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 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 - Wall Street has experienced a strong recovery due to easing trade tensions, particularly the U.S.-China trade truce and the U.S.-UK deal, which has fostered optimism in the stock market. However, uncertainties regarding Trump and Fed policies persist, making dividend investing an attractive option for consistent income [1]. Dividend Growth Strategy - Dividend investing provides a reliable income source, especially when focusing on stocks with a strong history of year-over-year dividend growth, which can lead to higher returns compared to simple dividend-paying stocks [2][4]. - Stocks with a solid history of dividend growth are typically mature companies, offering protection against market volatility and economic uncertainty while providing consistent payout increases [4][5]. Selection of Dividend Growth Stocks - Three dividend growth stocks identified as compelling picks are Qifu Technology Inc. (QFIN), The TJX Companies Inc. (TJX), and UGI Corporation (UGI) [3]. - Qifu Technology, a credit-tech platform in China, has an estimated earnings growth rate of 22.4% for the year and an average earnings surprise of 14.46% over the last four quarters, with a Zacks Rank of 1 and a Growth Score of B [10]. - TJX Companies, a leading off-price retailer, has an estimated earnings growth rate of 3.99% for the fiscal year ending January 2026 and an average earnings surprise of 5.47% in the past four quarters, holding a Zacks Rank of 2 and a Growth Score of A [11]. - UGI Corporation, a holding company in the energy sector, has seen a positive earnings estimate revision of 3 cents for the fiscal year ending September 2025, with a Zacks Rank of 2 and a Growth Score of B [12][13]. Investment Criteria - The selection criteria for dividend growth stocks include a 5-Year Historical Dividend Growth greater than zero, 5-Year Historical Sales Growth greater than zero, and 5-Year Historical EPS Growth greater than zero, indicating solid growth in dividends, revenues, and earnings [6][7]. - Additional criteria include a Price/Cash Flow ratio less than the industry average, a 52-Week Price Change greater than the S&P 500, and a top Zacks Rank, which collectively narrow down the stock universe to high-potential candidates [8][9].

Core Viewpoint - Qifu Technology, Inc. is proposing a convertible senior notes offering of US$600 million due 2030, aimed at qualified institutional buyers, with an additional option of US$90 million for initial purchasers [1] Group 1: Notes Offering Details - The proposed offering consists of convertible senior notes with a total principal amount of US$600 million, maturing on April 1, 2030 [1][3] - The notes will be general unsecured obligations of the company, with holders having the option to require repurchase on April 3, 2028, at 100% of the principal amount plus accrued interest [3] - The notes will be convertible under certain conditions, with cash-par settlement upon conversion, allowing the company to pay cash or a combination of cash and American depositary shares (ADSs) [4][5] Group 2: Use of Proceeds - The net proceeds from the notes offering will be used for repurchasing ADSs and/or class A ordinary shares under a newly established share repurchase plan, which is expected to be accretive to earnings per ADS upon closing [2][11] - The March 2025 Share Repurchase Plan allows for concurrent repurchases at the time of pricing the notes and additional repurchases over time [7][10] Group 3: Repurchase Plan Mechanics - The concurrent repurchase will involve buying back ADSs from certain purchasers of the notes in off-market transactions, facilitating initial hedges for those investors [8][9] - Future repurchases may occur on the open market or through other means, adhering to applicable regulations [10] Group 4: Company Overview - Qifu Technology is a leading AI-empowered Credit-Tech platform in China, providing technology services to assist financial institutions and consumers throughout the loan lifecycle [16]