Core Insights - Major U.S. stock market indices experienced a decline on February 12, 2026, due to concerns regarding AI disruption affecting various sectors, including real estate, transportation, and software [1] - A shift towards steady dividend-growth stocks is recommended for equity investors as they provide resilience and cash flow durability during a period of reevaluation of traditional growth narratives [2] Dividend Growth Stocks - Stocks with a strong history of year-over-year dividend growth are considered healthier for capital appreciation compared to simple dividend-paying stocks or those with high yields [3] - Five selected dividend growth stocks include Agnico Eagle Mines (AEM), Advanced Drainage Systems (WMS), Amphenol (APH), Tapestry (TPR), and TIM S.A. (TIMB), which are viewed as solid portfolio choices [3] Advantages of Dividend Growth - Companies with a strong history of dividend growth are typically mature and less vulnerable to market volatility, providing a hedge against economic and political uncertainties [4] - These stocks exhibit strong fundamentals, including sustainable business models, profitability, rising cash flows, solid liquidity, strong balance sheets, and attractive valuations [5] Performance Metrics - Dividend-growth stocks have historically outperformed the broader market and other dividend-paying stocks, making them a favorable investment strategy [6] - Criteria for selection include positive historical dividend, sales, and earnings growth, as well as projected earnings growth rates [7] Stock Highlights - Agnico Eagle Mines (AEM) projects a 28% revenue growth for 2026 and has a long-term EPS growth rate of 33.8%, with a dividend yield of 0.74% [9][11] - Advanced Drainage Systems (WMS) anticipates a 4% revenue growth for fiscal 2026, with a long-term earnings growth rate of 13.90% and a dividend yield of 0.42% [12] - Amphenol (APH) expects a 34.9% revenue growth for 2026, with a long-term earnings growth rate of 21.90% and a dividend yield of 0.69% [13] - Tapestry (TPR) forecasts a 9.6% revenue growth for fiscal 2026, with a long-term earnings growth rate of 12.9% and a dividend yield of 1.03% [14] - TIM S.A. (TIMB) projects a 10.3% revenue growth for 2026, with a long-term earnings growth rate of 18.7% and a dividend yield of 5.20% [15]

Group 1: Amtech Systems, Inc. (ASYS) - Amtech is a manufacturer of essential equipment and consumables for the semiconductor and automotive industries with a Zacks Rank 1 [1] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Amtech's current year earnings has increased by 186.7% over the last 60 days [1] - Amtech's shares have gained 25% over the last three months, outperforming the S&P 500's advance of 2.4% [1] - The company has a Momentum Score of A [1] Group 2: Allot Ltd. (ALLT) - Allot is a provider of security solutions and network intelligence solutions with a Zacks Rank 1 [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Allot's current year earnings has increased by 57.1% over the last 60 days [2] - Allot's shares have gained 4.4% over the past month, compared to the S&P 500's advance of 2.4% [2] - The company has a Momentum Score of A [2] Group 3: Amphenol Corporation (APH) - Amphenol designs and manufactures electronic connectors, interconnect systems, and sensors for various global industries with a Zacks Rank 1 [3] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Amphenol's current year earnings has increased by 8.6% over the last 60 days [3] - Amphenol's shares have gained 5.7% over the last three months, also outperforming the S&P 500's advance of 2.4% [3] - The company has a Momentum Score of B [3]

Group 1 - F&G Annuities & Life, Inc. (FG) has seen a 15% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [1] - Amphenol Corporation (APH) has experienced an 8.6% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [2] - Lightspeed Commerce Inc. (LSPD) has reported a 9.8% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [2] - Allot Ltd. (ALLT) has seen a significant 57.1% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [3] - Bread Financial Holdings, Inc. (BFH) has experienced a 22.2% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [3]