Wearable Tech Company Runs Forward With 20% Dividend Boost

Hello and welcome to Dividend Brief, the 2 times weekly newsletter focused on dividend investing. If you’re not looking for more emails from us, just click here to unsubscribe!

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

Hidden Opportunities (Sponsored)

Elon’s DOGE Agenda Just Took a Shocking Turn

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Technology

Apple Maintains DEI Programs as Shareholders Reject Policy Overhaul

Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) shareholders voted against a proposal to eliminate the company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, reinforcing their support for existing corporate policies. The proposal, introduced by a conservative think tank, argued that DEI initiatives posed legal and financial risks. However, most investors sided with Apple's leadership, rejecting the call for their removal.

During the company’s annual shareholder meeting, CEO Tim Cook reaffirmed Apple’s commitment to hiring based on skills and collaboration rather than quotas or targets. The decision comes as other major tech firms, including Google and Meta, have scaled back or adjusted their diversity strategies in response to shifting legal and political pressures.

Apple's stance contrasts with broader industry trends, as several corporations face increased scrutiny over workplace policies. The U.S. Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling on affirmative action in education has influenced corporate diversity programs, prompting some companies to reevaluate their approaches.

While Apple maintains its existing policies, Cook acknowledged that legal and regulatory changes could require adjustments in the future. However, the company remains committed to fostering an inclusive workplace, emphasizing that diversity contributes to innovation and long-term success.

With this decision, Apple sets itself apart from other tech giants, signaling that its approach to workplace diversity remains a priority even as broader industry shifts continue.

AAPL currently trades at $240 and pays a dividend of 25 cents per share, a yield of 0.41%.

Restaurants

Starbucks Restructures Corporate Workforce With 1,100 Job Cuts

Starbucks is making changes to streamline its operations, cutting 1,100 corporate positions in an effort to improve efficiency and adapt quickly to evolving business needs. The restructuring primarily impacts corporate roles, while store employees and operational teams in warehousing, manufacturing, and distribution remain unaffected.

The company has also decided to eliminate several hundred unfilled positions as part of its broader strategy. Those affected by the layoffs will receive support, including severance packages and career transition assistance. Employees were informed remotely, with corporate teams asked to work from home during the announcement period.

As part of ongoing efforts to optimize its business, Starbucks is reinforcing its return-to-office policies. Senior leaders will be required to work from the company’s Seattle or Toronto offices multiple days per week, while some lower-level roles will retain remote flexibility. Future hiring will emphasize in-office presence.

Starbucks has been rolling out changes to improve store operations, including adjustments to in-store policies and management structure. With these shifts, the company aims to position itself for long-term growth while refining its corporate structure to better support its retail network.

SBUX currently trades at $112 and pays a dividend of 61 cents per share, a yield of 2.17%.

Under-The-Radar Stock (Sponsored)

Copper Prices Are Soaring—This Stock Could Benefit Most

From Tesla’s EVs to AI-powered data centers, copper is more critical than ever. As supply struggles to keep up, one company is emerging as a potential major player in the sector.

Backed by industry veterans and with a high-grade copper discovery in Quebec, this stock could be a hidden gem.

Get the full report and ticker symbol now!

Tech

Salesforce and Google Expand AI Partnership in $2.5 Billion Deal

Salesforce has signed a $2.5 billion agreement with Google to integrate its customer relationship management tools, AI-driven assistants, and data solutions with Google Cloud. This seven-year partnership aims to enhance AI capabilities across both platforms, providing businesses with improved automation, analytics, and operational efficiency.

A key focus of the collaboration is the deeper integration between Google Workspace and Salesforce’s AI-powered tools, allowing users to streamline workflows and make better use of data. Customers will gain access to advanced AI models and agentic AI features, helping organizations optimize customer interactions and decision-making processes.

While Salesforce continues to rely on Amazon Web Services for its cloud infrastructure, this expanded alliance with Google strengthens its position in AI-driven enterprise solutions. By combining Salesforce’s AI-powered CRM with Google Cloud’s data processing capabilities, businesses will have greater flexibility in managing customer insights and business intelligence.

This move follows Google Cloud’s recent push to expand its enterprise software offerings, including a partnership to enhance IT service management and security solutions. With Salesforce set to release its latest earnings, industry watchers will be paying close attention to the impact of its AI investments and cloud collaborations.

CRM currently trades at $307 and pays a dividend of 40 cents per share, a yield of 0.52%.

TXRH increased its dividend payout to 68 cents per share, an increase of 11.5%. Its new forward yield is 1.5%.

KO boosted its dividend payout to 51 cents per share, an increase of 5.2%. Its new forward yield is 2.9%.

GRMN upped its dividend payout to 90 cents per share, an increase of 20%. Its new forward yield is 1.3%.

TU decreased its dividend payout to 28 cents per share, a cut of 4.7%. Its new dividend yield is 7.1%.

GNK dropped its dividend payout to 30 cents per share, a cut of 25%. Its new dividend yield is 11%.

PK lowered its dividend payout to 25 cents per share, a cut of 38%. Its new dividend yield is 7.6%.

Bitcoin’s Future is Changing (Sponsored)

This Bitcoin Play Leaves BTC in the Dust—Here’s How

Bitcoin has made investors fortunes—but what if there was an even better way?

Legendary hedge fund manager Larry Benedict just revealed a strategy called “Bitcoin Skimming”—and it has outperformed Bitcoin’s returns by as much as 22-to-1.

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Everything Else

• General Motors announced plans to increase its dividend by 25% and initiate a $6 billion share buyback program.

• The TJX Companies, Inc. reported a 5% increase in Q4 comparable store sales, a pretax profit margin of 11.6%, and diluted EPS of $1.23, all exceeding expectations; the company plans to raise its dividend by 13% and repurchase $2.0 to $2.5 billion in stock during FY26.

• ACNB Corporation is approaching its ex-dividend date, offering a $0.32 per share dividend payable on March 14, with a trailing yield of 3.1% based on the current stock price.

• Teekay Tankers Ltd.'s stock performance and financial metrics are analyzed, providing insights into its market position and potential investment value.

• Popular, Inc. declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.70 per common share, payable on April 1, 2025, to shareholders of record as of March 18, 2025.

• Philip Morris International Inc.'s stock performance and financial metrics are analyzed, offering insights into its market position and potential investment value.