Core Insights - Dividend-paying stocks have historically outperformed non-dividend stocks, with an average annual return of 9.2% for dividend payers in the S&P 500 from 1973 to 2024, compared to 4.3% for non-payers [2] Company Analysis: Novo Nordisk - Novo Nordisk's stock has seen a significant decline of approximately 62% from its previous peak, primarily due to underestimated demand for its semaglutide products, leading to a shortage [7] - The company reported a 16% year-over-year increase in total U.S. sales in the first half of 2025, with operating profits expected to rise by 10% to 16% in 2025 [9] - Novo Nordisk has more than doubled its dividend payments since 2020, currently offering a yield of 3.1%, with potential for significant payout increases in the future [10] Company Analysis: Texas Instruments - Texas Instruments has diversified its product offerings beyond graphing calculators, focusing on specialized semiconductors that convert real-world signals into digital data [11] - The company's stock is down about 20% from its peak in July, attributed to a lower-than-expected earnings outlook, but the midpoint of its revenue guidance suggests an 11% year-over-year sales gain [13] - Texas Instruments has increased its dividend payout by 258% over the past decade, currently offering a yield of 3.1%, with potential for higher payouts in the future [14]