17 Stocks That Pay Dividends In April: Cash In Now!

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Best April Dividend Paying Stocks

Consider these stocks that pay dividends in April for your passive income dividend portfolio.

No matter what direction interest rates go. Good dividend income investors like you and me search for and identify the best companies paying dividends.

We seek high-performing dividend-growth stocks. And we want to own them for the reliable and growing income they provide.

So, to help boost your income and fill out your dividend calendar, I want to share 11 of my favorite stocks that pay dividends in April.

And before I wrap up, I will throw in 6 more of the best companies paying dividends in April for a total of 17.

Let’s not delay.

11 Stocks That Pay Dividends In April

Here is today’s first list of the best April dividend stocks.

  • Automatic Data Processing
  • Cisco
  • Coca-Cola
  • Genuine Parts Company
  • Kimberly Clark
  • Medtronic
  • Altria
  • Philip Morris
  • Sysco
  • Walmart
  • Realty Income

Next, before I review each of these companies in detail, I will offer a few thoughts about today’s list of stocks with April dividends.

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Disclosure: At no cost to you, I may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

The Research On April Dividend Stocks

Each of today’s first 11 stocks that pay dividends in April is a holding in the Dividends Diversify model portfolio.  Also, a personal stock holding of mine.

You can check out all the portfolio’s stocks. Plus dozens of other dividend investing articles for making money with dividends. Don’t forget to do so before you go!

And since I’m invested in these stocks, I’ve done more research.  So you don’t have to.

Do any of these stocks interest you for investment purposes?  If yes, follow the link I have included for a complete dividend stock analysis.

Most importantly, never forget this next point when finding dividend stocks. Think and invest for yourself.  After all, it’s your money!

But hopefully, by looking at my dividend stock analysis. You will learn if any of these stocks are right for you. And if they meet your specific investment objectives.

Critical Metrics For Stocks Paying Dividends In April

Today, I will include just a few facts and metrics for each April dividend payer.  Such as:

  • Company name
  • Stock symbol
  • Dividend yield
  • Dividend payout ratio
  • 20-year average dividend growth rate
  • The year dividend increases began
  • Status as a Dividend King, Aristocrat, or Achiever
  • The approximate ex-dividend date for the April dividend
  • Other months the stock pays dividends
  • Relevant tips on the company and its stock that come to my mind

This should give enough information to answer these questions:

What good stocks pay dividends in April? And can the company’s stock dividend work for you within your dividend portfolio?

Note that the metrics are as of the date of this article update. Thus, check with your stock broker for the latest information on any stock before investing.

Furthermore, I sourced the data from the Simply Investing Report & Analysis platform.

Simply Investing provides an interactive platform to identify and monitor the best dividend stocks for your portfolio. With all the latest and up-to-date dividend data.

Plus a recommendation on stock valuation. So you can buy the right dividend stocks. And buy them at the right time using the latest and greatest information.

Learn more about Simply Investing here.

Most importantly, the dividend yield is one metric that can change quickly because dividend yields have an inverse relationship with a company’s stock price.

And most of us have experienced how quickly stock prices can change.

And Before You Invest For April Dividends…

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Never buy a stock just because it pays its dividend in a specific month.  It is far more important to buy safe stocks that pay dividends regardless of when they pay.

It’s important to do your stock research.  Remember that investing has a risk of loss.

So, make smart investments and manage your money wisely. I use Personal Capital to manage all spending and investments online in 1 place.

Next up, a brief review of each of the first 11 stocks that pay dividends in April.

Automatic Data Processing

  • Stock symbol: ADP
  • Dividend yield: 2.2%
  • Dividend payout ratio: 67%
  • 20-year average annual dividend growth rate: 11.8%
  • Increased dividend annually since 1975
  • Dividend status list: Dividend Aristocrat
  • The ex-dividend date for April dividend: Early-March
  • Pays dividends in January, April, July, and October

ADP provides payroll processing and human capital management services to businesses.  It is the first of today’s stocks paying dividends in April.

ADP’s dividend yield is a little low. But the dividend growth rate has been strong.  And dividend safety is very high.

Cisco

  • Stock symbol: CSCO
  • Dividend yield: 3.2%
  • Dividend payout ratio: 55%
  • 20-year annual dividend growth rate: 9.5%
  • Increased dividend annually since 2012
  • Dividend status list: Dividend Achiever
  • The ex-dividend date for the April dividend: Early April
  • Pays dividends in January, April, July, and October

First, Cisco is a dominant player in computer networking equipment and services.

Furthermore, the company has a very strong financial position. And cash flows that support a high degree of dividend safety.

On the other hand, Cisco’s dividend growth rate has slowed in recent years. Business growth has been harder for the company to come by. Yet, this doesn’t change the fact that Cisco is a stock with April dividends.

More reading about dividend stock Cisco.

Coca-Cola

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  • Stock symbol: KO
  • Dividend yield: 3%
  • Dividend payout ratio: 77%
  • 20-year average annual dividend growth rate: 7.9%
  • Increased dividend annually since 1963
  • Dividend status list: Dividend King
  • The ex-dividend date for April dividend: Mid-March
  • Pays dividends in April, July, October, and December

First of all, Coke is a leading beverage company.  They own some of the world’s most well-known brands.  And their namesake product, Coca-Cola, was created in 1886.

Furthermore, Coke’s initial public offering (IPO) was on September 5, 1919.  The company started paying dividends in 1920.  And has paid a dividend every quarter since then.

Finally, a quick fun fact about Coke.

Berkshire Hathaway is one of the largest shareholders of Coca-Cola stock.  As an investor, it’s good to know you have Warren Buffett on your side.

More reading about dividend stock Coca-Cola.

Genuine Parts Company

  • Stock symbol: GPC
  • Dividend yield: 2.1%
  • Dividend payout ratio: 43%
  • 20-year average annual dividend growth rate: 5.6%
  • Increased dividend annually since 1956
  • Dividend status list: Dividend King
  • The ex-dividend date for April dividend: Early-March
  • Pays dividends in January, April, July, and October

Genuine Parts distributes automotive replacement parts. In addition to industrial replacement parts.  The company owns the NAPA brand.  GPC is an April dividend stock.

But there is more…

GPC is one of those great dividend stocks. It flies below most investors’ line of sight.

However, the company goes about doing its business.  And paying higher dividends every year.

Kimberly Clark

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Yet another one of our April dividend payers is Kimberly Clark.

  • Stock symbol: KMB
  • Dividend yield: 3.6%
  • Dividend payout ratio: 83%
  • 20-year average annual dividend growth rate: 6.4%
  • Increased dividend annually since 1972
  • Dividend status list: Dividend King
  • The ex-dividend date for April dividend: Early March
  • Pays dividends in January, April, July, and October

First, Kimberly Clark produces and sells household products.  Diapers, tissues, and toilet paper are some examples.

Second, the demand for their products increased during the global pandemic. During that time, people stayed home more. Hopefully, that trend is over for good even though it has reduced KMB’s revenue growth.

Finally, there is one more thing to know.  In recent years, Kimberly Clark became a newly crowned Dividend King!

Medtronic

  • Stock symbol: MDT
  • Dividend yield: 3.2%
  • Dividend payout ratio: 84%
  • 20-year average annual dividend growth rate: 11.7%
  • Increased dividend annually since 1978
  • Dividend status list: Dividend Aristocrat
  • The ex-dividend date for April dividend: Late March
  • Pays dividends in January, April, July, and October

Medtronic is a global healthcare company. In addition, they have made some big acquisitions in the past decade to jump-start their growth.

The company sees increased demand for its products as the world’s population increases in age. Stable demand like this makes for one of the best April dividend stocks.

More reading about dividend stock Medtronic.

Next, let’s move into some consumer goods stocks that pay dividends in April.

Altria

  • Stock symbol: MO
  • Dividend yield: 8.3%
  • Adjusted dividend payout ratio: 80%
  • 20-year average annual dividend growth rate: 8.4%
  • Increased dividend annually since 1969
  • Dividend status list: Dividend King
  • The ex-dividend date for April dividend: Late-March
  • Pays dividends in January, April, July, and October

No longer just a pure play on the tobacco industry.  Altria has its hands in beer, wine, and cannabis too.  Regardless, Altria has earned the right to be called a Dividend King.

Philip Morris

  • Stock symbol: PM
  • Dividend yield: 5%
  • Dividend payout ratio: 90%
  • Increased dividend annually since 2008
  • Dividend status list: Dividend Achiever
  • The ex-dividend date for April dividend: Mid-March
  • Pays dividends in January, April, July, and October

Philip Morris is a leading international tobacco company that pays April dividends. Also, management has increased dividends every year since its spinoff from Altria.

Sysco

April dividend payersPin
  • Stock symbol: SYY
  • Dividend yield: 2.6%
  • Dividend payout ratio: 71%
  • 20-year average annual dividend growth rate: 8.1%
  • Increased dividend annually since 1970
  • Dividend status list: Dividend King
  • The ex-dividend date for April dividend: Late March
  • Pays dividends in January, April, July, and October

Sysco is a global leader in distributing food and non-food products.  Their primary customers are restaurants, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and lodging establishments.

Reductions in indoor dining during the global pandemic challenged Sysco’s business.  Nevertheless, Sysco is a Dividend King, and business recovered when the economy reopened.

That’s the beauty of Dividend Kings. They have withstood the test of time and continue paying dividends in April and beyond.

Walmart

Another of our April dividend-paying stocks is Walmart.

  • Stock symbol: WMT
  • Dividend yield: 1.6%
  • Dividend payout ratio: 69%
  • 20-year average annual dividend growth rate: 10.2%
  • Increased dividend annually since 1974
  • Dividend status list: Dividend Aristocrat
  • The ex-dividend date for April dividend: Mid-March
  • Pays dividends in January, April, June, and September

Walmart is a large retailer of goods and services.  It sells through both online channels. Also, its hundreds of bricks and mortar retail stores.

In recent years, Walmart’s dividend growth has slowed. The company has a greater dividend payment capacity as seen in its dividend payout ratio. Nevertheless, management has decided to retain more cash for business investment and stock buybacks.

Finally, Walmart’s low dividend yield and slow dividend growth do not thrill me as a dividend investor. However, I still like the stock for its stability because the company does well during difficult economic times.

Thus, holding Walmart stock offsets some of my dividend portfolio’s more economically sensitive holdings.

Realty Income

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Last but not least, let’s move into the real estate sector.  Realty Income is one of the most consistent dividend-paying stocks with April dividends.

  • Stock symbol: O
  • Dividend yield: 4.4%
  • Dividend payout ratio: 90% (based on FFO)
  • 20-year average annual dividend growth rate: 4.6%
  • Increased dividend annually since 1994
  • Dividend status: Dividend Aristocrat
  • The ex-dividend date for April dividend: Late March
  • Pays dividends every month of the year

Realty Income owns and rents out commercial properties.  Most importantly, Realty Income is known as the Monthly Dividend Company.

Yes.  The company pays dividends in April.  But it is one of the few high-quality stocks that pay dividends monthly.  So, do you want to make money from dividends each month? If yes, Realty Income is a good dividend stock to consider.

More reading about dividend stock Realty Income.

Okay. That concludes my review of 11 stocks that pay dividends in April.  This list does not represent all stocks that pay dividends in April. Just the ones I own and cover here at Dividends Diversify.

Looking to increase your April dividends?

Now you know some good stocks that pay dividends in April.  This group is a high-quality selection of Dividend Kings, Dividend Aristocrats, and Dividend Achievers.

Set them up in an IRA account and let the dividends roll in either tax-deferred or tax-free, depending on the type of Individual Retirement Account you choose.

The Metrics For These April Dividend Payers

Before we wrap up, let’s touch on the detailed dividend metrics I highlighted for each company because it’s always a good idea to know how dividends and dividend investing work.

As I mentioned earlier. You can get the latest dividend metrics for all of today’s stocks. Plus a current call on stock valuation from the

Simply Investing Report & Analysis Platform

Dividend Yield On Stocks That Pay Dividends In April

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In dividend theory, the yield is a company’s annual dividend rate divided by the stock price per share.

Let’s use XYZ Company as an example.  I will assume that XYZ follows a quarterly dividend payment pattern. And until they say otherwise, XYZ will pay a 25-cent per share dividend every 3 months into the future.

The annual dividend rate is, therefore, $1 per share. Calculated as 4 quarterly dividend payments per year multiplied by 25 cents.

And let’s say XYZ stock is trading at $20 per share.

So, we have a dividend yield of $1 annual dividend per share divided by $20. Or a 5% dividend yield. That’s how dividend yield works.

But realize dividend yields change daily because they have an inverse relationship with a stock’s price.

So, as a stock price rises. Its dividend yield falls. And vice-versa.

Higher yields can be tempting for building a monthly dividend income stream. But they can also indicate higher investment risk.

Dividend Payout Ratio For The Best Stocks Paying Dividends In April

A company’s dividend payout ratio tells us a lot.

First, the payout ratio tells us how much of a company’s financial resources are paid out as dividends.

Furthermore, the dividend payout ratio gives us clues about dividend safety. Also, future dividend payment capacity.

You can look up the dividend payout ratios on the internet. But I prefer using a company’s financial statements.

I look at dividend payout ratios in 2 ways. First, by dividing dividends per share by earnings per share.

But the problem with using earnings is the accounting rules. They can be confusing. And lead to a poor assessment of a company’s dividend.

Not always. But sometimes.

So, I also check the dividends paid against free cash flow.  Since our dividends are paid and received in cash. And cash flow is not subject to accounting rules.

Regardless, a lower dividend payout ratio is usually better.

It indicates the company has room to raise the dividend in the coming years.  Or withstand an earnings drop without reducing the dividend.

Dividend History And Dividend Growth For These April Dividend Stocks

Looking at a company’s dividend history and growth is important too.

Most noteworthy, today’s list of stocks is full of growth stocks that pay dividends. Also known as dividend growth stocks. These companies are excellent choices for earning an increasing stream of dividends.

First of all, the 20-year average annual dividend growth rate. This metric tells us how fast the dividend has grown in recent years.

Furthermore, there is the dividend increase history. Meaning how many consecutive years in a row the company has raised its dividend.

Either way, faster dividend growth rates, and longer dividend histories are usually better.

They indicate the growth and sustainability of a company’s business.  Also, management’s commitment to paying dividends to shareholders over the long term.

Dividend Kings, Aristocrats, And Achievers That Pay April Dividends

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These lists of dividend stocks are great places to look for solid dividend-paying companies.  So, what are they?

First of all, we have the Dividends Kings.

The Kings are companies that have paid and increased their dividends for at least 50 years in a row.

Furthermore, there are Dividend Aristocrats.

The Aristocrats represent companies trading in the S&P 500 stock index. Also, they have paid and increased their dividends for at least 25 consecutive years.

Finally, we have the list of Dividend Achievers.

They are dividend stocks that have paid increasing dividends for a minimum of 10 years in a row.

Next, another vital point about how dividends work.

Stocks That Pay Dividends In April: Ex-Dividend Date

To receive a stock’s April dividend, you must purchase BEFORE the ex-dividend date.

A stock’s ex-dividend date typically falls in the month before it pays dividends.  However, the timing of each company’s ex-dividend date is different.  And the date can change with every dividend that is declared.

So check the company’s investor relations website for the exact date.  But I just wanted to give you a heads-up.

In most cases, be prepared to make your investment(s) no later than the first half of March. That is if you want to make money from dividends in April.

For your use, I noted the approximate timing of the April ex-dividend date for each stock we have reviewed thus far. Just to give you a rough idea.

In a few cases, you will see stocks going ex-dividend in early April.  That gives you a little more time to make your investments.

Finally, be sure to trade your stocks for free. I use the Webull app for quotes, research, and fast, free stock trades.

Stocks That Pay Dividends In January, April, July, and October

Of course, every stock on the list is an April dividend payer.  Furthermore, most of the listed stocks also pay dividends in January, April, July, and October.

Thus, they are stocks that pay dividends quarterly, starting in January.

On the other hand, in today’s list of stocks that pay dividends, you will find a couple of exceptions to this payment pattern. So, I pointed out each stock’s common stock dividend payment frequency for you.

Okay. Enough about dividend metrics and how dividends work.

At the beginning of this article, I promised 6 more of the best April dividend stocks.

Thus, I will deliver on that promise right now. Then I will wrap up.

6 More Companies Paying Dividends In April

  • Chubb (CB)
  • Federal Realty Investment Corp (FRT)
  • Franklin Resources (BEN)
  • Illinois Tool Works (ITW)
  • Leggett & Platt (LEG)
  • McCormick (MKC)

First, unlike the first 11 stocks with April dividends, I do not own all of 6 of these companies. Allow me to explain.

In the past I have owned Chubb and Leggett & Platt. However, several years back I did some portfolio consolidation and sold them.

Both are good companies with solid dividend payment track records. However, I was fine tuning my portfolio for the optimal number of dividend stock holdings. I had to make hard choices, but something had to go!

Second, also unlike the first 11 stocks for dividends in April, ITW and McCormick are relatively recent additions to my dividend portfolio. I like both of them for their robust and consistent dividend growth. And I am excited to hold each of them for a very long time.

Finally, Federal Realty and Franklin Resources are on my watch list. I have never owned them but I may some day in the future.

Wrap-Up: 17 Stocks That Pay Dividends In April

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What stocks pay dividends in April? Allow me to summarize…

Here is a list of 17 stocks that pay dividends in April.  If you want more dividends payable in April credited to your brokerage account, check into 1 or more of these companies. And fill out your dividend calendar today!

  • Altria
  • Automatic Data Processing
  • Chubb
  • Cisco
  • Coca-Cola
  • Federal Realty Investment Corp
  • Franklin Resources
  • Genuine Parts Company
  • ITW
  • Kimberly Clark
  • Leggett & Platt
  • McCormick
  • Medtronic
  • Philip Morris
  • Realty Income
  • Sysco
  • Walmart

Looking for more dividend stock ideas? Also, all the latest dividend data?

Then check out the Simply Investing Report for dozens of excellent dividend stock recommendations.

I’ve been a subscriber for years. And love the concise analysis and monthly dividend stock recommendations Simply Investing provides in its easy-to-access interactive database.

Further Reading About Stocks That Pay Dividends

My Favorite Dividend Investing & Personal Finance Resources

Author Bio: Tom Scott founded the consulting and coaching firm Dividends Diversify, LLC. He leverages his expertise and decades of experience in goal setting, relocation assistance, and investing for long-term wealth to help clients reach their full potential.

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Author Bio: Tom Scott founded the consulting and coaching firm Dividends Diversify, LLC. He leverages his expertise and decades of experience in goal setting, relocation assistance, and investing for long-term wealth to help clients reach their full potential.

List Of Best Stocks That Pay Dividends in April