The smartest ASX dividend shares to buy with $500 right now

Analysts have put buy ratings on these shares for a reason.

| 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

If you're wanting to build an income portfolio and have $500 to invest, then it could be worth considering the three ASX dividend shares listed below.

Here's why they could be good options for those funds:

Person handing out $100 notes, symbolising ex-dividend date.

Image source: Getty Images

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)

The first ASX dividend share for smart investors to consider buying is Coles.

It is a supermarket giant with over 800 stores across the country. In addition, it has a liquor network comprising almost 1,000 stores across several brands. These include Liquorland and Vintage Cellars.

Morgans is a fan of the company. It was pleased with its first-half results but even more pleased to see its supermarkets outperform its main rival early in the second half.

In light of this, the broker is now forecasting fully franked dividends of 66 cents per share in FY 2024 and 69 cents per share in FY 2025. Based on the current Coles share price of $16.30, this will mean dividend yields of 4% and 4.2%, respectively.

Morgans currently has an add rating and an $18.70 price target on its shares.

Transurban Group (ASX: TCL)

Another ASX dividend share to consider for that $500 investment is Transurban.

It is one of the world's leading toll road operators, building and operating toll roads in Australia and North America. Among its portfolio are CityLink in Melbourne, the Eastern Distributor in Sydney, AirportlinkM7 in Brisbane, and 95 Express Lanes in the United States.

Citi is very positive on the company's outlook. In fact, its analysts believe the company will outperform expectations in FY 2024 and pay a dividend bigger than its guidance.

It is expecting dividends per share of 63 cents in FY 2024 and then 65 cents in FY 2025. Based on the current Transurban share price of $12.89, this will mean yields of 4.9% and 5%, respectively.

Citi has a buy rating and a $15.60 price target on its shares.

Universal Store Holdings Ltd (ASX: UNI)

Universal Store could be a third ASX dividend share to buy. It is the youth fashion retailer behind the eponymous Universal Store brands, as well as the Perfect Stranger, Thrills, and Worship brands.

Morgans is also a fan of the company. This is partly due to "UNI's focus on offering high quality, fashionable apparel in a well-presented store environment with high levels of service is paying off."

The broker expects this focus to support the payment of fully franked dividends per share of 26 cents in FY 2024 and 29 cents in FY 2025. Based on the current Universal Store share price of $5.50, this will mean yields of 4.7% and 5.3%, respectively.

Morgans has an add rating and a $6.50 price target on its shares.

Citigroup is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Universal Store. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Coles Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Dividend Investing

Stacks of Australian dollar currency banknotes.
Dividend Investing

Earnings season: 2 ASX income shares that just hiked their dividends

Investors just scored big dividend hikes from these stocks.

Read more »

A pink piggybank sits in a pile of autumn leaves.
Bank Shares

Buying NAB shares after the sell-off? Here's the dividend yield you'll get

NAB released its latest quarterly update this morning.

Read more »

Person handing out $100 notes, symbolising ex-dividend date.
Dividend Investing

2 ASX passive income ideas I'd use to generate $200 a month in 2027

These stocks can provide investors with good income.

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

1 ASX dividend stock down 27% I'd buy right now

This leading ASX dividend stock could be one of the best buys right now.

Read more »

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

Are BHP or CBA shares a better buy for passive income?

Should I buy CBA or BHP shares for passive income?

Read more »

ETF written in white on a multi coloured background.
Dividend Investing

Why I'd buy these 2 ASX ETFs for $10,000 a year in passive income

These two ASX ETFs provide a diversified means to earning a $10,000 yearly passive income.

Read more »

Woman holding $50 and $20 notes.
Dividend Investing

8 ASX shares going ex-dividend next week

Commonwealth Bank, Resmed, and AMP are among the ASX shares with ex-dividend dates next week.

Read more »

Woman relaxing on her phone on her couch, symbolising passive income.
Dividend Investing

Why I'd buy Telstra and these ASX dividend shares for passive income

These shares offer the type of qualities I would want from passive income investments.

Read more »