• 13 ASX shares with ex-dividend dates next week

    Man putting coins in a wooden piggy bank next to piles of coins.

    A small bunch of S&P/ASX All Ords Index (ASX: XAO) shares have ex-dividend dates coming up next week.

    We’re helping you keep track of ex-dividend dates with an article every Friday.

    Here are some of the ASX shares due to go ex-dividend next week.

    To receive the next dividend, you must own the ASX share before its ex-dividend date.

    ASX shares with ex-dividend dates coming up 

    Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH)

    This ASX healthcare share will pay an 85% franked dividend of $1.30 per share on 14 October.

    The ex-dividend date is Monday, 21 September.

    New Hope Corporation Ltd (ASX: NHC)

    This ASX coal share will pay a fully franked dividend of 30 cents per share on 15 October.

    The ex-dividend date is 21 September.

    Southern Cross Engineering Ltd (ASX: SXE)

    This ASX industrials share will pay a 100% franked dividend of 7.5 cents per share on 7 October.

    The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, 22 September.

    Latitude Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: LFS)

    This ASX financial share will pay a 100% franked dividend of 5.5 cents per share on 22 October.

    The ex-dividend date is 22 September.

    Fleetwood Ltd (ASX: FWD)

    This ASX industrials share will pay a 100% franked dividend of 9.5 cents per share on 9 October.

    The ex-dividend date is 22 September.

    St Barbara Ltd (ASX: SBM)

    This ASX materials share will pay a fully franked dividend of 5 cents per share on 16 October.

    The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, 23 September.

    IPD Group Ltd (ASX: IPG)

    This ASX industrials share will pay a fully franked dividend of 7.9 cents per share on 8 October.

    The ex-dividend date is 23 September.

    Genesis Energy Ltd (ASX: GNE)

    This ASX utilities share will pay an unfranked dividend of 6.3 cents per share on 9 October.

    The ex-dividend date is 23 September.

    Bisalloy Steel Group Ltd (ASX: BIS)

    This ASX materials share will pay a fully franked dividend of 13 cents per share on 9 October.

    The ex-dividend date is Thursday, 24 September.

    Salter Brothers Emerging Companies Ltd (ASX: SB2)

    This ASX financial share will pay a 50% franked dividend of 2 cents per share on 22 October.

    The ex-dividend date is 24 September.

    Wiseway Group Ltd (ASX: WWG)

    Wiseway Group shares will pay a 100% franked dividend of 0.006 cents per share on 9 October.

    The ex-dividend date is 24 September.

    PRL Global Ltd (ASX: PRG)

    PRL Global shares will pay a 100% franked dividend of 3 cents per share on 23 October.

    The ex-dividend date is 24 September.

    Teaminvest Private Group Ltd (ASX: TIP)

    This ASX financial share will pay a 100% franked dividend of 1.5 cents per share on 5 October.

    The ex-dividend date is Friday, 25 September.

    The post 13 ASX shares with ex-dividend dates next week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Index Total Return Gross (AUD) right now?

    Before you buy S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Index Total Return Gross (AUD) shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Index Total Return Gross (AUD) wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 August 2026

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    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 positions in and has recommended Cochlear and Ipd Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Ipd Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Bisalloy Steel Group, Cochlear, and Southern Cross Electrical Engineering. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Woodside Energy vs Fortescue: Which ASX mining share is best for passive income?

    Mining workers in high vis vests and hard hats discuss plans for the mining site they are at as heavy equipment moves earth behind them, representing opportunities among ASX 200 shares as nominated by top broker Macquarie

    Woodside Energy vs Fortescue shares: Which mining stock is better for passive income?

    If you’re looking to bank reliable passive income from the mining space, two big names on the ASX often get a close look: Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) and Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG). Both are true Australian heavyweights, attractively sized, and generous dividend payers—plus, their fully franked dividends can be a real drawcard for savvy local investors. But if you’re weighing up Woodside Energy vs Fortescue shares, which is the better bet for building sustainable, hands-off income? Let’s break it down.

    The case for Woodside Energy Group

    Woodside Energy is Australia’s largest independent oil and gas company, and the largest operator of oil and gas production in the country. With roots going back to 1954, Woodside’s business stretches across offshore platforms and international assets, strengthened by its recent high-profile merger with BHP’s oil and gas portfolio. Listed since 1971, it now sits among the largest companies on the ASX.

    What stands out about Woodside:

    • It boasts a sizeable market cap of $63.25 billion, underscoring its scale and stability.
    • The dividend yield is a strong 5.04%, fully franked, making its income stream friendly for local investors.
    • Recent performance has been robust, with a 44.04% year to date return—a real contrast against some sector peers.

    The case for Fortescue

    Fortescue is one of the giants in iron ore production, sitting just behind BHP, Rio Tinto, and Vale globally. Its flagship operations cover major mining hubs in the Pilbara, a major port, and the world’s fastest heavy-haul railway. Since debuting on the ASX in 1987, it’s grown into a $50.93 billion titan, underpinning a massive chunk of global iron ore supply.

    Numbers I’d call out for Fortescue:

    • The current dividend yield is a hefty 6.66%, fully franked, comfortably outpacing Woodside.
    • A lower P/E ratio of 12.46 could be pointing to better value at these levels.
    • However, 2026’s year to date return is -21.40%, showing headwinds for the share price.

    Valuation comparison

    Here’s a side-by-side look at the key income and value metrics:

    Woodside Energy (WDS) Fortescue (FMG)
    Market Cap $63.25b $50.93b
    P/E Ratio 14.41 12.46
    Dividend Yield 5.04% 6.66%
    Earnings per share 1.605 0.931
    Dividend per share 1.63 1.08
    Year To Date Return 44.04% -21.40%
    Franking 100% 100%

    The key takeaway here: Fortescue offers the higher dividend yield for those hunting passive income, and sports a slightly cheaper earnings multiple. But Woodside is the larger company, with a higher earnings per share and a much better share price run lately.

    Recent share price performance

    All prices quoted are as of 16 September 2026. Woodside closed at $33.27, having climbed 2.84% that day, capping off a strong few weeks—with only minor dips and overall upward price momentum. Year to date, Woodside shares are up a very impressive 44.04%.

    Fortescue, meanwhile, finished at $16.54 (up 1.97% that day), but the bigger story is in the negatives: its year to date return is -21.40%. Across the most recent weeks, Fortescue has seen sharper drops and less sustained upward movement than Woodside, reflecting trickier recent trading conditions.

    Which is the better buy?

    If I’m focused on pure passive income, I think Fortescue has the edge on yield alone—a 6.66% fully franked payout is nothing to sneeze at. That’s a good margin above Woodside’s 5.04%. But the picture isn’t that simple. Woodside brings a larger, arguably more resilient business, higher earnings per share, and absolutely stellar recent share price performance. Fortescue’s negative YTD performance, on the other hand, is a yellow flag—it’s been a rough run for FMG shareholders lately.

    Both stocks have given out big, fully franked dividends for years, but Woodside’s price momentum suggests investors have more confidence in its near-term prospects. If my sole priority was maximising present yield, I’d take a good look at Fortescue. But factoring in total return and share price stability, my pick would be Woodside for a smoother and potentially more sustainable passive income ride. The lower headline yield is offset by the capital growth and big-company resilience, which count for a lot in this space.

    The post Woodside Energy vs Fortescue: Which ASX mining share is best for passive income? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Fortescue right now?

    Before you buy Fortescue shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Fortescue wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 August 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart 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 recommended BHP Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial draft. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

  • 6 ASX 200 shares boosted by brokers this week

    A little girl with red hair runs excitedly with a rocket strapped to her back, trying to launch.

    S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares are 0.2% higher at 8,714.9 points on Thursday.

    Meanwhile, brokers have lifted their ratings on several ASX 200 shares this week. 

    Let’s review. 

    CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

    The CSL share price is $177.29, up 1.7% today.

    Over the past month, this ASX 200 healthcare share has ripped 32%.

    RBC Capital upgraded CSL shares to a buy rating on Tuesday.

    The broker raised its 12-month price target substantially from $148 to $213.

    This implies a potential 20% upside ahead.

    National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB)

    The NAB share price is $38.91, up 2.3% today.

    Over the past month, this ASX 200 bank share has fallen 1%.

    Citi upgraded NAB shares to a buy rating yesterday.

    The broker increased its 12-month price target from $40 to $42.10.

    This suggests a potential 8% upside ahead.

    Lottery Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLC)

    The Lottery Corporation share price is $4.86, up 0.7% today.

    Over the past month, this ASX 200 consumer discretionary share has fallen 9%.

    Morgans upgraded Lottery Corporation shares to a buy call today.

    The broker reduced its 12-month price target from $5.60 to $5.40.

    This implies a potential 11% upside ahead.

    Ramsay Health Care Ltd (ASX: RHC)

    The Ramsay Health Care share price is $55.06, up 0.4% today.

    Over the past month, this ASX 200 healthcare share has risen 23%.

    RBC Capital upgraded Ramsay Health Care shares to a buy call this week.

    The broker increased its 12-month price target significantly from $52 to $68.

    This indicates potential capital gains of 23% over the next year. 

    Challenger Ltd (ASX: CGF)

    The Challenger share price is $10.09, down 1.9% today.

    Over the past month, this ASX 200 financial share has increased 4%.

    UBS upgraded Challenger shares to a buy rating with a $11.50 price target.

    This suggests a potential 14% upside ahead.

    James Hardie Industries Plc (ASX: JHX)

    The James Hardie share price is $37.38, up 0.2% today.

    Over the past month, this ASX 200 materials share has fallen 15%.

    Morgans upgraded James Hardie shares to an accumulate rating yesterday.

    The broker shaved its 12-month price target from $45 to $43.

    This suggests potential capital growth of 15% over the next year. 

    Morgans said:

    The positive company story and the growth trajectory are only partially offset by the tough macro, a 75bps rise in the 30-year mortgage rate over the past six months, and a peer multiple de-rate.

    On this basis we upgrade to an Accumulate rating, whilst moderating our target price to A$43.00 (from A$45.00).

    The post 6 ASX 200 shares boosted by brokers this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Challenger right now?

    Before you buy Challenger shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Challenger wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 August 2026

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    Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. 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 positions in and has recommended CSL and The Lottery Corporation. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL, Challenger, and The Lottery Corporation. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.