We're entering a period of heightened uncertainty with strong inflation and higher interest rates. Businesses with debt on their balance sheet could face higher interest expenses. Those ASX dividend shares that have debt could see their net profit come under pressure.
But, there are some names out there that don't have any debt. Not only does this mean that they don't have to contend with interest costs, but it could mean the overall business is in a stronger position.
Paying down debt could be a smart move for some management teams.
Let's have a look at some of the names that have strong balance sheets and are dividend payers.
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New Hope Corporation Limited (ASX: NHC)
New Hope is one of the largest coal miners in Australia. It's currently benefiting from strong coal prices and this has meant the business can pay big dividends while also paying off its debt.
On 28 October 2021, the ASX share fully repaid the debt drawn under its syndicated debt facility of $310 million and then terminated that facility in July 2022. Its modelling indicates it doesn't require any funding for general corporate purposes and advances the execution of a broader strategy.
With its FY22 result, it declared a final dividend of 31 cents per share and a special dividend of 25 cents per share. At the current New Hope share price, those two dividends equate to a grossed-up dividend yield of 13.3%.
Deterra Royalties Ltd (ASX: DRR)
Deterra Royalties owns royalties, including the Mining Area C royalty that is used by BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP). It's looking for more opportunities to add to the portfolio.
The business is committed to paying out 100% of its net profit after tax (NPAT) as a dividend to investors.
Its FY22 dividend per share of 33.76 cents was an 89% increase, which represents a grossed-up dividend yield of 11.5%.
Alumina Limited (ASX: AWC)
The company says that its strategy is to "invest world-wide in bauxite mining, alumina refining and selected aluminium smelting operations through our 40% ownership of Alcoa World Alumina & Chemicals (AWAC), the western world's largest alumina business."
In its recent FY22 half-year result, the ASX share announced that its underlying NPAT went up 73% to $119.6 million. It also grew its interim dividend by 24% to 4.2 cents per share.
The last two dividends amount to a grossed-up dividend yield of 10.2%.
Michael Hill International Ltd (ASX: MHJ)
Michael Hill is one the largest jewellery businesses in Australia. It also has operations in Canada and New Zealand.
The company's recent FY22 result saw the business grow revenue by 7% and net profit increased 13.9% to $46.7 million. The dividend was grown by 66% to 7.5 cents per share. At the current Michael Hill share price, the dividend yield is 6.7%. It had $95.8 million of cash at the year end.
Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL)
The Super Retail business is made up of a few retailing brands including Supercheap Auto, Rebel, BCF and Macpac.
While there may be a bit more economic uncertainty, the ASX share has started FY23 strongly, with group like for like sales rising by 17% in the first six weeks of FY23.
In FY22 it paid a full-year dividend of 70 cents per share, which equates to a grossed-up dividend yield of 10.4%.
