Brokers say these 3 ASX dividend shares are top buys

Let's see why they think these shares could be buys for income investors right now.

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If you're looking to boost your income portfolio with some dividend-paying ASX shares, then it could be worth checking out the three listed below.

That's because brokers have named them as buys are forecasting some attractive dividend yields in the near term. Here's what they are recommending:

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Nick Scali Limited (ASX: NCK)

The first ASX dividend share that could be a buy is furniture retailer Nick Scali.

Its shares are trading well below their peak and at a level that Macquarie thinks is very attractive.

The broker was impressed by the company's recent earnings beat, highlighting a "significant uNPAT beat of 28% to the mid-point of guidance supported by GM% ahead of expectations."

Macquarie expects the positive form to continue and underpin fully franked dividends of 54.1 cents in FY 2025 and then 66.2 cents in FY 2026. Based on its current share price of $16.11, this would mean dividend yields of 3.4% and 4.1% respectively at current prices.

Macquarie has an outperform rating and $19.90 price target​ on its shares.

Smartgroup Corporation Ltd (ASX: SIQ)

Another ASX dividend share that has been given the thumbs up by brokers is salary packaging and fleet services provider Smartgroup.

Bell Potter sees it as a high-quality income stock, highlighting its attractive valuation, defensive earnings, positive outlook as reasons to buy. It said:

SIQ looks well priced given a fwd P/E of ~14.5x, a defensive client base, earnings tailwinds from the Electric Car Discount Bill (exempts low or zero emission vehicles from Fringe Benefits Tax), an ROE of ~30% and a strong balance sheet.

The broker expects this to underpin fully franked dividends per share of 60.8 cents in FY 2025 and then 64.4 cents in FY 2026. Based on its current share price of $7.51, this will mean dividend yields of 8.1% and 8.6%, respectively.

Bell Potter currently has a buy rating on Smartgroup's shares with a $10.15 price target.

Universal Store Holdings Ltd (ASX: UNI)

Finally, youth fashion retailer Universal Store could be another ASX dividend share to buy according to analysts.

Macquarie is positive about the company and recently named it as one of the best small to mid sized cap stocks to buy.

The broker highlights that "UNI continues to win market share, with ongoing store roll-out supporting network sales growth."

It expects this to position Universal Store to pay fully franked dividends of 33.8 cents in FY 2025 and then 39.5 cents in FY 2026. Based on its current share price of $8.12, this will mean dividend yields of 4.15% and 4.9%, respectively.

Macquarie has an outperform rating and $9.80 price target​ on its shares.

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 Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group and Smartgroup. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Nick Scali. 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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