Top U.S. Automaker Builds Rare Earth Magnet Plant to Bypass China

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

Today we will look into Bank of America, Caterpillar, and Starbucks, highlight a few dividend stocks worth watching as well as share companies that are about to pay a dividend in the next few days.

Trading Methods (Sponsored)

Bitcoin Skimming: A Game-Changer for Investors

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.

Consumer Banking

Branch Network Shrinks as Bank of America Doubles Down on Mobile Banking Strategy

Bank of America (NYSE: BAC) is closing dozens of retail branches across multiple U.S. markets as part of its continued consolidation of physical operations. Regulatory filings confirm location withdrawal applications submitted over the past quarter.

Branch closures will occur across urban and suburban areas, and transition notices have been issued to affected customers. The company has reassigned service coverage to nearby branches and digital channels. According to federal records, branch shutdowns will occur in California, Texas, Florida, and New York.

The company has previously reduced its retail footprint as part of ongoing efforts to adapt to digital banking trends. Internal usage data has shown a continued shift toward mobile and online services, prompting the bank to reduce underutilized locations.

Current filings reflect one of the largest single-period reductions for the institution since 2020. Each closure follows formal notice procedures in compliance with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency regulations.

In prior disclosures, Bank of America stated that branch realignment supports broader operational efficiency. The company maintains a presence in all 50 states through retail locations and digital infrastructure.

Future regulatory updates may disclose additional site reductions. Bank of America has not commented on staffing changes related to the announced closures.

Industrial Operations

Caterpillar Launches Five-Year Workforce Plan Focused on Technical Talent

Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT) has announced a $100 million workforce development initiative to expand its technician training and labor preparation programs. The five-year investment will support talent development across global markets as part of the company’s technician recruitment strategy.

The commitment builds on Caterpillar’s existing partnerships with technical schools and dealers, including the ThinkBIG program, which pays students while they complete two-year service training. Caterpillar Inc. will extend outreach efforts to introduce skilled trades to younger students and expand technician access to industry certifications.

Resources from the investment will be directed toward structured career pathways tied to Caterpillar’s equipment servicing and support business. The company continues to face high demand for certified technicians across its construction and energy segments, with labor availability identified as a key operational factor in prior disclosures.

Additional funds will support global training infrastructure, including technology access and hands-on instruction through dealer-led programs. Caterpillar confirmed that the new funding will supplement, not replace, existing workforce development budgets across key regions.

The announcement coincides with Caterpillar’s centennial year, during which the company conducts regional events focused on operational continuity and employee development. No changes have been announced to hiring forecasts or current headcount guidance.

Radical Vision (Sponsored)

Elon’s Boldest Move Yet

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.

Food & Beverage

Starbucks Launches 2025 Summer Menu as Part of Seasonal Product Strategy

Starbucks (NASDAQ: SBUX) has announced its 2025 summer product lineup, featuring a mix of new and returning beverages and food items. The company confirmed that the updated menu will begin rolling out to stores nationwide in May.

New items include an oat milk-based shaken espresso beverage and a strawberries-and-cream cake pop. Starbucks stated that two returning drinks from last year will also appear on the updated menu.

Seasonal launches form a consistent part of Starbucks’ in-store and mobile product rotation strategy. New offerings are typically introduced in line with projected demand patterns. The company uses these timed rollouts to drive store traffic, expand beverage category appeal, and test consumer preferences in select formats.

Starbucks continues adjusting product development in response to customer behavior across in-store and digital channels. The company integrates seasonal items across ordering platforms, including drive-thru, mobile app, and delivery services.

Menu additions will be available at company-operated locations and select licensed stores. Starbucks has not issued formal guidance on product mix changes or volume targets associated with the 2025 summer launch.

The company frequently evaluates seasonal performance and adjusts upcoming quarters’ offerings based on transaction volume and customer feedback. 

JNJ grew its dividend payout to $1.30 per share, an increase of 4.8%. Its new forward yield is 3.39%.

OVBC expanded its dividend payout to 23 cents per share, an increase of 4.5%. Its new forward yield is 3.10%. 

FUL improved its dividend payout to 23.5 cents per share, an increase of 5.6%. Its new forward yield is 1.76%.

ASG lowered its dividend payout to 10 cents per share, a cut of 16.7%. Its new dividend yield is 8.47%.

USA reduced its dividend payout to 15 cents per share, a cut of 11.8%. Its new dividend yield is 9.5%.

KEAT decreased its dividend payout to six cents per share, a cut of 56.4%. Its new dividend yield is 0.9%.

Tech Titans & Politics (Sponsored)

Elon Strikes Back

You may already sense that the tide is turning against Elon Musk and DOGE.

Just this week, President Trump promised to buy a Tesla to help support Musk in the face of a boycott against his company.

But according to one research group, with connections to the Pentagon and the U.S. government, Elon's preparing to strike back in a much bigger way in the days ahead.

Full story here...

Everything Else

• Banks are increasing buybacks on the heels of strong earnings, further pumping stock total yields. 

• Northrop Grumman stock is a strong defensive play in today’s market, mixing stability and sector growth, according to Morgan Stanley.  

• Insurance stock Travelers beat earnings expectations this week, even as wildfires increased its payout obligations.

• “Fear-buying” is behind the current rush to grab new vehicles before tariffs hit, which could provide a short-term boost to automotive stocks. 

• Heineken is changing its tone on tariffs as beer sales dipped, despite beating revenue estimates.