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Constructing a second earnings portfolio requires extra than simply chasing excessive yields. Certain, the large names have a spot, however typically my favorite earnings shares are those who most individuals overlook.
That’s why MONY Group (LSE:MONY) types a core a part of my very own second earnings plan, despite the fact that it not often makes the headline lists. Whereas everybody fights over the standard FTSE 100 darlings, I’m completely happy accumulating regular, effectively‑lined dividends from a enterprise most buyers barely discover.
The query is easy: if the money is dependable, why does it matter if the inventory’s boring?
Why boring’s good for earnings
MONY Group runs MoneySuperMarket, MoneySavingExpert and Quidco – well-established, money‑producing comparability platforms that assist maintain the dividends flowing. It presents a higher-than-average yield round 5%, with years of constant funds, a capital‑mild mannequin and a transparent dedication to shareholders.
Critically, money protection is robust, which issues when your objective is dependable earnings – not only a huge share on a display.
Newest outcomes (H1 2026) present a enterprise working steadily, if not spectacularly:
- Income: £227.1m, up 6% 12 months on 12 months.
- Adjusted EBITDA: £75.5m, up 3%.
- Primary earnings per share (EPS): 8.9p, up 4%.
These numbers might not impress progress buyers, however they’re ample to help ongoing dividend funds.
After all, that doesn’t eradicate danger. Competitors in worth comparability is intense, visitors prices can rise, and regulatory modifications in monetary companies or power markets might squeeze margins. There’s additionally execution danger: new acquisitions should show worthwhile, and companions can shift methods.
Potential buyers should maintain that in thoughts, and all the time ask: does the yield compensate for these dangers, or is there a safer path to the identical returns?
The function of boring shares in a diversified plan
Diversification issues as a result of no single inventory can assure earnings. That’s why it typically pays to additionally contemplate boring, regular names like MONY Group.
The FTSE 250 homes many unknown-but-reliable dividend shares, and MONY’s only one good instance. There’s a number of different mid‑caps I like that additionally ship regular money, resembling TP ICAP and OSB Group.
However a mixture of progress shares, index trackers and world equities can be essential. That mix helps clean volatility and reduces the prospect that one sector shock derails your earnings technique. In any case, what good is a excessive yield if the entire plan falls aside when charges transfer?
The underside line
Generally you might want to dig a bit deeper to uncover the perfect shares. Screening for dividend historical past, money protection and payout ratio can convey unknown gems to the floor.
MONY Group suits that profile: a 5% yield, stable H1 2026 outcomes and a mannequin constructed for regular payouts. However screening’s solely the beginning.
An investor ought to nonetheless do full analysis earlier than making any selections – scrutinising outcomes, checking aggressive threats, and stress‑testing the earnings plan. Don’t be postpone by the work – the outcome could possibly be a passive earnings stream that feels much less like playing and extra like a wage you management.
However whereas I do love looking for lesser-known hidden gems, there may be one huge FTSE 100 identify we’ve recognized that appears much more interesting proper now…
What earnings inventory can we like higher than Mony Group Plc proper now?
One in every of our Share Advisor analysts has simply launched a model new inventory report that we predict is a must-read for any investor trying to attempt to generate potential earnings.
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Mark Hartley owns shares in MONY Group, OSB Group and TP ICAP.
