Core Viewpoint - Companies that consistently raise dividends can lead to significant wealth accumulation over time, emphasizing the importance of patience and consistency in stock selection [1][2]. Group 1: Dividend Growth Stocks - Dividend growth stocks have historically outperformed other stock types over the long term, making them a valuable addition to a diversified portfolio [2]. - Five blue-chip dividend stocks with a strong track record of consistent dividend growth are highlighted as potential wealth-building investments [2]. Group 2: Microsoft - Microsoft has raised its dividend for 23 consecutive years, showcasing its commitment to returning value to shareholders while investing in innovation [3][4]. - The company has a market capitalization of $3,849 billion and a current price of $517.81, with a dividend yield of 0.01% [5]. Group 3: McDonald's - McDonald's has raised its dividend for 49 consecutive years, benefiting from a global presence with over 44,000 locations [6][7]. - The company generates steady revenue from royalties and fees, positioning it for continued growth amid a rising global population [7]. Group 4: Automatic Data Processing (ADP) - ADP has a 50-year streak of dividend growth, indicating strong management capable of navigating market challenges [8][9]. - The company has a market capitalization of $105 billion and a current price of $260.30, with a dividend yield of 0.02% [9]. Group 5: Sherwin-Williams - Sherwin-Williams has raised its dividend for 46 consecutive years, with a modest payout ratio of 28% of 2025 earnings estimates [10][11]. - The company is positioned to benefit from ongoing demand for paint and coatings, ensuring its relevance in the market [11]. Group 6: Walmart - Walmart has over five decades of uninterrupted annual dividend increases, with a current market capitalization of $807 billion and a price of $101.25 [12][13][14]. - The company maintains a dividend payout ratio below 40% of 2025 earnings estimates, reinforcing its status as a reliable dividend stock [14].

Core Viewpoint - The market anticipates a year-over-year decline in earnings for PPG Industries due to lower revenues, with a focus on how actual results compare to estimates to influence stock price [1][2]. Earnings Expectations - PPG Industries is expected to report quarterly earnings of $2.22 per share, reflecting an 11.2% decrease year-over-year, and revenues of $4.13 billion, down 13.8% from the previous year [3]. - The earnings report is scheduled for July 29, and better-than-expected results could lead to a stock price increase, while missing estimates may result in a decline [2]. Estimate Revisions - The consensus EPS estimate has been revised 0.54% higher in the last 30 days, indicating a slight bullish sentiment among analysts [4]. - The Most Accurate Estimate for PPG Industries is higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, resulting in a positive Earnings ESP of +0.14%, suggesting a likelihood of beating the consensus EPS estimate [12]. Earnings Surprise History - In the last reported quarter, PPG Industries exceeded the expected earnings of $1.62 per share by delivering $1.72, resulting in a surprise of +6.17% [13]. - Over the past four quarters, the company has beaten consensus EPS estimates two times [14]. Industry Context - In the Zacks Chemical - Specialty industry, RPM International is expected to post earnings of $1.6 per share for the same quarter, indicating a year-over-year increase of 2.6%, with revenues projected at $2.02 billion, up 0.4% [18]. - RPM International's consensus EPS estimate has been revised up by 0.1% over the last 30 days, but it currently has a negative Earnings ESP of -0.71%, making it challenging to predict a beat on the consensus EPS estimate [19].