Today Ill be taking a look at a simple dividend strategythat focuses on generating gains frombothdividend income and, to a lesser degree, some capital growth. Historically, dividend payouts were a primary motivation for investors: there are numerous studies thatshow usreturns can be significantly augmented when dividends are reinvested. So, whilst they may sound boring, dividend-based strategies and the power of compounding form part of mostinvestors arsenal. There are numerous variances in approach circulating across the globe; here, I highlight theDividend Dogs and some of the constituents. Instead of using the current yield, I will look at the forward yield on offer in order to try and avoid the possibility of any dividend cuts going forward. Other than that, there are but two rules:
- Index membership must be in the FTSE 100 index; and
- Qualify in the top 10stocks sorted by yield.
HSBC
As I type, HSBC Holdings (LSE: HSBA) trades on a forward yield of over 6% and a lowly forward price-to-earnings ratio of around 10 times earnings rather cheap, some might say. Sadly, anyone holding the stock or following the story will know that it has been the focus of allegations that its private bank was assisting their wealthy clients evade paying the correct tax, coupled with an unwelcome fall in profits for the year ending 31/12/14. Add to the mix an increased banking levy announced by George Osborne in his pre-election Budget, and one can start to see the issues driving the price lower.
SSE
One of the Big Six energy companies, SSE (LSE: SSE) is doing business in a tough market. If it isnt being squeezed by smaller, more nimble competitors like Ovo and Cooperative Energy, its being fined for demanding excessive charges to switch off power stations. The company has already advised shareholders to expect profits to be at the lower end of expectations for the end of 2015, but the good news is that the dividend will increase at least in line with RPI inflation. With the shares trading on a forward P/E of 13.5 times earnings and yielding almost 6% theyre in!
Centrica
In some ways,Centrica (LSE: CNA) is the odd one out here. True, it is in the same sectors as SSE and is a member of the FTSE 100. The reason is due to the fact that it recently cut its dividend. Despite this bad news, it still yields almost 5% and one could reasonably expect that it shouldnt be cut again in the near future. A possible risk to both Centrica and SSE is the level of regulation in the form of price freezes, should Labour get the keys to Number 10.
Royal Dutch Shell
The dividends need no introduction at this company. Royal Dutch Shell (LSE: RDSB) has not cut its dividend since World War 2, and the CEO has pledged to do everything to protect it. The company is diversified and has plenty of tools at its disposal, including:
- Cutting back on production;
- Selling non-core assets; and
- Raising current debt levels.
The company has ridden storms like these before and, in my opinion, will continue to do so. The shares trade on a forward P/E of just under 12 times earnings and yield over 6%.
BHP Billiton
Our final candidate is BHP Billiton(LSE: BLT), one of the worlds most diversified resource stocks. It has been in the news, mainly for lower commodity prices and for a rather large demerger. As the company spins off South32, it has promised that the dividend to shareholders will not be reduced and continue to be progressive. The shares trade on a forward PE of nearly 15 times earnings and yield just under 6%.
Taking A Contrarian View
It is easy to see why these companies are yielding market-beating dividends factors such as the fall in the price of oil and other commodities, political pressure, amongst other factors that have affected their business in a negative way. Some shareholders will be running for the hills, whilst others may take this opportunity to secure a yield that is hard to find elsewhere.
Should you be an investor with an eye on income, then these companies mentioned above are a good place to start. If, however, you would care for some further information containing The Motley Fool’s very own Mark Rogers’Five Golden Rules for Building a Dividend Portfolio, then I can highly recommend this special free report entitled: “How To Create Dividends For Life”
This report will show you how to tailor your portfolio, allowing you to ‘Dividend and Conquer‘ — and lay the foundations of a more dependable income-focused portfolio. It’s currentlyFREE and comes without obligation. So, sit back in your favourite chair, click hereand enjoy!
Dave Sullivan has no position in any shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Centrica and HSBC Holdings. We Fools don’t all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.