Core Insights - Dividend stocks are highlighted as valuable assets for portfolio stability, especially in varying interest rate environments [3][29] - The article suggests focusing on stocks with strong yields and quality indicators for investment in the second half of 2025 [4] Group 1: Dividend Stock Recommendations - Sanofi (SNY): - Stock price: $50.90, Dividend yield: 3.1%, Payout ratio: 18.5%, Three-year FCF growth: 5.5% [7][10] - Sanofi is a French bio-pharmaceutical company with a strong revenue growth driven by its best-selling drug, Dupixent, and a robust drug pipeline [9][10][11] - Schlumberger Limited (SLB): - Stock price: $59.97, Dividend yield: 3.3%, Payout ratio: 50.9%, Three-year FCF growth: 19.7% [20] - SLB is a leading provider of technology and services to the energy industry, with a strong balance sheet and a partnership with Nvidia for AI development [15][16] - Fidelity National Financial (FNF): - Stock price: $34.26, Dividend yield: 3.3%, Payout ratio: 38.6%, Three-year FCF growth: 40.8% [19] - FNF maintains a healthy balance sheet and strong margins despite a slow housing market, focusing on dividends and strategic investments [21] - ZTO Express (Cayman) (ZTO): - Stock price: $18.99, Dividend yield: 3.2%, Payout ratio: 55.9%, Three-year FCF growth: 34.2% [30] - ZTO is a major express delivery service provider in China, leveraging the growing e-commerce market while investing in AI for cost efficiency [22][24] - Interparfums (IPAR): - Stock price: $94.50, Dividend yield: 3.4%, Payout ratio: 62.8%, Three-year FCF growth: 395.4% [31] - Interparfums has shown consistent revenue growth and aims for further increases in net sales and EPS, indicating strong market potential [27][28] Group 2: Investment Criteria - Stocks should have a dividend yield between 3% and 5%, a debt-to-equity ratio of 1 or less, and a payout ratio below 70% to ensure sustainability [6] - Companies should demonstrate dividend growth over the last three years and positive free cash flow growth to support higher dividends [6]
5 Best Dividend Stocks To Buy Now In October 2025