Author: openjargon

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) had a tough month in March due to war breaking out in the Middle East, rising inflation, and higher interest rates. This led to the benchmark index sinking a sizeable 7.8% for the month.

Not all shares fell with the market. Here are four ASX 200 shares that delivered big returns for investors during March:

Viva Energy Group Ltd (ASX: VEA)

The Viva Energy share price was the best performer on the ASX 200 in March with a 40.4% gain. Investors appear to believe that this fuel retailer will be benefitting from surging fuel prices caused by the war in the Middle East. In addition, last month the Federal Government increased the Geelong Refinery FSSP Margin Marker cap and collar by 3.6 Australian cents per litre (Acpl), which is the equivalent to A$5.70 per barrel. Viva Energy’s CEO and managing director, Scott Wyatt, said: “Today’s announcement underscores the important role that domestic refining plays in strengthening Australian energy security. Viva Energy is proud to own and operate one of the two refineries that together produce approximately 20% of the country’s fuel requirements.”

Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX)

The Telix Pharmaceuticals share price wasn’t far behind with a 40% gain last month. The radiopharmaceuticals company’s shares rebounded strongly after the release of a couple of promising announcements. One was that its ProstACT Global Phase 3 study achieved its primary objectives, demonstrating an acceptable safety and tolerability profile with no new safety signals observed. The other revealed that Telix has resubmitted a New Drug Application (NDA) to the United States Food and Drug Administration for its Pixclara product. It is an investigational PET imaging agent for the characterization of recurrent or progressive glioma (brain cancer) from treatment related changes in both adult and paediatric patients.

Yancoal Australia Ltd (ASX: YAL)

The Yancoal Australia share price was on form and raced 33.9% higher in March. This follows a strong month for coal prices driven by strong demand to counter surging LNG prices and supply uncertainty. For the same reason, the New Hope Corporation Ltd (ASX: NHC) share price was up 23.6% in March and the Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC) share price was up 16.5% during the period.

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

The Woodside Energy share price had a strong month and rose 16%. This was driven by the war in the Middle East, which has driven LNG and oil prices materially higher. In fact, both WTI and Brent crude oil prices ended the month above US$100 a barrel, representing a gain of 50% for the month. Investors appear optimistic that Woodside will be generating significant cash flow, which could support capital returns.

The post These were the best-performing ASX 200 shares in March appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• Paladin Energy shares: Judicial review challenges EIS approval
• How are these 5 ASX share giants really tracking in 2026?
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• 3 ASX income stocks trading at attractive prices

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

It was a strong session for this beaten-down $12 billion ASX tech stock on Tuesday.

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO) shares jumped 6.5% to $75.12, offering a welcome boost after a brutal run. Xero shares are still down 34% year to date and a staggering 61% below their all-time high reached in June last year.

Interestingly, there was no price-sensitive news driving the move. Instead, the rally appears to reflect improving sentiment toward the broader tech sector, with investors starting to tiptoe back into battered ASX tech stocks.

Let’s take a closer look.

Strong global footprint

For those unfamiliar, Xero is a cloud-based accounting platform designed for small and medium-sized businesses. The ASX tech stock allows users to manage invoicing, payroll, and financial reporting in one place.

Xero has built a strong global footprint across Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and beyond. That global reach is one of its biggest strengths.

The company operates a scalable subscription model, generates recurring revenue, and continues to grow its customer base over time. Its ecosystem of integrations and add-ons also creates sticky users and high switching costs.

Broad tech rout

But it hasn’t been smooth sailing.

The recent sell-off wasn’t just about Xero. It was part of a broader tech rout. After a strong run in 2025, valuations across the sector looked stretched, and many investors feared a correction was overdue.

Then came a new concern: AI. Markets began questioning whether artificial intelligence could disrupt traditional software models. The fear? That AI-powered tools might reduce demand for subscription-based platforms like Xero.

That uncertainty helped drive a sharp rotation out of ASX tech stocks in early 2026.

Higher interest rates didn’t help either, putting further pressure on growth valuations.

Bargain hunters

Now, though, the mood may be shifting.

After months of heavy selling, Xero shares are trading at a significant discount to prior highs. That appears to be attracting bargain hunters, with some investors stepping back into high-quality growth names at lower entry points.

And the analysts? They’re overwhelmingly bullish.

According to TradingView data, 13 out of 14 analysts rate the ASX tech stock as a buy or strong buy. Even more striking, price targets suggest potential upside of up to 210%, with some tipping the stock could reach $233.00 over the next 12 months.

Analysts at Citi recently retained their buy rating and $144.80 price target on this cloud accounting platform provider’s shares. That points to a 92% upside.

Knocked but not out

Of course, risks remain. Competition in the accounting software space is intensifying, and any slowdown in customer growth or margin expansion could weigh on sentiment again. The AI question also hasn’t fully gone away.

Still, the combination of a sharp pullback, strong fundamentals, and improving sentiment is hard to ignore.

Xero has been hammered — but it’s not out. If confidence continues to return to the sector, this beaten-down ASX tech stock could be gearing up for a serious comeback.

The post Is this smashed ASX tech stock gearing up for a hefty comeback? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Xero, WiseTech shares jump higher today: Is this the beginning of a rebound?
• Where to invest $10,000 in ASX 200 shares this April
• Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• 5 ASX 200 shares including WiseTech and Xero plumbing new 52-week-plus lows on Monday

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

It’s been another disappointing month for shareholders in CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) shares.

CSL shares continued their downward trend, falling another 3.6% in March.

That extends the damage to more than 44% over the past 12 months and almost 19% so far in 2026.

So, what’s going on?

Clear reason to hit ‘sell’

The company’s latest half-year result didn’t do investors any favours. CSL reported softer performance, with underlying profit declining and revenue edging lower. Policy changes, restructuring costs, and impairments all weighed on the result. It was giving the market a clear reason to hit the sell button on CSL shares.

On the surface, that explains the weak price of CSL shares.

But dig a little deeper, and the picture looks very different.

CSL remains a global leader in plasma therapies and vaccines, supplying critical treatments for chronic and rare diseases. These aren’t optional products — patients depend on them regardless of economic conditions.

That gives CSL a powerful defensive edge. Demand is not only strong but highly recurring, providing a stable and resilient revenue base even in uncertain times.

Regaining momentum

And there are signs things are already improving.

Momentum is quietly building beneath the surface. CSL recently delivered solid earnings growth, driven by rising plasma collections and improving margins in its core CSL Behring division. Its vaccine arm, Seqirus, is also adding diversification and supporting longer-term growth.

Looking ahead, management expects both revenue and profit to continue climbing as operating conditions normalise and efficiencies improve.

In other words, the business may be regaining momentum — even if the price of CSL shares hasn’t caught up yet.

So, what could happen next?

Analysts are backing a recovery. Broker sentiment on CSL shares remains broadly positive, with most maintaining buy or outperform ratings. The average 12-month price target sits around $214.00, suggesting potential upside of roughly 52% from current levels.

UBS is firmly in the bullish camp on CSL shares. The broker has a buy rating and a $235 price target, implying a possible 67% upside over the next year. Some forecasts are even more bullish, tipping gains of up to 96%.

Margin pressure, currency impacts

Of course, there are still risks. CSL has faced ongoing headwinds, including margin pressure, integration challenges, and currency impacts. If earnings recovery takes longer than expected, the share price could remain under pressure.

There’s also the broader issue of market sentiment. Even high-quality healthcare stocks can fall out of favour, especially when investors rotate into other sectors.

The bottom line? CSL shares have had a rough run, but the underlying business tells a much more resilient story. If momentum continues to build, this healthcare giant could be quietly setting up for a comeback.

The post CSL shares slide again in March — but is a comeback brewing? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• If I could buy only 1 ASX 200 share right now, it would be…
• How are these 5 ASX share giants really tracking in 2026?
• Is it time to get greedy with CSL shares?
• Why I’d buy dirt-cheap ASX shares now and aim to hold them for a decade
• Is it too late to start investing in ASX shares in your 40s?

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

On Tuesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) fought hard to record a small gain. The benchmark index rose 0.25% to 8,481.8 points.

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

ASX 200 to jump

The Australian share market looks set for a strong session on Wednesday following a very positive night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 119 points or 1.4% higher. In late trade in the United States, the Dow Jones is up 2.3%, the S&P 500 is up 2.75% and the Nasdaq is 3.7% higher.

Buy Catapult shares

Bell Potter sees a lot of value in Catapult Sports Ltd (ASX: CAT) shares at current levels. This morning, the broker has reaffirmed its buy rating and $4.75 price target on the sports technology company’s shares. It said: “The other key take-out from investor day is that the medium-term targets remain on track and the outlook remains positive. The key target is ACV of US$200m+ in “2-3 years” which in theory will be achieved by reaching 5k pro teams (vs c.4k now) and ACV per pro team of c.US$40k (vs c.US$30k now).”

Oil prices mixed

ASX 200 energy shares Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) will be on watch on Wednesday after a mixed night for oil prices. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 0.85% to US$102.02 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 4.9% to US$118.31 a barrel. While there is optimism that the Iran war could soon end, there is no guarantee that the Strait of Hormuz will reopen.

Gold price rises

ASX 200 gold shares Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a good session on Wednesday after the gold price stormed higher overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is up 3.4% to US$4,680.7 an ounce. This was driven by optimism that the Iran war could be nearing an end.

AGL update

AGL Energy Limited (ASX: AGL) shares will be on watch today after the energy giant released an update on the Kwinana Gas Power Generation 2 (K2) Project. It is a 220 MW open-cycle, dual-fuel gas turbine power station to be co-located with the existing Kwinana Swift facility in Western Australia. AGL has reached a final investment decision to proceed with the project. AGL’s CEO, Damien Nicks, said: “It marks another important milestone in AGL’s strategy to develop new firming capacity to support the build out of renewables, and further expands the breadth and capacity of the company’s flexible asset portfolio.”

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

More reading

• These were the best-performing ASX 200 shares in March
• Paladin Energy shares: Judicial review challenges EIS approval
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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro 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 Catapult Sports. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Catapult Sports. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

It hasn’t been an easy ride for ASX fintech investors.

Over the past six months, Block Inc. (ASX: XYZ) has dropped 23%, while Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) has plunged a brutal 66% at the time of writing. Both buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) players have been hit by a perfect storm of market volatility, regulatory pressure, and shaky investor sentiment.

But here’s the big question: is this a rare buying opportunity — or a value trap?

Block: Global reach, diversification

This $45 billion ASX financial stock brings serious scale and global reach to the table. Through its Square and Cash App ecosystems, Block has built a powerful payments and financial services platform spanning merchants and consumers.

That diversified model is a major strength, giving Block multiple growth levers beyond BNPL. The company formerly known as Square is also deeply embedded in the US market, which continues to lead in fintech innovation.

However, risks remain. Profitability has been uneven, and exposure to consumer spending makes it sensitive to economic slowdowns. There’s also ongoing scrutiny around BNPL and digital payments.

Despite this, many analysts remain constructive. Several brokers continue to rate the ASX financial stock as a buy, pointing to its long-term growth potential and the possibility of a strong rebound as macro conditions stabilise.

Analysts have set a 12-month average price target of $163.67, implying a 92% upside at current levels of $85.29. The most bullish target is $256, which points to a whopping potential gain of 200%.

Zip: Higher risk, higher reward

Zip tells a more volatile story — but potentially a more explosive one. The ASX financial stocks has built a recognised BNPL brand, particularly in Australia, and is now focused on improving margins and driving profitability.

Its strategy centres on increasing revenue per customer and tightening credit quality, which could lead to a more sustainable business model. That’s the upside.

The downside? Execution risk is high. Zip is still working to convince the market it can consistently deliver profits, and competition in the BNPL space remains intense. Add in regulatory uncertainty and shifting consumer behaviour, and it’s easy to see why investors have been cautious.

Even so, some brokers see deep value at current levels. A number of analysts have maintained buy or even strong buy ratings on the ASX financial stock. They suggest the share price may have fallen too far relative to its long-term potential.

The average price target is $4.21, which suggests a 173% upside, while the most optimistic forecast is a 241% gain at the current share price level of $1.54.

So, where does that leave investors?

Both Block and Zip have been heavily sold off — but they’re not broken businesses. The 2 ASX financial stocks operate in a sector that’s still evolving, with digital payments and flexible finance continuing to gain traction globally.

The key difference comes down to risk tolerance. Block offers scale, diversification, and a more established footprint. Zip, on the other hand, is a higher-risk, higher-reward play that could deliver outsized gains if it executes well.

The bottom line? These ASX financial stocks have been smashed, but that’s often when the biggest opportunities emerge. If sentiment shifts and execution improves, a doubling — or more — isn’t out of the question.

The post 2 ASX financial stocks that could double – or even triple – in value appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther 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 Block. 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.

Yesterday afternoon, Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) announced that the Métis Nation–Saskatchewan has filed a judicial review challenging the recent approval of its Environmental Impact Statement for the Patterson Lake South Project.

What did Paladin Energy report?

• The Métis Nation–Saskatchewan has commenced legal action over approval of Paladin’s Environmental Impact Statement for Patterson Lake South.
• The application challenges a 19 February 2026 decision by the Saskatchewan Minister of Environment.
• An interim injunction is sought to prevent Paladin from acting on the approval until the judicial review is decided.
• No financial results or operational impacts were reported in this announcement.

What else do investors need to know?

Paladin Energy has acknowledged the unique rights, cultures, and concerns of Indigenous peoples and emphasised its ongoing efforts to engage with the Métis Nation–Saskatchewan. The company highlighted that Paladin Canada Inc. (formerly Fission Uranium Corp.) has consulted with the MN–S over many years as part of the Patterson Lake South Project development.

The judicial review application is directed towards both the Government of Saskatchewan and Paladin. The legal process could affect the project’s timeline, depending on the court’s findings. Paladin states that it intends to defend its position in the matter.

What’s next for Paladin Energy?

Paladin Energy will now respond to the judicial review as it progresses through the Saskatchewan court. The company remains committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders, including Indigenous communities, to address concerns and build lasting relationships throughout its project development.

Further updates on regulatory or legal matters, alongside developments at the Patterson Lake South Project, are expected in due course.

Paladin Energy share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Paladin Energy shares have risen 192%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 7% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Paladin Energy shares: Judicial review challenges EIS approval appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 summary of the company announcement. 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.

Investors may choose to target ASX small-cap shares for upside opportunity. 

This comes with increased risk compared to blue-chip companies.

However these two ASX small-caps have attracted buy recommendations from Bell Potter. 

AML3D Ltd (ASX: AL3)

AL3 is a welding, robotics, and software business, which produces automated 3D printing systems that utilise Wire Additive Manufacturing technology (WAM) to produce metal components and structures. 

It is particularly useful for the printing of large scale complex industrial parts for the defence, oil & gas and aerospace sectors.

As is expected with penny stocks, AL3 shares have experienced significant volatility over the last year. 

However a new report from Bell Potter suggests it could be set for growth. 

The broker said the company’s technology is particularly suited to maritime applications, giving it strong leverage into demand growth from the US Navy’s Maritime Industrial Base and the US SHIPS Act. 

This is already coming to fruition with key contracts being secured in the last week. 

Over FY26-27, we expect AL3 to increase deployment of ARCEMY systems to the US and Europe, increase prototyping activity and ultimately commence commercial scale production of components. There is potential for the Navy LOI to expand beyond the Maritime Industrial Base to land-based assets. AL3 will also look to deploy its technology into non-defence sector industrial manufacturing.

The broker has retained its speculative buy recommendation and $0.40 price target on this ASX small-cap. 

From yesterday’s closing price, this indicates an upside of 100%. 

Minerals 260 Ltd (ASX: MI6)

MI6 is a Perth-based gold exploration and development company. 

This small-cap has rocketed in the past year, rising 470%. 

This includes a 59% rise year to date. 

Recent analysis from Bell Potter indicates there could be further growth ahead after MI6 reported new drilling results from its fully owned Bullabulling Gold Project in Western Australia.

The latest results come from 5,425 meters of drilling, part of a larger 110,000-meter program.

The drilling found several solid gold intersections, confirming the project’s existing resource estimate and discovering additional mineralised areas beyond it.

MI6 offers gold exposure via the 4.5Moz Bullabulling Resource, valuation uplift through discovery success, project advancement and de-risking as the BGP progresses towards production. It holds ~$250m cash, sufficient to fund to Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS), Final Investment Decision (FID), long-lead items and early site works.

The broker has retained its speculative buy recommendation and price target of $0.90. 

This indicates a potential upside of 31% from current levels. 

The post 2 ASX small-cap shares Bell Potter says can race 30-100% higher appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell 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.

It’s been a volatile first three months of 2026 for some of the heavyweight ASX shares.

Between escalating global conflict, rising interest rates, AI disruption fears, and ongoing investor jitters, markets have been anything but steady.

But while some blue chips have struggled, others have thrived — proving it’s not all doom and gloom.

Here’s how five of the top ASX shares are tracking and what could come next.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

Starting with Commonwealth Bank of Australia, the banking giant is up 4.4% year to date but has slipped 5.3% over the past month.

CBA continues to benefit from its dominant market position and strong margins, but pressure is building from slowing credit growth and competition.

Still, its defensive earnings profile and consistent dividends should help it weather ongoing volatility, with analysts generally maintaining hold to modestly positive outlooks.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

Next is BHP Group, which is up 10.7% in 2026 but down 11.5% over the past month. Commodity price swings — particularly in iron ore — have driven recent weakness.

However, BHP’s low-cost operations and exposure to future-facing commodities like copper position it well for the long term.

Many analysts remain constructive, pointing to its strong balance sheet and resilient cash flow.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

This ASX share has had a tougher run, down 8.9% year to date and 10% over the past month. Retail weakness and cautious consumer spending have weighed on sentiment.

Even so, Wesfarmers’ diversified portfolio, including Bunnings and Kmart, provides stability, and its track record of capital management keeps analysts broadly supportive despite near-term headwinds.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

It’s also been a challenging period for CSL Limited. The healthcare giant is down 18.9% in 2026 and 3.6% over the past month.

 Softer earnings and margin pressure have hit the share price, but CSL’s core strengths remain intact.

Demand for its life-saving therapies is resilient, and analysts continue to back a recovery, with many maintaining buy ratings and highlighting long-term growth potential.

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

Finally, Woodside Energy Group has been the standout performer. The energy giant is up a remarkable 48% year to date and 25% over the past month, benefiting from rising oil and gas prices amid global conflict.

Woodside’s strong cash generation and leverage to energy markets have driven gains, and if geopolitical tensions persist, the $66 billion ASX share could continue to outperform — though volatility remains a key risk.

Foolish Takeaway

The bottom line? 2026 has already delivered sharp swings for some heavyweight ASX shares. But while some sectors are under pressure, others are thriving.

For investors, it’s a reminder that even in uncertain markets, opportunity is never far away.

The post How are these 5 ASX share giants really tracking in 2026? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Is it time to get greedy with CSL shares?
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Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has positions in BHP Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group, CSL, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

ASX dividend shares are a great choice for investors who want a long-term passive income.

When it comes to choosing the best ones for your portfolio, you should be looking for a history of consistent payouts, and ones which are able to steadily increase over time.

Here are three reliable and robust ASX dividend shares which I think should be in every investor’s portfolio.

Washington H Soul Pattinson and Co Ltd (ASX: SOL)

Soul Patts is widely regarded as Australian dividend royalty. The diversified Australian investment house pays its fully-franked dividends twice per year.

For the first half of FY26, the ASX dividend share paid a fully-franked interim dividend of 48 cents per share. That’s a 9.1% increase on the prior corresponding period and represents the 28th consecutive year of increasing dividends. It also implies a trailing dividend yield of 2.69% at the time of writing.

In FY25, it paid a total $1.03 per share, 100% fully franked. All Australian investors should consider having Soul Patts shares in their portfolio.

At the close of the ASX on Tuesday afternoon, the shares were $40.40 a piece.

APA Group (ASX: APA)

APA is one of the most stable ASX dividend shares listed on the ASX. The energy infrastructure business is well-known for paying strong, consistent dividends, with revenue derived from long-term contracted infrastructure assets. 

APA has hiked its payout every year for the last 20 years. Its yield is usually much higher than the wider market, too, which makes it an appealing option for investors seeking an ongoing passive income.

The company paid an interim dividend of 27.5 cents in the first half of FY26 and is guiding a full-year dividend of 58 cents per security. That translates to a forward distribution yield of 6.07%, partially franked.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) 

As a textbook defensive asset, Telstra shares are likely to perform steadily regardless of what part of the economic cycle we’re in. The telco has a predictable cash flow, reliable earnings, and a dividend payout ratio close to 100% of its earnings. That unlocks a great dividend yield for its shareholders. 

Telstra pays investors two dividends every year, in March and September. Last month, investors received an interim 10.5 cent dividend, 90.48% franked.

In FY25 the company paid investors an annual dividend of 19 cents per share, which translates to a 3.9% dividend yield at the time of writing. The telco is expected to pay an even larger 20-cent final dividend for FY26, which represents a 5.25% increase year-on-year. 

At the close of the ASX on Tuesday, Telstra shares were $5.33 a piece.

The post 3 must-own ASX dividend shares which belong in every portfolio appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies 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 Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Apa Group, Telstra Group, and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

When I think about dividend investing over a long period like seven years, I am looking for businesses that can grow their distributions over time, supported by reliable cash flow, strong assets, and structural demand.

For me, that often leads back to infrastructure.

These are not flashy businesses. But they are ASX dividend shares that tend to provide exactly what long-term income investors need. Stability, visibility, and the potential for steady growth.

Transurban Group (ASX: TCL)

Transurban is one of those businesses that I think becomes more attractive the longer your time horizon is.

At its core, it owns and operates toll roads across Australia and North America. These are essential assets that people use every day, often without much thought.

Traffic continues to grow steadily, with average daily trips rising and supporting revenue growth across the network. At the same time, toll revenue and EBITDA are also moving higher, reflecting both usage and pricing power.

What I like most is the predictability.

Transurban expects a FY26 distribution of 69 cents per security, representing growth on the prior year and an attractive forward dividend yield of 4.9%. That kind of steady increase is exactly what I want from an income investment.

On top of that, its assets have very long concession lives. In some cases, decades. That gives the company a long runway to generate cash flow and continue returning it to investors.

Overall, I see this as a core income holding that could quietly compound over time.

APA Group (ASX: APA)

APA Group offers a different type of infrastructure exposure, but I think it complements Transurban well.

Instead of toll roads, APA owns and operates energy infrastructure, including gas pipelines, electricity transmission assets, and renewable energy projects.

These are critical assets for the Australian economy.

What stands out to me is how stable the earnings base is. A large portion of APA’s revenue is linked to long-term contracts and inflation-linked tariffs, which helps support consistent cash flow.

That is showing up in the numbers. APA delivered growth in revenue and earnings in its recent half, with underlying EBITDA rising 7.6%. Importantly for income investors, distributions are also moving higher, with FY26 guidance of 58 cents per security. At a current share price of $9.87 per share, this equates to an above-average distribution yield of 5.9%.

Looking ahead, I believe this distribution can continue to grow due to its clear growth pipeline. Management recently increased its organic growth pipeline to around $3 billion, which should help drive future earnings and, in turn, distributions.

Overall, I think APA offers a compelling mix of income today and growth over time.

Foolish takeaway

If I were building an income-focused portfolio for the next seven years, I think Transurban and APA Group would be great picks.

Transurban brings exposure to essential transport infrastructure with long concession lives and steadily rising distributions. APA Group provides access to energy infrastructure with contracted, inflation-linked revenue and a visible growth pipeline.

The post 2 ASX dividend shares to hold for the next 7 years appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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