If I were 60 I'd buy these ASX shares for dividends

These stocks could provide strong levels of passive income for years.

| More on:
Happy couple enjoying ice cream in retirement.

Image source: Getty Images

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

I'm a big fan of ASX dividend shares that can provide a pleasing level of resilient dividend income.

Dividends are not guaranteed, but some businesses have built up a record of passive income and operate in industries that could enable those pleasing payments to continue.

I'm not going to promote stocks like Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) or BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) because I don't believe they are as defensive as some investors may think. Commodity prices can be volatile, while banks heavily depend on the economy's strength and borrowers' financial health to keep making good profits. The COVID period saw a CBA dividend cut.

Instead, I'll tell you about two ASX shares with a commitment to shareholder payouts.

Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co. Ltd (ASX: SOL)

Soul Patts is one of the oldest businesses on the ASX. It was listed in 1903 and has paid a dividend every year since then.

I think everyone in their 60s or older should be concerned about dividend stability to ensure passive income keeps flowing even during economic downturns. Soul Patts has grown its annual ordinary dividend every year since 2000, the best record on the ASX.

It's an investment house that owns stakes in various companies and sectors, including telecommunications, building products, resources, property, swimming schools, agriculture, and more.

I like the diversification that Soul Patts has within its portfolio; it seems like one of the less risky S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares to me because it actually owns a large number of different ASX shares.

It currently has a grossed-up dividend yield of 3.9%, which I think is a solid starting point for dividend income.

Charter Hall Long WALE REIT (ASX: CLW)

This is a diversified real estate investment trust (REIT) that typically pays out 100% of its net rental profit each year to investors, creating a strong dividend yield.

The business has blue-chip tenants (such as government and listed businesses) who are signed on long-term rental leases. This gives the business a lot of income visibility and security. In the FY24 first half-year result, the business had a weighted average lease expiry (WALE) of 10.8 years.

Some of its main types of property investments include offices (leased to a government entity), pubs and bottle shops, telecommunication exchanges, service stations, grocery and distribution, food manufacturing, and waste and recycling management.

While interest rates are a headwind for rental profits and some property valuations, Charter Hall Long WALE REIT is benefiting from steady rental increases. Some of the rent is linked to inflation, while other rental contracts have fixed rent increases.

The ASX dividend share is expecting to generate operating earnings per security (EPS) of 26 cents and pay all of that out as a distribution, which translates into a distribution yield of 7.5%.

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Opinions

A young female investor with brown curly hair and wearing a yellow top and glasses sits at her desk using her calculator to work out how much her ASX dividend shares will pay this year
Opinions

Why I'm still investing in ASX shares during tariff uncertainty

There are a few reasons why I plan to continue investing even during uncertainty.

Read more »

A man sits thoughtfully on the couch with a laptop on his lap.
Opinions

Why I'm buying more of these 2 ASX stocks ahead of earnings season

I've been excited about buying these investments.

Read more »

Business women working from home with stock market chart showing per cent change on her laptop screen.
Opinions

1 month until ASX earnings season begins: how I'm preparing

It’s almost reporting time. Here’s what I’m looking at.

Read more »

a man sits at his desk wearing a business shirt and tie and has a hearty laugh at something on his mobile phone.
Opinions

Potential buys: 2 compelling ASX shares I like

These ASX shares have an exciting future.

Read more »

Smiling man at the wheel of a car.
Opinions

2 ASX auto stocks to buy — and 1 to sell: experts

Analysts have shared fresh insights into 3 ASX auto shares -- and not all of them are in the buy…

Read more »

A male investor sits at his desk pondering at his laptop screen with a piece of paper in his hand.
Opinions

ASX retail share whose 'fundamentals have deteriorated significantly': expert

Christopher Watt from Bell Potter explains his views on this former market darling.

Read more »

A young woman looks at something on her laptop, wondering what will come next.
Opinions

3 soaring ASX 200 large-cap shares that are now overvalued: experts

Two experts say this trio of ASX 200 large-caps have overshot and it's time to take some profits.

Read more »

Man sitting in a plane seat works on his laptop.
Opinions

Expert reveals 2 ASX stocks to sell — and 1 is a recent IPO

Toby Grimm from Baker Young shares his insights.

Read more »