ASX defensive shares can reassure investors with stable earnings and dependable business models.
There are higher levels of uncertainty this year because of the US tariff situation as well as conflict in multiple places.
Businesses that generate sturdy profits could see more resilient share prices, ongoing dividend payments and let us sleep easier at night.
I believe the three ASX defensive shares below are some of the most dependable ones that Aussies can buy.
APA Group (ASX: APA)
This is one of the most impressive energy-related businesses on the ASX, in my opinion. It owns and operates giant gas pipeline network around Australia, transporting half of the nation's usage. It has other gas-related assets including gas processing, gas storage and gas-powered energy generation. APA also has solar farms, wind farms and electricity transmission assets.
Australia will continue to need energy, particularly gas, during the next couple of decades. As the country moves away from coal, the gas industry will be essential as baseload power while other energy generation is developed.
The ASX defensive share's revenue growth is predominantly linked to inflation, so I think it's quite likely that revenue and earnings can climb for the foreseeable future. Falling interest rates could also help the profit generation and cash flow. Unlocking ongoing strong distributions for investors.
Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)
Telstra is Australia's leading telecommunications business in a number of ways, including having the most users and the strongest mobile network.
Households and businesses alike seem to place a high importance on having an internet connection these days, so I don't think subscribers will disconnect just because of an ongoing conflict or US tariffs. Therefore, I think Telstra's earnings are very defensive.
The ASX defensive share is seeing steady earnings growth thanks to both rising subscriber numbers and increasing average revenue per user (ARPU) because of mobile price rises.
Telstra is using its rising profit generation to invest in its network and also to pay a rising dividend to shareholders.
The company is working hard at increasing its market leadership with 5G, which makes it a compelling option for growth too, in my view.
Charter Hall Long WALE REIT (ASX: CLW)
This is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that's invested in a number of different areas including service stations, hotels/pubs, government-tenanted offices, data centres and telecommunications, grocery and distribution, food manufacturing and plenty more.
One of the most appealing elements of this ASX defensive share is that the tenants are signed on for long-term leases, providing security and visibility for investors.
In the FY25 half-year result, the business reported a weighted average lease expiry (WALE) of 9.7 years. To have almost a decade of rental income locked in with blue-chip tenants is an excellent characteristic.
As a pleasing bonus, the business pays out all of its rental profits each year to investors, providing a high level of passive income.
