To The Moon

Investors looking to capture yield should turn their attention to five major corporations going ex-dividend this week. Based on the attached "Dividend Champion" screener, these stocks range from high-growth Aristocrats to deep-value Challengers.

Here is a breakdown of the opportunities presented by $UnitedHealth(UNH)$ $Altria(MO)$ $Merck(MRK)$ $Vici Properties(VICI)$ $T. Rowe Price(TROW)$

The "Champion" Tier: Growth & Safety

1.$VICI | Vici Properties

• Status: Champion / Aristocrat

• Current Yield: 7.4%

• Analysis: Vici continues to stand out as a top-tier REIT. It offers the highest current yield among the "Champion" rated stocks on this list. With a 4-year average yield of 5.5% and a current yield of 7.4%, investors are getting a significant premium (+35% above its 4-year average). While its 3-year dividend growth is modest at 5%, its 73% FFO payout ratio suggests the dividend is well-covered and sustainable.

• Ex-Div Date: September 17

2.$UNH | UnitedHealth Group

• Status: Champion / Aristocrat

• Current Yield: 2.4%

• Analysis: UnitedHealth is the classic "growth plus income" play. While the yield is lower than its peers, the safety profile is elite. The company boasts a low 33% payout ratio and a massive 34% TTM FFO. Notably, the current yield is +34% higher than its 4-year average, suggesting the stock may be undervalued relative to its historical income potential.

• Ex-Div Date: September 15

The "Contender" Tier: Value & High Yield

3. $MO | Altria

• Status: Contender

• Current Yield: 6.4%

• Analysis: Altria remains a powerhouse for income investors, offering a 6.4% yield. However, the red flags in the data suggest caution. The current yield is -16% below its 4-year average, and the 3-year dividend growth has slowed to 4%. With a high FFO payout ratio of 78%, Altria is firmly in "cash cow" territory rather than growth territory. It remains a solid choice for yield, but capital appreciation may be limited.

• Ex-Div Date: September 15

4.$MRK | Merck

• Status: Contender

• Current Yield: 2.4%

• Analysis: Merck offers a balanced profile with a 2.4% yield and a very safe 52% TTM FFO payout ratio. However, the stock is currently yielding -19% below its 4-year average. This indicates the stock price has likely run up faster than the dividend increases. It is a stable holding, but income investors are buying in at a historically lower yield.

• Ex-Div Date: September 15

The "Challenger" Tier: Aggressive Growth

5.$TROW | T. Rowe Price

• Status: Challenger

• Current Yield: 4.9%

• Analysis: T. Rowe Price offers a compelling mix of yield and growth. The 4.9% yield is significantly higher (+4%) than its 4-year average. The standout metric here is the 3-year dividend growth rate of 2% combined with a TTM FFO payout of 68%. While the growth rate is low, the valuation looks attractive for a company with a 4.9% yield and a "Challenger" designation.

• Ex-Div Date: September 15

Summary of the Week

This week's list offers a diversified basket for income investors:

• For Maximum Yield: VICI (6.4%).

• For Safety: UNH and MRK (52% Payout).

• For Value: TROW and UNH are both trading at yields significantly above their 4-year averages.

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