Wolfe Research has identified a select group of ten small- and mid-cap companies that stand out for combining meaningful dividend growth over the last twelve months with relatively strong unlevered free cash flow yields. The list covers a cross-section of sectors - from consumer-facing businesses to energy and industrials - and focuses on firms that have demonstrated the simultaneous ability to generate cash and increase shareholder payout levels.
Analysts at Wolfe Research emphasized that this pairing - rising dividends together with solid cash generation - can be an indicator of financial resilience within the SMID-cap universe. The research note highlights individual company situations, with recent quarterly results and corporate developments documented alongside the cash flow and dividend metrics.
The ten companies identified - listed here in the order presented by Wolfe Research - combine recent dividend expansion with attractive unlevered free cash flow yields, according to the firm:
- Playtika Holding Corp. (NASDAQ:PLTK) - Ranked at the top of Wolfe Research's list, Playtika is noted for strong free cash flow generation paired with dividend growth momentum. The company reported a fourth-quarter earnings-per-share miss while revenue slightly exceeded expectations. Separately, Wedbush downgraded the stock to Neutral, citing concerns tied to debt maturity.
- Upbound Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:UPBD) - Positioned second on the list, Upbound is recognized for robust cash flow metrics alongside expanding dividend payments. The company posted strong fourth-quarter financial results, surpassing analyst forecasts on both earnings per share and revenue.
- Dole plc (NYSE:DOLE) - Dole occupies the third spot, combining dividend growth with notable free cash flow yield characteristics. The company reported fourth-quarter results in which earnings per share met expectations and revenue came in ahead of forecasts.
- Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:SPB) - Also in the consumer staples group, Spectrum Brands ranks fourth for its cash generation and dividend profile. The company delivered strong first-quarter results that materially exceeded analyst forecasts for both earnings per share and revenue, prompting Canaccord Genuity and Oppenheimer to raise price targets on the shares.
- Teekay Tankers Ltd. (NYSE:TNK) - The energy-sector representative in fifth place, Teekay Tankers is cited for both dividend growth and unlevered free cash flow yield strength. The company reported robust fourth-quarter results, with earnings per share and revenue significantly above analyst estimates.
- World Kinect Corp. (NYSE:WKC) - Ranked sixth and also coming from the energy sector, World Kinect is singled out for its standing on the metrics Wolfe evaluated. Recent corporate disclosures included an increase in compensation for its Chief Accounting Officer and an update to the executive severance policy.
- Perrigo Company Public Limited Company (NYSE:PRGO) - In seventh position, Perrigo balances dividend growth with free cash flow generation. The company reported a slight miss on fourth-quarter earnings per share while revenue exceeded forecasts; Jefferies maintained its Hold rating on the stock.
- DENTSPLY SIRONA Inc. (NASDAQ:XRAY) - Ranked eighth among the healthcare representatives, DENTSPLY SIRONA posted mixed fourth-quarter results, with revenue beating forecasts but earnings per share falling short of expectations. Mizuho later raised its price target on the shares while keeping a Neutral rating.
- Hub Group Inc. (NASDAQ:HUBG) - The industrials-sector entry at ninth place, Hub Group combines cash flow yield and dividend expansion metrics. The company disclosed a delay in filing its annual report as it worked to finalize results after identifying an accounting error that had understated costs. Following the disclosure, several firms including Baird and Stifel downgraded the stock.
- Costamare Inc. (NYSE:CMRE) - Rounding out Wolfe Research's list at tenth, Costamare appears for its mix of dividend growth and free cash flow yield characteristics. The company reported fourth-quarter earnings that missed analyst expectations while revenue for the period exceeded forecasts.
The companies noted by Wolfe Research span a range of operational profiles and recent corporate developments. Several names posted quarterly results that beat revenue forecasts even when earnings per share were mixed, while other firms drew analyst attention and rating adjustments following their results or disclosures.
Wolfe Research's screening emphasizes the intersection of cash generation and dividend policy as a way to surface SMID-cap names where shareholders may benefit from both income growth and firms' underlying cash-producing capacity. The firm highlights cross-sector exposure, which may offer investors access to different segments of the economy through a dividend- and cash-flow-focused lens.