Dividend Champions vs Aristocrats: 5 Under-the-Radar Stocks to Consider

In this article, we discuss 5 under-the-radar dividend champions to consider. If you want to read our detailed analysis of dividend stocks and their performance over the years, go directly to read Dividend Champions vs Aristocrats: 12 Under-the-Radar Stocks to Consider. 

5. Commerce Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ:CBSH)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 18

An American bank holding company, Commerce Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ:CBSH) ranks fifth on our list of the best dividend stocks. The company has been growing its dividends for 55 years consistently and currently pays a quarterly dividend of $0.27 per share. The stock has a dividend yield of 2.03%, as of April 26.

As of the close of Q4 2022, 18 hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey reported having stakes in Commerce Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ:CBSH), with a total value of over $155.8 million. Citadel Investment Group was the company’s leading stakeholder in Q4.

4. Badger Meter, Inc. (NYSE:BMI)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 19

Badger Meter, Inc. (NYSE:BMI) provides industry-leading water solutions to its consumers. The company currently pays a quarterly dividend of $0.225 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.69%, as of April 25. It is one of the best dividend stocks on our list as it has raised its payouts for 30 years in a row.

In April, Argus raised its price target on Badger Meter, Inc. (NYSE:BMI) to $151 with a Buy rating on the shares. The firm mentioned that the company’s products are showing strong demand.

At the end of December 2022, 19 hedge funds in Insider Monkey’s database reported owning stakes in Badger Meter, Inc. (NYSE:BMI), compared with 20 a quarter earlier. These stakes have a collective value of $192.8 million.

3. AptarGroup, Inc. (NYSE:ATR)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 22

AptarGroup, Inc. (NYSE:ATR) is an Illinois-based global manufacturer of consumer dispensing packaging and drug delivery devices. In April, BofA raised its price target on the stock to $152 with a Buy rating on the shares. The firm mentioned that the company offers relative growth and value in the current inflationary environment.

On April 20, AptarGroup, Inc. (NYSE:ATR) declared a quarterly dividend of $0.38 per share, which was in line with its previous dividend. The company has raised its dividends consecutively for the past 29 years, making it one of the best dividend stocks on our list. The stock has a dividend yield of 1.31%, as of April 26.

At the end of Q4 2022, 22 hedge funds in Insider Monkey’s database owned stakes in AptarGroup, Inc. (NYSE:ATR), the same as in the previous quarter. These stakes have a consolidated value of $321.3 million.

Conestoga Capital Advisors mentioned AptarGroup, Inc. (NYSE:ATR) in its Q3 2022 investor letter. Here is what the firm has to say:

“AptarGroup, Inc. (NYSE:ATR): ATR is a leading global supplier of dispensing systems including pumps, aerosol valves, and metered dose inhaler valves (MDIs). This traditionally defensive business has been disproportionately impacted by supply chain challenges given its near 70% revenue overseas with local manufacturing presence. Proceeds were reallocated to existing holdings with better visibility.”

2. RPM International Inc. (NYSE:RPM)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 26

RPM International Inc. (NYSE:RPM) is an American multinational paint and coating manufacturing company, based in Ohio. BMO Capital maintained an Outperform rating on the stock in April with a $97 price target, appreciating the company’s improving free cash flows. The company is among the best dividend stocks on our list.

During the first nine months of FY23, RPM International Inc. (NYSE:RPM) generated over $263 million in operating cash flow, up from $156 million during the same period last year. The company also returned over $197 million to shareholders in dividends and share repurchases.

On April 3, RPM International Inc. (NYSE:RPM) declared a quarterly dividend of $0.42 per share, which was in line with its previous dividend. It is just one year away from becoming Dividend King as it has raised its payouts for 49 years in a row. The stock’s dividend yield on April 26 came in at 2.09%.

The number of hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey owning stakes in RPM International Inc. (NYSE:RPM) grew to 26 in Q4 2022, from 23 in the previous quarter. These stakes have a consolidated value of over $243.6 million.

1. Carlisle Companies Incorporated (NYSE:CSL)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 41

An American diversified manufacturing company, Carlisle Companies Incorporated (NYSE:CSL) is next on our list of the best dividend stocks. It currently pays a quarterly dividend of $0.75 per share with a dividend yield of 1.40%, as recorded on April 26. The company has raised its dividends consistently for 46 years.

Baird maintained an Outperform rating on Carlisle Companies Incorporated (NYSE:CSL) in April with a $280 price target, appreciating the company’s pricing power.

As of the close of Q4 2022, 41 hedge funds in Insider Monkey’s database owned stakes in Carlisle Companies Incorporated (NYSE:CSL), worth roughly $8 billion collectively.

Madison Funds mentioned Carlisle Companies Incorporated (NYSE:CSL) in its Q4 2022 investor letter. Here is what the firm has to say:

“The bottom five detractors for the quarter were Carlisle Companies Incorporated (NYSE:CSL), Brown & Brown, Brookfield, CarMax, and Armstrong World Industries. Following robust outperformance during the first three quarters of the year, Carlisle shares took a step back this quarter as investors worried about commercial roofing demand in a potentially slowing economy.”

You can also take a look at Top 15 Cloud Computing Companies in the World and 11 Best Diversified Stocks to Buy Now

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