April’s almost here and it’s a good time to search for the best dividend stocks to buy.
The Stocks and Shares ISA contribution limit will renew on 6 April, so researching and considering these potential investments now may be timely.
Global fintech
The first stock to catch my gaze is IGG (LSE: IGG) in the FTSE 250 index. The firm describes itself as a global fintech company providing online trading platforms and educational resources. To most investors, it’s a well-known spread bet platform provider.
Speculation and investing often go hand in hand, and IG’s services are ever popular judging by the steady cash flow enjoyed by the business.
The stock has been a constant dividend payer since at least as far back as 2018. It didn’t even cut the payment in the pandemic year, unlike some companies.
With the share price near 729p (28 March), the forward-looking yield for the trading year to May 2025 is around 6.5%. That level of potential income’s attractive to me.
However, there are risks. Perhaps the biggest is that the business operates in the finance sector, which is known for its cyclicality. If traders and investors find themselves bereft of spare cash because of deteriorating general economic conditions, IG’s business could suffer.
Nevertheless, City analysts have pencilled in a double-digit percentage advance in earnings for next year and a modest improvement in the dividend.
Trading’s going well right now. In March, the directors reported a stable and active client base and the business delivered a “solid” revenue performance in the quarter.
On balance, and despite the risks, I’d research and consider IG now for inclusion in a diversified portfolio focused on dividend income.
Wealth management and banking
Another company that looks interesting in the financial sector is Investec (LSE: INVP), also found in the FTSE 250 index.
It’s a UK-based international bank and wealth manager, and the dividend record looks pretty good. Like most banks, the business did cut the dividend in the pandemic year, but it came bouncing back.
In 2018, Investec paid a dividend of 24p per share, but for the trading year to March 2025, the payment will likely be about 37p. That strikes me as good progress. However, as with IG, Investec’s exposed to the cyclical risks of its sector.
Earnings, dividends and the stock price can be volatile as the general economy cycles up and down. I think the share price chart illustrates the point:
Nevertheless, on 20 March, the company delivered a robust pre-close trading update and trading statement. Business has been good for the company and the situation looks set to continue, at least for the time being!
With the share price near 527p, the forward-looking anticipated dividend will yield about 7% for the coming trading year. That looks like an attractive potential income, to me.
Cyclical outfits like these can be hard to judge. However, on balance, I think these two have qualities worth exploring. I’d be tempted to dig in with further research now with a view to picking up a few of their shares.
