**Raymond James Identifies Top Dividend Stocks Amid Bullish Market**

In light of recent bullish market trends, financial experts at Raymond James are advising investors to turn their attention to dividend stocks for maximizing returns. Capitalizing on both share growth and reliable dividend income is the strategy of choice. Larry Adam, Chief Investment Officer at Raymond James, provides an optimistic view on the U.S. economy: despite traditional recession indicators like the ISM manufacturing metrics and the Fed’s aggressive tightening cycle, the economy has demonstrated unexpected resilience. Factors such as robust job growth, government stimulus, increased travel spending, fiscal policies (IRA, CHIPS, Infrastructure Act), and AI investments have sustained this positive trajectory.

Adam underscores that, contrary to earlier predictions, a recession is unlikely given the current economic conditions. He notes that the combination of consistent job growth, substantial business capital expenditures, and unspent fiscal stimulus is setting the stage for a "soft landing" for the economy. In this favorable environment, dividend stocks advocated by Raymond James present a promising investment opportunity, with some offering yields exceeding 8%, besides the prospect of share price appreciation.

One of Raymond James’ highlighted stocks is CTO Realty Growth, a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT). REITs like CTO are known for their high dividend yields due to regulatory mandates to return a significant portion of their profits to investors. CTO owns and manages 19 upscale retail properties in high-growth U.S. markets, including states like North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Texas, and Arizona. Additionally, CTO serves as the external manager of Alpine Income Property Trust, holding a significant ownership interest.

CTO’s investment strategy is focused on potential future income rather than immediate gains. This approach has paid dividends—literally and figuratively—with the company posting a 20% year-to-date increase and a 35% rise over the past 12 months. The recent dividend payment of 38 cents per share, issued on September 30, manifests a forward yield close to 8%. Financially, CTO's performance is robust; the company reported Q2 2024 revenues of $28.85 million, marking an 11% year-over-year increase and surpassing forecasts by $1.44 million.

Another stock on Raymond James’ dividend champion list is KKR Real Estate Finance Trust, also a REIT. Managed by the investment giant KKR, this REIT focuses on originating senior loans secured by commercial real estate assets in premier markets. KKR’s portfolio, valued at approximately $6.6 billion, is predominantly made up of senior loans with floating rates. Key geographic locations for KKR include California, Texas, and Massachusetts, among others.

KKR reported Q3 earnings with a top line of $47.2 million, beating the forecast by $9.28 million. Although this represents a 5.8% year-over-year decline, the company’s financial health remains strong with a non-GAAP EPS of $0.37, surpassing forecasts by $0.03. Their recent dividend declaration of 25 cents per share, paid out on October 15, translates to an annual yield of approximately 8.6%. Raymond James’ analyst Stephen Laws projects a bright future for KKR, anticipating favorable new investment opportunities and potentially increased dividends in the coming year.

For investors looking to maximize returns in the current market, these dividend stocks offer substantial promise, supported by a combination of strategic geographic investments and strong financial performance.