#dividends

#dividends

The Barbour family has paid itself a £30 million dividend after a fashion-led revival of waxed jackets helped drive a sharp increase in profits at the heritage outerwear group. Accounts filed at Companies House show that J Barbour & Sons posted a £10 million rise in operating profit to £49.5 million in the year to the end of April, as renewed demand for its signature waxed jackets boosted sales and margins. The company, founded in 1894 and still wholly owned by the founding family, has benefited from a resurgence in popularity as waxed jackets returned to fashion, driven by collaborations with luxury labels, musicians and designers that have broadened its appeal among younger consumers.

The 2.8% Social Security cost-of-living adjustment that took effect in January 2026 initially looked like good news. With overall inflation running at 2.7% in December, the COLA appeared to provide a small cushion. But for many retirees, the national inflation average doesn't tell the whole story. The goods and services retirees depend on most-healthcare, groceries, utilities-are rising faster than the headline number suggests, and that gap could quietly erode purchasing power over time.

The copper market has surged in recent weeks, with producers and miners posting double-digit gains as investors position for infrastructure spending and energy transition demand. Against rising commodity prices and cooling labor markets that may prompt Fed policy flexibility, five companies stand out for their copper exposure, operational scale, and momentum. 5. Teck Resources (NYSE:TECK): Diversified Metals Play With Copper Upside Teck Resources delivered an 11.1% gain over the past month, bringing its market cap to $24.27B.

Costco Wholesale ( NASDAQ:COST ) has long been a terrific investment, delivering superior returns no matter when you bought the stock. Whether you bought shares a year ago, a decade back, or even at the turn of the millennium, the stock's consistent outperformance stems from its membership-driven model that fosters loyalty and steady revenue. Beyond share price gains that often double the broader market, Costco has rewarded investors through reliable dividends.

Accounts for Jamie Oliver Holdings (JOH) show pre-tax profits dropped from £3.4 million to £2.4 million in 2024, despite a 6% rise in sales to £28.6 million. The results reflect a mixed year for the celebrity chef's media and restaurant group, which saw strong growth in hospitality offset by lower income from media and brand deals. JOH encompasses Oliver's television and publishing ventures, endorsements, cookery school, and restaurant operations, as well as licensing and franchise income from international Jamie's Italian and Jamie's Deli outlets.

Dividend-oriented strategies aren't just for traditional value investors anymore. Many investors want to capture artificial intelligence (AI) growth while still generating reliable income. That can be achieved by pairing income-focused ETFs with AI-heavy funds, creating a forward-looking portfolio that balances payouts with exposure to transformative technology. Why Combine Dividends With AI? Artificial intelligence is reshaping industries from healthcare and finance to entertainment and manufacturing. Companies such as Nvidia, Microsoft, Alphabet, and AMD are leading this shift.

BAB Inc (BABB) is a franchise business operating casual eateries that sell bagels, muffins, and coffee. It does not operate the stores directly, making money by licensing brands.

The S&P 500 has delivered an average annual return of approximately 10.33% since 1957, serving as a benchmark for many investors.

UnitedHealth (NYSE:UNH) is a Dividend Aristocrat trading at 2018 prices after a slew of unfortunate events that caused it to plunge. The December assassination of CEO Brian Thompson rattled investors and triggered an internal succession scramble, followed immediately by a rare 1.2% earnings miss in Q1, a guidance withdrawal, and the group's CEO resigning.

HP Inc is shifting its focus towards AI-infused products that can drive growth, despite its traditionally mature business model. Launching products like the EliteBook Ultra and OmniBook X, HP aims to tap into new tech opportunities.

Microsoft's commitment to AI capital expenditures of $80 billion raises questions among investors about the potential for higher dividend yields amidst strong cash flow.