2 dividend growth stocks analysts think are strong buys right now

Growth stocks that also distribute cash offer investors the best of both worlds. Stephen Wright looks at two that have Strong Buy ratings from analysts.

| More on:

The content of this article was relevant at the time of publishing. Circumstances change continuously and caution should therefore be exercised when relying upon any content contained within this article.

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More.

Finger clicking a button marked 'Buy' on a keyboard

Image source: Getty Images

Growth stocks can be great investments for generating wealth. But the best businesses can increase their revenues and profits while also distributing cash to shareholders as dividends. 

There are a couple of companies I think are especially interesting from this perspective. And analysts seem to agree at the moment. 

Games Workshop

Shares in Games Workshop (LSE:GAW) are up 35% over the last 12 months. Nonetheless, the three analysts covering the stock still seem to think investors should consider buying it. 

The stock looks expensive at a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of around 29. But the company’s low capital requirements allow it to distribute almost all of its income to shareholders as dividends.

As a result, Games Workshop shares currently come with a dividend yield of almost 3%. That’s close to the FTSE 100 average from what I think is an extremely high-quality business.

Over the last decade, the company’s grown its revenues at an average of almost 16% a year. And the most impressive thing is it’s done this while reinvesting almost none of the cash it’s generated.

Games Workshop Total Revenues 2015-24


Created at TradingView

The biggest risk with Games Workshop is demand. While its Warhammer products are extremely popular, they’re also non-essential and therefore at risk during downturns in consumer spending. 

Investors should therefore be prepared for ups and downs. But I think the firm’s strong intellectual property and impressive cash generation make this a good stock to consider buying.

James Halstead

James Halstead (LSE:JHD) manufactures vinyl flooring for commercial venues. And despite the share price being down almost 9% over the last year, it still attracts a Strong Buy analyst rating.

Revenues fell almost 10% during 2024. The company put this down to weaker demand due to an economic downturn in the UK and Europe – two of its largest markets.

That’s an ongoing risk with the business. But there’s also a lot to like about it and I think investors should see the decline in the share price as an opportunity to consider buying the stock.

Like Games Workshop, James Halstead distributes the vast majority of its net income to shareholders. And it has increased its dividend each year for almost half a century.

James Halstead Dividends 2015-24


Created at TradingView

Right now, the dividend yield’s 4.72%. And that compares favourably with the return on offer from a 10-year government bond, which is currently 4.6% a year.

This means that, even before thinking about future growth, investors have a good chance of doing better with the stock over the next decade than with a bond. And that’s why I think it’s one to consider buying.

Quality shares

Games Workshop and James Halstead both come with Strong Buy recommendations from analysts. While these are likely driven by short-term considerations, I think long-term investors should take a look.

Both businesses have the ability to keep growing while returning cash to shareholders. That’s something I think marks them out as quality companies that are worth considering.

Stephen Wright has positions in Games Workshop Group Plc. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Games Workshop Group Plc. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.

More on Investing Articles

Calendar showing the date of 5th April on desk in a house
Investing Articles

3 things to do right now as the annual ISA deadline looms!

With the ISA contribution deadline less than three weeks away, our writer runs through a trio of things he has…

Read more »

piggy bank, searching with binoculars
Growth Shares

It could be a once-in-a-decade opportunity to buy this cheap FTSE 250 stock

Jon Smith points out a FTSE 250 stock he's weighing up as to whether it could be a rare opportunity…

Read more »

Close-up image depicting a woman in her 70s taking British bank notes from her colourful leather wallet.
Investing Articles

At over 10%, I couldn’t resist this FTSE 250 share’s yield!

Christopher Ruane explains why he has bought into a 10%+ yielding FTSE 250 income share that the market has lately…

Read more »

Investor looking at stock graph on a tablet with their finger hovering over the Buy button
Investing Articles

Jim Cramer is bullish on NIO stock at $5! Should I buy it for my ISA?

NIO stock is trading 26% lower than a few months ago, despite just posting a historic quarter. It it time…

Read more »

Thoughtful man using his phone while riding on a train and looking through the window
Investing Articles

How much do you really need in an ISA to earn a £20,000 passive income

Looking for ways to earn reliable passive income in an ISA? Our writer explores the path to five-figure earnings.

Read more »

Front view of aircraft in flight.
Investing Articles

The Rolls-Royce share price has now fallen 15%. Time to consider buying?

The Rolls-Royce share price is experiencing some turbulence at the moment. Is this a buying opportunity or will there be…

Read more »

Night Takeoff Of The American Space Shuttle
Investing Articles

Should I buy Nasdaq stock Micron for my ISA after blowout Q2 earnings?

Nasdaq tech stock Micron is generating incredible revenue growth at the moment amid the AI boom. Yet it still looks…

Read more »

Hand flipping wooden cubes for change wording" Panic" to " Calm".
Investing Articles

Is it time to dump my shares ahead of an almighty stock market crash? Nah!

How should we cope with growing fears of a stock market crash? 'Keep Calm and Carry On' worked in 1939,…

Read more »