Train Operator’s Dividend Yield is Chugging Along Amid Turnaround Efforts

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

Today, we will look into Verizon, Omnicom, 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.

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5G Infrastructure

Verizon Expands Global Reach with Private 5G Rollout at Thames Freeport

Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) has announced a strategic deployment of Private 5G networks across key sites within Thames Freeport, one of the UK's busiest logistics and manufacturing corridors.

Developed in partnership with Nokia, the initiative aims to digitally transform deep-sea ports, logistics parks, and industrial clusters along the Thames Estuary.

The project will support AI-driven operations, real-time logistics, autonomous vehicles, and smart port infrastructure.

Key locations include DP World London Gateway, Port of Tilbury, and Ford Dagenham, collectively handling millions of cargo units and serving critical manufacturing sectors.

From an investor's perspective, this signals Verizon's intent to lead the global enterprise 5G market, extending beyond the U.S. consumer base.

While many telecoms are still exploring the monetization of private networks, Verizon is actively securing large-scale industrial contracts, positioning itself ahead of regional competitors in the UK and EU.

The deal also brings long-term value through recurring enterprise services, infrastructure integration, and potential data monetization.

It aligns with broader investor themes around smart logistics, connected infrastructure, and industrial automation.

Thames Freeport plans to create 5,000 high-skilled jobs by 2030, further solidifying Verizon's role in driving economic revitalization through technology.

The private network, fully managed by Freeport and its tenants, enables tailored use cases and long-term autonomy for operations.

VZ currently trades at $42 and pays a dividend of $2.71 per share, a yield of 6.41%.

Healthcare

Omnicom Secures Lead Role in Data-Driven Drug Launch Targeting U.S. Smoking Crisis

Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC) has been appointed strategic innovation partner and agency of record by Achieve Life Sciences (NASDAQ: ACHV) for the U.S. launch of cytisinicline, a potential first-in-class treatment for nicotine dependence.

This campaign will be led by Omnicom’s Credera unit and supported by a cross-agency team spanning DDB Health, Ketchum Health, and Goodby, Silverstein & Partners.

The scope includes AI-enabled targeting, strategic communications, and full-spectrum commercialization of what could become the first new smoking cessation drug approved in nearly two decades.

For investors, this partnership reflects Omnicom’s deeper commitment to healthcare, a high-margin vertical that is increasingly shaped by data, personalization, and complex regulatory requirements.

Winning a multi-agency mandate in a tightly regulated category signals Omnicom’s growing credibility in biotech marketing, a space traditionally dominated by specialized firms.

Those considering entry into OMC should note the long-term value in healthcare-linked deals, particularly where AI and omnichannel expertise create a competitive moat.

The Achieve collaboration provides a model for future pharmaceutical partnerships, where commercial strategy must scale quickly within a post-approval window.

Achieve filed its NDA for cytisinicline. If approved, the launch could provide Omnicom not just revenue upside but also a showcase for its cross-functional health capabilities.

This development underscores Omnicom’s strategy to diversify beyond legacy ad spend and into performance-driven, IP-rich verticals, potentially improving its top-line durability and margin profile.

OMC currently trades at $72 and pays a dividend of $2.80 per share, a yield of 3.90%.

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Consumer

Not an Exit, But a Shift: Starbucks Eyes Strategic Partnering in China's $10B Coffee Market

Starbucks (NASDAQ: SBUX) has confirmed that it is not considering a full sale of its China business but has initiated a formal review process that could reshape its strategy in its second-largest market.

The company recently asked over 20 prospective bidders to submit proposals addressing sustainability, employee treatment, and operational models, indicating a serious exploration of a partial stake sale.

While denying a complete exit, Starbucks acknowledged it's evaluating "the best ways to capture future growth opportunities" in China.

This follows mounting pressure from aggressive local competitors offering cheaper alternatives, as well as recent underperformance in the region.

For investors, the development signals a recalibration of Starbucks' international strategy.

The brand's strength remains intact, but cost pressures and consumer shifts are forcing tactical adjustments.

Pricing cuts on popular beverages and a search for strategic partners suggest that Starbucks is actively defending its market share while maintaining its premium branding.

Those evaluating SBUX should closely monitor how this strategic evolution unfolds, particularly whether the company opts for a joint venture, sells a minority stake, or restructures its China operations to achieve greater local agility.

The outcome could redefine Starbucks' global earnings mix and set a precedent for multinationals operating in China.

Any formal transaction or partner announcement would likely become a material inflection point for the stock.

SBUX currently trades at $92 and pays a dividend of $2.44 per share, a yield of 2.64%.

AZZ increased its dividend payout to 20 cents per share, a 17.6% rise. Its new forward yield is 0.86%.

BKSC expanded its dividend payout to 21 cents per share, a 10.5% increase. Its new forward yield is 6.0%.

KR improved its dividend payout to 35 cents per share, an increase of 9.4%. Its new forward yield is 1.94%.

SDVY dropped its dividend payout to 11.7 cents per share, a cut of 25.25%. Its new dividend yield is 1.34%.

SMRI slashed its dividend payout to 5.5 cents per share, a cut of 60.25%. Its new dividend yield is 0.67%.

UFO decreased its dividend payout to 7.5 cents per share, a cut of 58.54%. Its new dividend yield is 1.05%.

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Everything Else

• Comcast’s new customer retention strategy includes unlimited data across all plans. 

• Retailers rejoice: July’s tariff deadline may not be set in stone.

• Big banks benefited from the easing of stress test standards, which could lead to reduced regulation and increased profit opportunities.

• Likewise, banks are kickstarting a mini-bull run for dividend investors. 

• Nike is back in investors’ good graces after a decent earnings call with unforeseen outlook strength.