Sempra (SRE) is a Top Dividend Stock Right Now: Should You Buy?

Company Overview - Sempra (SRE) is based in San Diego and operates in the Utilities sector, with a year-to-date share price change of -6.66% [3] - The company currently pays a dividend of $0.64 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 3.15%, which is lower than the Utility - Gas Distribution industry's yield of 3.56% and significantly higher than the S&P 500's yield of 1.48% [3] Dividend Performance - Sempra's annualized dividend of $2.58 has increased by 4% from the previous year, with a historical average annual increase of 4.28% over the last five years [4] - The company's current payout ratio is 55%, indicating that it distributes 55% of its trailing 12-month earnings per share as dividends [4] Earnings Expectations - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Sempra's earnings in 2025 is projected at $4.68 per share, reflecting a year-over-year growth rate of 0.65% [5] - The company is expected to experience earnings expansion in the current fiscal year [5] Investment Appeal - Sempra is considered an attractive dividend play and a compelling investment opportunity, currently holding a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [6]