4 massive-yield passive income stocks I’d buy right now

With so many dividend stocks having their prices slashed, Zaven Boyrazian shares his top picks for high-yield passive income opportunities.

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.

Close-up of British bank notes

Image source: Getty Images

Key Points
  • Fears of an economic slowdown have dragged prices down and pushed some dividend yields higher than 8%
  • The consumer staples sector has historically delivered market-beating returns during recessions
  • Mining groups continue to reap the benefits of inflation-triggered commodity price surges

With stock markets tumbling on recession fears, several passive income stocks are now offering massive dividend yields. Typically, seeing high percentage payouts can be a sign of trouble ahead. Yet, that’s not always the case. And I’ve spotted four companies that look primed to thrive, even if a recession does hit the British economy. Let’s take a closer look.

2 high-yield passive income stocks

Historically, some of the best businesses to own during a recession can be found within the consumer staples sector. That’s because regardless of what the economy is doing, people still need the essentials like food, beverages, and cleaning products.

For the smoking population, this list obviously includes cigarettes and other tobacco-based products. Therefore, both Imperial Brands and British American Tobacco are looking very interesting right now. Both passive income stocks offer impressive yields of 8.2% and 6.6% respectively. And with analyst forecasts indicating both revenue and profits to continue climbing over the next couple of years, dividends are likely to do the same. At least that’s what I think.

It’s not a risk-free investment, of course. With inflation driving up prices, it will likely encourage some smokers to reduce their consumption, or perhaps quit entirely. Meanwhile, with more health awareness surrounding the impact of smoking and increased regulatory restrictions on tobacco products, both firms could be in trouble in the long run.

Having said that, these companies are already investing in new healthier alternatives to their existing flagship product lines. That, to me, sounds like management adapting to the shifting landscape which, in my experience, is a positive sign. Hence why I’m considering both these stocks for my passive income portfolio.

Profiting from the shift to a green world

With the impact of global warming becoming ever more apparent, governments and businesses worldwide have begun ramping up their investments in renewable energy technologies. Electric vehicles, solar power, and hydrogen fuel cells are some of many evolving technologies that could drastically cut global carbon emissions.

Demand for renewable metals such as copper, nickle, and lithium is surging. And with existing supply unable to keep up, the prices of these raw materials are climbing near multi-decade highs. Fortunately, that’s created quite a favourable environment for mining businesses.

Companies like Rio Tinto and BHP Group look especially well-positioned to capitalise on the opportunity. And with their operations having largely fixed costs, the price increases almost directly translate into profit. So it’s hardly surprising that these passive income stocks are paying a 9.4% and 8.5% dividend yield respectively.

Obviously, metal prices won’t climb forever. And with more mining groups seeking to take advantage, the global supply will eventually catch up. Profit margins will start falling again when this inevitably happens, potentially compromising the impressive payout.

However, establishing new extraction sites is a multi-year process with plenty of regulatory hurdles to overcome. So, personally, I believe these businesses can continue to deliver impressive results for a long time. That’s why they’re on my list of passive income stocks to buy now.

Zaven Boyrazian has no position in any of the shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has recommended British American Tobacco and Imperial Brands. 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

Calendar showing the date of 5th April on desk in a house
Investing Articles

Just 1 year’s Stocks and Shares ISA allowance could generate a £1,900 annual passive income. Here’s how!

Fretting about the upcoming Stocks and Shares ISA contribution deadline? Our writer has an upbeat approach, focusing on ongoing passive…

Read more »

Passive and Active: text from letters of the wooden alphabet on a green chalk board
Investing Articles

As global markets dip, British passive income stocks offer higher yields at cheaper prices

Mark Hartley takes a look at some higher-yielding FTSE stocks that have taken a hard hit in the past month.…

Read more »

Mindful young woman breathing out with closed eyes, calming down in stressful situation, working on computer in modern kitchen.
Investing Articles

2 ‘overpriced’ FTSE 100 shares I’ve got my eye on if the stock market crashes

Never one to miss an opportunity, our writer is putting cash aside to buy quality FTSE 100 stocks in the…

Read more »

Young mixed-race woman looking out of the window with a look of consternation on her face
Investing Articles

With stock market risks emerging, is now the time to consider the 60/40 portfolio?

The stock market could be in for a period of turbulence. Here’s a simple strategy that can help long-term investors…

Read more »

Bus waiting in front of the London Stock Exchange on a sunny day.
Investing Articles

Is a stock market crash coming? It’s not too late to get ready!

Christopher Ruane sees reasons to fear a coming stock market crash. Rather than tying to time it, he's hoping to…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Down 4% in 2026, is now the time to consider buying Nvidia shares

Has Nvidia become too big to keep growing? Or is the stock’s decline this year a chance to think about…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Is the party finally over for Rolls-Royce shares?

Rolls-Royce shares have made investors rich but momentum is slowing and the Iran conflict isn't helping. How worried should we…

Read more »

Asian man looking concerned while studying paperwork at his desk in an office
Investing Articles

7.8% dividend yield! A dirt-cheap UK income share to buy today?

I’m on the hunt for lucrative passive income opportunities, and this under-the-radar FTSE stock currently offers a whopping 7.8% dividend…

Read more »