Core Insights - Companies like Brookfield Renewable, Realty Income, and Medtronic are expected to continue increasing their dividends in 2026, supported by strong financial performance and growth strategies [1][16]. Brookfield Renewable - Brookfield Renewable currently has a dividend yield of 4% and has increased its dividend by at least 5% annually for the past 14 years, with expectations of 5% to 9% growth in the coming years [4][7]. - The company benefits from a stable cash flow generated by long-term fixed-rate contracts with inflation-linked rate escalations, which supports its dividend growth [5]. - Brookfield has a robust pipeline of development projects and acquisitions, aiming for over 10% annual growth in funds from operations (FFO) [7]. Realty Income - Realty Income offers a monthly dividend with a current yield of 5.7% and has a strong history of increasing its payout, having raised it 133 times since 1994, including 113 consecutive quarters [8][10]. - The REIT maintains a conservative dividend payout ratio of around 75% of adjusted FFO, generating approximately $850 million in free cash flow annually for reinvestment [10]. - Realty Income has diversified its investment platform, with significant investments in Europe due to higher initial cash yields, and continues to find attractive opportunities to support future dividend increases [11]. Medtronic - Medtronic has a dividend yield of 2.9% and has increased its dividend for 48 consecutive years, demonstrating a strong commitment to returning value to shareholders [12][14]. - The company generated $7 billion in cash from operations and $5.2 billion in free cash flow in the last fiscal year, returning $6.3 billion to shareholders through dividends and stock repurchases [14]. - Despite facing some headwinds that may slow earnings-per-share growth to around 1% this fiscal year, Medtronic anticipates high-single-digit growth in fiscal 2027 as these challenges subside [15].

Quarterly dividend increased by 6.8% Quarterly dividend payout has increased more than 70% since 2020 th408 consecutive quarterly dividend to be paid by Abbott since 1924 ABBOTT PARK, Ill., Dec. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Abbott (NYSE: ABT) today announced that its board of directors has increased the company's quarterly common dividend to 63 cents per share, an increase of 6.8%. The company's quarterly dividend payout has increased more than 70% since 2020. ththThis marks Abbott's 54 consecutive year of d ...

Core Insights - The University of Wisconsin won the Abbott and Big Ten Conference "We Give Blood" competition, resulting in 15,476 blood donations that could save up to 46,428 lives, with overall donations increasing by 319% compared to 2024 [1][2][6] - The competition recorded a total of 83,043 blood donations across the Big Ten, potentially saving up to 250,000 lives, as each donation can save up to three lives [2][6] - The initiative highlighted the importance of engaging younger donors, as blood donations among 19- to 24-year-olds have decreased by nearly one-third in recent years [4] Summary by Sections Competition Results - The University of Wisconsin received $1 million from Abbott to advance student or community health after winning the competition [2] - The competition saw a 168% increase in student donors compared to 2024, indicating a significant rise in participation [6] Community Engagement - The campaign successfully inspired nearly 37% of student donors to donate blood for the first time, with over 90% indicating they are likely to donate again [4][6] - The Big Ten community's involvement was emphasized, showcasing the collective effort to address blood shortages [4][5] Campaign Structure - The "We Give Blood" competition ran from August 27 to December 5, 2025, and included 12 "Weekly One-Up Challenges" to foster competition among schools [7][8] - Participants donated blood on campuses and at blood centers nationwide, with proof of donation submitted online to count towards their respective schools [8] Future Implications - The campaign aims to create a sustainable blood supply, encouraging regular blood donation habits among participants [9] - The need for blood remains constant, and the initiative seeks to maintain engagement beyond the competition [9]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of dividend-paying stocks as a reliable investment strategy during market volatility, highlighting their ability to provide steady income even when stock prices decline [3][5]. Dividend Stocks Overview - Procter & Gamble (PG) has raised its dividend for 69 consecutive years, currently yielding 2.88% with an annual payout of $4.23 per share, demonstrating resilience during market downturns [4][6]. - Coca-Cola (KO) has increased its dividend for 62 straight years, also yielding 2.88%, and offers a quarterly dividend of $0.51, showcasing its strong brand and consistent operating margins [7]. - Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) has a dividend yield of 2.53% and an annual payout of $5.20 per share, with a history of 62 years of dividend increases, supported by a strong balance sheet and diversified revenue streams [9]. - Realty Income (O), known as "The Monthly Dividend Company," has a 5.57% yield and has increased its payout for 30 consecutive years, benefiting from a diversified tenant base and predictable rental income [11]. Investment Strategy - Dividend-paying companies are attractive during downturns as they operate in essential industries, maintaining healthy cash flows even when consumer spending tightens [5]. - These stocks provide a dependable income stream that is less dependent on stock price movements, helping investors avoid panic selling during market declines [5].

"十四五"期间，浙江省市县已联动向企业有针对性地选派了1700多名科研人员，涉及人工智能、生物科技等领域。目前，浙江 已拥有国家高新技术企业超4.7万家，科技成果转化体系不断完善，区域创新能力居全国前列。贯彻落实四中全会精神，眼下，浙江 正加快推动创新资源向企业集聚，促进创新链产业链资金链人才链深度融合。 0:00 / 3:34 央视网消息（新闻联播）：党的二十届四中全会提出，加快高水平科技自立自强，引领发展新质生产力。浙江、辽宁认真学习 贯彻全会精神，抢抓新一轮科技革命和产业变革历史机遇，推动教育科技人才一体改革发展，增强自主创新能力。 浙江：推动创新链产业链资金链人才链深度融合 在浙江温州的这家医疗器械企业，来自高校的科研人员正在进行新品测试。依托政府选派的科研人员，企业突破了研发难题， 开发出的新产品受到市场欢迎。"十四五"时期，浙江建立健全人才流动共享机制，通过从高校等机构选聘高层次科研人员到企业兼 职的方式，破解高校科研成果转化难与企业创新人才短缺的难题。 辽宁：增强自主创新能力 发展新质生产力 前不久，辽宁材料实验室在金属材料强化领域取得重要突破，新的研究成果能够大幅提升金属材料性能，在航空航天、 ...

Core Viewpoint - Gentex Corporation has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.12 per share, payable on January 21, 2026, to shareholders of record as of January 7, 2026 [1] Company Overview - Gentex Corporation, founded in 1974, is a technology company based in Zeeland, Michigan, specializing in digital vision, connected car technologies, dimmable glass, fire protection technologies, medical devices, and consumer electronics [2] - The company utilizes its core competencies, strategic partnerships, acquisitions, and ongoing research to establish market-leading positions across various verticals [2]

Core Insights - Boston Scientific Corporation (BSX) is a leading player in the medical devices industry with a market cap of $149.7 billion, focusing on various interventional medical specialties globally [1][2] Company Overview - BSX develops, manufactures, and markets medical devices for interventional cardiology, cardiac rhythm management, peripheral interventions, electrophysiology, neurovascular intervention, and endoscopy [1] - The company is categorized as a large-cap stock, emphasizing its size and influence in the medical devices sector [2] - Key strengths of BSX include a trusted brand, innovation driven by R&D, a diversified product portfolio, global reach, and strategic acquisitions [2] Stock Performance - BSX shares have experienced a decline of 7.8% from their 52-week high of $109.50, reached on September 9 [3] - Over the past three months, BSX stock has decreased by 5.1%, underperforming the Nasdaq Composite, which gained 7.8% during the same period [3] - Year-to-date, BSX shares have risen by 13%, and over the past 52 weeks, they have climbed 11.9%, but still lag behind the Nasdaq's YTD gains of 20.2% and 21.1% over the last year [4] Recent Financial Results - On October 22, BSX reported Q3 results, with an adjusted EPS of $0.75, exceeding Wall Street's expectation of $0.71 [5] - The company's revenue for the quarter was $5.1 billion, surpassing the forecast of $5 billion [5] - BSX anticipates full-year adjusted EPS in the range of $3.02 to $3.04 [5] Competitive Landscape - In comparison, Stryker Corporation (SYK) has shown weaker stock performance, with a YTD gain of only 3.4% and a 4.5% decline over the past 52 weeks [5]

Core Insights - Zacks Premium offers various tools for investors to enhance their stock market engagement and confidence [1] - The Zacks Style Scores provide a framework for evaluating stocks based on value, growth, and momentum characteristics [2][3][4][5][6] Zacks Style Scores Overview - Stocks are rated from A to F based on their potential to outperform the market, with A being the highest score [3] - The Style Scores are categorized into Value Score, Growth Score, Momentum Score, and VGM Score, each focusing on different investment strategies [3][4][5][6] Value Score - The Value Score identifies attractive stocks using financial ratios like P/E, PEG, and Price/Sales, appealing to value investors [3] Growth Score - The Growth Score emphasizes a company's financial health and future outlook, analyzing projected and historical earnings, sales, and cash flow [4] Momentum Score - The Momentum Score focuses on price trends and earnings outlook changes, helping investors capitalize on upward or downward price movements [5] VGM Score - The VGM Score combines the three Style Scores to identify stocks with the best value, growth potential, and momentum [6] Zacks Rank Integration - The Zacks Rank utilizes earnings estimate revisions to guide stock selection, with 1 (Strong Buy) stocks historically yielding an average annual return of +23.93% since 1988 [7][8] - Investors are encouraged to focus on stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 and Style Scores of A or B for optimal returns [10] Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) Analysis - Johnson & Johnson is recognized for its diversified business model, operating in pharmaceuticals and medical devices with over 275 subsidiaries [12] - JNJ holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) and a VGM Score of B, with a Momentum Style Score of B, reflecting a 10.6% increase in shares over the past four weeks [13] - Recent upward revisions in earnings estimates for fiscal 2025 indicate positive momentum, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate rising to $10.87 per share [13][14]

Core Insights - Abbott Laboratories is a major player in the healthcare sector with a market cap of $221.2 billion, offering a diverse range of products including diagnostics, medical devices, nutritional products, and branded generic medicines [1][2] Financial Performance - In Q3, Abbott reported net sales of $11.4 billion, reflecting a year-over-year growth of 6.9%, although it fell short of consensus estimates by 23 basis points [5] - The adjusted EPS for the quarter was $1.30, which met analysts' expectations, showing a growth of 7.4% [5] Stock Performance - Abbott's stock has underperformed compared to the S&P 500, with a year-to-date gain of 13.2% and an 8.4% increase over the past 52 weeks, while the S&P 500 saw gains of 15% and 13% respectively [4] - The stock price has declined 2.9% over the past three months, and it is currently trading 9.3% below its three-year high of $141.23 [3][4] Analyst Sentiment - Despite recent underperformance, analysts maintain a positive outlook on Abbott, with a consensus rating of "Strong Buy" among 27 analysts and a mean price target of $146.69, indicating a potential upside of 14.6% from current levels [6]

Group 1 - Dividend stocks are a slow and steady investment strategy that can provide significant rewards over time through compounding [1][2] - Investors should look for established companies with a history of growth and consistent dividend increases [2] - Five blue-chip dividend stocks are highlighted as strong investment options for the current month [2] Group 2 - Chevron is a major player in the oil and gas industry, with a 37-year history of annual dividend increases [4] - The company expects to grow its free cash flow by at least 10% annually through 2030 if oil prices average $70 per barrel, supporting future dividend hikes [5] - Chevron currently offers a dividend yield of 4.4% [5] Group 3 - Medtronic is a leading global medical device company with a 47-year history of raising dividends [6][7] - The company operates in three segments: cardiovascular, surgical, and neuroscience, and is focused on innovation to meet growing healthcare needs [6] - Medtronic's stock offers a 2.8% dividend yield and is currently trading at a price-to-earnings ratio of under 18 [7]