The Zacks Analyst Blog Snap-on, Griffon, Churchill Downs and Roper Technologies

For Immediate ReleasesChicago, IL – November 15, 2024 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks and featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include including Snap-on Inc. SNA, Griffon Corp. GFF, Churchill Downs Inc. CHDN and Roper Technologies, Inc. ROP.Here are highlights from Friday’s Analyst Blog:4 Stocks in Focus That Recently Announced Dividend HikesWall Street has rallied over the past week, fueled by optimism following Donald Trump’s landmark victory in the U.S. Presidential election. All three major indexes hit new all-time highs, with the Dow and the S&P 500 crossing 44,000 points and 6,000 points for the first time earlier this week.Also, a 25-basis point rate cut by the Federal Reserve last week has been boosting investors’ sentiment. However, there are several factors that could turn markets volatile again once the post-election enthusiasm subdues.Given this situation, cautious investors looking for a steady income and safeguarding their capital may look to hold or buy dividend-paying stocks. Four such stocks are Snap-on Inc., Griffon Corp., Churchill Downs Inc.  and Roper Technologies, Inc.Inflation Ticks HigherThe Federal Reserve’s benchmark policy rate is now in the range of 4.5-4.75% after it cut interest rates by 50 and 25 basis points in September and November, respectively. The Federal Reserve believes that inflation is on track to reach its 2% target after declining substantially over the past year.However, fresh data released on Wednesday shows that the consumer price index (CPI) rose 0.2% sequentially in October and 2.6% from year-ago levels, up 0.2% from September. Core CPI, which excludes volatile food and energy costs, rose 0.3% month over month in October and 3.3% annually.Cautious Approach After ElectionThe Dow jumped more than 1,500 points the day after Trump won the election. The Fed’s rate cut fueled the rally, sending all three indexes on a new high. The recent rally is being driven by optimism surrounding lower taxes and lighter regulations under the Trump administration, as the president-elect is being seen as someone who openly addresses issues like the stock market and the dollar.However, the rally has stalled over the past couple of days as investors are reassessing the situation following the release of the inflation data.Also, market participants are worried about a significantly slower rate of future interest cuts due to robust macroeconomic data released earlier this month.Also, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to keep investors concerned about a full-scale war between Israel and Iran.Stocks That Declared Dividend HikesGiven this scenario, investing in dividend-paying stocks would be a wise choice. These companies maintain strong operations and consistently provide dividends, remaining profitable on account of their reliable business models. In a highly volatile market, companies that offer high dividend payouts tend to outperform those that do not pay dividends.Snap-on Inc.Snap-on is a global provider of professional tools, equipment, and related solutions for technicians, vehicle service centers, original equipment manufacturers and other industrial users. SNA’s products include a broad range of professional hand and power tools; vehicle diagnostics and service equipment; business management systems; and other tool and equipment solutions. SNA presently carries a Zacks Rank #2. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.On Nov. 8, Snap-on Incorporated announced that its shareholders would receive a dividend of $2.14 a share on Dec. 10, 2024. SNA has a dividend yield of 2.06%. Over the past five years, Snap-on Incorporated has increased its dividend six times, and its payout ratio at present sits at 39% of earnings.Check Snap-on Incorporated’s dividend history here.Snap-On Incorporated dividend-yield-ttm | Snap-On Incorporated QuoteGriffon Corp.Griffon Corp. is a diversified management and holding company conducting business through wholly-owned subsidiaries. GFF oversees the operations of its subsidiaries, allocates resources among them and manages their capital structures. GFF has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).On Nov. 13, Griffon Corporation declared that its shareholders would receive a dividend of $0.18 a share on Dec. 18, 2024. GFF has a dividend yield of 0.88%. Over the past five years, Griffon Corporation has increased its dividend eight times, and its payout ratio at present sits at 12% of earnings.Check Griffon Corporation's dividend history here.Griffon Corporation dividend-yield-ttm | Griffon Corporation QuoteChurchill Downs Inc.Churchill Downs, the world's most legendary racetrack, has conducted Thoroughbred racing and presented America's greatest race, the Kentucky Derby. CHDN has Five racetracks; Six casinos; Big Fish Games, the world's largest distributor of casual games; The country's leading online wagering business, TwinSpires.com; A video poker business, A multi-state network of off-track betting facilities; and a collection of racing-related data, totalisator and telecommunication companies that support CDI's sports and gaming operations. CHDN has a Zacks Rank #3.On Nov. 13, Churchill Downs Incorporated announced that its shareholders would receive a dividend of $0.41 a share on Jan. 3, 2025. CHDN has a dividend yield of 0.27%. Over the past five years, Churchill Downs Incorporated has increased its dividend six times, and its payout ratio at present sits at 7% of earnings.Check Churchill Downs Incorporated’s dividend history here.Churchill Downs, Incorporated dividend-yield-ttm | Churchill Downs, Incorporated QuoteRoper TechnologiesRoper Technologies, Inc. manufactures and distributes software and technology-enabled products and solutions. ROP caters to selected segments of a broad range of markets, which include legal, healthcare, government, food, transportation, oil & gas, medical, and other niche industries. ROP has a Zacks Rank #2.On Nov. 8, Roper Technologies declared that its shareholders would receive a dividend of $0.83 a share on Jan. 17, 2025. ROP has a dividend yield of 0.53%. Over the past five years, Roper Technologies has increased its dividend six times, and its payout ratio at present sits at 17% of earnings.Check Roper Technologies’ dividend history here.Roper Technologies, Inc. dividend-yield-ttm | Roper Technologies, Inc. QuoteWhy Haven't You Looked at Zacks' Top Stocks?Since 2000, our top stock-picking strategies have blown away the S&P's +7.0 average gain per year. Amazingly, they soared with average gains of +44.9%, +48.4% and +55.2% per year.Today you can access their live picks without cost or obligation.See Stocks Free >>Must-See: Solar Stocks Poised to SkyrocketThe solar industry stands to bounce back as tech companies and the economy transition away from fossil fuels to power the AI boom.Trillions of dollars will be invested in clean energy over the coming years – and analysts predict solar will account for 80% of the renewable energy expansion. This creates an outsized opportunity to profit in the near-term and for years to come. But you have to pick the right stocks to get into.Discover Zacks’ hottest solar stock recommendation FREE.Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Snap-On Incorporated (SNA): Free Stock Analysis Report Roper Technologies, Inc. (ROP): Free Stock Analysis Report Churchill Downs, Incorporated (CHDN): Free Stock Analysis Report Griffon Corporation (GFF): Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment ResearchWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks