In this article we discuss the Top 5 Dividend Champions of 2021. If you want to read our detailed analysis of the merits of dividend investing, definition of dividend champions and their returns, go directly to 30 Dividend Champions of 2021 (Part I).
25. AptarGroup, Inc. (NYSE: ATR)
Dividend Yield: 1.01%
Illinois-based AptarGroup provides packaging services for beauty, personal care, homecare, prescription drug, food and beverage markets. The company has manufacturing operations in North America, Asia, South America and Europe. This dividend champion stock was praised by Wells Fargo in January. The firm thinks that ATR is restoring growth and profitability in the Beauty and Home segments. Wells Fargo also likes the company’s strong pipeline of products.
In their Q4 2020 Investor Letter, Upslope Capital highlighted a few stocks and AptarGroup Inc (NYSE:ATR) is one of them. Here is what Upslope Capital stated:
“Specialty packaging business focused on pumps and sprayers, with a highly profitable and growing pharma packaging unit. Steady secular grower misclassified and undervalued due to its legacy/traditional packaging businesses (Food + Beverage, Beauty + Home), which contribute 60% of sales but <30% of EBIT.”
24. Stryker Corporation (NYSE: SYK)
Dividend Yield: 1.03%
Stryker sells medical technology, including orthopedic, medical and surgical, and neurotechnology and spine products. It also makes reconstructive systems and implants for hip and knee. The company recently acquired musculoskeletal care and sensor technology provider OrthoSensor.
At the end of the third quarter, 48 hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey held stakes in Stryker. The total value of these stakes is $1.72 billion.
In one of their investor letters, Amana Mutual Fund highlighted a few stocks and Stryker Corp (NYSE:SYK) is one of them. Here is what Amana Mutual Fund stated:
“Stryker, maker of the Mako knee-replacement surgical robot, was a relatively poor performer despite being in Health Care, since elective surgeries have largely been canceled.”
23. Becton Dickinson and Co (NYSE: BDX)
Dividend Yield: 1.31%
Becton Dickinson is an important dividend champion of 2021. The New Jersey-based company makes medical supplies, medical technology devices, laboratory equipment and diagnostic products. For the fiscal first quarter, the company’s revenue jumped 25% to reach $5.32 billion, driven by COVID-19 testing. For FY21, the company expects its revenue to grow in the range of 12% to 14%.
Hedge funds are also loading up on BDX. At the end of the third quarter, 62 elite funds tracked by Insider Monkey were long BDX, up from 53 funds a quarter earlier.
In an investor letter, Brown Advisory mentioned Becton Dickinson & Co (NYSE:BDX). Here is what Brown Advisory stated:
“Medical products supplier Becton, Dickinson & Co. issued a mandatory convertible preferred security during the quarter. We acquired a small position after finding the features of the newly issued security attractive, particularly the 6% annual coupon.”
22. UMB Financial Corp (NASDAQ: UMBF)
Dividend Yield: 1.64%
Another bank in the list of top 30 dividend champions of 2021. For the fourth quarter, the company posted a non-GAAP EPS of $3.26, beating the Street estimates by $1.77. Revenue in the period jumped about 50% to $422.97 million.
As of the end of the fourth quarter, Ken Fisher’s Fisher Asset Management reported owning 269,409 shares of the company, worth $18.59 million.
21. Linde PLC (NYSE: LIN)
Dividend Yield: 1.68%
Chemicals giant Linde is one of the top 30 dividend champions of 2021. The Ireland-based company is a member of the Fortune 500 list. The company manufactures atmospheric gases for industries. These gases include nitrogen, argon, oxygen, helium, and carbon dioxide. One of the biggest growth catalysts for Linde is its strong presence in the hydrogen market for fuel cell-powered cars.
At the end of the third quarter, a total of 60 hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey reported owning stakes in Linde, up from 52 funds a quarter earlier.
Click to continue reading and see the 30 Dividend Champions of 2021 (Part II).
You can go as well to 30 Dividend Champions of 2021 (Part III)
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