2 of the best ASX dividend stocks to buy now

Let's find out why the broker is feeling bullish about these dividend payers.

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If you are searching for ASX dividend stocks to buy this week, then it could be worth listening to what Bell Potter is saying about the two in this article.

They have been named on the broker's Australian equities panel, which are the stocks it believes offer attractive risk-adjusted returns over the long term.

Here's what the broker is saying about these income options:

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Aspen Group Limited (ASX: APZ)

Bell Potter is very positive on Aspen Group and sees it as an ASX dividend stock to buy. The broker currently has a buy rating and $2.75 price target on its shares.

Aspen Group is a leading provider of quality affordable accommodation across residential, land lease, and holiday park communities.

Commenting on the company, the broker said:

Aspen Group specialises in providing affordable accommodation and is one of Bell Potter's top picks in the real estate space, with a positive runway supported by undersupply in the Australian housing market. Valued at a small discount to NTA and trading at a lower PE compared to the sector average, Aspen is well-positioned for potential upside as it targets ASX 300 inclusion.

In respect to income, Bell Potter is forecasting dividends per share of 10 cents in FY 2025 and then 10.3 cents in FY 2026. Based on the current Aspen share price of $2.38, this will mean dividend yields of 4.2% and 4.3%, respectively.

Universal Store Holdings Ltd (ASX: UNI)

Another ASX dividend share that features on the broker's Australian equities panel at present is Universal Store. Bell Potter has a buy rating and $8.85 price target on its shares.

Universal Store is the youth fashion focused retailer behind the eponymous Universal Store brand, as well as Perfect Stranger and Thrills.

Bell Potter likes the company due to its attractive valuation and positive growth outlook. It explains:

Universal is a leading youth focused apparel, footwear and accessories retailer in Australia. UNI has ~80 stores under its flagship 'Universal Store' brand and is expanding private label brands by growing the standalone format of 'Perfect Stranger' and 'Thrills' with more than 100 stores in total. Management execution remains a key strength for UNI and we prefer the name given the store roll-out & brand growth strategy, margin expansion via private label product penetration (currently ~46%) and strong earnings trajectory.

As for dividends, the broker is forecasting fully franked dividends of 31.4 cents in FY 2025 and then 36.8 cents in FY 2026. Based on its current share price of $8.10, this will mean dividend yields of 3.9% and 4.5%, respectively.

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 positions in and has recommended Aspen Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Aspen Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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