I think it is fair to say that it hasn't been the best 12 months for many of Australia's most popular dividend shares.
But I wouldn't let that put off dividend shares, especially in this low interest environment.
Here are three top dividend shares that I think investors ought to consider today:
Aventus Retail Property Fund (ASX: AVN)
Aventus is a leading retail property group specialising in large format retail centres (retail parks). The company counts the likes of Domayne, Harvey Norman Holdings Limited (ASX: HVN), and Nick Scali Limited (ASX: NCK) as tenants to name just a few. In FY 2018 management has provided guidance for 2% to 3% growth in funds from operations. I believe the company is likely to grow its distribution in line with this FFO growth, which would mean a full-year yield of approximately 7.5%.
Dicker Data Ltd (ASX: DDR)
Dicker Data would arguably be my favourite dividend share on the Australian share market. Thanks to the solid growth the computer software and hardware wholesale distributor has exhibited over the last few years, its shares have provided an average annual total return of 38.5% over the last five years. While I wouldn't necessarily expect such a level of return in the future, I believe the combination of its robust profit growth and growing dividend could provide market beating returns. Dicker Data intends to pay an 18 cents per share fully franked dividend in FY 2018, equating to a 6% yield at today's price.
Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL)
Due to its undemanding valuation and generous dividend yield, I think investors might want to take a closer look at Super Retail. Although its Leisure segment has weighed heavily on its performance over the last couple of years, management believes the recent acquisition of the Macpac brand will help fix things. If this proves to be the case then I believe Super Retail could be positioned to deliver solid earnings and dividend growth over the coming years. At present its shares offer investors a trailing fully franked 5.6% dividend.
