S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares finished at a record high of 9,198.6 points on the last day of earnings season on Friday.

Meanwhile, experts continue to review stacks of company reports so they can re-rate the stocks as buys, holds, or sells.

Here’s what Morgans thinks of these two ASX 200 shares following their earnings reports last week.

Ramsay Health Care Ltd (ASX: RHC)

The Ramsay Healthcare share price is up 19% over the past 12 months.

The ASX 200 healthcare share reached a 52-week high of $43.65 on Friday.

Last week, Ramsay Healthcare reported a 1H FY26 net profit after tax (NPAT) attributable to owners of $160.7 million.

That was a major improvement on the $104.9 million loss recorded in 1H FY25.

The ASX 200 healthcare share will pay a fully franked interim dividend of 42.5 cents per share, up 6.3% on 1H FY25.

Morgans kept its hold rating on Ramsay Healthcare shares after reviewing the 1H FY26 results.

The broker said:

1HFY26 underlying net profit exceeded expectations, assisted by lower finance charges and favourable non-controlling interest movements.

Operationally, performance was solid, led by improving Australian activity and earnings, while UK acute held its own, Elysium remained soft, but continues its gradual turnaround, and EU is stable on better cost control.

While progress is being made across the portfolio, the sustainability of profitable remains in question, with ongoing cost headwinds, the early stage of a multi-year transformation program in Australia and a largely qualitative FY26 outlook.

The broker raised its 12-month share price target on Ramsay Healthcare from $35.22 to $40.77.

Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR)

The Karoon Energy share price is up 5.8% over the past 12 months.

Last week, Karoon Energy reported sales revenue of US$628.6 million for full-year FY25, down from US$776.5 million in FY24.

The company said the decline reflected lower realised oil prices and slightly lower sales volumes.

Underlying EBITDAX was US$388.8 million, down 21% year-over-year.

The underlying NPAT halved to US$107.5 million, down from US$214 million in FY24. Statutory NPAT was US$125.5 million.

Karoon Energy shares will pay a final dividend of 3.1 cents per share, fully franked. 

Morgans maintained its hold rating and commented that Karoon Energy was “entering a challenging 1H26”.

The broker said:

A solid set of earnings and dividend ahead of estimates were not enough to offset new operational issues at Who Dat, Neon delay, moderated share buyback and CFO departure.

Underlying EBITDAX of US$389m beat MorgansF (+3%) and consensus (+2%), with a larger U/L NPAT beat driven by lower tax and D&A.

KAR flagged a Who Dat riser leak, shutting in 30% of field production. Neon FID has been delayed to 2027 at least.

The post What is Morgans saying about Ramsay Healthcare and Karoon Energy shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 7 ASX All Ords shares finish earnings season on a 52-week high
• Here’s everything you need to know about Ramsay’s latest dividend
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Why Ramsay Health Care shares are storming 10% higher
• Why the Karoon Energy share price is falling today

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

On Friday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) finished the week with a small gain. The benchmark index rose 0.25% to 9,198.6 points.

Will the market be able to build on this on Monday? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 expected to fall

The Australian share market looks set for a poor start to the week following declines on Wall Street on Friday. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 20 points or 0.2% lower. In the United States, the Dow Jones was down 1.05%, the S&P 500 dropped 0.4%, and the Nasdaq tumbled 0.9%.

Oil prices rise

It could be a positive start to the week for ASX 200 energy shares Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) after oil prices pushed higher on Friday night. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price was up 1.8% to US$67.02 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price was up 2.9% to US$72.87 a barrel. Since then, the US has launched attacks on Iran, which could lead to higher oil prices when Asian trade begins.

ASX 200 shares going ex-div

A number of ASX 200 shares are going ex-dividend this morning and could trade lower. This includes Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG), Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM), Nick Scali Limited (ASX: NCK), Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG), Pinnacle Investment Management Group Ltd (ASX: PNI), and Steadfast Group Ltd (ASX: SDF). Fortescue will be paying shareholders a 62 cents per share dividend at the end of the month.

Gold price pushes higher

ASX 200 gold shares Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a good start to the week after the gold price jumped on Friday night. According to CNBC, the gold futures price was up 1% to US$5,247.9 an ounce. The precious metal is likely to rise further once trade begins in response to the war in the middle east.

Buy Coles shares

The team at Bell Potter thinks Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) shares are in the buy zone this week. In response to its half-year results, the broker has retained its buy rating with a trimmed price target of $22.35. It said: “Continued delivery against ‘Simplify & Save’ initiatives ($133m delivered in 1H25 and $698m to date vs. a target of $1Bn by FY27e) and generating a return on ADC/CFC investments (~$1.45Bn investment). COL has returned to a discount to WOW, though this is likely warranted given the lower level of forecast growth.”

The post 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Which ASX 200 mining shares raised their dividends this earnings season?
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week
• ASX 200 materials sector leads as earnings season ends with a record high
• Coles or Woolworths shares: Which is the better dividend stock for 2026?
• Buy, hold, sell: Fortescue, NextDC, and Woolworths shares

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Woodside Energy Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Pinnacle Investment Management Group and Steadfast Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Pinnacle Investment Management Group and Steadfast Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Nick Scali. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Several ASX 200 mining shares significantly increased their dividends this earnings season.

In fact, some of them downright turbocharged them by up to 200%!

The dividend splurge follows a boom in commodity prices over the first six months of FY26.

The biggest dividend increases, in percentage terms, came from the ASX 200 gold shares.

Let’s check them out.

ASX 200 gold shares splash the dividend cash

One of the stand-out stocks for boosted dividends was Regis Resources Ltd (ASX: RRL), which tripled its interim payment this year.

Regis Resources shares will pay a fully franked 15-cent per share dividend, up 200% from the 5-cent dividend for 1H FY25.

The miner reported a record net profit after tax (NPAT) of $323 million, up 73% year-over-year, for 1H FY26.

Regis Resources CEO Jim Beyer said:

Looking to the remainder of the financial year, we remain on track to deliver in line with guidance and in the prevailing gold price environment, we expect to see another period of significant cash generation and profitability.

Regis Resources shares go ex-dividend next Thursday, 12 March.

Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) was another stand-out dividend raiser.

Evolution upped its dividend by 186% to a record 20 cents per share, fully franked.

This was enabled by a 110% NPAT lift to $766.6 million for 1H FY26.

Evolution Managing Director, Lawrie Conway, said:

Our record dividend of 20 cents per share meets our commitment to reward shareholders in the current high metal price environment.

With a clear pipeline of high-return projects now advancing, we’re positioned for strong, sustainable growth while continuing to return capital to shareholders.

Evolution shares go ex-dividend tomorrow.

Another ASX 200 gold mining share, Perseus Mining Ltd (ASX: PRU), will pay a doubled interim dividend to shareholders.

The miner will pay an unfranked interim dividend of 5 cents per share, up from 2.5 cents per share for 1H FY25.

This is despite reporting just a 5% lift in revenue to US$608.5 million and a 7.8% fall in NPAT to $185.5 million for 1H FY26.

Perseus Mining CEO Craig Jones said:

Our strong operational results along with our low operating cost, produced robust cash flows further strengthening our superior balance sheet, enabling a 100% increase in our interim dividend to AUD 5.0 cents per share.

Perseus Mining shares go ex-dividend on Thursday.

The rivers of gold continue…

Ramelius Resources Ltd (ASX: RMS) shares will pay a fully-franked interim dividend of 3 cents per share on 15 April.

This exceeds the company’s commitment to a minimum annual dividend of 2 cents per share for FY26.

Ramelius Resources reported a 13% increase in EBITDA to $347.7 million but a 6% decline in NPAT to $160 million.

The ASX gold share goes ex-dividend on 16 March.

Capricorn Metals Ltd (ASX: CMM) shares will pay a maiden fully franked interim dividend of 5 cents per share.

The gold miner reported a 130% jump in underlying NPAT to $144.8 million for 1H FY26.

The ASX 200 gold share goes ex-dividend on Monday, 16 March.

What about other ASX 200 mining shares?

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares will pay an interim dividend of $1.03 per share, up 46% on 1H FY25, with full franking credits.

The ‘Big Australian’ revealed a 28% profit increase to US$5.64 billion for 1H FY26.

BHP shares will go ex-dividend on Thursday.

Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) shares will pay a fully franked interim dividend of 62 cents per share, up 24% on 1H FY25, on 30 March.

Fortescue reported a 23% NPAT increase to US$1.9 billion for 1H FY26.

The ASX 200 iron ore mining share went ex-dividend today.

South32 Ltd (ASX: S32) raised its interim dividend by 15% to 3.9 US cents per share, fully franked.

The miner reported a 29% lift in profit attributable to members to US$464 million for 1H FY26.

The ASX 200 diversified mining share goes ex-dividend on Thursday.

Ex-dividend dates this week

Check out other ASX 200 mining shares that have ex-dividend dates this week.

The post Which ASX 200 mining shares raised their dividends this earnings season? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• I bought 682 BHP shares 5 years ago, this is how they fared
• 3 of the best blue chip ASX shares I’d buy in March
• ASX 200 materials sector leads as earnings season ends with a record high
• 3 ASX ETFs for a stress-free start to investing
• These ASX 200 shares jumped 15% or more in February

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in BHP 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 recommended BHP Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares sped to a 52-week high of $58.41 on Friday.

In the first two months of this year the mining giant has gained 24% in value, which brings the total 12-month gains for BHP shares to 46%. That’s great news for BHP shareholders — myself among them.  

Five years ago, I dipped my toes into the Australian market with one of my very first buys: BHP shares. So, how has this ASX blue chip rewarded my early conviction?

Let’s run the numbers and find out.

Volatile, rewarding stretch

At the end of 2020, I backed the $297 billion ASX mining giant at $36.63 per share. I tipped $24,987 into the market to snap up 682 BHP shares. What followed was one of the most volatile — and rewarding — five-year stretches the miner has seen in decades.

The early days of the investment coincided with global pandemic uncertainty. Commodity prices wobbled, and BHP’s share price dipped into the low $30s as markets panicked.

But what came next was a surge few predicted in scale. Iron ore prices exploded, profits ballooned, and BHP shares climbed beyond $50 during the 2021–2022 commodity boom.

The cycle then cooled as China’s property slowdown weighed on sentiment, sending the stock back toward the high $30s before stabilising and climbing again.

Income and capital growth story

Today, with BHP shares at $58.41, those original 682 shares are worth $39,836. That’s a capital gain of roughly $14,849, a solid outcome on price appreciation alone.

But BHP is as much an income story as it is a capital growth story.

Over the past five years, the miner delivered enormous dividends, particularly during the peak profit years. If those dividends had simply been taken as cash, the investor would likely have collected around $19 per share across the period. On 682 shares, that’s roughly $12,958 in dividend income.

Capital gains plus dividends taken in cash have lifted the total value of my BHP shares to roughly $53,000, more than doubling the initial investment.

Stacking shares

However, this scenario includes participation in the BHP shares dividend reinvestment plan (DRP). Assuming an average share price of $51 across the five years, reinvesting those dividends steadily compounded the holding from 682 shares to 789 shares.

That difference matters.

At today’s $58.41 share price, 789 shares are worth $46,085. Compared to the original $24,987 outlay, that represents a gain of more than $21,000. And importantly, a larger ongoing income stream thanks to owning more shares.

The DRP strategy effectively turned volatile price swings into an advantage. When shares dipped back toward the $30s and $40s, reinvested dividends bought more stock. When the cycle recovered, those additional shares amplified gains.

Powerful total return

The past five years highlight two truths about BHP shares. First, they are cyclical and investors must tolerate sharp highs and lows tied to global commodity demand. Second, when the profit cycle turns in its favour, the dividend firehose can materially accelerate wealth creation.

Whether taken as cash or reinvested, the combination of capital growth and substantial dividends has delivered a powerful total return. For patient investors who rode out the turbulence, the results speak for themselves.

The post I bought 682 BHP shares 5 years ago, this is how they fared appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Which ASX 200 mining shares raised their dividends this earnings season?
• 3 of the best blue chip ASX shares I’d buy in March
• ASX 200 materials sector leads as earnings season ends with a record high
• 3 ASX ETFs for a stress-free start to investing
• These ASX 200 shares jumped 15% or more in February

Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has positions in BHP 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 recommended BHP Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

If I had to pick the best ASX dividend stock to buy in March, Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) would be high on my list.

After its February results, I think the investment case for income-focused investors looks stronger than it has in years.

Here’s why.

A growing dividend

Telstra declared an interim dividend of 10.5 cents per share, which was up 10% on the prior period. Importantly, the dividend was 90.5% franked, with 9.5 cents franked and 1 cent unfranked.

If we annualise that interim dividend, we get 21 cents per share for the full year.

At a share price of $5.18, that implies a forward dividend yield of approximately 4.1%.

And with around 90% franking, the grossed-up yield for Australian investors on lower tax rates looks even more attractive.

But what excites me most isn’t the yield. It’s the trajectory.

CEO Vicki Brady emphasised that the interim dividend uplift is consistent with Telstra’s aim to deliver a “sustainable and growing dividend” supported by strong cash earnings.

This is no longer a flat, stagnant dividend story.

Strong cash earnings underpinning payouts

One of the key reasons I’m comfortable with Telstra as a dividend stock is its improving cash profile.

Telstra delivered 14% Cash EBIT growth in the half and reduced underlying operating expenses by $179 million through cost discipline and efficiency gains.

Importantly, management has tightened FY26 underlying EBITDA guidance to between $8.2 billion and $8.4 billion.

That tightening suggests confidence in the outlook.

When I look at dividend stocks, I want earnings growth, not just higher payout ratios. Telstra’s “Connected Future 30” strategy is focused on driving mid-single-digit growth in cash earnings over time.

That is exactly what you want backing a dividend.

Mobile momentum and pricing power

The mobile business remains the engine room.

Mobiles delivered EBITDA growth of $93 million in the half, driven by higher ARPU and more customers choosing Telstra’s network. Mobile services revenue grew by 5.6%.

That tells me two important things. Telstra still has brand and network strength and it has pricing power in a rational market.

Telecommunications is a critical service. In an uncertain economic environment, that defensive characteristic matters.

Buybacks supporting per-share growth

Income investors should also pay attention to capital management.

Telstra increased its on-market share buyback from up to $1 billion to up to $1.25 billion.

Buybacks reduce the share count, which supports earnings per share and dividend per share growth over time.

That combination of dividend growth and buybacks is powerful.

Foolish takeaway

There are higher-yielding stocks on the ASX. There are also fully franked alternatives.

But I’m looking for sustainable cash flow, growing earnings, defensive demand, strong capital management, and a realistic dividend yield, not a stretched one

At around 4.1% yield, with approximately 90% franking, I think Telstra offers attractive income. More importantly, it offers growth in that income.

After years of restructuring and simplification, Telstra now looks like a more focused connectivity business with improving operating leverage, disciplined costs, and clear strategic direction.

For investors seeking reliable, growing income in March, I think Telstra stands out as one of the best ASX dividend stocks to buy.

The post The best ASX dividend stock to buy in March appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How to make $25,000 of passive income a year
• Why I’d buy CBA and these ASX 200 shares in March
• 3 ASX dividend stocks built to pay you year after year
• An Australian dividend stock I’d hold through anything
• Buy Telstra and these ASX dividend stocks for passive income

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 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 Telstra Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

For me, a true blue chip is not just a large company. It is a business with staying power. It has survived cycles, adapted to change, and continued delivering for shareholders over decades.

With that in mind, here are three blue chip ASX shares I would be comfortable buying in March.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

Wesfarmers is the kind of company I would happily tuck away and forget about for years.

Through Bunnings, Kmart, and its other divisions, Wesfarmers is deeply embedded in the Australian consumer landscape. It sells everyday goods, renovation materials, and essentials that households continue to buy regardless of economic headlines.

What sets it apart is capital discipline. Management will divest underperforming assets and reinvest in higher-return opportunities when the time is right.

Its shares are not always cheap, and it does not always shoot the lights out. But it has a long history of compounding value over time.

That consistency is what I want from a blue chip ASX share.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

CBA remains the dominant force in Australian banking.

It has scale, a strong deposit base, and a reputation for operational execution. While bank earnings are tied to the economic cycle, CBA has historically delivered strong returns on equity and reliable fully franked dividends.

Critics often argue that it trades at a premium. That may be true.

But premiums are often attached to quality. For investors seeking stability and income, I think CBA continues to earn its place in blue chip portfolios.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

BHP adds global reach and exposure to essential commodities.

Iron ore may dominate headlines, but BHP’s portfolio also includes copper and other resources that underpin infrastructure, electrification, and industrial growth.

Commodity prices will always fluctuate. But BHP’s scale, balance sheet strength, and asset quality give it resilience across cycles.

It is not a defensive stock in the traditional sense, but it is a cornerstone of the Australian market and has delivered substantial returns over long periods.

Why blue chips still matter

It can be tempting to focus solely on high-growth names.

But blue chips serve a purpose. They anchor portfolios. They generate income. They provide a foundation that allows investors to take selective risks elsewhere.

Not every blue chip will outperform every year. But I don’t think that’s the point. The point is durability.

Foolish takeaway

Wesfarmers, Commonwealth Bank, and BHP represent three different parts of the Australian economy: retail, banking, and resources.

They are not flashy. They are not new. But they are established, resilient, and deeply embedded in the market.

For investors looking to build a portfolio that can endure, these are three blue chips I would be comfortable buying today.

The post 3 of the best blue chip ASX shares I’d buy in March appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• ASX 200 materials sector leads as earnings season ends with a record high
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• These ASX 200 shares jumped 15% or more in February
• The one question I always ask before buying an ASX share
• Game on! BHP retakes biggest ASX stock crown as CBA shares sink

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Commonwealth Bank Of Australia and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

It was another busy week for Australia’s top brokers. This has led to the release of a number of broker notes.

Three broker buy ratings that you might want to know more about are summarised below. Here’s why brokers think these ASX shares are in the buy zone:

DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO)

According to a note out of Bell Potter, its analysts have retained their buy rating on this counter-drone technology company’s shares with a reduced price target of $4.80. This follows the release of full-year results that were a touch short of expectations. This was due to a weaker-than-expected gross margin. Nevertheless, Bell Potter remains very positive on the investment opportunity here. The broker highlights that the company has a market-leading offering and a strengthening competitive advantage owing to its years of battlefield experience and large and focused R&D team. Bell Potter is also predicting 2026 to be an inflection point for the global C-UAS industry with a wave of spending on solutions. As a result, it believes DroneShield should see material contracts flowing from its $2.3 billion potential sales pipeline over the next three to six months. The DroneShield share price ended the week at $3.62.

Guzman Y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG)

A note out of Macquarie reveals that its analysts have retained their outperform rating on this quick service restaurant operator’s shares with a trimmed price target of $27.30. This follows the release of a half-year result that missed consensus estimates due to another poor performance in the United States market. Macquarie is looking beyond this. It believes the long-term outlook for the Australian business is positive. And while there is uncertainty for the US business, it isn’t overly concerned, noting that management has the option for closing the business if the losses continue. In light of this, it feels that recent share price weakness has created a buying opportunity for investors. The Guzman Y Gomez share price was fetching $19.30 at Friday’s close.

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

Analysts at Morgans have retained their buy rating on this energy giant’s shares with an improved price target of $30.50. According to the note, the broker was pleased with Woodside’s FY 2025 result. It notes that its profit and dividends were ahead of expectations. The good news is that Morgans sees further upside potential ahead from a recovering oil price and the successful execution of new projects. The broker also believes there’s potential for a production guidance upgrade in FY 2026 if everything runs smoothly. The Woodside share price was trading at $28.31 on Friday.

The post Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 7 ASX All Ords shares finish earnings season on a 52-week high
• 3 ASX dividend stocks I think every Aussie should own
• Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• How high can the DroneShield share price climb in 2026?
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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Woodside Energy Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended DroneShield and Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

It is not often that high-quality ASX dividend shares go on sale.

But that is exactly what appears to have happened with Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV).

The fashion jewellery retailer’s shares are down 45% from the 52-week high of $43.68 reached in August last year.

And at $23.93, they are now trading not far from their 52-week low of $20.23.

Let’s see why this could be a buying opportunity for income investors.

What’s happening?

This is not a business in decline. In its half-year results, Lovisa delivered total revenue growth of 23.3% to $500.7 million and comparable store sales growth of 2.2%. Underlying net profit after tax rose 21.5% to $69.6 million.

Comparable sales growth has slowed compared to boom periods, but a positive 2.2% comp in a tough consumer environment is hardly alarming. It shows resilience, not weakness.

The real engine of Lovisa is store growth. The ASX dividend share opened 85 new stores during the half, taking its global footprint to 1,095 stores across more than 50 markets.

Europe continues to accelerate, the Americas are scaling, and management has the balance sheet to keep investing. Cash flow from operations rose 30.3% to $183.8 million, providing plenty of fuel for further rollout and earnings and dividend growth.

Should you invest?

The team at Morgans remains bullish on this ASX dividend share. It currently has a buy rating and $36.80 price target on its shares. This implies potential upside of over 50% for investors over the next 12 months. It said:

LOV reported a strong underlying 1H26 result with EBIT up 20.4%, ~6% ahead of our expectations, driven by store network growth and strong gross margins. During the period, the pace of store rollout continued with a net of 64 new stores in the period, bringing the total count to 1,095. We have increased our EBIT by 3%/1% respectively in FY26/27, driven by higher sales and gross margin offset by higher costs and D&A. We see the pull back in share price as a buying opportunity at ~23x FY27 PE. Our valuation lowers to $36.80 (from $40) and we retain our BUY recommendation.

As for income, the broker is forecasting partially franked dividends of 87 cents per share in FY 2026 and then 117 cents per share in FY 2027. This equates to dividend yields of 3.6% and 4.9%, respectively.

The post 1 magnificent ASX dividend share down 45% to buy and hold for decades appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Lovisa. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Lovisa. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Lovisa. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Materials led the 11 ASX 200 market sectors by a long shot in the final week of earnings season, rising 7.41%.

As usual, it was the major ASX 200 mining shares that propelled the sector higher.

The highlight was the BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price ascending to its highest level in 140 years as a listed company.

BHP shares rose above their previous record of $54.55, set in mid-2021, on Monday; then lifted further to $58.29 on Thursday.

BHP also took back its title as the market’s largest company from Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) on Friday.

Meantime, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) rose 1.29% to finish the week at a record high of 9,198.6 points.

Six of the sectors finished the week in the green.

Let’s review.

ASX materials sector back in the saddle

The Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) share price lifted 2.47% to finish the week at $167.33.

The Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) share price rose 5.49% to $21.14 after the miner revealed its 1H FY26 results on Wednesday.

Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN) shares rose 19% to $60.98.

The ASX 200 mining share is riding a new wave of momentum after reporting record EBITDA of $1.2 billion for 1H FY26, up 286%.

The South32 Ltd (ASX: S32) share price climbed 4.78% to $4.60.

Among the ASX 200 gold mining shares, Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) rose 6.88% to close at $30.28 on Friday.

The Newmont Corporation CDI (ASX: NEM) share price increased 5.73% to $177.20.

Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) shares rose 10.17% to finish the week at $16.58.

The Evolution share price reached a record $16.99 in intraday trading on Friday.

ASX 200 copper pure-play Sandfire Resources Ltd (ASX: SFR) rose 7.17% to $20.19 on Friday.

Capstone Copper Corp CDI (ASX: CSC) shares finished 4.48% higher at $14.70.

ASX 200 lithium mining share PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS) soared 24.16% to close the week at $5.19.

PLS Group shares are also on an upward trajectory after the miner revealed a 241% EBITDA surge in 1H FY26.

The Liontown Ltd (ASX: LTR) share price rose 5.25% to $1.71 on no price-sensitive news last week.

Among ASX 200 ASX rare earths shares, Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC) ripped 21.05% higher to $18.98.

Last week, Lynas Rare Earths reported a net profit of $80.2 million for 1H FY26, up from $5.9 million in 1H FY25.

Scores of ASX 200 shares have ex-dividend dates next week. Check them out here.

ASX 200 market sector snapshot

Here’s how the 11 market sectors stacked up last week, according to CommSec data.

Over the five trading days:

S&P/ASX 200 market sector	Change last week
Materials (ASX: XMJ)	7.41%
Consumer Staples (ASX: XSJ)	4.99%
Information Technology (ASX: XIJ)	2.3%
Communication (ASX: XTJ)	1.62%
Industrials (ASX: XNJ)	0.73%
Energy (ASX: XEJ)	0.3%
Utilities (ASX: XUJ)	(1.1%)
Financials (ASX: XFJ)	(1.23%)
Healthcare (ASX: XHJ)	(1.46%)
A-REIT (ASX: XPJ)	(1.81%)
Consumer Discretionary (ASX: XDJ)	(3.32%)

The post ASX 200 materials sector leads as earnings season ends with a record high appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX ETFs for a stress-free start to investing
• These ASX 200 shares jumped 15% or more in February
• Buy, hold, sell: Fortescue, NextDC, and Woolworths shares
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• 7 ASX All Ords shares finish earnings season on a 52-week high

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in BHP Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Lynas Rare Earths Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Australian share market has traditionally delivered a return in the region of 10% per annum.

While that is a great return, there are ASX 200 shares out there with the potential to outperform this.

For example, the two buy-rated ASX 200 shares listed below have been tipped to rise by more than 20% over the next 12 months by brokers.

Here’s what they are saying about them:

NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT)

The team at Morgans remains very bullish on this data centre operator following the release of its half-year results last month.

In response to the results, the broker has retained its buy rating with an improved price target of $20.50. Based on its current share price of $13.88, this implies potential upside of almost 50% for investors between now and this time next year.

Morgans highlights that the company is experiencing incredible demand for capacity in its data centres. So much so, it believes that it is destined to deliver EBITDA of $700 million in FY 2029 even if it didn’t win another contract before then. As a comparison, for the first half of FY 2026, NextDC reported EBITDA of $115.3 million, which annualises to approximately $230 million.

Commenting on the ASX 200 share, the broker said:

NXT sold more MWs in the month of December 2025 than in the preceding 36 months combined. It was a record sales period for enterprise and hyperscale. The 416MW now contracted underpins FY29 underlying EBITDA of >$700m (without new contract wins) and sees NXT trading on an undemanding ~22x EV/Contracted EBITDA, with upside potential. BUY retained and target price lifted to $20.50 from $19.00 following our upgrades.

Elders Ltd (ASX: ELD)

Bell Potter continues to believe that the market is undervaluing this ASX 200 share.

Last week, the broker retained its buy rating on the agribusiness company’s shares with a trimmed price target of $9.00. Based on its current share price of $7.26, this suggests that upside of approximately 25% is possible between now and this time next year.

It also expects a generous 5.4% dividend yield over the period, lifting the total potential return to approximately 30%.

Commenting on its buy recommendation, Bell Potter said:

Our Buy rating is unchanged. We see encouraging signs for FY26e, with livestock turnoff values exhibiting double digit YoY growth through 1H26TD, mitigated in part by dryer conditions through most of the summer cropping window and an easing in input price tailwinds. A more normal selling pattern in FY26e, delivery on SYSMOD and backward integration initiatives, and consolidation of Delta are expected to drive high double-digit EPS growth in FY26-27e. This view does not look reflected in the current share price, with ELD trading at 13.3x FY26e EPS.

The post These ASX 200 shares could rise 25% to 50% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: Fortescue, NextDC, and Woolworths shares
• Bell Potter just updated its guidance on these ASX 300 shares
• Why I’m still backing ASX growth shares for the long run
• Elders sells Killara Feedlot in $195.8m deal
• This ASX 200 tech stock is up 5% on results and ‘unprecedented demand’

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Nextdc. 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 recommended Elders. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.