1. SCHD consistently underperforms the S&P 500 due to focusing on dividend growth without considering valuation; 2. The ETF's top holdings often reach high valuations due to gains, not because they were bought cheaply; 3. SCHD's performance during market downturns is only slightly better than the market, failing to close the gap with the S&P 500.

1. DT Midstream has shown impressive growth, leading to solid total returns; 2. Shares have declined and entered bear territory, down 23% from its 52-week high; 3. DTM's valuation is not stretched compared to peers like Enbridge and Hess Midstream, given its strong growth prospects.

1. The S&P 500 is considered expensive and concentrated, posing risks; 2. The author plans to allocate new funds into dividend growers with a strong track record in challenging markets; 3. The author presents five preferred dividend companies for investment.

1. AI stocks like Tesla and Palantir are experiencing a downturn, but there are undervalued dividend growth stocks poised to thrive in the AI boom. 2. We discuss two opportunities for significant AI-driven growth. 3. Focus on undervalued dividend growth stocks for real exposure to AI's future.

1. Self-made millionaires build wealth through disciplined, consistent investing; 2. Focus on dividend growth stocks, avoid single-stock risks, and live below one's means to reinvest; 3. Invest in wide-moat companies with strong fundamentals, aiming for income and long-term gains without timing the market.

1. The Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF offers a mix of dividend income and growth but has limited dividend income potential. 2. The article demonstrates how to build a $100,000 dividend portfolio using SCHD as a core holding with 15 high-dividend yield companies. 3. The portfolio offers a higher income generation capacity with a Weighted Average Dividend Yield of 6.37% compared to SCHD's 3.56%. 4. The selected companies have attractive valuations with a Weighted P/E [FWD] Ratio of 14.62, lower than the S&P 500's 20.95.

1. SCHD is a strong dividend ETF, but there are alternatives with higher yields and faster payout growth; 2. One alternative offers a higher current yield and a projected 13.4% dividend growth rate; 3. Another alternative offers a 7.5% yield with an expected double-digit payout CAGR.

1. SCHD is a popular ETF for dividend growth investors with a low expense ratio and attractive yield. 2. Its quarterly rebalancing can sell high-performing stocks too early, which is a double-edged sword. 3. The author prefers using SCHD for idea generation and a buy-and-hold strategy, but acknowledges its impact on long-term returns.

1. Dividend Kings are known for their consistent dividend growth but are not always the best buys. 2. We discuss one high-yielding Dividend King to avoid. 3. We also highlight one high-yielding Dividend King that is an attractive investment opportunity.

1. The 4-factor dividend growth portfolio is a strategy that utilizes Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF's stock selection process with some minor adjustments. 2. The portfolio has had a strong start to 2025 and is making up for lost ground in FY3. 3. Since its inception, the portfolio has achieved a CAGR of 18.85% and outperformed SCHD by 9.14%.

1. The S&P 500 is overvalued and concentrated; 2. SCHD offers a 3.55% dividend yield with a focus on value stocks and dividend growers; 3. Value stocks in SCHD are historically cheap relative to growth stocks, making them attractive in the current high-yield environment.

1. Building a dividend growth portfolio requires focusing on high-quality blue-chip stocks that consistently grow dividends. 2. The article highlights three exceptional 6%+ yielding dividend growth stocks. 3. The author emphasizes the importance of a balanced approach to investing in dividend stocks, focusing on safety, growth, yield, and value.

1. The article compares two major players in the Triple Net REIT space, Realty Income Corporation and NNN, focusing on their income-generating capabilities for shareholders. 2. It highlights the author's preference for maximizing income and the importance of sustainable income in retirement investing. 3. The author discusses the High Dividend Opportunities community and its investment strategies.

1. Lockheed Martin provides reliable and growing dividends with a 22-year streak and a current yield of 2.83%, making it an ideal choice for dividend growth investors. 2. The company has a strong capital allocation strategy, including significant share buybacks, resulting in a shareholder yield of 5.25%. 3. Lockheed Martin's robust balance sheet and stable cash flows from government contracts ensure financial stability and consistent shareholder rewards.

1. Philip Morris International aims to be 66% smoke-free by 2030, leveraging high-margin smoke-free products to mitigate regulatory risks and boost profits. 2. PM's acquisition of Swedish Match and US IQOS rights enhances its smoke-free product portfolio, targeting significant growth in nicotine pouches and heated tobacco units. 3. PM's financials show strong revenue growth and expanding operating margins, with a 4.5% dividend yield and plans to reinstate buybacks post-deleveraging by 2026.

1. The share of renewables in global electricity production has increased from 21% in 2012 to over 30% today, and is projected to reach 46% by 2030. 2. Brookfield Renewable has a diversified portfolio, strategic investments in emerging technologies, and partnerships, making it a top pick for long-term shareholders. 3. Inflation-linked revenues ensure stable cash flows, making it a solid choice for long-term dividend growth and portfolio diversification.

1. The 4-factor dividend growth portfolio is a strategy that utilizes Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF's stock selection process with some minor adjustments. 2. The portfolio is facing its worst start since inception, lagging behind both the S&P 500 and SCHD. 3. Since its inception, the portfolio has achieved a CAGR of 17.69%, outperforming SCHD by 8.52%.

1. The article emphasizes the power of dividend growth investing for long-term wealth creation, offering a less volatile approach compared to risky options. 2. It highlights three companies set to benefit from major trends: one from the options craze, another from the healthcare sector, and a third from unique real estate opportunities. 3. These picks offer attractive valuations, consistent dividend growth, and high potential for long-term returns, proving that excessive risk is not necessary for great results.

1. The author visualizes their portfolio as a galley ship with rowers (steady compounders) and sails (high-yielding securities) for balanced growth and income. 2. In 2025, the author's goal is to focus on rowers to enhance dividend growth, using Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) as a primary vehicle. 3. The author has sold high-risk stocks and reinvested in higher-yielding, safer options, but now the portfolio is too weighted towards immediate income. 4. The author's buy list includes high-quality rowers like ADC, AMT, and NEE to boost overall dividend growth.

1. The methodology involves scoring and ranking 55 stocks across 11 sectors using earnings yield, dividend yield, and 5-year dividend CAGR; 2. Stocks without dividends are excluded to focus on dividend growth, momentum, and value; 3. The top stocks by sector are evaluated and backtested in an equal-weighted format, showing outperformance versus the S&P 500 with dividends reinvested and less volatility.