In a note to clients on the broker's tips for 2026, the Bell Potter team said there were a number of reasons to be positive on the sector, "and expect that macro-driven weakness could be met with valuation support''.

This was because they expected earnings growth to come from a variety of factors, including growth in rental incomes, the potential for debt-funded acquisitions, and stable underlying property fundamentals with occupancy rates strong across most sectors except for offices.

So who do they like in the sector?

Aspen Group (ASX: APZ)

This real estate investor targets the provision of "affordable accommodation" to households with income of less than $100,000, Bell Potter says, adding that it is a "very defensive" market segment.

It went on to say:

The national undersupply equation means that this will remain a crucial pillar of the housing market and will be upheld by robust demand and government subsidy for the foreseeable future.

The Bell Potter team said they see "strong runway ahead" for Aspen, which upgraded its earnings outlook in its first-quarter update, and there was "further risk to the upside" for the remainder of the year.

Aspen is a recent ASX300 inclusion but remains under-owned across the market, and recent inclusion into EPRA NAREIT should underpin additional index/ passive buying.

Bell Potter has a $5.95 price target on Aspen shares compared with $5.57 currently.

Centuria Industrial REIT (ASX: CIP)

Centuria, the Bell Potter team said, is Australia's largest pure-play industrial real estate investment trust, with $3.9 billion in total assets.

The trust's portfolio is 85% metro infill, mostly on the eastern seaboard, diversified across 87 assets altogether.

The Bell Potter team went on to say:

The capital transaction market for industrial has improved significantly across calendar year 2025, and indeed, we see strong runway for the sector and in turn valuations into calendar year 2026 with material levels of dry powder capital already raised awaiting deployment.  Centuria provides access to a best in class, scaled, east coast portfolio of industrial property yet trades at a circa 14% discount to net tangible assets.

Bell Potter has a $3.65 price target on the shares compared with $3.37 currently.

Region Group (ASX: RGN)

This company is Australia's largest landlord of neighbourhood shopping centres, Bell Potter said, with its 100 or so assets providing "highly resilient" income, with about 90% of rent derived from non-discretionary tenants.

The Bell Potter team went on to say:

As a result Region has historically (and likely will continue to) outperformed the market during volatile equity markets – a characteristic we find particularly attractive in the current climate.

The analysts said there were several positive signals in the market, including robust population growth, strong non-discretionary tenant sales, an undersupply of retail floor space, and increased capital appetite for the sector.

They added:

Whilst the immediate catalyst is valuation uplift, we also see a strong case for medium-term rental growth.

Bell Potter has a $2.70 price target on the shares compared with $2.44 currently.

The post Bell Potter favours these three real estate stocks heading into 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The company owns, develops, and operates residential, retirement and holiday park communities across Australia.

It is a leading provider of quality affordable accommodation to the 40% of Australians who are unable to afford more than $400/week rent or $400,000 house prices. 

A year ago, this REIT was trading for approximately $2.50 each. Last week, it closed at $5.22. 

The team at Bell Potter has just released fresh analysis on Aspen Group, indicating there is more upside potential. 

The broker has maintained its buy recommendation and bumped up its target price to $5.95 (previously $4.85). 

Let's see what was behind the upgrade. 

Aspen Group in good shape and under-owned

The team at Bell Potter said Aspen Group is in "good shape."

It noted the company's Parks division is travelling ahead of FY25 as well. 

APZ remains well capitalised with c.$113m of undrawn debt capacity on hand to fund further acquisitions and planned development capex, and remains under-owned despite recent ASX300 inclusion with recent register holding increases from already substantial shareholders.

The broker also highlighted FY26 YTD settlements and contracts on hand have increased to 137, representing 91% of recently upgraded FY26 guidance for 150 settlements. 

New FY27 settlement target of 200 is pointing towards >2x delivered in FY24 (97), with APZ seeing an acceleration in sales at 91 over the last 4 months.

Aspen Group currently has 10 projects contributing to earnings, growing shortly to 15 in total.

Buy recommendation

Bell Potter listed key reasons for its buy recommendation on this ASX REIT. 

The broker said Aspen's target tenant/owner sits within a very defensive segment of the market – affordable living. 

The national undersupply equation means that this will remain a crucial pillar of the housing market, and will be upheld by strong demand and government subsidy for the foreseeable future.

Bell Potter also said the ASX REIT has delivered compelling risk-adjusted returns over time, yet plays in what is otherwise a low-yielding category of residential and derivatives for rent (and sell). 

Focus on total return we believe puts APZ in good stead ahead.

Based on the updated target price of $5.95, there is approximately 14% upside from Friday's closing price of $5.22. 

The post Bell Potter just upgraded its view on this booming REIT appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Put simply, REITs are companies that own and operate property assets that typically produce income.

These properties can be residential – like apartment blocks. They can also be commercial – offices, hospitals, shopping centres, warehouses. 

There are a few reasons investors may turn to REIT stocks. 

The REIT upside

For many investors, buying a block of flats or a warehouse is simply too expensive. 

However, ASX-listed REITs can be an attractive investment because they provide exposure to the property market without the large upfront capital, debt, or management responsibilities required when purchasing real estate directly. 

Historically, REITs have predictable cash flows and dividend distributions and offer some capital growth opportunities.

One in particular that has shot ahead of the market this past year is Aspen Group Ltd (ASX: APZ). 

A strong 12 months 

Aspen Group Ltd (ASX: APZ) is a property investment and development company. 

It operates across Residential, Retirement, Tourism and Mixed-Use, Corporate, and Other segments, managing assets ranging from apartments and retirement communities to tourism parks and corporate accommodation.

Over the last year, its share price has risen from $2.19 to $4.31 – a 96% rise.

To put that into context, a $5,000 investment a year ago would now be worth $9,840. 

The company reported strong results for FY 25 including Underlying Operating Earnings up 22% from pcp and Net Asset Value up 14%. 

It also reported: 

• EBITDA up 29% to $41.4m
• Underlying Operating Earnings up 35% to $34.1m
• Distribution up 18% to 10.0 cents per security

Can it continue?

Speaking on FY 26 guidance, the company announced guidance would be ahead of 2025: 

• Underlying Operating EBITDA of $47.0m – up 14%
• Underlying EPS of 19.0 cents – up 13%
• DPS of 11.0 cents – up 10%"

The company said: 

Aspen Group has a massive opportunity to profitably increase in scale given the structural shortages of quality accommodation for the majority of Australian households.

Despite already rising significantly in the past 12 months, broker Bell Potter believes there's more room for growth. 

The broker has a "buy" recommendation and price target of $4.85. 

From yesterday's closing price of $4.31, this indicates a further upside of 12.5%. 

The post This ASX REIT stock is a runaway train with more room to grow!  appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

That's because Bell Potter has just put buy ratings on two ASX shares and believes they could deliver strong returns over the next 12 months.

Here's what the broker is tipping as buys:

Aspen Group Ltd (ASX: APZ)

The first ASX share that Bell Potter is tipping as a buy is Aspen Group. It is a leading provider of quality affordable accommodation.

Bell Potter was pleased with its full year results, highlighting that "underlying operating EPS of 16.8c a small beat to BPe and upgraded guidance (+1%) and in line with Bloomberg consensus." It also notes that its earnings guidance for FY 2026 of 19 cents per share was in line with expectations.

In response, the broker has retained its buy rating on the company's shares with an improved price target of $4.85 (from $3.90). Based on its current share price, this implies potential upside of 12% for investors over the next 12 months. It also expects a ~2.5% dividend yield, boosting the total potential return to ~15%.

Commenting on its buy recommendation, the broker said:

APZ remains well placed in FY26 notwithstanding the watershed year FY25 proved. Balance sheet remains under-levered (13% pre-Adelaide settlement), valuations highlight still undemanding NTA basis, ASX300 inclusion is imminent (Sept '25) and while static valuation metrics look more fulsome, roll forward (PEG) highlights <2x underpinned by sector-high 3yr EPS CAGR of 11.7% today which we think has upside.

Bega Cheese Ltd (ASX: BGA)

Another ASX share that Bell Potter is bullish on is diversified food company Bega Cheese.

It was pleased with the Vegemite owner's full year results and believes that it is well-positioned to deliver on its FY 2028 EBITDA target of $250 million.

In light of this, the broker thinks its shares are being undervalued by the market right now. It has put a buy rating and $7.00 price target on the ASX share, which suggests that upside of approximately 25% is possible from current levels. A dividend yield of 2.1% is also expected in FY 2026.

Speaking about Bega Cheese's outlook and its recommendation, Bell Potter said:

Our Buy rating is unchanged. Following recent restructuring announcements with regard to the closure of Strathmerton and winding down of the PCA operations, there appears a clear pathway towards a $250-270m EBITDA target. If successful in generating this return and having consideration for the cash costs to achieve this target (c$85-100m), it would imply a share price of $8.00-9.00ps (at BGA's historical ~12x EBITDA multiple).

In effect BGA now has a clearly articulated strategy to generating >20%pa EPS growth to FY28e, with upside should it participate in the current wave of industry consolidation (i.e. Fonterra Australia).

The post Bell Potter says these ASX shares are buys for 15% to ~30% returns appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

They have been named by analysts at Bell Potter as the best ASX real estate shares to buy in FY 2026. Here's what it is recommending:

Aspen Group Ltd (ASX: APZ)

The first share that gets the thumbs up from Bell Potter is Aspen Group. It is a leading provider of quality, affordable accommodation to Australian households with income under $100,000 per annum.

Bell Potter believes it is in a strong position to grow its earnings at a solid rate in the coming years. It explains:

The group has a sector agnostic, high ROE focus on sub-sectors that are nonfungible and repeatable over time. APZ's target tenant/owner sits within a very defensive segment of the market – affordable living. The national undersupply equation means that this will remain a crucial pillar of the housing market and will be upheld by robust demand and government subsidy for the foreseeable future.

APZ has upgraded guidance 3 times in FY25, and has recently stated intentions for at least 10% EPS growth over the medium term (we see upside to this, BPe c.13% 3 year EPS CAGR).

The broker has a buy rating and $3.90 price target on its shares.

Cedar Woods Properties Ltd (ASX: CWP)

Another ASX real estate share that could be a buy is property developer Cedar Woods.

The broker believes that it is well-placed for growth thanks to Australia's chronic housing shortage. It said:

CWP's pipeline is diversified by product type, price point and geography, enabling them to maintain smooth earnings throughout the cycle to ride the tailwind that is Australia's undersupply of housing.

We believe CWP is being held down (c.+15% premium to NTA vs long-term +30%) by noise from larger residential peers, and not being appropriately rated by the market (only 11x & 10x 1 year & 2 year FWD PE) for its exposure (soon to be earnings) to stronger markets such as WA, SA and SEQ. The longstanding management have a track record of being conservative (and beating) guidance, so the (1) +15% NPAT growth target set in April and (2) commentary around strong growth in FY26 demonstrates the strong level of confidence in how things are going.

Bell Potter has a buy rating and $7.30 price target on its shares.

Region Re Ltd (ASX: RGN)

Finally, Australia's largest landlord of neighbourhood shopping centres could be an ASX real estate share to buy in FY 2026 according to the broker.

It thinks its shares are being undervalued by the market, creating an opportunity for investors. The broker explains:

At current levels (trading in-line with NTA) we believe the market is not ascribing any value to the likelihood of cap rate compression (and hence valuation growth) across RGN's portfolio. This is despite several positive signals in the direct market: robust population growth, strong non-discretionary tenant sales, undersupply of retail floorspace and increased capital appetite for neighbourhood retail assets.

Whilst the immediate catalyst is valuation uplift, we also see a strong case for medium-term rental growth (c.15% under rented vs. benchmark; 8.9% occupancy cost low vs historical levels/peers), adding to our longer-term conviction in the stock.

Bell Potter has a buy rating and $2.65 price target on its shares.

The post The best ASX real estate shares to buy in FY26 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

That's because the three listed below could be top picks right now according to analysts. Here's what they are saying about them:

Aspen Group Limited (ASX: APZ)

The team at Bell Potter thinks that Aspen Group could be an ASX dividend share to buy. It is a leading provider of quality affordable accommodation across residential, land lease, and holiday park communities.

Bell Potter believes the company is well-placed to outperform its guidance. It said: "Based on undemanding sales / settlement underwriting assumptions, and current contracts on hand we see upside risk to conservative settlement guidance (FY25/26/27 110/140/170 vs. 114/152/179 BPe), which boosts earnings above APZ medium term growth expectations, notwithstanding considerable balance sheet capacity to hand."

As for income, it is forecasting dividends per share of 10 cents in FY 2025, 10.5 cents in FY 2026, and then 11 cents in FY 2027. Based on the current Aspen share price of $3.59, this will mean dividend yields of 2.8%, 2.9%, and 3.1%, respectively.

The broker currently has a buy rating and $3.90 price target on its shares.

IPH Ltd (ASX: IPH)

Morgans has named IPH as an ASX dividend share to buy. It is a intellectual property (IP) services company operating across the globe through a number of brands. This includes AJ Park, Smart & Biggar, and Spruson & Ferguson.

The broker believes that its shares are being undervalued by the market right now. It highlights that "IPH's valuation is undemanding (~10.8x FY25F PE), however investor patience is required given the delivery of organic growth looks to be the catalyst for a re-rating."

As for income, the broker is forecasting fully franked dividends of 35 cents per share in FY 2025 and then 36 cents per share in FY 2026. Based on the current IPH share price of $4.78, this will mean dividend yields of 7.3% and 7.5%, respectively.

Morgans has an add rating and $6.30 price target on its shares.

National Storage REIT (ASX: NSR)

Analysts at Citi think that National Storage could be an ASX dividend share to buy.

It is the largest self-storage provider in the Australia and New Zealand region with over 260 locations and almost 100,000 residential and commercial customers.

The team at Citi is bullish on the company. It believes National Storage is well-placed to benefit from falling interest rates and highlights its strong occupancy levels.

The broker expects this to underpin dividends per share of 11.3 cents in FY 2025 and then 11.8 cents in FY 2026.  Based on its current share price of $2.32, equates to dividend yields of 4.9% and 5.1%, respectively.

Citi has a buy rating and $2.70 price target on its shares.

The post 3 top ASX dividend shares for income investors to buy appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Four ASX shares that have failed to follow the market higher today are listed below. Here's why they are falling:

Aspen Group Ltd (ASX: APZ)

The Aspen Group share price is down 2% to $3.39. This morning, this affordable living developer released a presentation ahead of its appearance at a conference. Although the company spoke positively about its medium term outlook, investors may have been betting on a guidance upgrade and were disappointed that one didn't happen.

Healius Ltd (ASX: HLS)

The Healius share price is down 5% to 90.7 cents. This is despite there being no news out of the healthcare company. But with Healthscope going into administration yesterday, it is possible that some investors are concerned about the state of the healthcare sector in Australia. Following today's decline, Healius shares are now down over 40% since 7 May. At one stage today, Healius' share price hit an all-time low of 90 cents.

Nufarm Ltd (ASX: NUF)

The Nufarm share price is down 3.5% to $2.41. Investors have been selling this crop protection company's shares since the release of its half year results last week. Although Nufarm reported a 3% lift in revenue to $1,811 million, it recorded a disappointing 39% decline in statutory net profit after tax to $29.8 million. The Seed Technologies business dragged on its earnings, reporting a 71% decline in underlying EBIT to $15.9 million. In response, management revealed that it is now reviewing the business. This includes a potential divestment.

Propel Funeral Partners Ltd (ASX: PFP)

The Propel Funeral Partners share price is down 5% to $4.34. This morning, this funerals company released guidance for FY 2025 ahead of its appearance at an investor conference. Management revealed that it expects revenue of $220 million to $225 million and operating EBITDA of $54 million to $56 million. The latter compares to operating EBITDA of $55.4 million in FY 2024. This reflects natural fluctuations in industry death volumes. In other news, the company released a succession update. This follows the decision of managing director and co-founder, Albin Kurti, to retire on 31 August after 14 years. Propel advised that the board is well advanced in implementing its succession plan. As a result, an announcement regarding future leadership is expected by 30 June.

The post Why Aspen, Healius, Nufarm, and Propel shares are falling today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Four ASX shares that are rising more than most today are listed below. Here's why they are racing higher:

Appen Ltd (ASX: APX)

The Appen share price is up over 23% to $1.52. Investors have been buying this artificial intelligence data services company's shares following the release of a guidance update at its annual general meeting. Appen revealed that it is expecting revenue between $235 million and $260 million. This implies flat to 10.9% growth for the year. It also expects positive underlying EBITDA for FY 2025.

Aspen Group Ltd (ASX: APZ)

The Aspen Group share price is up 8% to $3.25. This has been driven by the completion of an institutional placement raising $70.2 million. The company raised these funds at $2.90 per share thanks to very strong support from investors. Management advised: "Proceeds will be used for debt reduction, to strengthen Aspen's position to pursue new organic and acquisition opportunities that add value and drive continued strong growth in earnings and net asset value."

Catalyst Metals Ltd (ASX: CYL)

The Catalyst Metals share price is up 5% to $6.86. This morning, this gold miner announced that it has received the final environmental approval for development of the Trident Gold Project. This means that Catalyst Metals now has all environmental approvals in place to commence mining activities. The company's CEO, James Champion de Crespigny, commented: "Trident has been inching closer to development for some time.  This milestone makes it more real. We now have all the mining approvals in place to allow Catalyst to bring online the mines necessary to double production at the Plutonic Gold Belt."

Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO)

The Core Lithium share price is up 6% to 10 cents. Investors have been buying this lithium miner's shares since the release of its restart study results for the Finniss Lithium Project. Those results revealed that the project could reduce its operating costs materially and generate strong free cash flow. This is based on a spodumene 6% price of US$1,300 per tonne. Though, it is worth noting that the current spot price is US$735 per tonne. This could mean that a final investment decision on the project is still some way off. Commenting on the study, Core Lithium's CEO, Paul Brown, said: "The Study outlines a lower-cost, longer-life, and scalable operating plan that generates free cash flow of $1.2 billion, representing a six-fold return on pre-production capital."

The post Why Appen, Aspen, Catalyst Metals, and Core Lithium shares are racing higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Four that have recently been given buy ratings by brokers are listed below. Here's why they could be top picks for income investors right now:

Aspen Group Limited (ASX: APZ)

Analysts at Bell Potter think that Aspen Group could be an ASX dividend stock to buy. It is a leading provider of quality affordable accommodation across residential, land lease, and holiday park communities.

The broker currently has a buy rating and $3.05 price target on its shares.

As for income, it is forecasting dividends per share of 10 cents in FY 2025 and then 10.3 cents in FY 2026. Based on the current Aspen share price of $2.89, this will mean dividend yields of 3.5% and 3.6%, respectively.

Dexus Convenience Retail REIT (ASX: DXC)

Bell Potter also thinks that Dexus Convenience Retail REIT could be another ASX dividend stock to buy. It owns a portfolio of Australian service stations and convenience retail assets.

The broker currently has a buy rating and $3.35 price target on its shares.

In respect to dividends, the broker expecting payouts of 20.6 cents per share in FY 2025 and then 20.9 cents per share in FY 2026. Based on its current share price of $2.80, this implies dividend yields of 7.35% and 7.5%, respectively.

National Storage REIT (ASX: NSR)

A third ASX dividend stock that has been named as a buy by analysts is National Storage. It is the largest self-storage provider in Australia and New Zealand, with over 260 locations providing tailored storage solutions to almost 100,000 residential and commercial customers.

The team at Citi is bullish on the company and has a buy rating and $2.70 price target on its shares.

As well as plenty of upside, the broker also expects some nice yields in the near term. It is forecasting dividends per share of 11.3 cents in FY 2025 and then 11.8 cents in FY 2026.  Based on its current share price of $2.12, equates to dividend yields of 5.3% and 5.6%, respectively.

Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL)

The team at Goldman Sachs thinks that Super Retail could be an ASX dividend stock to buy. It is the diversified retailer behind the BCF, Supercheap Auto, Macpac, and Rebel brands.

Goldman is a fan of the company, partly due to its vast loyalty program, and has a buy rating and $15.50 price target on its shares.

In respect to income, its analysts are forecasting 64 cents per share in FY 2025 and then 66 cents per share in FY 2026. Based on its current share price of $12.64, this represents dividend yields of 5.1% and 5.2%, respectively.

The post Brokers say these excellent ASX dividend stocks are top buys appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

That's because they have been named on Bell Potter's Australian equities panel. These are its top picks which it expects to generate strong returns over the medium term.

Here are the small caps the broker is recommending right now:

Aspen Group Ltd (ASX: APZ)

The first small cap ASX stock that Bell Potter has on its Australian equities panel this month is Aspen Group.

It describes itself as Australia's leading provider of quality accommodation on competitive terms. It notes that its mission is to offer affordable accommodation options to approximately 40% of Australian households with an annual income of less than $90,000.

The broker believes that it stands to benefit greatly from an undersupply in the Australian housing market. It said:

Aspen Group specialises in providing affordable accommodation and is one of Bell Potter's top picks in the real estate space, with a positive runway supported by undersupply in the Australian housing market. Valued at a small discount to NTA and trading at a lower PE compared to the sector average, Aspen is well-positioned for potential upside as it targets ASX 300 inclusion.

Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE)

If you're not averse to investing in the mining sector, then Boss Energy could be a small cap ASX stock to buy according to the broker.

It is the uranium miner that operates the Honeymoon project in South Australia. The broker feels that the market is seriously undervaluing its shares right now. It said:

We continue to see significant value in BOE, with optionality around expansion at Honeymoon via low-risk and cost regional resources at Jasons and Goulds Dam. With the inclusion of Alta Mesa, BOE boasts a geographically diversified multi-asset portfolio with several growth levers yet to be pulled, heading into a uranium bull market.

IPD Group Ltd (ASX: IPG)

A third small cap ASX stock that has been given the thumbs up by Bell Potter is IPD Group.

It is a growing provider of electrical solutions in energy management and automation that is aiming to enhance electrical infrastructure.

Bell Potter believes IPD Group could be a great way to play the electrification megatrend. It explains:

IPD Group distributes electrical equipment and technologies that support energy efficiency in building, infrastructure, and process sectors. Demand for upgrades in existing infrastructure and the scaling of IPG's EV charging business should drive future revenue and market share expansion. The group is well-positioned to capitalise on electrification trends in energy and transportation to support earnings growth.

The post 3 of the best small cap ASX stocks to buy in March appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Five that have recently been given buy ratings by analysts are listed below. Here's why they could be top picks for income investors right now:

Aspen Group Limited (ASX: APZ)

Analysts at Bell Potter think that Aspen Group could be an ASX dividend share to buy. It is a leading provider of quality affordable accommodation across residential, land lease, and holiday park communities.

The broker currently has a buy rating and $3.05 price target on its shares. As for income, it is forecasting dividends per share of 10 cents in FY 2025 and then 10.3 cents in FY 2026. Based on the current Aspen share price of $2.74, this will mean dividend yields of 3.6% and 3.8%, respectively.

Challenger Ltd (ASX: CGF)

Goldman Sachs thinks that annuities company Challenger could be an ASX dividend share to buy with your $5,000.

It likes Challenger due to its "exposure to the growing superannuation market." The broker currently has a buy rating and $7.30 price target on its shares.

In respect to dividends, Goldman is forecasting fully franked dividends of 28 cents per share in FY 2025 and then 29 cents per share in FY 2026. Based on the current Challenger share price of $5.51, this will mean dividend yields of 5.1% and 5.25%, respectively.

Dexus Convenience Retail REIT (ASX: DXC)

Bell Potter also thinks that Dexus Convenience Retail REIT could be an ASX dividend share to buy. It owns a portfolio of Australian service stations and convenience retail assets. The broker currently has a buy rating and $3.30 price target on its shares.

In respect to income, the broker expecting the company to pay dividends per share of 20.6 cents in FY 2025 and then 21 cents in FY 2026. Based on its current share price of $2.91, this implies dividend yields of 7.1% and 7.2%, respectively.

National Storage REIT (ASX: NSR)

A third ASX dividend share that has been named as a buy by analysts is National Storage. It is the largest self-storage provider in Australia and New Zealand, with over 260 locations providing tailored storage solutions to more than 97,000 residential and commercial customers.

The team at Citi is bullish on the company and has a buy rating and $2.70 price target on its shares. As for income, it is forecasting dividends per share of 11.3 cents in FY 2025 and then 11.9 cents in FY 2026.  Based on its current share price of $2.20, equates to dividend yields of 5.1% and 5.4%, respectively.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

Goldman Sachs also thinks that Telstra could be an ASX dividend share to buy right now with $5,000. The broker has a buy rating and $4.50 price target on the telecommunications giant's shares.

In respect to income, Goldman is forecasting fully franked dividends of 19 cents per share in FY 2025 and then 20 cents per share in FY 2026. Based on the current Telstra share price of $4.08, this represents dividend yields of 4.65% and 4.9%, respectively.

The post 5 ASX dividend shares to buy with $5,000 now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

They have recently been named as buys by brokers and tipped to provide good dividend yields. Here's what you need to know about these shares:

Aspen Group Limited (ASX: APZ)

The first ASX dividend stock that could be a buy is Aspen Group. It is a leading provider of quality affordable accommodation across residential, land lease, and holiday park communities.

Bell Potter has been impressed with its strong start to FY 2025 and has named it as one of its highest conviction picks. It said:

Strong update from APZ early in FY25 is a positive indicator for the year and further runway ahead with both improving volume and margin. Indeed, APZ remains one of our highest conviction picks across our coverage universe.

APZ's affordable market segment (c.40% of Aus households with income <$90k pa) as well as conservative underwriting place it in a strong position to deliver sales and settlements despite challenges others may be facing. Notwithstanding, APZ's valuation screens attractively relative to peers at a +9% premium to NTA (pre benefit of cash uplift from Burleigh & EGH stake) vs. c.+31-34% premium for LIC and INA respectively.

As for income, it now expects dividends per share of 10 cents in FY 2025 and then 10.3 cents in FY 2026. Based on the current Aspen share price of $2.48, this will mean dividend yields of 4% and 4.15%, respectively.

The broker has a buy rating and $2.75 price target on its shares.

Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL)

Another ASX dividend stock that could be a buy is Super Retail. It is the owner of popular store brands BCF, Supercheap Auto, Macpac, and Rebel.

Goldman Sachs is positive on the company and believes its shares are good value considering its positive growth outlook through to FY 2027. It said:

We retain our Buy rating on SUL on 1) activation of 11.5mn members (77% sales) driving targeted marketing and increased member ARPU 2) Robust store growth driving sales including investment in enhanced rCX (rebel) and superstore (BCF) formats 3) Capital mgmt potential with GSe FY25 Net cash ~A$174m. SUL is trading at a FY25E P/E of 15x vs LT avg of 13x, against 4% FY24-27e EPS CAGR.

As for income, Goldman expects Super Retail to be in a position to pay fully franked dividends per share of 68 cents in FY 2025 and then 73 cents in FY 2026. Based on its current share price of $16.42, this will mean yields of 4.1% and 4.4%, respectively.

The broker currently has a buy rating and $16.80 price target on its shares.

The post Buy these ASX dividend stocks for a passive income boost appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

That's because they have been named on the broker's Australian equities panel. These are the stocks it believes offer attractive risk-adjusted returns over the long term.

Here's what the broker is saying about these income options:

Aspen Group Limited (ASX: APZ)

The first ASX dividend stock that features on the broker's Australian equities panel is Aspen Group

It is a leading provider of quality affordable accommodation across residential, land lease, and holiday park communities.

Bell Potter likes the company due to its attractive valuation, positive growth runway, and index inclusion potential. Commenting on Aspen Group, the broker said:

Aspen Group specialises in providing affordable accommodation and is one of Bell Potter's top picks in the real estate space, with a positive runway supported by undersupply in the Australian housing market. Valued at a small discount to NTA and trading at a lower PE compared to the sector average, Aspen is well-positioned for potential upside as it targets ASX 300 inclusion.

In respect to income, Bell Potter is forecasting dividends per share of 10 cents in FY 2025 and then 10.3 cents in FY 2026. Based on the current Aspen share price of $2.57, this will mean dividend yields of 3.9% and 4%, respectively.

Transurban Group (ASX: TCL)

Another ASX dividend stock that Bell Potter has named on its Australian equities panel is Transurban.

It is a toll road operator with a high-quality portfolio of roads across Australia and North America. This includes CityLink in Melbourne and the Eastern Distributor in Sydney.

Bell Potter believes the company is well-positioned to benefit from its inflation-linked revenue stream and its growth pipeline. The broker explains:

We believe the current inflationary environment is favourable for Transurban given its inflation-linked revenue stream with annual escalators. Moreover, TCL provides low risk cash flows over the long term, with long concession duration (30+ years), and relative traffic/income resilience.

The group's current pipeline of growth projects is $3.3 billion (TCL's share of total project cost) and further huge development opportunities are expected over the next few decades, supported by population and economic growth.

As for income, Bell Potter is forecasting a dividend yield of approximately 4.9% from Transurban's shares over the next 12 months.

The post Bell Potter names 2 of the best ASX dividend stocks to buy appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

They have recently been named as buys by brokers and are forecast to provide good dividend yields. Here's what analysts are saying about them:

Aspen Group Limited (ASX: APZ)

The first ASX dividend stock that could be a buy according to analysts is Aspen Group.

It is a leading provider of quality affordable accommodation across residential, land lease, and holiday park communities.

Bell Potter is positive on the company and highlights that it has started FY 2025 strongly. It also believes that it is is well-placed to build on this thanks to improving volumes and margins. The broker said:

Strong update from APZ early in FY25 is a positive indicator for the year and further runway ahead with both improving volume and margin. Indeed, APZ remains one of our highest conviction picks across our coverage universe. APZ's affordable market segment (c.40% of Aus households with income <$90k pa) as well as conservative underwriting place it in a strong position to deliver sales and settlements despite challenges others may be facing.

In respect to dividends, Bell Potter is forecasting the company to reward shareholders with dividends per share of 10 cents in FY 2025 and then 10.3 cents in FY 2026. Based on the current Aspen share price of $2.45, this will mean dividend yields of 4.1% and 4.2%, respectively.

The broker currently has a buy rating and $2.75 price target on its shares.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

Goldman Sachs thinks that Telstra could be an ASX dividend stock to buy.

It is of course Australia's leading telecommunications and information services company with 22.5 million retail mobile services and 3.4 million retail bundle and data services.

Goldman likes the company due to its defensive qualities and positive dividends per share (DPS) outlook. It said:

Our preferred defensive name into CY25; we are confident in its ability to deliver Mobile/InfraCo growth, ongoing cost efficiencies, and strong shareholder returns benefiting from portfolio mgmnt/mid-single digit DPS growth. The 'T30' update in late 2H25 should be a positive catalyst.

Goldman is forecasting fully franked dividends of 19 cents per share in FY 2025 and then 20 cents per share in FY 2026. Based on the current Telstra share price of $3.99, this represents dividend yields of 4.75% and 5%, respectively.

The broker has a buy rating and $4.50 price target on Telstra's shares.

The post Buy Telstra and this ASX dividend stock in February appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

In light of this, unless there is a meaningful pullback in the near term, investors may be better off looking for alternative ASX dividend stocks to buy.

But which ones?

Three dividend stocks that analysts at Bell Potter are tipping as buys are listed below. Here's what the broker is saying about them:

Aspen Group Limited (ASX: APZ)

Bell Potter thinks that Aspen Group could be an ASX dividend stock to buy.

It is a leading provider of quality affordable accommodation across residential, land lease, and holiday park communities.

The broker currently has a buy rating and $2.75 price target on its shares.

As for dividends, it is forecasting dividends per share of 10 cents in FY 2025 and then 10.3 cents in FY 2026. Based on the current Aspen share price of $2.38, this will mean dividend yields of 4.2% and 4.3%, respectively.

Rural Funds Group (ASX: RFF)

Another ASX dividend stock that could be a buy is Rural Funds.

It is an agricultural property company, generating revenue from leasing almond orchards, macadamia orchards, poultry property and infrastructure, vineyards, cattle properties, cropping properties, cattle and water rights.

Bell Potter is very positive on the company and has a buy rating and $2.50 price target on its shares.

In respect to income, the broker is forecasting dividends per share of 11.7 cents in both FY 2025 and then 12.2 cents in FY 2025. Based on the current Rural Funds share price of $1.63, this will mean dividend yields of 7.2% and 7.5%, respectively, for investors.

Universal Store Holdings Ltd (ASX: UNI)

Finally, Bell Potter also believes that youth fashion retailer Universal Store could be an ASX dividend stock to buy.

The broker highlights that it is positive due to "the store roll-out & brand growth strategy, margin expansion via private label product penetration (currently ~46%) and strong earnings trajectory."

Bell Potter expects this to support the payment of fully franked dividends per share of 31.4 cents in FY 2025 and then 36.8 cents in FY 2026. Based on the current Universal Store share price of $8.10, this will mean yields of 3.9% and 4.5%, respectively.

The broker currently has a buy rating and $8.85 price target on its shares.

The post Forget ANZ and buy these ASX dividend stocks appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

They have been named on the broker's Australian equities panel, which are the stocks it believes offer attractive risk-adjusted returns over the long term.

Here's what the broker is saying about these income options:

Aspen Group Limited (ASX: APZ)

Bell Potter is very positive on Aspen Group and sees it as an ASX dividend stock to buy. The broker currently has a buy rating and $2.75 price target on its shares.

Aspen Group is a leading provider of quality affordable accommodation across residential, land lease, and holiday park communities.

Commenting on the company, the broker said:

Aspen Group specialises in providing affordable accommodation and is one of Bell Potter's top picks in the real estate space, with a positive runway supported by undersupply in the Australian housing market. Valued at a small discount to NTA and trading at a lower PE compared to the sector average, Aspen is well-positioned for potential upside as it targets ASX 300 inclusion.

In respect to income, Bell Potter is forecasting dividends per share of 10 cents in FY 2025 and then 10.3 cents in FY 2026. Based on the current Aspen share price of $2.38, this will mean dividend yields of 4.2% and 4.3%, respectively.

Universal Store Holdings Ltd (ASX: UNI)

Another ASX dividend share that features on the broker's Australian equities panel at present is Universal Store. Bell Potter has a buy rating and $8.85 price target on its shares.

Universal Store is the youth fashion focused retailer behind the eponymous Universal Store brand, as well as Perfect Stranger and Thrills.

Bell Potter likes the company due to its attractive valuation and positive growth outlook. It explains:

Universal is a leading youth focused apparel, footwear and accessories retailer in Australia. UNI has ~80 stores under its flagship 'Universal Store' brand and is expanding private label brands by growing the standalone format of 'Perfect Stranger' and 'Thrills' with more than 100 stores in total. Management execution remains a key strength for UNI and we prefer the name given the store roll-out & brand growth strategy, margin expansion via private label product penetration (currently ~46%) and strong earnings trajectory.

As for dividends, the broker is forecasting fully franked dividends of 31.4 cents in FY 2025 and then 36.8 cents in FY 2026. Based on its current share price of $8.10, this will mean dividend yields of 3.9% and 4.5%, respectively.

The post 2 of the best ASX dividend stocks to buy now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

If you are, then the two ASX dividend shares in this article could be worth a closer look.

Here's what analysts are saying about these buy-rated stocks right now:

Aspen Group Limited (ASX: APZ)

The first ASX dividend share that could be a buy according to analysts is Aspen Group.

It is a leading provider of quality affordable accommodation across residential, land lease, and holiday park communities.

Analysts at Bell Potter are feeling very positive about the company. They like Aspen due to its strong track record and high return on equity focus. The broker was also pleased with its strong start to FY 2025. It said:

Strong update from APZ early in FY25 is a positive indicator for the year and further runway ahead with both improving volume and margin. Indeed, APZ remains one of our highest conviction picks across our coverage universe. APZ's affordable market segment (c.40% of Aus households with income <$90k pa) as well as conservative underwriting place it in a strong position to deliver sales and settlements despite challenges others may be facing.

In respect to income, Bell Potter is expecting the company to pay dividends per share of 10 cents in FY 2025 and then 10.3 cents in FY 2026. Based on the current Aspen share price of $2.46, this will mean dividend yields of 4.1% and 4.2%, respectively.

It currently has a buy rating and $2.75 price target on its shares.

Santos Ltd (ASX: STO)

Another ASX dividend share that could be a good option for income investors is Santos.

It is of course one of the leading independent oil and gas producers in the Asia-Pacific region, supplying energy needs across Australia and Asia.

The team at Ord Minnett is feeling positive about the company. It believes that the energy giant has a positive free cash flow (FCF) outlook. This is thanks to the Pikka and Barossa LNG operations. The broker said:

An estimated FCF yield of 20% once Pikka and Barossa LNG start producing, and rigorous control of how that extra cash is spent, implies to us that Santos will have plenty of room to return excess capital to shareholders either via an increased payout ratio or share buybacks. In our view, the medium-term prospects for Santos offer a compelling investment opportunity.

Ord Minnett expects this to underpin dividends per share of 41 cents in FY 2024 and then 44 cents in FY 2025. Based on the current Santos share price of $7.21, this would mean dividend yields of 5.7% and 6.1%, respectively.

The broker has a buy rating and $8.50 price target on the company's shares.

The post Buy these top ASX dividend shares for 4% to 6% yields appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Three that have come out with buy ratings are listed below. Here's why they could be great options for income investors:

Aspen Group Limited (ASX: APZ)

A recent note out of Bell Potter reveals that its analysts have put a buy rating and $2.75 price target on Aspen's shares.

It is a leading provider of quality affordable accommodation across residential, land lease, and holiday park communities.

Bell Potter likes this ASX dividend stock due to its strong track record, high insider ownership, and its high return on equity focus on sub-sectors that are non-fungible and repeatable over time.

The broker is expecting this focus to support the payment of dividends per share of 10 cents in FY 2025 and then 10.3 cents in FY 2026. Based on the current Aspen share price of $2.50, this will mean dividend yields of 4% and 4.1%, respectively.

IPH Ltd (ASX: IPH)

Goldman Sachs has put a buy rating and $7.50 price target on IPH's shares.

It notes that the global intellectual property (IP) services provider is well-positioned to deliver stable and defensive earnings with modest organic growth.

Another positive with this ASX dividend stock is that it has one of the best dividend track records on the Australian share market. IPH has increased its dividend each over the past decade, even during the COVID pandemic.

The good news is that Goldman Sachs expects this trend to continue, forecasting fully franked dividends of 36 cents per share in FY 2025 and 39 cents per share in FY 2026. At the current share price of $5.08, this implies dividend yields of 7.1% and 7.7%, respectively.

SRG Global Ltd (ASX: SRG)

Bell Potter is also bullish on SRG Global and has a buy rating and $1.55 price target on the ASX dividend stock.

SRG Global is a diversified industrial services group that provides multidisciplinary construction, maintenance, production drilling and geotechnical services.

Bell Potter is very positive on the company's outlook. It highlights that SRG Global's "short-to-medium term outlook is reinforced by Government-stimulated construction activity."

The broker believes this will underpin the payment of fully franked dividends of 5 cents in FY 2025 and then 6 cents in FY 2026. Based on its current share price of $1.28, this will mean dividend yields of 3.9% and 4.7%, respectively.

The post These buy-rated ASX dividend stocks offer 4% to 7% yields appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

But which ASX retirement shares are in the buy zone right now? Three quality options that could be worth considering are listed below. Here's what you need to know about them:

Aspen Group Limited (ASX: APZ)

The first ASX retirement share that could be a buy is Aspen Group. It is a leading provider of quality affordable accommodation across residential, land lease, and holiday park communities.

The team at Bell Potter rates the company highly. So much so, the broker has named it on its coveted Australian equities panel again this month. It likes Aspen Group due to its sector agnostic, high return on equity focus on sub-sectors that are non-fungible and repeatable over time.

In addition, the broker likes that Aspen's management has plenty of skin in the game and that its "valuation is undemanding."

The broker has a buy rating and $2.75 price target on its shares.

In respect to income, Bell Potter is forecasting some attractive dividend yields from its shares. It has pencilled in yields of 4% in FY 2025 and 4.1% in FY 2026.

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)

Another ASX retirement share that analysts are positive on is supermarket giant Coles.

It could be a good option due to its defensive qualities, which were on display for all to see during the COVID pandemic.

Bell Potter likes the company and also has it on its Australian equities panel. Its analysts highlight that they "continue to see COL as providing an attractive earnings growth profile through to FY27e on an underlying basis."

The broker currently has a buy rating and $20.50 price target on its shares.

As for income, Bell Potter is expecting Coles to pay fully franked dividends of 68 cents per share in FY 2025 and then 78 cents per share in FY 2026. This represents yields of 3.7% and 4.2%, respectively.

CSL Limited (ASX: CSL)

A final ASX retirement share to consider buying is CSL.

It is the biotechnology company behind the CSL Behring, CSL Vifor, and CSL Seqirus businesses. These are leaders in their respective fields of plasma therapies, iron deficiency, and vaccines.

While CSL doesn't provide much by way of income, it has the potential to compound significantly in the future. This is due to its positive growth outlook, which is being underpinned by strong demand for its plasma therapies and margin expansion.

Citi is a big fan of the company and recently put a buy rating and $345.00 price target on its shares.

The post Why CSL and these excellent ASX retirement shares could be buys in 2025 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Four that have recently been given buy ratings are listed below. Here's why they could be top options for income investors right now:

Aspen Group Limited (ASX: APZ)

Analysts at Bell Potter think that Aspen Group could be an ASX dividend share to buy. It is a leading provider of quality affordable accommodation across residential, land lease, and holiday park communities.

The broker currently has a buy rating and $2.75 price target on its shares. As for dividends, it is forecasting dividends per share of 9.5 cents in FY 2025 and then 10.3 cents in FY 2026. Based on the current Aspen share price of $2.47, this will mean dividend yields of 4% and 4.2%, respectively.

Dexus Convenience Retail REIT (ASX: DXC)

Another ASX dividend share that could be a buy according to Bell Potter is Dexus Convenience Retail REIT. It owns a quality portfolio of Australian service stations and convenience retail assets predominantly located on Australia's eastern seaboard.

Bell Potter has a buy rating and $3.30 price target on its shares. In respect to income, the broker expecting the company to pay dividends per share of 20.6 cents in FY 2025 and then 21 cents in FY 2026. Based on its current share price of $2.88 this implies dividend yields of 7.15% and 7.3%, respectively.

National Storage REIT (ASX: NSR)

A third ASX dividend share that analysts are positive on is National Storage. It is the largest self-storage provider in Australia and New Zealand, with over 250 locations providing tailored storage solutions to in excess of 97,000 residential and commercial customers.

Citi is bullish on the company and has a buy rating and $2.70 price target on its shares. As for income, it is forecasting dividends per share of 11.3 cents in FY 2025 and then 11.9 cents in FY 2026.  Based on its current share price of $2.36, equates to dividend yields of 4.8% and 5%, respectively, for income investors.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

Finally, the team at Goldman Sachs thinks that Telstra could be an ASX dividend share to buy.

Its analysts have a buy rating and $4.35 price target on the telco giant's shares. In respect to dividends, Goldman is forecasting fully franked dividends of 19 cents per share in FY 2025 and then 20 cents per share in FY 2026. Based on the current Telstra share price of $4.03, this represents dividend yields of 4.7% and 5%, respectively.

The post Analysts say these 4 ASX dividend shares are top buys appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.