Global Advertising Dividend Stock Set to Gain from Pending Merger

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

Today, we will look into AT&T, Duke Energy, and Walmart, 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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Telecom

AT&T’s Data Leak Resurfaces as 86M Records Hit Dark Web: What’s Next?

AT&T (NYSE: T) is back in the cybersecurity spotlight after a stolen database containing tens of millions of customer records resurfaced on criminal forums this week. 

Although the data comes from a 2024 breach, security experts warn the renewed exposure could fuel phishing scams, loan fraud, and identity theft.

The company says this isn’t a new incident and that affected users were already notified last year. But the damage may not be over.

Personal information, such as Social Security numbers, email addresses, and phone numbers, is reportedly being sold again, creating new risks for both users and brand trust.

For current shareholders, this moment underscores AT&T’s ongoing vulnerability to reputational risk.

While the company has invested in infrastructure and dividend consistency, data security lapses can erode consumer confidence and draw regulatory scrutiny.

Any perception of weak cyber hygiene may impact customer retention and broader sentiment.

Those considering a new position in AT&T should watch how the company handles the renewed fallout.

Transparency, speed of response, and evidence of improved data safeguards could help stabilize sentiment, or not.

In a crowded telecom market, trust is as critical as coverage.

The stock may not move dramatically in the short term, but investors would be wise to monitor how AT&T addresses lingering concerns, particularly as global privacy standards become more stringent.

T currently trades at $28 and pays a dividend of $1.11 per share, a yield of 3.92%.

Utilities

Duke Energy Files for South Carolina Rate Hike to Power Long-Term Growth

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) is requesting that regulators in South Carolina approve a rate increase that would enable the utility to invest more heavily in grid modernization, reliability, and storm preparedness.

The request submitted by its Duke Energy Progress unit is the company’s first since 2022 and supports upgrades across central and northeastern South Carolina.

Regulators now face a decision that could shape the future of the company’s infrastructure strategy.

For shareholders, this move signals that Duke is actively pursuing long-term resilience and growth, even if it means short-term pressure from public scrutiny or pushback on pricing.

Investors already in DUK should watch closely how the Public Service Commission of South Carolina responds.

Approval would reinforce Duke’s ability to pass infrastructure costs onto ratepayers, which is vital for capital recovery and dividend sustainability.

But rejection or delay could raise questions about future cash flows and regulatory friction.

As energy demand grows and climate risk intensifies, utilities that can modernize effectively while navigating rate structures could find themselves ahead of the curve.

Duke’s bid is more than a revenue request; it’s a test of how forward-leaning utility business models will be received in 2025.

DUK currently trades at $117 and pays a dividend of $4.18 per share, a yield of 3.55%.

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Retail

Walmart Eyes Stablecoin Rollout as Crypto Edges into Mainstream Retail

Walmart (NYSE: WMT) is exploring stablecoin offerings that could signal a major step toward crypto adoption in mainstream retail.

The digital tokens designed to track the value of the U.S. Dollar may reduce payment processing costs, streamline operations, and enhance customer loyalty across the company’s vast network.

The timing aligns with the growing momentum in Washington. The bipartisan GENIUS Act, which aims to establish a federal framework for stablecoins, is nearing a final vote in the Senate.

If the GENIUS Act passes, it would provide legal clarity that could accelerate retail adoption and enable companies like Walmart to integrate stablecoins into their loyalty programs or internal payment systems.

For investors, this signals a broader pivot beyond traditional retail into financial infrastructure.

Stablecoins could enable Walmart to bypass certain interchange fees while keeping customers locked into their ecosystem via closed-loop token systems—think rewards, credits, and fast refunds all tied to digital tokens.

Walmart may have an early-mover advantage in retail crypto infrastructure, an area currently dominated by fintech players.

It also sets up future optionality: digital wallets, cross-border efficiency, and even consumer lending could follow.

Amazon is also reportedly exploring similar offerings.

Together, these giants entering the space may reshape not only retail payments but also the role of corporate-issued tokens in everyday commerce.

WMT currently trades at $95 and pays a dividend of $0.94 per share, a yield of 0.99%.

FBNC increased its dividend payout to 23 cents per share, a 4.5% rise. Its new forward yield is 2.22%.

WPC expanded its dividend payout to 90 cents per share, a 1.1% increase. Its new forward yield is 5.68%. 

NFG improved its dividend payout to 53.5 cents per share, an increase of 3.9%. Its new forward yield is 2.58%. 

AFCG lowered its dividend payout to 15 cents per share, a cut of 34.7%. Its new dividend yield is 13.18%.

SBR slashed its dividend payout to 42.65 cents per share, a cut of 4.7%. Its new dividend yield is 7.73%.

VSDA decreased its dividend payout to 10.44 cents per share, a cut of 3.46%. Its new dividend yield is 2.50%.

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Everything Else

• U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel’s deal is all but done, according to company reps. 

• Oil stocks are surging on the recent geopolitical news, providing some tailwinds to the beaten-down energy sector.

• A flood of Baby Berkshires is waiting in the wings to capitalize on Buffett’s exit from active management.  

• A range of blue-chip retailers are mulling over plans to issue their own stablecoins.

• To that end, legacy payment processors like Visa and Mastercard may face an uphill battle if their major clients pivot to in-house financial engineering via stablecoin.