| | Hello and welcome to Dividend Brief, the 2 times weekly newsletter focused on dividend investing. | Today, we will look into Target, Wells Fargo, and Salesforce, highlight a few dividend stocks worth watching, as well as share companies that are about to pay a dividend in the next few days. |
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| | AI | | | Artificial intelligence is no longer the future—it’s the present, and it’s reshaping industries faster than ever imagined. As we approach 2025, a new wave of AI leaders is emerging, offering investors unprecedented opportunities to capitalize on this transformative trend. | This exclusive report unveils the 10 AI stocks set to dominate the market in 2025. These companies are not only driving innovation but are poised to deliver exceptional returns as they redefine healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and more. | (By clicking the link above, you will get this free report and a free subscription to MarketBeat's daily email newsletter. You are also agreeing to the terms of our privacy policy. Unsubscribe at any time.) | Don’t miss your chance to align with these forward-thinking companies before the market catches on. | Click here to secure your free copy and position yourself for 2025’s biggest AI breakthroughs. | (By clicking the link above, you will get this free report and a free subscription to MarketBeat's daily email newsletter. You are also agreeing to the terms of our privacy policy. Unsubscribe at any time.) |
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| | Retail | Target Faces Shareholder Lawsuit Over Social Initiatives Backlash | | Target is facing a lawsuit from shareholders accusing the company of misleading investors about the potential risks tied to its social and diversity-focused initiatives. According to the suit, these actions led to consumer boycotts, reputational damage, and a sharp decline in the retailer's stock value. The allegations claim that leadership failed to provide transparency on the financial impact of these programs, leaving investors unaware of potential repercussions. | The backlash gained momentum after Target's 2023 Pride Month campaign, which resulted in merchandise changes and safety concerns for employees following in-store confrontations. Additionally, shareholders argue that the company's financial struggles, including a significant drop in stock price last November, contrast sharply with the stronger performance of competitors like Walmart. | Target recently announced plans to scale back its diversity and inclusion efforts, including initiatives to support Black-owned businesses. This move aligns with similar steps taken by other major corporations amid growing criticism of such programs. | The lawsuit, filed in federal court, seeks compensation for affected investors over a two-year period. As Target navigates these legal and financial challenges, the outcomes could influence corporate strategies on balancing social initiatives with investor expectations. | TGT currently trades at $135 and pays a dividend of $1.12 per share, a yield of 3.34%. |
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| | Financial Services | Wells Fargo Nears Potential End to Longstanding Asset Cap | | Wells Fargo's prolonged struggle with a regulatory asset cap may finally be nearing a turning point, sparking cautious optimism across the company. This restriction, in place for seven years, has severely limited the bank’s ability to grow and is estimated to have significantly impacted its profitability. The cap was imposed by the Federal Reserve following widespread misconduct revelations and required the bank to overhaul its risk management and oversight systems. | Over the years, the process of addressing the Fed's concerns has been painstaking, involving thousands of revisions to internal procedures and significant investment in compliance and operational improvements. Despite these efforts, progress has been slow, and the restriction remains a significant hurdle for the bank. However, recent steps, including submitting a third-party review of its internal reforms, have fueled hope that the cap could be lifted soon. | If the restriction is removed, Wells Fargo could shift its focus to expansion, including bolstering trading operations, increasing corporate deposits, and enhancing its credit card offerings. For now, the asset cap serves as a reminder of the regulatory consequences tied to mismanagement, but its potential end could mark a new chapter for the bank’s growth and reputation. | WFC currently trades at $80 and pays a dividend of 40 cents per share, a yield of 2.05%. |
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| | 2025 Stock Picks | | | As 2025 approaches, finding reliable stocks that offer both growth and steady income is more important than ever. | A new report, "10 Best Stocks to Own in 2025," highlights well-established companies that combine long-term growth potential with consistent dividend payouts. | By clicking the link above, you will get this free report and a free subscription to MarketBeat's daily email newsletter. You are also agreeing to the terms of our privacy policy. Unsubscribe at any time.) | These stocks are designed to help investors navigate uncertain markets while building wealth over time. | Whether you’re planning for retirement or looking to enhance your portfolio, this is your chance to align with companies poised for success in the coming years. | Click here to access your free copy and see the top picks for 2025. | (By clicking the link above, you will get this free report and a free subscription to MarketBeat's daily email newsletter. You are also agreeing to the terms of our privacy policy. Unsubscribe at any time.) |
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| | Software | Salesforce Balances Workforce Cuts With AI Expansion | | Salesforce is beginning its new fiscal year with job cuts, even as it ramps up hiring in areas related to artificial intelligence products. The workforce reductions are part of a broader trend in the tech industry, where major players like Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta have also trimmed their employee numbers in recent months. These shifts reflect an increased focus on maintaining profitability while navigating changing market dynamics. | The company has not disclosed which departments will be impacted, but employees affected by the layoffs may have opportunities to apply for internal roles. Salesforce, a leader in customer management software, ended its last fiscal year with nearly 73,000 employees. Despite the job cuts, it remains committed to expanding its sales teams to support its growing portfolio of AI-driven solutions. | This dual approach highlights the company’s balancing act between investing in innovation and addressing financial expectations. After facing pressure from investors in 2023, Salesforce has intensified efforts to optimize efficiency and improve profit margins. These strategic adjustments are expected to play a role in its upcoming financial performance, with fourth-quarter earnings anticipated later this month. | CRM currently trades at $346 and pays a dividend of 40 cents per share, a yield of 0.47%. |
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| | Dividend Stocks Worth Watching | Medtronic (MDT) remains an easy dividend stock to add to any portfolio. It’s faithfully increased its dividend for 47 years and has plenty of new initiatives to fuel further growth for years to come. | Kimberly-Clark (KMB) has several consumer brands and a steady revenue rise to support them. In addition to share price rises, the company affords a 3.87% dividend yield. | Bloomin' Brands (BLMN) fits well in the casual dining sector, providing it with steady revenue streams. It offers a notable 7.60% dividend yield, appealing to investors seeking income from the consumer discretionary sector. | | Dividend Increases | | | CMCSA increased its dividend payout to 33 cents per share, an increase of 6.4%. Its new forward yield is 3.9%.
ASLM upped its dividend payout to $.1.64 per share, an increase of 16.6%. Its new forward yield is 0.8%.
CI boosted its dividend payout to $1.51 per share, an increase of 7.9%. Its new forward yield is 2.1%. |
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| Dividend Decreases | | | | | RCI decreased its dividend payout to 34.7 cents per share, a cut of 3.9%. Its new dividend yield is 5.3%.
CP dropped its dividend payout to 13.1 cents per share, a cut of 5.8%. Its new dividend yield is 0.7%.
BBU lowered its dividend payout to 6.2 cents per share, a cut of 0.8%. Its new dividend yield is 1.14%. |
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| | Technology | | | The Magnificent Seven—Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, Nvidia, Meta, and Tesla—set the standard for market dominance. But as their growth stabilizes, the hunt is on for the next generation of industry leaders. | Seven under-the-radar companies are emerging as contenders, combining innovation, market share expansion, and financial strength. | These stocks are positioned to thrive in 2025, offering investors a unique chance to get in early on the next big wave. | (By clicking the link above, you will get this free report and a free subscription to MarketBeat's daily email newsletter. You are also agreeing to the terms of our privacy policy. Unsubscribe at any time.) | While the world watches yesterday’s leaders, these stocks are quietly making their move. | Click here to access the free report and uncover the next Magnificent Seven. | (By clicking the link above, you will get this free report and a free subscription to MarketBeat's daily email newsletter. You are also agreeing to the terms of our privacy policy. Unsubscribe at any time.) |
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| | Upcoming Dividend Payers | PFC is going to pay 31 cents per share to all shareholders of record on 2/7/25
MCBS is going to pay 23 cents per share to all shareholders of record on 2/7/25
ACI is going to pay 15 cents per share to all shareholders of record on 2/7/25 | | Everything Else | Regeneron has exceeded quarterly earnings expectations, driven by eczema drug demand, and announced the launch of a dividend program. Equifax has declared its latest quarterly dividend, showcasing continued shareholder returns. Southwest Airlines has announced its 184th consecutive quarterly dividend, reinforcing its commitment to consistent payouts. Trane Technologies has increased its dividend by 12% while declaring its quarterly payout, reflecting its strong financial position. Alexander’s has declared a quarterly dividend of $4.50 per common share, continuing its robust distributions. Stryker has announced a quarterly dividend of $0.84 per share, maintaining its track record of shareholder returns.
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| | That’s all for today’s edition of the Dividend Brief.
Thanks for reading, and if you have any feedback or dividend stocks you want me to take a look at, just reply to this email!
—Noah Zelvis
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