Many investors have portfolios which are heavily weighted to the banks and major diversified miners. While this has been by and large a very profitable strategy and provided outperformance compared with the S&P/ASX 200 Index (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) for over a decade, questions marks are starting to arise over whether outperformance from these stocks is likely in the future.
One sector for which there still appears to be a positive outlook, where investors may find pockets of value is the energy sector.
Here are three blue-chip stocks that all pay dividends and could help to energise your portfolio in the coming years.
Woodside Petroleum Limited's (ASX: WPL) share price has fallen recently in the aftermath of oil-giant Shell's sell-down. Some investors hold concerns about Woodside's ability to develop sufficient new reserves with Shell. This is a valid cause for concern, however it's possible it is already reflected in the share price. The forecast FY 2015 fully franked dividend yield is 6.3%.
Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) has a number of exciting assets, particularly its stake in significant LNG projects. The oil and gas major is forecast to boost its earnings and dividends in coming years and is trading on a forecast FY 2015 fully franked dividend of 3.4%.
Origin Energy Limited (ASX: ORG) is a diversified, vertically integrated energy company. While the outlook for the electricity retailing market is becoming increasingly clouded, Origin's exposure to LNG production may more than make up for its other business risks. The stock has a forecast FY 2015 yield of 3.6% according to Morningstar's consensus data and this could likely rise substantially in future years if free cash flows increase as expected.
