Dividend stocks remain one of the most dependable ways to build long-term wealth on the ASX.
If you have $5,000 to put to work today, spreading that across a few high-quality dividend payers could be a smart move.
But which stocks?
Here are three ASX dividend stocks that analysts think could be buys right now. They are as follows:
National Storage REIT (ASX: NSR)
UBS rates National Storage REIT as a buy and has a $2.80 price target on its shares.
It is Australia and New Zealand's largest self-storage operator, managing more than 230 storage centres across both countries.
The ASX dividend stock benefits from predictable, recurring revenue as individuals and businesses rent storage units for the long term. Demand for self-storage has proven remarkably resilient, supported by population growth, urbanisation, and lifestyle trends such as downsizing and flexible workspaces.
Citi expects this demand to underpin dividends per share of 11.8 cents in FY 2026 and then 12.3 cents in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $2.43, this would mean dividend yields of 4.9% and 5.1%, respectively.
Rural Funds Group (ASX: RFF)
If you're looking for stable, inflation-linked income, Rural Funds Group deserves a spot on your watchlist. Bell Potter rates it as a buy with a $2.45 price target on its shares.
This real estate investment trust owns a portfolio of high-quality Australian agricultural assets, including almond orchards, vineyards, macadamia farms, and cattle properties, which it leases to well-established operators.
Rural Funds' income is largely insulated from market volatility, with rental revenues largely tied to inflation, providing steady and predictable returns.
Bell Potter expects this to underpin dividends per share of 11.7 cents in FY 2026 and FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $1.95, this equates to dividend yields of 6% for both years.
Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)
Telstra is Australia's largest telecommunications company. Macquarie thinks it would be a good pick for income investors and has an outperform rating and $5.04 price target on its shares.
After years of industry turbulence, Telstra has emerged stronger, streamlining its operations, cutting costs, and benefitting from growing demand for mobile data and 5G connectivity.
Macquarie expects this demand to support the payment of fully franked dividends of 20 cents per share in FY 2026 and then 21 cents per share in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $4.90, this would mean dividend yields of 4.1% and 4.3%, respectively.
