Core Insights - Dividend stocks, while popular among long-term investors, have underperformed the broader market, with the Dividend Aristocrats Index rising by nearly 4% in 2025 compared to a 16.6% return for the broader market [2] - A study indicated that non-dividend-paying companies and those that cut dividends have historically underperformed other asset classes, showing higher volatility [3] - During market declines of over 10%, dividend stocks have outperformed non-dividend stocks, with a 14.4% decline compared to nearly 20% for the broader market from 1975 to March 2025 [4] Company Performance - Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO) has seen a year-to-date decline in share price of 29.8% as of December 8, 2025, attributed to sluggish sales in Latin America and declining alcohol consumption among Gen Z [9][11] - UBS downgraded Diageo to Neutral from Buy, reducing its price target from 2,250 GBp to 1,850 GBp, citing continued downside risks in the US spirits market [10] - Despite challenges, Diageo reported flat organic net sales and a 2.9% growth in organic volume in fiscal Q1 2026, with expectations of approximately $3 billion in free cash flow in 2026 [12][13] Owens Corning Performance - Owens Corning (NYSE:OC) has experienced a year-to-date decline in share price of 32.8% as of December 8, 2025, due to challenging market conditions affecting residential trends in the US [14] - Barclays reduced its price target for Owens Corning to $130 from $131, maintaining an Overweight rating, while noting volatility in the housing market [15] - The company announced a 15% increase in its quarterly dividend to $0.79 per share and returned $278 million to investors through dividends and share repurchases [16][17]

Core Insights - Owens Corning has set ambitious financial goals for 2028, focusing on revenue growth and margin resilience through a revamped enterprise strategy [1][2][5] Financial Targets - The company aims for annual revenues to reach $12.5 billion by 2028, up from $10.6 billion pro forma revenues in 2024 [5] - Adjusted EBITDA margin targets for 2028 are set at 30% for Roofing, 24% for Insulation, and 18% for Doors [4] - Consolidated adjusted EBITDA margin is expected to be in the mid-20% range, with return on capital projected to exceed mid-teens percentage [5] Cash Flow and Shareholder Returns - Cumulative free cash flow is anticipated to be $5.5 billion from 2025 to 2028, with $2 billion earmarked for shareholder returns through dividends and share repurchases by the end of 2026 [6] - The board has approved a share repurchase authorization for up to 12 million shares, adding to the existing program [6] Enterprise Strategy - The new enterprise strategy focuses on three priorities: strengthening market positions, leveraging enterprise scale, and extending product offerings [7] - The strategy is supported by the OC Advantage, which includes brand strength, technology leadership, and cost efficiency [8] Market Performance - Owens Corning's stock has decreased by 16.6% year-to-date, compared to a 7% decline in the Zacks Building Products - Miscellaneous industry [9] - Despite current market risks, the company is positioned to manage macroeconomic challenges effectively [9] Return on Equity - The trailing 12-month return on equity (ROE) stands at 25%, significantly higher than the industry average of 13.4%, indicating efficient use of shareholder funds [10]