1. The Fed's aggressive monetary tightening in early 2022 made yield-bearing assets more attractive; 2. Higher base rates pushed down multiples for blue-chip stocks, creating opportunities for durable income investors; 3. The recent rate cut and expectations of further cuts have reduced the opportunity set; 4. Investors can still find high-quality blue-chip businesses with acceptable yields; 5. The article focuses on two high-yielding blue-chip companies included in the author's portfolio.

1. Retirement income portfolios typically seek high and defensive yields with decent growth potential. 2. This article presents two high-dividend picks for retirement portfolios to boost current income streams without excessive risk. 3. The author covers high-quality BDCs, equity REITs, and MLPs with good dividend yields and risk mitigation properties.

1. The author has a buy rating on SWK due to its strong expected EPS growth, attractive valuation, and rising dividend; 2. Stanley Black & Decker reported solid Q2 results with non-GAAP EPS of $1.09 beating expectations and strong cash flow; 3. Key risks include high debt, a weaker consumer environment, and adverse currency moves, but strong guidance and bullish sentiment suggest a positive Q3 report.

1. Enbridge's fixed rate perpetual preferred shares are a 'hold' due to their lower yields compared to resettable preferred shares and common stock. 2. Enbridge's distributable cash flow is strong, covering preferred dividends with less than 4% of DCF, ensuring dividend security for preferred shareholders. 3. Series A preferred shares, yielding approximately 6%, are less attractive than common stock and Series 3 preferred shares, which offer higher returns.

1. Blue Owl Capital is undervalued and offers a nearly 10% dividend yield; 2. The proposed merger with OBDE is bullish and could make OBDC the second-largest BDC; 3. OBDC's portfolio is robust with a high percentage of senior secured debt and strong asset yield, ensuring stability and growth.

1. High-quality REITs are currently trading at discounts due to a hawkish Fed, offering significant upside potential and strong dividend yields. 2. Agree Realty has transformed its portfolio, boasts solid debt metrics, and offers a well-covered 4.1% dividend yield. 3. Realty Income's diversified portfolio and A-rated balance sheet support its 5.1% dividend yield, with shares trading below normal valuation.

1. Energy Transfer and MPLX are among the largest MLPs with market caps of approximately $45 billion and $55 billion, respectively. 2. Both companies are top holdings in a well-known midstream MLP index. 3. The article compares the two companies, highlighting the key differences that make one a better income pick for investors.

1. Annaly Capital Management is a mortgage REIT with a portfolio primarily consisting of agency mortgage-backed securities. 2. The article discusses the steady price history of the company's preferred shares, highlighting the low call risk and the 30-day notice requirement for any call. 3. The risk of dividend reduction is considered in the context of the Federal Reserve's policies.

1. Petrobras' dividend payments have significantly declined, raising investor concerns; 2. The company's strategic plan to invest billions in exploration and refining raises concerns about the sustainability of its dividend payments; 3. Despite a net loss in Q2 due to non-recurring events, Petrobras' cash generation remains robust, supporting its investment and dividend plans.

➀ KP Management LLC increased its stake in ASML Holding by 66.7% during the second quarter; ➁ The fund now owns 5,000 shares of ASML's stock, valued at $5,114,000; ➂ ASML makes up 1.8% of KP Management LLC's portfolio, its 21st largest holding; ➃ Several hedge funds and institutional investors have also modified their holdings in ASML; ➄ Analysts have provided price targets and ratings on ASML, with a consensus rating of 'Moderate Buy'; ➅ ASML Holding reported earnings per share of $4.01 for the quarter, exceeding estimates; ➆ The company increased its dividend by $0.538 per share, to $1.8732.

1. For prudent retirement income seeking investors, securities with sound balance sheets, conservative cash flow profiles, and at least above inflation-level growth prospects should be considered. 2. Strategic investments could also be tactically attractive for near to medium-term returns. 3. The article presents two investments that are recommended for defensive income investors.

1. Rithm Capital's stock dropped 5% after a secondary offering, presenting a buying opportunity due to strong dividend metrics and business growth. 2. The central bank's recent interest rate cut supports investing in Rithm Capital, which benefits from a diversified mortgage investment portfolio. 3. Despite the stock dilution, RITM's 9% dividend yield and 9% discount to book value make it a compelling investment for passive income investors.

1. DX-C is a top pick among mortgage REIT preferred shares, offering lower risk due to Dynex Capital's strong management and high common equity to preferred liquidation ratio. 2. The current stripped price of DX-C is just over $25.00, with a yield of 6.89%, but it will switch to a floating rate in 2025. 3. Investors should consider DX-C for its relatively low-risk profile and potential for higher yields post-2025, despite the current modest yield.

1. The author's investment focus has shifted to income generation, highlighting Ellington Financial's 12% yield despite a recent dividend cut. 2. EFC's dividend reduction and missed earnings expectations lead to a downgrade to Hold. 3. The real estate sector shows signs of recovery with rate cuts, but EFC's future performance depends on economic stability and effective hedging.

1. Autumn is historically challenging for investors due to increased volatility and lower returns; 2. Defensive positioning with income-generating stocks can mitigate losses; 3. SA Quant identifies three high-yield, dividend-growth stocks with strong safety and Quant 'Strong Buy' recommendations.

1. Innovative Industrial Properties is a REIT focused on leasing properties to the cannabis industry with an attractive 8.5% dividend yield on preferred shares. 2. The company has improved operating and free cash flow, ensuring dividend sustainability. 3. Despite risks such as call risk on preferred shares and potential common share issuance, the company's strong operating earnings and low leverage make it an interesting investment for income investors.

1. MPW faced uncertainty due to Steward Hospitals' default but has now reached an agreement to own and re-lease the properties; 2. MPW's earnings will bottom out in Q4 but are expected to ramp up through 2025 and 2026 as new operators take over; 3. The dividend is restricted to $0.08/quarter but could increase if property transitions are completed rapidly; expect potential raises by mid-2025.

1. CTO Realty Growth has maintained a stable quarterly dividend and currently offers an 8% fully covered dividend yield. 2. The retail REIT is trading at a price-to-free cash flow multiple of 9.71x, below its historical range. 3. Fed rate cuts are expected to boost investor sentiment and the REIT's multiple.

1. Ares Commercial Real Estate reported negative distributable earnings for the second consecutive quarter due to loan sales below book value, impacting profitability and book value. 2. Despite ongoing loan issues, Ares declared a $0.25 per share dividend for 3Q24, reflecting management's confidence in a potential earnings rebound. 3. The stock trades at a 34% discount to book value, suggesting that concerns about dividend cuts are already priced in.

1. Medical Properties Trust (MPT) is currently undervalued due to recent fundamental contractions; 2. The company is selling assets to improve liquidity, impacting long-term income and capital gains opportunities; 3. Despite potential near-term upside, long-term investors are primarily paying for the dividend yield, with a Hold rating recommended.