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Articles by Ben Reynolds
The Horne Section: Six Absolute Helmets
The Horne Section: Six Absolute Helmets Musical comedy 27th Jan 2027 - 7th Jul 2027 Five outstanding musicians. One non-musical stand-up. Six Absolute Helmets. Zero sensible reasons to put them in charge of a show. After two sold-out years on tour, The Horne Section are back with a brand-new tour for 2027.
New Hampshire workers face major challenges despite indicators of an improving job market
Preliminary data indicates that nonfarm employment in New Hampshire rose by 1.1% from January through July 2026, but fell short of a full recovery from job losses during 2025. In 2026, the Granite State labor market began to show signs of recovery from its 2025 slowdown. Preliminary data indicates that nonfarm employment in New Hampshire rose by 1.1% from January through July 2026, but fell short of a full recovery from job losses during 2025.
Study: High Gas Prices Could Bring Short-Term Strain for Family Budgets and Long-Term Challenges for NH Roads
KEY POINTS Gasoline prices have risen sharply since late February 2026, increasing costs for New Hampshire households. Households with lower incomes may face greater hardships from these increases as fuel costs are now require a larger share of personal budgets. Rural households may be especially affected, as residents often need to drive longer distances for work, services, and everyday needs.
CTBI: A Regional Bank with Solid Dividend Growth
Community Trust Bancorp Inc. (CTBI) is a regional bank with 84 branch locations in Kentucky, Tennessee, and West Virginia. Overall, the stock is expected to return 7.8% per year over the next five years thanks to 4% growth in earnings per share, a dividend yield of 3.7%, and a 0.6% expected valuation tailwind, suggests Ben Reynolds, editor of Sure Retirement. CTBI is the second-largest bank in Kentucky, with a recent market capitalization of $1 billion.
3 Reasons Why Some Companies Do Not Pay Dividends
Updated on September 22nd, 2025 by Bob Ciura This article is a guest contribution by Ryan Scribner from Investing Simple. When it comes to investing in the stock market, you primarily have two types of investors out there. The first is a growth investor. This is someone who is looking to put their money behind companies that are expanding and scaling operations. In turn, this should translate to growth in revenue or total sales.
Investor Shelby Davis | $50k to $900 Million Net Worth Starting At Age 38
Updated on August 27th, 2025 by Bob Ciura Shelby Davis started investing with $50,000 at age 38. He amassed a $900 million fortune and joined the list of the Forbes 400 wealthiest individuals by the time of his death at 85. Shelby Davis made his fortune investing primarily in insurance stocks. Note: Five of the 69 Dividend Aristocrats are in the insurance industry — Aflac (AFL), Brown & Brown (BRO), Chubb (CB), Erie Indemnity (ERIE), and Cincinnati Financial (CINF).
How To Build Your Dividend Growth Portfolio From Scratch
Updated on May 27th, 2025 by Bob Ciura When you start investing, you know the least about investing that you will ever know. This can lead to poor initial results, and ultimately ‘quitting’ investing without ever benefiting from the prosperity creating effects of compound interest. If you are starting from scratch, it pays to begin your investment journey with the knowledge necessary to succeed. This article is your guide on how to invest well, from the start.
Snowball Effect Investing | Compound Your Wealth Like Warren Buffett
Updated on May 22nd, 2025 by Bob Ciura The snowball effect shows the power of compounding. When you push a small snowball down a hill, it continuously picks up snow. When it reaches the bottom of the hill it is a giant snow boulder. The snowball compounds during its travel down the hill. The bigger it gets, the more snow it packs on with each revolution. The snowball effect explains how small actions carried out over time can lead to big results.
The Pros & Cons Of Dividend Stock Investing
Updated on May 20th, 2025 This is a guest contribution by Ethan Holden, with updates from Bob Ciura. Investing in dividends allows an investor to take advantage of many aspects of investing while moving away from reliance on inherently volatile stock market prices. Dividend investing consists of a strategy which emphasizes high dividend stocks to create income.
Dividend Aristocrats In Focus: PepsiCo
Updated on March 7th, 2025 by Nathan Parsh We believe the Dividend Aristocrats are the “cream of the crop” of the U.S. stock market. The Dividend Aristocrats are a group of S&P 500 stocks that have increased their dividends for at least 25 years, among other requirements. With this in mind, we created a list of all 69 Dividend Aristocrats, along with important financial metrics such as dividend yields and price-to-earnings ratios.
Dividend Aristocrats In Focus: Aflac
Updated on March 7th, 2025 by Nathan Parsh Insurance can be a great business. Insurers collect revenue from policy premiums and make money by investing the accumulated premiums not paid out in claims, known as the float. Even legendary investor Warren Buffet sees the value of insurance stocks –his investment conglomerate Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A) (BRK.B) owns GEICO, General Re, and more.
Dividend Aristocrats In Focus: Coca-Cola
Updated on March 4th, 2025 by Felix Martinez Investors should focus on high-quality dividend growth stocks for superior long-term returns. This is the case when reviewing the Dividend Aristocrats, a select group of 69 companies in the S&P 500 Index with at least 25 consecutive years of dividend increases. We have created a free Excel list of all 69 Dividend Aristocrats and relevant financial metrics such as P/E ratios and dividend payout ratios.
Dividend Aristocrats In Focus: Exxon Mobil Corporation
Updated on March 1st, 2025 by Felix Martinez Long histories of dividend growth are not typical in the energy sector. The oil and gas industry is highly cyclical, preventing the vast majority of companies from raising their dividends yearly without interruption. When oil and gas prices are high, energy companies enjoy a windfall that flows through to investors. But when commodity prices decline, profits evaporate, and in some cases, dividends as well.
Dividend Aristocrats In Focus: Chevron Corporation
Updated on February 20th, 2025 by Felix Martinez Chevron Corporation (CVX) is one of the world’s largest and most well-known energy stocks. It is also one of the energy sector’s most stable dividend growth companies, having grown its dividend for 38 consecutive years. As a result, Chevron is a member of the exclusive Dividend Aristocrats – a group of 69 elite dividend stocks with 25+ years of consecutive dividend increases.
Dividend Aristocrats In Focus: S&P Global
Updated on February 18th, 2025 by Felix Martinez Each year, we publish an in-depth look at each of the Dividend Aristocrats, an exclusive list of stocks in the S&P 500 Index with 25+ years of consecutive dividend increases. There are just 69 Dividend Aristocrats in the entire S&P 500 Index, indicating difficulty in reaching 25 consecutive annual dividend increases.
Dividend Aristocrats In Focus: Federal Realty Investment Trust
Updated on February 11th, 2025 by Felix Martinez When it comes to dividend growth stocks, the Dividend Aristocrats are the “cream of the crop.” These are stocks in the S&P 500 Index, with 25+ consecutive years of dividend increases. Additionally, the Dividend Aristocrats must meet certain market cap and liquidity requirements. It is relatively difficult to become a Dividend Aristocrat, which is why only 69 of them exist. With that in mind, we created a full list of all 69 Dividend Aristocrats.
Dividend Aristocrats In Focus: Medtronic
Updated on February 10th, 2025 by Felix Martinez Investors looking for high-quality dividend growth stocks should focus, in part, on companies that maintain long histories of dividend increases. Steady dividend raises from year to year, regardless of the economic climate, is a sign of a company with durable competitive advantages and long-term growth potential.
Can Dividends Make You Rich? | How To Get Rich Off Dividends
Updated on January 27th, 2025 This article is a guest contribution by Dividend Growth Investor, with edits and additions from Ben Reynolds and Bob Ciura. Can an investor really get rich from dividends? The short answer is “yes”. With a high savings rate, robust investment returns, and a long enough time horizon, this will lead to surprising wealth in the long run. For many investors who are just starting out, this may seem like an unrealistic pipe dream.
The 8 Rules Of Dividend Investing
Updated December 10th, 2024 by Ben Reynolds The 8 Rules of Dividend Investing help investors determine what dividend stocks to buy and sell for rising portfolio income over time. This can help you find the right securities to build or grow your retirement portfolio for rising passive income. All of The 8 Rules are supported by academic research and ‘common sense’ principles from some of the world’s greatest investors.
'He was too quick with answers'
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Where to Find the Best Po'Boys in New Orleans
New Orleans, a city renowned for its vibrant culture, rich history, and unparalleled cuisine, is home to one of the most iconic sandwiches in American food culture—the po’boy. This humble sandwich, steeped in history and brimming with flavor, is more than just a meal; it symbolizes the city’s resilience, creativity, and love for good food. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, hunting down the perfect po’ boy is a must-do experience.
An Electric and Gas Utility that Has Earned "Dividend King"
Black Hills Corp. (BKH) is an electric utility that provides electricity and natural gas to customers in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming. Black Hills was founded in 1941, and has a $3.6 billion market cap, while generating about $2.2 billion in annual revenue. The company is a Dividend King thanks to 54 years of consecutive dividend increases, explains Ben Reynolds, editor of Sure Retirement. Black Hills posted fourth-quarter and full-year earnings on Feb.
National study on the risks of COVID-19 infection for paediatric kidney transplant recipients: a retrospective, cross-sectional study
National study on the risks of COVID-19 infection for paediatric kidney transplant recipients: a retrospective, cross-sectional study Statistics from Altmetric.com Request Permissions If you wish to reuse any or all of this article please use the link below which will take you to the Copyright Clearance Center’s RightsLink service. You will be able to get a quick price and instant permission to reuse the content in many different ways.
Top Picks 2024: Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA)
Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) is one of the largest pharmacies in the world. The company boasts more than 13,000 stores in the US, Europe, and Latin America. It also generates more than $130 billion in annual revenue, and has increased its dividend for 47 consecutive years. While the above statistics paint the picture of a ‘boring’ mature dividend growth stock, Walgreens actually has exciting upside valuation potential, explains Ben Reynolds, editor of Sure Dividend.
A Consistent Dividend Payer Benefitting from Today’s Rate Environ
Automatic Data Processing (ADP) is a cloud-based HR capital management solutions platform that operates globally. The company has two operating segments: Employer Services and Professional Employer Organization (PEO), writes Ben Reynolds, editor of Sure Passive Income. The Employer Services segment offers HR outsourcing solutions, including payroll, benefits administration, talent management, workforce management, compliance services, and HCM solutions.
A Multifamily REIT with a Strong History of Rising FFO, Dividend
Essex Property Trust (ESS) was founded in 1971 and became a publicly traded REIT in 1994. The trust invests in west coast multifamily residential proprieties where it engages in development, redevelopment, management, and acquisition of apartment communities and a few other select properties, writes Ben Reynolds, editor of Top 10 REITs. Essex has ownership interests in several hundred apartment communities consisting of over 60,000 apartment homes.
What’s Behind These Eye-Popping Yield and Potential Return Figure
Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) leads this month’s “Top 10” list off with some eye-popping numbers: A 24.2% expected total return and a 9.2% starting dividend yield. You don’t usually see those types of figures for an established company with a 47-year history of increasing its dividend and an expected payout ratio under 50%, highlights Ben Reynolds, editor of Sure Dividend.
A Global Leader in Tools That’s Also a "Dividend King"
Stanley Black & Decker (SWK) can trace its history back to 1843. It is a world leader in power tools, hand tools, and related items, with the top global position in tools and storage sales and second position in the area of engineered fastening, shares Ben Reynolds, editor of Sure Retirement. On July 28, SWK announced a 1.3% quarterly dividend increase. This extended the company’s dividend growth streak to 56 consecutive years, making it a Dividend King. On Aug.
A Mid-Atlantic Bank with a Generous Yield, Solid Return Potentia
Founded in 1870, Norwood Financial (NWFL) is an attractive bank holding company that operates through its subsidiary, Wayne Bank. It has 14 offices in Northeastern Pennsylvania and 16 offices in Delaware, Sullivan, Ontario, Otsego, and Yates Counties, New York, and offers investors the potential for annual total returns of almost 16%, highlights Ben Reynolds, editor of Sure Dividend.
Solid Growth, Solid Payouts Make this an Attractive Long-Term Inv
Southwest Airlines (LUV) is not on my Top 10 stock list this month, but the company does have a policy that is applicable to the Sure Passive Income Newsletter. I’m going to explain what it is today, writes Ben Reynolds, editor of Sure Passive Income. When you are booking a flight, you might wait to try to get the best price. However, Southwest does not charge change or cancellation fees. So, if the flight price declines, you can rebook and get the difference back.
Solid Growth, Solid Payouts Make this an Attractive Long-Term Inv
Southwest Airlines (LUV) is not on my Top 10 stock list this month, but the company does have a policy that is applicable to the Sure Passive Income Newsletter. I’m going to explain what it is today, writes Ben Reynolds, editor of Sure Passive Income. When you are booking a flight, you might wait to try to get the best price. However, Southwest does not charge change or cancellation fees. So, if the flight price declines, you can rebook and get the difference back.
On Target for Double-Digit Returns
Target (TGT) has about 1,850 big box stores in the U.S., which offer general merchandise and food, as well as serving as distribution points for the company’s e-commerce business, notes Ben Reynolds, income expert and editor of Sure Dividend. Target has a market cap of $63 billion and should produce about $110 billion in total revenue. The company posted first-quarter earnings in May and results were better than expected on both the top and bottom lines.
MMM: With Claims Settled, Look to this High-Yielding Industrial Giant
3M Co. (MMM) has four operating divisions. Its business tends to rise and fall with the broader economy, but its industry dominance has come about due to its focus on innovation, writes Ben Reynolds, editor of Sure Retirement. The Safety & Industrial division produces tapes, abrasives, adhesives, supply chain management software, personal protective gear, and security products. The Health Care segment supplies medical and surgical products, and drug delivery systems.
BR: A "Buy and Hold" Name That Should Spin Off Attractive Returns
There is a tremendous amount of time devoted to figuring out the “right” time to invest. Whether we’re talking about the market as a whole or an individual security, investors spend an immense amount of effort trying to pick the perfect moments. But an example with one of our Top 10 selections, Broadridge Financial (BR), shows why investors might not want to worry about timing that much, explains Ben Reynolds, editor of Sure Passive Income. It’s human nature to want to get a good deal.
A High-End Retail and Residential REIT with a Handsome Return Pro
Federal Realty Investment Trust (FRT) is a real estate investment trust that specializes in high-end retail and residence properties in the US. The trust develops and redevelops properties primarily in high-cost coastal markets, which gives it strong moats in terms of occupancy rates and pricing power, writes Ben Reynolds, editor of Top 10 REITs. Federal Realty has grown to just over 100 properties across the country, collectively making up about 26 million square feet.
CATC: A New England Bank Worth Looking Into Amid Sector Slump
Industries, and occasionally entire sectors, go in and out of favor. Right now, the regional banking sector is out of favor. But many regional banks have proven they can grow their dividend through difficult times for financials. One example is Cambridge Bancorp (CATC) with 24 consecutive years of dividend increases, highlights Ben Reynolds, editor of Sure Dividend. The S&P Regional Banking ETF (KRE) is down ~50% from its all-time high price of $78.81 reached in January of 2022.
A Regional Stock Worth Banking On
Bank OZK (OZK), previously Bank of the Ozarks, is a $4 billion market cap regional bank that was founded in 1903 and is headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas, notes Ben Reynolds, editor of Sure Retirement. With the recent negative news around banking, you might not be particularly enthused by a security like Bank OZK, which is being featured in the Sure Retirement Top 10 for the second straight month. However, we find that it is useful to take a step back and think about the long term.
WBA: A Recession-Resistant Retailing Behemoth With a Generous Yield
Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. (WBA) is the largest retail pharmacy in both the US and Europe. Through its flagship Walgreens business and other business ventures, the $30 billion market cap company has a presence in nine countries and about 13,000 stores in the US, Europe, and Latin America, elucidates Ben Reynolds, editor at Top 10 Dividend Elite. The company operates several brands, with Walgreens and Duane Reade collectively making up the vast majority of locations.
PPG: A Leading Paint and Coatings Company Taking the Business by Storm
PPG Industries Inc. (PPG) is one of the world’s largest paints and coatings companies. Higher input costs are going to impact it, along with the rest of the industry, but price increases throughout the business were only partially offset by volume decreases. This shows that PPG remains a top pick among customers even if realized prices are higher, explains Ben Reynolds, editor of Sure Passive Income. PPG Industries was founded in 1883 and today has operations in more than 70 countries.
A Beaten Down Healthcare REIT That’s Worth Another Look
Founded in 2003, Medical Properties Trust (MPW) is the only pure-play hospital real estate investment trust (REIT) today. With 20 years of experience, it enjoys specialized operating and investing knowledge within its niche, writes Ben Reynolds, editor of Top 10 REITs. MPW owns a well-diversified portfolio of over 400 properties which are leased to over 30 operators.
LOW: A Home Improvement Powerhouse Spinning Off Solid Returns
The first Sure Dividend newsletter was published nine years ago, in April of 2014. A lot has happened since then, but the basic idea of owning wonderful businesses at reasonable prices remains as a fundamental investment principle. Lowe’s Cos. (LOW) is a stock that’s currently attractive, writes Ben Reynolds, editor of Sure Dividend. This is how this concept was described in that first newsletter: “When you invest in great businesses, it does not matter what the market does.
A Specialty Retailer With Competitive Advantages and an Attractiv
Williams-Sonoma Inc. (WSM) is a specialty retailer that operates home furnishing and houseware brands, such as Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn, West Elm, Rejuvenation, and others. Its competitive advantage lies in its unique product portfolio and successful shift to online sales, advises Ben Reynolds, editor of Sure Dividend. The company was founded in 1956, produces almost $8.3 billion in annual revenue, and has a current market cap of $8 billion.
ADP: A Great Income Stock to Buy & Hold "Forever"
The tagline of the Sure Passive Income newsletter is “rising passive income from buy & hold forever securities.” Forever is a long time. But at the very least, it can be useful to think of investing holding periods in terms of years or decades, rather than days or weeks. Automatic Data Processing (ADP) is a great example of how that approach can pay off, notes Ben Reynolds, editor of Sure Passive Income. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day share price swings.
Healthy Favorites Among Medical REITs
Ben Reynolds is a leading specialist in income generating strategies; in his Top 10 REITs newsletter, the advisor highlights two current favorites among health property real estate investment trusts. Founded in 2003, Medical Properties Trust (MPW) is the only pure-play hospital real estate investment trust (REIT) today. It owns a well-diversified portfolio of over 400 properties which are leased to over 30 operators.
SL Green Realty: Investing in Manhattan
SL Green Realty Corp. (SLG) — a REIT formed in 1980 — is Manhattan’s largest office landlord, with 62 buildings totaling 34 million square feet, notes Ben Reynolds, editor of Top Ten REITs. The pandemic has hurt several companies that are tenants of SLG. Occupancy of office space in Manhattan remains near historic lows, causing an unprecedented tenant-friendly environment and challenges to the business of SLG.
Hannon Armstrong: A "Sustainable" REIT
Hannon Armstrong Sustainable Infrastructure Capital (HASI) is a U.S. public company entirely committed to investments in climate change solutions, notes Ben Reynolds, editor of Sure Dividend Top 10 REITs. The REIT — yielding 5.2% — focuses on providing capital to leading companies in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and other sustainable infrastructure markets.
Walgreens: An "Elite" Idea
Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) is the largest retail pharmacy in both the U.S. and Europe — with a presence in 9 countries and has about 13,000 stores in the U.S., Europe, and Latin America, notes Ben Reynolds, income investing specialist and editor of Sure Dividend Top 10 Elite. Through its flagship Walgreens business and other business ventures, the $28 billion market cap company; it operates several brands, with Walgreens and Duane Reade collectively making up the vast majority of locations.
Cboe Global: Passive Income From Active Trading
Cboe Global Markets Inc. (CBOE) is an options, forex, and equities exchange that operates globally, notes Ben Reynolds, editor of Sure Passive Income. The company — which offers a wide variety of marketplace services for various tradable financial assets — was founded in 1973, produces about $3.6 billion in annual revenue, and trades with a market cap of just over $13 billion. CBOE reported second-quarter earnings on July 29th, 2022 and results were largely in line with expectations.
Leading REITs from Manhattan and Los Angeles
Ben Reynolds, editor of Top 10 REITs, looks at a pair of real estate investment trusts that focus on commercial properties on opposite coasts; one is a leader in Manhattan properties, while the other owns real estate in Los Angeles. SL Green Realty Corp. (SLG) was formed in 1980. It is an integrated real estate investment trust (REIT) that is focused on acquiring, managing, and maximizing the value of Manhattan commercial properties.
Easterly Government: A Recession-Resistant REIT
Easterly Government Properties (DEA) is an internally managed REIT with a focus on the acquisition, development, and management of properties that are leased to U.S. Government agencies, explains Ben Reynolds, editor of Top 10 REITs. Nearly all the properties of the trust are leased to U.S. Government agencies, such as the FBI, IRS, and DEA. The REIT was founded in 2011 as Easterly Partners. It then changed its name to Easterly Government Properties and had its IPO in early 2015.
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