Markets have been quite friendly for almost a decade now. Most of us realise this doesn't last forever.
I'm not saying we're about to have a crash, but I am saying we're probably closer than we have been to the next downturn (by definition that must be the case).
When markets eventually do take a tumble, I only want to be holding quality companies that have a strong chance of making it out the other side. No speculative stocks or pie-in-the-sky business concepts for my portfolio!
Instead, I want companies that will simply keep plodding along and return cash to shareholders in the form of steady dividend payments.
The following LICs have proven themselves to be good stewards of shareholder's capital and provide a rock-solid dividend stream when the economy is sailing through choppy waters…
Australian Foundation Investment Co.Ltd. (ASX: AFI)
The largest LIC on the Aussie market, AFI manages a portfolio of around $7 billion and pays a very reliable and growing dividend to shareholders, which it sources from its portfolio of 100 businesses.
During the GFC, the company suffered large share price falls with the market. But AFI was actually able to keep paying the same dividend, so shareholders who simply focused on their dividend stream may have wondered what all the fuss was about.
AFI currently trades on a yield of 3.9%, or 5.6% grossed-up.
Whitefield Limited Fully Paid Ord. Shrs (ASX: WHF)
Whitefield is a much smaller LIC with a market cap of around $400 million. The company holds a portfolio of 160 stocks, focused on the ASX200 Industrials (non-resources). It often goes unnoticed and regularly trades at a discount. But despite its lack of popularity, Whitefield has provided an extremely reliable dividend over the years.
During the GFC it was able to keep its dividend steady and has recently begun increasing it again. In fact, the company has not cut its dividend in over 20 years.
Whitefield currently trades on a yield of 3.9%, or 5.6% grossed-up.
Foolish takeaway
When the market is rising and there are quick capital gains on offer, dividend-paying shares tend to fall out of favour. But as the market takes a tumble, the attractiveness of a reliable dividend becomes apparent once again.
I'm betting on these LICs to keep investing prudently and provide shareholders with a dependable fully-franked dividend during the next market downturn.
