One of the most popular ASX 200 dividend shares out there is Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO).
And this is for good reason.
Each year, the mining giant rewards its shareholders with billions of dollars in dividend payments.
But will this trend continue? Let's see what analysts are forecasting for this ASX 200 powerhouse.
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What will this ASX 200 powerhouse pay in the coming years?
The good news for income investors is that some juicy dividend yields are expected from the miner in the coming years.
For example, according to a note out of Goldman Sachs, its analysts are forecasting Rio Tinto to pay a fully franked US$3.64 per share in FY 2025. At current exchange rates this would mean a dividend of $5.67 per share.
Based on the latest Rio Tinto share price of $116.66, this equates to an attractive dividend yield of 4.9% for the financial year.
What's next?
Goldman is expecting Rio Tinto to be in a position to increase its dividend in FY 2026. It has pencilled in a fully franked payout of US$3.74 per share or $5.83 per share in local currency. This equates to a dividend yield of 5% for investors buying at current prices.
After which, the broker believes a big increase to US$4.53 per share is coming in FY 2027. This represents a dividend of $7.06 in Australian dollars and would mean a dividend yield of 6% from the ASX 200 powerhouse.
Should you invest?
It isn't just juicy dividend yields that are expected in the near term. Goldman Sachs believes that some strong capital returns are possible for investors as well.
The broker currently has a buy rating and $140.80 price target on Rio Tinto's shares. This suggests that upside of almost 21% is possible between now and this time next year.
If we add 2025's potential dividends into the equation, a total return of close to 26% could be on the cards for buyers.
Commenting on its buy recommendation, the broker said:
RIO is a FCF and production growth story in our view, with forecast Cu Eq production growth of ~4-5% in 2025 & 2026 driven mostly by the ramp-up of the Oyu Tolgoi UG copper mine & a recovery at Escondida, higher Pilbara Fe shipments with the ramp-up of new mines, and a rebound in aluminium production. We forecast RIO's Cu Eq production to grow by ~20% and EBITDA by >30% by 2030.
