This Regional Bank Boosts Dividend Payout by 6.9%

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Today we will look into KKR & Co. Inc., BlackRock, 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.

Elon’s Secret Strategy (Sponsored)

Boston Think Tank Uncovers Musk’s Hidden Agenda

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.

They believe his TRUE plan is far more radical than anyone realizes. It could change the way you live, work, get paid, and collect Social Security…

...AND could make more people rich than all of Elon's previous ventures – PUT TOGETHER.

Full story here.

Private Equity

KKR Leads Takeover of Topcon's Healthcare Unit in Multibillion-Dollar Bid

KKR & Co. Inc. (NYSE: KKR) has announced plans to acquire Topcon Corp.'s healthcare business in a deal valued at approximately $2.3 billion. The agreement marks a major expansion of KKR's presence in the Japanese healthcare and infrastructure sectors.

Topcon, known for its precision equipment and optical technologies, will transfer its eye care unit to a special purpose company, which KKR will jointly own with Japan Investment Corp. The newly structured entity will focus on advancing diagnostic and surgical technologies used in ophthalmology and other health applications.

KKR has outlined a tender offer structure, allowing existing Topcon shareholders to divest their holdings in the spun-off healthcare business. Following the transaction's completion, Topcon is expected to retain a minority stake in the new company, preserving strategic alignment.

Japanese regulators are currently reviewing the proposal, and the deal awaits customary approvals. This acquisition builds on KKR's global investment strategy to deploy capital in aging societies and healthcare infrastructure.

Joint participation from Japan Investment Corp underscores domestic support for innovation in medical technology. KKR continues to prioritize long-term value creation through sector-focused investments in high-demand markets.

Financial Services

BlackRock Rolls Out First Hybrid Portfolio Merging Public and Private Markets

BlackRock (NYSE: BLK) has introduced a new model portfolio that combines public and private market assets, marking a fresh step in its efforts to expand private market access across the wealth management landscape.

Designed for financial advisors, the new portfolio blueprint integrates alternative investments alongside traditional stocks and bonds. The structure aims to simplify access to private credit and equity options for a broader range of investors, helping firms offer more diversified solutions without building portfolios from scratch.

This move aligns with BlackRock’s long-term strategy to deepen its presence in the private markets. The asset manager has signaled this shift through major acquisitions, internal investment, and leadership incentive programs tied directly to alternative growth.

Private market exposure continues to attract demand from institutional and retail investors alike. BlackRock’s expansion comes as competitors such as KKR and Apollo Global make similar plays to capture market share in this evolving segment.

Through its platform, BlackRock seeks to help advisors navigate increasingly complex investment environments by offering ready-built, risk-adjusted models tailored to various financial goals.

Model portfolios have become a key focus for many large asset managers looking to streamline portfolio construction for advisors. Adding private market capabilities further distinguishes BlackRock’s offering, particularly as clients seek returns in an environment marked by volatility and rising rates.

By combining liquid public securities with less liquid private holdings, BlackRock’s new model introduces more flexibility and depth into managed client portfolios.

The company continues to expand its suite of private asset offerings globally through new product launches and partnerships.

Insider Intel (Sponsored)

Bigger Than Tesla? Musk’s Next Move Could Change Everything

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.

They believe his TRUE plan is far more radical than anyone realizes. It could change the way you live, work, get paid, and collect Social Security...AND could make more people rich than all of Elon's previous ventures – PUT TOGETHER.

Full story here.

Printing

Xerox Moves Closer to Lexmark Deal Amid Adjusted Price Tag

Xerox (NASDAQ: XRX) plans to acquire Lexmark International II, but the expected purchase price now reflects a much lower range than previously disclosed. China-based Ninestar, which currently owns Lexmark, filed documents estimating the transaction value between $75 million and $150 million.

That figure contrasts sharply with Xerox’s original announcement from December, when the company valued the deal at $1.5 billion, including assumed liabilities. Xerox aims to bring Lexmark back under U.S. ownership after nearly a decade under Chinese investors while expanding its reach into Asian markets.

Lexmark, once part of IBM, was acquired by a Chinese consortium in 2016 for $3.6 billion. Its planned transition back to U.S. control marks Xerox's strategic shift. The company believes the acquisition will deliver operational efficiencies, including expected cost savings across marketing and real estate.

Ninestar’s revised valuation appears to be based on Lexmark’s most recent financial performance. Specific reasons for the pricing change have not been detailed, but the deal is moving forward with adjusted terms.

Regulatory approval and final terms are pending as both parties continue to align on execution. The transaction will reinforce Xerox’s positioning in global print and software solutions if completed.

BKU grew its dividend payout to 31 cents per share, an increase of 6.9%. Its new forward yield is 3.6%.

DOOO expanded its dividend payout to 21.5 cents per share, an increase of 2.3%. Its new forward yield is 1.7%. 

AGRO improved its dividend payout to 17.5 cents per share, an increase of 0.6%. Its new forward yield is 3%. 

TRMD lowered its dividend payout to 60 cents per share, a cut of 50%. Its new dividend yield is 30.2%.

FRO reduced its dividend payout to 20 cents per share, a cut of 41%. Its new dividend yield is 5.3%.

OCSL decreased its dividend payout to seven cents per share, a cut of 82%. Its new dividend yield is 10.3%.

New Profit Window (Sponsored)

This Trading Method Is Beating Bitcoin

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.

Click here to see the full details before this opportunity disappears.

Everything Else

• Disney is in the Trump administration’s crosshairs as the FCC telegraphs a plan to investigate the company’s DEI practices. 

• Value stocks are back in the spotlight after the S&P 500 Value Index begins outperforming its growth-centered counterpart. 

• W.R. Berkley hit record highs last week after a Japanese insurer announced a significant stake.  

• Novo Nordisk is taking a new approach to obesity management drugs by licensing an experimental treatment from Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, sending the penny stock soaring. 

• Headcount cuts across the FDA could spell trouble for pharma stocks if approval timelines slow.