10%+ dividend yields! 3 of my favourite dividend shares for May

These dividend shares offer yields that smash the FTSE 100 average. Here’s why they’re great passive income stocks to consider.

| 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.

Shot of an young mixed-race woman using her cellphone while out cycling through the city

Image source: Getty Images

Searching for the best dividend shares to buy next month? Here are three I think deserve a closer look, each of which have dividend yields above 10%.

A FTSE 100 heavyweight

Sellers of discretionary financial products like asset manager M&G (LSE:MNG) are vulnerable during economic downturns. With trade tariffs threatening economic growth, this FTSE 100 firm could be in for a tough time.

Yet a strong balance sheet means this should have little impact on near-term dividends at least, in my view. The dividend yield for this year is 10.5%, supported by the company’s Solvency II ratio of 223%. Only Legal & General, whose own capital ratio is 232%, has stronger financial foundations among UK-listed financial services providers.

What’s more, while weakening consumer demand as the economy cools is a large risk, M&G’s ongoing cost-cutting could help insulate the bottom line from fresh pressures. The FTSE firm expects to grow operating profit at an average annual rate of 5% or more during the three years to 2027.

Look East

Henderson Far East Income‘s (LSE:HFEL) an investment trust to consider that I feel could provide protection due to its spread of investments. Its capital is effectively spread across 71 different companies spanning different territories and industries, including classic defensive sectors such as utilities, real estate and consumer staples.

It has exposure to cyclical shares and so is vulnerable during economic downturns. But as mentioned, the risk tends to be shared across a much larger range of companies, which can reduce the impact of any volatility on shareholder returns.

Source: Janus Henderson

This helps insulate total returns in the event of company-, sector- or region-specific threats, and a smoother return over the long term. This resilience has allowed it to raise annual dividends every year since it came into being in 2006.

For this year, Henderson Far East Income’s dividend yield is a mighty 12.2%. Investors need to be aware that its ongoing charge of 1.08% is higher than many other investment trusts. But I think this premium could be worth it.

Another solid dividend share

NextEnergy Solar Income‘s (LSE:NESF) another investment trust I feel investors should consider today. And not just because its 12.3% dividend yield also makes it one of the more potentially lucrative dividend shares currently around.

As the name implies, this financial vehicle invests in renewable assets. And so earnings (and consequently dividends) remain stable at all points of the cycle. In the case of this particular operator, most of its contracts are also inflation linked, providing profits with protection against rising costs.

That’s not to say that businesses like this are totally without risk. Power generation from renewable energy sources is notoriously volatile due to unpredictable weather conditions. However, NextEnergy Solar Income’s sought to soften this threat by siting around 15% of its assets outside the UK, and spreading the rest across the length and breadth of the country.

I think it’s worth a close look from investors seeking a reliable passive income.

Royston Wild has positions in Legal & General Group Plc. The Motley Fool UK has recommended M&g Plc. 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

A handsome mature bald bearded black man in a sunglasses and a fashionable blue or teal costume with a tie is standing in front of a wall made of striped wooden timbers and fastening a suit button
Investing Articles

Is NIO stock the next Tesla?

The NIO share price is up by more than 100% in the past year. Might this Chinese EV firm be…

Read more »

Two business people sitting at cafe working on new project using laptop. Young businesswoman taking notes and businessman working on laptop computer.
Investing Articles

Is this the beginning of a stock market recovery?

Dr James Fox explores whether a stock market recovery is truly on the cards after the US struck a deal…

Read more »

Smiling white woman holding iPhone with Airpods in ear
Investing Articles

Up just 1%: what’s going on with Tesco shares now?

Dr James Fox takes a closer look at Tesco shares after the stock rose less than the rest of the…

Read more »

Rear view image depicting a senior man in his 70s sitting on a bench leading down to the iconic Seven Sisters cliffs on the coastline of East Sussex, UK. The man is wearing casual clothing - blue denim jeans, a red checked shirt, navy blue gilet. The man is having a rest from hiking and his hiking pole is leaning up against the bench.
Investing Articles

How much do I need in a Stocks and Shares ISA to reach a £2,027 monthly passive income?

The new financial year is under way and that means new allowances for the Stocks and Shares ISA! How much…

Read more »

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

Why is everyone suddenly buying this dirt-cheap growth stock?

This beaten-down UK growth stock has suddenly become the centre of attention as investors target its recovery potential. The Iran…

Read more »

Finger clicking a button marked 'Buy' on a keyboard
Investing Articles

Why is everyone buying Rolls-Royce shares?

Rolls-Royce shares jumped 10% today, even giving mining stocks a run for their money as the FTSE 100 index suddenly…

Read more »

Shot of a senior man drinking coffee and looking thoughtfully out of a window
Investing Articles

Up 8%: what’s going on with Lloyds shares today?

Dr James Fox takes a closer look at one of the stock market's biggest gainers on Wednesday 8 April after…

Read more »

piggy bank, searching with binoculars
Investing Articles

Fresnillo share price rebounds as a FTSE 100 top mover after a 30% sell-off — what’s next?

The Fresnillo share price has surged today — Andrew Mackie asks whether this FTSE 100 mover is signalling a turning…

Read more »