| | Hello and welcome to Dividend Brief, the 2 times weekly newsletter focused on dividend investing. If you’re not looking for more emails from us, just click here to unsubscribe! | Today, we will look into Lowe’s, Blackrock, and McDonald’s, highlight a few dividend stocks worth watching, and share companies that are about to pay a dividend in the next few days. |
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| | | | Retail | Lowe's Introduces Virtual Assistant to Support Home Improvement Projects | | Lowe's (NYSE: LOW) has introduced a digital assistant to improve customer support and streamline home improvement planning. The tool, "Mylow," is designed to help shoppers find the right products and get step-by-step guidance for various projects. | Mylow is available on the Lowe's website and mobile platforms for MyLowe's Rewards members. The company has integrated its expertise into the tool to provide detailed information on materials, tools, and installation processes. Customers can access Mylow for assistance with various tasks, from basic home repairs to larger renovations. | Lowe's has been expanding its digital services in response to shifting consumer preferences. The company has invested in online shopping enhancements and self-service options to simplify project planning. The introduction of Mylow aligns with these efforts, giving customers an additional resource when searching for solutions. | The home improvement retailer operates in a competitive market where digital convenience is becoming increasingly important. Retailers in the sector have been working to improve service accessibility, and Lowe's has taken steps to integrate new tools into its existing online experience. | Mylow is currently accessible on desktop and mobile web browsers, and further updates are planned. The company has also expanded its fulfillment options, offering in-store pickup and delivery services for home improvement products. | LOW currently trades at $224 and pays a dividend of $1.15 per share, a yield of 2.05%. |
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| | Investment Management | BlackRock Leads $22.8 Billion Deal for Panama Canal Ports | | BlackRock (NYSE: BLK) has announced a significant investment in global infrastructure, leading a consortium to acquire key ports along the Panama Canal. This $22.8 billion deal includes the purchase of the Balboa and Cristobal ports from Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison and a controlling stake in 43 other ports across 23 countries. | The acquisition is expected to enhance BlackRock’s position in global logistics, adding critical trade hubs to its portfolio. With the Panama Canal remaining a key transit route for international trade, handling a significant portion of global maritime shipments. | BlackRock’s move aligns with its broader investment strategy in infrastructure assets, which provide long-term revenue potential. The company has been increasing its focus on essential global supply chain assets, particularly as demand for logistics and trade connectivity grows. | While the transaction remains subject to regulatory reviews and closing conditions, it represents one of BlackRock’s largest infrastructure deals. The firm has previously invested in transportation and logistics assets, which marks a significant expansion in port operations. | BlackRock continues to manage a diverse portfolio across multiple asset classes, including equities, fixed income, and alternative investments. The acquisition of port assets underscores its commitment to infrastructure as a key component of its global investment approach. | With this transaction, BlackRock further solidifies its role in shaping the future of international trade infrastructure while expanding its global footprint in strategic transport hubs. | BLK currently trades at $928 and pays a dividend of $5.20 per share, a yield of 2.26%. |
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| | | | Restaurants | McDonald’s Expands Restaurant Operations with New Innovation Teams | | McDonald's (NYSE: MCD) has introduced specialized teams to enhance restaurant operations and menu development. The company has formed a Restaurant Experience Team to streamline various aspects of its business, including operations, supply chain, franchising, and restaurant design, which aims to improve efficiency across its global network. | McDonald's has also established three Category Management Teams focusing on beef, chicken, and beverages/desserts. These teams are tasked with refining menu offerings and aligning product development with consumer demand. The company continues to prioritize digital innovation and customer experience while expanding its restaurant network. | Recent efforts include optimizing its digital ordering systems and improving drive-through operations while rolling out restaurant upgrades to enhance service speed and order accuracy. McDonald’s has integrated automated solutions to manage high customer volume in select locations. | The company remains a key player in the quick-service restaurant industry and continues to adapt its strategies. McDonald's reinforces its market position by refining operations and introducing new specialized teams. The focus on innovation and efficiency is central to its ongoing efforts to meet evolving consumer preferences. | MCD currently trades at $300 and pays a dividend of $1.77 per share, a yield of 2.37%. |
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| | Dividend Stocks Worth Watching | Merck & Co (MRK) has solid financials and a vast portfolio of medications to offer stability amid market volatility. Its 3.47% dividend yield further adds to investor interest. | CVS Health (CVS) recently moved to expand its footprint by opening smaller stores focused solely on pharmacy services, adding to its already strong presence in communities. The company is also not shy about its dividend, paying out 4.10% annually. | Agree Realty (ADC) is a resilient REIT with more than 2,300 diverse properties around the nation. Its shares are even more attractive, thanks to the requirement to pay 90% of its taxable income to shareholders as dividends. | | Dividend Increases | | | BBW increased its dividend payout to 22 cents per share, an increase of 10%. Its new forward yield is 2.5%.
DKS upped its dividend payout to $1.21 per share, an increase of 10%. Its new forward yield is 2.29%.
ORCL increased its dividend payout to 50 cents per share, an increase of 25%. Its new forward yield is 1.34%. |
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| Dividend Decreases | | | | | TY decreased its dividend payout to 27 cents per share, a cut of 5%. Its new dividend yield is 3.7%.
E shrunk its dividend payout to 52 cents per share, a cut of 4%. Its new dividend yield is 7.1%.
AHH lowered its dividend payout to 14 cents per share, a cut of 32%. Its new dividend yield is 6.4%. |
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| | Policy Profits (Sponsored) | | | With Trump back in office, the market is already shifting—and investors who move early could see massive gains. Certain industries are set to thrive under new policies, creating opportunities that won’t stay under the radar for long. | A newly released report uncovers five stocks positioned for potential breakout growth during Trump’s presidency. | (By following any of the links above, you're choosing to opt in to receive insightful updates from The Investment News Daily + 2 free bonus subscriptions! Your privacy is important to us. You can unsubscribe anytime. See our privacy policy for details.) | These companies are aligned with key economic and political trends that could drive the next wave of market winners. | The window to act is closing. Once these stocks gain traction, the biggest moves could already be underway. | Click here to access the free report before the market catches on. | (By following any of the links above, you're choosing to opt in to receive insightful updates from The Investment News Daily + 2 free bonus subscriptions! Your privacy is important to us. You can unsubscribe anytime. See our privacy policy for details.) |
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| | Upcoming Dividend Payers | GIC is going to pay 26 cents per share to all shareholders of record on 3/17/25
GOOGL is going to pay 20 cents per share to all shareholders of record on 3/17/25
UNH is going to pay $2.10 per share to all shareholders of record on 3/18/25 | | Everything Else | Honeywell is considering spinning off its aerospace division following pressure from activist investor Elliott Management. Merck is recognized as one of the top healthcare stocks for dividend investors due to its strong earnings and steady dividend history. Bank of America is acknowledged as a leading dividend contender because of its strong financial position and dividend payout history. Best Buy is highlighted for its consistent dividend performance, making it a solid choice for income-focused investors. Hess Midstream has increased its dividend for the 35th consecutive quarter, now offering a 6.9% yield. National CineMedia has reinstated an annual cash dividend of 12 cents per share after emerging from bankruptcy. |
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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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