2 buy-rated ASX dividend shares

Here's why Westpac Banking Corp (ASX:WBC) and this ASX dividend share are highly rated right now…

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Are you building an income portfolio? If you are, you might want to take a look at these buy-rated ASX dividend shares.

Here's what you need to know about them:

A man with a yellow background makes an annoncement, indicating share price changes on the ASX

Image source: Getty Images

Transurban Group (ASX: TCL)

The first ASX dividend share to look at this toll road operator. Transurban is the company behind major roads such as CityLink in Melbourne and the Cross City Tunnel and Eastern Distributor in Sydney.

While the pandemic hit the company hard due to a significant reduction in mobility, traffic volumes are increasing now. For example, weekly traffic on its Melbourne roads was down just 12% on 2019's levels in April.

And given the significant time-savings that its road offer, these volumes are expected to continue to rise as life returns to normal and our other (non-toll) roads get busier again.

Ord Minnett is a fan of Transurban and is forecasting a recovery in its dividends in the near future. The broker expects dividends of 37 cents per share in FY 2021 and 58 cents per share in FY 2022. Based on the current Transurban share price, this will mean yields of 2.6% and 4.1%, respectively.

The broker has a buy rating and $16.00 price target on its shares. 

Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC)

Another ASX dividend share to consider is Westpac. This banking giant has been recovering very quickly from the pandemic.

For example, it recently released its half year results and revealed cash earnings of $3,537 million. This was a 256% increase over the prior corresponding period and a 119% lift over the second half of FY 2020.

Positively, with the banking sector's outlook continuing to improve and Australia's economic recovery remaining strong, the medium term looks very positive for the bank and its shareholders.

Morgan Stanley is positive on the company. It has an overweight rating and $29.20 price target on its shares. The broker is also expecting Westpac to pay fully franked dividends per share of $1.18 and $1.25 over the next two years.

Based on the latest Westpac share price, this will mean yields of 4.7% and 5%.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro owns shares of Westpac Banking. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of Transurban Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Dividend Investing

A large clear wine glass on the left of the image filled with fifty dollar notes on a timber table with a wine cellar or cabinet with bottles in the background.
Dividend Investing

How many Fortescue shares do I need to buy for $10,000 a year in passive income?

Fortescue shares have a long track record of twice-yearly passive income payments.

Read more »

A woman has a thoughtful look on her face as she studies a fan of Australian 20 dollar bills she is holding on one hand while he rest her other hand on her chin in thought.
Dividend Investing

How much could a $500,000 ASX share portfolio pay in dividends?

A sizeable portfolio combined with reliable dividend shares can produce meaningful income.

Read more »

Person holding Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.
Dividend Investing

Morgans names 2 ASX dividend shares to buy now

The broker is expecting some attractive dividend yields from these buy-rated shares.

Read more »

Close up of woman using calculator and laptop for calculating dividends.
Dividend Investing

1 cheap Australian dividend stock down 25% to buy and hold

Every so often a reliable business falls out of favour and the income potential starts to look attractive.

Read more »

A smiling woman with a handful of $100 notes, indicating strong dividend payments
Dividend Investing

26 ASX shares with ex-dividend dates next week

In order to receive a dividend, you must own the ASX share before its ex-dividend date.

Read more »

A group of businesspeople clapping.
Dividend Investing

My 3 best ASX dividend-focused stocks to buy in March

Dividend investors on the ASX have plenty of options, but some businesses stand out for their reliability.

Read more »

Australian dollar notes in the pocket of a man's jeans, symbolising dividends.
Dividend Investing

How many Qantas shares do I need to buy for a $10,000 annual passive income?

Qantas shares resumed their passive income payouts in 2025.

Read more »

Hand holding Australian dollar (AUD) bills, symbolising ex dividend day. Passive income.
Dividend Investing

Buy this ASX 200 stock for an 11% dividend yield in 2026 and 2027: Morgans

Morgans thinks a turnaround could be starting for this beaten down stock.

Read more »