Yields of up to 8%! Should investors buy these FTSE 100 dividend shares in February?

These three FTSE 100 Dividend shares carry a higher dividend yield than the index average of 3.5%. Are they a good stock for investors looking for strong passive income? Or should they avoid at all costs?

J Sainsbury

Food retailers Sainsbury’s (LSE:SBRY) paid a 5.3% dividend for the week. But increasing pressure on its borders makes the UK show I will not buy for its own portfolio.

Consumer confidence in the UK fell to a 50-year low in January as the cost of living crisis continued. Following the news, GfK described the outlook for buyer sentiment as “it doesn’t look good“and prophecy”2023 promises to be a bumpy ride“.

This bodes very badly for Sainsbury’s. The average seller’s size tends to decrease as consumers cut back. The company must continue to cut prices to avoid losing more customers to Aldi and Lidl discounts.

Pressure to reduce prices may increase as German low-price chains aggressively expand plantations. I would avoid J Sainsbury’s shares although their extensive online operations give me hope.

British American Tobacco

In the past days, stocks like British American Tobacco (LSE:BATS) is definitely a good buy for tough times like these. The addictive nature of the product allows profits to grow despite consumer spending.

This particular company has a formidable industrial brand like Lucky Strike and camel. This adds another layer of protection to your income.

But I wouldn’t buy British American Tobacco shares for my portfolio. Even the 7.9% dividend yield isn’t enough to tempt me.

The FTSE 100 business faces an uncertain future as legislators ban traditional flammable products. This week, for example, Mexico introduced some of the harshest anti-smoking laws on the planet. It prohibits the use of flammable tobacco products entire public place.

The law also tightens the sales, marketing and use of next-generation products such as British American Tobacco’s. Vuse steam technology. As a long-term investor, this is a stock I am not ready to risk cash with.

Aviva

I would rather buy it Aviva (LSE: AV.) Share to create passive income. But even demand for financial products could fall in 2023 as the UK economy shrinks.

The company’s dividend yield is higher than British American Tobacco’s, at 8%. And I expect profits to rise dramatically over the long term as more people plan for their financial futures.

Poor returns from traditional savings products mean people are becoming more proactive with their finances. Worries about the future of the State Pension are also causing people to take out financial products to prepare for retirement.

Revenues at Aviva could rise rapidly over the next few decades. The UK’s aging population is growing rapidly and this could increase demand for corporate financial services. I expect this cash generative stock to provide healthy passive income for years to come.