In this article, we discuss 15 top dividend stocks to buy according to hedge funds. You can skip our detailed analysis of dividend stocks and their performance, and go directly to read Top 5 Dividend Stocks To Buy According To Hedge Funds.
Investors are holding on to dividend securities this year considering the plunge in the overall market. The S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, which tracks the performance of companies with at least 25 years of consecutive dividend growth, reported a 5.6% decline year-to-date as of November 28, which is less harsh than a 17.5% drop in the broader market.
Dividend stocks have exhibited strong performance during previous inflationary periods. According to a report by Wisdom Tree, dividends have grown at an average of 5.7% per year since 1957, more than 2% above the rate of inflation during this time. Similarly, the S&P 500 dividends delivered a 5.45% annual average return from 1990 to 2021, versus a 2.51% growth in the CPI. The report also mentioned that dividend levels have declined in only six of the last 64 years whereas stock prices fell in 18 of these years. This year, dividends have shown significant growth over other asset classes. High-dividend stocks gained 6.19% as of October 31, compared with a 26.6% drop in growth equities and a 9.32% decline in value stocks during the same period.
In one of its recent reports, Morningstar also highlighted the strong performance of dividend companies in high-interest rates periods. The report mentioned that dividend stocks outperformed the broader market during the Great Inflation decade of the 1970s.
Major dividend companies like AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV), Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY), and Becton, Dickinson and Company (NYSE:BDX) are popular among individual investors and hedge funds because of their solid dividend policies. Further elaborating on these arguments, we will discuss dividend stocks to buy according to hedge funds.
Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels
Our Methodology:
We scanned the holdings of 920 elite hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey and picked the top 15 dividend stocks which are most popular among these funds as of the end of the third quarter of this year.
Top 15 Dividend Stocks To Buy According To Hedge Funds
15. Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 85
Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) mainly specializes in medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and other consumer packaged goods. The company is one of the best dividend stocks on our list as it raised its payouts for 60 years in a row. It currently pays a quarterly dividend of $1.13 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.57%, as of November 29.
In addition to dividend stocks like AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV), Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY), and Becton, Dickinson and Company (NYSE:BDX), JNJ is also preferred by investors due to the company’s solid dividend growth streak.
In the third quarter of 2022, Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) reported an earnings beat. The company’s revenue for the quarter saw a 2% year-over-year growth at $23.8 billion. Its net earnings came in at over $4.4 billion, up from $3.6 billion in the same period last year. For FY22, the company expects to generate revenue between $93 billion to $93.5 billion.
Credit Suisse mentioned Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) in its November investors’ note, highlighting the company’s value in its consumer separation segment. The firm initiated its coverage of the stock with a Neutral rating.
As of the close of Q3 2022, 85 hedge funds in Insider Monkey’s database owned stakes in Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ), up from 83 in the previous quarter. The collective value of these stakes is over $5.4 billion. Among these hedge funds, Fisher Asset Management was the company’s leading stakeholder in Q3.
Here’s what Distillate Capital Partners LLC said about Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) in its Q2 2022 investor letter:
“Johnson & Johnson was among the 2 largest trims at around 1% each. Each stock was up 1% in the quarter compared to the 16% price decline for the S&P 500 and the positions were reduced as the valuations became somewhat less appealing, though still attractive enough to warrant inclusion.”
14. Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 85
Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C) is a New York-based multinational investment bank and financial services company that provides related services to its consumers. In November, JPMorgan raised its price target on the stock to $49.50 with a Neutral rating on the shares. The firm mentioned that large-cap banks will benefit largely from rising interest rates and benign credit quality.
In Q3 2022, Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C) reported revenue of $18.5 billion, which showed a 6.1% growth from the same period last year. The company’s cash position for the quarter remained strong for the quarter, as it generated $9 billion in free cash flow. It paid $1 billion in dividends to shareholders, which takes its payout ratio to a safe 29%. The company’s strong cash position makes it one of the best dividend stocks on our list.
On October 20, Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C) declared a quarterly dividend of $0.51 per share, which fell in line with its previous quarter. The stock has a dividend yield of 4.29%, as of November 29.
At the end of Q3 2022, 85 hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey reported owning stakes in Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C), growing from 82 in the previous quarter. These stakes are worth over $7.1 billion collectively.
Diamond Hill Capital mentioned Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C) in its Q1 2022 investor letter. Here is what the firm has to say:
“Shares of Citigroup declined in the quarter as investors became increasingly negative on capital markets activity. The company is also continuing to divest certain consumer banking geographies which may be dilutive to earnings in the near term.”
13. Intuit Inc. (NASDAQ:INTU)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 86
Intuit Inc. (NASDAQ:INTU) is a California-based business software company that mainly deals in financial software. In fiscal Q1 2023, the company posted revenue of $2.6 billion, which showed a 29.4% growth from the prior-year period. The company had a total cash and investments balance of approximately $2.7 billion at the end of the quarter. It also repurchased shares worth over $3 billion, which shows its strong cash position.
In November, Credit Suisse initiated its coverage of Intuit Inc. (NASDAQ:INTU) with an Outperform rating and a $500 price target, appreciating the company’s double-digit revenue growth and free cash flow margin for the next decade.
Intuit Inc. (NASDAQ:INTU) currently pays a quarterly dividend of $0.78 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.82%, as of November 29. The company is raising its dividends consistently for the past 10 years, which places it as one of the best dividend stocks on our list.
Intuit Inc. (NASDAQ:INTU) was a popular stock among hedge funds in Q3 2022, as 86 funds owned stakes in the company, compared with 75 in the previous quarter. The collective value of stakes owned by these hedge funds is over $5.1 billion. Durable Capital Partners was one of the company’s leading stakeholders in Q3.
RiverPark Funds mentioned Intuit Inc. (NASDAQ:INTU) in its Q3 2022 investor letter. Here is what the firm has to say:
“We took advantage of its 2022 price decline to add a small position in Intuit. INTU is a leading SaaS software solutions provider to small businesses, consumers, and professional accountants, best known for its QuickBooks accounting and TurboTax tax preparation platforms. INTU recently strengthened its personal finance offerings with the acquisitions of Mint and Credit Karma, and its small business offering with the acquisition of email marketing platform Mailchimp. The company is benefitting from the secular shift to digitization for both businesses and consumers. Given its vast amount of valuable personal finance and tax customer data from its 100 million + customer installed base, the company can apply artificial intelligence to the data to generate actionable intelligence for customers, as well as a large cross-selling opportunity across its products.
Given INTU’s less than 5% penetration of its $300 billion market, we believe the company can grow its top-line mid-teens, while improving its high-margin business model of greater than 80% gross margins and greater than 35% EBITDA margin, leading to high-teens EPS growth for the foreseeable future. At about 2% of revenue, the company also requires limited capital expenditures, producing significant and growing FCF, which INTU has used for acquisitions, a small dividend, debt repayment and stock buybacks.”
12. NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 89
NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA) is an American multinational software and tech company. In November, Needham lifted its price target on the stock to $200 with a Buy rating on the shares, appreciating the company’s solid quarterly earnings. The firm also appreciated the company’s execution this year.
In the third quarter of 2022, NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA) reported revenue of $5.93 billion, which beat estimates by $110 million. The company had over $13 billion available in cash and cash equivalents. It returned $3.75 billion to shareholders in dividends during the quarter, which makes it one of the best dividend stocks on our list.
NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA) currently pays a quarterly dividend of $0.04 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.10%, as recorded on November 29.
NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA) was a part of 89 hedge fund portfolios, compared with 84 in the previous quarter, as per Insider Monkey’s data. The stakes owned by these funds have a total value of roughly $4.3 billion.
11. Danaher Corporation (NYSE:DHR)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 89
Danaher Corporation (NYSE:DHR) is a Washington-based diversified company that specializes in medical, industrial, and commercial products and also provides related services. The company is one of the best dividend stocks on our list as it has been raising its dividends consistently for the past eight years. It currently pays a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.39%, as of November 29.
In November, Barclays maintained an Overweight rating on Danaher Corporation (NYSE:DHR) with a $277 price target, appreciating the company’s strong results.
Danaher Corporation (NYSE:DHR) reported revenue of $7.66 billion, up 6% from the same period last year. The company’s operating cash flow for the quarter came in at $2 billion and its free cash flow was $1.7 billion. Its net earnings stood at $1.6 billion, which showed a 36% growth from the prior-year period.
At the end of Q3 2022, 89 hedge funds in Insider Monkey’s database owned stakes in Danaher Corporation (NYSE:DHR), growing from 82 in the previous quarter. The collective value of these stakes is nearly $5 billion. Fisher Asset Management owned the largest stake in the company in Q3.
Cooper Investments mentioned Danaher Corporation (NYSE:DHR) in its Q3 2022 investor letter. Here is what the firm has to say:
“Spin-offs have been a valuable source of uncorrelated return for the portfolio since inception, whether investing in them directly or retaining ownership stakes in the spun-off assets of existing holdings. During the quarter Danaher announced the spin of its Environmental & Applied Solutions group (EAS) expected to close in late 2023. Danaher have been masters of the spin over the last decade and once again this one appears to make sense for both parties. The parent becomes a pure-play life sciences and diagnostics business with higher growth, margins and returns plus more M&A firepower. EAS, with leading positions in water quality through assets like Hach, ChemTreat and Trojan will, as a standalone business, have a more focused M&A strategy and represent an attractive water-related exposure for ESG focused funds. The spinco will still operate with the highly regarded Danaher Business System though (like ‘Fortive Business System’) we expect this to get rebranded while still delivering outstanding financial results.”
10. The Home Depot, Inc. (NYSE:HD)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 89
The Home Depot, Inc. (NYSE:HD) is a Georgia-based multinational home improvement company that sells tools and related construction products. Truist held a Buy rating on the stock in November with a $382 price target. The firm mentioned that the company’s business remained resilient in the current economic environment.
In Q3 2022, The Home Depot, Inc. (NYSE:HD) reported revenue of $38.8 billion, which showed a 5.6% growth from the same period last year. The company had $2.4 billion in cash and cash equivalents and its total current assets amounted to over $33.6 billion. It paid $5.8 billion in dividends to shareholders during the quarter.
On November 17, The Home Depot, Inc. (NYSE:HD) declared a quarterly dividend of $1.90 per share, in line with its previous dividend. The company has been raising its dividends consistently for the past 12 years, which makes it one of the best dividend stocks on our list.
At the end of September 2022, 89 hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey owned stakes in The Home Depot, Inc. (NYSE:HD), up from 80 in the previous quarter. These stakes have a collective value of over $5.6 billion.
Diamond Hill Capital mentioned The Home Depot, Inc. (NYSE:HD) in its Q3 2022 investor letter. Here is what the firm has to say:
“The Home Depot, Inc. (NYSE:HD) shares were more resilient in Q3 as the company continues to perform well and reiterated guidance despite increasing market concerns regarding general inflationary pressures and the impact rising mortgage rates may have on the housing market. We view the longterm prospects and multi-year fundamental outlook as unchanged. Home improvement through repair and remodel is likely to be one of more resilient housing-related industries given the relative attractiveness for consumers to renovate existing homes rather than reset their current low fixed mortgage rate to higher rates that we’re seeing today.”
9. S&P Global Inc. (NYSE:SPGI)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 90
S&P Global Inc. (NYSE:SPGI) is an American company that specializes in financial information and analytics. The company’s cash position remained strong this year. In the first nine months, it generated $1.2 billion in free cash flow. The company’s dividend payments for the period amounted to over $749 million, which makes it one of the best dividend stocks on our list.
S&P Global Inc. (NYSE:SPGI) currently pays a quarterly dividend of $0.85 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.98%, as recorded on November 29. The company is just one year away from becoming a Dividend King, as it has been raising its dividends consistently for the past 49 years.
In November, BMO Capital raised its price target on S&P Global Inc. (NYSE:SPGI) to $393 with an Outperform rating, highlighting the company’s overall performance this year.
As of the close of Q3 2022, 90 hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey owned stakes in S&P Global Inc. (NYSE:SPGI), compared with 84 in the previous quarter. These stakes have a collective value of $6.2 billion. Among these hedge funds, TCI Fund Management was the company’s largest stakeholder in Q3.
Baron Funds mentioned S&P Global Inc. (NYSE:SPGI) in its Q3 2022 investor letter. Here is what the firm has to say:
“Shares of rating agency and data provider S&P Global Inc. (NYSE:SPGI) fell 9% during the third quarter due to continued weak debt issuance activity and headwinds to the Indices business from equity market declines. Credit markets were exceptionally soft during the quarter with non-financial corporate bond issuance down 36% for investment grade and down 84% for high yield, reflecting greater investor risk aversion, rising interest rates, and a drop-off in M&A activity. We believe this ratings weakness is temporary and diversification benefits from the acquisition of IHS Markit should support earnings growth next year. Over the long term, the company should continue benefiting from the secular trends of increasing bond issuance, growth in passive investing, and demand for data and analytics, while enjoying meaningful and durable competitive advantages that, in our view, are only strengthening following the merger with IHS Markit.”
8. Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE:TMO)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 92
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE:TMO) is an American supplier of scientific instrumentation and also provides related software services. In November, Barclays maintained an Overweight rating on the stock with a $570 price target, highlighting the company’s overall performance.
In the third quarter of 2022, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE:TMO) reported revenue of $10.6 billion, up from 14.4% in the same period last year. The company’s operating cash flow for the quarter came in at roughly $2 billion and its free cash flow stood at $1.4 billion. It paid $338 million in dividends to shareholders.
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE:TMO) is one of the best dividend stocks on our list as it has been raising its dividends consistently for the past five years. The company pays a quarterly dividend of $0.30 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.22%, as of November 29.
As of the close of Q3 2022, 92 hedge funds in Insider Monkey’s database owned stakes in Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE:TMO), with a total value of over $6.8 billion.
Aristotle Atlantic Partners, LLC mentioned Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE:TMO) in its Q3 2022 investor letter. Here is what the firm has to say:
“Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE:TMO) is considered one of the world’s leaders in serving science. The company makes and distributes analytical instruments, scientific equipment, consumables and other laboratory supplies. Thermo Fisher Scientific operates in four segments: Life Sciences Solutions, Analytical Instruments, Specialty Diagnostics and Laboratory Product and Biopharma Services. We see Thermo Fisher Scientific as one of the leading management teams in our coverage both through solid execution and savvy Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A). The company is a diversified provider of research and discovery instruments, tools, consumables, and services, and offers a broad-based play on the increased Research & Development (R&D) spend from the biopharma industry. Thermo Fisher Scientific continues to see organic growth in the high single digits with acquisitions increasing their overall portfolio composition and gaining market share.”
7. Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 97
Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC) is an American multinational financial services holding company. In November, Citigroup maintained a Neutral rating on the stock with a $40 price target, highlighting the company’s efficient capital returns over the years.
Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC) holds a nine-year track record of consistent dividend growth, which places it as one of the best dividend stocks on our list. The company currently pays a quarterly dividend of $0.22 per share for a dividend yield of 2.38%, as of November 29.
As of the close of Q3 2022, 97 hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey owned investments in Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC), worth over $35.6 billion collectively. Berkshire Hathaway was the company’s leading stakeholder in Q3.
Here is what Artisan Partners said about Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC) in its Q2 2022 investor letter:
“We made only one new purchase during the quarter, initiating a position in Bank of America (BAC). As one of America’s largest banks, Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC) is second only to JPMorgan Chase (JPM) in size and is probably its closest peer. Both are well-run banks, but compared to JPM, since the GFC, BAC has retired more shares, grown EPS faster and currently has more capital and a lower dividend payout. We are attracted to BAC’s strong capital base, high capital generation capacity, large loan loss reserve, low (~50%) loan/deposit ratio, short duration investment securities book, and low dividend payout that provides financial flexibility. BAC has a less volatile earnings stream than JPM with lower capital market sensitive exposures. Additionally, BAC is rigorously stress tested by the Fed every year in quantitative and qualitative fashion. Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway, which we hold in the portfolio, owns 12% of BAC. He petitioned the Fed to own more than 10%, so he clearly likes it. Bank stocks were strong gainers in 2021 on the prospects of higher rates boosting net interest margins, but the stocks pulled back in the first half of 2022 on economic concerns. We believe BAC has massive scale advantages, should benefit from increasing interest rates, particularly in the 2-year part of the yield curve, and should grow over time with the economy. The economic environment is highly uncertain, but current consensus includes the provision for losses more than doubling and capital markets activity slowing. Against that backdrop, our purchase price equated to about 8.5X our estimates of “mid-cycle” earnings. With leading businesses, a double-digit ROE, a prudent capital return strategy and a strong balance sheet, we believe this entry point offers a solid long-term value.”
6. JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 110
JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) is an American multinational investment bank and financial services holding company. The company has been raising its dividends consistently for the past seven years, coming through as one of the best dividend stocks on our list. As of November 29, the stock has a dividend yield of 2.93%. It can be a good addition to dividend portfolios, alongside AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV), Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY), and Becton, Dickinson and Company (NYSE:BDX).
JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) was lauded by Street analysts for its latest quarterly earnings and its growing net income. Both Citigroup and BMO Capital raised their price targets on the stock in October to $135 and $158, respectively.
At the end of Q3 2022, 110 hedge funds in Insider Monkey’s database owned stakes in JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM), up from 104 in the previous quarter. These stakes have a total value of over $6.4 billion.
Click to continue reading and see Top 5 Dividend Stocks To Buy According To Hedge Funds.
Suggested articles:
- 15 Most Valuable Telecom Companies in the World
- 11 Best Gas Stocks To Buy
- 11 Best Digital Payments Stocks To Buy
Disclosure. None. Top 15 Dividend Stocks To Buy According To Hedge Funds is originally published on Insider Monkey.
