Morning Watchlist

    3 Dividend Stocks That Just Got More Attractive - 10/4

    Ian Cooper
    Saturday, October 4, 20256 min read
    3 Dividend Stocks That Just Got More Attractive - 10/4

    These Stocks Just Raised Their Dividend Payouts


    One of the most reliable ways to build wealth and retire comfortably is through dividend investing. Unlike growth stocks, which rely on capital appreciation that can be volatile and uncertain, dividend-paying companies provide consistent income while still offering the potential for share price growth.


    The real magic happens when you reinvest those dividends. Each reinvested payout buys more shares, which in turn generate more dividends, creating a powerful compounding effect over time. Legendary investors like Warren Buffett have long championed dividend reinvestment as a cornerstone of long-term wealth creation.


    The key, however, is finding companies that not only pay healthy dividends, but also raise those payouts consistently. A growing dividend is often a signal of financial strength, disciplined management, and a commitment to rewarding shareholders.


    Recently, three major companies announced dividend increases that income investors should pay attention to:








    Company: Royal Caribbean (SYM: RCL)
    Sailing Into Stronger Payouts


    Cruise line operator Royal Caribbean (SYM: RCL) has staged a remarkable recovery since the pandemic. With record bookings, resilient demand, and consistently strong earnings, the company is in a much stronger financial position than just a few years ago.


    Reflecting that momentum, Royal Caribbean just raised its dividend by 33% to $1 per share. The payout is scheduled for October 13 to shareholders of record as of September 25.


    Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean’s President and CEO, said in a statement:


    “This increase in dividend, along with our ongoing share repurchase program, highlights our balanced approach to capital allocation — returning value to shareholders while funding future growth.”



    This marks a major milestone for investors who stuck with the company during its most challenging years. Cruise demand has come roaring back, with occupancy rates near pre-pandemic levels, and management is now confident enough to resume aggressive capital returns.


    For dividend investors, Royal Caribbean offers not just income, but also growth potential as its earnings continue to expand alongside the global travel rebound.












    October, November, December... crypto's money months are here.


    Q4 has historically been crypto's strongest quarter, with Bitcoin alone averaging massive gains during Uptober and MoonVember.


    But Q4 2025 isn't just another seasonal play.


    This time, we have the perfect storm:
    ✓ Fed rate cuts creating unprecedented liquidity
    ✓ 90+ altcoin ETFs pending approval with 90-95% odds
    ✓ Institutional adoption at all-time highs
    ✓ Political crypto support stronger than ever


    Historical patterns suggest Bitcoin could surge in Q4, potentially reaching $160,000+. But that's just the beginning.


    [Get your Crypto Bull Run Millionaire Blueprint here now →]























    Company: Verizon (SYM: VZ)
    A Telecom Giant That Keeps Delivering


    Verizon (SYM: VZ) remains one of the highest-yielding dividend stocks in the S&P 500, currently offering a 6.4% yield. For investors seeking stability and income, Verizon is hard to ignore.


    The telecom giant just announced its 19th consecutive annual dividend raise, increasing its quarterly payout by 1.8% to $0.69 per share. While modest, this increase highlights Verizon’s commitment to maintaining its status as a reliable income generator.


    Telecoms are often considered defensive plays, offering steady cash flows even during economic downturns. Verizon’s wireless services are essential, meaning customer demand is relatively inelastic regardless of broader economic conditions.


    Adding confidence, Raymond James recently raised its price target on Verizon rival AT&T (T) to $33 with a Strong Buy rating. Analysts highlighted strong subscriber growth, free cash flow, and earnings growth in the sector — all factors that bode well for Verizon as well.


    For long-term investors, Verizon combines a very attractive yield with a history of dividend growth, making it a staple in many income-focused portfolios.



















    Stansberry Research


    A strange chasm is coming to Wall Street...


    It's already creating millionaires and billionaires at the fastest pace in history. CNBC calls it the largest wealth creation spree in history. Yet 1 in 3 Americans now fear their financial situation is deteriorating. There's only one way to survive, says the man who predicted 2008 and 2020, but sadly it's already too late for many.









    Everything you need to know is here.
















    Company: Philip Morris International (SYM: PM)
    A Dividend Aristocrat in the Making


    Another household name delivering for shareholders is Philip Morris International (SYM: PM). The company just announced an 8.9% dividend increase, raising its quarterly payout from $1.35 to $1.47 per share. On an annualized basis, that’s $5.88 per share, giving the stock a yield of roughly 3.6%.


    The new dividend will be payable on October 20 to shareholders of record as of October 3.


    Philip Morris has an impressive track record of rewarding shareholders. Since becoming a public company in 2008, PMI has increased its dividend every year — representing a total increase of 219.6%, or a compound annual growth rate of 7.1%.


    What makes Philip Morris particularly attractive is its ongoing transformation. While traditional tobacco remains the foundation of its business, PMI is pivoting toward reduced-risk products such as IQOS heated tobacco systems, which are gaining global traction. This evolution provides growth opportunities while maintaining robust cash flows to fund dividends.


    For investors seeking a balance of income stability and growth, Philip Morris remains a top contender.

    Why Dividend Growth Matters 


    Investors often focus on yield alone, but the real power of dividend investing lies in dividend growth. A company that raises its payout regularly not only provides increasing income, but also signals financial health and shareholder-friendly management.


    For example, consider a stock yielding 3% today with a history of 7% annual dividend growth. Over 10 years, that yield on cost could easily double, meaning your effective income stream keeps rising without buying additional shares. Combine that with reinvestment, and the compounding effect becomes even more powerful.


    Royal Caribbean, Verizon, and Philip Morris each highlight different aspects of dividend investing:



    • RCL: A cyclical recovery play with high growth potential and shareholder returns resuming.




    • VZ: A defensive income giant with reliable cash flow and high yield.




    • PM: A dividend growth machine transforming for the future. 




    Together, they show why dividend investors should look beyond yield and consider the long-term sustainability and growth of payouts.


    Found this helpful? Share it with others.

    Written by Ian Cooper

    Our Flagship Publication

    Discover Great Companies Trading at a Discount

    Join Behind the Markets