Core Viewpoint - The article discusses recent dividend increases from Meta Platforms and Cisco Systems during the first earnings season of 2025, highlighting their financial performance and potential investment opportunities in the tech sector. Group 1: Meta Platforms - Meta Platforms increased its quarterly dividend by 5% to just under 0.53pershare,markingitsfirstdividendraisesinceinitiatingpayoutsinearly2024[2][6]−Thecompanyreporteda2148 billion and a 49% increase in net income to nearly 21billion,surpassinganalystestimates[4]−Despitearevenueguidanceforthecurrentquarterthatfallsshortofanalystexpectations,thecompanyisexpectedtocontinueoutperformingprojections,withanticipatedannualrevenuegrowthoflessthan150.41 per share, maintaining a consistent history of annual increases since 2011, with the payout rising nearly sevenfold from 0.06pershare[8][10]−Thecompanyreporteda914 billion, largely attributed to the acquisition of Splunk, although "legacy" Cisco experienced a 1% revenue decline [9] - Cisco is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for AI functionalities, with a strong track record of high-margin net profits and free cash flow [9][10]