With interest rates heading lower this year, now could be the time to turn to ASX dividend stocks for income.
But which stocks would be good picks for income investors? Let's take a look at two that analysts are tipping as buys. They are as follows:
Harvey Norman Holdings Limited (ASX: HVN)
The first ASX dividend stock that could help income investors beat low interest rates is Harvey Norman.
It is of course a household goods, electronics, and furniture retail giant that operates a network of company-owned and franchised stores across Australia and internationally.
The team at Bell Potter thinks that Harvey Norman would be a great option for investors right now. This is due to its attractive valuation and positive outlook being underpinned partly by the artificial intelligence (AI) megatrend. It explains:
We see HVN trading attractively at ~15x on a 1-year forward basis with multiple catalysts near/midterm such as improving sales trends in key markets assisted by a sizable upside from the AI driven upgrade cycle/replacement & spend shift to tech, gaining penetration in targeted regions in the UK in addition to the incremental earnings opportunities in its Property division as Australia's largest single owner with a $4.4b global portfolio.
In respect to dividends, Bell Potter is forecasting fully franked payouts of 25.4 cents per share in FY 2025 and then 28.1 cents per share in FY 2026. Based on the current Harvey Norman share price of $5.17, this would mean attractive dividend yields of 4.9% and 5.4%, respectively.
Bell Potter also sees plenty of upside for its shares. It has a buy rating and $6.00 price target on them.
Steadfast Group Ltd (ASX: SDF)
Another ASX dividend stock that could be a buy is Steadfast. It is an insurance broker group that provides commercial insurance solutions for SME clients.
Goldman Sachs is bullish on the company. This is due to its strong market position and the favourable operating environment. The broker explains:
We like SDF because of the industry structure favouring insurance brokers. 1) Premium rate environment remains supportive of organic growth trends (albeit moderating); 2) Little to no exposure to underwriting risk with revenues largely dependent on premiums written; 3) An opportunity to acquire EPS accretively with unlisted acquisitions at multiples accretive to earnings (including offshore); 4) A defensive business model which is relatively resilient to economic activity; 5) Valuation appeal compared to global peers.
The broker is forecasting fully franked dividends per share of 20 cents in FY 2025, 22 cents in FY 2026, and then 23 cents in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $5.83, this equates to dividend yields of 3.4%, 3.8%, and 3.95%, respectively.
Goldman Sachs currently has a buy rating and $6.50 price target on its shares.
