1 impressively awesome Australian dividend stock down 20% to hold for decades!

This business looks far too cheap to me.

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Key points
  • Washington H. Soul Pattinson operates as an investment conglomerate, with the flexibility to invest in diverse asset classes for long-term growth and stability.
  • The company has expanded its investments into areas like nuclear energy and agriculture, enhancing its portfolio's strength and potential future returns.
  • Known for stability, Soul Patts has a 120-year track record of annual dividends and a continuous growth streak since 1998, with a current yield of 4.1%.

The Australian dividend stock Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co Ltd (ASX: SOL) looks far too cheap to me after its fall of approximately 20% since 10 September 2025, as the chart below shows.

There are not many businesses as old as Soul Patts on the ASX – it has already been listed for 120 years.

I'd say there are plenty of reasons to believe the business will continue to be an excellent ASX dividend share for decades to come, for both passive income and capital growth.

There are a few reasons why I've made this business my largest holding and why I'm optimistic about the future.

Australian notes and coins symbolising dividends.

Image source: Getty Images

Long-term investing

The business operates as an investment conglomerate, it makes active decisions about what to invest in.

Management has broad flexibility to invest in virtually any asset class, whether it's a large or small business.

Thankfully, the company doesn't need to invest with any particular time horizon in mind, unlike some active fund managers. The Australian dividend stock can be an investor, a partner, or the complete owner of the businesses/assets it invests in.

By taking a long-term approach with its own investments, Soul Patts itself is able to be a pleasing long-term investment for Aussies.

It has invested in a number of compelling areas in recent times, such as nuclear energy, agriculture, swimming schools, a funeral operator, electrification, industrial properties, building products, and more to diversify and potentially strengthen its long-term returns.

I think the business is boosting its appeal as it steadily adds to its portfolio. Its investment flexibility allows it to ensure its portfolio is future-proof by selling assets with weakening outlooks and buying into more appealing ideas.

Great dividend track record

In my view, Soul Patts is the best Australian dividend stock around. It doesn't have the highest dividend yield. But it does have an incredible record of consistency for paying dividends.

It has paid a dividend every year in its listed life (of around 120 years) – that's through the world wars, global pandemics, economic crashes, and various other challenges.

The business has also increased its annual ordinary dividend every year since 1998. That's the longest dividend growth streak on the ASX and suggests to me the business is heavily focused on continuing that record of payout growth for investors, though that's not a guarantee.

I'm expecting the business to grow its dividend in FY26, with the 2025 financial year payout of $1.03 per share translating into a grossed-up dividend yield of 4.1%, including franking credits. That's a great starting point, in my view, and the payout could steadily grow over the coming years.

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Dividend Investing

A woman has a thoughtful look on her face as she studies a fan of Australian 20 dollar bills she is holding on one hand while he rest her other hand on her chin in thought.
Dividend Investing

How much could a $500,000 ASX share portfolio pay in dividends?

A sizeable portfolio combined with reliable dividend shares can produce meaningful income.

Read more »

Person holding Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.
Dividend Investing

Morgans names 2 ASX dividend shares to buy now

The broker is expecting some attractive dividend yields from these buy-rated shares.

Read more »

Close up of woman using calculator and laptop for calculating dividends.
Dividend Investing

1 cheap Australian dividend stock down 25% to buy and hold

Every so often a reliable business falls out of favour and the income potential starts to look attractive.

Read more »

A smiling woman with a handful of $100 notes, indicating strong dividend payments
Dividend Investing

26 ASX shares with ex-dividend dates next week

In order to receive a dividend, you must own the ASX share before its ex-dividend date.

Read more »

A group of businesspeople clapping.
Dividend Investing

My 3 best ASX dividend-focused stocks to buy in March

Dividend investors on the ASX have plenty of options, but some businesses stand out for their reliability.

Read more »

Australian dollar notes in the pocket of a man's jeans, symbolising dividends.
Dividend Investing

How many Qantas shares do I need to buy for a $10,000 annual passive income?

Qantas shares resumed their passive income payouts in 2025.

Read more »

Hand holding Australian dollar (AUD) bills, symbolising ex dividend day. Passive income.
Dividend Investing

Buy this ASX 200 stock for an 11% dividend yield in 2026 and 2027: Morgans

Morgans thinks a turnaround could be starting for this beaten down stock.

Read more »

Three happy office workers cheer as they read about good financial news on a laptop.
Dividend Investing

2 buy-rated ASX dividend shares for income investors in March

Brokers think these shares are top buys for income investors.

Read more »