12 Best International Dividend Stocks To Buy Now

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5. Shell plc (NYSE:SHEL)

Dividend Yield as of February 11: 4.25%

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 48

Shell plc (NYSE:SHEL), a London-based energy titan, is one of the best dividend stocks for an income portfolio. On January 24, 2025, Shell Energy North America announced that it concluded its acquisition of RISEC Holdings, adding a 609 MW gas power plant in Rhode Island to its portfolio. This deal helps secure long-term energy supply in the ISO New England market, especially as demand is expected to rise with the push for decarbonization.

Shell plc (NYSE:SHEL) delivered strong financial results in 2024, despite lower earnings in the fourth quarter. Free cash flow reached $40 billion, surpassing 2023 levels even in a weaker price environment. To reward shareholders, Shell plc (NYSE:SHEL) announced a 4% dividend increase and a $3.5 billion share buyback program. This marked the 13th straight quarter of at least $3 billion in buybacks.

On January 30, Shell declared a $0.716 per ADS quarterly dividend, up from a prior dividend of $0.688. The dividend is payable on March 24, to shareholders on record as of February 14.

Shell plc (NYSE:SHEL) is a popular energy play among Wall Street funds. In Q3 2024, 48 hedge funds were bullish on Shell, compared to 49 in the last quarter.

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