Brokers name 2 ASX dividend stocks to buy now

Let's see what brokers are saying about these income stocks.

| 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

There are a lot of ASX dividend stocks to choose from on the local share market.

But which ones could be in the buy zone right now?

Let's take a look at two that brokers are tipping as buys. Here's what they are saying about them:

A man holding a cup of coffee puts his thumb up and smiles with a laptop open.

Image source: Getty Images

NIB Holdings Limited (ASX: NHF)

The first ASX dividend stock could be a buy according to brokers is NIB Holdings.

It is a leading provider of health and medical insurance to over 1.6 million Australian and New Zealand residents. It also provides health insurance to around 200,000 international students and workers in Australia.

The team at Goldman Sachs is positive on the company. This is due in part to its defensive earnings and the announcement of sizeable premium increases. Commenting on the latter, the broker said:

The Australian Department of Health and Aged Care released the PHI approved rate increases applicable from Apr-25. The approved rate increase for MPL (Neutral) was 3.99% (v GSF of 3.5%) and NHF (Buy) at 5.79% (v GSF of 5%) – both stronger than we were expecting. NHF was the highest out of the majors with BUPA getting 5.1% and HCF 4.95%.

We remind that the NSW bed rate impact is worth about ~0.4% to MPL's margin or $29m and ~0.8% to NHF's margin or $20m. Overall, we think these approved rate increases will be viewed favourably (particularly in an election year) and should support margins.

In respect to income, Goldman believes that NIB will pay fully franked dividends of 27 cents per share in FY 2025 and 29 cents per share in FY 2026. Based on its current share price of $6.35, this equates to dividend yields of 4.3% and 4.6%, respectively, for income investors.

Goldman currently has a buy rating and $7.00 price target on its shares.

Perpetual Ltd (ASX: PPT)

Another ASX dividend stock that is being tipped as a buy by brokers is diversified financial services company Perpetual.

Bell Potter is feeling positive about the company even with its demerger plans looking doubtful. It said:

With the demerger of the CT + WM businesses in doubt, the short-term investment thesis aligns with the priorities identified by the new CEO to improve the performance and valuation of the asset management business. In the medium to longer term, there should be upside from growth through the global distribution and range of capabilities.

In the meantime, Bell Potter is forecasting partially franked dividends per share of $1.28 in FY 2025 and then $1.56 in FY 2026. Based on its current share price of $23.33, this equates to dividend yields of 5.5% and 6.7%, respectively.

Bell Potter has a buy rating and $25.40 price target on its shares.

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 Goldman Sachs Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended NIB Holdings. 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

An older couple use a calculator to work out what money they have to spend.
Dividend Investing

100,720 shares of this high-yield ASX dividend stock pay income equal to the Age Pension

Generating a full income from dividends sounds appealing, but how much do you actually need?

Read more »

Australian dollar notes in businessman pocket suit, symbolising ex dividend day.
Dividend Investing

2 ASX shares with dividend yields above 7%

Large yields could be very appealing right now.

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 50% I'd buy

This ASX dividend stock has been under pressure. But looking ahead, there are signs the story could be starting to…

Read more »

Man holding out $50 and $100 notes in his hands, symbolising ex dividend.
Share Market News

How much do I need to invest in ASX shares to earn a $500 monthly passive income?

A $500 per month passive income is more achievable than you'd think.

Read more »

Growth of ASX share price represented by tiny beans stalk shooting up into the sky
Dividend Investing

3 ASX dividend shares I'd hold through anything

This trio has scale, resilience, and cash flow to endure market cycles.

Read more »

Two players on a field pump their fists in the air, indicating two of the best
Dividend Investing

Bell Potter names the best ASX dividend shares to buy

The broker has named these shares as best buys this month.

Read more »

Man holding out Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.
Dividend Investing

Down 40%: These high-yield ASX dividend shares are rated as buys

Brokers expect these buy-rated shares to offer 6% to 11% dividend yields.

Read more »

A young bearded man wearing a white t-shirt with a yellow backdrop holds up his arms to his chest and points to the camera in celebration of ASX shares rising today
Dividend Investing

1 ASX dividend stock up 20% that I'd hold through any market

I think this classic defensive ASX dividend company is a no-brainer buy and long-term hold.

Read more »