Market Volatility Ahead: High-Yield Dividend Stocks to Weather the Storm
As the stock market enters uncharted territory, investors are bracing themselves for a potentially tumultuous year. With interest rates on the rise and earnings forecasts reaching lofty heights, it’s essential to adopt a defensive strategy. High-yield dividend stocks offer a steady income stream, regardless of market fluctuations, making them an attractive option for investors seeking stability.
Economic Indicators Point to a Shift
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a significant increase in new jobs in December, exceeding expectations. This development has pushed back expectations for additional interest rate cuts, leading to a shift in market sentiment. Furthermore, the upcoming Q4 earnings reports are expected to reveal an overall earnings increase of 7.3% among S&P-listed firms, the second-highest forecast in three years. While this may seem like a positive sign, it also increases the likelihood of disappointing earnings, making high-yield dividend stocks a more appealing choice.
Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance: A High-Yield Dividend Stock in the Cannabis Sector
Real estate investment trusts (REITs) are known for their high and reliable dividends, making them an attractive option for income-seeking investors. Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance, a REIT operating in the cannabis sector, offers a unique twist. As the “lender of choice” to leading cannabis operations, the company navigates the complex regulatory landscape to provide necessary capital to the industry.
With a portfolio of loans to 29 firms, totaling $362.3 million, Chicago Atlantic has demonstrated its ability to manage risk in a challenging sector. The company’s distributable earnings per share, a key metric for dividend stocks, came in at 56 cents, beating expectations. The recent declaration of a 47-cent dividend per common share, with a forward yield of 12.4%, has caught the attention of analysts.
Analyst Aaron Grey of Alliance Global Partners believes Chicago Atlantic is well-positioned to succeed in the cannabis market, citing its ability to manage risk, healthy liquidity, and ample opportunities. Grey’s Buy rating and $20 price target suggest a potential 32% gain on the one-year horizon.
Plains All American Pipeline: A Midstream Operator with a Strong Dividend Yield
The energy sector is another area where high-yield dividend stocks can be found. Plains All American Pipeline, a midstream operator, owns and operates a vast network of assets for the transport and storage of crude oil, natural gas, and refined petroleum products.
With a market cap of $13.3 billion, Plains All American is a significant player in the oil and gas industry. The company’s recent dividend declaration of 38 cents per common share, representing a 20% boost from the prior quarterly dividend, offers a forward yield of 8%.
Analyst Keith Stanley of Wolfe Research believes Plains All American shares are undervalued, citing strong financial results and a widening valuation discount. Stanley’s Outperform rating and $22 price target suggest a potential 16% upside on the one-year horizon.
Finding High-Yield Dividend Stocks in a Volatile Market
In a market characterized by uncertainty, high-yield dividend stocks offer a sense of stability. By focusing on companies with strong financials, a history of paying consistent dividends, and a competitive edge in their respective industries, investors can weather the storm. To find more high-yield dividend stocks trading at attractive valuations, visit TipRanks’ Best Stocks to Buy, a tool that unites all of TipRanks’ equity insights.
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