Air Products and Chemicals offers a strong track record of value creation, robust profitability, and a strategic focus on clean hydrogen technology. With a healthy balance sheet, an 'A' credit rating, and 41 years of consecutive dividend growth, APD is well-positioned for future earnings growth. Despite not being a bargain, APD's consistent dividend growth and strategic investments suggest potential market-beating total returns of 10-11%.
Peter Lynch achieved 29% annual returns for 13 years, focusing on safety, quality, and growth at a reasonable price, or GARP. Lynch popularized the PEG (price/earnings/growth) ratio. During the last 33 years, free cash flow yield has been the best-performing valuation metric. FCF PEG is EV/FCF/Growth and combines quality, valuation, and growth into a single powerful valuation metric.
TC Energy is a high-yield dividend aristocrat with a 6.3% yield, showcasing dependable growth and low risk, ideal for conservative income investors. The company operates a vast midstream infrastructure, supplying 30% of North America's natural gas, and plans to focus on natural gas and electric utilities. With a strong commitment to dividend growth and a robust financial strategy, TC Energy offers long-term returns of 12.5% to 13.3%.
FactSet Research Systems, an American financial data and software company, is now a $16 billion (by market cap) financial data powerhouse. The company has already increased its dividend for 24 consecutive years with a 10-year dividend growth rate of 10.9%. FactSet has moved its revenue from $920 million in FY 2014 to $2.1 billion in FY 2023, a compound annual growth rate of 9.6%.
REITs have performed well recently due to indications of interest rate hikes, but inflation uncertainties may lead investors to diversify into less interest rate-sensitive assets. Emerson Electric is a global leader in automation equipment and services, focusing on high-growth areas like sustainability and energy transition, with strong profitability and growth opportunities. EMR has shown better downside protection compared to real estate over the past 3 years, and carries a strong project pipeline.
McDonald's, an American multinational fast-food restaurant chain, is now a $193 billion (by market cap) QSR monster. McDonald's has increased its dividend for 48 consecutive years, with a 10-year dividend growth rate of 7.2%. McDonald's revenue has actually slightly decreased from $27.4 billion in FY 2014 to $25.5 billion in FY 2023.
Market volatility has become extreme, but smart investors know that great stock returns are created by volatility. Missing the market's best 60 days over the last 20 years resulted in 75% inflation-adjusted losses, worse than the Great Depression loss of 67%. Dividend aristocrats are some of the world's most dependable dividend blue chips. And despite aristocrats being flat in this downturn, plenty of bargains are available.
With the first rate cut on the horizon, investors are increasingly looking toward sectors that could benefit the most from lower interest rates. Real estate investment trusts are a prime example as their operations are typically heavily leveraged and highly dependent on the current cost of money.
Abbott Laboratories is a Dividend Aristocrat more than twice over. The healthcare juggernaut exceeded analysts' expectations for both sales and adjusted diluted EPS during the second quarter. Abbott Laboratories' $7.5 billion net debt balance is modest for its size.
Community Financial System has a history of increasing dividends for 32 years, conservative management, and sustainable dividend yield, making it a reliable choice for investors. But it is still a bit expensive. Fear of recession prompts investors to seek passive income, with some regional banks offering high dividend yields. CBU stands out as a strong bank with low-cost deposits and a focus on consumer loans.
As with diamonds, there is a Dividend Aristocrat for pretty much every need. A Dividend Aristocrat is a member of the S&P 500 that has increased its dividends annually for 25 years or more.
McCormick & Company is a leader in the spices and condiments market, showing potential for future growth. Revenue has been steadily increasing, with the flavor solutions segment growing faster but the consumer segment having better margins. Dividend aristocrat McCormick offers a safe and growing dividend with the potential for future dividend increases.