This Restaurant Chain's Dividend Future Looks Bright

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 Brookfield Asset Management, Western Union; Intel, 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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Investments

Brookfield Expands Infrastructure Debt Strategy with New Fund

Brookfield Asset Management (NYSE: BAM) is deepening its push into infrastructure debt. To meet the growing demand for alternative credit solutions, it plans to raise a new multi-billion-dollar fund and expand its lending platform.

The firm is launching its fourth infrastructure debt fund, building on its established strategy of financing key infrastructure projects in renewables, data centers, and utilities.

With its previous fund already deployed, Brookfield aims to scale its lending capabilities, catering to institutional investors and insurance firms seeking long-term exposure to infrastructure assets.

Brookfield has been steadily increasing its footprint in the private credit market, leveraging its global reach and access to large-scale projects. The firm recently announced the acquisition in the renewables space, reinforcing its commitment to financing energy transition initiatives.

This expansion underscores the growing role of infrastructure debt in the broader credit market, particularly as traditional financing sources evolve. By tapping into stable, cash-generating assets, Brookfield strengthens its position as a leading player in private credit.

Market participants reacted positively to the development, reflecting confidence in Brookfield’s ability to scale its debt platform while maintaining its disciplined investment approach.

As demand for infrastructure financing accelerates, Brookfield’s latest move signals a long-term strategic focus on alternative lending.

BAM currently trades at $56 and pays a dividend of 44 cents per share, a yield of 3.11%.

Financial Services

Western Union Strengthens Money Transfer Network with New Collaboration

Western Union (NYSE: WU) has partnered with Urpay, a digital wallet provider in Saudi Arabia, to integrate international money transfer services within the Urpay app. This collaboration expands Western Union’s reach in a key remittance market, aligning with the country's digital economy goals under Saudi Vision 2030.

Urpay, launched by NeoLeap in 2021, has grown to serve over 6.5 million users, offering various financial services, including mobile payments and international transfers. This partnership allows Urpay customers to send funds directly to bank accounts, mobile wallets, or Western Union agent locations in select countries.

Western Union has operated in Saudi Arabia since 2000, providing cross-border payment solutions through local partnerships. By integrating with Urpay, the company strengthens its presence in a region known for high remittance volumes. Saudi Arabia is one of the world’s largest sources of international money transfers, driven by a significant expatriate workforce.

The companies will continue exploring further service enhancements, including expanding access to Western Union’s global payment network. The move aligns with broader trends in the financial technology sector, where digital wallets are becoming central to international money transfers.

Western Union's ongoing expansion in digital payment infrastructure reflects its focus on providing cross-border financial solutions.

WU currently trades at $11 and pays a dividend of 24 cents per share, a yield of 8.73%.

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Tech

Intel Delays Ohio Chip Plants as It Scales Back Spending

Intel’s plans for new chip manufacturing facilities in Ohio are facing significant delays, with completion of the first plant now expected by 2030. Originally set to begin production in 2025, the project has been pushed back as the company adjusts its spending to better align with market conditions.

Efforts to expand chip production have placed financial strain on the company, prompting a shift in strategy. Cost-cutting measures, including reduced capital expenditures and workforce reductions, have been implemented to maintain financial stability. The decision to delay construction reflects a broader effort to manage resources while still pursuing long-term manufacturing goals.

The second planned facility in Ohio is also facing setbacks, with operations now unlikely to begin before 2032. These adjustments come as Intel continues efforts to reestablish its position in the semiconductor industry while managing expenses.

With evolving market conditions and competitive pressures shaping its next moves, the company remains focused on balancing investment in new technology with financial discipline. The delayed Ohio facilities represent both the ambition and challenges of Intel’s ongoing transformation.

INTC currently trades at $24 and pays a dividend of 13 cents per share, a yield of 2.10%.

FDP increased its dividend payout to 30 cents per share, an increase of 20%. Its new forward yield is 3.89%.

STLD upped its dividend payout to 50 cents per share, an increase of 8.7%. Its new forward yield is 1.53%.

HD boosted its dividend payout to $2.30 per share, an increase of 2.2%. Its new forward yield is 2.41%.

XRX decreased its dividend payout to 12.5 cents per share, a cut of 50%. Its new dividend yield is 6.33%.

ECO lowered its dividend payout to 35 cents per share, a cut of 22%. Its new dividend yield is 1.6%.

TECK dropped its dividend payout to 8.8 cents per share, a cut of 1.8%. Its new dividend yield is 0.8%.

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Everything Else

• GM Hikes Dividend and Unveils Stock Buyback Plan: General Motors announces a 25% increase in its quarterly dividend and a $6 billion stock buyback plan to return value to shareholders.

• TJX Stock Touches Record Levels After Retailer Tops Q4 Estimates: TJX Companies reports strong Q4 results and increases its quarterly dividend by 13%, signaling a positive outlook.

• AT&T Is Red-Hot Again. CEO John Stankey Says It's Just the Beginning: AT&T's stock rises significantly, and the company plans to reward shareholders with dividends and stock buybacks as part of its growth strategy.

• PepsiCo Boosts Dividends By 7% As Consumers Keep Stocking Up On Snacks: PepsiCo increases its dividend by 7%, reflecting strong consumer demand for its snack products amid ongoing market stability.

• McDonald’s Announces $10 Billion Buyback and Dividend Hike: McDonald’s reveals a $10 billion buyback program alongside a dividend hike, signaling confidence in its financial performance.

• JPMorgan Chase Increases Dividends and Stock Buybacks: JPMorgan Chase boosts dividends and increases stock buybacks, demonstrating strong financial health and capital efficiency.