As expected, our results improved during the second quarter. We continue to deliver solid underlying growth from both a geographic and portfolio perspective, despite the uncertain global economic and geopolitical environment. Today, we reaffirmed our underlying net sales outlook for the year and remain on track to deliver another year of mid-single digit growth in underlying net sales led by the Jack Daniel’s family of brands, including the launch of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Apple in the United States, as well as sustained double-digit growth from our premium bourbon and tequila portfolios.”
Whiting further added, “We continue to build our business for the long-term. Our takeaway trends3 remain healthy in many major markets as we continue to invest in consumer momentum by absorbing most tariff-related costs. We believe this, coupled with increased investments in advertising and route-to-consumer changes in certain markets, position us well for the next generation of growth.”
E-commerce sales in November were negatively impacted by an estimated 20 percentage points, primarily due to Thanksgiving/Black Friday/Cyber Monday occurring a week later this year versus last year and, to a lesser extent, website performance issues experienced on the Company’s U.S. and Canadian e-commerce websites on Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday. Total and comparable sales were negatively impacted by approximately one and one-half percent.
The high mortality rate shows the market is determining winners and losers based on merit
"With United in a stronger position than ever, now is the right time to begin the process of passing the baton to a new leader," Munoz said. "One of my goals as CEO was to put in place a successful leadership transition for United Airlines. I brought Scott to United three years ago, and I am confident that there is no one in the world better equipped to lead United to even greater heights.
Final Thoughts
Genuine Parts does not get much coverage in the financial media. It is far from the high-flying tech startups that typically receive more attention. However, Genuine Parts is a very appealing stock for investors looking for stable profitability and reliable dividend growth.
The company has a long runway of growth ahead, due to favorable industry dynamics. It should continue to raise its dividend each year, as it has for the past 63 years.
Today, however, is likely not the best time to buy shares of Genuine Parts, as the stock appears to be slightly overvalued. Given its history of dividend growth, Genuine Parts is suitable for investors needing income today. Investors looking for more growth will likely consider the stock a hold due to mid-single digit returns.
Final Thoughts
Medtronic has virtually all of the qualities dividend growth investors should look for. It possesses a highly profitable business, a leadership position in its core markets, and long-term growth potential. It also has multiple catalysts for future growth, and the ability to keep growing its dividend even during recessions.
Medtronic has increased its dividend for more than four decades, including a strong 8% increase in 2019.
The only negative aspect of investing in Medtronic stock today is the valuation. We believe Medtronic is overvalued right now. As a result, value investors should wait for a pullback before buying the stock. That said, Medtronic remains a high-quality holding for long-term dividend growth investors.
Final Thoughts
J&J has nearly six decades of consecutive dividend increases under its belt. There are very few certainties in the stock market, but one of them is that J&J will increase its dividend each year. The company has plenty of future growth, thanks to a strong pipeline and its recent acquisitions.
The issue facing the company is headline risk, regarding the possibility of asbestos in the company’s baby powder, and its role in the opioid epidemic. Litigation risk could continue to keep a lid on the valuation multiple of the stock. That said, the company remains a high-quality hold for an above-average yield and steady dividend growth.
Final Thoughts
Interest rates are on the decline once again. After two years of the Federal Reserve raising rates, the central bank announced a recent interest rate reduction, and rates are broadly falling again. Investors might scramble to search for suitable income in a low-rate environment, but these high-yield stocks are still presenting strong yields.
The 10 stocks on this list have high yields above 5%. And importantly, these securities generally have better risk profiles than the average high yield security. Investors should continue to monitor each stock to make sure their fundamentals and growth remain on track, but investors comfortable with owning individual stocks should consider these 10 high-yielders.
Final Thoughts
Emerson is a high-quality business, with a long history of steady growth. It has rewarded shareholders along the way, with more than six decades of annual dividend growth.
Right now may not be the best buying opportunity for the stock. The valuation has expanded thanks to a sharp rally in the stock, so investors that want to initiate a position would do well to wait for a much lower valuation closer to our target of 17 times earnings.
Emerson has a solid 2.7% dividend yield, and remains a sure bet to increase its dividend each year. However, investors looking more closely at total returns are likely to be disappointed with Emerson stock at the current valuation.
Federal Realty does not have a high dividend yield, particularly for a REIT. This is because the stock consistently trades for a relatively high valuation. However, high-quality businesses tend to sport above-average valuations. Investors interested solely in receiving high income right now may not be impressed by Federal Realty.
That said, it is a strong choice for dividend growth investors, and we rate the stock a buy due to its valuation, growth, and yield.
Exxon Mobil has had a difficult past few years demonstrating that it is susceptible to falling oil and gas prices. However, it has performed better than many other energy stocks in this time frame by maintaining profitability and balance sheet quality.
And, Exxon Mobil has a bright future. The company has many promising new projects nearing completion, and it generates more than enough cash to continue raising the dividend. As a result, Exxon Mobil stock appears attractive based on earnings and dividend growth potential, and its high yield above 5%.
Final Thoughts
Illinois Tool Works is a high-quality company, and an even better dividend growth stock. It has a strategic growth plan that is working well, and shareholders have been rewarded with rising dividends for over 50 years.
The stock also has a decent yield, which could make it an appealing choice for long-term dividend growth investors. Shares are not attractively priced at the moment, and it is likely the company will struggle if and when a recession occurs.
Illinois Tool Works is a classic example of a great company, but not a stock to buy right now. Despite its status as a Dividend King, we suggest investors wait for a better entry point prior to purchasing shares of Illinois Tool Works.
It's clear that Oculus pumped an awful lot of money into Medium over the years, and the sale probably isn't great for the Oculus Medium team, if only because there is now a proper price tag attached to the effort that will be looming for the fairly niche software. Terms of the deal weren't shared, so who knows what kind of deal Adobe got.
What is nice is that Facebook went to the trouble of properly spinning out Medium. When Facebook shut down Oculus Story Studio, the company quietly laid off its employees. Medium is well-liked by a small community and it makes plenty of sense at Adobe -- where first-party integration with other products will undoubtedly make it better software. It's nice to see it live on.