What’s the FTSE 100’s best 10% dividend yield?

Depressed prices have thrown up some golden opportunities on the FTSE 100. Which of these 10%-yielding Footsie stocks should I rush to buy now?

| 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.

Silhouette of a bull standing on top of a landscape with the sun setting behind it

Image source: Getty Images

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.

A 10% return on investment doubles money every seven years. Perhaps more incredibly, a 10% return over 24 years leads to a 10 times return on the original sum. With large multipliers on offer, it’s hard not to pay very close attention when the FTSE 100 throws up such big dividends. 

The Footsie has been in an odd place recently. Dividends are rising, earnings too, but share prices seem to be going backwards. 

The index might be set for another down year. However, strangely cheap prices might throw up a few golden opportunities – for now, at least. 

Should you invest £1,000 in Bank of Georgia right now?

When investing expert Mark Rogers has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for nearly a decade has provided thousands of paying members with top stock recommendations from the UK and US markets. And right now, Mark thinks there are 6 standout stocks that investors should consider buying. Want to see if Bank of Georgia made the list?

See the 6 stocks

Three stocks

As I write, three stocks offer a dividend yield of 10% or higher – Vodafone (LSE: VOD), Phoenix Group (LSE: PHNX) and British American Tobacco (LSE: BATS). Three falling share prices have led to three weighty dividends here. 

In my view, one of these stocks is a bargepole type. I won’t be going anywhere near it. But one, I think, is an excellent buy that’s already in my portfolio. 

Dividend yieldDividend coverYears increasing10-year dividend growth rate
Vodafone11.07%1.20-2.10%
Phoenix Group10.62%1.672.53%
BAT10.01%1.6264.95%

Looking at the table above, a few things become clear. For one, the Vodafone dividend looks under threat. It’s slowly decreasing and stayed level last year. A share price that’s fallen 32% since February doesn’t surprise me. Investors are avoiding this one. 

The Phoenix and British American Tobacco (known as BAT) dividends look much stronger. A well-covered and increasing dividend are two of the first things I look for. But before I make a judgement, let’s take a quick look at the forecasts. 

Dividend Yield2024 forecast2025 forecast
Vodafone11.07%11.46%10.03%
Phoenix Group10.62%10.76%11.09%
BAT10.01%10.36%10.81%

Okay, now we have a more complete picture. Firstly, analysts expect the Vodafone dividend to decline. With a mountainous debt pile and poor returns on capital compared to competitors, this is a stock I’m avoiding. An 11% yield might look attractive, but I see it as a value trap. 

Best 10% yield

Phoenix looks much stronger and I’m tempted to buy now to lock in those big dividends. My concern with this stock is its sector. Finance firms are notoriously difficult to understand, and I’m not overly keen to invest in companies which shift around a balance sheet of hundreds of billions.

BAT has problems too, centred around the long-term decline of smoking. The prospect of a cigarette-free world was highlighted by Rishi Sunak’s smoking ban for those born after 2007 and New Zealand has already implemented a similar plan. 

Despite this regulatory risk, the financials are nothing short of fantastic. Nicotine has always been a popular product and I see that continuing. I hold the stock and think it’s an excellent buy at the current price.

Should you invest £1,000 in Bank of Georgia right now?

When investing expert Mark Rogers has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for nearly a decade has provided thousands of paying members with top stock recommendations from the UK and US markets.

And right now, Mark thinks there are 6 standout stocks that investors should consider buying. Want to see if Bank of Georgia made the list?

See the 6 stocks

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.

John Fieldsend has positions in British American Tobacco P.l.c. The Motley Fool UK has recommended British American Tobacco P.l.c. and Vodafone Group Public. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.

More on Investing Articles

Investing Articles

4 REITs Fools own for passive income

REITs often have higher-than-average dividend yields compared to other stocks, making them a solid choice to consider for passive income…

Read more »

artificial intelligence investing algorithms
Investing Articles

Up 272% in just a year, is Palantir stock just getting started?

This writer recognises that Palantir has grown its business very well -- but does the stock price offer him an…

Read more »

Runner standing at the starting point with 2025 year for starting in new year 2025 to achieve business planing and success concept.
Investing Articles

Up 50%? The Aston Martin share price forecast is mind-blowing! 

If analysts are right, the Aston Aston Martin share price could absolutely rocket in the year ahead. Harvey Jones says…

Read more »

Investing Articles

As the S&P 500 drops, here are 2 Stocks and Shares ISA holdings I’m watching

Our writer has different views on how President Trump's tariffs might affect these two US holdings in his Stocks and…

Read more »

Surprised Black girl holding teddy bear toy on Christmas
Investing Articles

£10,000 invested in Tesla stock at Christmas is now worth…

Tesla stock has been one of best-performing investments of the past decade. But things haven't gone to plan for investors…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Up 279% in 5 years, could Meta stock keep soaring?

Meta stock has more than tripled in five years. This writer sees lots to like about the business but also…

Read more »

Pink 3D image of the numbers '2025' growing in size
Investing Articles

25% total return in a year? Is now the perfect time to buy BP shares?

BP shares are on the front line of today's global economic and political uncertainty but analysts think they can still…

Read more »

Affectionate Asian senior mother and daughter using smartphone together at home, smiling joyfully
Investing Articles

With Cash ISA changes coming, could now be the time to consider buying shares?

Changes to the Cash ISA could lead to greater investment in the stock market. This could be a good thing…

Read more »