Many ASX investors chasing dividend income don't even bother looking beyond our shores for their next investment. After all, the ASX is full of proud passive income payers that, unlike global shares, attach those valuable franking credits to their regular payouts.
This is a perfectly understandable attitude to take. However, I think income investors would be better served by incorporating some international diversification into their income portfolios anyway. There are plenty of global shares out there that have a lot to offer when it comes to dividend income, with many (as you'll see below) putting some of the ASX's best stocks to shame.
Today, let's discuss three global dividend shares that I believe offer significant passive income potential.
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Three global dividend shares for the discerning passive income investor
Coca-Cola Co (NYSE: KO)
First up, we have a company that every reader should be familiar with. Although Coke has a range of subsidiaries around the world (ASX investors might remember the old Coca-Cola Amatil), this is the mother ship, the company that started it all, and officially owns the rights to the Coca-Cola name, brand, and secret formula.
Coca-Cola, as well as this company's other brands, such as Sprite and Fanta, are, of course, highly profitable. But what ASX investors might not know is that their enduring popularity has enabled this company to hold a 62-year-and-counting streak of annual dividend increases for its shareholders. That is something that no ASX share can come close to claiming. Coca-Cola stock currently trades on a dividend yield of 2.89%.
Mondelez International Inc (NASDAQ: MDLZ)
You might not have heard of the snack giant Mondelez. But you would almost certainly be aware of several of this company's household-name brands. Mondelez is the name behind some of the world's favourite foods, including Oreos, Ritz, Sour Patch Kids, Toblerone and, last but not least, Cadbury chocolate.
Thanks to enduring demand for its products, Mondelez is also a top global share when it comes to passive dividend income. Its shares are currently on a dividend yield of 3.56%.
Unilever plc (LON: ULVR)
Our final global share worth checking out for passive dividend income investors is British consumer staples titan Unilever. Like Mondelez, Unilever is a name far less well-known than its underlying portfolio of brands. These range from household products like Omo, Dove, Vaseline, and Rexona to foods such as Hellmann's mayonnaise and Ben & Jerry's ice cream. Chances are, you have several Unilever products in your house right now.
Again, the essential nature of these products gives Unilever's profits and dividends a huge level of economic resilience. This stock can be bought at a 3.38% dividend yield right now.
