2 ASX dividend shares I think would be reliable even during a recession

Some passive income stocks have been providing reliable payments for decades.

| More on:
Man smiling at a laptop because of a rising share price.

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

If someone is investing in ASX dividend shares, I imagine they want the passive income payments to continue flowing regardless of whether the economy is booming or not.

Buying food, paying for the mortgage, and everything else still needs to happen, whether Australia's GDP is rising or falling.

If an Australian downturn occurs, I don't want my dividend income to be reduced or eliminated entirely.

Some investors like Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares for their dividends, but the bank cut its dividend during the GFC and in 2020. However, some businesses on the ASX have increased their dividends every year since 2000.

Past performance is not a guarantee of future dividends, but there's plenty of evidence that says to me these payment growth streaks could continue. Both of the below businesses have grown their payment every year, including through the GFC and COVID-19 pandemic.

APA Group (ASX: APA)

APA is an impressive ASX energy infrastructure share. It owns several different assets around Australia, including electricity transmission, wind farms, solar farms, gas processing facilities, gas storage, gas energy generation, and, most importantly, a vast national gas pipeline that transports half of the nation's gas usage.

It owns (or manages) 15,000km of gas pipelines worth approximately $26 billion. Its assets are vitally important for the country's economy, for both households and businesses.

The ASX dividend share pays for its distribution from the cash flow that its very sizeable portfolio of assets generates. In the FY24 result, APA reported that its cash flow was $1.07 billion, up slightly compared to FY23. That cash flow is steadily growing as more pipelines and other assets are added to the portfolio.

APA's cash flow is also being supported by the fact that most of its revenue is linked to inflation, which has received a significant boost in the last few years.

Whether the Australian GDP is higher or lower, people and businesses still need energy, so I think there's a good chance the distribution will keep flowing and possibly grow.

In FY25, the business is expecting to grow its distribution to 57 cents per security, which translates into a distribution yield of 7.9%.

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

This ASX dividend share, commonly called Soul Patts, is one of the most appealing S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) stocks to me. It's the leader of dividend growth on the ASX – its annual ordinary dividend has increased every year since 2000.

On top of that, the investment conglomerate has impressively paid a dividend every year in its listed existence, which goes back 120 years. It has been incredibly reliable, though that's not guaranteed to continue indefinitely.

The ASX dividend share's leadership and investment teams have tried to create a diversified portfolio of assets that provides resilient cash flow to the parent business. This can help support profit, the portfolio's value, and the funding for dividend payments.

Some of the (largely) uncorrelated assets that it's invested in include resources, industrial property, telecommunications, financial services, swimming schools, electrification, agriculture, and more.

The latest annual payment from the business was 95 cents per share in FY24, which translates into a grossed-up dividend yield of close to 4%, including franking credits.

Wondering where you should invest $1,000 right now?

When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for over ten years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

Scott just revealed what he believes could be the 'five best ASX stocks' for investors to buy right now. We believe these stocks are trading at attractive prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now...

See The 5 Stocks *Returns as of 30 April 2025

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 Apa Group and 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 Dividend Investing

Joyful woman at a beach on the Gold Coast with her arms spread out.
Dividend Investing

10 high-conviction ASX dividend shares to buy for passive income today

With interest rates falling, it might be a good time to buy dividend stocks.

Read more »

A couple makes silly chip moustache faces and take a selfie on their phone.
Dividend Investing

Worried about falling interest rates? Here are 2 ASX 200 income shares to replace a term deposit today

Dividend shares are looking better and better in 2025.

Read more »

Man smiling at a laptop because of a rising share price.
Dividend Investing

Guess which high-yielding ASX All Ords dividend stock Macquarie expects to surge 34% in a year

Looking for market-beating passive income and share price gains? Check out this ASX All Ords stock!

Read more »

Middle age caucasian man smiling confident drinking coffee at home.
Dividend Investing

Buy BHP, Telstra, and this ASX dividend share

Brokers are tipping these shares as buys for income investors. But why?

Read more »

The letters ETF sit in orange on top of a chart with a magnifying glass held over the top of it
Dividend Investing

Boosting passive income: With a 7.6% yield, is the YMAX ETF a good option?

Is this ETF's yield too good to be true?

Read more »

A man in a business shirt and tie takes a wide leap over a large steel trap with jagged teeth.
Bank Shares

5.75% yield: Are ANZ shares a dividend trap?

ANZ's dividend currently beats out its own term deposits.

Read more »

Man holding out Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.
Dividend Investing

Here are 3 buy-rated ASX dividend stocks to beat falling interest rates

Brokers are recommending these stocks to clients.

Read more »

Senior man wearing glasses and a leather jacket works on his laptop in a cafe.
Dividend Investing

Overinvested in BHP shares? Here are two alternative ASX dividend stocks

There are other businesses worth owning for passive income.

Read more »