Why I love following sin stocks for my retirement portfolio

The unique mix of high barriers to entry and relentless demand make sin stocks, like Diageo plc (LON:DGE), worth a closer look, in my opinion. 

| 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.

While most businesses have to deal with intense competition or a lack of demand, the so-called ‘sin stocks’ have neither of these problems.

Sin stocks operate in certain industries that are deemed bad for society and are actively clamped-down on by governments. The added regulatory burden raises the barriers to entry and makes these industries more concentrated. Meanwhile, sin products, such as gambling, tobacco, and alcohol, are often so addictive that customers are willing to pay exorbitant prices to get their fix. 

It’s a recipe for some truly robust profitability, which is why I dedicate a portion of my watch list to these sin industries. Here are some of my favourites from the sinner basket: 

Diageo

Drinks giant Diageo (LSE: DGE) is not only my favourite sin stocks, but it’s also one of my favourite British companies. Not only has the company delivered 21 consecutive dividend increases over the years, it has also doubled investor capital over the past five years. 

Diageo’s 2% dividend yield is nothing to boast about, but it might be the most robust payout on the FTSE 100 at the moment. The company’s payout ratio is a mere 54.5%, which means it has plenty of room left to reward shareholders in the future.

Speaking of the future, 20% of the company’s drink sales are already generated in Asia, which is the fastest growing market for alcoholic beverages in the world. I think Diageo’s underlying business model and portfolio of incredible brands is enough to cheer any long-term investor, which is why it’s the cornerstone of my investment watch list.  

British American Tobacco 

Smoking is notoriously addictive. Fortunately, the rate of smokers across the globe has plateaued in recent years. Unfortunately, a 2014 study found that over a billion people were still addicted to tobacco and were loyal to brands that were owned by a handful of multinational conglomerates. 

One of the largest is FTSE 100 constituent British American Tobacco (LSE: BATS). The £70bn tobacco giant offers a 7% dividend yield. While the stock has had a rough run over the past five years, the company’s underlying revenue, profits, and dividend payouts have steadily increased. 

Earnings per share cover the dividend by more than 30%, while net gearing remains relatively low at 68.63%. However, investors have punished the stock as younger smokers have turned to vaping and e-cigarette products in recent years. The stock’s price-to-earnings ratio has been sliced in half over the past five years. 

That presents an opportunity for long-term income-seeking investors like me.  

Other sins

Drink producers and tobacco giants aren’t the only sin stocks I’ve been watching. The potential legalisation of sports betting in the US has piqued my interest in gambling stocks like 888 Holdings, while the possibility of a sugar tax has me eyeing AG Barr.

Foolish takeaway

The unique mix of high barriers to entry and relentless demand make sin stocks worth a closer look, in my opinion. 

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.

VisheshR has no position in any of the shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Diageo. 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

After it crashed 25%, should I buy this former stock market darling in my Stocks and Shares ISA?

Harvey Jones has a big hole in his Stocks and Shares ISA that he is keen to fill. Should he…

Read more »

happy senior couple using a laptop in their living room to look at their financial budgets
Investing Articles

How’s the dividend forecast looking for Legal & General shares in 2025 and beyond?

As a shareholder, I like to keep track of the potential dividend returns I could make from my Legal &…

Read more »

artificial intelligence investing algorithms
Investing Articles

Could buying this stock with a $7bn market cap be like investing in Nvidia in 2010?

Where might the next Nvidia-type stock be lurking in today's market? Our writer takes a look at one candidate with…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Is GSK a bargain now the share price is near 1,333p?

Biopharma company GSK looks like a decent stock to consider for the long term, so is today's lower share price…

Read more »

Snowing on Jubilee Gardens in London at dusk
Investing Articles

Could December be a great month to buy UK shares?

Christopher Ruane sees some possible reasons to look for shares to buy in December -- but he'll be using the…

Read more »

Young mixed-race couple sat on the beach looking out over the sea
Investing Articles

Sticking to FTSE shares, I’d still aim for a £1,000 monthly passive income like this!

By investing in blue-chip FTSE shares with proven business models, our writer hopes he can build sizeable passive income streams…

Read more »

Growth Shares

BT shares? I think there are much better UK stocks for the long term

Over the long term, many UK stocks have performed much better than BT. Here’s a look at two companies that…

Read more »

British Pennies on a Pound Note
Investing Articles

After a 540% rise, could this penny share keep going?

This penny share has seen mixed fortunes in recent years. Our writer looks ahead to some potentially exciting developments in…

Read more »