I love the FTSE 100 for a couple of reasons. Firstly, its jam-packed with top-notch businesses. But, and more importantly, it’s home to some of the best quality dividend-paying companies out there. I’m going shopping for world-class dividends.
I’m not necessarily on the hunt for the largest dividend yields possible. Instead, I’m looking for stable yields that I see rising in the years to come. That’s important given that dividends are never guaranteed. I reckon these two shares fit that bill perfectly.
Diageo
Pick number one is Diageo (LSE: DGE). While the Footsie has soared this year, the alcohol beverage giant hasn’t. It’s down 9.1% year to date. That brings its total loss for the last 12 months up to 25.3%.
However, there’s one positive to its share price taking a hit. It means a higher yield. At the time of writing, it sits at 3.2%. With the FTSE 100 average being 3.6%, that may not seem all too appealing. But, in my opinion, Diageo’s dividend’s one of the best on the index.
That’s because the business has a monumental track record of rewarding shareholders. It’s paid a dividend for nearly four decades, making it a Dividend Aristocrat. With its payout covered a healthy two times by earnings, there could be potential for further growth in the coming years.
The stock now also looks like very decent value for money. It trades on 18.1 times earnings. Its historical average is closer to 25. Right now, it’s near a 10-year low.
Weak consumer spending’s been weighing on its share price. A drop in sales in Latin American and Caribbean and the profit warning that followed suit has spooked some investors. This will likely remain a threat in the coming months.
But with premium brands under its umbrella and a strong market position, I expect it to thrive over the long run.
Unilever
Also offering world-class dividends is Unilever (LSE: ULVR). Unlike struggling Diageo, the consumer goods company’s flying. Year to date, its share price is up 23.8%.
The stock shot up after its latest results were released on 25 July. Revenues were up 2.2% and net profit rose 3.5% during the second quarter. However, what excited investors most was the positive strides the firm’s taken as it continues with its streamlining operation.
Unilever sports a 3.1% yield. Again, while on paper that may not jump out as world-class, it also has an impressive record of rewarding shareholders. Like Diageo, Unilever’s also a Dividend Aristocrat.
Alongside its dividend, Unilever also brings some stability to my portfolio. It’s a defensive stock. It sells essential products. In fact, its products are used by more than 3.4bn people every day in over 190 countries.
That said, the goods it sells are branded. That means they come at a price premium to similar own-brand items. In times like the one we’re experiencing now during the cost-of-living crisis, consumers may switch to cheaper alternatives.
However, Unilever’s proved its resilience over the past couple of years. Sales have continued to grow despite ongoing economic uncertainty. That’s why I back the stock to continue performing in the years ahead.
