Altria Group (NYSE:MO) Stock

Altria Group

Altria comprises Philip Morris USA, US Smokeless Tobacco, John Middleton, Horizon Innovations, and Helix Innovations. Through its tobacco subsidiaries, Altria maintains the leading position in cigarettes and smokeless tobacco in the United States and the number-two spot in machine-made cigars. The company's Marlboro brand is the leading cigarette brand in the US with 42% annual share in 2024. Beyond its core business, it holds an 8% interest in the world's largest brewer, Anheuser-Busch InBev and a 41% stake in cannabis manufacturer Cronos. It also acquired vaping company Njoy Holdings in 2023 and operates a joint venture with Japan Tobacco in the heated tobacco category.

Altria Group Inc

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It&#8217;s been a week since the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs">Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF</a> (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SCHD#NYSE">SCHD</a>) jumped 5.39% by afternoon in a surprise midday rally, up from an intraday low of $23.88 to a high of $25.79, before closing further up at $25.87. The price has remained elevated, albeit 1.7% lower than last Wednesday.
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The spike, which caught traders off guard after a relatively quiet morning of April 9, suggested a potential surge of institutional buying or tactical reallocations—possibly tied to rebalancing or changing interest rate expectations.
While the specific volume figures have not yet been validated, the distinctive price action was noteworthy, particularly relative to key benchmarks such as the S&amp;P 500 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) and the Invesco QQQ Trust (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>), both of which also had positive momentum that day. Neither one, however, even came close to SCHD&#8217;s stunning percentage increase.
Market observers suspect this action could be indicative of a wider value and dividend-rich stock rotation, as inflationary anxiety and interest rate uncertainty drive investors onto firmer ground. With mega-cap growth leaders such as Apple (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), Amazon (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) and Meta (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) experiencing double-digit intraday gains, sentiment among ETFs was positive. However, SCHD&#8217;s strength could also be an indicator of something more profound: a reversion to fundamentals.
A Decade Of Discipline: Why SCHD Matters Now
While Wall Street weathers yet another round of tariff-induced volatility, investors yearn for consistency. Boasting a 3.96% SEC 30-day <a href="https://www.schwabassetmanagement.com/products/schd">yield</a>, dividend <a href="https://stockanalysis.com/etf/schd/history/">yield </a>of 4.09%, a sub-0.06% expense ratio, and a long-term value-oriented approach, SCHD has quietly established itself as a steady performer in trying times.
Following the Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index, SCHD filters for U.S. stocks with 10 or more years of unbroken dividend growth, sorting them by financial stability, cash flow health, return on equity and dividend track record. The outcome? A concentrated portfolio of dividend champions such as Chevron (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVX#NYSE">CVX</a>) and Altria (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MO#NYSE">MO</a>)—names that have performed better than broader benchmarks through previous crises, including the 2008 meltdown.
Structure Built For Stability
SCHD&#8217;s durability is supported by its diversified strategy. Diversified over 103 holdings in seven sectors—financials (19%), healthcare (17%) and consumer staples (14%), the ETF is sector-diversified while remaining underweight in tech, which overhangs competitors such as the S&amp;P 500, where tech companies alone constitute almost 30%.
This conservative bias translates to a lower beta of 0.81 (a beta of less than 1 means lower vulnerability to volatility) and less downside risk. During previous downturns, staples sectors fell only 20% versus 30%+ declines in tech-heavy indexes, according to Money Morning. When Nvidia (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) fell 17% earlier this year, SCHD remained steadfast, thanks to its sector capping (no sector >25%) and single-stock exposure limits (no stock >4%).
What&#8217;s Next?
SCHD&#8217;s performance will be shaped by the prospects of its current holdings. Among those with high upside potential are:
Inter Parfums (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IPAR#NASDAQ">IPAR</a>)
Murphy Oil (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MUR#NYSE">MUR</a>)
Kforce (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KFRC#NYSE">KFRC</a>)
Conversely, some caution is perhaps justified with:
CNA Financial (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CNA#NYSE">CNA</a>)
The Hershey Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HSY#NYSE">HSY</a>)
Watsco (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WSO#NYSE">WSO</a>)
Bottom Line
SCHD doesn&#8217;t pursue hype; it accumulates quietly through consistency. With $65.6 billion in assets and a 53% 5-year total return, it continues to provide a compelling combination of income, value and stability. Its dividend payout ratio of 61.07% and its 16.67% dividend raise last year highlight the fund&#8217;s power of income.
In a world where sentiment and speculation wildly fluctuate, SCHD is a north star for long-term investors because it provides not just peace of mind but reliable outcomes.
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Specialty ETFs

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The Dividend ETF That Just Woke Up And Why Investors Are Watching Closely

Investors with a lot of money to spend have taken a bullish stance on Altria Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MO#NYSE">MO</a>).
And retail traders should know.
We noticed this today when the positions showed up on publicly available options history that we track here at Benzinga.
Whether these are institutions or just wealthy individuals, we don't know. But when something this big happens with MO, it often means somebody knows something is about to happen.
Today, Benzinga's options scanner spotted 9 options trades for Altria Group.
This isn't normal.
The overall sentiment of these big-money traders is split between 55% bullish and 44%, bearish.
Out of all of the options we uncovered, there was 1 put, for a total amount of $66,444, and 8, calls, for a total amount of $310,034.
<h3>What's The Price Target?</h3>
Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $25.0 to $67.5 for Altria Group over the recent three months. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Development</h3>
Examining the volume and open interest provides crucial insights into stock research. This information is key in gauging liquidity and interest levels for Altria Group's options at certain strike prices. Below, we present a snapshot of the trends in volume and open interest for calls and puts across Altria Group's significant trades, within a strike price range of $25.0 to $67.5, over the past month.
<h3>Altria Group Call and Put Volume: 30-Day Overview</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1744743673_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Noteworthy Options Activity:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>MO</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/15/27</td>
<td>$14.45</td>
<td>$13.55</td>
<td>$13.6</td>
<td>$67.50</td>
<td>$66.4K</td>
<td>130</td>
<td align="right">13</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/20/26</td>
<td>$6.05</td>
<td>$5.95</td>
<td>$5.95</td>
<td>$55.00</td>
<td>$61.2K</td>
<td>607</td>
<td align="right">123</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/15/27</td>
<td>$32.85</td>
<td>$30.6</td>
<td>$32.85</td>
<td>$25.00</td>
<td>$55.8K</td>
<td>265</td>
<td align="right">84</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/18/26</td>
<td>$9.45</td>
<td>$9.4</td>
<td>$9.4</td>
<td>$50.00</td>
<td>$46.0K</td>
<td>427</td>
<td align="right">100</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$4.2</td>
<td>$4.0</td>
<td>$4.15</td>
<td>$57.50</td>
<td>$35.2K</td>
<td>2.2K</td>
<td align="right">85</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Altria Group</h3>
Altria comprises Philip Morris USA, US Smokeless Tobacco, John Middleton, Horizon Innovations, and Helix Innovations. Through its tobacco subsidiaries, Altria maintains the leading position in cigarettes and smokeless tobacco in the United States and the number-two spot in machine-made cigars. The company's Marlboro brand is the leading cigarette brand in the US with 42% annual share in 2024. Beyond its core business, it holds an 8% interest in the world's largest brewer, Anheuser-Busch InBev and a 41% stake in cannabis manufacturer Cronos. It also acquired vaping company Njoy Holdings in 2023 and operates a joint venture with Japan Tobacco in the heated tobacco category.
Having examined the options trading patterns of Altria Group, our attention now turns directly to the company. This shift allows us to delve into its present market position and performance
<h3>Altria Group's Current Market Status</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a trading volume of 3,442,149, the price of MO is up by 0.83%, reaching $57.6.</li>
<li>Current RSI values indicate that the stock is is currently neutral between overbought and oversold.</li>
<li>Next earnings report is scheduled for 14 days from now.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Professional Analyst Ratings for Altria Group</h3>
A total of 1 professional analysts have given their take on this stock in the last 30 days, setting an average price target of $46.0.
Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move
Benzinga Edge's Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22bz20&amp;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=options-activity&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from UBS continues to hold a Sell rating for Altria Group, targeting a price of $46. 
Trading options involves greater risks but also offers the potential for higher profits. Savvy traders mitigate these risks through ongoing education, strategic trade adjustments, utilizing various indicators, and staying attuned to market dynamics. Keep up with the latest options trades for Altria Group with <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.

Options

Markets

Altria Group Options Trading: A Deep Dive into Market Sentiment

During times of turbulence and uncertainty in the markets, many investors turn to dividend-yielding stocks. These are often companies that have high free cash flows and reward shareholders with a<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/yield-investments"> high dividend payout</a>.
Benzinga readers can review the latest analyst takes on their favorite stocks by visiting <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings">Analyst Stock Ratings</a> page. Traders can sort through Benzinga's extensive database of analyst ratings, including <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/22/09/28888638/exclusive-study-finds-benzinga-analyst-ratings-data-yields-market-beating-strategie">by analyst accuracy</a>.
Below are the ratings of the most accurate analysts for three high-yielding stocks in the consumer staples sector.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MO#NYSE">MO</a>)</h3>
<ul>
<li>Dividend Yield: 7.14%</li>
<li>B of A Securities analyst Lisa Lewandowski upgraded the stock from Neutral to Buy and raised the price target from $55 to $65 on Dec. 6, 2024. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 65%.</li>
<li>Barclays analyst Gaurav Jain maintained an Underweight rating and increased the price target from $45 to $46 on Nov. 6, 2024. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 64%.</li>
<li>Recent News: On Jan. 30, the company posted upbeat quarterly sales.</li>
<li>Benzinga Pro&#8217;s real-time newsfeed alerted to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0415">latest MO news</a>. </li>
</ul>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0415"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="902" height="833" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/15072707/image-109.png" alt="" class="wp-image-871968" style="width:566px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/15072707/image-109.png 902w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/15072707/image-109-300x277.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/15072707/image-109-768x709.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 902px) 100vw, 902px" /></a></figure>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Target Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TGT#NYSE">TGT</a>)</h3>
<ul>
<li>Dividend Yield: 4.73%</li>
<li>Truist Securities analyst Scot Ciccarelli maintained a Hold rating and cut the price target from $124 to $82 on April 8, 2025. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 71%.</li>
<li>Evercore ISI Group analyst Greg Melich maintained an In-Line rating and cut the price target from $130 to $120 on April 1, 2025. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 79%.</li>
<li>Recent News: On March 12, the company's board declared a quarterly dividend of $1.12 per common share.</li>
<li>Benzinga Pro's real-time newsfeed alerted to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0415">latest TGT news</a> </li>
</ul>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0415"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="902" height="826" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/15072745/image-110.png" alt="" class="wp-image-871974" style="width:621px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/15072745/image-110.png 902w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/15072745/image-110-300x275.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/15072745/image-110-768x703.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 902px) 100vw, 902px" /></a></figure>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Kraft Heinz Company (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KHC#NASDAQ">KHC</a>)</h3>
<ul>
<li>Dividend Yield: 5.37%</li>
<li>Morgan Stanley analyst Megan Alexander initiated coverage on the stock with an Underweight rating and a price target of $29 on March 24, 2025. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 64%.</li>
<li>JP Morgan analyst Ken Goldman maintained a Neutral rating and cut the price target from $32 to $31 on Feb. 13, 2025. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 78%.</li>
<li>Recent News: Kraft Heinz will release its first quarter financial results on Tuesday, April 29.</li>
<li>Benzinga Pro&#8217;s real-time newsfeed alerted to latest KHC <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0415">news </a></li>
</ul>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0415"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="895" height="837" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/15072818/image-111.png" alt="" class="wp-image-871976" style="width:575px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/15072818/image-111.png 895w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/15072818/image-111-300x281.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/15072818/image-111-768x718.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 895px) 100vw, 895px" /></a></figure>
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News

Price Target

Pre-Market Outlook

Analyst Ratings

Trading Ideas

Wall Street's Most Accurate Analysts Give Their Take On 3 Defensive Stocks With Over 4% Dividend Yields

Investing in dividend-paying <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/03/44196217/53-year-old-with-200k-to-invest-seeks-best-stocks-for-retirement-should-i-go-all-in-on-etfs-or-bet-b">stocks</a> has long been a cornerstone strategy for investors seeking both stability and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/02/43679558/how-this-39-year-old-with-no-college-degree-built-passive-income-streams-that-pay-18-000-per-month">passive income</a>.
Unlike high-growth stocks, which rely heavily on capital appreciation, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/02/43437228/dividend-investor-earning-over-10-000-a-month-shares-top-6-stock-picks-money-coming-without-working">dividend</a> stocks provide regular cash payouts, making them particularly attractive for those who prioritize consistent returns over speculative gains.
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<li>Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart &amp; Target – <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">Many are rushing to grab 4,000 of its pre-IPO shares for just $0.26/share!</a></li>
<li>Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/boxabl"> this is your last chance to become an investor for $0.80 per share.</a></li>
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Many investors, especially those approaching retirement or looking for lower-risk strategies, favor dividend stocks for several key reasons, such as predictable cash flow, lower volatility, compounding growth, and because they provide an inflation hedge.
A recent Reddit post highlights how even younger investors are incorporating dividends into their strategies. The poster, a 23-year-old with a $178,627 portfolio, shared that he is generating $6,286 annually in dividends, or about $500 per month. His holdings include a mix of ETFs and individual stocks, which balances his portfolio by providing both income and long-term growth potential.
He explains his preference for stability, stating, &#8220;I feel more comfortable this way.&#8221;
Trending: The secret weapon in billionaire investor portfolios that you almost certainly don't own yet. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/masterworks">See which asset class has outpaced the S&amp;P 500 (1995-2024) – and with near-zero correlation.</a>
Let's take a closer look at each of his current investments and why they might appeal to income-focused investors.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">This Investor&#8217;s Assets Generate $500/Month From a $178K Portfolio</h2>
Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF
Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SCHD#NYSE">SCHD</a>) tracks high-quality U.S. dividend-paying stocks and has a history of consistent payouts and strong financial health. SCHD is a favorite among dividend investors because of its low fees and focus on companies with growing dividends. The company pays investors around 4.22% in dividends per year.
Realty Income Corporation
Realty Income Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/O#NYSE">O</a>) is known as "The Monthly Dividend Company," because it pays dividends on a monthly basis. O is a real estate investment trust that leases commercial properties, and due to its payment system, it is ideal for investors seeking frequent income. O generates a dividend yield of approximately 5,98% per year.
SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust
SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) is the largest and most traded ETF in the world. While not a high-yielder, SPY provides broad exposure to the S&amp;P 500, offering growth potential alongside modest dividends. It's a core holding for long-term investors. SPY pays investors 1.39% in annual dividends.
See Also: Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/rad-intel">invest pre-IPO from $0.55 per share now</a>.
PepsiCo
PepsiCo (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PEP#NASDAQ">PEP</a>) is a global food and beverage giant, known for its main soda business as well as snacks. A Dividend Aristocrat, PEP has raised its payout for over 50 consecutive years. Its strong brand portfolio ensures steady cash flow. PEP generates around 3,75% in dividends per year.
Altria Group
Altria Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MO#NYSE">MO</a>) is a tobacco giant with a long dividend history. MO is often seen as a high-yield dividend play with consistent cash flows, which allows it to pay investors around 7,26% in annual dividends.
Crown Castle
Crown Castle (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CCI#NYSE">CCI</a>) is a real estate investment trust that owns and operates cell towers and fiber networks across the U.S., playing a major role in mobile and 5G infrastructure. Investors love CCI because it offers a mix of dividend income and exposure to the fast-growing communications infrastructure space. CCI generates approximately 6,61% in yearly dividends.
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Personal Finance

Can You Live Off Dividends? Investor Pulls $500/Month From $178K Portfolio – 'I Feel More Comfortable This Way' With These 6 Stock Picks

When the market throws a delightful little soiree for the bears and headlines scream of doom, gloom and capital destruction, it often feels like it&#8217;s the end of it all.
But odds are the world is not going to end.
It was the same in previous bear markets.
During the 1998 Russian crisis and the collapse of Long Term Capital Management, closed-door meetings at the New York offices of the Federal Reserve were held, in which participants discussed who would pony up enough cash to save the financial system.
Warren Buffett passed. Instead, a bunch of Wall Street and a few French banks stepped up with the necessary cash.
During the Great Financial Crisis, it felt like the financial system&#8217;s implosion was always just seconds away.
In the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, the end of the world was the lead story for weeks on end.
In every case, the world survived and stocks recovered.
In each case, this was the winning investment strategy during the bear market.
If the end does come, I suspect none of us will be concerned about our stock portfolio.
I do not recall Charlton Heston asking Cornelius or Zira about the price of IBM (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBM#NYSE">IBM</a>) or General Motors (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GM#NYSE">GM</a>) in Planet of the Apes.
Rick Grimes of The Walking Dead never takes a break from killing zombies to call his broker.
If the world survives the tariff war of 2025, we might want to make some of the moves that paid off in the aftermath of prior almost-end-of-the-world events.
One of the best strategies is buying dividends and dividend growth.
Investors who bought stocks like Pfizer (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PFE#NYSE">PFE</a>), Altria (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MO#NYSE">MO</a>) and CapitalOne (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COF#NYSE">COF</a>) in early 2009 not only locked in high levels of income, their gains over the next decade were spectacular.
Buying high-yield stocks like Unum (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNM#NYSE">UNM</a>), Tanger Outlets (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SKT#NYSE">SKT</a>) and Marathon Petroleum (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MPC#NYSE">MPC</a>) in the spring of 2020 has also worked out extraordinarily well for investors who allowed rational thinking to overcome fear.
Unless the world ends, this time should offer the same opportunities to lock in high yields from companies that also offer the potential for outsized long-term gains.
Shares of Pfizer have once again fallen to levels that make the stock a high-yielding opportunity for patient investors.
Pfizer has a diverse drug portfolio and is in a strong position in the vaccine markets. Going forward, they are shedding the off-patent drug business to focus on innovation and newer products.
Pfizer generates massive amounts of free cash flow, which is used to pay down debt, buy back stock and pay dividends.
The company plans to pay out 50% of cash flow as dividends so the payout should continue to grow over time.
Ford Motor (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/F#NYSE">F</a>) is one of the best-positioned auto companies in the current environment and should do very well as the trade war progresses towards a conclusion.
Ford continues to dominate the pickup truck market and I don&#8217;t see that changing anytime soon.
Ford intends to have a presence in the EV market but will not abandon the traditional market anytime soon. The Mustang Mach-E and Lightning F-150 electric vehicles are both selling well and attracting customers who have never considered Ford products before.
Ford has focused on reducing debt and strengthening its balance sheet over the past few years, and this strategy is working.
The company currently has over $25 billion in cash and securities on the books.
The stock is currently yielding over 7% and has excellent long-term appreciation potential from current levels.
UPS (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UPS#NYSE">UPS</a>) shares have also fallen to the level where the dividend is attractive. At the current price, the yield is over 7%.
UPS seems like a solid bet, even with some bumps in the road ahead. They&#8217;re the big dog in package delivery, handling way more daily packages than FedEx in the US.
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Editorial content from our Expert contributors is intended to be information for the general public and not individualized investment advice. Editors/contributors are presenting their individual opinions and strategies which are neither expressly or impliedly approved or endorsed by Benzinga.
Photo: Shutterstock

Opinion

This Strategy Outperforms In Bear Markets

WIIM

BRBR

CASY

Coca-Cola European Partners plc Ordinary Shares

CCEP

COKE

FIZZ

PSMT

SISI

SMPL

Shares of several consumer staples stocks are trading higher. The sector may be moving up as investors gravitate towards more defensive assets following market-wide volatility and uncertainty.

Altria Group's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MO#NYSE">MO</a>) short percent of float has risen 10.71% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 41.93 million shares sold short, which is 2.48% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 3.79 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>Altria Group Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1744207229_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Altria Group has grown since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to fall in the near-term but traders should be aware that more shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing Altria Group's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>, Altria Group's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 2.73%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

Short Sellers

Short Ideas

How Is The Market Feeling About Altria Group?

BofA Securities analysts Bryan D. Spillane, Lisa K. Lewandowski and Peter T. Galbo have put forward on Tuesday their research findings on consumer staple companies in the face of a potential recession.
The analysts said consumer staples have historically outperformed the S&amp;P 500 in most recent recessions, suggesting a defensive edge.
However, the analysts warned that current conditions, such as lingering high prices and weak volume growth, may limit their resilience in a future downturn.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/04/44695622/amazon-touts-ai-milestone-says-new-model-outshines-gpt-4o-in-real-time-speech" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amazon Touts AI Milestone, Says New Model Outshines GPT-4o In Real-Time Speech</a>
Still, their limited exposure to new tariffs could make the sector more appealing than others, potentially helping sustain valuation multiples.
During recessions, the Consumer Staples sector stock prices are primarily influenced by earnings per share (EPS) rather than sales growth.
Analysis shows that forward EPS estimates account for over 90% of stock price movement across key subsectors like Beverages, Household &amp; Personal Care (HPC), Packaged Food, and Tobacco, with the correlation being the tightest Beverages and HPC.
The analysts noted that this highlights the critical importance of earnings strength when evaluating stock performance in uncertain economic conditions.
A review of six past recessions reveals that certain Consumer Staples stocks consistently outperformed the S&amp;P 500.
Campbell Soup Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CPB#NYSE">CPB</a>), Colgate-Palmolive Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CL#NYSE">CL</a>), General Mills Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GIS#NYSE">GIS</a>), McCormick &amp; Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MKC#NYSE">MKC</a>), PepsiCo Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PEP#NASDAQ">PEP</a>), and Hormel Foods Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HRL#NYSE">HRL</a>) each posted a 100% success rate in outperforming the index during those downturns.
In the last four recessions with the most comprehensive data, McCormick, General Mills, and Church &amp; Dwight Co. Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CHD#NYSE">CHD</a>) delivered the strongest relative performance.
Top-performing Consumer Staples stocks in a potential downturn will likely share three traits: profit flexibility to offset revenue pressure and rising costs, strong U.S. manufacturing presence to limit tariff-related inflation, and solid balance sheets capable of sustaining share buybacks to boost earnings per share.
Analysts see McCormick, Coca-Cola Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KO#NYSE">KO</a>) and Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PM#NYSE">PM</a>) as well-defended, with Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KDP#NASDAQ">KDP</a>), Molson Coors Beverage Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TAP#NYSE">TAP</a>) and Altria Group Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MO#NYSE">MO</a>) in the next tier of potential outperformers.
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Image via Shutterstock

Analyst Color

This Beverage Maker, Tobacco Company And Packaged Food Giant Outshine In A Recession

ARHS

RMAX

SNBR

TMHC

UEIC

Shares of homebuilders and housing-related stocks stocks are trading lower amid an overall market reversal on US-China trade tensions. Volatility in the 30-year mortgage rate could also affect housing demand.

Stocks plummeted by more than 10% last week after President Trump <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/04/44653029/trump-tariffs-trigger-wall-street-bloodbath-sp-500-notches-worst-weekly-drop-since-2020">unveiled his new ‘reciprocal' tariff chart</a>, with some heavy importers like Kohl's, Five Below, and Wayfair falling more than 20% on the day. 
It was the worst two days for stocks since March 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic first hit the markets and panic reigned. Investors are left looking for safe havens, with gold and consumer staples, for example, both outperforming the markets in the last couple of weeks.
Dividend-paying stocks are another option. Not only can they protect your investment while you sit out this market drama &#8211; they can pay you while you wait. But it&#8217;s important to be careful when picking dividend stocks because there can be some pitfalls.
Today, let&#8217;s look at five stocks paying stable dividends in sectors that often outperform during drawdowns or economic turbulence.
Investors often look to safe harbors like dividend-paying stocks in times of uncertainty, but there's more to a dividend than just a high yield. You must be cautious when picking stocks for income because not all 5% yielding stocks are equal. One key factor is the dividend payout rate, or DPR. The DPR is the ratio of earnings a company uses to fund its dividend payout. For example, if a company has an 85% DPR, that means 85% of the company's earnings go toward satisfying the dividend. Naturally, companies with lower DPRs have more space to raise payouts in the future, and that's what income-seeking investors want most.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Procter and Gamble Inc.</h2>
Consumer staples are a popular pick for defensive investing. Procter and Gamble (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PG#NYSE">PG</a>) not only sells essentials with inelastic demand but is one of the strongest dividend-paying stocks on the market. PG belongs to a prestigious club known as the Dividend Aristocrats, which are large-cap companies in the S&amp;P 500 with a history of raising their dividend payouts for at least 25 consecutive years. Even amongst that group, PG is an exceptional company &#8211; it's raised its dividend payout annually for 69 straight years!
<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXe2orpz0vqWb-hB-ju4Yx1dH60TnAlJ1AIv89ctKkCgWINp01LaC_exmbRctFiJDjut75WloTSLpqnLDMyTblxK-jWFLEi2NWypMmnEpeUjdLMwJ5JBTBULssQBqMLuJaHhfQFYsw?key=-aMtQ7aK5BCc6huT2NprmXD9" alt="" /></figure>
PG stock has a dividend yield of 2.38%, with a 5% annualized dividend growth rate over the last three years. The DPR is 64%, which may seem high, but PG resides in a low-growth sector and can utilize a more significant portion of earnings to satisfy its dividend. The company posted an 18% profit margin last quarter, superior to competitors like Colgate-Palmolive and Kimberly-Clark, along with a debt/equity ratio below 1. The stock also just triggered a technical breakout signal with the 50-day moving average crossing over the 200-day.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">PepsiCo Inc.&nbsp;</h2>
Another Dividend Aristocrat, PepsiCo (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PEP#NASDAQ">PEP</a>), makes popular soft drinks like Pepsi, Mountain Dew, and Gatorade and snack foods under the Frito-Lay brand. Over 60% of the company's manufacturing occurs in the United States, which should grant it some shelter from tariff woes. It's also raised its dividend annually for 53 straight years and currently yields 3.58%.
<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXchu7ROWTZJo-oMME5gKjePEY4ZiNwNHxoSEduRVrkd_1oXVRrrfIKhP6bF17S1nzz6Ejt-ipX8J7CDfK6Uc9GO5ScbwVRSqi0QF2_skooodexDU9ifwW0vVRMf7jNfDf-d5LFOsg?key=-aMtQ7aK5BCc6huT2NprmXD9" alt="" /></figure>
Pepsi's biggest competitor is Coca-Cola, another 50-year dividend booster, but Pepsi has a few advantages that put it ahead for income investors. Pepsi has a lower DPR (77% vs. 83%), higher yield (3.58% vs. 2.79%), and has grown its dividend at a faster rate over the previous three years (7.9% vs. 4.9%). The stock also trades at just 17 times forward earnings and 2.3 times sales, both better figures than Coca-Cola.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Nucor Corp.&nbsp;</h2>
Nucor (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NUE#NYSE">NUE</a>) stands to be one of the biggest beneficiaries of Trump's tariffs, as the company manufactures most of its steel and iron products domestically and has had little pushback to price raises to start 2025. Nucor also has a 52-year history of raising its dividend, which currently yields 2% and has a very manageable 26.2% DPR. It's been a brutal 12 months for the company, which saw its stock cut in half from its 2024 highs. But the Relative Strength Index (RSI) just hit an Oversold trigger, so it&#8217;s worth reexamining this beaten-down name.
<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXc0H2EzQdT942bIq6ULNxCTt4cXBsrP6CU4h58_e30id4TSZseSYefxusjJWoSkrCzI8M4OBcoQDjn8iuJSS9Qie_4kTYDekJz1gI3USZS3jBn667epLUi0ZKrd1LbHIz2BeKCNpQ?key=-aMtQ7aK5BCc6huT2NprmXD9" alt="" /></figure>
Nucor has profit margins similar to American competitors like Steel Dynamics and Reliance Steel. Still, it pays a superior yield and has an impressive 8.2% dividend growth rate over the last three years. The stock trades at 10 times forward earnings and just 0.82 times sales, and its 18% decline in the previous month could present dividend seekers with a buying opportunity.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Altria Group Inc.&nbsp;</h2>
Not everyone will feel comfortable investing in a company that manufactures cigarettes. But if you're looking for a dividend yield in uncertain times, Altria Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MO#NYSE">MO</a>) is a stock that stands out for its strong payout and, yes, an addictive product with inelastic demand. The company distributes the Marlboro brand of tobacco, Black and Milds, and smokeless products like Skoal and Copenhagen.
<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXcDbvtfPIp7rOpqjShbpIzhBumfGZQQZn0ZuEueO5gaMvkUNt7ZcpzuCsHAO-TQmIZVv6uNzIct9lDucTbSpXJQRbSFuWi3JlghsSHsPDPXB-WMQ9N8YdekzZW3EFE3ZRlQx7ZnSw?key=-aMtQ7aK5BCc6huT2NprmXD9" alt="" /></figure>
For Altria, 2024 was one of its best years in a decade, thanks to a 20% stock price jump and solid earnings growth. The company has profit margins of over 50% and a tiny P/E ratio at 8.8. And did we mention the dividend? MO yields a whopping 7% and has raised its payout for 56 years. Despite the impressive yield, Altria's DPR is just 62.3%, making it manageable despite the hefty obligation. MO shares also earned an 89.76 Momentum score from Benzinga Edge, a rare feat for a tobacco company.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">McKesson Corp.&nbsp;</h2>
McKesson (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MCK#NYSE">MCK</a>) was among the few stocks to rally during the tariff tantrum on April 2, jumping 3% and building its year-to-date gain over 25%. Healthcare stocks are another safe harbor during uncertain periods, and investors have been flocking to McKesson, which is well-positioned to continue its substantial dividend boosts.
<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXcC7-GFFEago4CdSomH819SLSWaauJZNYHsxAY5HmfYaYfpmCFX6VXEoayinwFsfw96c06MVQFWZYwkDtoasl6GkjZyKfiIeYQcWEbdYJ8M5tjbcBWl2sh78w_fvyJjUCOzSM5c?key=-aMtQ7aK5BCc6huT2NprmXD9" alt="" /></figure>
MCK shares yield only 0.41%, but the dividend payout is $2.84 annually since the share price equals $700. While the yield seems paltry, the company has been aggressively boosting it over the last three years. Dividend growth exceeded 14% annually during the period, yet the DPR is still just 13%, giving the company plenty of room for future dividend raises. McKesson doesn't have the reputation of the Dividend Aristocrats mentioned above. Still, it does have 17 straight years of payout increases under its belt, and the stock trades at a reasonable 19.5 times forward earnings.
Photo: Shutterstock

Sit Out The Crash With These 5 Dividend Stocks

The new trade war precipitated by President <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44647999/trumps-tariff-war-could-take-us-tech-industry-back-a-decade-while-china-steam-rolls-ahead-analyst-says">Donald Trump‘s tariffs</a> has turned investors against companies heavily involved in the import-export market. Instead, companies with stable revenue, low valuations and little exposure to trade are rising.
Especially ones that offer nice dividends. Today, let&#8217;s look at a couple of examples.
Then, we will consider the three best dividend funds to capture this trend.
Consider companies like Verizon (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VZ#NYSE">VZ</a>) (6.07% dividend right now), which does not purchase or sell products in overseas markets, or tobacco giant Altria (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MO#NYSE">MO</a>) (7.25% dividend), which sells most of its products in the USA.
Past that, dividend stocks and funds have been performing well in 2025.
&#8220;Dividend-oriented strategies have performed well in the first quarter of 2025,&#8221; said William Connor, CFA, CFP, partner at Sax Wealth Advisors. &#8220;The SPDR S&amp;P Dividend ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SDY#NYSE">SDY</a>) generated a positive return during Q1 2025 of 2.71%, which compares favorably with the S&amp;P 500, which lost 4.55% in the first quarter of 2025.&#8221;
Although the S&amp;P 500 has outperformed over the last year, increasing 7.1% while the SDY was up 3.86%, dividend stocks tend to be less volatile, often due to the more defensive nature of the economic sectors in which they operate. &#8220;Ned Davis Research conducted a study of dividend-paying companies compared to non-dividend-paying companies,&#8221; Connor noted. &#8220;The results illustrated what many investors intuitively feel; dividend stocks exhibit lower volatility than non-dividend payers and a broad index like the S&amp;P 500.&#8221;
That data matters at a time when the Trump administration has sought a level playing field on tariffs, causing major upheaval in global markets.
&#8220;The impact of potential tariffs on the economy is unknowable at this point, given that the specifics have yet to be announced,&#8221; Connor said. &#8220;What is likely is the uncertainty around tariffs (amounts, sectors, and exemptions, for example) is leading many investors to be concerned about the outlook for US stocks.&#8221;
Since dividend stocks have been less volatile over time than the average stock, it&#8217;s reasonable for investors concerned with the growth outlook to focus on them. &#8220;The dividend payment provides a steady, predictable return to help manage volatility and risk,&#8221; Connor added.
Given the volatility linked to trade and tariffs, will that be the case going forward? Yes and no.
&#8220;In the short-term, tariffs are likely to be seen as a negative for dividend stocks – particularly globally-focused companies – as tariffs increase the price of imported goods or raw materials, which can impact profitability,&#8221; said Rob Edwards, managing director and senior portfolio manager at Florida-based Edwards Asset Management.
In the long run, however, Edwards believes dividend stocks should prosper, even with tariffs, as they are typically more mature companies that have proven resilient to many economic challenges.
&#8220;I believe that you should own dividend stocks to invest throughout an entire market cycle, not around it,&#8221; he noted.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Three Solid Dividend ETFs</h2>
Rather than take your chances with one or two individual dividend-paying stocks, curb some downside risk by leveraging dividend exchange-traded funds, where you can also get some bang for your buck.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">SPDR S&amp;P Dividend ETF</h3>
Like the best dividend ETFs, the SPDR S&amp;P Dividend ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SDY#NYSE">SDY</a>) is a tax-efficient, low-cost, highly liquid investment with broad exposure to high-quality stocks.
The fund aims to produce investment results corresponding to the total return performance of the S&amp;P High Yield Dividend Aristocrats Index. &#8220;The fund really focuses on S&amp;P Composite 1500 Index companies that have followed a managed-dividends policy of consistently increasing dividends every year for at least 20 consecutive years,&#8221; Connor said.
Dividend payments are about 0.80% and the fund has returned 4.76% year-to-date.
Dividend ETFs are not flashy, but they&#8217;re steady, and that&#8217;s what Steven Kibbel, a financial planner and chief editorial advisor at Gold IRA Companies in Franklin, Tenn. &#8220;Many people, especially retirees I work with, like them because they give regular income without needing to sell shares. That matters when you&#8217;re trying to make your savings last. These funds mostly hold big companies that keep paying dividends no matter what&#8217;s going on in the market. Think utilities, healthcare, and food companies. That kind of thing.&#8221;
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF</h3>
One dividend fund Kibbel favors holds those same traits &#8211; Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SCHD#NYSE">SCHD</a>).
&#8220;It&#8217;s simple, low-cost, and holds strong companies with solid financials,&#8221; he said. &#8220;I&#8217;ve used it for years with clients who want income and stability. Another one I use is iShares Select Dividend (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DVY#NASDAQ">DVY</a>). That one focuses more on higher yields. It&#8217;s not always the right fit for everyone, but it works well if income is the top goal.&#8221;
SCHD currently offers a healthy 3.85% dividend; its year-to-date returns are 2.93% compared to 4.49% for its category.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"> iShares Core High Dividend ETF</h3>
iShares Core High Dividend ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HDV#NYSE">HDV</a>) is another popular pick among money managers.
The fund holds 75 high-dividend-paying stocks and is energy-heavy, with Exxon (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XOM#NYSE">XOM</a>) and Chevron (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVX#NYSE">CVX</a>) comprising two of the top three fund holdings. Johnson &amp; Johnson (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JNJ#NYSE">JNJ</a>) also joins the group. 
Big-cap brand names are the fund&#8217;s bread and butter, although no one stock tops 9.3% of its holdings (that would be Exxon). The fund is up 7.75% and has generally landed in the 10% annual return range since it launched in 2011. HDV also offers a robust 3.41% dividend yield with an ultra-low 0.8% expense ratio.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What To Look For With Dividend ETFs</h2>
Before you get rolling on dividend funds and kick some tires, have a game plan to leverage that matches you up with the right fund.
&#8220;You want an ETF that holds reliable stocks with a history of raising dividends annually, and that offers a true hedge against inflation,&#8221; said Ketti Rose, the CEO and founder of Wealthy Femme, a money management platform geared toward women investors. &#8220;Also, ensure the expense ratio is low – the less, the better, as there&#8217;s no need to sacrifice returns for fees.&#8221;
Additionally, seek out ETFs that maintained steady — or even increased — dividends through past recessions (e.g., in 2008 or 2020). &#8220;That&#8217;s a strength you can depend on,&#8221; Rose noted.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Predictable Trading In Unpredictable Times</h2>
In a market dominated by tariff tensions, geopolitical surprises and Fed uncertainty, Matt Maley's technical approach delivers clear entry/exit points for consistent income potential. Try it <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/7-day-free-trial-matt-maley-inner-circle/?el=ResearchDaily&amp;he={{email}}&amp;adt_ei={{email}}&amp;utm_adType=SponsorAd&amp;utm_ad=RD0407&amp;utm_campaign=7daytrial">free for 7 days</a>. Gain Trading Confidence &amp; Income Potential. 
Photo: Shutterstock

Dividends

iShares Dow Jones Select Dividend Index Fund

Sit Out Market Drama With These 3 Dividend Funds

For many investors, dividend-focused <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/25/03/44565770/30-year-old-with-65k-in-stocks-sparks-debate-focusing-mostly-on-etfs-but-now-betting-on-bonds-small-caps-and-international-plays">stocks</a> and funds provide a way to generate passive income, whether to supplement retirement, cover day-to-day <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/02/43768530/should-married-couples-split-expenses-dave-ramsey-says-no-youre-married-not-roommates">expenses</a>, or even finance small luxuries like annual vacations.
While some aim for significant <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/03/44518501/20-year-old-university-student-wants-help-with-buying-dividend-stocks-whats-the-best-way-to-start-reddit-weights-in">dividend</a> payouts to replace their salary, others are happy with modest but constant returns that offer a little extra financial freedom.
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This is the case of a Reddit user who is exploring this approach. With $30,000 to invest, he's seeking long-term dividend stocks that can grow over the next 20 years until retirement. While he already holds dividend-paying stocks like Apple (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) and Walt Disney&nbsp; (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIS#NYSE">DIS</a>), he wants to expand his portfolio for stability and future income, even if it's just enough to cover yearly vacations.
&#8220;I currently have some stocks that give out dividends (Apple, Disney) but I&#8217;m looking for others. Long-term stability, that my wife and I can use the dividends as another form of income say in 20 years. Even if it&#8217;s just enough to pay for a yearly vacation here or there. Any thoughts on good companies to choose from?&#8221; he asked.
Let&#8217;s break down the Redditors&#8217; advice received in the comment section.
Trending: BlackRock is calling 2025 the year of alternative assets. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/masterworks">One firm from NYC has quietly built a group of 60,000+ investors who have all joined in on an alt asset class previously exclusive to billionaires like Bezos and Gates.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Where to Invest $30,000 to Generate Enough Income to Cover Yearly Vacations? Reddit Answers</h2>
Put the Money in an ETF
Several commenters recommended Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SCHD#NYSE">SCHD</a>) as a core holding because of its dividend yield, historical growth, and the low-risk, diversified exposure it offers investors.
&#8220;Go all in SCHD. Low risk, nice 3.5% starting yield and it will just keep growing,&#8221; a commenter said.
Reinforcing the idea that SCHD fits the poster&#8217;s long-term stability and dividend payout need, this Redditor also suggested he goes with SCHD: &#8220;Since you want some growth and decent payout, SCHD is a great option. 3.5% dividends and 11% growth over the last 10 years each year.&#8221;
&#8220;I would stick with S&amp;P 500 ETFs being young. Put it in a self-direct investment retirement account to avoid taxes,&#8221; a comment reads.
See Also: Have $200K saved?<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/have-200k-saved-heres-how-to-turn-it-into-lasting-wealth"> Here's how to turn it into lasting wealth</a>
Consider High-Yield Dividend Stocks and Trusts
Several commenters suggested higher-yield assets that would generate higher payouts for the investor in the long run.
&#8220;If you want higher yield stocks check: [Verizon Communications (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/vz#NYSE">VZ</a>)], [AT&amp;T (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/t#NYSE">T</a>)], [Realty Income Corporation (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/o#NYSE">O</a>)], [Altria Group (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/mo#NYSE">MO</a>)], [British American Tobacco (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/bti#NYSE">BTI</a>)],&#8221; a Redditor recommended.
A commenter mentioned United Parcel Service (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UPS#NYSE">UPS</a>) as a great pick since the company seems to start focusing on higher profit margin areas.
&#8220;UPS pays a solid dividend and the share price has been beaten down a lot on the news that they are reducing Amazon deliveries to focus on higher profit margin areas,&#8221; he said.
Suggesting a very detailed portfolio allocation, this Redditor mentioned several ETFs and individual stocks that he considers would help the poster reach his dividend and growth goals.
&#8220;[Vanguard S&amp;P 500 ETF (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/voo#NYSE">VOO</a>)] $5,000, 1.25% dividends. Do [dividend reinvestment plan] SCHD $5,000, 3.5% dividends. Do [dividend reinvestment plan], [JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/jepi#NYSE">JEPI</a>)], [JPMorgan Nasdaq Equity Premium Income ETF (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/jepq#NASDAQ">JEPQ</a>)​] ($5,000), 8% combined dividends. Do [dividend reinvestment plan] [Old Republic International Corporation (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ori#NYSE">ORI</a>)] $2,000, 3% dividends. Do [dividend reinvestment plan] [Waste Management (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/wm#NYSE">WM</a>)] and [Automatic Data Processing (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/adp#NASDAQ">ADP</a>)] ($3,000), 2% average dividend. Do [dividend reinvestment plan] [Pfizer (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/pfe#NYSE">PFE</a>)] and [Johnson &amp; Johnson (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/jnj#NYSE">JNJ</a>)] $2,000, 4.75% average dividend. Do [dividend reinvestment plan] [JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/jpm#NYSE">JPM</a>)] and [UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/unh#NYSE">UNH</a>)] $2,000, 2% average dividends. Do [dividend reinvestment plan] AAPL and [Microsoft (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/msft#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>)] $2,000. [The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ko#NYSE">KO</a>)] and MO $2,000, 5% average dividends. Do [dividend reinvestment plan] JPM or [American Express (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/axp#NYSE">AXP</a>)] $2,000. JPM has good potential growth,&#8221; the suggestion says.
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JEPI

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Man With $30K To Deploy Wants Dividends For Life – 'Even If It's Just Enough To Pay For A Yearly Vacation Here Or There,' Reddit Reacts

Financial giants have made a conspicuous bearish move on Altria Group. Our analysis of options history for Altria Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MO#NYSE">MO</a>) revealed 10 unusual trades.
Delving into the details, we found 40% of traders were bullish, while 50% showed bearish tendencies. Out of all the trades we spotted, 5 were puts, with a value of $478,824, and 5 were calls, valued at $192,171.
<h3>Expected Price Movements</h3>
Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $30.0 to $61.0 for Altria Group over the recent three months. 
<h3>Analyzing Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
Examining the volume and open interest provides crucial insights into stock research. This information is key in gauging liquidity and interest levels for Altria Group's options at certain strike prices. Below, we present a snapshot of the trends in volume and open interest for calls and puts across Altria Group's significant trades, within a strike price range of $30.0 to $61.0, over the past month.
<h3>Altria Group Call and Put Volume: 30-Day Overview</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1743619025_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Largest Options Trades Observed:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>MO</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/18/26</td>
<td>$2.42</td>
<td>$2.33</td>
<td>$2.33</td>
<td>$47.50</td>
<td>$349.5K</td>
<td>1.8K</td>
<td>1.5K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/15/27</td>
<td>$28.2</td>
<td>$27.9</td>
<td>$28.2</td>
<td>$30.00</td>
<td>$64.8K</td>
<td>7</td>
<td>52</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$8.2</td>
<td>$8.1</td>
<td>$8.1</td>
<td>$50.00</td>
<td>$40.5K</td>
<td>12</td>
<td>51</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MO</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/04/25</td>
<td>$1.12</td>
<td>$0.86</td>
<td>$0.9</td>
<td>$58.00</td>
<td>$38.1K</td>
<td>3.1K</td>
<td>1.6K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$10.3</td>
<td>$9.85</td>
<td>$9.96</td>
<td>$50.00</td>
<td>$35.8K</td>
<td>8.3K</td>
<td>82</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Altria Group</h3>
Altria comprises Philip Morris USA, US Smokeless Tobacco, John Middleton, Horizon Innovations, and Helix Innovations. Through its tobacco subsidiaries, Altria maintains the leading position in cigarettes and smokeless tobacco in the United States and the number-two spot in machine-made cigars. The company's Marlboro brand is the leading cigarette brand in the US with 42% annual share in 2024. Beyond its core business, it holds an 8% interest in the world's largest brewer, Anheuser-Busch InBev and a 41% stake in cannabis manufacturer Cronos. It also acquired vaping company Njoy Holdings in 2023 and operates a joint venture with Japan Tobacco in the heated tobacco category.
After a thorough review of the options trading surrounding Altria Group, we move to examine the company in more detail. This includes an assessment of its current market status and performance.
<h3>Current Position of Altria Group</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a volume of 12,441,737, the price of MO is up 0.02% at $58.8. </li>
<li>RSI indicators hint that the underlying stock is currently neutral between overbought and oversold.</li>
<li>Next earnings are expected to be released in 27 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Professional Analyst Ratings for Altria Group</h3>
A total of 1 professional analysts have given their take on this stock in the last 30 days, setting an average price target of $46.0.
Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move
Benzinga Edge's Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22bz20&amp;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=options-activity&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from UBS continues to hold a Sell rating for Altria Group, targeting a price of $46. 
Trading options involves greater risks but also offers the potential for higher profits. Savvy traders mitigate these risks through ongoing education, strategic trade adjustments, utilizing various indicators, and staying attuned to market dynamics. Keep up with the latest options trades for Altria Group with <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.

Altria Group's Options Frenzy: What You Need to Know

During times of turbulence and uncertainty in the markets, many investors turn to dividend-yielding stocks. These are often companies that have high free cash flows and reward shareholders with a<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/yield-investments"> high dividend payout</a>.
Benzinga readers can review the latest analyst takes on their favorite stocks by visiting <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings">Analyst Stock Ratings</a> page. Traders can sort through Benzinga's extensive database of analyst ratings, including <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/22/09/28888638/exclusive-study-finds-benzinga-analyst-ratings-data-yields-market-beating-strategie">by analyst accuracy</a>.
Below are the ratings of the most accurate analysts for three high-yielding stocks in the consumer staples sector.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MO#NYSE">MO</a>)</h3>
<ul>
<li>Dividend Yield: 6.94%</li>
<li>B of A Securities analyst Lisa Lewandowski upgraded the stock from Neutral to Buy and increased the price target from $55 to $65 on Dec. 6, 2024. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 66%.</li>
<li>Barclays analyst Gaurav Jain maintained an Underweight rating and raised the price target from $45 to $46 on Nov. 6, 2024. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 64%.</li>
<li>Recent News: On Jan. 30, the company posted upbeat quarterly sales.</li>
<li>Benzinga Pro&#8217;s real-time newsfeed alerted to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0402">latest MO news</a>. </li>
</ul>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0402"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="858" height="755" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/02042845/image-21.png" alt="" class="wp-image-852766" style="width:527px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/02042845/image-21.png 858w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/02042845/image-21-300x264.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/02042845/image-21-768x676.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 858px) 100vw, 858px" /></a></figure>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WBA#NASDAQ">WBA</a>)</h3>
<ul>
<li>Dividend Yield: 8.96%</li>
<li>Deutsche Bank analyst George Hill downgraded the stock from Hold to Sell and cut the price target from $11 to $9 on Feb. 28, 2025. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 62%.</li>
<li>Truist Securities analyst David Macdonald maintained a Hold rating and cut the price target from $13 to $12 on Jan. 31, 2025. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 68%</li>
<li>Recent News: On March 6, Walgreens announced it entered into a definitive agreement to be taken private by an entity affiliated with Sycamore Partners for $10 billion.</li>
<li>Benzinga Pro's real-time newsfeed alerted to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0402">latest WBA news</a> </li>
</ul>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0402"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="922" height="835" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/02042917/image-22.png" alt="" class="wp-image-852768" style="width:593px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/02042917/image-22.png 922w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/02042917/image-22-300x272.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/02042917/image-22-768x696.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 922px) 100vw, 922px" /></a></figure>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">B&amp;G Foods, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BGS#NYSE">BGS</a>)</h3>
<ul>
<li>Dividend Yield: 10.92%</li>
<li>Piper Sandler analyst Michael Lavery maintained a Neutral rating and lowered the price target from $8 to $7 on Feb. 26, 2025. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 67%.</li>
<li>Barclays analyst Brandt Montour maintained an Equal-Weight rating and cut the price target from $8 to $7 on Nov. 7, 2024. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 61%.</li>
<li>Recent News: On Feb. 25, B&amp;G Foods posted better-than-expected quarterly earnings.</li>
<li>Benzinga Pro&#8217;s real-time newsfeed alerted to latest BGS <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0402">news </a></li>
</ul>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0402"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="920" height="836" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/02042949/image-1-4.png" alt="" class="wp-image-852769" style="width:565px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/02042949/image-1-4.png 920w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/02042949/image-1-4-300x273.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/02042949/image-1-4-768x698.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 920px) 100vw, 920px" /></a></figure>
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Wall Street's Most Accurate Analysts Give Their Take On 3 Defensive Stocks With Over 6% Dividend Yields

UBS analyst Faham Baig maintains Altria Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MO#NYSE">MO</a>) with a Sell and raises the price target from $42 to $46.

UBS Maintains Sell on Altria Group, Raises Price Target to $46

Retirement should be a time of financial peace, not stress; yet, for many soon-to-be retirees, the transition from <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40147003/rich-dad-poor-dad-author-robert-kiyosaki-sees-wealth-accumulation-in-market-declines-markets-are-cra">wealth accumulation</a> to income generation can be challenging.
The pressure to restructure the portfolio, ensuring it generates sufficient <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/03/44461718/high-income-earner-with-3000-monthly-to-invest-faces-big-decision-i-definitely-want-to-diversify-beyond-ai-and-dividends">income</a> to live comfortably, is immense, more so when market volatility looms. For those with low-risk tolerance, the task is even more daunting because the wrong move could mean returning to work or cutting back on living expenses drastically.
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A Redditor has shared in a post that he&#8217;s faced with this exact challenge. With just eight months until retirement, the investor, a 62-year-old, has $400,000 to invest and is looking for maximal monthly dividend income with minimal risk.
Although this income won&#8217;t be his primary retirement funding but extra lifestyle cash to supplement his pension, the pressure to restructure his allocations wisely is immense for the poster.
&#8220;I&#8217;m in an odd spot due to exiting a business as a founder. My retirement scenario gets better every year. If I ever need extra cash, it will be in the first 5 years. I have a low-risk tolerance. Or, God forbid, I would need to go back to work if it crashed! It looks like we are in a dip now, obviously a high rate environment. Would this qualify as a better time to buy?&#8221; the investor wrote.
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The responses to his post ranged from ultra-conservative to moderately aggressive, so let&#8217;s analyze them.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Soon-to-be Retiree Has $400,000 to Invest for Dividend Income–Reddit Weights In</h2>
Invest in High-Quality Dividend ETFs
Considering the investor&#8217;s low-risk approach, Redditors suggested he pick a few high-quality ETFs to invest in.
&#8220;[Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/schd#NYSE">SCHD</a>)] gets you a decent amount,&#8221; a comment reads.
&#8220;[NEOS S&amp;P 500 High Income ETF (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/spyi#NYSE">SPYI</a>)] and chill,&#8221; says a Redditor, to which another user replied, &#8220;One advantage of SPYI is that its dividends are mainly return of capital. So, the tax is lower than an unqualified dividend from, say a [business development company]. However, if you use a tax-advantaged account like the Roth, that doesn&#8217;t matter.&#8221;
A commenter mentioned he splits his portfolio between two ETFs.
&#8220;I split between SPYI and [JPMorgan Nasdaq Equity Premium Income ETF (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/jepq#NASDAQ">JEPQ</a>)​],&#8221; he said.
&#8220;[​JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/jepi#NYSE">JEPI</a>)​], JEPQ, [WP Carey (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/wpc#NYSE">WPC</a>)], [Enterprise Products Partners LP (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/epd#NYSE">EPD</a>)], [MPLX LP (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/mplx#NYSE">MPLX</a>)], SPYI,&#8221; an allocation suggestion reads.
A Reddit user wrote that this favorite individual stock of many investors is the perfect choice since it generates a 7% dividend yield per year.
&#8220;[Altria Group (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/mo#NYSE">MO</a>)] &#8211; recession resistant, 7% yield. Your $400,000 would kick out $28,000 a year in income,&#8221; he said.
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Go For Higher-Yielding Income Plays
Several Redditors suggested business development companies and covered-call ETFs since they deliver around 8% to 11% yields if the investor can handle a bit of risk.
&#8220;High-quality [business development companies] like [Ares Capital Corporation (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/arcc#NASDAQ">ARCC</a>)​], [Blue Owl Capital Corporation (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/obdc#NYSE">OBDC</a>)], [Golub Capital BDC (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/gbdc#NASDAQ">GBDC</a>)], [Blackstone Secured Lending Fund (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/bxsl#NYSE">BXSL</a>)], [Main Street Capital Corporation (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/main#NYSE">MAIN</a>)], [Capital Southwest Corporation (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/cswc#NASDAQ">CSWC</a>)], [Fidus Investment Corporation (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/fdus#NASDAQ">FDUS</a>)]. Average 9% yield,&#8221; a user recommended.
&#8220;[Business development companies] are a solid income-producing asset. This person doesn&#8217;t have decades to wait for growth. They need the money now as they are about to retire and growth was presumably the focus for the past few decades,&#8221; an advocate for business development companies wrote.
A Redditor shared in the comments that he&#8217;s been retired for 15 years and has the biggest part of his portfolio in high-yield business development companies.
&#8220;I&#8217;m 78 and have been retired for 15 years. I&#8217;m fortunate that social security and pensions cover my living expenses. The majority of my portfolio is high-yield [business development companies], [closed-end funds], and [real estate investment trusts]. The average yield is a tad over 10%. In 2022, the total value dropped but less than the DOW or S&amp;P. The dividends kept on coming without missing a beat. High risk they say, high rewards I say. It allows me to spend winters in Florida and yearly overseas vacations. I have zero regrets,&#8221; the retiree said.
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