From Morningstar:

In January 2024, the top-performing dividend-payers included 4imprint Group (FOUR), QinetiQ (QQ.), and Clarksons (CKN). The top 10 income-focused stocks were screened from the Morningstar UK index for companies with a forward dividend yield of at least 1%. The Best-Performing UK Dividend Stocks of January 2024 included 4imprint Group.

The Morningstar UK Dividend Yield Focus index, which tracks the performance of high-quality, dividend-paying stocks listed in the UK, rose 4.8% over the 12 months leading up to January 31. It outperformed the overall UK stock market, which gained 1.8% over the same period as measured by the Morningstar UK index.

4imprint Group, an advertising agency company, rose 19.7% in January with a forward dividend yield of 2.74%. QinetiQ, an aerospace and defense firm, saw a 16.8% rise in January and has a forward dividend yield of 2.21%. Clarksons, a marine shipping company, gained 12.2% in January with a forward dividend yield of 2.65%.

Other top dividend stocks include GSK, Hikma Pharmaceuticals, Plus500, Bellway, Bytes Technology Group, and Bodycote. These stocks saw gains between 7.2% and 8.1% in January and have varied forward dividend yields.

The Morningstar UK index does not incorporate environmental, social, or governance criteria. The Morningstar UK Dividend Yield Focus index captures the performance of high-quality, dividend-paying securities and includes only stocks that pay dividends. Real estate investment trusts are excluded.

Investors can uncover more top-performing or cheap dividend stocks by reviewing the full list of dividend stocks included in the Morningstar UK Dividend Yield Focus index, reading monthly analysis of the latest dividend moves among the top FTSE 100 dividend payers, and using the Morningstar Screener tool to find the best dividend stocks based on specific criteria.



Read more: Best-Performing UK Dividend Stocks | Morningstar