Why Telstra and these defensive ASX dividend shares could be top buys

Are you in the market for some new additions to your income portfolio?

If you are, it could be worth considering the three ASX dividend shares in this article.

Here’s what you need to know about them:

Amcor plc (ASX: AMC)

The first ASX dividend share to look at is Amcor. It is a global packaging business that serves customers across food, beverage, healthcare, personal care, and other consumer categories.

Its products may not grab headlines, but they sit inside supply chains that consumers interact with every day. From medicine packaging to food containers and household products, Amcor plays a quiet but important role in getting essential goods onto shelves safely and efficiently.

That gives the business a defensive quality. Demand can still move with economic conditions and customer volumes, but packaging tied to everyday products is less exposed than many discretionary categories.

Amcor shares are forecast to provide dividend yields around 7% in both FY 2026 and FY 2027.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

Another ASX dividend share that could be worth a look in June is Telstra.

Its position in Australian telecommunications gives Telstra a strong base for income investors. Its mobile network remains a major competitive advantage, particularly as households and businesses continue using more data.

Connectivity has become essential infrastructure. People may cut back on travel, entertainment, or big-ticket purchases when budgets are tight, but phone and internet services are much harder to live without.

That defensive demand is a key reason Telstra remains popular with dividend investors. The company also has a clearer structure than it did in the past, with management focused on mobile, network quality, enterprise services, and cost control.

Telstra shares are forecast to offer dividend yields around 4.2% this year and next.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

A third ASX dividend share for income investors to consider is Woolworths.

It is of course one of Australia’s most important consumer businesses. Its supermarkets are used by millions of shoppers each week, giving the company a central role in household spending.

The grocery sector is not without challenges. Competition can be intense, costs are rising, and regulatory scrutiny remains a risk.

Even so, Woolworths has advantages that are difficult to replicate. Its store network, supply chain, digital capabilities, loyalty program, and brand recognition give it a strong position in a market where scale matters. This makes Woolworths a useful defensive income option.

Woolworths shares are expected to offer dividend yields of 2.8% and 3.2% in FY 2026 and FY 2027, respectively.

The post Why Telstra and these defensive ASX dividend shares could be top buys appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Woolworths Group. 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 positions in and has recommended Amcor Plc, Telstra Group, and Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.