Market Overview - The U.S. market has shown volatility, with returns of 19.2% for the Nasdaq Composite, 15.8% for the S&P 500, and 13.7% for the Dow Jones Industrial Average over the past year [1] - Concerns are rising regarding the moderating pace of the economy, influenced by a cooling labor market and high valuations in the technology sector [1] Federal Reserve Actions - The Federal Reserve cut its key interest rate by a quarter percentage point in December to support the job market and stimulate growth, with inflation trending near the 2% target [2] - The Fed has reduced borrowing costs three times this year, bringing the overnight borrowing rate to a range of 3.50-3.75% [2] Labor Market Conditions - The job market is showing signs of cooling, with softer hiring, rising unemployment at 4.6%, and a narrowing gap in job openings [3] - Nonfarm payrolls increased by 64,000 jobs in November after a decline of 105,000 jobs in October, the largest drop since December 2020 [3] Investment Opportunities - Investors looking to diversify can consider dividend-paying stocks, which indicate a healthy business model and tend to outperform non-dividend-paying stocks in volatile markets [4] - Notable dividend-paying companies include: - **Pentair (PNR)**: Declared a dividend of 27 cents per share with a yield of 1% and a payout ratio of 21% [5][6] - **nVent Electric (NVT)**: Declared a dividend of 21 cents per share with a yield of 0.8% and a payout ratio of 26% [7][8] - **CenterPoint Energy (CNP)**: Declared a dividend of 23 cents per share with a yield of 2.3% and a payout ratio of 51% [10][11][12] - **Marriott Vacations Worldwide (VAC)**: Declared a dividend of 80 cents per share with a yield of 5.5% and a payout ratio of 44% [10][13][14] - **PG&E (PCG)**: Declared a dividend of 5 cents per share with a yield of 0.7% and a payout ratio of 7% [15]

​Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp. (NYSE:VAC) is one of the Best Small Cap Value Stocks to Buy. Wall Street maintains a positive outlook on Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp. (NYSE:VAC) despite a 13% loss in share price since fiscal Q3 2025, announced on November 4. Recently, on December 5, Simon Yarmak from Stifel Nicolaus reiterated a Buy rating on the stock but lowered the firm’s price target from $83 to $70. On the same day, Brandt Montour from Barclays reiterated a Buy rating on the stock with a pri ...

Core Points - Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation announced an increase in its quarterly dividend to $0.80 per share, payable on or around January 7, 2026, to stockholders of record as of December 24, 2025 [1] - The Board of Directors extended the Company's share repurchase authorization through December 31, 2026 [1] Share Repurchase Program - Share repurchases may occur through various methods including open-market purchases and privately negotiated transactions, with the timing and amount depending on market conditions and other factors [2] - The Company is authorized to adopt plans under Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the share repurchase program, which can be modified by the Board at any time [2] Company Overview - Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation is a leading global vacation company with 120 vacation ownership resorts and approximately 700,000 owner families [3] - The Company operates an exchange network and membership programs with over 3,200 affiliated resorts in more than 90 countries and territories [3] - It maintains exclusive relationships with Marriott International, Inc. and an affiliate of Hyatt Hotels Corporation for the development and marketing of vacation ownership products [3]