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PepsiCo isn't growing as quickly as it once was, but it's still one of those companies that's hard to ignore. International sales are on pace to top $40B for the first time, helping offset softer demand in the U.S. For dividend investors, the 4.1% yield is attractive, and it's backed by 55 consecutive years of dividend increases. The payout ratio is a little higher than I'd like, but the business continues to generate steady earnings to support it.

Apple Hospitality REIT isn't the fastest-growing dividend stock, but there are a few things I liked from its latest quarter. Room revenue was up more than 2%, and the company beat expectations on both revenue and earnings while keeping costs under control. The 5.7% yield stands out, especially since the balance sheet is in better shape than many of its peers. The dividend hasn't grown much yet, but for investors looking for monthly income, it's an interesting name to keep on the watchlist.

NextEra Energy, Inc. (NEE) operates the largest electric utility holding structure in the United States, pairing a regulated Florida power business serving 12 million people with the world's largest wind and solar generation platform. Second-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings per share rose 9.5% to $1.15, beating estimates, while a record 35.1-gigawatt project backlog and a pending merger with Dominion Energy point to years of continued expansion. On the dividend side, a 32-year increase streak and a 10% three-year dividend growth rate rank among the strongest in its peer group, though elevated leverage and a tight two-year construction timeline are worth watching. There is more behind this reaffirmed position worth digging into.

RTX isn't the first name that comes to mind for dividend investors, but its latest results caught my attention. The company reported 16% organic sales growth, a record order backlog, and defense orders that were up 22% year over year. The yield is only 1.36%, but it's backed by a 39% payout ratio and a dividend that's grown about 7% over the past three years. Sometimes the more interesting dividend stories aren't the ones with the highest yields.

The Fed held rates steady but not unanimous. 9-3 vote - Three Fed officials dissented in favor of a rate hike - Chair Warsh signaled less forward guidance, putting even more focus on incoming economic data. Here's what investors need to know before September's meeting: mutualfunds.com/news/2026/07/2…

@Kalshi It's been 113 years...

JUST IN: US dollar lost 97% of purchasing power since 1913

Assets in AI-focused thematic ETFs have surged from $10.3B to nearly $65B in just one year, making AI the largest thematic ETF category by assets.

This week we're watching the Fed's shifting rate outlook, fresh inflation signals, rising gas and electricity costs, and earnings for clues on where the economy is.

Popular, Inc. ($BPOP) delivered a strong Q1 2026, beating earnings expectations as net interest margin expanded for the fifth consecutive quarter. While its 1.73% forward dividend yield is below many banking peers, the company pairs a low 19% payout ratio with a net cash balance sheet and has grown its dividend at a 10% annual rate over the past three years.

Most popular dividend stocks on our site this past week: • Realty Income ($O) • Pfizer ($PFE) • Verizon ($VZ) • Altria ($MO) • PepsiCo ($PEP) • AT&T ($T) • Procter & Gamble ($PG) • AGNC Investment ($AGNC) • Coca-Cola ($KO) • Energy Transfer ($ET)

This week's Dividend Capture pick: $NWN ✅ A Dividend Safety Rating ✅ 68% payout ratio ✅ 0.4 beta ✅ Historically recovers from its ex-dividend dip in under 9 days With a July 31 ex-dividend date approaching, Northwest Natural deserves a closer look.

Most popular ETFs on our site this past week: • Global X Defense Tech ETF ($SHLD) • Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF ($BND) • First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund ($EMLP) • Schwab U.S. TIPS ETF ($SCHP) • Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund ($XLF) • FT Energy Income Partners Strategy ETF ($EIPX) • USCF Midstream Energy Income Fund ETF ($UMI) • Bastion Energy ETF ($BESF) • Amplify Samsung U.S. Natural Gas Infrastructure ETF ($USNG) • Invesco QQQ Trust ($QQQ)

MSCI ($MSCI) recently delivered double-digit revenue and earnings growth, fueled by strong subscription demand and record inflows into index-linked funds. Dividend investors should take note: • 12 consecutive years of dividend growth • 14% annual dividend growth rate over the past 3 years • 40% payout ratio • Strong recurring revenue model A high-quality business with durable cash flows and a steadily growing dividend is always worth watching.

PepsiCo ($PEP) just raised its dividend 4%, extending its streak to 54 consecutive years of growth. Key dividend metrics: • 4.20% forward dividend yield • 54 consecutive years of dividend growth • Strong liquidity and low leverage • Dividend yield above its consumer staples peer average Near-term margin pressure and softer volumes remain challenges, but PepsiCo’s scale and payout history continue to make it a core income holding to watch.

The Cigna Group ($CI) recent results included 16% adjusted EPS growth and a higher full-year outlook, supported by strength in specialty pharmacy. A 20% payout ratio, 22-year streak of non-decreasing dividends, and 8% three-year dividend growth rate suggest there's more to the story than its 2% yield.

Stock highlight -> East West Bancorp ($EWBC) The Southern California bank posted record loans, deposits, and fee income last quarter, with EPS up 23% YoY. • 9 consecutive years of dividend growth • 30% payout ratio • 19% 3-year dividend growth rate • More cash than debt on the balance sheet A modest yield today, but strong growth potential for long-term income investors.