Franklin Resources (BEN) has raised its dividend every year since 1981 and offers a 4% dividend yield, an all-time high for the stock. While the asset manager's payout continues to look safe, Franklin faces several headwinds that could weigh on its future performance and pace of dividend growth.

The 2014-16 oil crash, regulatory changes, and U.S. tax reform combined to upend the midstream MLP industry in recent years. As a result of these challenges, numerous MLPs have executed substantial corporate restructuring activities, with some converting from partnerships to corporations. Enterprise Products Partners LP (EPD) has long defended its structure as a partnership. After all, [...]

Qualcomm (QCOM) has had a volatile year as the firm worked to address the significant legal risks faced by its core patent licensing business, which customers and government agencies accused of charging excess rates. The two major overhangs were a dispute with Apple and an antitrust suit issued against the company by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). [...]

In February 2019, Gap (GPS) announced plans to separate into two publicly traded companies in 2020, hoping to unlock value from its faster-growing Old Navy brand. Since then, the apparel retailer's performance has deteriorated, and Gap's CEO unexpectedly resigned in November. As a result of the company's persistent performance challenges and weakening fundamentals, the risk of Gap [...]

Established in 1889, McCormick (MCK) manufactures and distributes over 16,000 spices, seasoning mixes, condiments, and other flavorful products to the entire food industry – retail outlets, food manufacturers, and foodservice businesses. Some of the company's leading brands include McCormick, French's, Frank's RedHot, Lawry’s, Club House, Zatarain’s, Thai Kitchen, and Simply Asia.

Founded in 1894 in Hershey, Pennsylvania, Hershey (HSY) manufactures and sells chocolate and other confectionery products including gum and mints; baking ingredients such as toppings, beverages, and syrups; and snack items, including spreads, meat snacks, bars, mixes, popcorn, protein bars, and cookies.These products are marketed under over 80 leading brands including Hershey’s, Reese’s, Kisses, Kit [...]

Ryder (R) has paid uninterrupted dividends since 1976 and increased its payout by 10% annually since 2005. However, Ryder recently encountered some challenges, sending its dividend yield above 4% to sit near its all-time high.Ryder's payout ratio is also expected to surge above 100% in the next 12 months due to a projected decline in [...]

Founded in 1906, Kellogg (K) is one of the world's largest producers of cereals, snacks, and frozen foods. The company also manufactures crackers, toaster pastries, cereal bars, veggie foods, and more. Kellogg's well-known brands include Special K, Corn Flakes, Pop-Tarts, Eggo, Fruit Loops, Rice Krispies, Pringles, Cheez-It, and Nutri-Grain. In April of 2019, the company [...]

Founded in 1883, Leggett & Platt (LEG) patented the first steel coil bedspring. The company has since become a diversified manufacturer of engineered components (innersprings, recliner mechanisms, adjustable beds, steel wire, seat frames, carpet cushion, armrests, etc.) used in bedding, furniture, carpet, automobiles, aircraft, and other products around the world.

Founded in 1976, TJX Companies (TJX) has grown into the world’s largest off-price retailer, selling deeply discounted brand name and designer fashions. TJX's prices are generally 20% to 60% below department and specialty stores' regular prices on comparable merchandise.The company’s core customer is a fashion and value conscious female shopper between 25 and 54 years [...]

Clorox (CLX) started in 1913 when five businessmen invested $100 each to start manufacturing and selling one product, Clorox bleach. Impressively, the company remained a one-product business for its first 56 years. Today, Clorox boasts a portfolio of well-known brands spanning categories including home care, laundry, charcoal, food, water filtration, cat litter, and more.

Pepsi (PEP) traces its roots back to 1898 when its original formulation was created by North Carolina pharmacist Caleb Bradham. PepsiCo was formed by the 1965 merger of Pepsi-Cola and snack food giant Frito-Lay (founded in 1932). Today, Pepsi boasts 22 iconic brands with more than $1 billion in annual sales, including Lay’s, Pepsi, Tropicana, [...]

Founded in 1919, Altria (MO) is America’s largest tobacco company. The business split into three separate firms in 2007 and 2008 (Altria, Phillip Morris International, and Kraft), with Altria retaining all domestic tobacco operations. Altria has exclusive U.S. rights to sell cigarettes primarily under the Marlboro, Parliament, Virginia Slims, and Benson & Hedges brands.  The [...]

Founded in 1969, Sysco (SYY) is the largest global distributor of food, essentially acting as a middleman between food producers and retail consumers.  The company provides a full line of food products and non-food items to more than 650,000 customer locations, including restaurants (62% of sales), schools and governments (9%), hotels and travel companies (9%), [...]

Founded in 1899, V.F. Corp (VFC) is a global lifestyle apparel maker in the outerwear, footwear, backpack, luggage, accessory, sportswear, occupational, and performance apparel categories. The company owns about 20 well-known brands, including Vans (34% of sales), The North Face (24%), Timberland (17%), and Dickies (7%). Activewear generates 42% of V.F. Corp's revenue, outdoor apparel [...]