Forget a Cash ISA! I’d buy dirt-cheap FTSE 100 dividend growth stocks

These FTSE 100 dividend growth stocks could provide far higher returns than any Cash ISA in the years ahead based on current projections.

| 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.

Cash ISA interest rates have plunged in recent months. As such, it’s now harder than ever for savers to get an attractive return on their hard-earned cash. And with this being the case, FTSE 100 dividend growth stocks are starting to look more attractive as alternatives. 

With that in mind, here are two cheap FTSE 100 dividend growth stocks that may be worth buying for income and capital growth today

FTSE 100 dividend growth stocks

As FTSE 100 dividend stocks go, Halma (LSE: HLMA) has a track record. The company has increased its dividend at or above the rate of inflation every year in recent history. 

It doesn’t look as if this trend is going to come to an end any time soon. The business, which specialises in supplying health and safety equipment, has seen a surge in demand for its products in the coronavirus crisis. 

The FTSE 100 company has also been complementing organic growth in recent years with acquisitions. These acquisitions have taken the group into areas such as fire safety, which is a defensive and critical market. The demand for these services is only likely to grow over the long run. 

Therefore, Halma seems to have the potential to continue growing its dividend every year. The payout is covered 3.3 times by earnings per share, which leaves plenty of headroom for growth. 

The FTSE 100 stock also appears cheap at current levels. City analysts believe the shares could be worth as much as 2,385p within the next few months. These figures exclude the company’s recent trading performance, which has been better than expected. As a result, analysts may soon revise their guidance higher. 

It might be worth snapping up a share of this dividend growth champion before the rest of the market catches on to the opportunity. 

Unilever

Alongside Halma, I believe FTSE 100 dividend stock Unilever (LSE: ULVR) also looks attractive at current levels.

As one of the world’s largest consumer goods companies, Unilever is a relatively defensive investment. The demand for its food and personal hygiene products should only increase in line with the global population over the long run. 

What’s more, management has recently been building out the group’s diversification by acquiring new companies. That should help ensure that Unilever stays relevant and has a product set that remains attractive to consumers. 

This FTSE 100 dividend stock also has an impressive track record of growing its dividend at or above the rate of inflation over the long run. Over the past six years, for example, the payout has grown at a compound annual rate of 8%. The stock’s dividend yield currently stands at 3.4%, and the payout is covered 1.5 times by earnings per share. 

Analysts are also highly optimistic on the outlook for the stock in the near term. They believe shares in the FTSE 100 consumer goods giant could be worth as much as 5,100p, an increase of 20% from current levels. 

These figures indicate that the stock may have the potential to deliver high total returns for investors in the years ahead. 

Rupert Hargreaves owns shares in Unilever. The Motley Fool UK owns shares of and has recommended Unilever. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Halma. 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

3 top stock market investment ideas for UK investors in 2026

In 2026, the stock market is likely to throw up plenty of lucrative opportunities for investors. Here are three investment…

Read more »

Thoughtful man using his phone while riding on a train and looking through the window
Investing Articles

How to invest a Stocks and Shares ISA like a pro in 2026

The Stocks and Shares ISA is a powerful investment account. Here are some strategies used by professional investors to get…

Read more »

Investing Articles

£5,000 invested in BP shares could generate this much dividend income in 2026…

Andrew Mackie weighs up whether BP shares’ attractive dividend yield is reason enough for him to keep holding the stock…

Read more »

Investing Articles

In 2026, I think the FTSE 100 could pass 12,000

How could FTSE 100 replicate the success of 2025? Our Foolish author examines why the index might pass 12,000 in…

Read more »

Investing Articles

3 brilliant British shares to consider buying for 2026

If an investor is looking for shares to buy for 2026, they have plenty of great options whether the goal…

Read more »

Yellow number one sitting on blue background
Investing Articles

I asked ChatGPT to pick 1 growth stock to put 100% of my money into, and it chose…

Betting everything on a single growth stock carries massive danger, but in this thought experiment, ChatGPT endorsed a FTSE 250…

Read more »

Portrait of pensive bearded senior looking on screen of laptop sitting at table with coffee cup.
Investing Articles

How little is £1,000 invested in Diageo shares at the start of 2025 worth now?

Paul Summers takes a closer look at just how bad 2025 has been for holders of Diageo's shares. Will things…

Read more »

Aston Martin DBX - rear pic of trunk
Investing Articles

After a terrible 2025, can the Aston Martin share price bounce back?

The Aston Martin share price has shed 41% of its value in 2025. Could the coming year offer any glimmer…

Read more »