Shares in Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) and Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) are both trading near their 12-month highs, but one is a clear standout for shareholder return performance over the past year.

Woolworths shares are up 55.8% on a 12-month basis, while Coles shares have risen just 4.5%.

So, is Coles poised to catch up over the next 12 months?

Broker has run the numbers on the ASX retailers

The Jarden analyst team examined the retailers and came to a conclusion as to which one of the major supermarket operators represents the best value from a shareholder perspective.

The broker has just finalised its 15^th fast-moving consumer goods survey, which points to 2% sector growth over the next six months, with Woolworths tipped to be the top performer again.

Jarden said themes over the past 12 months have remained consistent, with suppliers ceding terms to retailers, and shoppers increasingly seeking out promotions.

The broker said:

The results support stronger margins for COL and WOW, which could suggest some upside to FY27/28 forecasts for 10 basis points of expansion. We leave forecasts unchanged, with the view that WOW’s investment in below the line, momentum from Ooshies and customer offer reset opportunity leave it well placed to maintain momentum. Overall we believe retailers are extracting better terms and looking to put this into price. The question is whether this will flow through into margins? We would argue consensus assumes WOW can maintain stronger top-line, with neither COL or WOW banking margin.

Woolworths Chief Executive Officer Amanda Barwell said recently while announcing the company’s full year results that they had had a “pleasing” start to the year supported by the strong performance of the Disney Ooshies collectibles program.

She added:

Customers are expected to remain value-focused in the year ahead and we are committed to limiting the impact of rising costs through low and dependable prices. Wage growth is also expected to remain elevated by historical standards reflecting the current year’s annual wage increase of 4.75% in Australia and progressive changes to pay for our 18 and 19-year-old retail team members. These cost pressures challenge us to be even more efficient, leveraging technology to be more productive in order to reinvest back into the business for our customers.

Woolworths edges out its rival

Jarden has an overweight rating on Woolworths shares. Its price target is $42, which sits slightly above the current price of $41.74.

It has a neutral rating Coles shares. Its price target is $22.80, which sits below the current share price of $24.22.

Among other retailers, Jarden has overweight ratings on Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) and Metcash Ltd (ASX: MTS), and a buy rating on Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG).

The post Which ASX retailer is a better buy, Coles or Woolworths? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Cameron England has positions in 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 Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares are down 2.4% over 12 months.

The US-Iran conflict, high oil prices, rising inflation and interest rates, and multi-decade high bond yields are all weighing on the market.

Amid the current weakness, experts provide their insights on three ASX stocks (courtesy The Bull). 

Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG)

The Sigma Healthcare share price is down 5% over 12 months.

Toby Grimm from Baker Young has a buy rating on this ASX 200 healthcare share.

Grimm explained:

Sigma Healthcare is a wholesale distributer of pharmaceutical goods and medicines.

Sigma merged with pharmaceutical retail giant Chemist Warehouse in 2025.

The company’s share price has retreated to appealing entry levels at October 15.

Its competitive position remains unrivalled, in our view. Structural health trends should continue to support organic growth.

Although some competition is likely, the GLP-1 weight loss drug rollout should boost treatment sales.

The Chemist Warehouse branded store network is forecast to generate double digit, like-for-like sales growth in full year 2027.

Collins Foods Ltd (ASX: CKF)

The Collins Food share price is down 17% over 12 months.

Grimm has a hold rating on this ASX 200 consumer discretionary share. 

He said: 

The company operates KFC restaurants in Australia, Germany and the Netherlands.

The shares have fallen from $11.68 on November 28, 2025 to trade at $8.64 on October 15, 2026.

Consumer sentiment is weakening due to cost-of-living pressures, higher interest rates and housing market weakness.

However, underlying spending patterns are far more resilient than sentiment indicators suggest.

Australian sales continue to grow in the high single digits.

CKF offers a solid dividend yield and is a reasonably priced defensive exposure that we’re happy to hold.

iShares MSCI South Korea AUD ETF (ASX: IKO)

The IKO share price is up 55% over 12 months. 

IKO ETF was the best performer out of the more than 400 exchange-traded funds (ETFs) on the market in FY26.

The IKO ETF delivered a stunning one-year total return of 171%, including a dividend yield of 4.6%.

That was the result of South Korea’s stock market near-tripling in value over the 12 months.

Andrew Wielandt from DP Wealth Advisory has a sell recommendation on IKO ETF shares.

Wielandt said: 

This exchange traded fund provides exposure to major South Korean companies, including technology and industrial businesses.

IKO is exposed to cyclical global demand, particularly in semiconductors and memory chips.

Given IKO’s concentrated and heavy exposure to technology, we would be inclined to cash in some gains in this volatile environment.

The shares have risen from $137.65 on October 16, 2025 to trade at $220.55 on October 15, 2026.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Sigma Healthcare, Collins Foods, IKO ETF shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Westpac vs AMP shares: Which ASX financial stock better suits retirees?

Choosing between Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) and AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP) can feel a bit like picking your favourite out of Australia’s classic financial names. Both companies offer investors a slice of the nation’s financial industry, but their strengths (and their differences) could have a real impact on retirees looking for income and stability. Here’s how I see the two stack up as investments for those living off their portfolios.

The case for Westpac

Founded in 1817, Westpac is a household name and one of Australia’s ‘big four’ banks. With a long-running history and a broad offering—from everyday banking to wealth management and institutional services—Westpac has its tentacles in almost every corner of Australian finance. Its family of brands includes Westpac itself, St.George, Bank of Melbourne, BankSA, and BT. It operates across consumer, business, and institutional spaces, both here and in New Zealand.

For me, a real standout with Westpac is its commitment to fully franked dividends—a big plus for retirees seeking tax-effective income. According to the latest data, it boasts:

• Market cap of $120.22 billion (distinctly one of the ASX’s largest)
• P/E ratio of 17.60
• Dividend yield of 4.31%, with 100% franking—meaning potential tax credits come tax time
• Earnings per share of $2.029

Westpac’s dividend history shows a long track record of regular, reliable payments, including some special dividends sprinkled in, all with full franking. This level of consistency is pretty attractive for those in the drawdown phase of retirement.

The case for AMP

AMP has been a pillar of Australia’s financial scene since 1849, originally starting as the Australian Mutual Provident Society. These days, AMP provides superannuation, life insurance, investment management, and banking services to individuals and businesses alike. The company has seen some major strategic changes recently, including forming a joint venture for its advice business and streamlining operations with the sale of Collimate Capital.

The fundamentals for AMP catch the eye for different reasons:

• Market cap sits at $5.79 billion, making it notably smaller than Westpac
• P/E ratio of 32.43—higher than Westpac’s, signaling the market may be pricing in more growth or a recovery
• Dividend yield of 2.08%, with only 20% franking
• Earnings per share is $0.074
• Year to date (YTD) return at a striking 34.6%

While AMP’s dividends are partially franked and smaller, the sizeable YTD share price jump suggests positive momentum—something that may appeal to those not just focused on income but also growth potential, even as a retiree.

Valuation comparison

Here’s how some key metrics line up side by side:

	Westpac	AMP
Market Cap	$120.22 billion	$5.79 billion
P/E Ratio	17.60	32.43
Dividend Yield	4.31% (100% franked)	2.08% (20% franked)
Dividend per Share	$1.54	$0.05
Earnings per Share (EPS)	$2.029	$0.074
YTD Return	-5.49%	34.62%

Note: AMP’s P/E ratio and EPS suggest a relatively ‘expensive’ valuation compared to Westpac, and its lower franking level could mean less effective after-tax income for retirees. The higher P/E for AMP suggests the market might expect greater earnings growth—although that comes with more risk.

Recent share price momentum

Comparing year-to-date performance in 2026:

• Westpac: -5.5%
• AMP: 34.6%

Clearly, AMP shares have charged ahead in 2026, while Westpac has lost a little ground.

Which is the better buy?

If I’m thinking like a retiree, seeking stability and consistent tax-effective income, Westpac squarely ticks the boxes for me. That 4.3% fully franked dividend is hard to beat, especially when paired with the bank’s scale and regular history of rewarding shareholders. AMP’s run-up this year is impressive, but with a much higher P/E, a smaller, only partially franked dividend, and less stability, I’d see it as a riskier option for those living off their investments.

For my money, Westpac is the more suitable ASX financial share for retirees aiming for worry-free dividend income. While AMP has momentum, I’m a fan of solid, sleep-well income—and Westpac delivers that in spades.

The post Westpac vs AMP: Which ASX financial stock is best for retirees? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• How much do I need in my superannuation to generate a $108,000 annual passive income?
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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 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. 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.