We recently compiled a list of the 15 Best Stocks For Dividends. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADP) stands against the other dividend stocks.

In 2023, dividend stocks underperformed compared to the overall market, which was driven largely by tech stocks. As we move into the latter half of 2024, dividend stocks have shown a similar performance trend in the first half of the year. The Dividend Aristocrats Index, which tracks the performance of companies with at least 25 consecutive years of dividend growth, is down by 0.17% year-to-date, compared with a nearly 18% gain in the broader market. Dividend stocks are declining for two main reasons. First, high interest rates are drawing investors towards bonds instead. Second, the current surge in AI technology is capturing investors’ focus on tech stocks. The tech-heavy NASDAQ has achieved its all-time high this year, surging by over 25% so far in 2024. That said, investors haven’t completely lost faith in dividend stocks. When all is said and done, successful investing is about playing the long game. Dividend stocks have consistently delivered, accounting for 36% of the market’s total return since 1927. Bank of America has also declared 2024 as ‘the year of dividends’.

In dividend investing, dividend growth stocks often take a lead over high-yield dividend stocks. Recent research indicates that companies providing consistent and sustainable dividends, without excessive payouts, have delivered the best long-term returns. Wellington Management conducted a study that categorized dividend-paying companies into five groups based on their payout levels. Since 1930, the research found that stocks with the highest dividend payouts generally performed similarly to those with high, but not the very highest, payouts, although they frequently traded places as the top performers over the decades.

Also read: 10 Very High Yield Dividend Stocks With Upside Potential

The dividend growth strategy has become so prominent over the years that many companies in the US are steadily increasing their payouts. In 2023, dividend payments reached an all-time high and have consistently increased over the years. Analysts are very optimistic about dividend payments for 2024, and recent projections indicate that the companies are on course to meet this new target record. One of the key reasons for this growth is that many companies, especially large technology firms, have abundant cash reserves and are rapidly increasing their free cash flows. This strong financial position enables them to continue rewarding their investors with higher dividend payments. According to the latest report by S&P Dow Jones Indices, companies in the index paid $153.4 billion in dividends in the second quarter of 2024, up from $151.6 billion from the previous quarter and up from $143.2 billion in the same period last year. The report also mentioned that there were 539 reported dividend increases, compared to 460 in the prior-year period, marking a 17.2% year-over-year rise. The total amount of these dividend increases reached $20.4 billion for the quarter, up from $9.8 billion in Q2 2023.

Dividend growth stocks are a hit with investors because they have rock-solid businesses, a steady cash flow, and strong balance sheets. These companies are top-notch for generating passive income. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best dividend stocks to buy.

Our Methodology:

To compile this list, we thoroughly reviewed reputable sources such as Forbes, Morningstar, Barron’s, and Business Insider. From their latest articles, we gathered the stocks they collectively favored. Additionally, we assessed the sentiment of hedge funds for each stock using Insider Monkey’s Q1 2024 database. The stocks are arranged in ascending order based on the number of hedge funds that hold stakes in these companies. Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points. (see more details here).

Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADP)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 52

Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADP) is an American management services company that offers payroll processing, tax administration, and human capital management services to its consumers. The company’s strong earnings in fiscal Q3 2024 were attributed to robust new business bookings and high client retention rates. The company’s commitment to delivering innovative products, distinctive service, and exceptional customer experiences has been key to achieving record levels of client satisfaction this fiscal year. With a stable demand environment in human capital management (HCM), the company is now concentrating on executing its strategies in the fourth quarter and aiming to build momentum heading into fiscal 2025.

Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADP) benefits a lot from its business model. The company’s financial success stems from its effective strategic implementation, operational efficiency, and alignment with global employment trends. The company serves essential functions that are crucial to businesses, and its reputation as one of the best and most effective options in the field makes it highly attractive to new customers. Currently, it serves over 1 million clients in 140 countries. This reputation also acts as a deterrent for existing customers considering a switch to a competitor.

Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADP) has held up to its credibility as a strong dividend payer. Not only its strong cash generation but its dividend growth year after year made it a top choice among income investors. In FY23, the company returned approximately $3 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. In addition, it is just one year away from becoming a Dividend King, having raised its payouts for 49 consecutive years, which makes ADP one of the best stocks for dividends. The company offers a quarterly dividend of $1.40 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.32%, as of July 15.

As of the end of Q1 2024, 52 hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey reported having stakes in Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADP), compared with 54 in the previous quarter. The consolidated value of these stakes is more than $3.8 billion.

Overall ADP ranks 12th on our list of the best dividend stocks to buy. You can visit 15 Best Stocks For Dividends to see the other dividend stocks that are on hedge funds’ radar. While we acknowledge the potential of ADP as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some deeply undervalued dividend stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for a deeply undervalued dividend stock that is more promising than ADP but that trades at less than 7 times its earnings and yields nearly 10%, check out our report about the dirt cheap dividend stock.

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Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.