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

Today, we will look into Lockheed Martin, Coca-Cola, and Ecolab, 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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Aerospace & Defense

Lockheed Martin Builds Momentum with Spanish Partners on F-110 Radar

Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) is advancing its work on Spain’s F-110 multi-mission frigate program. Key radar components are now delivered by local suppliers. More than 10,000 parts have been shipped to Lockheed facilities for integration into the SPY-7(V)2 radar system, which will power the new naval vessels.

Prototype builds are scheduled for later this year, with full production to begin in early 2026. Lockheed has also expanded its operations in Madrid to support in-country assembly and training, which is part of a broader effort to deepen its defense partnerships across Europe.

This international radar contract adds to Lockheed’s growing defense backlog and helps reinforce the stability of its earnings base.

While it may not directly affect the stock price in the short term, contracts like this support revenue that backs the company’s long-standing dividend and conservative payout strategy.

Lockheed’s relationship with Spain stretches back over two decades, and its work on the F-110 follows earlier collaborations on Aegis systems and combat management platforms.

The new activity shows how the company continues to convert long-term partnerships into high-value international defense deals.

For Lockheed, the F-110 program is another example of how global cooperation drives real industrial results and how trusted supplier relationships can scale over time.

LMT currently trades at $449 and pays a dividend of $13.20 per share, a yield of 2.94%.

Consumer Goods

Coca-Cola Advances Production Efficiency with New Nitrogen Strategy

Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO) is making operational changes in its global production model that could signal future cost savings and environmental gains across its U.S. manufacturing network.

The company’s U.K. division has launched in-house nitrogen production at its largest European soft drink plant, efficiently replacing outsourced tanker deliveries with on-site gas generation.

Coca-Cola says the change will reduce fuel use, lower emissions, and cut logistics costs, the benefits aligning with broader company goals to improve global production efficiency.

This approach reflects Coca-Cola’s broader push to manage margins and reduce operational waste. If adopted across other major facilities, especially in the U.S., the model could contribute to long-term cost control, supporting earnings stability and continued dividend strength.

We think this is an example of small, replicable infrastructure decisions that quietly strengthen the company’s financial base.

The new system includes automated leak detection and safety protocols. Local resistance around the installation was addressed within existing facility guidelines, and the upgrade is proceeding as planned.

As Coca-Cola faces ongoing pressure to meet both ESG goals and profitability targets, these manufacturing refinements will likely play a bigger role in its supply strategy.

KO currently trades at $69  and pays a dividend of $2.04 per share, a yield of 2.95%.

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Bioprocessing

Ecolab Strengthens Life Sciences Unit with New U.S. Applications Lab

Ecolab (NYSE: ECL) has opened a new Bioprocessing Applications Lab in Pennsylvania to support pharmaceutical and biotech companies' purification process development.

The facility offers high-throughput tools, chromatography equipment, and technical services tailored to small-scale and commercial manufacturing needs.

Strategically located near major pharmaceutical operations in the Eastern U.S., the new lab is designed to help biopharma firms accelerate development timelines and reduce production costs.

This move shows Ecolab’s intent to deepen its presence in the life sciences sector, where higher-margin opportunities continue to grow. The lab adds to the company’s capabilities in supporting revenue diversification and long-term dividend stability.

We think the expansion reinforces Ecolab’s strategy to move beyond traditional hygiene and water solutions into technically demanding verticals like pharma and biologics.

It also signals that the company is focused on lifecycle customer partnerships, offering lab-to-production support rather than just product sales.

Ecolab has invested multi-million dollars into this segment, combining R&D, customer experience, and raw material support into a single infrastructure for long-term client retention.

ECL currently trades at $250 and pays a dividend of $2.60 per share, a yield of 1.04%.

TU increased its dividend payout to 41.63 cents per share, a 3.5% rise. Its new forward yield is 7.61%.

ACT expanded its dividend payout to 21 cents per share, a 13.5% increase. Its new forward yield is 2.33%. 

MAR improved its dividend payout to 67 cents per share, an increase of 6.3%. Its new forward yield is 0.98%.

ABEV lowered its dividend payout to 2.19 cents per share, a cut of 2.2%. Its new dividend yield is 1.75%.

TRMD reduced its dividend payout to 40 cents per share, a cut of 33.3%. Its new dividend yield is 9.26%.

PTMN decreased its dividend payout to 47 cents per share, a cut of 12.9%. Its new dividend yield is 15.05%.

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Everything Else

• Berkshire shareholders can DIY a dividend using this options-based play. 

• Breathe easy or brace for impact? Here’s how ongoing tariff developments may impact your dividend investing strategy.

• Want more info on Elliott Investment’s strategy for PSX stock? This WSJ article is a good primer.  

• Renewable energy and oil stocks are facing off in Texas. 

• More trouble for UNH shareholders as CEO Andrew Witty plans to step down for “personal reasons.”

Legal Stuff: Stocks featured in this newsletter are for entertainment purposes only. You should not base any investment decisions on information contained in my newsletter. Stocks featured in this newsletter may be owned by owners/operators of this website, which could impact our ability to remain unbiased. Please consult a financial advisor before making any trading decisions. I may earn a small commission from links placed inside these emails.