In this article, we discuss 10 best April dividend stocks to buy.

Dividend stocks remain on investors’ radar in 2023 amid rising inflation and recession fears. According to a report by Ned Davis Research, dividend-paying stocks in the S&P 500 outperformed non-dividend stocks by an average of 1.9% per year between 1972 and 2018.

Dividend-paying stocks have provided higher long-term returns to shareholders than non-dividend stocks. Last year, dividend equities emerged as winners amid fluctuating market conditions. Quality companies that have rewarded shareholders with decades-long dividend growth become top choices for investors. The S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Index declined by 6.21% in 2022, compared with an 18% drop in the S&P 500. A report by ProShares revealed that Russell 2000 Dividend Growth Index plunged by 5.44% last year as compared with a negative 20.44 return of the Russell 2000 Index.

In addition to offering long-term returns to shareholders, dividend growers tend to be less volatile than other stocks, which can help reduce overall portfolio risks. We previously reported that dividend growers and initiators delivered an annual average return of 11.6% from 1972 to 2014, with an annual risk of 15.9%, while dividend cutters exhibited a 25.1% risk during this period while delivering an annual average return of 3.4%. To learn more about dividend growth stocks, readers can have a look at 12 High Growth Forever Dividend Stocks. Some of these companies include Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK), AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV), and Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX).

One of the main reasons for picking dividend stocks over other equities is to maintain and increase income over time. For this reason, investors may turn to a dividend capture strategy, which involves buying shares of a stock just before its ex-dividend date. By purchasing the stock at that time and selling it shortly thereafter, the investor can collect the dividend payment without holding the stock for an extended period of time. Our article titled Dividend Capture Strategy Stocks To Buy covers nearly all aspects of this investment strategy.

Our Methodology:

For this list, we selected dividend stocks that will trade ex-dividend in April. Ex-dividend date indicates the cutoff day to buy a stock to receive its upcoming dividend payment. The list is ranked according to their ex-dividend dates.

Best April Dividend Stocks To Buy

10. JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM)

Ex-Dividend Date: April 5 

Dividend Yield as of March 31: 3.11%

JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) is a New York-based financial services company that offers services in investment banking, commercial banking, and asset management. The company reported a strong cash position in the fourth quarter of 2022. It returned $3 billion to shareholders in dividends during the quarter, which places it as one of the best dividend stocks on our list.

On March 22, JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) declared a quarterly dividend of $1.00 per share, which was in line with its previous dividend. The stock’s dividend yield of March 31 came in at 3.11%. The stock will trade ex-dividend on April 5. Other popular dividend stocks include Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK), AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV), and Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX).

According to Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) is well-positioned to benefit from both market share gains and its diversified businesses in these ‘less certain times’. Given this, the firm upgraded the stock to Overweight in March and also raised its price target on the stock to $155.

At the end of Q4 2022, 100 hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey reported having stakes in JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM), compared with 110 in the previous quarter. These stakes have a collective value of over $5.1 billion. Citadel Investment Group was the company’s largest stakeholder in Q4.

9. Morningstar, Inc. (NASDAQ:MORN)

Ex-Dividend Date: April 5 

Dividend Yield as of March 31: 0.76%

Morningstar, Inc. (NASDAQ:MORN) is an American financial services firm that provides data on a wide range of investment offerings. The company currently pays a quarterly dividend of $0.375 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.76%, as of March 31. It has been raising its dividends consistently for the past 11 years, coming through as one of the best dividend stocks on our list. The stock will go ex-dividend on April 5.

In the fourth quarter of 2022, Morningstar, Inc. (NASDAQ:MORN) reported revenue of $475 million, which showed a 2.8% growth from the same period last year. The company remained committed to its shareholder obligation, returning $61.5 million to investors in dividends throughout 2022.

At the end of December 2022, 23 hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey reported having stakes in Morningstar, Inc. (NASDAQ:MORN), up from 19 in the previous quarter. These stakes have a total value of over $1.1 billion.

Baron Funds mentioned Morningstar, Inc. (NASDAQ:MORN) in its Q3 2022 investor letter. Here is what the firm has to say:

“Morningstar, Inc. (NASDAQ:MORN), a provider of independent investment research, detracted in the quarter due to multiple short-term headwinds. Market volatility has caused a slowdown in asset- and transaction-based revenue, while margins were pressured by an increase in merit-based compensation. Finally, there is investor concern that license revenue could decline if clients implement headcount reductions. We remain confident in Morningstar’s ability to grow organically despite the difficult near-term macro environment”

8. Roper Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:ROP)

Ex-Dividend Date: April 5 

Dividend Yield as of March 31: 0.62%

Roper Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:ROP) is a Florida-based diversified industrial company that manufactures engineered products for global markets. The company has operations in over 100 countries. Truist initiated its coverage on the stock with a Buy rating in March and a $510 price target, expecting the company to show sales growth this year. The firm also appreciated the company’s free cash flow generation.

On March 17, Roper Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:ROP) declared a quarterly dividend of $0.6825 per share. The company is one of the best dividend stocks on our list as it has raised its payouts for 31 years straight. The stock’s dividend yield on March 31 came in at 0.62%. It will be trading ex-dividend on April 5.

As of the close of Q4 2022, 41 hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey reported having stakes in Roper Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:ROP), compared with 44 in the previous quarter. The collective value of these stakes is over $2.44 billion.

Wasatch Global Investors mentioned Roper Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:ROP) in its Q4 2022 investor letter. Here is what the firm has to say:

“Roper Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:ROP) was another large contributor. The stock was up after the company released strong third-quarter financial results, including revenue and earnings growth that exceeded consensus expectations. Roper develops software and other engineered products for a variety of niche markets and industries. The company owns 26 independent businesses, most of which enjoy strong barriers to entry and leadership positions in their respective markets. The management team has done an exceptional job, in our view, of improving the operating performance and free cash flow generation of the businesses in its portfolio, then deploying that cash into acquiring new businesses that fit a similar profile. Roper’s ability to put up strong results in what’s been a challenging operating environment for many businesses speaks to the durability of the business.”

7. McCormick & Company, Incorporated (NYSE:MKC)

Ex-Dividend Date: April 6

Dividend Yield as of March 31: 1.93%

McCormick & Company, Incorporated (NYSE:MKC) is a Maryland-based food company that manufactures and markets a wide range of food products. The company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.39 per share on March 30, which was in line with its previous dividend. It maintains a 37-year streak of consistent dividend growth, which makes it one of the best dividend stocks on our list. The stock has a dividend yield of 1.93%, as of March 31 and will be trading ex-dividend on April 6.

In the first quarter of 2023, McCormick & Company, Incorporated (NYSE:MKC) reported a strong cash position as its operating cash flow came in at $103 million, up from $18 million from the same period last year. The company’s revenue for the quarter came in at $1.56 billion, which showed a 2.6% growth from the prior-year period.

According to Insider Monkey’s Q4 2022 database, 25 hedge funds owned stakes in McCormick & Company, Incorporated (NYSE:MKC), with a total value of over $1.5 billion. With over 15 million shares, Fundsmith LLP was the company’s leading stakeholder in Q4.

6. Darden Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE:DRI)

Ex-Dividend Date: April 6

Dividend Yield as of March 31: 3.15%

Darden Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE:DRI) is an American multi-brand restaurant company that owns fine dining restaurant chains. KeyBanc raised its price target on the stock to $170 with an Overweight rating on the shares, highlighting its same-store sales growth in its recent quarterly earnings.

Darden Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE:DRI), one of the best dividend stocks, currently pays a quarterly dividend of $1.21 per share. The stock’s dividend yield came in at 3.15% on March 31. It will be going ex-dividend on April 6. Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK), AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV), and Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) are some other best dividend stocks preferred by investors.

The number of hedge funds in Insider Monkey’s database having stakes in Darden Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE:DRI) grew to 39 in Q4 2022, from 27 in the previous quarter. The collective value of these stakes is over $701.2 million. Ken Griffin, Steve Cohen, and Brandon Haley were some of the company’s leading stakeholders in Q4.

5. Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN)

Ex-Dividend Date: April 12
Dividend Yield as of March 31: 1.58%

Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN) is an Irish company that specializes in information technology services and consulting. Following the company’s recent quarterly earnings beat, RBC Capital raised its price target on the stock to $340 with an Outperform rating on the shares. The firm also appreciated the company’s Managed Services segment.

Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN) currently pays a quarterly dividend of $1.12 per share for a dividend yield of 1.58%, as recorded on March 31. The company maintains a 17-year streak of consistent dividend growth. During its fiscal Q2 2023, it returned $708 million to shareholders in dividends, which makes it one of the best dividend stocks on our list. The stock will be trading ex-dividend on April 12.

As per Insider Monkey’s Q4 2022 database, 63 hedge funds owned investments in Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN), worth nearly $3 billion collectively. In the previous quarter, 58 hedge funds held stakes in the company, with a total value of $3.47 billion.

Distillate Capital Partners LLC mentioned Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN) in its third-quarter 2022 investor letter. Here is what the firm has to say:

“The largest new purchases includes Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN). Accenture modestly lagged the market last quarter and became similarly attractive enough to warrant ownership. Similar to our prior presentations, one way to visualize the current portfolio and note recent changes versus the benchmark is to look at scatter plot of all of Distillate’s FSV holdings versus those in the benchmark with valuation on the vertical axis and free cash ϲow stability on the horizontal axis.”

4. The Buckle, Inc. (NYSE:BKE)

Ex-Dividend Date: April 13
Dividend Yield as of March 31: 4.02%

The Buckle, Inc. (NYSE:BKE) is a Nebraska-based fashion retailer that sells clothing, footwear, and accessories. On March 21, the company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.35 per share, which was in line with its previous dividend. The stock will go ex-dividend on April 13. It has been raising its dividends consistently for the past 3 years. The stock’s dividend yield came in at 4.02% on March 31.

In the fourth quarter of 2022, The Buckle, Inc. (NYSE:BKE) reported revenue of $401.8 million, which showed a 5.5% growth from the same period last year. At the end of January 2023, the company had over $252 million available in cash and cash equivalents.

At the end of Q4 2022, 20 hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey reported having stakes in The Buckle, Inc. (NYSE:BKE), compared with 23 in the previous quarter. The collective value of these stakes is over $110.6 million.

Miller Value Partners mentioned The Buckle, Inc. (NYSE:BKE) in its Q4 2022 investor letter. Here is what the firm has to say:

“The Buckle, Inc. (NYSE:BKE) was the top contributor for the quarter. The company reported 3Q23 net sales of $332.3MM, +4.0% year-over-year (Y/Y), ahead of consensus of $326.7MM, and earnings per share (EPS) of $1.24, -1.6% Y/Y, ahead of analyst expectations for EPS of $1.19. Comparable store sales and online sales increased 3.0% and 8.8% Y/Y, respectively, during the quarter. Inventory rose +49.2% Y/Y and +18.6% sequentially to $152.3MM, as of quarter-end, while gross margin expanded +163bps sequentially to 49.8%. The company also reported that December net sales grew 7.9% Y/Y, bringing fiscal year-to-date (YTD) net sales as of 12/31/22 to $1.28B, or +3.7% Y/Y.”

3. Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE:HRL)

Ex-Dividend Date: April 14
Dividend Yield as of March 31: 2.80%

Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE:HRL) is an American multinational food processing company, based in Minnesota. In March, Stephens maintained an Equal Weight rating on the stock with a $47 price target, after the company announced its first-quarter earnings. The firm expects the company to show improvement in profitability.

Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE:HRL), one of the best dividend stocks, will trade ex-dividend on April 14. The company currently pays a quarterly dividend of $0.275 per share with a dividend yield of 2.80%, as recorded on March 31. It has been raising its dividends consistently for the past 57 years.

At the end of Q4 2022, 28 hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey reported owning stakes in Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE:HRL), worth over $490.6 million collectively. With over 2 million shares, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust was the company’s leading stakeholder in Q4.

2. Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (NYSE:WSM)

Ex-Dividend Date: April 20
Dividend Yield as of March 31: 3.05%

Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (NYSE:WSM) is an American consumer retail company that specializes in home improvement products. On March 16, the company declared a 15% hike in its quarterly dividend to $0.90 per share. This was the company’s 17th consecutive year of dividend growth, which makes it one of the best dividend stocks on our list. The stock has a dividend yield of 3.05%, as of March 31. It will be going ex-dividend on April 20.

RBC Capital maintained an Outperform rating on Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (NYSE:WSM) in March with a $143 price target, appreciating the company’s recent quarterly results.

At the end of December 2022, 29 hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey owned investments in Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (NYSE:WSM), worth over $305.3 million collectively.

1. Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE:LOW)

Ex-Dividend Date: April 25
Dividend Yield as of March 31: 2.18%

Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE:LOW) tops our list of the best dividend stocks to buy. The stock will be trading ex-dividend on April 25. It currently pays a quarterly dividend of $1.05 per share for a dividend yield of 2.18%, as of March 31. The company has been raising its dividends consistently for the past 59 years.

Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE:LOW) was a popular buy among elite funds, as 68 funds in Insider Monkey’s database owned stakes in the company, up from 61 in the preceding quarter. The stakes owned by these hedge funds have a total value of nearly $5.7 billion.

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Disclosure. None. 10 Best April Dividend Stocks To Buy is originally published on Insider Monkey.