Smart Dividend Portfolio Edition #78: Dividend Package

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Dear Investor,

Welcome to the 78th edition of TipRanks’ Smart Dividend Portfolio & Newsletter.

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Market-Moving News: Sep 15, 2025

Stocks ended mixed on Friday, with the S&P 500 (SPX) and the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) down slightly due to heavy-profit taking in the previous days’ leading gainers. Meanwhile, a rally in a handful of large-cap stocks lifted the Nasdaq-100 (NDX) to its fourth straight record high. Despite Friday’s decline, the DJIA and the SPX – as well as the NDX – logged strong weekly gains, supported by rate-cut expectations. The Dow ended the week up 0.95%, while the S&P 500 rose 1.59%, its fifth positive week in the last six, and the Nasdaq-100 rallied 1.86% for its second winning week in a row.

Thursday brought the bullish trifecta, with all three key broad indexes – DJIA, S&P 500, and Nasdaq Composite – reaching fresh records, driven by investor confidence in imminent rate cuts and strong AI and broad tech sector momentum. The simultaneous record closes of all three indexes reflect a rare market event, not seen since December 2024. Given that this was also the third straight record close for the S&P 500 and a historic Dow 46,000 breakthrough, it was no surprise that Friday saw a pullback on heavy profit-taking amid heightened investor nerves as stock market bubble headlines resurfaced again.

The Fed’s next move disappeared from the list of market-moving events, as a 0.25% rate cut is now fully priced in – with some anticipating a 0.50% cut – following the recent batch of economic data. While CPI edged higher in August revealing some price stickiness in tariff-sensitive categories, the print came in mostly in line with consensus, following weaker-than-expected wholesale inflation report.

Meanwhile, the job market continued to signal weakness with a sharp jump in weekly unemployment claims to a four-year high. This followed a softer-than-expected jobs report that showed U.S. job growth weakening sharply in August and the unemployment rate increasing to a nearly four-year high of 4.3%. On top of that, the Bureau of Labor Statistics revised down payroll gains for the year through March by almost a million, which showed that job growth was already stalling before Trump’s policies such as tariffs kicked in, shifting the blame to the previous administration. Beyond that, the UoM consumer sentiment index fell to its lowest since May, reflecting growing concerns among households regarding labor markets and inflation.

Weaker labor market and declining consumer sentiment are helping shift the narrative from stagflation worries to an easing monetary cycle. The Fed has been clear in recent weeks that it is more focused on the weakening labor market than on any persistent inflation risk, and the latest data provided solid evidence that Jerome Powell’s recent dovish stance appears well-based.

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This Week’s Quality Dividend Stock Idea

AptarGroup (ATR) is a global packaging solutions company specializing in dispensing, sealing, and active material science technologies. Its operations span beauty and personal care, pharmaceuticals, and food and beverage markets, providing innovative solutions that enhance product safety, convenience, and sustainability. ATR is a leading supplier of drug delivery systems and consumer product dispensing technologies worldwide.

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Packaging Powerhouse

AptarGroup traces its origins to the mid-20th century, when several dispensing and packaging companies were founded across the U.S. and Europe. These businesses were unified under the AptarGroup name in 1992 and listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 1993, giving the company the capital base to pursue global expansion and diversify its product offerings.

Through the late 1990s and 2000s, Aptar rapidly scaled its presence in fragrance pumps, cosmetic dispensers, and food closures, becoming a global leader in dispensing systems. Continued investment in technology and entry into emerging markets broadened its reach and laid a strong foundation for long-term earnings growth.

In the 2010s, the company shifted toward higher-margin healthcare solutions. The 2012 acquisition of Stelmi marked Aptar’s entry into specially engineered components made from high-performance rubber-like materials (elastomeric components) for injectables, forming the core of its Pharma segment. This was followed by the 2018 purchase of CSP Technologies, which expanded its capabilities in active material science for product protection and stability. In 2019, Aptar further strengthened its pharmaceutical services through the acquisitions of Nanopharm, Gateway Analytical, and Noble International, adding expertise in inhalation drug delivery, analytical testing, and patient onboarding.

Expansion continued in 2020 with the acquisition of FusionPKG, bolstering its Beauty + Home segment, and Cohero Health, which brought connected respiratory health assets into its Pharma portfolio. In 2021, Aptar acquired Voluntis, a pioneer in digital therapeutics, and took an 80% stake in Weihai Hengyu Medical Products to scale its presence in Asia.

More recently, Aptar has continued building its pharma and consumer platforms. In 2023, it expanded its fragrance and beverage packaging reach with iD SCENT and Gulf Closures. The 2024 acquisition of device technology assets from SipNose added proprietary nasal drug delivery technology. In 2025, Aptar bought Mod3 Pharma’s clinical trial manufacturing operations, gaining an FDA-compliant New Jersey facility, and raised its stake in the China-based BTY joint venture to 80%, integrating its beauty packaging decoration capabilities into its Oyonnax, France, facility.

Alongside these deals, Aptar has also taken minority stakes in sustainability-focused platforms like PureCycle and TerraCycle’s Loop initiative. Through this disciplined M&A strategy, Aptar has evolved into a diversified leader in digital health, pharmaceuticals, and premium packaging, driving margin expansion, geographic reach, and long-term earnings growth.

Today, Aptar, with a market capitalization of nearly $9 billion and trailing revenues of nearly $4 billion, operates in more than 20 countries and has transformed into a diversified packaging and drug delivery leader.

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Growth Core

AptarGroup operates a diversified business built around packaging, dispensing, and drug delivery solutions that reach across healthcare, beauty, food, beverage, and home care markets. Its revenue base strikes a balance between the stability of consumer product closures and the high-margin growth of pharmaceutical delivery systems, providing the company with both resilience and long-term upside.

The Pharma segment stands as Aptar’s most profitable growth engine, generating about 46% of sales and roughly two-thirds of adjusted EBITDA. The business earns revenue from proprietary drug delivery devices – such as nasal sprays, inhalers, and injectables – as well as elastomeric components used in biologics and GLP-1 therapies. It also collects royalties from partnered drug launches and offers services to support pharmaceutical companies in early-stage drug development. This combination of high-value devices, recurring royalties, and specialized services drives segment margins above 35%, making Pharma central to Aptar’s earnings power.

Pharma remained the strongest segment in the recent quarter, with core sales up 3% year over year, though performance varied by sub-segment. Prescription drug delivery systems rose 8% on strong demand for emergency medicines, asthma, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) treatments, and royalties. Injectables climbed 9% on rising demand for elastomeric components used in biologics, GLP-1 therapies, small molecules, and anti-thrombotics. Active Material Science solutions expanded 11% as customers increasingly adopted Aptar’s active polymer technologies to improve drug stability. In contrast, Consumer Healthcare sales – covering nasal decongestants, salines, and cough-and-cold products – fell 14% due to destocking in Europe after a weak cold and flu season, though U.S. sales grew and ophthalmic products partly offset the decline. Segment profitability remained a standout: adjusted EBITDA margin rose to 35.4%, up 130 basis points, supported by the sell of higher margin products, royalties, and cost efficiencies. Management also highlighted services as a growing contributor to revenues.

Unlike traditional large-scale contract manufacturing, Aptar’s services focus on supporting complex combination products and managing device-plus-drug development under strict regulatory oversight from agencies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the EU Medical Device Regulation (MDR). The acquisition of Mod3 expanded this platform, giving Aptar capabilities in Phase I and II clinical trials for nasal and orally inhaled drug products, an area of rising demand as systemic nasal delivery and respiratory therapies gain traction. While these services generate well under $100 million in annual revenue, they play a strategic role by helping pharmaceutical innovators bring products into the clinic more efficiently while encouraging adoption of Aptar’s devices, reinforcing the long-term growth trajectory of Pharma.

Even so, management sees a more uneven near-term outlook as demand for emergency medicines cools and other sub-segments gain momentum. A key factor is Aptar’s naloxone delivery systems, used in Narcan to reverse opioid overdoses, which have grown from about 2% to 5% of company revenue in just a few years. After this surge, growth is now expected to normalize. Some major customers have recently changed their ordering schedules, leading to temporary fluctuations in shipments, while others have built up excess inventory and may slow purchases until existing stock is used. Additionally, a new government executive order has affected funding for harm-reduction programs, potentially limiting near-term purchases. Management expects this combination of factors to temporarily dampen Pharma’s headline growth, though injectables are growing at high single to low double digits, and Active Material Science remains a solid contributor. Consumer Healthcare remains the main drag within Pharma, with Europe still working through excess inventories from the soft cold-and-flu season.

Management expects easier year-end comparisons in the fourth quarter to improve visibility on recovery. Broader pipeline drivers, including royalties, ophthalmic products, and systemic nasal delivery opportunities, are expected to help stabilize margins despite top-line volatility.

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Adaptive Momentum

The Beauty segment caters to luxury (prestige) and masstige brands – those positioned between mass-market and premium – with fragrance pumps, cosmetic dispensers, and personal care packaging. While demand for prestige fragrance systems has been uneven due to tariff uncertainty and macro pressures, masstige fragrance, body care, and hair care have remained resilient. Core sales in Beauty rose 1%, but performance varied by category. Fragrance, skincare, and color cosmetics fell 4%, mainly from lower sales of skincare dispensing products to indie brands and muted demand for prestige fragrance dispensing systems. Personal care, primarily including sales of lotion pumps, spray pumps, and continuous spray aerosol valves, grew 11%, driven partly by tooling (the custom molds and equipment used to make closures) revenues, while body and hair care applications performed well. Segment profitability remained steady, with adjusted EBITDA margin improving slightly to 14.1% on disciplined cost control.

In the latest quarter, the Beauty business delivered a mixed performance as different parts of the segment moved in opposite directions. Prestige fragrance packaging sales fell about 4% amid regional challenges in Europe and weaker U.S. exports tied to tariffs, which made it harder for fragrance makers to ship products profitably. Many major brand customers delayed product launches and kept inventories unusually low, reducing sampling activity. In contrast, masstige fragrance and skincare packaging performed well, supported by strong demand in Asia that helped offset softer Western markets. Management believes the new U.S.–EU trade agreement easing tariffs could revive product launches and sampling later this year, setting the stage for a gradual Beauty rebound in the fourth quarter.

The Closures segment extends Aptar’s reach into everyday essentials, supplying caps, lids, and dispensing closures for food, beverage, and home care products. These include the functional tops on sauces, condiments, dressings, sports drinks, baby food pouches, shampoos, and cleaning products. Closures was the fastest-growing segment in the second quarter, with core sales up 7%. Food closures surged 13% on robust demand for sauces, condiments, and spreads. Beverage grew 7% on higher sales of functional drinks and bottled water. Personal Care closures slipped 4% on lower tooling, while the “Other” category (beauty, home, and healthcare) rose 1%, helped by dish and laundry solutions.

Importantly, management noted that consolidating all closures activities into a single segment has been a turning point. The move streamlined operations, improved factory utilization, and enhanced cost control, while enabling faster innovation and new product launches. This stronger structure has driven sustained growth in closure volumes, especially in food and beverages. Although tooling demand has softened, higher product sales have more than offset the decline. As a result, adjusted EBITDA margin in Closures expanded to 16.9%, up 130 basis points, showing how operational execution in Closures is helping to lift overall company performance and offset slower trends elsewhere.

Even as Aptar strengthens its operational foundation through initiatives like the Closures consolidation, the company is also managing a limited but notable legal matter tied to protecting its pharmaceutical intellectual property. The company is spending about $5–6 million per quarter on legal expenses to defend patents, trade secrets, and know-how against a customer accused of breaching confidentiality agreements. This is a defensive action unrelated to product quality or regulatory issues. Management indicated that the expenses are expected to continue for “a few quarters,” but stressed that the case does not affect the company’s reported revenue, operating performance, or development pipeline. Importantly, there is no anticipated disruption to Aptar’s ongoing pharmaceutical projects or customer partnerships, underscoring that the matter is narrowly focused on IP protection rather than commercial operations.

Meanwhile, Aptar continues advancing high-value innovations to strengthen its healthcare and beauty portfolios. In Consumer Healthcare, it launched a lateral control nasal delivery system with Theraflu (Haleon), the first one-push nasal decongestant dispenser offering precise dosing. In Beauty, it introduced the Derma Series for derma cosmetics and medical aesthetics, segments growing faster than the broader beauty market. In Pharma, Aptar is developing active packaging with built-in desiccants for oral solid GLP-1 therapies in Phase III trials and is collaborating with Wake Forest University on systemic nasal delivery of intranasal insulin to brain regions linked to Alzheimer’s disease. These initiatives illustrate Aptar’s pivot toward science-driven platforms that expand its pipeline and support long-term margin growth.

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Financial Resilience

Aptar’s financial story over the recent period reflects steady top-line expansion paired with improving profitability as the company shifts toward higher-margin pharma products and tightens costs. Over the past half-decade, the company’s revenues have grown at a CAGR of 5.3% and its earnings have grown at 13.7% primarily because of robust demand for its proprietary drug delivery technologies, steady expansion in the pharma segment, and successful cost management through margin discipline and innovation.

For the first six months of 2025, reported net sales were $1.85 billion (up ~2% year-over-year) and adjusted EBITDA expanded materially by 8% to $402 million. At the same time, adjusted EPS improved by 8% year-over-year to $2.86. This performance was driven by strong growth across all segments, particularly the Pharma and Closures divisions, supported by increased volumes and sales of higher-value products.

In the second quarter, Aptar reported sales increased 6% year-over-year to $966 million, beating Street estimates of $955 million. Adjusted EBITDA increased by 13% year-over-year to about $218 million, while adjusted EPS went up by 18% year-over-year to $1.66, above consensus estimates. Management said results exceeded the high end of guidance and beat street estimates, driven by Pharma and Closures’ strength.

In the first six months of fiscal 2025, AptarGroup delivered stronger cash generation, reflecting improved profitability and disciplined working capital management. The company reported operating cash flow of approximately $209 million, a decline of around $27 million from the prior-year quarter, driven by increased inventory and receivables compared to the start of the year as part of ongoing investments to support supply chain localization and growth in high-demand segments like Pharma and Closures. Free cash flow declined marginally in the first half of the year to around $92 million, driven by elevated capital expenditures and inventory investments to underpin growth, alongside strategic supply chain and capacity enhancements.

AptarGroup maintained a constructive outlook for the second half of the year, pointing to continued momentum in its injectables and Active Materials businesses, as well as steady volume gains and operational leverage in Closures. Management also expects ongoing cost-control initiatives to support margin expansion, even as headline growth faces temporary moderation from normalizing trends in certain consumer healthcare categories.

Despite this underlying strength, the company issued third-quarter guidance that came in slightly below market expectations. Aptar projected adjusted earnings per share of $1.57 at the midpoint, compared with consensus estimates of $1.65. The forecast factors in an estimated $0.06 to $0.07 in additional legal expenses tied to ongoing litigation aimed at protecting its pharmaceutical intellectual property rights.

On leverage and balance-sheet metrics, Aptar entered mid-2025 with total debt of roughly $1.09 billion, cash and short-term investments near $170 million, with a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.42, higher than the sector median of 0.23, primarily due to its strategic use of leverage to finance growth investments, acquisitions, and capital expenditures while maintaining disciplined credit metrics.

However, credit agencies like S&P Global, Moody’s, and Fitch have recognized Aptar’s stronger financial profile with credit ratings of “BBB-,” “Baa2,” and “BBB,” respectively, reflecting improving credit metrics and predictable cash flows.

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Dividend Dynasty

AptarGroup has built a long record of shareholder returns, anchored by its consistent dividend policy. The company has paid quarterly dividends without interruption since its 1993 listing on the New York Stock Exchange and has increased its dividend for more than 30 consecutive years, underscoring its reputation for stability and disciplined capital allocation, making it a Dividend Aristocrat. In 2025, Aptar paid a quarterly dividend of $0.45 per share, or $1.8 annually, translating to a dividend yield of roughly 1.33% based on recent share prices. This yield is below the broader U.S. packaging and industrial sector average of 1.73%, while Aptar’s payout ratio remains conservative at around 30% of its earnings.

Rather than chasing a high yield, Aptar’s capital allocation strategy rests on three pillars: reinvestment in the business, dividends, and buybacks. Supported by strong free cash flows, the company has the flexibility to fund strategic expansion initiatives while also rewarding shareholders. As a result, the company is focused on channeling cash flows into innovation, strategic acquisitions, and debt reduction to reinforce its earnings power and competitive position. This disciplined approach frames the dividend as a dependable base return, complemented by growth-driven capital appreciation – offering investors an attractive mix of stability and long-term value creation despite the stock’s relatively modest current yield.

In the first half of 2025, Aptar repurchased shares totaling approximately $150 million, including about $70 million in the second quarter alone, as part of this buyback program. The buyback program supports Aptar’s capital allocation strategy alongside dividends and reinvestment in the business.

Despite the company’s earnings trajectory, shares of Aptar have declined by around 12% over the past year, reflecting cyclical and external market factors that have overshadowed strong operational results.

Following this pullback, the stock’s valuation has become notably attractive. Currently, ATR is trading at more than a 20% discount to its historical averages based on non-GAAP forward and trailing P/E ratios, at more than a 10% discount to EV/ EBITDA, and price-to-cash flow ratios, but at a premium to its sector median based on the above ratios. However, ATR is trading below its peer, West Pharmaceutical Services, based on EV/EBITDA and trailing and forward P/E ratios. This valuation gap, coupled with Aptar’s solid earnings trajectory, positions Aptar as an appealing opportunity for investors seeking a solid, low-risk long-term income stock. Analysts remain bullish about ATR as the company is transitioning from a diversified packaging company to a more concentrated healthcare business, which is expected to accelerate revenue growth and expand margins. Analysts also believe that Aptar has a best-in-class margin profile and an immense innovation pipeline to support medium to long-term growth.

Analysts see an average upside of around 33%, with some projecting gains approaching 63%.  Based on a Discounted Cash flow (DCF) analysis, ATR stock is trading at around 27% below its estimated fair value.

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Investing Takeaway

AptarGroup’s consistent dividend policy underscores its commitment to shareholder returns. With a long history of uninterrupted payouts and consecutive increases spanning decades, the company has positioned its dividend as a stable foundation for investors, reflecting disciplined capital allocation and financial resilience. This steady income is supported by strong cash generation, a diversified portfolio of high-margin pharmaceutical and consumer products, and a prudent approach to reinvesting in growth initiatives. Even amid cyclical pressures or temporary fluctuations in certain segments, Aptar’s ability to sustain and grow dividends signals reliability and long-term value creation. For dividend-focused investors, the combination of a predictable payout, conservative reinvestment strategy, and operational strength makes Aptar an attractive candidate for both income stability as well as a broader growth story.

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Dividend Investor Portfolio

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Portfolio News

ExxonMobil (XOM) made a major entry into the synthetic graphite market by agreeing to acquire U.S.-based assets and technology from Superior Graphite, along with select international offices. This move is part of Exxon’s plan to build an advanced synthetic graphite supply chain, aimed at supporting electric vehicle batteries and stationary energy storage. The deal emphasizes efficiency, consistent quality, and less energy-intensive production than traditional graphite mining.

JPMorgan Chase (JPM) will launch its digital retail bank, Chase, in Germany in Q2 2026, marking its second European market after the UK. Starting with savings accounts, the bank aims to gradually expand its product offerings. This move supports JPMorgan’s strategy to grow digitally in Europe’s largest economy, targeting tech-savvy consumers with a digital-first, branchless banking model. The move taps into a large and digitally engaged market, and positions JPMorgan to compete with local banks and fintechs, potentially driving long-term growth and market share gains in European retail banking.

In other company news, Trimont LLC – a global commercial real estate loan servicer managing $730 billion in loans – is using JPMorgan’s blockchain platform, Kinexys Digital Payments, to automate and accelerate loan payments. Trimont began using the platform in August and is working with JPM to expand its use over the next year, highlighting the bank’s leadership in applying blockchain to institutional finance. The partnership also underscores growing corporate interest in blockchain-based payment systems for faster and more efficient transactions – usage is expected to accelerate, supported by recent favorable crypto and blockchain regulation.

In the second quarter, Kroger (KR)  delivered stronger-than-expected results: identical sales rose 3.4% year-over-year, beating analyst forecasts; adjusted earnings per share came in at $1.04, up from $0.93, and topping the consensus of around $0.99.  The grocery chain cited strength in its pharmacy, fresh produce, and e-commerce lines (up ~16%) as key drivers.

Gross margins improved to 22.5%, aided by reduced supply chain costs and the prior divestiture of a low-margin specialty pharmacy business. Meanwhile, Kroger reiterated its capital return strategy: it is executing a $5 billion accelerated share repurchase program and plans to buy back an additional $2.5 billion in shares by the end of the year.

The retailer raised its full-year identical same-store sales forecast (excluding fuel), nudging the range upward to 2.7%–3.4%, up from its earlier 2.25%–3.25%. The move reflects resilient demand for value among shoppers navigating inflation and tariff pressures. Kroger narrowed its full-year adjusted EPS guidance to a range of $4.70 to $4.80, tightening its outlook from the prior range of $4.60 to $4.80. While the revised forecast reflects management’s confidence in steady earnings momentum, the midpoint of $4.75 sits slightly below Wall Street’s consensus estimate of $4.78, suggesting the retailer could fall just short of analyst expectations despite overall operational strength.

Lockheed Martin (LMT) and BAE Systems announced a joint initiative between their advanced research divisions, Skunk Works and FalconWorks, to develop a new uncrewed autonomous air system. This collaboration aims to enhance electronic warfare capabilities by creating a “wall of electronic resistance” to protect aircraft and weapons from enemy jamming. The partnership reflects a strategic push to bolster their competitive edge in the rapidly evolving drone market.

Additionally, Lockheed proposed a “fifth-generation-plus” version of its F-35 stealth fighter jet, integrating technologies developed for its unsuccessful bid to build the U.S. sixth-generation F-47 fighter. While no contract has been signed, there is active interest from the U.S. Department of Defense, with discussions potentially reaching the White House. The upgraded F-35 would include improvements such as advanced stealth coatings and a new engine, offering enhanced capabilities at a lower cost than a completely new sixth-gen aircraft.

VICI Properties (VICI)  has an ex-dividend date of September 18, with the dividend scheduled to be paid on October 9 to all shareholders of record.

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Recent Trades

None at the moment, although we are considering adding a stock to our portfolio when the market conditions allow for an attractive entry point. Stay tuned.

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Portfolio Attributes

Dividend Portfolio Yield
Expected Dividend Growth Expected Annual Income
3.92% +6.01% $5,822.54
Yield-on-Cost Adjusted, Weighted
 Average Analyst 12-Month Growth Outlook 10K Per Stock at the Time of Purchase

Current Portfolio

 

 

Name EX-Dividend Date Payment Date Yield on Cost  Annual DPS 
Automatic Data Processing (ADP) Sep 12, 2025 Oct 01, 2025 2.46% $6.16
Amgen (AMGN) Nov 18, 2025 Dec 09, 2025 3.27% $9.52
BlackRock (BLK) Dec 04, 2025 Dec 23, 2025 2.61% $20.84
Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS) Oct 02, 2025 Oct 29, 2025 5.98% $3.21
EOG Resources (EOG) Oct 17, 2025 Oct 31, 2025 3.06% $4.08
ExxonMobil (XOM) Nov 17, 2025 Dec 10, 2025 3.64% $3.96
IBM (IBM) Nov 12, 2025 Dec 10, 2025 3.14% $6.72
JPMorgan Chase (JPM) Oct 07, 2025 Oct 31, 2025 3.43% $6.00
Kroger (KR) Nov 17, 2025 Dec 01, 2025 3.08% $1.40
Lockheed Martin (LMT) Dec 02, 2025 Dec 29, 2025 2.85% $13.20
PepsiCo (PEP) Dec 09, 2025 Jan 06, 2026 3.8% $5.69
Philip Morris (PM) Sep 25, 2025 Oct 09, 2025 6.06% $5.40
Qualcomm (QCOM) Dec 08, 2025 Dec 22, 2025 2.36% $3.56
VICI Properties (VICI) Dec 17, 2025 Jan 09, 2026 5.22% $1.8
Verizon (VZ) Oct 09, 2025 Nov 04, 2025 6.09% $2.76

 

NameEX-Dividend DatePayment DateYield on Cost Annual DPS

 

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Click here for more stock market analysis from TipRanks Macro & Markets research analyst Yulia Vaiman


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