2 buy-rated ASX dividend shares

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

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

Male hands holding Australian dollar banknotes, symbolising dividends.
Dividend Investing

2 ASX passive income share ideas I'd use to generate $700 a month in 2027

I’m excited about the dividend potential of these stocks.

Read more »

Happy man holding Australian dollar notes, representing dividends.
Dividend Investing

ASX ETF investors will receive dividends today. Here is how much you'll get

Own Global X ETFs such as A300, ZYAU, BANK, or OZXX? It's payday!

Read more »

Work colleagues discussing finance charts and graphs on a laptop computer and tablet in their office.
Dividend Investing

Insurance Australia Group vs Medibank: Which is the more reliable passive income stock?

I compare IAG and Medibank on dividends, franking, and value to assess which is more likely to appeal to passive…

Read more »

Person holding Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.
Dividend Investing

75% of my dividends come from these 4 ASX shares (and I want to buy more)

I rate these stocks as top options for dividend income.

Read more »

Numerous Australian dollar notes laid out.
Dividend Investing

Aurizon Holdings vs Atlas Arteria: Which ASX 200 high-yield share wins for reliable passive income?

Aurizon and Atlas Arteria both offer yields above 6%, but which is the safer option?

Read more »

Smiling woman with her head and arm on a desk holding $100 notes, symbolising dividends.
Dividend Investing

Vanguard ETFs will pay dividends today. Here's how much

Vanguard manages some of the most popular ASX ETFs including VAS, VHY, VGS, and VEQ.

Read more »

Man holding Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.
Dividend Investing

2 ASX dividend shares with 40% to 120% upside

A leading broker sees big yields and bigger returns on offer here.

Read more »

Woman holding $50 and $20 notes.
Dividend Investing

Dividend payday for ASX ETF investors! Here is how much you'll get

Own ASX A200, DHHF, or other Betashares ETFs? You will receive dividends today.

Read more »