Minerals Company Cuts Dividend in Half

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

Today, we will look into Mastercard, Apple, and Xerox, 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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Payments

Mastercard Completes Acquisition of Recorded Future to Boost Cybersecurity

Mastercard has finalized its acquisition of Recorded Future, a leading threat intelligence company, marking a significant expansion of its cybersecurity capabilities. This strategic move incorporates advanced AI-powered analytics into Mastercard’s portfolio, enhancing its ability to identify and mitigate cyber risks while supporting customers with more comprehensive security solutions.

Recorded Future, known for its expertise in analyzing diverse data sources, brings a wealth of threat intelligence tools that complement Mastercard’s existing fraud detection and identity services. This acquisition is expected to improve the company’s ability to address evolving digital threats and expand its offerings to new customer segments.

With the integration of Recorded Future’s technology, Mastercard aims to secure not only payment transactions but the broader spectrum of digital interactions. The addition of these capabilities reinforces Mastercard’s position as a leader in cybersecurity and reflects its commitment to adapting to the ever-changing threat landscape.

This partnership underscores Mastercard’s dedication to providing innovative solutions that protect customers and businesses alike, ensuring secure and seamless digital experiences.

MA currently trades at $254 and pays a dividend of 25 cents per share, a yield of 0.39%.

Tech

Apple Developing Face ID Smart Doorbell for Future Smart Home Expansion

Apple is reportedly developing a smart doorbell camera that could integrate Face ID technology to unlock doors, aiming to enhance convenience and security for users. This device is expected to leverage Apple’s Secure Enclave chip, ensuring biometric data remains isolated and secure. While the launch timeline is not set in stone, it’s speculated the device could debut by late 2025 at the earliest.

The system may work seamlessly with existing HomeKit-compatible smart locks, with the potential for Apple to collaborate with a lock manufacturer to deliver a complete solution. Additionally, the camera is rumored to include the upcoming Proxima chip, combining Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities for efficient connectivity.

This initiative aligns with Apple’s broader efforts to expand its smart home ecosystem, rumored to include other innovative devices. Among these are new smart home cameras, a reimagined Apple-branded television, and fresh display concepts. One proposed display would magnetically attach to mounts or bases, while another might feature a robotic arm for dynamic usability.

As Apple deepens its focus on smart home technologies, this upcoming doorbell camera could play a pivotal role in simplifying home automation while maintaining the company’s hallmark emphasis on privacy and security.

AAPL currently trades at $254 and pays a dividend of 25 cents per share, a yield of 0.39%.

Tech

Xerox to Buy Lexmark in Strategic Acquisition

Xerox has announced plans to acquire Lexmark International in a significant transaction valued at $1.5 billion. This move is anticipated to have an immediate positive impact on Xerox's financial performance, enhancing earnings per share and free cash flow. The acquisition is also aligned with the company’s broader goals of stabilizing revenue and achieving double-digit growth in adjusted operating income.

The company has identified substantial cost-saving opportunities from the integration, which are expected to be realized within two years after the deal is finalized. Additionally, this transaction is projected to improve Xerox’s financial leverage, reducing its debt ratios both immediately and over the medium term as synergies take effect.

To fund the acquisition, Xerox plans to use a combination of cash reserves and debt financing. As part of its financial adjustments, the company’s board has approved a revision to its dividend policy, with a reduction in the annual dividend beginning in early 2025.

This strategic move underscores Xerox’s focus on transforming its operations and enhancing shareholder value while optimizing its financial structure for future growth.

XRX currently trades at $8 and pays a dividend of 25 cents per share, a yield of 11.92%.

AI

The stage is set for a new wave of market leaders in 2025, and a select group of AI stocks is primed to break out. These companies are positioned to redefine industries and capture substantial market share as AI adoption accelerates.

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Timing is everything in investing, and getting ahead of these opportunities could make all the difference.

With AI poised to expand its impact across healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and beyond, the potential for early investors is unmatched.

Don’t miss your chance to align with the companies shaping the next phase of AI-driven transformation.

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Dividend Stocks Worth Watching

UVV is one of the world’s leading tobacco merchants, repeatedly bringing in solid revenue. Its 100+ years in business allow it one of the top spots on the Dividend King list with a 5.93% dividend yield.

CCI is a lesser-known dividend stock responsible for more than 40,000 cell towers that keep our mobile infrastructure intact. Shares are on the decline, but turnaround hopes and a 6.90% yield have kept it on our radar.

GIS provides several consumer staples through its diverse product lines, feeding America for over 125 years. The company has paid a dividend through thick and thin, which currently rests at 3.77%.

Dividend Increases

MA increased its dividend payout to 76 cents per share, an increase of 15%. Its new forward yield is 0.57%.

VLTO boosted its dividend payout to 11 cents per share, an increase of 22%. Its new forward yield is 0.43%.

LW increased its dividend payout to 37 cents per share, an increase of 3%. Its new forward yield is 2.4%.

Dividend Decreases

NECB decreased its dividend payout to 15 cents per share, a cut of 50%. Its new dividend yield is 2.44%.

ABEV dropped its dividend payout to 4 cents per share, a cut of 71%. Its new dividend yield is 1.93%.

ODC lowered its dividend payout to 15.5 cents per share, a cut of 50%. Its new dividend yield is 0.72%.

Upcoming Dividend Payers

MCY is going to pay 32 cents per share to all shareholders of record on 12/26/24

MAIN is going to pay 30 cents per share to all shareholders of record on 12/27/24

META is going to pay 50 cents per share to all shareholders of record on 12/27/24

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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