2 of the best ASX dividend shares to buy in December

Let's see why these shares could be best buys according to the broker.

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Key points

  • Harvey Norman is highlighted as a top dividend pick for its extensive property portfolio and diverse retail operations, offering attractive yields and growth potential despite current market conditions.
  • Universal Store is noted for its promising growth trajectory and undervaluation, with strategic brand expansions and strong market positioning expected to drive future performance.
  • Both companies are forecasted to offer significant dividend yields over the next couple of years, appealing to investors seeking income and growth in their portfolios.

There are lots of ASX dividend shares to choose from on the local market.

To narrow things down, let's take a look at two that Bell Potter thinks are among the best to buy in December.

Here's what the broker is saying about them:

Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN)

This leading household goods retailer could be one of the best ASX dividend shares to buy now according to Bell Potter.

It highlights that the company is one of the most diversified retailers in terms of both categories and regions, while also benefitting from its significant property portfolio. It commented:

Despite the strong re-rate in the name, HVN trades at ~2.0x market capitalisation to freehold property value as Australia's single largest owner in large format retail with a global portfolio surpassing $4.5b and collectively owning ~40% of their stores (franchised in Australia and company operated offshore). This sees our view that of the 1-year forward ~19x P/E multiple as justified considering the multiple catalysts near/mid-term.

Bell Potter has a buy rating and $8.30 price target on its shares.

As for income, the broker is forecasting fully franked dividends of 30.9 cents per share in FY 2026 and then 35.3 cents per share in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $7.32, this would mean dividend yields of 4.2% and 4.8%, respectively.

Universal Store Holdings Ltd (ASX: UNI)

Another ASX dividend share that has been rated as a best buy by Bell Potter is Universal Store.

It is a leading youth focused apparel, footwear, and accessories retailer with around ~85 stores under its flagship Universal Store brand. It is also expanding its presence with stand-alone formats for its private label brands Perfect Stranger and Thrills stores.

Bell Potter thinks its shares are undervalued, especially given its positive growth outlook. It said:

At ~18x FY26e P/E (BPe), we see UNI trading at a discount to the ASX300 peer group and see the multiple justified by the distinctive growth traits supporting consistent outperformance in a challenging category, longer term opportunity with three brands, organic gross margin expansion via private label product penetration (currently ~55%) and management execution.

While catalysts associated with further interest rate cuts for Australia in CY25 are not imminent post the third rate cut in August, we continue to see the youth customer prioritising on-trend streetwear and expect UNI to benefit with their leading position.

The broker has a buy rating and $10.50 price target on its shares.

With respect to dividends, Bell Potter is forecasting fully franked payouts of 37.3 cents per share in FY 2026 and then 41.4 cents per share in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $8.41, this would mean dividend yields of 4.4% and 4.9%, respectively.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Universal Store. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Harvey Norman. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Universal Store. 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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