3 of the best ASX dividend shares right now

These dividend shares are growing.

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Recently it has been well covered here at The Motley Fool that both the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) and S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX) are trading close to all-time highs. 

When valuations appear full, it can be a good time for investors to consider generating passive income through dividend shares. 

Dividend shares can bring steady passive income should markets correct or stay flat. 

Here are three options to consider with healthy yields right now. 

Australian dollar notes in the pocket of a man's jeans, symbolising dividends.

Image source: Getty Images

Argo Investments Ltd (ASX: ARG)

Argo is a listed investment company (LIC) with a diversified portfolio of more than 90 ASX-listed companies. 

It has a healthy track record of consistent dividends dating back more than 20 years. 

This aligns with its ethos, as it aims to provide shareholders with long-term growth as well as reliable dividend income.

Argo released its half-year results to 31 December 2025 on Monday. 

The announcement included an interim dividend worth 18.5 cents per share for the first half of FY2026.

As Sebastian Bowen reported on Monday, this is a record high interim dividend for the company. 

It's important to note the ex-dividend date for this payout has been set for this Friday, 13 February.

This means you need to have bought Argo shares by market close on Thursday to qualify for the payment. 

The updated interim dividend means these ASX dividend shares now give the company a forward dividend yield of roughly 4.2%.

CAR Group Ltd (ASX: CAR)

Car Group is another ASX dividend stock that announced positive news for investors this week. 

On Monday, the company also released half-year results, which included a bumped up dividend payment. 

Car Group announced its next interim dividend will be 42.5 cents per share.

This is a significant jump from the interim dividend of 38.5 cents per share that investors saw last year.

The stock now has a forward dividend yield of 3.16%.

While 3.16% isn't the best yield on the market, it's the consistency of passive income that might attract investors. 

As far as dividend shares go, Car Group has now put together 10 years of consistent increases. 

Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN)

Qantas is one of Australia's most recognisable ASX dividend shares. 

New data from UBS has projected a cash dividend yield of almost 5% in 2026 including the franking credits.

Macquarie also expects Qantas to deliver a dividend yield of around 5% in FY26.

This is expected alongside further share price gains, which could bring the magical combination of capital gains and passive income. 

Its dividend is also expected to continue to grow through 2030, giving these ASX dividend shares strong long term potential. 

Qantas will release its half-year results on February 26.

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 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 recommended CAR Group Ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Dividend Investing

A woman has a thoughtful look on her face as she studies a fan of Australian 20 dollar bills she is holding on one hand while he rest her other hand on her chin in thought.
Dividend Investing

How much could a $500,000 ASX share portfolio pay in dividends?

A sizeable portfolio combined with reliable dividend shares can produce meaningful income.

Read more »

Person holding Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.
Dividend Investing

Morgans names 2 ASX dividend shares to buy now

The broker is expecting some attractive dividend yields from these buy-rated shares.

Read more »

Close up of woman using calculator and laptop for calculating dividends.
Dividend Investing

1 cheap Australian dividend stock down 25% to buy and hold

Every so often a reliable business falls out of favour and the income potential starts to look attractive.

Read more »

A smiling woman with a handful of $100 notes, indicating strong dividend payments
Dividend Investing

26 ASX shares with ex-dividend dates next week

In order to receive a dividend, you must own the ASX share before its ex-dividend date.

Read more »

A group of businesspeople clapping.
Dividend Investing

My 3 best ASX dividend-focused stocks to buy in March

Dividend investors on the ASX have plenty of options, but some businesses stand out for their reliability.

Read more »

Australian dollar notes in the pocket of a man's jeans, symbolising dividends.
Dividend Investing

How many Qantas shares do I need to buy for a $10,000 annual passive income?

Qantas shares resumed their passive income payouts in 2025.

Read more »

Hand holding Australian dollar (AUD) bills, symbolising ex dividend day. Passive income.
Dividend Investing

Buy this ASX 200 stock for an 11% dividend yield in 2026 and 2027: Morgans

Morgans thinks a turnaround could be starting for this beaten down stock.

Read more »

Three happy office workers cheer as they read about good financial news on a laptop.
Dividend Investing

2 buy-rated ASX dividend shares for income investors in March

Brokers think these shares are top buys for income investors.

Read more »