The average yield from dividend payers in the benc ...

Core Viewpoint - Brookfield Infrastructure employs a capital recycling strategy that involves acquiring high-quality assets, enhancing their operations, and selling mature businesses to reinvest in higher-return opportunities, which has led to consistent growth in funds from operations (FFO) and dividends [2][12]. Financial Performance - In the second quarter, Brookfield Infrastructure generated $638 million in FFO, marking a 5% increase from the previous year, driven by strong organic growth and recent acquisitions [5]. - The data segment was the largest contributor, with FFO increasing by 45% to $113 million, aided by the acquisition of a tower portfolio in India and new data centers [6]. - The midstream sector also performed well, with FFO rising 10% to $157 million, supported by high customer activity in Canada [7]. Capital Recycling Strategy - The company has secured $2.4 billion from nine asset sales so far this year, with four sales completed in the second quarter [9]. - Notable asset sales included a 23% interest in an Australian export terminal and a 60% stake in a European data center portfolio, sold at attractive values [10]. - Brookfield plans to reinvest this capital into new investments in data, transport, and midstream sectors, with expectations of further deals in the pipeline [11]. Future Growth Prospects - The company anticipates annual FFO per share growth of over 10% in the long term, supporting its plan to increase dividends by 5% to 9% annually [11]. - Recent investments include $500 million in Hotwire, $300 million in a railcar leasing platform, and $500 million in Colonial Enterprises, all of which are expected to generate stable cash flows [13].

Core Viewpoint - Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. (NYSE: BIP) is highlighted as a strong investment option for those seeking income, stable growth, and inflation protection, despite not being as prominent in the headlines as companies like Nvidia or Tesla [1]. Group 1: Company Overview - BIP owns and operates a diverse range of assets including toll roads, pipelines, utilities, and data centers globally, which contribute to its stable income generation [1]. Group 2: Investment Characteristics - The company is characterized by steady growth in revenue, earnings, and free cash flow, making it attractive for investors looking for reliable returns [1]. - BIP is noted for having excellent growth prospects and favorable valuations, appealing to investors who prioritize these factors in their investment decisions [1]. - The company is also recognized for its high free cash flow margins, dividend payments, and share repurchase programs, which enhance its investment appeal [1].

Core Viewpoint - The current market environment is characterized by volatility due to geopolitical tensions, trade disputes, and persistent inflation, making investment decisions challenging. However, certain stocks are highlighted as strong investment opportunities due to their financial strength, growth potential, and reasonable valuations [1][2]. Company Summaries Alphabet - Alphabet is a leading technology company with diverse operations including Google search, YouTube, and cloud computing [4]. - The company reported over $90 billion in revenue and nearly $35 billion in profit in the first quarter, with a revenue growth of 12% and a net income increase of 46% [5]. - Alphabet is heavily investing in artificial intelligence, launching its AI model Gemini 2.5, and enhancing its Google search capabilities with AI features [6]. - The company has increased its dividend by 5% and authorized a $70 billion share repurchase, indicating strong cash flow management [6]. - Alphabet's forward price-to-earnings ratio is around 18.5, which is lower than the S&P 500's 22.5 and the Nasdaq-100's 28, presenting a compelling growth and value proposition [7]. Brookfield Infrastructure - Brookfield Infrastructure is a global leader in infrastructure with an expected growth in funds from operations (FFO) of over 10% per share this year, driven by inflation-linked rate increases and expansion projects [8]. - The company anticipates generating at least $3.43 per share in FFO this year, trading at around 12 times its FFO with a stock price below $41.50 [9]. - Brookfield offers a dividend yield of over 4%, more than double that of the S&P 500, making it an attractive investment for income-focused investors [10]. Prologis - Prologis is a leading industrial real estate investment trust (REIT) with a strong track record of delivering above-average growth, achieving a 12% compound annual growth rate in core FFO over the past five years [11]. - The company reported a 10.9% growth in core FFO per share during the quarter, supported by strong leasing demand and strategic investments in data centers [12]. - Prologis expects industry headwinds to diminish, with limited new supply and high construction costs driving rent growth [13]. - The REIT maintains a strong balance sheet, allowing it to pursue new investment opportunities, and its shares are nearly 20% below their 52-week high, with a dividend yield of 3.8% [14].

Core Insights - The stock market in 2025 has experienced significant volatility, with major indexes facing steep sell-offs followed by rapid recoveries [1] Group 1: Dividend Stocks Overview - Investors are increasingly seeking dividend stocks as a means to generate passive income, especially in a volatile market [2] - Dividend stocks are particularly appealing to risk-averse investors and those looking to balance their portfolios [2] Group 2: Devon Energy - Devon Energy is highlighted as a reliable dividend stock, with a current dividend of $0.96 per share, yielding over 3% [6] - The company's breakeven funding level is $45 per barrel of oil, indicating the minimum price needed to sustain operations and dividends [6] - With oil priced at $63 per barrel, Devon could potentially increase dividends or buy back shares, projecting $2.6 billion in free cash flow at $60 per barrel, equating to 12.9% of its market capitalization [7] Group 3: Brookfield Infrastructure - Brookfield Infrastructure offers a forward dividend yield of 5.2% and is currently trading at a discount to its historical valuation, making it an attractive option for income-focused investors [8][13] - The company has demonstrated a 14% compound annual growth rate in funds from operations over the past 15 years, indicating strong operational performance [12] - Brookfield Infrastructure generates sufficient funds from operations to cover its dividend payments, reinforcing its appeal for passive income [10] Group 4: Clorox - Clorox has faced challenges but is positioned as a high-yield dividend stock with a yield of 3.8% and a history of 48 consecutive years of dividend increases [17] - The company is expected to see cost benefits from its enterprise resource planning system starting in 2026, which may improve its financial performance [15] - Clorox has achieved 10 consecutive quarters of gross margin expansion, indicating improved cost management despite sales challenges [16]