Looking to beat a FTSE 100 tracker fund? Here are 2 dividend shares I’d buy in an ISA today

I think these two income shares could deliver higher returns than the FTSE 100 (INDEXFTSE:UKX) over the long run.

| 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.

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 a FTSE 100 tracker fund could deliver impressive total returns in the long run, beating the index could enable you to enjoy a more prosperous financial future.

Even though the index has made gains over the last decade after the lows of the financial crisis, there appear to be a number of large-cap shares that offer wide margins of safety.

Here are two prime examples, with both stocks also having impressive dividend yields. While they may be experiencing uncertain operating conditions at the present time, their valuations suggest that they may be able to outperform a FTSE 100 tracker fund over the coming years.

Landsec

The prospects for commercial property stocks such as Landsec (LSE: LAND) may seem to be somewhat precarious at the present time. After all, the UK is undergoing a period of major political and economic change that could lead to deteriorating confidence in a variety of regions.

This could negatively impact demand for commercial property, and may mean that REITs such as Landsec undergo a period of slower growth.

Investors, though, appear to have priced in such an eventuality. The FTSE 100 company currently trades on a price-to-book (P/B) ratio of just 0.6. This suggests that the company’s shares could increase by two-thirds and continue to offer a margin of safety.

Furthermore, with Landsec currently yielding 6.6%, the company’s income investing prospects appear to be bright. As such, for investors who are able to take a long-term view on the UK commercial property sector, the stock could present an opportunity to capitalise on the property market’s cyclicality.

Rio Tinto

Also offering the potential to outperform a FTSE 100 tracker fund is mining company Rio Tinto (LSE: RIO). Its shares have fallen by 19% over the last six weeks, with concerns surrounding the prospects for the world economy causing investors to adopt an increasingly risk-averse stance towards the wider industry.

This situation could continue over the near term. The prospect of a satisfactory conclusion to the US/China trade dispute seems relatively unlikely over the short run. This may mean that additional tariffs come into place, with there being the potential for a negative impact on global economic growth.

As a cyclical stock, Rio Tinto’s financial performance could suffer if demand across the wider mining industry comes under pressure. Again, investors seem to have priced in this eventuality. The company’s shares currently trade on a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 11.6. And, with a dividend yield of 5.2%, the company’s total returns could prove to be highly attractive over the long run.

Therefore, the stock appears to have the potential to outperform the wider FTSE 100. While a tracker fund generally offers greater diversity than a portfolio of individual shares, buying stocks such as Rio Tinto and Landsec could enable you to obtain a higher return than the index.

Peter Stephens owns shares of Landsec and Rio Tinto. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Landsec. 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

UK money in a Jar on a background
Investing Articles

A SIPP seems to offer investors free money – is there a catch?

This writer doesn't believe in magic money trees, but does see the offer of tax relief within a SIPP as…

Read more »

Middle-aged white man wearing glasses, staring into space over the top of his laptop in a coffee shop
Investing Articles

Here’s what £10,000 invested in Greggs shares a year ago’s worth now

Given Greggs large shop network and simple business formula, could owning the shares help this writer build wealth? Maybe --…

Read more »

UK coloured flags waving above large crowd on a stadium sport match.
Investing Articles

Recent BT share price performance is jaw-dropping but can it continue?

Harvey Jones is stunned by how well the BT share price has weathered recent stock market volatility. Can the FTSE…

Read more »

A senior man using hiking poles, on a hike on a coastal path along the coastline of Cornwall.
Investing Articles

Is the stock market correction a once-in-a-decade chance to target a million-pound SIPP?

After recent volatility Harvey Jones can see plenty of value FTSE 100 stocks to help investors build wealth in a…

Read more »

Woman riding her old fashioned bicycle along the Beach Esplanade at Aberdeen, Scotland.
Investing Articles

How to target a £10k annual income from just one year’s £20,000 Stocks and Shares ISA allowance

Today is the start of the new financial year giving us all a a fresh Stocks and Shares ISA allowance.…

Read more »

Rolls-Royce's Pearl 10X engine series
Investing Articles

Rolls-Royce shares have gone nowhere this year. Is that a warning sign?

Rolls-Royce shares stand within spitting distance of where they began the year. Has the company's long run of strong share…

Read more »

Tesla building with tesla logo and two teslas in front
Investing Articles

£5,000 invested in Tesla stock on Christmas Eve is now worth…

Tesla stock is stuck in reverse at the moment. This year, it has fallen by around 15%. Is there potential…

Read more »

Close-up image depicting a woman in her 70s taking British bank notes from her colourful leather wallet.
Investing Articles

2 UK dividend stocks to consider buying in April

High-quality established businesses with reliable cash flows often make for great dividend stocks. Here are two for investors to take…

Read more »