With interest rates at record lows and showing little sign of improving in the near future, I think Australian investors are very fortunate to have a great deal of quality dividend shares with big yields to choose from.
Three which I think are worth taking a closer look at today are listed below. Here's why I like the look of them:
AP Eagers Ltd (ASX: APE)
It hasn't been an easy time to be a shareholder of AP Eagers during the last 12 months. Automotive retailers appear to have fallen out of favour with investors, leading to its shares falling around 25%. This is especially surprising considering the company recently posted a record full-year net profit after tax of $105.5 million, up 21% on the prior corresponding period. This has left its shares changing hands at under 15x trailing earnings and providing a trailing fully franked 4.4% dividend. I think this could make it a great option for investors.
Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG)
Sigma Healthcare, formerly Sigma Pharmaceuticals, is the company behind leading pharmacy retail brands such as Amcal and Chemist King. Thanks to an impressive 8.2% jump in like-for-like sales at Sigma branded pharmacies, the company recently reported a 13% increase in full-year net profit. I'm quite bullish on the company's future and believe it has positioned itself for solid long-term earnings growth. Especially with the successful launch of its online Amcal store in China. So with its shares providing a trailing fully franked 4.3% dividend, I feel Sigma could prove to be a good investment.
Suncorp Group Ltd (ASX: SUN)
Even though the shares of this leading insurer just stormed to a new 52-week high, they still provide investors with a market-beating trailing fully franked 4.9% dividend. Thanks to the company's One Suncorp strategy, I believe the insurer is positioning itself to become far more profitable than it has been in recent years. I expect this should allow it to grow its dividend at a decent rate over the next few years. It may no longer be a bargain buy, but it is still worth taking a closer look at in my opinion.
