Ever since the global financial crisis forced central banks around the world to slash official interest rates, investors have been clamouring for high-yielding shares.
The dismal performance of some widely-owned stocks, in particular the banks, has left many investors scratching their heads and wondering how best to gain exposure to income stocks.
While there are advantages to owning the biggest blue chips, they are certainly not a sure thing.
Here are four lesser-followed stocks which not only offer enticing fully franked dividends to beat the low interest rate environment but also have capital growth potential.
Automotive Holdings Group Ltd (ASX: AHG) is one of Australia's leading retailers of cars via a large network of automotive dealerships. According to forecast data provided by CommSec, dividends are expected to head higher over the next few years.
Based on a dividend forecast of 24.7 cents per share (cps) in financial year (FY) 2017, the stock is trading on a yield of 5.9%.
Collection House Limited (ASX: CLH) operates in the debt collection sector which involves acquiring portfolios of receivables from corporate clients.
While dividends in FY 2016 are expected to be lower than the prior year, growth is forecast to resume in FY 2017. Based on a forecast of 8.8 cps, Collection House is trading on a yield of 8%.
WPP Aunz Ltd (ASX: WPP) owns a wide range of leading advertising agencies and recently undertook a significant merger which has simplified the ownership structure of the group.
WPP, which was previously known as STW Communications is forecast to pay dividends totalling 6.3 cps in 2017. With the share price of $1.04, the forecast yield is 6%.
Countplus Ltd (ASX: CUP) operates a network of accounting and financial advice practices and is one of the rare ASX-listed businesses which pays dividends on a quarterly basis.
For the past eight quarters the group has paid a fully franked dividend of 2 cps. Assuming this payment rate continues, investors could expect to achieve a yield of 8.9% over the next year.
