Group 1 - The article emphasizes that investors can achieve safe dividend income without sacrificing high yields, highlighting three ultra-high-yield stocks for 2026 and beyond [1] Group 2 - Enbridge is characterized as a "low-risk" and "utility-like" business, with a total shareholder return CAGR over the last 20 years exceeding that of the S&P 500, despite its stock volatility being comparable to utility stocks [3][4] - Enbridge operates the longest network of pipelines globally, transporting a significant portion of North American crude oil and natural gas, and is the largest natural gas utility in North America by volume due to recent acquisitions [4] - Enbridge offers a forward dividend yield exceeding 5.8% and has declared its 31st consecutive annual dividend increase, with expectations of a 5% annual growth in dividends post-2026 [5] Group 3 - Realty Income has a notable track record of 29 consecutive years of positive total operational returns, which includes periods of economic downturns such as the Great Recession and the COVID-19 pandemic [6] - The stability of Realty Income is attributed to its extensive real estate portfolio, ranking as the sixth-largest global REIT, with ownership of 15,542 properties leased to 1,647 clients across 92 industries [8] - Realty Income has been operational for 56 years and holds solid credit ratings of A3 and A- from Moody's and S&P Global, respectively, with promising growth prospects driven by increasing demand for data centers and opportunities in Europe [9]

Industry Overview - The U.S. cannabis industry is evolving with expanding legalization momentum, leading to growth in both medical and adult-use markets. Analysts predict long-term demand will continue to rise as more states approve regulated programs [1][3] - Ancillary stocks, which do not directly handle cannabis, are gaining investor interest due to regulatory hurdles and difficult banking conditions faced by plant-touching companies. These ancillary companies benefit from industry growth while reducing risk [1][2] Ancillary Stocks Characteristics - Ancillary stocks provide services or capital to licensed operators, including owning real estate for cultivation and retail operations, and offering financing that banks often avoid. This model allows investors to gain exposure to the cannabis sector without directly handling the plant [2] - Many ancillary companies operate as Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) or structured lenders, providing reliable income through dividends, making them attractive for long-term portfolios [2] Financial Stability and Future Outlook - As the cannabis market matures, financial strength and stability are increasingly important. Investors are looking for companies with steady revenue and disciplined management, especially those positioned to benefit from potential federal reforms [3] - The year 2026 is anticipated to be significant for ancillary growth, particularly if there are changes in federal regulations regarding cannabis [3] Leading Ancillary Stocks to Watch - **Innovative Industrial Properties (IIPR)**: Focuses on purchasing cultivation and processing facilities and leasing them back to licensed operators. It benefits from industry growth without handling cannabis directly and has shown steady performance with strong rental income [5][8] - **NewLake Capital Partners (NLCP)**: Operates as a REIT with a concentrated portfolio of dispensaries and cultivation facilities. It emphasizes careful tenant selection and has maintained conservative debt levels, appealing to cautious investors [9][11] - **Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance (REFI)**: Provides secured loans to licensed operators, focusing on senior secured credit. This model allows it to command attractive interest rates in a market underserved by traditional banks [12][14]

Core Insights - Dividend-paying stocks are recommended for investors, particularly Baby Boomers aged 61 to 79, as they are more likely to own stocks [1][2] Group 1: Investment Opportunities - Berkshire Hathaway, led by incoming CEO Greg Abel, may introduce a dividend as the company holds a cash reserve of $382 billion [3][4] - Waste Management is considered a stable investment due to its essential services in trash collection and recycling, with a recent forward P/E ratio of 23.5, below its five-year average of 27.4 [6][8] - Realty Income, a REIT, offers a high dividend yield of 5.6% and has a strong track record of paying dividends for 664 consecutive months [10][12] Group 2: Financial Metrics - Berkshire Hathaway has a market cap of $1,077 billion, with a gross margin of 24.85% [4] - Waste Management has a market cap of $81 billion, with a gross margin of 28.92% and a dividend yield of 1.65% [8][9] - Realty Income has a market cap of $52 billion, a gross margin of 48.14%, and a 98.7% occupancy rate across its properties [12][14]

Core Viewpoint - Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc. (GLPI) is set to acquire the real estate assets of Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino for $183.75 million, which is expected to enhance its portfolio and support the growth of its tenant, Strategic Gaming Management, LLC [1][2][4] Group 1: Transaction Details - The acquisition price for Sunland Park is $183.75 million, with an initial cap rate of 8.2% [1] - The annual rent on the lease will increase by 2.0% per annum [1] - The transaction is anticipated to be immediately accretive to GLPI's AFFO per share upon closing [1] Group 2: Strategic Importance - This acquisition marks an expansion of GLPI's relationship with Strategic Gaming, adding a fourth asset to their existing triple-net master lease agreement [2] - Sunland Park will be GLPI's second property in New Mexico, targeting the El Paso-Las Cruces gaming market, which has high population and income growth potential [3] Group 3: Property Overview - Sunland Park spans approximately 157 acres and features 738 slots and 12 electronic gaming tables within a 25,000 square foot gaming area [4] - The property includes a 1-mile racetrack, a 600-person ballroom, a simulcast wagering area, and a 78-room hotel, with additional underutilized land for future expansion [4]

Core Viewpoint - Universal Health Realty Income Trust (UHT) experienced a decline in stock price and financial performance for the second quarter of 2025, attributed to various operational challenges and increased expenses [1][2][8]. Financial Performance - UHT reported a net income of $4.5 million ($0.32 per diluted share) for Q2 2025, down 14.9% from $5.3 million ($0.38 per diluted share) in Q2 2024, reflecting a 15.8% year-over-year drop in earnings per share (EPS) [2]. - Funds from operations (FFO) decreased 4.8% to $11.8 million ($0.85 per diluted share) from $12.4 million ($0.90 per diluted share) year-over-year [3]. - Revenue remained relatively flat, increasing slightly to $24.9 million from $24.7 million a year earlier [3]. Revenue Breakdown - Lease revenue from Universal Health Services (UHS) facilities fell 0.9% to $8.4 million from $8.5 million, while lease revenue from non-related parties rose 1.5% to $14.6 million from $14.4 million [4]. Key Business Metrics - For the six-month period ended June 30, 2025, UHT's net income declined 12.4% to $9.3 million ($0.67 per diluted share) from $10.6 million ($0.76 per diluted share) [5]. - FFO for the same period decreased 4.3% to $23.7 million ($1.71 per diluted share) from $24.8 million ($1.79 per diluted share) [5]. Expense Analysis - Total expenses for Q2 2025 increased 5.8% to $16 million from $15.2 million, primarily due to higher depreciation and operating costs [6]. - Interest expense grew 2.9% to $4.7 million from $4.6 million due to elevated borrowings [6]. Balance Sheet Overview - As of June 30, 2025, UHT held $6.6 million in cash and cash equivalents, down from $7.1 million as of December 31, 2024 [7]. - Total assets declined to $573 million from $580.9 million at year-end 2024, while total equity fell to $165.2 million from $179.5 million [12]. Management Commentary - Management highlighted ongoing operational headwinds, including staffing shortages, wage pressures, regulatory uncertainties, and macroeconomic challenges affecting patient volumes [8]. - Concerns were raised regarding potential cuts in Medicaid funding and the impact of further interest rate hikes on borrowing costs [9]. Capital and Dividend Updates - UHT reported available borrowing capacity of $70.2 million under its $425 million credit facility, net of $354.8 million in outstanding borrowings [10]. - A second-quarter dividend of $0.74 per share was declared, up from $0.73 a year earlier, totaling $10.3 million [11]. Other Developments - Investment in limited liability companies increased to $20.9 million from $13.9 million at the end of 2024, with no new acquisitions or divestitures reported [12].

Core Insights - Dividend-paying stocks tend to outperform non-dividend-paying stocks, with the average dividend-paying stock in the S&P 500 producing a 9.2% annualized return over the past 50 years compared to 4.3% for non-dividend stocks [2] Realty Income - Realty Income has consistently raised its dividend, marking its 131st increase since going public in 1994, despite a 23% decline in share price from its 2022 peak, currently offering a yield of 5.6% [5][6] - The REIT operates on a net lease model, with 98.5% of its portfolio leased out and an average remaining lease term of 9.1 years, providing predictable cash flows [7] - Realty Income has a strong credit rating (A3 from Moody's and A- from S&P Global) and recently issued €1.3 billion in long-term notes at an average yield of 3.7% [8] - The U.S. net lease REIT market is about 4% of the addressable market, with significant expansion opportunities in Europe, where it is less than 0.1% [9] Alexandria Real Estate Equities - Alexandria Real Estate Equities has seen a 63% decline in share price since its peak in 2021, but its dividend has been consistently increasing since 2009, currently offering a yield of 6.4% [10] - Approximately 53% of its annual rental revenue comes from tenants with investment-grade credit ratings, but nearly half comes from less established biotech companies, leading to concerns after management revised its forward outlook downward [12] - Despite recent guidance revisions lowering expected funds from operations (FFO) to between $8.11 and $8.31 per share, this is still above the current annual dividend obligation of $5.28 per share [13] - Alexandria has secured a significant 16-year lease for 466,598 rentable square feet, and reported a 13.2% rental rate increase in the first half of 2025 [14] - The current challenging environment for start-up biotech companies may create short-term discomfort for shareholders, but long-term growth potential remains due to ongoing drug development needs [15]

Group 1: Alexander's (ALX) - Alexander's is a real estate investment trust engaged in leasing, managing, developing, and redeveloping properties, with a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) [1] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Alexander's current year earnings has increased by 10.3% over the last 60 days [1] - Alexander's shares gained 5% over the last three months, outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 0.6%, and the company has a Momentum Score of A [2] Group 2: Wolters Kluwer (WTKWY) - Wolters Kluwer is a leading global information services and publishing company providing products and services for professionals in various sectors, with a Zacks Rank 1 [3] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Wolters Kluwer's current year earnings has increased by 4% over the last 60 days [3] - Wolters Kluwer's shares gained 14.4% over the last three months, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 0.6%, and the company has a Momentum Score of B [4]

Core Viewpoint - Investing in dividend stocks, particularly real estate investment trusts (REITs), can provide a lucrative and steadily rising income stream, turning idle cash into passive income. Group 1: Dividend Stocks Overview - Four Corners Property Trust, VICI Properties, and NNN REIT are highlighted as strong income options with dividend yields of 5% or more, significantly higher than the S&P 500's average yield of less than 1.5% [2] - These REITs focus on properties secured by long-term net leases, generating stable rental income that supports attractive dividends [12] Group 2: Four Corners Property Trust - Four Corners Property Trust owns approximately 1,200 properties leased to 163 brands, with a significant portion of its rent coming from restaurants [4] - The REIT's dividend yield is around 5%, supported by stable rental income from long-term leases averaging 7.3 years remaining [3] - The company has increased its dividend by 2.9% recently and has raised it by over 45% since its spin-off from Darden in 2015 [5] Group 3: VICI Properties - VICI Properties specializes in experiential real estate, such as casinos, with long-term triple-net leases averaging 41 years remaining, providing stable cash flow [6] - A growing percentage of VICI's net leases are linked to inflation, expected to rise from 42% this year to 90% by 2035, ensuring steady rental income growth [7] - The REIT has consistently raised its dividend for seven consecutive years, with a compound annual growth rate of 7% [8] Group 4: NNN REIT - NNN REIT focuses on single-tenant retail properties, with a dividend yield of 5.7%, supported by long-term NNN leases averaging 10 years remaining [9] - The REIT has a strong track record, having increased its dividend for 35 consecutive years, ranking it among the top in the REIT sector [11] - Approximately 73% of NNN REIT's investment volume since 2007 has come from existing tenant relationships, enhancing its acquisition strategy [10]

Group 1: Enbridge - Enbridge shares are up approximately 6% year to date, outperforming the S&P 500, which has entered a correction [2] - The company operates a vast network of pipelines for oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids, and owns the largest gas utility in North America, serving around 7 million customers [3] - Enbridge has a forward dividend yield of 5.91% and has increased its dividend for 30 consecutive years, with growth opportunities pegged at roughly $50 billion through 2030 [4] Group 2: Realty Income - Realty Income shares have increased nearly 9% in 2025, defying expectations for REITs amid the Fed's interest rate policies [5] - The company owns over 15,600 properties leased to 1,565 clients across 89 industries, including major brands like 7-Eleven and Walmart [6] - Realty Income boasts stability, with approximately 91% of its total rent being resilient to economic downturns, and has never delivered a negative operational return [7] - The REIT has a forward dividend yield of 5.56% and has increased its dividend for 30 consecutive years, averaging an annual growth of 4.3% [8] Group 3: Verizon Communications - Verizon shares are up around 7% year to date, surpassing its total gain for all of 2024 [9] - The company added nearly 1 million postpaid mobile and broadband subscribers in Q4 2024, marking its best quarterly performance in over a decade, with wireless service revenue of $20 billion [10] - Verizon is evolving into an AI company, collaborating with Nvidia and Google Cloud to integrate advanced AI technologies into its network solutions [11] - The company has a forward dividend yield exceeding 6.3% and has increased its dividend for 18 consecutive years [12]