10 Best FTSE Dividend Stocks To Buy Now

6. Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO)

Dividend Yield as of January 3: 3.41%

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 26

Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO) is a global leader in the production, marketing, and sale of alcoholic beverages. Its diverse product portfolio includes scotch, gin, vodka, rum, tequila, and beer. Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO) ranks 6th on our list of the best FTSE dividend stocks, with a yield of 3.41% as of January 3.

Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO) reported net sales of $20.2 billion in 2024, a slight decrease from $20.5 billion in the previous year. Sales volume also declined to 230.5 million units in 2024, down from 243.4 million units in 2023. However, the company saw an increase in operating profit, rising to $6 billion from $5.5 billion last year. While earnings per share dropped from $1.96 to $1.73, net cash from operating activities rose to $4.1 billion, up from $3.6 billion in 2023. The annual dividend also increased to $1.0348 per share, compared to $0.9855 the previous year. Despite the lingering effects of COVID-19 and external macroeconomic and geopolitical pressures, the company has maintained its position in the beverage sector, with strong prospects for long-term growth and shareholder value.

Insider Monkey’s Q3 database shows that Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO) was part of 26 hedge fund portfolios, compared to 31 in the last quarter. William B. Gray’s Orbis Investment Management is the biggest stakeholder of the company, with 1.98 million shares worth $278 million.