2 dirt-cheap dividend shares I’d buy for long-term passive income

In today’s uncertain economy, having a reliable passive income can be a real game changer. I’ve found two dividend stocks that might just be the answer.

| 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.

British coins and bank notes scattered on a surface

Image source: Getty Images

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.

Given today’s high cost of living, finding passive income through undervalued dividend stocks can be a savvy strategy for investors seeking a steady source of extra cash. I’ve found two of these which may be trading at a significant discount to their intrinsic value. So could they be a reliable source of passive income going forward? Let’s take a closer look.

Record

Record (LSE:REC), a UK-based firm specialising in currency and derivative management services, is a company that not many will know. With a market cap of £128.6m, it’s a smaller player in the financial sector, but for me its financials tell a compelling story.

discounted cash flow calculation suggests the firm is about 16% undervalued. Although this isn’t a guarantee, with this much potential, taking a closer look at the balance sheet feels well worth doing.

The financials are equally impressive. The company has a flawless balance sheet, with zero debt—a rarity in the financial sector. This strong financial health suggests that the business is well-positioned to maintain its generous dividends even in economic downturns. Moreover, annual earnings are forecast to grow by 9.38% over the next five years.

But the main attraction is the stellar dividend yield of 7.88%, significantly higher than many of its peers. This high yield isn’t just a flash in the pan either; the business has been increasing dividends steadily over the last decade, with more growth expected over the coming years.

However, it’s not all smooth sailing. Record’s share price has underperformed both its industry and the broader UK market over the past year.

Additionally, there has been significant insider selling in the past three months, which could be a red flag.

Nevertheless, given its dirt-cheap valuation, high dividend yield, and solid financials, I think the firm remains an enticing option for investors focused on passive income.

Keller

Keller (LSE:KLR) is a leader in geotechnical services. With operations spanning North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa, the business has built a strong reputation in ground improvement, deep foundations, and earth retention services.

Another discounted cashflow calculation estimates that it’s trading at a substantial 25.5% below its fair value, offering a significant margin of safety. While its dividend yield of 3.51% isn’t quite as high as Record’s, it’s still attractive in today’s low-yield environment.

Recent performance has been nothing short of impressive. Over the past year, its share price has skyrocketed by 91.1%. This surge isn’t just market hype—it’s backed by strong financials. Earnings grew by a staggering 94.3% over the past year, reflecting some serious operational efficiency.

Looking ahead, the prospects remain bright. Analysts forecast earnings growth of 9.07% per year, suggesting that recent success isn’t a one-off event but part of a longer-term trend.

However, potential investors should be aware that the share price has been volatile over the past three months. This volatility, while not uncommon in the construction sector, may be unsettling for some investors. But with such a steep rally over the last year, a retreat is not a huge surprise.

Overall

In conclusion, both Record and Keller offer compelling cases. Despite some risks, I think their current potential undervaluation makes them attractive options for those willing to play the waiting game. I’ll be buying shares at the next opportunity.

Gordon Best has no position in any of the shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has no position in any of the shares mentioned. 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

Both the Lloyds and Vodafone share prices have risen above 100p. But could they move higher still in 2026?

It was a close-run race but the Vodafone share price has beaten Lloyds’ to get back to £1. James Beard…

Read more »

UK financial background: share prices and stock graph overlaid on an image of the Union Jack
Investing Articles

2 FTSE 100 shares I believe could plummet in value in 2026!

FTSE 100 shares rose at their fastest pace since after the Great Financial Crisis last year. It's an ascent that…

Read more »

A rear view of a female in a bright yellow coat walking along the historic street known as The Shambles in York, UK which is a popular tourist destination in this Yorkshire city.
Investing Articles

Can you build a million-pound ISA with FTSE 100 shares?

Fancy becoming a Stocks and Shares ISA millionaire? Of course you do. Royston Wild considers whether buying FTSE shares is…

Read more »

Investing Articles

In 2026, investing £5,000 in a Stocks and Shares ISA could be worth…

Here’s how much money investors could make this year by investing £5,000 in UK stocks, and which sectors looked primed…

Read more »

Young black colleagues high-fiving each other at work
Investing Articles

Will 2026 be the year of the ISA stock market millionaire?

Discover why a drop in Cash ISA allowances could supercharge the number of stock market millionaires in the UK from…

Read more »

Man hanging in the balance over a log at seaside in Scotland
Investing Articles

Down 20%, I’ve just bought this battered growth stock! Have I messed up?

Discover which FTSE 250 growth stock I've just bought for my Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) -- and why I believe…

Read more »

Portrait of elderly man wearing white denim shirt and glasses looking up with hand on chin. Thoughtful senior entrepreneur, studio shot against grey background.
Investing Articles

How much do you need in an ISA to target a £12,000 passive income in 2026?

Zaven Boyrazian explores an investing strategy that shows how buying reliable quality shares can unlock a five-figure passive income with…

Read more »

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

As the FTSE 100 hits 10,000 for the first time, is it time to consider buying the stock that manages the index?

On Friday (2 January), the FTSE 100 broke through the 10,000-barrier. James Beard considers the prospects for the company that’s…

Read more »