Are dividends set to soar at these FTSE 100 favourites?

Should you buy these 2 FTSE 100 stocks for their dividends?

| More on:

The content of this article was relevant at the time of publishing. Circumstances change continuously and caution should therefore be exercised when relying upon any content contained within this article.

When investing, your capital is at risk. The value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you put in.

Read More

The content of this article is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be, nor does it constitute, any form of personal advice. Investments in a currency other than sterling are exposed to currency exchange risk. Currency exchange rates are constantly changing, which may affect the value of the investment in sterling terms. You could lose money in sterling even if the stock price rises in the currency of origin. Stocks listed on overseas exchanges may be subject to additional dealing and exchange rate charges, and may have other tax implications, and may not provide the same, or any, regulatory protection as in the UK.

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More.

With interest rates falling to new lows, dividends matter even more to many investors. Bond yields, interest on cash balances and property income are being squeezed, and a logical place to turn is high-yield shares such as Imperial Brands (LSE: IMB) and GlaxoSmithKline (LSE: GSK), which yield 3.8% and 4.7% respectively. However, it is their dividend growth potential that is of even greater significance.

Imperial Brands

Imperial Brands is forecast to increase its dividends per share by 10.4% in 2017. This may sound like a very generous increase in shareholder payouts, but it is below the forecast growth in the company’s earnings, which are expected to increase by 12% next year. This means that Imperial’s payout ratio will fall to around 63% next year.

This level of payout may sound high. For many companies it would indicate that there is little scope for a major increase in the proportion of profit that is paid out as a dividend. However, for a mature tobacco company, a 63% payout ratio is very low since it benefits from high barriers to entry, constant demand for its products and minimal reinvestment requirements.

Passive income stocks: our picks

Do you like the idea of dividend income?

The prospect of investing in a company just once, then sitting back and watching as it potentially pays a dividend out over and over?

If you’re excited by the thought of regular passive income payments, as well as the potential for significant growth on your initial investment…

Then we think you’ll want to see this report inside Motley Fool Share Advisor — ‘5 Essential Stocks For Passive Income Seekers’.

What’s more, today we’re giving away one of these stock picks, absolutely free!

Get your free passive income stock pick

Therefore, it would be unsurprising for Imperial to increase its payout ratio to over 80% over the medium term. This would put it on a yield of 4.8% using this year’s earnings forecast.

Imperial also benefits from growth potential within the e-cigarette space. It acquired leading e-cigarette brand blu and this could act as a positive catalyst on its earnings and dividends in future years. Alongside its consistent sales and profitability from tobacco products, this makes Imperial a top notch income stock with excellent dividend growth potential for the long term.

GlaxoSmithKline

Unlike Imperial, GlaxoSmithKline’s payout ratio is exceptionally high. It currently stands at 83%, which is high for a company that requires a significant amount of reinvestment in order to develop new treatments. In fact, GlaxoSmithKline plans to freeze its dividend over the next couple of years so as to improve its financial standing. This means that its current 4.7% yield may not increase for existing shareholders over the medium term.

However, beyond that, GlaxoSmithKline has stunning dividend growth potential. Its pipeline is diverse and holds the potential for multiple blockbuster drugs. For example, its ViiV Healthcare division offers high sales growth potential and could positively catalyse GlaxoSmithKline’s future profitability.

GlaxoSmithKline’s appeal extends to its defensive nature. It is far less reliant on the wider macroeconomic outlook than is the case for the majority of its index peers. This means that even if Brexit causes problems, the US election ends with significant uncertainty and US interest rates choke off the economic recovery, GlaxoSmithKline is still very likely to be able to afford to make dividend payments. Alongside its high yield and long term growth potential, this makes it a star income play at the present time.

This AI stock is becoming a digital juggernaut in a £ 12.5 billion market!

🤖 Curious about the next big player in AI? 🤖

Our leading industry analysts have uncovered a trailblazing content platform that's revolutionising the industry with its unparalleled generative AI technology, setting new standards in creativity and efficiency.

Care for a sneak peek?

Trusted by global giants like Amazon, Disney, and Netflix, this innovative company is not just transforming digital media with AI-generated 3D content but is also capturing a significant share of a £12.7 billion market!

With a remarkable 62% gross margin, indicating exceptional profitability and operational efficiency, this company's growth trajectory positions it as a must-watch for savvy investors.

Best of all, we're offering exclusive access to the name of this game-changing stock, absolutely free!

Discover your free AI stock pick

Should you invest, the value of your investment may rise or fall and your capital is at risk. Before investing, your individual circumstances should be assessed. Consider taking independent financial advice.

Peter Stephens owns shares of GlaxoSmithKline and Imperial Brands. The Motley Fool UK owns shares of and has recommended GlaxoSmithKline. We Fools don't all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.

More on Investing Articles

Older couple walking in park
Investing Articles

Could £300 a month invested in US and UK shares reach a million by retirement?

Could an investor retire with a million pounds just by dedicating £300 a month to US and UK shares? Mark…

Read more »

Young Caucasian man making doubtful face at camera
Investing Articles

Is £800 enough to start an ISA?

Is it worth bothering with an ISA with less than £1,000 to spare? This writer believes it may be --…

Read more »

Investing Articles

3 reasons Tesla stock may be a long-term bargain

This writer is keen to buy Tesla stock at the right price. He doesn't think it's there yet -- but…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Nvidia stock is a lot cheaper than before – or is it?

Nvidia stock has been caught in the whirlwind of market volatility. This writer has been waiting to buy, so might…

Read more »

Top Stocks

3 FTSE stocks Fools are eyeing up for choppy markets

A selection of companies listed on the UK stock market on the watchlists of four Foolish investors.

Read more »

Young Black man sat in front of laptop while wearing headphones
Investing Articles

A £10,000 investment in Rolls-Royce shares last week is now worth this…

Harvey Jones says Rolls-Royce shares couldn't escape the volatility of recent weeks, but wonders if the recent dip is a…

Read more »

The flag of the United States of America flying in front of the Capitol building
Investing Articles

Prediction: in 2 years these S&P 500 stocks will be much higher than they are today

These two S&P 500 stocks have been beaten down in recent weeks. But Edward Sheldon expects them to move much…

Read more »

Investing Articles

10% yields! Why a volatile stock market is great news for passive income investors

The recent stock market volatility has given passive income investors the chance to earn double-digit returns. But they still need…

Read more »