For investors seeking steady dividend income, Australia’s big four banks have long been a go-to. But with the changing financial landscape, exploring alternatives could add diversity and resilience to a portfolio. Here, we spotlight three ASX dividend stocks outside the banking sphere that analysts see as strong picks for income-focused investors. These companies, from insurance to industrial property, offer competitive yields and intriguing growth potential.
1. QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE): A Rising Star in Global Insurance
QBE Insurance is a leading international insurer with a broad presence across North America, Europe, and Australia. Analysts from Goldman Sachs remain bullish on QBE, citing strong underlying business trends and an attractive valuation.
QBE has seen promising performance improvements in North America, thanks to favourable commercial rate cycles and strategic moves aimed at boosting profitability. QBE's valuation remains appealing, providing a solid entry point for investors. According to Goldman Sachs, the company’s fundamentals are robust, and the stock is not overvalued.
For income-seekers, QBE offers an attractive dividend outlook. Goldman Sachs forecasts dividends of 54 US cents (roughly 83.3 Australian cents) per share in FY 2024, rising to 57 US cents (about 87.9 Australian cents) in FY 2025. Based on its recent share price of $18.67, these dividends translate to yields of around 4.5% and 4.7% over the next two fiscal years.
With QBE’s favourable market positioning and its potential for steady dividends, this insurer offers an attractive option for those looking beyond banks.
2. Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS): A High-Yield Play in Energy
For investors craving high dividends, Woodside Energy Group is hard to ignore. This energy giant, specialising in oil and gas, currently sports one of the highest dividend yields on the ASX. However, it’s worth understanding the risks and cyclical nature of this yield.
As of its latest dividend payments, Woodside boasts a yield of 8.12%. Plus, with fully franked dividends, Australian investors can potentially enjoy a grossed-up yield closer to 11.6%. Woodside’s dividend performance is heavily influenced by energy prices. When oil and gas prices rise, the company tends to reward shareholders with substantial dividends. This was evident in 2022, when it paid $3.06 per share in dividends, as opposed to the more modest $1.62 in 2024. Such variability underscores the need for caution.
While dividend yield is never guaranteed, Woodside remains a prominent energy player with resilience against downturns. Its ability to operate profitably in low-priced environments adds a layer of stability. Investors interested in Woodside should be mindful of energy market trends, as these will play a big role in future dividends.
In summary, Woodside offers a high-yield opportunity for those comfortable with the sector’s cyclical risks.
3. Centuria Industrial REIT (ASX: CIP): A Steady Earner in Real Estate
For those drawn to property investments, Centuria Industrial REIT offers a focused play on Australia’s industrial property market. This REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) has carved out a niche as the nation’s largest pure-play industrial property investor and is benefiting from demand for logistics and warehousing space.
Centuria Industrial REIT is uniquely positioned to capture the ongoing demand in the logistics sector, driven by e-commerce and supply chain shifts. Analysts from UBS are optimistic about its long-term growth prospects and point to its current undervaluation as an appealing entry point.
Centuria Industrial has committed to rewarding shareholders with consistent dividends. UBS forecasts dividends of 16 cents per share in FY 2025, increasing to 17 cents in FY 2026. With shares trading at $3.00, this projects to yields of 5.3% and 5.7%, respectively, which are highly competitive in today’s market. UBS has assigned a buy rating to Centuria Industrial REIT, setting a price target of $3.80. For income-focused investors, this REIT offers a reliable dividend stream with the added upside of capital appreciation potential.
With its strong market fundamentals and focus on industrial properties, Centuria Industrial REIT is a solid alternative for those interested in dividend income with a property twist.
A Refreshing Change: Diversifying Your Dividend Portfolio
While the big four banks have long been staples in dividend-focused portfolios, these ASX stocks—QBE Insurance, Woodside Energy, and Centuria Industrial REIT—each bring unique strengths that could make them worthwhile alternatives. By exploring these sectors, dividend investors can gain exposure to different market forces and reduce dependency on traditional banking stocks. So, whether you’re looking to balance risk with reliable income or to seize growth opportunities, these three companies offer attractive options outside the banking bubble.
