Data Solutions Provider Ups Gains 50%

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

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

Entertainment

Comcast Moves Forward with Cable Network Spinoff Plan

Comcast is advancing plans to spin off its cable network portfolio into a standalone entity. The process, expected to take approximately a year, aims to provide strategic flexibility for future mergers or sales. The new company will be led by a leadership team drawn from NBCUniversal, with existing executives taking on pivotal roles. Notably, Comcast’s chairman will retain voting influence without holding a formal position in the new entity.

The spinoff is set to include networks such as E!, Syfy, Golf Channel, USA, and Oxygen. Meanwhile, Bravo will stay under NBCUniversal due to its integration with the Peacock streaming platform. NBC and Peacock are also expected to remain part of Comcast’s core operations. The separation will mirror Comcast's existing share structure and is designed as a tax-free move for shareholders.

This decision comes as the traditional pay-TV market continues to shrink, with increasing consumer migration to streaming services. Despite the challenges, cable networks remain a significant revenue driver, contributing billions to Comcast’s earnings. The move highlights Comcast’s efforts to adapt to industry shifts while maximizing value from its media assets.

As the company navigates this transition, questions about licensing agreements and collaborative arrangements for news channels like MSNBC and CNBC remain under consideration.

CMCSA currently trades at $42 and pays a dividend of 31 cents per share, a yield of 2.93%.

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.

Energy

Exxon Expands Lithium Efforts with New Supply Deal

Exxon Mobil has taken another step in its push into the lithium market by signing a preliminary agreement to supply the material to a prominent battery manufacturer. This deal is tied to Exxon's plans for a lithium extraction project in Arkansas, focusing on the Smackover Formation, a brine-rich underground deposit. The company aims to use innovative direct lithium extraction technology for its operations.

The initiative is part of a broader trend among energy companies exploring lithium projects, as the process shares similarities with traditional petroleum extraction methods. Exxon's approach includes aligning its project design with the specific requirements of its potential customers, signaling a commitment to supporting the growing demand for electric vehicle batteries.

However, regulatory hurdles remain. A proposed royalty rate for lithium extraction in Arkansas has faced resistance, prompting discussions about fair compensation for landowners and operational costs. While some progress has been made toward finding a compromise, finalizing the rate is crucial for moving forward with the project.

Exxon remains optimistic about the increasing global demand for lithium, viewing this venture as a significant opportunity to diversify its portfolio and support the transition to cleaner energy technologies. The project underscores the evolving role of traditional energy firms in the renewable energy supply chain.

XOM currently trades at $118 and pays a dividend of 99 cents per share, a yield of 3.34%.

Tech

DOJ Proposes Major Changes to Google’s Market Practices in Antitrust Case

The Department of Justice has outlined potential remedies to address concerns about Google’s dominance in online search and advertising. A recent court filing proposes measures to restore competition, including the divestiture of Google’s Chrome browser. Additionally, the DOJ has left open the possibility of requiring Google to spin off its Android business if other remedies fail to achieve competitive balance.

The proposed solutions aim to limit Google’s ability to maintain its market dominance through agreements and self-preferencing practices. These include restrictions on making Google Search the default engine on devices, preventing preferential treatment on platforms it owns, and requiring it to share search data and tools with rivals under fair terms. A provision also seeks to allow websites to opt out of AI features without being penalized in search rankings.

While the DOJ views the proposed measures as necessary for competition, Google has pushed back, calling the remedies excessive. The next phase of the case will see a remedies trial scheduled for April, where the court will determine the most effective path forward. This legal battle marks a pivotal moment for the future of tech industry regulations and competition enforcement in the digital market.

GOOGL currently trades at $177 and pays a dividend of 20 cents per share, a yield of 0.45%.

Music Industry

This $4.2 Billion Opportunity Could Transform the Music Industry

The music industry is on the brink of a monumental shift, with Goldman Sachs forecasting a $4.2 billion addressable market emerging from the monetization of superfan products and experiences.

As artists and labels adapt to meet this demand, a leading company has developed proprietary technology to power this transformation.

Protected by 15 granted patents, this innovative infrastructure allows artists to scale personalized fan experiences, creating new revenue streams and driving growth across the industry.

With the potential to capture 60% of this market by 2027, the opportunity for investors to benefit from this evolution is significant.

Top artists and major record labels are already taking notice, signaling the scale of this market potential. Early investors are uniquely positioned to capitalize on what could become a defining shift in how music is monetized.

Learn more about this emerging opportunity and how you can secure your stake today.

BCLM increased its dividend payout to 15 cents per share, an increase of 50%. Its new forward yield is 1.4%.

A upped its dividend payout to 25 cents per share, an increase of 5%. Its new forward yield is 0.8%.

FUSB grew its dividend payout to 7 cents per share, an increase of 40%. Its new forward yield is 1.6%.

VOD chopped its dividend payout to 24 cents per share, a cut of 48%. Its new forward yield is 8.0%.

CCAP decreased its dividend payout to 7 cents per share, a cut of 83%. Its new forward yield is 1.49%.

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