In this article, we will take a look at some of the best FTSE dividend stocks to invest in.
On October 28, the UK’s FTSE 100 index climbed throughout the session to reach a record high, surpassing 9,700 points before closing up 0.4%.
One of the main attractions of the UK stock market is its strong dividend culture. Many British companies have a long record of returning substantial amounts of cash to shareholders, which makes the market an appealing choice for income investors.
As of September 2025, the FTSE 100 has performed well, reaching new highs. Investors who consider total returns, which include both capital gains and dividends, have seen a 16% gain in the year through September 18, 2025, a result that would satisfy most market watchers.
However, a report by AJ Bell pointed out that the FTSE 100 remains highly concentrated. Ten companies are expected to contribute 53% of the forecasted total dividends for 2025, amounting to £42.2 billion, while the top 20 companies are projected to make up around 70% of the total payout.
Given this, we will take a look at some of the best FTSE dividend stocks to invest in.
Our Methodology
For this article, we scanned through the list of FTSE stocks and picked dividend stocks from the list. From the resultant dataset, we picked the 11 dividend stocks that have strong dividend histories and are traded on US exchanges. The stocks are ranked according to their dividend yields as of October 29.
Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 427.7% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 264 percentage points (see more details here).
11. Smith & Nephew plc (NYSE:SNN)
Dividend Yield as of October 29: 2.11%
Smith & Nephew plc (NYSE:SNN), a global medical technology company based in the UK, offers a wide range of products and services within the medical equipment industry to serve its customers’ needs.
On October 20, RBC Capital raised its price target on Smith & Nephew plc (NYSE:SNN) to GBP1,700 from GBP 1,400, while maintaining an Outperform rating on the medical technology company.
The price target revision was made ahead of the company’s Capital Markets Day (CMD) in December, where RBC expects the company to outline guidance of 5–6% revenue compound annual growth rate (CAGR) and 2–3 percentage points of EBIT margin expansion through 2028.
RBC noted that such guidance would likely be viewed favorably by investors, as it suggests modest upside to current consensus estimates at the midpoint. The firm remains “cautiously optimistic” about Smith & Nephew plc (NYSE:SNN)’s upcoming third-quarter results, which are expected to be released in the first week of November. The higher price target reflects RBC’s updated valuation model, while the firm continues to maintain its Outperform rating on SNN.
Smith & Nephew plc (NYSE:SNN) maintains a progressive dividend policy and has consistently paid dividends to shareholders since 1937, which makes it one of the best FTSE dividend stocks. The stock has a dividend yield of 2.11%, as of October 29.
10. Pearson plc (NYSE:PSO)
Dividend Yield as of October 29: 2.28%
Pearson plc (NYSE:PSO) is a British multinational company specializing in publishing and education, offering a range of products and services within the sector.
On October 20, JPMorgan analyst Daniel Kerven increased the firm’s price target on Pearson plc (NYSE:PSO) to 1,330 GBp from 1,310 GBp, while maintaining an Overweight rating on the stock.
Pearson plc (NYSE:PSO) delivered strong third-quarter 2025 results, with underlying group sales rising 4% in the quarter and 2% over the first nine months of the year. Virtual Learning sales surged 17% during the period, supported by a 13% increase in 2025/26 academic year enrollments. Management expects full-year group sales growth and adjusted operating profit to align with market expectations, with stronger momentum anticipated in the fourth quarter.
Pearson plc (NYSE:PSO) has also demonstrated consistency in shareholder returns, having paid regular dividends for 34 consecutive years. As of October 29, the stock has a dividend yield of 2.28%.
9. GSK plc (NYSE:GSK)
Dividend Yield as of October 29: 3.56%
GSK plc (NYSE:GSK) is among the best FTSE dividend stocks to invest in. It is a major global healthcare company with operations in multiple therapeutic fields, including vaccines, respiratory, and oncology.
On October 27, Jefferies initiated coverage on GSK plc (NYSE:GSK) with a Buy rating and a price target of 2,000 GBp. The firm noted that, at a 30% discount, GSK “offers significant upside skew,” adding that the new CEO mainly needs to gain some time through an efficiency program, as there are early signs of progress in the company’s pipeline and potential for further business development, according to the analyst.
GSK plc (NYSE:GSK) recently posted its earnings for the third quarter of 2025. Total Q3 2025 sales reached £8.5 billion, marking a 5% increase from the same quarter last year. Its cash position remained solid, with cash generated from operations at £2.5 billion and free cash flow standing at £1.2 billion. This strong liquidity enabled the company to pay dividends of £1.9 billion to shareholders.
GSK plc (NYSE:GSK) is also a strong dividend payer, offering a dividend yield of 3.56% as of October 29.
