| Resilient Double-Digit Dividend Growth Counters Economic Uncertainty |
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| | Hello and welcome to Dividend Brief, the 2 times weekly newsletter focused on dividend investing. | Today, we will look into Verizon, Pfizer, and Wells Fargo, 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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| | | | Communications | Mission-Critical Equipment Gains Verizon Stamp of Approval | | Verizon (NYSE: VZ) has named Ericsson Enterprise Wireless Solutions a "Verizon Frontline Verified" partner, strengthening its role in public safety communications. This approval covers equipment like Ericsson's Cradlepoint R980 router, used on Verizon's Frontline network for first responders. | The gear meets strict standards for emergencies, supporting disaster response and mobile command centers. All products, including vehicle routers and IoT systems, are tested to ensure they work reliably for public safety needs. This move helps Verizon stay a trusted leader for first responders, which could boost its stock for U.S. investors. | This step shows Verizon's commitment to serving police, firefighters, and other public-sector clients. By ensuring its network works with top equipment, the company builds trust and meets growing digital demands in emergencies. | Unlike big mergers or spending shifts, this partnership strengthens Verizon's strategy. Verizon has spent years creating a network tailored for first responders, and now it is making sure the hardware keeps up. For investors, this focus on reliability could mean steady contracts and revenue, supporting VZ's stock value over time. | As communication systems become more flexible and mobile, Verizon positions itself to lead in coverage and certified equipment. This edge could help it win long-term public safety deals. |
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| | Pharmaceuticals | Pfizer Signals Pipeline Pivot After Obesity Drug Exit | | Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) has stopped developing its oral obesity drug due to safety issues, prompting a major strategy change. The company is now prioritizing new drugs and cost-cutting to fund growth. | Despite this setback, Pfizer kept its yearly earnings forecast. It plans to save money through operational cuts and invest in new medicines, either developed in-house or acquired. This pivot could help Pfizer find new hits, which is good news for investors looking at its stock. | Sales from COVID-related products are falling, but other areas like cancer and immune system drugs are steady. Pfizer's shift comes as it moves away from its pandemic-era focus, aiming to rebuild momentum with fresh treatments. | The company isn't giving up on obesity drugs. It's working on a new candidate and exploring deals to buy promising projects. These efforts target health areas with strong future demand, like weight management. | As Pfizer leaves behind COVID-19 revenue, its success depends on launching new drugs quickly. For investors, this focus on cost savings and new medicines could lift PFE's stock if the company delivers strong results. | A smart acquisition or drug approval could drive growth. We'll watch how Pfizer's next steps shape its pipeline and boost investor confidence. |
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| | Financial Services | Wells Fargo Greenlights $40B Buyback, Signals Confidence in Core Business | | Wells Fargo (NYSE: WFC) has approved a $40 billion stock buyback program and confirmed its quarterly dividend at $0.40 per share. The moves highlight the bank's focus on returning capital to shareholders. | This large buyback shows Wells Fargo believes its earnings and stock value are strong. By reducing the number of shares, the bank can boost earnings per share without relying heavily on new loans or fees. Such strategies could lift WFC's stock price, which is a positive sign for investors. | The dividend remains unchanged, signaling stability. While not increased, it reassures investors that Wells Fargo is holding firm in a tricky banking environment with inflation and regulatory pressures. | This steady payout offers reliable income for investors, especially compared to banks facing real estate or cost challenges. | Many competitors are cautious, but Wells Fargo's size and focus on core banking give it an edge. The buyback and dividend suggest the bank balances defense with growth potential, aiming to reward long-term shareholders. | These measures reflect confidence in market volatility, which can be affected by fluctuating interest rates. Investors may view this as a strong endorsement of WFC's future, potentially leading to stock gains if earnings remain solid. |
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| | Dividend Stocks Worth Watching | Tariffs are pressuring cash flow across industries, but these stocks have a 5+ year streak of double-digit dividend increases, demonstrating executive commitment to shareholder value in the face of economic uncertainty. | Accenture (NYSE: ACN) is riding high on expanded demand for IT infrastructure build-out globally, not to mention its central role in helping corporate clients adapt to emerging AI trends. CEO Julie Sweet recently affirmed the company's commitment to helping employees and shareholders navigate tariff concerns, bolstering confidence in its 1.94% forward yield after growing its dividend by 85% since FY20. | Domino's Pizza (NASDAQ: DPZ) is a powerhouse, returning 11.5% since January and bucking wider market downtrends while offering a 1.44% forward yield and doubling its dividend since 2020. Better yet, the stock has Warren Buffett's continued endorsement as he added $1.15 billion to his stake in the pizzamaker in 2024, even as he trimmed many of his other long-held positions. | Snap-On (NYSE: SNA) is the most exposed to tariff troubles of the double-digit dividend growers on our list today, though its recent focus on developing electric vehicle diagnostic and repair tools opens new market segments for the premium brand. After a recent institutional selling spree, the small-cap value stock looks increasingly oversold and attractive considering its 2.7% forward yield and 79% dividend growth over the past five years. | | Dividend Increases | | | RTX increased its dividend payout to 68 cents per share, a 7.9% rise. Its new forward yield is 1.94%. | PAYX expanded its dividend payout to $1.08 per share, a 10.2% increase. Its new forward yield is 2.88%. | AIG improved its dividend payout to 45 cents per share, an increase of 12.5%. Its new forward yield is 2.15%. |
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| Dividend Decreases | | | | | METC decreased its dividend payout to 6 cents per share, a cut of 49.9%. Its new dividend yield is 2.75%. | OGN lowered its dividend payout to 2 cents per share, a cut of 92.8%. Its new dividend yield is 0.83%. | WEN reduced its dividend payout to 14 cents per share, a cut of 44%. Its new dividend yield is 4.46%. |
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| | | | Upcoming Ex-Dividend Dates | MET's ex-dividend date for its upcoming $0.57 payout is on 5/6/25. | LVS's ex-dividend date for its upcoming $0.25 payout is on 5/6/25. | BUD's ex-dividend date for its upcoming $1.05 payout is on 5/7/25. | | Everything Else | Tariff impacts on Ford's cash flow could pressure its historically strong dividend. Warren Buffett's plan to step down as Berkshire's head could signal a new era of dividend-friendly executive actions. UnitedHealth execs slashed forward-looking guidance and outlook, putting its current 2.10% yield at risk. Disney is distancing itself from its long-running Marvel franchise as it seeks new and novel ways to increase cash flow and boost its struggling stock price. Increase your odds of cashing out from the Kentucky Derby by investing in Churchill Downs' stock - and its 0.44% dividend yield.
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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
DividendBrief.com |
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