2 excellent ASX dividend shares rated as buys

Analysts rate these ASX dividend shares highly…

With interest rates likely to remain at low levels for some time to come, dividend shares may remain the best way to generate a passive income for a while yet.

But which dividend shares should you consider? Two that have been given buy ratings are listed below:

asx dividend shares represented by tree made entirely of money

Image source: Getty Images

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)

The first ASX dividend share to look at is Coles. It could be a quality option due to its strong market position, cost cutting and automation plans, and its favourable dividend policy.

And while its sales and earnings may go in reverse in the immediate term due to elevated sales from a year earlier, it is expected to return to growth again once the tough comparables ease.

Goldman Sachs expects this to be the case and is forecasting solid dividend growth in both FY 2021 and FY 2022. The broker has pencilled in fully franked dividends per share of 62 cents per share in FY 2021 and then 67 cents per share in FY 2022.

Based on the latest Coles share price of $17.05, this will mean yields of 3.6% and 3.9%, respectively. Goldman has a buy rating and $19.40 price target on the supermarket giant's shares.

Transurban Group (ASX: TCL)

Another ASX dividend share to consider is Transurban. It is one of the world's leading toll road operators that owns a portfolio of key roads across Australia and North America.

Although traffic volumes have been under pressure because of the pandemic, they continue to improve as restrictions ease and mobility increases. This bodes well for its distributions in the coming years after lower than normal payouts because of COVID-19.

One broker that remains positive on Transurban and is expecting it distributions to rebound strongly is Macquarie. Last week it put an outperform rating and $15.20 price target on the company's shares.

Macquarie is forecasting dividends of 36 cents per share in FY 2021 and then 59.1 cents per share in FY 2022. Based on the latest Transurban share price of $14.49, this will mean yields of 2.5% and then 4.1%.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended COLESGROUP DEF SET. 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

How many BHP shares do I need to buy for $10,000 of passive income?

The mining giant is one of the Australian share market's biggest dividend payers.

Read more »

Man with his hands out as if pondering his options.
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

Do you own this ASX dividend ETF? Fundie explains why 'we aren't fans'

This ASX ETF aims to maximise income using covered call options.

Read more »

Australian dollar notes in a nest, symbolising a nest egg.
Dividend Investing

2 ASX dividend shares with yields above 7%

These businesses are providing significant passive income.

Read more »

A man closely watches a clock.
Dividend Investing

17 ASX shares going ex-dividend next week

Washington H. Soul Pattinson, Perenti, Civmec, and other ASX shares are set to go ex-dividend.

Read more »

A businessman's hands surround a circular graphic with a United States flag and dollar signs.
Dividend Investing

IVV ETF and other iShares funds are paying dividends today. Here's how much

Aussie investors love the IVV ETF, which tracks the US benchmark S&P 500 Index.

Read more »

Elderly woman typing on a laptop.
Dividend Investing

Wesfarmers vs Coles: Which dividend share is better for retirees?

Wesfarmers and Coles are ASX dividend titans for retirees, but I think one shades the other right now.

Read more »

House models with REIT written on one.
Dividend Investing

3 ASX real estate investment trusts paying a dividend yield of more than 7%

If you're after income, these shares could be worth a look.

Read more »

Small kid giving a thumbs up.
Dividend Investing

$4,000 buys 3,065 shares in an impressively reliable ASX dividend stock

This investment is paying incredibly impressive dividends.

Read more »