At this crisis point in history - what could possibly create these rare and extraordinary gains?

An Arizona multi-millionaire's revolutionary initiative is 
helping average Americans  find quick and lasting stock market success.

Since the Coronavirus came into our lives this slice of the stock market has given ordinary people the chance to multiply their money by 96% in 21 days on JP Morgan.


Stocks  | May 25, 2021

Most working people are not prepared well to meet the challenges that retirement brings. A study by California-based financial resource firm GOBankingRates claims that 64% of workers in the United States have less than $10,000 saved for the exit from full-time employment. Of those aged 55 and older, almost 40% have no savings at all. The numbers indicate how important it has become to invest in reliable stocks for an income stream that can sustain an active and happy post-retirement life.

Some of the best options in this regard are stocks that offer regular and steadily increasing dividend payments. These normally tend to be concentrated in established business sectors like real estate and consumer staples. However, technology-related growth stocks have made giant strides in this regard in recent years. Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO), a tech-related hardware and software firm, has consistently paid a dividend for more than a decade. Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO) also has a history of raising the payout each year.

Another solid bet for dependable income is The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO), the beverage firm that makes and sells drinks that are household names across the world. The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) has in the recent past started investing more in energy drinks, juices, coffee, water and other beverages to complement the sales of carbonated sodas. The company has a strong brand name and has consistently increased dividend payments for shareholders going as far back as 1962.

As the energy needs of the world continue to grow at an explosive rate, the stocks of companies like Duke Energy Corporation (NYSE: DUK) can also be a reliable investment for the next few decades. Duke Energy Corporation (NYSE: DUK) has an impressive dividend history stretching back almost a century and the company is one of the largest electrical power generating firms in the US. Duke Energy Corporation (NYSE: DUK) has stepped up investments in clean energy to keep with the times and owns 21 wind, 150 solar, and 13 battery storage and fuel cell facilities.

In addition to paying attention to the strong business fundamentals that these stocks have to offer, people planning for early retirement should also strategize by consulting finance advisors, assessing risk tolerance, identifying sources of income, and setting goals for the post retirement years. All these would go a long way towards securing a financial future that eludes many in the world today. Even market experts have been baffled by stock volatility and tech-related disruption that has pummeled entire investment portfolios in recent years.

The entire hedge fund industry is feeling the reverberations of the changing financial landscape. Its reputation has been tarnished in the last decade, during which its hedged returns couldn’t keep up with the unhedged returns of the market indices. On the other hand, Insider Monkey’s research was able to identify in advance a select group of hedge fund holdings that outperformed the S&P 500 ETFs by more than 124 percentage points since March 2017. Between March 2017 and February 26th 2021 our monthly newsletter’s stock picks returned 197.2%, vs. 72.4% for the SPY. Our stock picks outperformed the market by more than 124 percentage points. We were also able to identify in advance a select group of hedge fund holdings that significantly underperformed the market. We have been tracking and sharing the list of these stocks since February 2017 and they lost 13% through November 16th. That’s why we believe hedge fund sentiment is an extremely useful indicator that investors should pay attention to. You can subscribe to our free newsletter on our homepage to receive our stories in your inbox.

Best Stocks to Buy for Early Retirement

10. Main Street Capital Corporation (NYSE: MAIN)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 10

Main Street Capital Corporation (NYSE: MAIN) is a Texas-based investment company founded in 2007. It is placed tenth on our list of 10 best stocks to buy for early retirement. The firm primarily offers long-term debt and equity capital to lower middle market businesses and debt capital to middle market firms that have revenues of less than $150 million. These investments are used for acquisitions, management buyouts, growth financings, and recapitalizations. Main Street stock has returned more than 35% to investors over the past year.

Main Street Capital Corporation (NYSE: MAIN) posted earnings results for the first quarter of 2021 earlier in May, reporting earnings per share of $0.62 that beat market estimates by $0.07. The revenue over the period was over $62 million.

Just like Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO), The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO), and Duke Energy Corporation (NYSE: DUK-PA), Main Street Capital Corporation (MAIN) is one of the best stocks to buy for early retirement.

9. Healthcare Trust of America, Inc. (NYSE: HTA)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 17

Healthcare Trust of America, Inc. (NYSE: HTA) is an Arizona-based trust that owns several buildings housing medical facilities. It was founded in 2006 and is ranked ninth on our list of 10 best stocks to buy for early retirement. The firm makes use of an integrated asset management platform that offers on-site leasing, property management, engineering and building services, and development capabilities. Healthcare stock has returned more than 4% to investors over the course of the past twelve months.

Healthcare Trust of America, Inc. (NYSE: HTA) stock is a good option for investors as it regularly pays a dividend. On May 15, the firm declared a quarterly dividend of $0.32 per share, in line with previous. The forward yield was 4.45%.

Out of the hedge funds being tracked by Insider Monkey, Chicago-based investment firm Citadel Investment Group is a leading shareholder in Healthcare Trust of America, Inc. (NYSE: HTA) with 1.7 million shares worth more than $48 million.

8. Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 69

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ) is a New York-based multinational telecommunications firm that was founded in 1983. It is placed eighth on our list of 10 best stocks to buy for early retirement. The firm is one of the largest communications firms in the world with a market capitalization of over $230 billion. At the end of last year, the company had 94 million wireless retail connections, 7 million broadband connections, and 4 million video connections. Verizon stock has returned more than 5% to investors over the past year.

On May 20, Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ) stock jumped more than 0.2% as the firm announced that it was the exclusive 5G internet partner of 15 teams part of the National Basketball Association in the United States, one of the premier sporting groups in the world.

Just like Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO), The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO), and Duke Energy Corporation (NYSE: DUK-PA), Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ) is one of the best stocks to buy for early retirement.

7. MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. (NYSE: MSM)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 20

MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. (NYSE: MSM) is a New York-based firm that distributes industrial equipment. It was founded in 1941 and is ranked seventh on our list of 10 best stocks to buy for early retirement. MSC stock has offered investors returns exceeding 44% in the past year. The company has operations in Canada, Mexico, and the United Kingdom, in addition to the United States. Some of the products the firm distributes include cutting tools, measuring instruments, tooling components, raw materials, abrasives, machinery hand and power tools.

On April 8, MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. (NYSE: MSM) stock was given an Overweight rating by investment advisory Wells Fargo with a price target of $105 on the back of possible upside potential for the firm to previously identified cost actions.

Out of the hedge funds being tracked by Insider Monkey, Texas-based investment firm Yacktman Asset Management is a leading shareholder in MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. (NYSE: MSM) with 1.2 million shares worth more than $116 million.

Just like Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO), The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO), and Duke Energy Corporation (NYSE: DUK-PA), MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. (NYSE: MSM) is one of the best stocks to buy for early retirement.

6. Realty Income Corporation (NYSE: O)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 18

Realty Income Corporation (NYSE: O) is a California-based real estate investment trust founded in 1969. It is placed sixth on our list of 10 best stocks to buy for early retirement. Realty stock has offered investors returns exceeding 27% over the course of the past twelve months. The firm primarily focuses on dealings related to single-tenant commercial properties in the United States and the United Kingdom. The firm offers healthy monthly dividends built on the back of cash flow generated from 6,500 real estate properties owned under lease agreements.

Realty Income Corporation (NYSE: O) is another great option for an income stream for early retirement. On May 18, the real estate investment trust declared a monthly dividend of $0.235 per share, in line with previous. The forward yield was 4.3%.

Just like Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO), The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO), and Duke Energy Corporation (NYSE: DUK), Realty Income Corporation (NYSE: O) is one of the best stocks to buy for early retirement.

5. Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 59

Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO) is a California-based technology company founded in 1984. It is ranked fifth on our list of 10 best stocks to buy for early retirement. The firm focuses on the development and marketing of networking hardware, software, telecommunications equipment and other technology-related services and products. The company has recently made investments in the Internet of Things (IoT) universe and security services related to cloud computing and internet-based networks.

On May 19, Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO) posted earnings results for the third fiscal quarter, reporting earnings per share of $0.83 that beat market predictions by $0.01. The revenue over the period was $12.8 billion, up 6.8% year-on-year.

Out of the hedge funds being tracked by Insider Monkey, London-based investment firm Generation Investment Management is a leading shareholder in Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO) with 23 million shares worth more than $1.2 billion.

4. General Mills, Inc. (NYSE: GIS)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 31

General Mills, Inc. (NYSE: GIS) is a Minnesota-based multinational food and retail firm founded in 1928. It is placed fourth on our list of 10 best stocks to buy for early retirement. General Mills stock has returned more than 12% to investors over the past three months. Some of the famous brands owned by the company include Cheerios, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Cocoa Puffs, Cookie Crisp, Fruit by the Foot, Haagen-Dazs, Kix, Raisin Nut Bran, Total, Totino’s, Trix, Wanchai Ferry, Wheaties, Yoki, and Yoplait, among others.

In earnings for the third fiscal quarter, disclosed in late March, General Mills, Inc. (NYSE: GIS) posted earnings per share of $0.82, just missing market estimates by $0.02. The revenue over the period was $4.5 billion, beating market predictions by $60 million.

In its Q4 2020 investor letter, Nelson Capital Management, an asset management firm, highlighted a few stocks and General Mills, Inc. (NYSE: GIS) was one of them. Here is what the fund said:

“We purchased a position in General Mills (tkr: GIS). General Mills is a manufacturer and marketer of branded consumer foods and pet food products sold mainly through retail stores. It has greatly benefited from the “people eating at home” theme during the pandemic. Although this growth driver is likely to persist through 2021, that is not the main reason to own General Mills. The management team has done an excellent job diversifying product lines, and has successfully identified new trends and brought products forth accordingly. Some notable brands and products include Annie’s, Cheerios, Betty Crocker, Blue Buffalo, EPIC, Pillsbury and Yoplait. General Mills has maintained a healthy balance sheet, consistent with industry practice. It is relatively inexpensive with a P/E ratio of 15x (about half that of Hormel) and pays a 3.4% dividend, making it a great core holding within the consumer staples sector.”

3. The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO)

Number of hedge fund holders: 61

The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is a Georgia-based beverage firm founded in 1892. It is ranked third on our list of 10 best stocks to buy for early retirement. Coca-Cola stock has returned more than 21% to investors in the past year. The firm is one of the largest and most famous beverage companies in the world and owns brands such as Coca-Cola, Fanta, Fresca, Schweppes, Sprite, Aquarius, Ciel, Dasani, Ice Dew, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply, Ayataka, Costa, and Kochakaden, among others.

The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) posted earnings results for the first three months of 2021 in April, reporting a revenue of $9 billion that beat market estimates by $370 million. The earnings per share over the period were $0.55.

Out of the hedge funds being tracked by Insider Monkey, Nebraska-based firm Berkshire Hathaway is a leading shareholder in The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) with 400 million shares worth more than $21 billion.

Just like Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO) and Duke Energy Corporation (NYSE: DUK-PA), The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is one of the best stocks to buy for early retirement.

2. Duke Energy Corporation (NYSE: DUK-PA)

Number of hedge fund holders: 34

Duke Energy Corporation (NYSE: DUK-PA) is a North Carolina-based energy firm founded in 1904. It is placed second on our list of 10 best stocks to buy for early retirement. Duke stock has offered investors returns 23% over the course of the past twelve months. The company has interests in electric power generation, natural gas, and renewable energy products. The company serves more than 10 million power customers in different states across the United States.

On May 10, Duke Energy Corporation (NYSE: DUK-PA) posted earnings for the first quarter of 2021, reporting earnings per share of $1.26, beating market predictions by $0.05. The revenue over the period was $6 billion, up more than 3% compared to the same period last year.

1. Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: WASH)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 7

Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: WASH) is a Rhode Island-based banking and financial services firm founded in 1800. It is ranked first on our list of 10 best stocks to buy for early retirement. The company offers commercial banking and wealth management services and has over 20 branches in different states in the US. Washington Trust stock has returned more than 79% to investors over the course of the past twelve months. The company has a market cap of close to $1 billion and lots of growth potential.

In earnings results for the first quarter of 2021, Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: WASH) posted earnings per share of $1.17, beating market estimates by $0.13. The revenue over the period was close to $59 million, up more than 12% compared to the same period last year.

Out of the hedge funds being tracked by Insider Monkey, New York-based investment firm Third Avenue Management is a leading shareholder in Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: WASH) with 182,745 shares worth more than $9.4 million.

In its Q3 2020 investor letter, Third Avenue Management, an asset management firm, highlighted a few stocks and Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: WASH) was one of them. Here is what the fund said:

“After multiple years of patiently monitoring another bank, Washington Trust Bancorp (“Washington Trust”), its shares finally reached our buy price.

Washington Trust is a high-quality commercial and retail bank that we’ve followed for years. The bank operates in the Northeast with a footprint spread across Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. Washington Trust boasts a rich history—it was founded in 1800 and holds the impressive distinction of being the nation’s oldest community bank. The bank has not only demonstrated an aptitude for navigating countless economic cycles but has also flourished and compounded shareholder value along the way. We believe the bank is well-positioned to continue doing so over the long term as well and is a great addition to the Fund’s compounder bucket. Although Washington Trust enjoys one of the top market shares in its core state of Rhode Island, its share of the market is still in the single digits, leaving significant opportunities for continued gains. Moreover, the bank’s expansion within Connecticut and Massachusetts is still relatively nascent, representing even larger growth opportunities. Additionally, Washington Trust operates a valuable wealth management business, unusually large for a bank of its size, helping it generate an outsized portion of its profits from fee income.

Beyond Washington Trust’s outlook for growth, we would highlight the bank’s extraordinary track record and high quality management team, whom we first met two years ago. Over the years, Washington Trust has proven itself to be a conservative institution, always maintaining a strong balance sheet and best-in-class financial metrics, including consistent profitability, strong returns, and pristine asset quality. This has resulted in the company compounding value at exceptional rates over the long term—at mid-teen percentages on an annualized basis. Given all this, the chance to purchase the bank at a significant discount to our estimate of intrinsic value was quite compelling. To put the valuation opportunity in perspective, we were able to initiate the investment in this quality franchise at a dividend yield of seven percent despite a payout ratio only around fifty percent.”

A revolutionary initiative is helping average Americans find quick and lasting stock market success.

275% in one week on XLF - an index fund for the financial sector. Even 583%, in 7 days on XHB… an ETF of homebuilding companies in the S&P 500. 


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