This Multifaceted Company Ups Its Dividend 28%

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Today, we will look into The New York Times, Nike, and Kraft-Heinz, highlight a few dividend stocks worth watching, as well as share companies that are about to pay a dividend in the next few days.

Media

The New York Times Approves AI Tools for Newsroom Use

The New York Times has approved the use of artificial intelligence tools in its newsroom for tasks like editing, summarizing, coding, and writing. The publication announced the rollout of these tools in an internal email and will provide AI training to product and editorial staff. A new tool, Echo, has been introduced for summarizing articles and other company-related activities.

Editorial staff have received new guidelines on the appropriate use of Echo and other AI tools, with instructions to use them for tasks like suggesting edits, generating summaries, and creating promotional content for social media and SEO. Staff can also use AI to develop quizzes, FAQs, and questions for interviews. However, restrictions are in place, including prohibiting the use of AI for drafting or significantly altering articles, bypassing paywalls, or using third-party copyrighted content without proper attribution.

While The Times has embraced AI for certain newsroom tasks, it has emphasized that journalistic work will remain managed and overseen by its reporters and editors. The company’s principles on generative AI maintain that all AI usage must begin with accurate, journalist-vetted information. The introduction of these tools comes as The Times is involved in a legal dispute regarding the use of its content for training AI models.

NYT currently trades at $49 and pays a dividend of 18 cents per share, a yield of 1.47%

Retail

Nike Expands Women's Activewear Line With New Brand Launch

Nike is set to introduce a new women’s activewear brand in the U.S. this spring, partnering with a well-known shapewear company to expand its reach in the market. This initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen its portfolio and compete more effectively with rising athletic brands.

A renewed focus on product innovation and core sportswear has been a priority for the company as it looks to reinvigorate sales. Recent trends have shown strong growth for competitors, prompting Nike to enhance its appeal to female consumers, who made up a significant portion of its customer base last year.

The company’s commitment to this market was evident in its return to the Super Bowl advertising stage, where it showcased prominent female athletes. The upcoming brand will feature training apparel, footwear, and accessories designed specifically for women, with an initial launch planned at select retail locations and an online platform.

Following the U.S. debut, the brand is expected to expand internationally by 2026, reaching more stores and wholesale distribution channels. It will join Nike’s existing lineup of brands, reinforcing its presence in the athleticwear space while catering to evolving consumer preferences.

NKE currently trades at $76 and pays a dividend of 40 cents per share, a yield of 2.10%

Food & Beverage

Kraft Heinz Moves to Sell Italy-Based Baby Food Brand Plasmon

Kraft Heinz is looking to sell its Italy-based infant food brand, Plasmon, and has engaged an investment bank to facilitate the process. This marks a renewed effort after a previous attempt to divest the brand was reconsidered in 2019. Potential buyers are expected to submit offers in the coming weeks as the company evaluates its next steps.

Plasmon has been a staple in the baby food market for over a century, offering a wide range of products, including milk, pasta, and fruit-based options designed for infants. The brand has a strong presence in Italy, where it generates the majority of its revenue. However, market conditions have shifted due to declining birth rates, affecting demand for baby-related products in recent years.

The decision to explore a sale aligns with Kraft Heinz’s broader strategy of refining its portfolio and focusing on core business areas. As consumer preferences evolve and demographic changes impact the industry, companies are adapting their product lines and business structures to remain competitive. While the outcome remains uncertain, a sale could lead to new ownership for Plasmon, potentially bringing fresh investment and direction to the brand’s future in an evolving market.

KHC currently trades at $29 and pays a dividend of 40 cents per share, a yield of 5.47%

GE improved its dividend payout to 36 cents per share, an increase of 28%. Its new forward yield is 0.69%.

AMH boosted its dividend payout to 30 cents per share, an increase of 15%. Its new forward yield is 2.9%.

AVA increased its dividend payout to 49 cents per share, an increase of 3%. Its new forward yield is 5.3%.

MNR decreased its dividend payout to 50 cents per share, a cut of 17%. Its new dividend yield is 17%.

ASC reduced its dividend payout to 8 cents per share, a cut of 55%. Its new dividend yield is 9.1%.

UL lowered its dividend payout to 46.7 cents per share, a cut of 1.7%. Its new dividend yield is 3.4%.

Everything Else

• Stepan has announced a higher quarterly dividend, reinforcing its commitment to returning value to shareholders.

• IDACORP has declared its latest dividend, maintaining its history of consistent shareholder returns.

• Stock Yards Bancorp has announced its quarterly cash dividend, reflecting steady financial performance.

• Bel Fuse has declared a regular quarterly dividend, continuing its pattern of shareholder distributions.