Home Furnishing Giant Ups Dividend 15%

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 United Health, GM, and Microsoft, highlight a few dividend stocks worth watching as well as share companies that are about to pay a dividend in the next few days.

Insider Intel (Sponsored)

Every investor in America is trying to figure out what Musk will do in Washington, D.C., in the coming weeks.

One Boston-based think tank – who has studied Elon's work for decades – is stepping forward to share what they've found.

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Healthcare

UnitedHealth Unit Optum Rx Cuts Red Tape on Dozens of Prescription Renewals

UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) is reducing administrative burdens through a major policy shift at its pharmacy benefit manager, Optum Rx. Starting May 1, the company will eliminate reauthorization requirements for over 80 commonly prescribed medications.

Optum Rx plans to remove up to 25% of current reauthorization checks to simplify the prescription renewal process for patients and healthcare providers. This change will affect drugs that treat chronic conditions like cystic fibrosis, asthma, and high cholesterol.

Healthcare professionals such as Amgen’s Aimovig, Vertex’s Kalydeco, and Regeneron’s Praluent will face fewer delays when renewing medication prescriptions. Optum said these treatments offer sustained long-term benefits, making frequent reauthorization unnecessary.

Lawmakers and patient advocates have increasingly scrutinized prior authorization rules across the insurance industry. UnitedHealth previously stated it would work with policymakers to improve access for Medicare patients and limit administrative friction.

Optum Rx said it may expand the list of streamlined medications depending on clinical evaluations and provider feedback. The updated policy follows criticism over the complexity of obtaining continued access to essential drugs, especially for chronic and genetic conditions.

UnitedHealth’s policy update reflects growing pressure on insurers and PBMs to improve transparency and reduce delays in patient care delivery.

UNH currently trades at $514 and pays a dividend of $2.10 per share, a yield of 1.63%.

Automotive

GM Looks to Strengthen EV and Truck Lineup With Hyundai Partnership

General Motors (NYSE: GM) is in discussions with Hyundai to explore a potential vehicle-sharing agreement, focusing on electric commercial vans and pickup trucks. The companies are considering a deal allowing Hyundai to supply GM with electric vans while GM may provide Hyundai with pickup trucks for the North American market.

Executives from both automakers have reviewed options that include manufacturing collaborations and shared access to advanced vehicle technologies. Hyundai will initially produce electric vans in South Korea before shifting to North America in the coming years. GM, in turn, could expand its truck lineup by supplying Hyundai with pickups under a potential co-branding arrangement.

Ongoing discussions cover battery technology, semiconductor procurement, and next-generation vehicle components. Both companies are exploring improving efficiency and reducing production costs while meeting the growing demand for electric and commercial vehicles.

Competitive pressure from emerging EV brands and shifting consumer preferences have pushed automakers to seek strategic collaborations. GM continues to expand its presence in the electric vehicle market, aligning with industry trends and preparing for future demand.

If finalized, the agreement could enhance GM’s ability to compete in the commercial EV space and strengthen its partnerships in North America. Production and distribution details remain under discussion, with further updates expected as talks progress.

GM currently trades at $50 and pays a dividend of 12 cents per share, a yield of 0.97%.

Proven Strategy (Sponsored)

Bitcoin’s ups and downs have made and lost fortunes. But what if there was a way to outperform BTC—without ever buying it?

Hedge fund titan Larry Benedict has revealed a new approach called "Bitcoin Skimming," a strategy that has outpaced Bitcoin’s returns by as much as 22-to-1.

With the SEC’s latest decision set to shake up crypto markets, now is the perfect time to discover how this works.

Tech

Microsoft Adjusts AI Infrastructure Strategy with Data Center Decision

Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) is refining its AI infrastructure strategy by opting not to exercise a $12 billion option for additional data center capacity with CoreWeave. The decision reflects a broader effort to optimize AI investments while maintaining a strong commitment to scaling artificial intelligence capabilities.

AI development requires significant computing power, and Microsoft prioritizes strategic partnerships and resource allocation. The company has reaffirmed plans to invest $80 billion into AI, focusing on efficiency and infrastructure tailored to long-term growth. CoreWeave, a cloud provider specializing in AI workloads, has since secured OpenAI as a client for the contract, ensuring continued expansion within the sector.

Microsoft continues strengthening its position through high-performance data centers and advanced hardware integrations. By adjusting AI spending in targeted areas, the company is positioning itself for sustainable growth while adapting to shifting industry needs.

Tech firms are carefully evaluating infrastructure investments as demand for AI accelerates. Microsoft remains at the forefront of AI innovation, leveraging cloud advancements and computing power to enhance machine learning capabilities.

Strategic decisions in AI infrastructure will shape how companies scale operations in the coming years. Microsoft’s approach reflects a commitment to balancing rapid expansion with precise investment planning, ensuring long-term leadership in artificial intelligence. Further updates on AI infrastructure plans are expected as developments unfold.

MFST currently trades at $385 and pays a dividend of 83 cents per share, a yield of 0.86%.

Dividend Stocks Worth Watching

TD Bank (TD) caught the attention of U.S. regulators in a money laundering fiasco that led to heavy fines and a share price dip. The event didn’t hurt the company’s 4.91% dividend yield, and you may be able to pick it up at a slight discount.

Dollar General (DG) took a step back with a 96-store closure announcement, but the company is still a haven for budget-minded shoppers around the country. Its 2.85% dividend yield should hold strong as the company streamlines its operations.

Enterprise Products Partners (EPD) exceeded expectations in its most recent earnings report and boasts plenty of free cash flow. Shareholders get to enjoy some of those funds as a nice 6.35% yield..

Dividend Increases

WSM increased its dividend payout to 66 cents per share, an increase of 15.8%. Its new forward yield is 1.54%.

ESLT bumped its dividend payout up to 60 cents per share, an increase of 20%. Its new forward yield is 0.5%.

SIG grew its dividend payout to 32 cents per share, an increase of 10%. Its new forward yield is 2.0%.

Dividend Decreases

AHH decreased its dividend payout to 14 cents per share, a cut of 31%. Its new dividend yield is 6.4%.

USEA lowered its dividend payout to 1 cent per share, a cut of 86%. Its new dividend yield is 18.4%.

METC shrunk its dividend payout to 7 cents per share, a cut of 50%. Its new dividend yield is 2.97%.

Critical Warning (Sponsored)

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From the bear markets of 2018 and 2022... to the roaring bull runs of 2021, 2023, and 2024.

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Upcoming Dividend Payers

MLR is going to pay 20 cents per share to all shareholders of record on 3/24/25

IDT is going to pay 6 cents per share to all shareholders of record on 3/25/25

TY is going to pay 27.6 cents per share to all shareholders of record on 3/26/25

Everything Else

  • Duke Energy Corporation has demonstrated resilience amid market corrections, outperforming major indexes due to increasing energy demands and demographic growth in key regions.

  • MicroStrategy Incorporated adjusted its stock offering price down to $85 from $100 while increasing the offering size, reflecting investor caution over its heavy Bitcoin exposure.

  • Realty Income Corporation has seen its stock decline more than 12% this year, potentially creating opportunities for dividend investors seeking discounted high-quality stocks.

  • Altria Group remains a leader among high-yield S&P 500 stocks, backed by a stable business model and consistent revenue streams.

  • Constellation Brands has been identified as one of the smartest dividend stocks to buy with $1,000, offering both growth potential and a solid yield.

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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