I’m on the hunt for top stocks to buy in 2021. Here are two exceptional UK shares (and one terrific US titan) I think will deliver huge shareholder profits over the next decade. One even offers a massive 8% dividend yield.
#1: Polymetal International
The early rollout of a Covid-19 vaccine has boosted investor hopes for 2021. But the world economy isn’t out of the woods just yet. Covid-19 mutations are one reason why UK share pickers should remain on guard. Lockdowns are becoming stricter in many parts of the globe as a result. Other problems like Brexit and trade wars could damage global growth next year and beyond too.
In this situation, having exposure to gold is a good idea. And I’d do this by investing in FTSE 100 operator Polymetal International. The UK share’s 8% dividend yield for 2021 makes it one of the biggest-paying gold producers right now. I’d hold it for years too as ultra-low interest rates appear here to stay.
#2: Netflix
Unless you’ve been living in a cave you’ll know that the streaming industry has exploded in 2021. Locked-down citizens have flocked to the likes of Netflix to keep entertained during the Covid-19 crisis. Streaming is only going to get bigger.
A report by media analyst Ampere shows the number of streaming service subscribers in the UK alone has jumped 34% in 2020. Further Covid-19 restrictions and tough economic conditions means that Netflix et al can expect demand for their services to remain in high demand next year. And the diminished role of the cinema post-coronavirus bodes well for the streamers.
#3: Unilever
Investing in major fast-moving consumer goods (or FMCG) manufacturers is another great idea for these uncertain times. They often carry spectacular brand power that enables them to generate big profits during economic upturns and downturns. One great way for UK share investors to play this theme is by buying Unilever (LSE: ULVR). I myself already own this FMCG goliath.
The FTSE 100 manufacturer isn’t just a great buy for these uncertain times though. I’m particularly excited by Unilever’s profits outlook as wealth levels in emerging regions rise. Growth in China and India is particularly exciting, regions where Unilever already has a significant presence.
The Chinese economy will overtake the US to be the world’s most valuable economy by 2028, according to the Centre for Economics and Business Research. That’s five years earlier than the economics body had previously expected. And it’s because of the contrasting Covid-19 recoveries that these countries are expected to experience in the years ahead.
The Indian economy is also expected to balloon in a post-Covid-19 landscape. And this bodes well for UK shares with well-loved, trusted brands such as Unilever has. Kantar Worldpanel data shows that products with market penetration above 20% grew their share during the pandemic while smaller brands lost share. Asia provides colossal profits potential for the likes of Unilever. It’s why I plan to own this Footsie UK share for the next decade at least.
