Real Estate Company More Than Doubles Dividend

Hello and welcome to Dividend Brief, the 2 times weekly newsletter focused on dividend investing.

Today, we will look into Amgen, Chevron, and ASML, highlight a few dividend stocks worth watching, as well as share companies that are about to pay a dividend in the next few days.

Healthcare

Amgen Explores New Horizons in Obesity Treatment with Experimental Drug

Amgen recently shared results from a mid-stage study of its experimental obesity treatment, MariTide, which demonstrated weight loss of up to 20% among participants. While the findings highlighted the drug’s effectiveness, market expectations were not fully met, leading to a notable decline in the company’s stock value.

The trial evaluated various dosing schedules, including monthly and bi-monthly injections, and explored the potential for quarterly dosing. Although the weight-loss outcomes aligned with those of existing weekly treatments, the reported side effects were slightly more pronounced. A portion of participants discontinued the trial due to adverse reactions, though these effects diminished with adjusted dosing levels.

Amgen is positioning MariTide as a contender in the obesity treatment market, aiming to provide patients with fewer required injections compared to existing therapies. The drug utilizes a novel mechanism targeting specific hormonal pathways involved in appetite and metabolism. Early results from patients with and without Type 2 diabetes suggested potential for sustained weight loss over time.

Despite its promise, MariTide enters a competitive landscape dominated by well-established treatments and experimental drugs showing significant weight-loss benefits. While several years from potential approval, Amgen remains committed to advancing its development and carving out a niche in the growing market for obesity solutions.

AMGN currently trades at $280 and pays a dividend of $2.25 per share, a yield of 3.21%.

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Energy

Chevron Raises Concerns Over New California Refinery Regulations

Chevron has raised concerns about recent California legislation aimed at regulating the state's refineries and energy infrastructure. The new law, signed into effect last month, grants the California Energy Commission authority to oversee refinery operations, enforce minimum fuel inventory levels, and manage maintenance schedules to reduce disruptions in fuel supply. The policy aims to address supply shortages and stabilize prices, but it has drawn criticism from industry stakeholders.

Chevron has expressed doubts about the potential impact of these regulations, suggesting they might lead to unintended consequences. The company warns that enforcing mandatory inventory requirements and stricter oversight could result in more frequent supply shortages and sustained price increases for consumers. Furthermore, the added regulatory burdens might discourage future investment in California’s energy infrastructure.

As the legislation takes effect, Chevron’s response highlights the broader debate over balancing regulatory measures with the operational needs of energy companies. The evolving policies could reshape the industry landscape in California, influencing how refineries operate and their long-term strategies in the state. This development underscores the ongoing challenges of addressing energy demands while maintaining affordability and reliability for consumers.

CVX currently trades at $162 and pays a dividend of $1.63 per share, a yield of 4.02%.

Tech

ASML Positioned for Growth as Market Optimism Rises

ASML, a leading provider of semiconductor manufacturing equipment, is positioned for potential share growth following developments suggesting that anticipated U.S. restrictions on the Chinese semiconductor industry may be less stringent than initially feared. This news provided a boost to the European chip equipment sector, signaling optimism among market participants.

ASML has maintained its status as a dominant force in the semiconductor market, and this update may alleviate some concerns about its exposure to trade challenges. Despite expectations of reduced sales contributions from China in the coming years, the company’s advanced technologies and critical role in the global semiconductor supply chain reinforce its growth potential.

While the specifics of the U.S. policy changes remain uncertain, the prospect of eased restrictions could sustain demand for ASML’s cutting-edge equipment. This scenario could also bolster its ability to capture further opportunities in emerging markets and solidify its leadership in a rapidly evolving industry.

ASML’s adaptability and strategic planning are likely to play a pivotal role in navigating these dynamics, ensuring resilience and the potential for enhanced shareholder value. As developments unfold, the company remains at the forefront of innovation and global market influence, securing its position as a key player in semiconductor manufacturing.

ASML currently trades at $670 and pays a dividend of $1.68 per share, a yield of 1.00%.

Billion Dollar Industry

This Could Be the Future of the Music Industry

Goldman Sachs projects the global music market will surpass $160 billion by 2030, but a deeper transformation is already underway.

The next major economic wave in music will be driven by direct-to-consumer engagement and monetization, redefining how artists connect with their fans.

Much like Amazon and Shopify revolutionized eCommerce by cutting out traditional retailers, a new platform is empowering artists to bypass middlemen like streaming services, social media platforms, and ticketing agencies.

This innovative infrastructure enables artists to fully monetize their audience, strengthen relationships with top fans, and build a loyal base of superfans—proven to spend up to 80% more than the average listener.

With 15 granted patents and cutting-edge technology, this company is poised to lead the way in powering this direct-to-fan revolution. For investors, this represents a rare opportunity to join an industry poised for massive growth and transformation.

Discover more about this game-changing opportunity and how to become an investor today.

PK bumped its dividend payout up to 65 cents per share, an increase of 160%. Its new forward yield is 16.77%.

HPQ increased its dividend payout to 29 cents per share, an increase of 5%. Its new forward yield is 3.2%.

HRL upped its dividend payout to 29 cents per share, an increase of 3%. Its new forward yield is 3.69%.

DSX lowered its dividend payout to 1 cent per share, a cut of 86%. Its new forward yield is 2.12%.

TECK decreased its dividend payout to 9 cents per share, a cut of 85%. Its new forward yield is 0.8%.

SBLK reduced its dividend payout to 60 cents per share, a cut of 14%. Its new forward yield is 11.2%.