My top 7 FTSE dividend stocks for building a growing passive income

I’d choose shares with strong, high-quality underlying businesses capable of raising their dividends a bit each year to build a growing passive income.

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.

The idea of building a rising passive income with FTSE dividend stocks appeals to me. So, I’d choose shares with strong, high-quality underlying businesses capable of raising their dividends a bit each year.

If I hold stocks like that, my portfolio could generate a rising passive income. And, on top of that, share prices tend to increase over time to reflect the progress of underlying business operations. So, I may see my dividend income rising and the capital value of my portfolio increasing as well.

Of course, nothing’s certain. But by being selective about the shares chosen means there’s a good chance the investing outcome will be favourable over the long term. And, right now, I’ve got my eye on seven potential investments that may be suitable for a portfolio aimed at generating a rising passive income.

My top dividend stocks

They all have a decent trading record and a long history of paying rising shareholder dividends. And they all occupy attractive niches within defensive sectors. Operations tend to generate decent cash inflow in each case. And I reckon all the underlying businesses have the potential to keep dividends rising in the years ahead.

FTSE SmallCap company AG Barr makes soft drinks and owns several popular brands including Irn-Bru. City analysts predict a robust single-digit percentage increase in the dividend for the trading year to January 2022. And with the share price near 518p, the forward-looking yield is just below 3%.

In the FTSE 100, I’d go for smoking products maker British American Tobacco. Steady mid-single-digit percentage advances in the dividend are ahead, according to analysts’ estimates. Meanwhile, with the share price near 2,803p, the forward-looking yield is almost 7.9% for 2021.

Meanwhile, premium branded alcoholic drinks supplier Diageo has a steady record of single-digit percentage increases in the dividend. And the FTSE 100 company predicts further gains ahead. With the shares at 3,036p, the forward-looking yield is just over 2.4% for the trading year to June 2022.

Business software company Sage is another Footsie company that stands out for its solid record of dividend raising. Analysts expect further increases ahead. And with the share price near 575p, we can expect a yield for the trading year to September 2022 of around 3%.

I’d select water company Severn Trent from the FTSE 100 too. We can expect modest dividend increases ahead. And the share price of 2,367p implies a forward yield of just over 4.3% for the trading year to March 2022.

More from the attractive soft drinks sector

From the FTSE 250, I’d select soft drinks producer Britvic. Forward-looking predictions for the dividend are robust. And with the shares at 817p, the yield anticipated for the trading year to September 2022 is around 3.6%.

My final pick is small-cap company and owner of the Vimto brand Nichols. Again, we can expect decent dividend rises ahead. And with the shares at 1,220p, the yield for 2021 is just above 3.1%.

Kevin Godbold has no position in any share mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has recommended AG Barr, Britvic, Diageo, Nichols, and Sage Group. 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

British bank notes and coins
Investing Articles

Here’s a £30-a-week plan to generate passive income!

Putting a passive income plan into action need not take a large amount of resources. Christopher Ruane explains how it…

Read more »

Close-up of British bank notes
Investing Articles

Want a second income? Here’s how a spare £3k today could earn £3k annually in years to come!

How big can a second income built around a portfolio of dividend shares potentially be? Christopher Ruane explains some of…

Read more »

Close-up of British bank notes
Investing Articles

£20,000 for a Stocks and Shares ISA? Here’s how to try and turn it into a monthly passive income of £493

Hundreds of pounds in passive income a month from a £20k Stocks and Shares ISA? Here's how that might work…

Read more »

Snowing on Jubilee Gardens in London at dusk
Investing Articles

£5,000 put into Nvidia stock last Christmas is already worth this much!

A year ago, Nvidia stock was already riding high -- but it's gained value since. Our writer explores why and…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Are Tesco shares easy money heading into 2026?

The supermarket industry is known for low margins and intense competition. But analysts are bullish on Tesco shares – and…

Read more »

Smiling black woman showing e-ticket on smartphone to white male attendant at airport
Investing Articles

Can this airline stock beat the FTSE 100 again in 2026?

After outperforming the FTSE 100 in 2025, International Consolidated Airlines Group has a promising plan to make its business more…

Read more »

Investing Articles

1 Stocks and Shares ISA mistake that will make me a better investor in 2026

All investors make mistakes. The best ones learn from them. That’s Stephen Wright’s plan to maximise returns from his Stocks…

Read more »

Portrait Of Senior Couple Climbing Hill On Hike Through Countryside In Lake District UK Together
Investing Articles

I asked ChatGPT if £20,000 would work harder in an ISA or SIPP in 2026 and it said…

Investors have two tax-efficient ways to build wealth, either in a Stocks and Shares ISA or SIPP. Harvey Jones asked…

Read more »