10 Best Debt Free Dividend Stocks to Buy Now

8. Janus Henderson Group plc (NYSE:JHG)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 28

Market Cap: $7.11 billion

Enterprise Value: $5.00 billion 

Janus Henderson Group plc (NYSE:JHG) is among the best debt-free stocks that pay dividends.

On December 22, Evercore ISI lowered its price target on Janus Henderson Group plc (NYSE:JHG) to $49 from $50 and kept an In Line rating. The move followed news that the company’s largest shareholder, Trian Fund Management, along with General Catalyst, agreed to take the asset manager private at an equity value of $7.4 billion, or $49 per share.

The firm said the deal “doesn’t seem like the highest possible multiple that Janus could have gotten,” especially after six straight quarters of organic growth. At the same time, Evercore noted there is “no guarantee things are going to be like that every quarter.” From that angle, the appeal of operating as a private company is easier to understand. It could give Janus more room to continue its turnaround without constant pressure from public markets.

CNBC first reported on December 22 that Janus Henderson Group plc (NYSE:JHG) agreed to be acquired by Trian and General Catalyst. The buyers will pay $49 per share in cash, valuing the firm at about $7.4 billion. The offer reflects a 6.5% premium to the prior December 19’s close and roughly an 18% premium to the stock’s closing price on October 24.

Janus Henderson CEO Ali Dibadj made the following statement:

“With this partnership with Trian and General Catalyst, we are confident that we will be able to further invest in our product offering, client services, technology, and talent to accelerate our growth.”

The Wall Street Journal had reported on October 27 that the two firms had approached Janus Henderson Group plc (NYSE:JHG) about a potential takeover. The transaction is expected to close in mid-2026. Trian has been an investor in Janus since late 2020. Over that period, the stock has roughly doubled. Trian also holds two seats on the company’s board.

Janus Henderson Group plc (NYSE:JHG) is a British-American global asset management firm headquartered in the City of London. It provides investment products to individual investors, financial advisors, and institutions worldwide under the Janus Henderson Investors brand.