Many investors own a Stocks and Shares ISA with the aim of providing an additional income stream. Some like to play a long game, hoping to provide for a more comfortable retirement. Others are looking for a more immediate benefit.
Either way, I think the secret to passive income is dividend shares. But how large would an ISA need to be to produce £1,220 a year? Let’s see.
A strong brand
One stock that’s built an excellent reputation for providing a generous return to its shareholders is Standard Life (LSE:SDLF). The group, which provides retirement products and insurance, currently claims to have one in five UK adults as customers. But when a deal to acquire the 3.7m clients of Aegon is finalised, this will increase further.
An impressive track record
Thanks to its healthy cash flows and growing business, the group’s steadily increased its payout over the past five years:
- 2025 – 54.7p
- 2024 – 53.3p
- 2023 – 52.0p
- 2022 – 49.6p
- 2021 – 48.2p
On average, it’s increased its dividend by 2.8% a year during this period. It means the stock’s currently (1 July) yielding 6.5%. What does this mean? It tells us that for every £1,000 invested, it should (no guarantees, of course) produce dividends of £650 over the next 12 months.
Importantly, using an ISA means this can be earned tax-free.
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But let’s assume someone doesn’t need this income immediately. Instead, they use it to buy more shares in Standard Life. This strategy’s known as compounding and can quickly help build a bigger investment pot and, eventually, a larger dividend stream.
For example, someone investing £10,000 could unlock dividends of £650 in year one. However, by reinvesting the £650, income of £692 could be generated in year two. Repeat this for 10 years and the ISA would be worth £18,771.
At this point, dividends of £1,220 could be earned, assuming the stock’s still yielding 6.5%.
In theory, this sounds very easy. But like any business, Standard Life has to overcome a number of challenges that could threaten its earnings and, consequently, its dividend.
Possible issues
Indeed, competition in the sector is fierce. With individuals acquiring many pension pots over the course of their working lives, there’s a trend towards consolidating these with one provider. I know from personal experience how easy the process can be. Of course, this could work in Standard Life’s favour. But it could also lead to an outflow of funds.
Also, the group has to maintain a large investment portfolio to meet its commitments. Although it focuses on less risky asset classes like government bonds, these can still be volatile and can be affected by global market turmoil.
However, I remain optimistic.
My view
The group’s pursuing a capital-light strategy with an emphasis on its fee-based revenue streams. This helped deliver a 15% year-on-year improvement in adjusted operating profit in 2025.
Looking ahead, higher interest rates — which can’t be ruled out following the war in Iran — could also help boost the sale of annuities. And by 2034, the UK retirement and savings market is expected to be 69% bigger than 10 years earlier.
Although there are plenty of UK stocks offering generous dividends, Standard Life’s one of my favourites. Personally, I think it’s one for income investors to consider.
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James Beard owns shares in Standard Life plc.
