When deciding which stocks are most appealing for income-seeking investors, mining companies are usually not included. Thats simply because, historically, their yields have not been as high as those of insurers or utility stocks, for example, but also because their earnings and financial outlook are relatively volatile and open to sudden shocks such as a fall in the price of a key commodity which they produce.
Clearly, Rio Tintos (LSE: RIO) (NYSE: RIO.US) appeal as an income stock is hampered somewhat by its large exposure to iron ore. In fact, it relies on the sale of the steel-making ingredient for around 90% of its profit and, as such, is less stable than index peers in other sectors. However, Rio Tintos yield, dividend coverage ratio, growth prospects and valuation mark it out as a top notch income stock.
For example, Rio Tinto currently yields a whopping 5.3%, which is among the highest on offer in the FTSE 100. This compares very favourably to the likes of RSA (LSE: RSA) and Pennon (LSE: PNN), which are perhaps viewed as more traditional income plays. They yield 2.6% and 4% respectively, which are a long way behind Rio Tintos yield. And, even though both RSA and Pennon are forecast to increase their dividends significantly next year so as to trade on forward yields of 3.6% and 4.3% in 2016, Rio Tinto is expected to do the same and, as a result, should yield 5.5% next year.
Of course, there is more to the income appeal of a stock than a fast-growing, high yield. The sustainability of dividends are also hugely important, since a dividend cut not only means less income for the companys investors, but can also lead to a significant fall in the companys share price.
However, on this front, Rio Tinto also impresses, with its dividends set to be covered a healthy 1.3 times by profit next year. Although this is lower than RSAs dividend cover of 2.2 and is less appealing than Pennons coverage ratio of 1.2 (since Pennon is a more stable business, it can pay out a greater proportion of earnings as a dividend and still offer a sustainable income outlook), Rio Tinto can clearly afford its current level of payments. As such, its outlook as an income stock seems to be sound.
Looking ahead, Rio Tinto also offers superb growth prospects alongside a great dividend. For example, its bottom line is expected to rise by 20% next year, versus a rise of 13% for RSA and an increase in earnings of 8% for Pennon. As such, Rio Tinto appears to have a positive catalyst to push its share price higher, while its price to earnings growth (PEG) ratio of 0.7 also compares favourably to RSAs PEG ratio of 1 and Pennons PEG ratio of 2.3.
Therefore, while its profitability may be hit by a fall in the price of iron ore, this appears to be fully priced in, meaning that Rio Tinto is a more appealing income stock than either RSA or Pennon.
Of course, there are many other only appealing income stocks in the FTSE 100. That’s why the analysts at The Motley Fool have written a free and without obligation guide called How To Create Dividends For Life.
It’s a simple and straightforward guide that you can put to use on your own portfolio right away. And, in time, it could help you to build a great income from your investments and retire early, pay off the mortgage, or simply enjoy a more abundant lifestyle.
Click here to get your copy of the guide – it’s completely free and comes without any obligation.
Peter Stephens owns shares of Pennon Group, Rio Tinto, and RSA Insurance Group. The Motley Fool UK has no position in any of the shares mentioned. We Fools don’t all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.