2 FTSE 100 stocks from my ‘best shares to buy now for a passive income’ list

These two FTSE 100 stocks could offer a worthwhile passive income, in my view. They could be among the best shares to buy now for the long term.

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.

dividend scrabble piece spelling

When investing, your capital is at risk. The value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you put in.

Read More

The content of this article is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be, nor does it constitute, any form of personal advice. Investments in a currency other than sterling are exposed to currency exchange risk. Currency exchange rates are constantly changing, which may affect the value of the investment in sterling terms. You could lose money in sterling even if the stock price rises in the currency of origin. Stocks listed on overseas exchanges may be subject to additional dealing and exchange rate charges, and may have other tax implications, and may not provide the same, or any, regulatory protection as in the UK.

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.

sdf

Despite the recent market rally, FTSE 100 stocks could offer a relatively high passive income. Many shares in the index currently trade at prices that are lower than their long-term averages. Or are below their intrinsic values. As such, they have high yields in many cases that could make them attractive dividend shares.

Certainly, there are risks ahead for FTSE 100 shares. The index continues to trade below its previous highs as a result of a weak economic outlook and uncertainty caused by coronavirus. However, those risks may be factored into the dividend yields of these two large-cap shares.

A high passive income relative to other FTSE 100 shares

Few FTSE 100 shares have a larger passive income than life insurance business Aviva at the present time. It currently has a dividend yield of 6.6%, and recently updated the market on plans to raise dividends in the low to mid-single-digits on an annual basis. This could mean that it offers an above-inflation rise in shareholder payouts over the coming years.

Should you invest £1,000 in Centrica right now?

When investing expert Mark Rogers has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for nearly a decade has provided thousands of paying members with top stock recommendations from the UK and US markets. And right now, Mark thinks there are 6 standout stocks that investors should consider buying. Want to see if Centrica made the list?

See the 6 stocks

Aviva is seeking to make changes to its business model to become more efficient. It also wants to specialise in areas where it has the greatest competitive advantage. This could mean short-term uncertainty . Meanwhile, the company also faces challenging operating conditions in many of its markets that may impact negatively on financial performance.

However, its plans may also lead to a better business with greater passive income potential over the long run. As such, from a risk/reward perspective, it may currently offer investment appeal.

An improving long-term outlook

Another FTSE 100 share that could offer a worthwhile passive income is aerospace and defence business BAE. Its dividend yield currently stands at 5.4%. It resumed dividends after a pause in 2020, with many of its operations performing relatively well over recent months.

Clearly, a weak economic outlook may have a negative impact on defence spending around the world. Governments may seek to reduce costs in order to balance their budgets after coronavirus.

However, BAE could offer a rising passive income as it seeks to strengthen its position in growth areas via acquisition. Its plans to expand into a wider range of regions may also prove to be an asset to the business that creates a more resilient financial performance in the coming years.

Building a diverse income stream

Clearly, more than two FTSE 100 stocks are needed to build a portfolio that offers a resilient passive income stream. As such, diversifying across a wide range of companies could be a shrewd move that creates a more robust income return in an uncertain period for the global economy.

With many shares offering relatively high yields, their income prospects could be attractive at the present time, despite the ongoing risks facing the world economy.


Should you invest, the value of your investment may rise or fall and your capital is at risk. Before investing, your individual circumstances should be assessed. Consider taking independent financial advice.

Peter Stephens owns shares of BA and Aviva. 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

British coins and bank notes scattered on a surface
Investing Articles

Here’s how to target a £8,794 annual second income, starting from zero

Putting some money into the stock market on a regular basis is one way to try and earn a second…

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

Prediction: in 12 months Aviva and Tesco shares could turn £10,000 into…

Harvey Jones is still kicking himself for failing to buy Aviva and Tesco shares, which have done brilliantly over the…

Read more »

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

Prediction: in 12 months Glencore and Diageo shares could turn £10,000 into…

Harvey Jones says his Diageo shares have shown signs of life lately, and even his holding in FTSE 100 miner…

Read more »

Tesla building with tesla logo and two teslas in front
Investing Articles

If Tesla stock comes crashing down to earth, here’s my plan of action

Tesla stock has gone up 57% in the past year despite the business's challenges. Our writer isn't ready to invest…

Read more »

Rear View Of Woman Holding Man Hand during travel in cappadocia
Investing Articles

Here’s how investing £700 a month could unlock a £48,000 second income

Earning nearly £50k a year in dividends may sound like a pipe dream. Yet this writer reckons such a sizeable…

Read more »

Rolls-Royce's Pearl 10X engine series
Investing Articles

3 reasons I don’t own Rolls-Royce shares

Rolls-Royce shares have had a stunning few years. This writer sees things to like about the company -- so why…

Read more »

Close-up of British bank notes
Investing Articles

How much money could a £5-a-day passive income plan earn?

Christopher Ruane explains some of the variables that come into play when considering the passive income potential of stock market…

Read more »

Engineer Project Manager Talks With Scientist working on Computer
Investing Articles

2 up-and-coming UK growth stocks that could benefit from the AI boom

Our writer examines the groundbreaking tech of two small growth stocks that may be critical in the world of AI.…

Read more »