On August 6, Carlisle Companies Incorporated (NYSE:CSL) announced that its Board of Directors approved a 14% increase in its regular quarterly dividend. The dividend will rise from $1.10 to $1.25 per share, which works out to $5.00 annually.
The increase also makes Carlisle a “Dividend King.” This group includes US publicly traded companies that have increased their annual dividends for at least 50 consecutive years. Fewer than 60 listed companies currently have that record, so Carlisle is now part of a fairly exclusive group of dividend-paying companies.
Carlisle Companies Incorporated (CSL)’s New Dividend King Status Comes With Higher Expectations
Bull Case: Strong Results Give Carlisle Room to Raise Its Dividend
The latest dividend increase comes at a time when Carlisle Companies Incorporated (NYSE:CSL)’s business is performing well. That makes the increase more meaningful than simply raising the payout to keep its 50-year streak alive.
Carlisle reported record revenue of $1.6 billion in the second quarter, an 8% increase from the same period last year. Adjusted diluted EPS rose 12% to $7.03. Management also raised its full-year 2026 revenue outlook to mid-single-digit growth.
Cash generation gives the company another reason to remain confident about its dividend. In the first six months of 2026, Carlisle generated $199.6 million in operating cash flow from continuing operations and $129.6 million in free cash flow. It also returned $590 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.
The dividend has grown at a double-digit compound annual rate since 2022. That growth has been supported by pricing power in Carlisle’s construction-materials businesses, tighter cost controls and changes to the company’s portfolio under its Vision 2030 strategy.
Bear Case: Falling Free Cash Flow Is Worth Watching
The biggest concern is the decline in free cash flow. Carlisle Companies Incorporated (NYSE:CSL) generated $129.6 million in free cash flow from continuing operations during the first half of 2026, compared with $227.6 million a year earlier. That decline stands out because revenue and earnings both increased during the period.
Carlisle also spent $70 million on capital expenditures and returned $590 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. With the company investing heavily across several areas, there is less room for free cash flow to support every use of capital at the same pace. The company has to balance dividends and buybacks with organic investments, acquisitions, and its Vision 2030 plans. If construction markets slow down, maintaining dividend increases in the double-digit range could become more difficult.
The Dividend King status adds another layer of pressure. Investors who see a 50-year dividend growth record may expect Carlisle to keep raising the payout every year. During a prolonged downturn, though, management could decide that protecting the balance sheet and investing in the business are more important than keeping dividend growth at its recent pace.
Comparative Valuation & Peer Context
Carlisle Companies Incorporated (NYSE:CSL) is trading at a forward multiple of 19.23x, while A. O. Smith Corporation (NYSE:AOS), a leading global water technology and manufacturing company, trades at around 15.9x to 16.5x. The gap reflects Carlisle’s transformation into a higher-margin, pure-play building products company and its new Dividend King status. AOS continues to face near-term cyclical pressure in residential and commercial water heating demand, which has weighed on its valuation.
Conclusion
Carlisle Companies Incorporated (NYSE:CSL)’s 50th consecutive dividend increase is a good sign for income investors. The 14% increase comes with record second-quarter revenue, higher earnings and a better 2026 revenue outlook, giving the company a solid base for continued dividend growth.
The bigger issue is the pace of future increases. The current $1.25 quarterly dividend looks well supported, but free cash flow has fallen from a year ago while Carlisle continues to spend on capital projects, acquisitions, buybacks and dividends.
Another 14% increase next year is possible, but it should not be taken for granted. Going forward, dividend growth will likely depend on how well earnings and free cash flow hold up, especially if conditions in the construction market become less favorable.
While we acknowledge the potential of CSL as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you’re looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on thebest short-term AI stock.
The audit is a step up from the quarterly attestations Tether has published for years after settling an investigation with the New York Attorney General’s office. An attestation checks specific information, such as the amount and composition of reserves at a given date. A financial audit takes a broader look at a company’s books, testing transactions, assets, liabilities, income, cash flows and the evidence supporting them.
Tether said in March that it had hired a “Big Four” accounting firm to conduct its first full audit. KPMG is one of the Big Four, the group of accounting giants that also includes Deloitte, EY and PwC and audits many of the world’s largest companies.
KPMG examined Tether’s transactions, systems, valuations, counterparties and ownership records, according to the company. Auditors also physically counted and inspected its gold bars.
Tether has repeatedly promised a full audit while relying on reserve attestations, leaving critics asking why a company of its size hadn’t undergone the same level of scrutiny common among large financial firms.
Concerns about the stability and backing of its USDT token, a key piece of infrastructure for crypto trading and markets, have surfaced from time to time as a potential systemic risk for digital assets. The recurring debate became so familiar in crypto circles that it earned its own shorthand as “Tether FUD.”
Cosmos [ATOM] has rallied 8.3% over the past 24 hours, with a 91.9% surge in daily trading volume. The uptick in volume was accompanied by speculative interest, too, but there could be a warning sign in the short-term.
Source: Coinalyze
The Open Interest has climbed 11.3% in the past 24 hours. This signaled heavy speculative activity, and the spot demand was also high, as demonstrated by the uptick in trading volume as well as the spot CVD spike in recent hours.
However, the negative funding rate was a sobering thought for the bulls. The market was betting on a price reversal, and short positions were willing to pay a fee to keep their positions open.
Here’s what the price action has to say about the upcoming ATOM trends.
Bullish moving average crossover foretells bullish ATOM momentum
Source: ATOM/USDT on TradingView
The swing move down from $2.29 to $1.21 began in late May. The structure was clearly bearish, but it does not rule out a short-term bounce.
At the time of writing, the moving averages formed a bullish crossover, and the Cosmos crypto price has also climbed above the averages.
The MACD was also climbing toward the zero line, showing weakening bearish momentum and a potential recovery higher.
While the MACD was unable to climb toward the early July highs, the CMF managed to break out past the +0.05 mark to signal strong capital inflows.
Despite the mixed signals on the daily timeframe, there was one warning sign to watch out for.
Traders’ call to action- Beware of a liquidity sweep
Source: ATOM/USDT on TradingView
The 4-hour chart’s structure was also bearish. The Fibonacci retracement levels showed that the Cosmos crypto token was trading within the golden pocket between $1.46 and $1.53.
A rejection from the $1.50 resistance zone is expected, based on this structure.
Source: CoinGlass
The 1-month liquidation heatmap also highlighted the cluster of short liquidations around the $1.50 area. The recent rally higher has swept this magnetic zone.
Based on the evidence at hand, a bearish trend continuation appeared likely. Sustained buying pressure and a rally past the $1.62 level is needed to signal a potential rally toward the psychological $2 resistance.
Final Summary
The Cosmos crypto token has rallied by just over 8% in 24 hours, with a 91.3% daily trading volume spike and an 11% Open Interest surge.
While the short-term momentum appeared bullish, ATOM would likely struggle to clear the $1.50 supply zone.
Hyperliquid (CRYPTO: $HYPE) is exploring a path into the U.S. perpetual futures market as its policy group presses federal regulators for rules that could bring onchain derivatives under a regulated domestic framework.
With a Senate vote on the CLARITY Act delayed, the decentralized exchange is looking for a route through existing regulatory authority rather than waiting for broader crypto legislation. Hyperliquid does not currently offer its trading platform to U.S. users.
Hyperliquid Policy Center CEO Jake Chervinsky said the goal is for regulators to interpret existing rules favourably or create new ones that would allow regulated firms to offer perpetual futures using markets built on Hyperliquid.
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The effort has already reached the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. In July, the Hyperliquid Policy Center and Phantom asked the agency to clarify that developers of onchain software should not automatically face exchange or clearinghouse registration requirements. They also urged regulators to let registered firms use blockchain infrastructure for execution, margining, clearing and settlement.
The groups argued that self-custodial markets do not fit neatly into rules written for traditional intermediaries because users retain control of their own funds. Their filing said the current framework leaves “American users” walled off from onchain derivatives while development continues offshore.
That distinction becomes more complicated as Hyperliquid moves beyond crypto-native contracts. About 32% of the platform’s second-quarter trading volume was linked to stocks and other real-world assets, potentially placing parts of the business across both CFTC and Securities and Exchange Commission jurisdiction.
Real-world asset markets have already become a larger part of Hyperliquid’s trading mix, with contracts tied to stocks and other traditional assets expanding alongside its core crypto derivatives business.
A regulated U.S. route would bring Hyperliquid closer to traditional derivatives infrastructure while preserving the self-custody model behind its onchain markets.
Hyperliquid (CRYPTO: HYPE) is currently trading at $55.80 U.S. per digital token.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission was on the verge of revealing its first major rulemaking effort in the digital assets sphere, having been set to propose its “Regulation Crypto,” but the agency cancelled the Friday meeting in an end-of-day statement on Thursday.
“Due to an unforeseen scheduling issue,” the SEC is moving the meeting to “a later date,” according to a statement from an agency spokesperson.
In the absence of progress in the Senate’s Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, the legislation that would establish a legal foundation for crypto market activity in the U.S., the industry had looked to the SEC to pick up the baton. The so-called Reg Crypto is expected to open a limited framework for issuing crypto securities without triggering agency registration requirements, and also to be able to later transition out of management of the project and, as a result, out of the SEC’s regulatory radar.
The sector will instead have to sit back again and see which branch of the government delivers first: SEC or Congress.
In recent years, online casinos have surged in popularity, offering players the thrill of gambling from the comfort of their homes. However, as a novice, the world of online casinos can be overwhelming and, at times, risky. This guide aims to transform you from a novice to a pro while ensuring safe and responsible play.
Choosing a Reputable Casino
Research Licensing and Regulation
Before signing up, ensure that the online casino is licensed by a reputable authority. Look for casinos that display their license information prominently on their website.
Read Reviews and Ratings
Check out user reviews and ratings on trusted review sites. Feedback from other players can provide insights into the casino’s reliability, game offerings, and payout practices.
Understanding Games and Odds
Types of Casino Games
Familiarize yourself with different types of online casino games, including slots, table games, and live dealer games. Each game has its own rules and odds, which are essential to understand for successful play.
House Edge and RTP
Always check the house edge and return to player (RTP) percentages for different games. Games with lower house edges generally offer better chances of winning over time.
Setting a Budget
Establish a Gambling Budget
Set a clear budget for your gambling activities. Decide how much money you can afford to lose and stick to that limit, ensuring you don’t dip into funds needed for essential expenses.
Use Deposit Limits
Many online casinos allow you to set deposit limits on your account. Take advantage of this feature to control your spending and promote responsible gambling.
Implementing Safe Play Practices
Secure Your Information
Always play on secure sites that use SSL encryption. This protects your personal and financial information from potential threats.
Watch for Signs of Problem Gambling
Be aware of the signs of problem gambling, such as gambling to escape issues, lying about your gambling habits, or chasing losses. If you notice these signs, seek help immediately.
Taking Advantage of Bonuses and Promotions
Welcome Bonuses
Many online casinos offer generous welcome bonuses for new players. Make sure to read the terms and conditions attached, as they often come with wagering requirements.
Loyalty Programs
Join loyalty or VIP programs to earn points for your play, which can be redeemed for bonuses or other perks that enhance your gaming experience.
Conclusion
Transitioning from a novice to a pro in online casino play is achievable with the right knowledge and practices. By choosing reputable casinos, understanding games and odds, setting a budget, implementing safe play practices, and utilizing bonuses wisely, you can enjoy a thrilling yet responsible online gambling experience.
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Nearly two full years since “no tax on Social Security” became a presidential campaign slogan, retirees collecting benefits are still paying taxes.
Despite the passing of President Donald Trump’s signature One Big Beautiful Bill Act in July 2025, it “does not include this provision,” according to the Tax Foundation (1).
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Instead, the bill includes something much narrower: a special and temporary tax deduction spread across different income bands. And the structure of this deduction has far-reaching impacts for all taxpayers, even those who are years away from retirement or claiming benefits.
Here’s what you need to know.
Implications of the enhanced deduction for retirees
The enhanced deduction for older Americans applies to those beneficiaries above a certain age (65) and can only be claimed between 2025 and 2028, according to the IRS (2). There’s also income thresholds. The deduction phases out for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income over $75,000, or $150,000 for joint filers.
Because of these narrow parameters, the Tax Policy Center (3) estimates that the tax reduction will “benefit fewer than half of older adults.” And even for those who qualify, they just receive a tax reduction, not elimination.
This reduction also cuts the program’s revenue by roughly $91 billion over its four-year term, according to analysis by the Joint Committee on Taxation, as cited by the Peter G. Peterson Foundation (4). This, along with several other tax cuts implemented by the OBBBA, accelerated the Social Security trust fund’s depletion to 2032, one year earlier than anticipated, according to the Bipartisan Policy Center (5).
Simply put, some beneficiaries will see their taxes reduced temporarily, but all beneficiaries could see their benefits cut over the long term, unless Congress intervenes. The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget anticipates that retirees could face a 24% benefit reduction (6).
Until then, there are several ways to protect your wealth and retirement.
Since Social Security’s future is highly unpredictable, the best way to prepare might be to make your retirement plan less reliant on benefits in the first place. Diversifying into alternative assets that offer inflation protection, tax advantages or reliable passive income could be the smart money move.
For those worried about the government’s chronic fiscal deficits, gold could be one such safe haven. This environment of sovereign debt concerns favors the yellow metal, according to investment firm Sprott (7).
One way to invest in gold that also provides significant tax advantages is to open a gold IRA with the help of Priority Gold.
Gold IRAs allow investors to hold physical gold or gold-related assets within a retirement account, which combines the tax advantages of an IRA with the protective benefits of investing in gold, making it an attractive option for those looking to potentially hedge their retirement funds against economic uncertainty.
To learn more, you can get a free information guide that includes details on how to get up to $10,000 in free silver on qualifying purchases.
Diversify with your portfolio real estate
For those worried about passive income in retirement, rental property could be a potential solution. For example, platforms like Arrived have democratized this asset class, so you can invest as little as $100 to start collecting rental income from a robust portfolio of vacation homes and apartments.
Another platform that offers fractional ownership in blue-chip rental properties is mogul. Founded by former Goldman Sachs real estate investors, the mogul team handpicks the top 1% of single-family rental homes nationwide for you. Simply put, you can invest in institutional-quality offerings for a fraction of the usual cost.
Each property undergoes a vetting process, requiring a minimum 12% return even in downside scenarios. Across the board, the platform features an average annual IRR of 18.8%. Their cash-on-cash yields, meanwhile, average between 10% to 12% annually. Offerings often sell out in under three hours, with investments typically ranging between $15,000 and $40,000 per property.
Get some professional help
For older Americans with a relatively sizable portfolio of retirement savings, these tax and diversification strategies may need a professional touch. Managing withdrawals, minimizing tax exposure and ensuring long-term sustainability often require greater coordination and strategic planning.
In these cases, working with a financial advisor can help reduce costly mistakes.
Especially if you have a portfolio of $250,000 or more, platforms like WiserAdvisor can connect you with vetted professionals who specialize in this kind of planning.
Simply answer a few questions about your savings, retirement timeline and overall investment portfolio. From there, WiserAdvisor reviews its network to match you — for free — with up to three vetted, reputable advisors aligned with your specific needs.
WiserAdvisor is a matching service and does not provide financial advice directly. All matched advisors are third parties, and specific financial results are not guaranteed.
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Article Sources
We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see ourethics and guidelines.
Tax Foundation (1); Internal Revenue Service (2); Tax Policy Center (3); Peter G. Peterson Foundation (4); Bipartisan Policy Center (5); Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (6); Sprott (7)
This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
