Dividend CCC Highlights: Top Picks and Ex-Dates for the Week of June 29

The Dividend Champions, Contenders, and Challengers (CCC) lists remain a cornerstone for income investors seeking stability and growth. This week's review highlights standout performers, analyzes recent dividend trends, and identifies actionable opportunities amid a backdrop of rising yields and market volatility.

Dividend Champions: The Gold Standard of Consistency

The Dividend Champions—companies with 25+ consecutive years of dividend hikes—are the bedrock of reliable income portfolios. Among the top performers this week:
- Eversource Energy (ES): A utility giant with a 5.1% yield, $52.5B market cap, and a 10-year dividend growth streak. Its regulated operations in New England offer recession-resistant cash flows.
- PepsiCo (PEP): The consumer staple giant raised its dividend by 5% in April, extending its streak to 53 years. With a 3.09% yield and $346B market cap, PEP combines defensive stability with global scale.

Actionable Insight: Utilities like ES and industrials like PEP are recession hedges. Pair these with NextEra Energy (NEE) (6.0% yield, 30-year streak) for diversified income.

Dividend Contenders: The Rising Stars

The Contenders (10–24 years of dividend growth) include high-yield opportunities with growth potential:
- Aegon Ltd. (AEG): A European insurer with a 5.99% yield and $3.16B market cap. Its 5-year dividend CAGR of 14% is fueled by steady demand for annuities and life insurance.
- Linde plc (LIN): The industrial gas giant offers a 1.33% yield and 10-year growth streak. While its yield is modest, its 9.39% ROE and $63B market cap signal operational efficiency.

yield-comparison stocks="AEG, LIN, OXM" period="5y" />

Caution: Avoid overpaying. Contenders like Community HealthCare Trust (CHCT) (11.24% yield) have payout ratios exceeding 100%, raising sustainability concerns.

Dividend Challengers: High Yield, High Risk?

The Challengers (5–9 years of growth) are a mixed bag. Top performers include:
- Innovative Industrial Properties (IIPR): A REIT with a 13.09% yield, $1.6B market cap, and 7-year streak. Its leases to cannabis operators are cash-flow rich but tied to regulatory risks.
- FLEX LNG (FLNG): An energy stock with a 12.50% yield, $13B market cap, and 5-year streak. Its exposure to LNG demand is strong, but a payout ratio of 137% hints at potential cut risks.

financial-strength-analysis stocks="IIPR, FLNG" metrics="payout-ratio, roe" />

Actionable Insight: Stick to Challengers with sustainable metrics. Schlumberger (SLB) (3.3% yield, 8-year streak) and Oxford Industries (OXM) (6.7% yield, 5-year streak) offer safer payouts with ROEs above 30%.

Upcoming Ex-Dividend Dates to Watch

While specific dates aren't listed in the CCC spreadsheet, investors should prioritize:
- Eversource Energy (ES): Typically pays quarterly dividends with ex-dates in late February, May, August, and November.
- PepsiCo (PEP): Ex-dividend dates align with its quarterly earnings (February, May, August, November).

ex-dividend-calendar stocks="ES, PEP, IIPR" period="next-90d" />

Tip: Use tools like Dividend.com or Fidelity's dividend calendar to track exact dates.

Investment Recommendations

1. Core Holdings:
2. ES, PEP, NEE: Safe yields (3%–6%) with long-term growth.

3. OXM: A 6.7% yield with a 51.8% ROE and 5-year streak.

4. Speculative Plays:

5. IIPR (13% yield) for aggressive income seekers willing to accept risk.

6. FLNG (12.5% yield) if LNG demand remains robust.

7. Avoid:

8. High payout ratio stocks like CHCT (137%) and Hercules Capital (HTGC, 161%).

Final Thoughts

The CCC lists offer a treasure trove of dividend opportunities, but investors must balance yield with sustainability. Use the Dividend Contenders spreadsheet (available via the Dividend Radar screener) to filter by payout ratios < 80% and ROE > 10%. For June 2025, prioritize Champions and Contenders with defensive sectors and robust balance sheets.

Stay vigilant on ex-dividend dates and avoid overconcentration in high-yield Challengers. The best portfolios blend safety, growth, and income—all hallmarks of the CCC elite.