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]

Market Overview - Markets experienced significant fluctuations in April, primarily influenced by changing trade news, including new tariffs announced by President Trump, which led to a sharp stock reaction [1] - The S&P 500 has seen five consecutive days of gains but remains down over 1% for the month, with investors now focusing on a week filled with corporate earnings and key economic data such as GDP, inflation, and jobs reports [1] Value Investing - In volatile market conditions, value investing is particularly relevant as value stocks, often trading below their true worth, can provide stability [2] - Investing in solid, undervalued companies is suggested as a safer strategy, with specific stocks highlighted for their high earnings yield [3] Earnings Yield Metric - Earnings yield, calculated as annual earnings per share (EPS) divided by market price, is a useful metric for identifying attractively valued stocks [4] - A higher earnings yield indicates undervaluation compared to stocks with lower yields, which are seen as overpriced [4] Stock Screening Criteria - A primary screening criterion for stock selection is an earnings yield greater than 10%, supplemented by estimated EPS growth for the next 12 months being greater than or equal to the S&P 500 [7] - Additional criteria include an average daily volume of at least 100,000 and a current price of $5 or more [8][9] Stock Recommendations - **Equinox Gold Corp. (EQX)**: A Canadian mining company with a projected earnings growth of 355% and 30.4% for 2025 and 2026, respectively, and a Zacks Rank 1 [10][11] - **NCR Atleos Corp (NATL)**: Provides digital banking solutions with an estimated earnings growth of 24.5% and 22.4% for 2025 and 2026, respectively, also holding a Zacks Rank 1 [12][13] - **AerSale Corp (ASLE)**: Offers aviation products and services with projected earnings growth of 289% and 23% for 2025 and 2026, respectively, and a Zacks Rank 1 [14][15] - **Qifu Technology, Inc. (QFIN)**: An AI-driven Credit-Tech platform with expected earnings growth of 22.4% and 12.12% for 2025 and 2026, respectively, and a Zacks Rank 1 [16][17]