Best dividend large-cap industrial stocks for Q1 2025

Large-cap industrial companies that pay reliable dividends are a cornerstone for investors seeking a balance of growth and income. In this article, we delve into industry leaders with strong financials and a proven track record of rewarding shareholders through dividends.

Eaton Corporation, a global leader in power management, offers steady dividends supported by its innovation-driven growth strategy and resilience across economic cycles. Caterpillar, renowned for its heavy machinery and construction equipment, combines its market dominance with a robust dividend payout, appealing to long-term investors. PACCAR, a major player in truck manufacturing, impresses with consistent dividends fueled by its strong revenue stream and operational efficiency.

As you chart your financial strategies for Q1 2025, these large-cap industrial stocks stand out for their ability to deliver reliable income and capitalize on growth opportunities in diverse markets.

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Before we dive into each company, let`s take a look at how your investment would have performed if you had invested in top 10 stocks mentioned in this article 5 years ago.

Now, let`s take a closer look at each of the companies:

  • United Rentals (URI)

    United Rentals is the world's largest equipment rental company, serving construction, industrial, and municipal clients across North America and beyond. Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, the company operates a vast network of rental locations that provide essential tools, heavy machinery, and specialty equipment. Through its expansive fleet and comprehensive service offerings, United Rentals helps businesses improve efficiency and manage project costs effectively.

    The company's core business focuses on renting out equipment for construction, infrastructure, and industrial maintenance, including aerial lifts, earthmoving machines, and power solutions. United Rentals also provides trench safety, fluid management, and on-site services to support complex projects in diverse industries. With a strong commitment to safety, sustainability, and innovation, the company continues to enhance its offerings through digital platforms and telematics, ensuring customers have access to the right equipment when and where they need it.

    United Rentals financial statements

    Analysts recommendation: 2.29

    Financial Health

    • Return on assets (ROA): 9.37%
    • Return on equity (ROE): 30.74%
    • Return on investment (ROI): 11.74%

    Profitability

    • Gross margin: 37.23%
    • Operating margin: 26.51%
    • Net profit margin: 16.78%

    Growth

    • EPS (past 5 years): 20.69%
    • EPS (current): 38.74
    • EPS estimate (next quarter): 8.89
    • EPS growth (this year): 1.93%
    • EPS growth (next year): 10.53%
    • EPS growth (next 5 years): 7.89%
    • EPS growth (quarter-over-quarter): 4.56%
    • Sales growth (past 5 years): 11.02%
    • Sales growth (quarter-over-quarter): 9.84%

    💡 Why invest in United Rentals?

    United Rentals' unique position in the equipment rental market offers several potential advantages for investors seeking exposure to a dynamic and cyclical sector. Why consider United Rentals for your investment portfolio?

    • Essential for Diverse Industries: Construction, manufacturing, maintenance, and events all rely on temporary equipment rentals, making United Rentals a key player in various sectors.
    • Large and Diversified Fleet: They offer a vast inventory of equipment catering to numerous needs, reducing dependence on any single project type.
    • Focus on Technology and Service: United Rentals prioritizes digitalization and exceptional customer service, potentially improving efficiency and customer retention.
    • Potential for Growth: An aging infrastructure in many countries, coupled with increasing industrial activity, could drive demand for equipment rentals.

    🐌 Key considerations before investing in United Rentals

    However, before investing in United Rentals, it's crucial to consider these potential challenges:

    • Cyclicality of Construction Industry: United Rentals' performance is heavily tied to the construction industry, which can be cyclical and impacted by economic downturns.
    • Competition: The equipment rental market is competitive, with regional and national players vying for market share.
    • Customer Dependence: Demand for rentals hinges on large construction projects and capital expenditure decisions by businesses.
    • Maintenance and Obsolescence Costs: Maintaining a vast equipment fleet requires significant resources, and newer technologies can render older equipment obsolete.

    Final thoughts on United Rentals

    United Rentals' focus on essential equipment for various industries, their large and diversified fleet, and the potential growth in infrastructure projects paint a promising picture for long-term investors seeking exposure to the cyclical construction sector. However, the cyclical nature of construction spending, competition, customer dependence on capital expenditures, and equipment maintenance costs necessitate careful consideration. Thorough research on United Rentals' fleet modernization plans, their strategies to expand into new markets, and a clear understanding of economic and construction industry trends are crucial before adding them to your portfolio. Remember, sometimes the most impressive structures rely on the unseen support provided by essential equipment rentals. United Rentals could be the silent partner in your investment journey towards building a solid portfolio, but be sure to assess the potential risks before investing.

  • Automatic Data Processing (ADP)

    Automatic Data Processing (ADP) is a global leader in human capital management (HCM) solutions, offering payroll, HR, talent management, and benefits administration services. Founded in 1949 by Henry Taub in Paterson, New Jersey, ADP has grown into one of the most trusted names in business outsourcing and technology-driven workforce solutions. The company serves businesses of all sizes across multiple industries, providing cloud-based software and analytics to streamline workforce management.

    With a strong emphasis on innovation, ADP integrates artificial intelligence, automation, and data-driven insights into its HCM solutions to enhance efficiency and compliance. Its comprehensive services range from payroll processing and tax compliance to workforce analytics and employee engagement tools. By continually evolving to meet the needs of modern businesses, ADP remains a market leader in transforming how organizations manage their employees and optimize productivity.

    Automatic Data Processing financial statements

    Analysts recommendation: 2.85

    Financial Health

    • Return on assets (ROA): 6.49%
    • Return on equity (ROE): 83.72%
    • Return on investment (ROI): 47.05%

    Profitability

    • Gross margin: 50.2%
    • Operating margin: 26.2%
    • Net profit margin: 19.76%

    Growth

    • EPS (past 5 years): 11.68%
    • EPS (current): 9.59
    • EPS estimate (next quarter): 2.97
    • EPS growth (this year): 8.34%
    • EPS growth (next year): 9.39%
    • EPS growth (next 5 years): 9.06%
    • EPS growth (quarter-over-quarter): 10.59%
    • Sales growth (past 5 years): 6.3%
    • Sales growth (quarter-over-quarter): 8.15%

    💡 Why invest in Automatic Data Processing?

    ADP's dominant position in the HR tech sector offers several potential advantages for investors seeking exposure to this essential industry:

    • Essential Service: Payroll processing is a fundamental requirement for any business, making ADP's services crucial for smooth operations.
    • Recurring Revenue Model: Companies rely on ADP's services month after month, translating to predictable and recurring revenue streams.
    • Diversified Product Portfolio: Beyond payroll, ADP offers a comprehensive suite of HR solutions, reducing their dependence on any single service.
    • Scalability: Their solutions cater to businesses of all sizes, ensuring a broad and scalable market reach.

    🐌 Key considerations before investing in Automatic Data Processing

    However, before investing in ADP, it's crucial to consider the potential challenges they face:

    • Competition: The HR tech space is becoming increasingly competitive, with established players like Paychex and nimble startups vying for market share. Maintaining their technological edge and competitive pricing will be crucial.
    • Regulation: ADP operates in a heavily regulated environment, and changes in labor laws or tax regulations can impact their services and compliance requirements.
    • Economic Downturns: During economic downturns, businesses might cut back on discretionary HR expenses, potentially impacting ADP's revenue growth.
    • Shifting HR Landscape: The way businesses manage HR is constantly evolving, and ADP must adapt to new technologies and workforce trends to stay relevant.

    Final thoughts on Automatic Data Processing

    ADP's strong brand recognition, vast experience, diversified product portfolio, and recurring revenue model paint a promising picture for long-term investors seeking exposure to the essential HR tech sector. However, the competitive landscape, regulatory environment, economic sensitivity, and the need to adapt to changing HR trends necessitate careful consideration. Thorough research on ADP's innovation pipeline, their strategies for navigating these challenges, a comparison with emerging HR tech companies, and a clear understanding of your risk tolerance are crucial before adding Automatic Data Processing to your portfolio. Remember, behind every successful company, there's a reliable HR system, and ADP has been powering those systems for decades. Their story could be a foundational investment in your journey.

  • RPM International (RPM)

    RPM International Inc. is a global leader in specialty coatings and sealants, headquartered in Medina, Ohio. Founded in 1947, the company has expanded to become a major player in the coatings industry, with a broad portfolio of brands and products across multiple sectors. RPM International operates in more than 160 countries, serving customers in industries such as construction, automotive, and industrial manufacturing.

    The company specializes in the development, production, and distribution of high-performance coatings, sealants, and related products. RPM International's brands include well-known names such as Rust-Oleum, Tremco, and DAP, offering solutions for both consumer and professional markets. With a strong commitment to innovation, sustainability, and product quality, RPM International continues to lead the way in providing coatings and sealants that enhance performance, durability, and aesthetics across a wide range of applications.

    RPM International financial statements

    Analysts recommendation: 2.12

    Financial Health

    • Return on assets (ROA): 9.86%
    • Return on equity (ROE): 25.53%
    • Return on investment (ROI): 12.66%

    Profitability

    • Gross margin: 41.09%
    • Operating margin: 12.12%
    • Net profit margin: 8.78%

    Growth

    • EPS (past 5 years): 17.81%
    • EPS (current): 4.99
    • EPS estimate (next quarter): 1.59
    • EPS growth (this year): 4.87%
    • EPS growth (next year): 7.84%
    • EPS growth (next 5 years): 7.82%
    • EPS growth (quarter-over-quarter): -14.89%
    • Sales growth (past 5 years): 5.79%
    • Sales growth (quarter-over-quarter): -3.05%

    💡 Why invest in RPM International?

    RPM International offers several potential advantages for investors seeking exposure to the building and construction materials industry:

    • Diversified Product Portfolio: RPM operates across multiple segments, including consumer, construction, and industrial markets, reducing reliance on any single industry.
    • Strong Brand Recognition: The company owns several well-known brands, such as Rust-Oleum, DAP, and Zinsser, enhancing market penetration.
    • Global Reach: RPM has a global presence, enabling it to capitalize on growth opportunities in various regions.
    • Consistent Dividend Growth: The company has a history of increasing dividends, making it attractive to income-oriented investors.

    🐌 Key considerations before investing in RPM International

    However, before investing in RPM, it's crucial to consider these potential challenges:

    • Economic Sensitivity: The construction and industrial sectors can be cyclical, impacting demand for RPM's products.
    • Competition: The coatings and sealants market is competitive, with both established players and new entrants vying for market share.
    • Raw Material Costs: Fluctuations in the price of raw materials, such as resins and chemicals, can impact profitability.
    • Regulatory Environment: Environmental regulations and safety standards can influence product development and costs.

    Final thoughts on RPM International

    RPM International's diversified product portfolio, strong brand recognition, and global reach make it an attractive investment for those seeking exposure to the building and construction materials industry. However, the cyclical nature of the industry, competition, raw material costs, and regulatory environment necessitate careful consideration. Thorough research on RPM's product innovation, market expansion plans, and financial performance is crucial before investing.

If you are interested in other stock categories, check out my other lists of the best dividend large-cap utility, basic materials, energy, industrial, retail, healthcare, financial, tech stocks.