Core Insights - Dividend investing is gaining popularity in 2025 due to market volatility and uncertainties, with U.S. stocks near record highs driven by trade optimism, strong corporate earnings, and AI advancements [1][2] Group 1: Dividend Growth Strategy - Dividends provide a reliable income stream, making them appealing during uncertain times, and dividend-paying stocks tend to stabilize portfolios [2][9] - Companies with a history of increasing dividends are typically financially strong and offer better long-term capital appreciation, leading to a more resilient portfolio [3][4] - Focusing on dividend growth rather than just yield can enhance returns, as these stocks often have superior fundamentals, including sustainable business models and strong cash flows [5][6] Group 2: Stock Selection Criteria - Selected stocks for dividend growth include Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (AEM), UGI Corporation (UGI), Qifu Technology Inc. (QFIN), Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. (TSM), and Group 1 Automotive (GPI), all showing strong earnings and sales growth [3][9] - Criteria for selection include positive historical dividend growth, sales growth, and earnings per share (EPS) growth, along with expected future EPS growth [7][8] - Stocks are also evaluated based on their price-to-cash flow ratio being less than the industry average and having outperformed the S&P 500 over the past year [8][9] Group 3: Individual Stock Highlights - AEM is a gold producer with a positive earnings estimate revision of $0.42 and an estimated earnings growth rate of 52.5%, holding a Zacks Rank 1 and a Growth Score of B [10][11] - UGI Corp. has an estimated earnings growth rate of 2.29% and an average earnings surprise of 75.67%, also holding a Zacks Rank 1 and a Growth Score of B [12][13] - Qifu Technology has an estimated earnings growth rate of 25.62% and a Zacks Rank 1 with a Growth Score of B [14][15] - TSM has an estimated earnings growth rate of 34.66% and holds a Zacks Rank 2 with a Growth Score of A [15] - Group 1 Automotive has an estimated earnings growth rate of 4.3% and holds a Zacks Rank 1 with a Growth Score of A [16]

Financial Performance & Targets - UGI Corporation's YTD FY25 GAAP diluted EPS is $3.93, compared to $2.74 in YTD FY24[39] - The company increased its Fiscal 2025 adjusted EPS guidance to a range of $3.00 - $3.15 per share[39] - The company targets a long-term EPS growth rate of 4-6%[18] - The company targets a rate base growth of 9%+[18] - The company's leverage ratio target is between 3.5 – 4.0x[23] Capital Allocation & Deployment - The company plans to deploy approximately $3.9 billion in capital from FY24-27[25] - Approximately 66% of the capital will be returned to shareholders[25] - Approximately 18% of the capital will be used for debt reduction[25] - Approximately 85% of total capital invested in natural gas businesses[26] ESG - The company targets a 55% reduction in 5-year Scope-1 GHG Emissions[31]

Core Insights - Dividend investing is gaining traction in the first half of 2025 due to market volatility and uncertainty, despite U.S. stocks nearing record highs driven by optimism in trade talks, corporate earnings, and AI momentum [1] - Stocks with a history of dividend growth tend to outperform in volatile markets, providing a more stable investment option compared to high-yield stocks [2][4] Dividend Growth Stocks - Five dividend growth stocks identified as solid investment choices for the second half of 2025 are Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (AEM), NetEase Inc. (NTES), Qifu Technology Inc. (QFIN), UGI Corporation (UGI), and McKesson Corporation (MCK) [3][9] - These stocks meet strict criteria for dividend, sales, and earnings growth, showing positive earnings revisions and strong Growth Scores [9] Investment Rationale - Stocks with a strong history of dividend growth are typically mature companies, providing a hedge against economic and political uncertainties [4] - These companies exhibit superior fundamentals, including sustainable business models, profitability, rising cash flows, and strong balance sheets, indicating potential for future dividend increases [5] Performance Metrics - Selected stocks have shown a 5-Year Historical Dividend Growth greater than zero, indicating a solid dividend growth history [6] - Additional criteria include positive historical sales and earnings growth, as well as expected future earnings growth, which supports sustained dividend payments [7] Valuation and Ranking - Stocks are evaluated based on Price/Cash Flow ratios being less than the industry average, indicating undervaluation [8] - The selected stocks have outperformed the S&P 500 over the past year and hold Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy), suggesting strong market performance potential [8][10]

Core Viewpoint - UGI shares have shown strong performance, reaching a new 52-week high and significantly outperforming the broader utilities sector and gas distribution industry [1][2]. Financial Performance - UGI has consistently beaten earnings estimates, with the latest EPS reported at $2.21 against a consensus of $1.8 [2]. - For the current fiscal year, UGI is projected to earn $3.13 per share on revenues of $7.81 billion, reflecting a 2.29% increase in EPS and an 8.36% increase in revenues [3]. - The next fiscal year forecasts an EPS of $3.23 on revenues of $8.81 billion, indicating year-over-year changes of 3.19% and 12.76%, respectively [3]. Valuation Metrics - UGI's current trading metrics show a P/E ratio of 11.7X for the current fiscal year, below the industry average of 16.3X [7]. - The trailing cash flow basis shows UGI trading at 5.6X compared to the peer group's average of 8.1X [7]. - UGI has a PEG ratio of 2.24, positioning it favorably among value stocks [7]. Investment Style Scores - UGI holds a Value Score of A, with Growth and Momentum Scores of B, resulting in a combined VGM Score of A [6]. - The Zacks Rank for UGI is 2 (Buy), supported by rising earnings estimates, indicating potential for further gains [8].

Core Insights - UGI Corporation's subsidiary, AmeriGas Propane, L.P., has agreed to divest its propane assets in Hawaii to Isle Gas, with the transaction expected to close in Q4 of fiscal 2025 [1][11] - The sale includes approximately 750,000 gallons of propane storage facilities and a delivery fleet, with proceeds aimed at debt reduction [2][11] - This divestiture aligns with UGI's strategy to optimize financial and operational performance by focusing on core resources and enhancing customer value [3][11] Financial Strategy - The sale of non-core assets is part of a broader strategy among utilities to raise capital for investments in more lucrative sectors, thereby improving credit profiles and reducing interest costs [4] - Companies often divest underperforming businesses to streamline operations and concentrate on areas with higher long-term value [5] Industry Comparisons - Sempra Energy is also divesting assets as part of a capital recycling program to fund a $56 billion capital spending plan, indicating a trend among utilities to focus on core operations [6] - CenterPoint Energy recently sold its natural gas distribution businesses for $1.2 billion to reallocate capital investments, further illustrating the strategic shift within the industry [8] Stock Performance - UGI's stock has increased by 9.6% over the past three months, outperforming the industry average growth of 8.1% [10]

Core Insights - Zacks Premium offers tools for investors to enhance their stock market engagement and confidence [1] - The Zacks Style Scores are designed to help investors select stocks likely to outperform the market in the short term [2] Zacks Style Scores Overview - Stocks are rated from A to F based on value, growth, and momentum characteristics, with A being the highest score [3] - The Style Scores consist of four categories: Value Score, Growth Score, Momentum Score, and VGM Score [3][4][5][6] Value Score - Focuses on identifying undervalued stocks using financial ratios such as P/E, PEG, and Price/Sales [3] Growth Score - Concentrates on a company's financial health and future growth potential, analyzing projected and historical earnings, sales, and cash flow [4] Momentum Score - Targets stocks with upward or downward price trends, utilizing recent price changes and earnings estimate shifts [5] VGM Score - Combines the three Style Scores to identify stocks with the best overall value, growth, and momentum [6] Zacks Rank Integration - The Zacks Rank is a proprietary model that uses earnings estimate revisions to guide investors in stock selection [7] - Stocks rated 1 (Strong Buy) have historically achieved an average annual return of +25.41%, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 [8] Stock Selection Strategy - Investors are encouraged to focus on stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 and Style Scores of A or B for optimal returns [10] - The direction of earnings estimate revisions is crucial in stock selection, as downward trends can indicate potential price declines [11] Company Spotlight: UGI Corporation - UGI Corporation is a holding company involved in the distribution and marketing of energy products, serving over 2.6 million customers [12] - UGI holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) and has a VGM Score of A, with a Momentum Style Score of B [13] - Recent earnings estimates for fiscal 2025 have been revised upward, with the consensus estimate increasing by $0.07 to $3.13 per share [13]

Group 1 - Zacks Premium provides various tools for investors to enhance their stock market strategies, including daily updates, research reports, and stock screens [1] - The Zacks Style Scores are designed to help investors select stocks with the highest potential to outperform the market within a 30-day timeframe, rated from A to F based on value, growth, and momentum [2][9] - The Value Score focuses on identifying undervalued stocks using financial ratios such as P/E, PEG, and Price/Sales [3] - The Growth Score evaluates a company's future prospects through projected and historical earnings, sales, and cash flow [4] - The Momentum Score identifies optimal times to invest based on price trends and earnings estimate changes [5] - The VGM Score combines all three Style Scores, providing a comprehensive indicator for stock selection [6] Group 2 - The Zacks Rank is a proprietary model that leverages earnings estimate revisions to assist investors in building successful portfolios [7] - Stocks rated 1 (Strong Buy) have historically achieved an average annual return of +25.41% since 1988, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 [8] - To maximize returns, investors should focus on stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 and Style Scores of A or B [9][10] Group 3 - UGI Corporation is a holding company involved in the distribution, storage, transportation, and marketing of energy products, serving over 2.6 million customers [11] - UGI holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) and has a VGM Score of A, indicating strong investment potential [12] - The company has a forward P/E ratio of 11.56, making it attractive to value investors, and has seen upward revisions in earnings estimates [12][13]

Core Viewpoint - UGI Corporation's planned investments are expected to enhance its aging infrastructure and improve overall performance, making it a strong investment option in the utility sector due to growth opportunities and a solid return on equity (ROE) [1] Group 1: Growth Projections - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal 2025 earnings per share (EPS) has increased by 3.3% to $3.13 [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal 2025 sales is projected at $7.81 billion, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 8.4% [2] - UGI's long-term earnings growth rate is estimated at 5.2%, with a trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of 75.7% [2] Group 2: Financial Health - UGI's current ratio stands at 1.23, surpassing the industry average of 0.63, indicating sufficient short-term assets to cover liabilities [3] - The company's ROE is 16.21%, significantly higher than the industry average of 9.24%, demonstrating effective utilization of funds [4] - UGI's total debt to capital ratio is 58.34%, better than the sector's average of 59.23%, and the time-to-interest earned ratio is 2.5, indicating strong ability to meet interest obligations [5] Group 3: Dividend Performance - UGI has a long history of paying dividends for 141 years, with a current quarterly dividend of 37.5 cents per share, leading to an annualized dividend of $1.50 [6] - The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for UGI's 10-year dividend is 6% for fiscal 2014-2024, and the current dividend yield is 4.1%, above the industry's average of 3.28% [6] Group 4: Strategic Investments - UGI plans to invest $800-$900 million in fiscal 2025 and up to $4.1 billion by 2027 to modernize its infrastructure [8][10] - These investments aim to enhance safety and reliability in natural gas production and storage, as well as replace aging infrastructure to efficiently serve an expanding customer base [9] - UGI has added over 6,600 residential heating and commercial customers year to date [9]

Core Insights - Wall Street has rebounded from early April lows and is near record highs, driven by optimism in U.S.-China trade negotiations, easing inflation, and strong corporate earnings, although uncertainty regarding Trump's policies remains [2]. Dividend Investing - Investors are increasingly turning to dividend investing for stable returns, as dividends provide consistent income and can mitigate portfolio volatility during uncertain market conditions [3]. - Stocks with a history of dividend growth are preferred, as they belong to mature companies that are less volatile and offer downside protection through consistent payout increases [5]. Selected Dividend Growth Stocks - Five dividend growth stocks identified as compelling investment options are Intuit Inc. (INTU), Fox Corporation (FOX), Qifu Technology Inc. (QFIN), UGI Corporation (UGI), and Ingredion Incorporated (INGR) [4][10]. - These stocks exhibit consistent dividend growth and strong long-term earnings potential, with positive earnings estimate revisions and solid expected earnings growth for the current fiscal year [10]. Stock Selection Criteria - Criteria for selecting dividend growth stocks include: - 5-Year Historical Dividend Growth greater than zero, indicating a solid dividend growth history [7]. - 5-Year Historical Sales Growth greater than zero, reflecting strong revenue growth [8]. - 5-Year Historical EPS Growth greater than zero, showing solid earnings growth history [8]. - Next 3-5 Year EPS Growth Rate greater than zero, indicating expected earnings growth [8]. - Price/Cash Flow less than M-Industry, suggesting undervaluation [9]. - 52-Week Price Change greater than S&P 500, ensuring better performance than the broader market [9]. Company Profiles - **Intuit Inc. (INTU)**: A business and financial software company with an expected earnings growth rate of 18.4% and a Zacks Rank 1 [11]. - **Fox Corporation (FOX)**: A media company with an expected earnings growth rate of 32.4% and a Zacks Rank 2 [13]. - **Qifu Technology Inc. (QFIN)**: A Credit-Tech platform in China with an expected earnings growth rate of 25.3% and a Zacks Rank 2 [14]. - **UGI Corporation (UGI)**: An energy products distributor with an estimated growth rate of 2.29% and a Zacks Rank 2 [16]. - **Ingredion Incorporated (INGR)**: An ingredients solutions provider with an estimated earnings growth rate of 5.2% and a Zacks Rank 2 [17].

Core Viewpoint - UGI shares have increased by approximately 1.2% since the last earnings report, underperforming the S&P 500, raising questions about the sustainability of this trend leading up to the next earnings release [1] Estimates Movement - Fresh estimates for UGI have trended downward over the past month, with the consensus estimate shifting by -175% [2] VGM Scores - UGI currently holds a Growth Score of B, but has a low Momentum Score of F. The stock has an A grade on the value side, placing it in the top 20% for this investment strategy. The overall aggregate VGM Score is B, which is relevant for investors not focused on a single strategy [3] Outlook - The estimates for UGI have been broadly trending downward, indicating a significant downward shift. UGI holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), suggesting an expectation of above-average returns in the coming months [4]