Author: openjargon

Last week was a big one for Aussie investors, with some large-cap ASX shares releasing their latest results.

Three that Morgans has been looking at are listed below. Here’s what the broker is saying about them:

Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG)

Morgans was pleased with this iron ore giant’s half-year results. It highlights that the miner delivered earnings ahead of expectations.

However, it wasn’t quite enough for a buy recommendation. Instead, the broker has upgraded NextDC’s shares to a hold rating with a $20.60 price target. It said:

The hematite business delivered a 5% EBITDA beat; the problem is what happens to the cash after that. A strong hematite result, but 43% of group capex is directed to activities generating zero current earnings, compressing FCF conversion to 48% and ROCE to 19%. NPAT miss reflects rising capital intensity, with a sharp rise in D&A. Dividend solid at A$0.62/share. Post recent pullback we upgrade to HOLD.

NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT)

This data centre operator had a strong finish to the first half, delivering more unit sales in the final month than it did in the three years before.

In light of this, the broker sees a path to $700 million in EBITDA in FY 2029. And given its undemanding valuation, Morgans has retained its buy rating with an improved price target of $20.50. It 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.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

This supermarket giant’s half-year results surprised to the upside. However, to prove that this wasn’t a fluke, Morgans wants to see more of the same before it will recommend Woolworths shares as a buy.

It has retained its hold rating with an improved price target of $37.30. It said:

WOW’s 1H26 result overall was above expectations, with productivity and cost efficiencies a key highlight as all divisions delivered improved margins. Management said competition remains elevated and customers continue to be value-focused. While there were tentative signs of improving customer sentiment toward the end of CY25, persistent inflation and rising interest rates have led customers to revert to finding ways to save.

We increase FY26-28F underlying EBIT by between 0-3%. While 1H26 performance was solid, we would prefer to see further evidence of consistent execution before moving to a more positive view on the stock. We therefore maintain our HOLD rating. Our target price increases to $37.30 (from $28.25) following a roll-forward to FY27 estimates and a higher valuation multiple of 25.5x (from 22x previously), reflecting improved execution and stronger sales momentum across all segments.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Fortescue, NextDC, and Woolworths shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• What’s next for the Fortescue share price?
• In Wilsons Advisory’s ideal portfolio, what are the 10 top stock picks?
• Why I’m still backing ASX growth shares for the long run
• Buy, hold, sell: Flight Centre, WiseTech, and Woolworths shares
• Why Fortescue was upgraded and Woodside shares could be a buy

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Nextdc and Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

It was a stunning finish to a stunning trading week for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) and many ASX shares this Friday. After a record-breaking week of new record highs, investors decided to give the share market one more before heading into the weekend.

As it happens, the ASX 200 closed the week right on its new record high of 9,198.6 points after a bouncy day that saw stints in both red and green territory. That was a gain worth 0.25% for the index.

This happy end to the Australian trading week on the ASX comes after a decidedly less sunny morning over on the American markets.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) managed to squeak a rise, but only just, inching 0.034% higher.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was far more decisive, but not in a good way, falling 1.18%.

But let’s get back to the happier market now, though, and take a deeper look at what the various ASX sectors were up to this session.

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why the Lynas share price could crash almost 40%
• Why 4DMedical, Block, PEXA, and Weebit Nano shares are launching higher today
• Why are Block shares rocketing 30% on Friday?
• Alcoa announces March 2026 dividend
• Neuren Pharmaceuticals earnings: Profits up, pipeline builds in 2025

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen 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, PEXA Group, and Technology One. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Lynas Rare Earths Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended PEXA Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Aub Group, CAR Group Ltd, and Technology One. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

S&P/ASX All Ords Index (ASX: XAO) shares reached a new record high of 9,431.9 points on Friday as earnings season ended.

Over February, ASX All Ords shares lifted almost 2.9% amid impressive results from the banks and miners, in particular.

Today, scores of ASX All Ords shares are ending the reporting season at a 52-week high.

Let’s check out a few of them.

Ramsay Health Care Ltd (ASX: RHC)

The Ramsay Healthcare share price lifted 3.6% to a 52-week high of $43.65 on Friday.

Yesterday, Ramsay Healthcare reported a 1H FY26 net profit after tax attributable to owners of $160.7 million.

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

The ASX All Ords healthcare share will pay a fully-franked interim dividend of 42.5 cents per share.

That’s up 6.3% on 1H FY25.

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

The largest ASX All Ords oil share rose 1.5% to $28.36 on Friday.

That’s the highest Woodside share price since July 2024.

This week, Woodside reported record production of 198.8 MMboe in FY25, up 3% from FY24.

The net profit after tax (NPAT) was US$2,718 million, down 24%.

Woodside shares will pay a fully-franked final dividend of 59 US cents per share.

That’s up 11% in US dollar terms on the final FY24 dividend.

Woodside shares have also risen on the back of fears of US military action in Iran, which has pushed up oil prices.

National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB)

The NAB share price lifted 0.8% to a record high of $49.45 on Friday.

During the month, NAB reported cash earnings of $2.02 billion for 1Q FY26, up 15% on the average quarterly result in 2H FY25.

Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN)

The Evolution Mining share price lifted 3.6% to a record high of $16.99 on Friday.

This earnings season, Evolution Mining reported a 110% surge in NPAT to $766.6 million for 1H FY26.

Evolution shares will pay a fully-franked dividend of 20 cents per share.

That’s the highest dividend the ASX 200 gold miner has ever paid, and it’s 186% higher than the 1H FY25 dividend.

The second-largest ASX All Ords gold share continues to benefit from safe-haven trading, which is driving up the gold price.

Check out some recent forecasts for the gold price in 2026.

Regis Resources Ltd (ASX: RRL)

The Regis Resources share price lifted 5.2% to a multi-year high of $9.74 on Friday.

ALS Ltd (ASX: ALQ)

The share price of this testing and inspection services provider rose 1.4% to a record $25.83.

Develop Global Ltd (ASX: DVP)

This ASX All Ords copper share lifted 3.2% to a multi-decade high of $5.85 today.

The post 7 ASX All Ords shares finish earnings season on a 52-week high appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here’s everything you need to know about Ramsay’s latest dividend
• 3 ASX dividend stocks I think every Aussie should own
• In Wilsons Advisory’s ideal portfolio, what are the 10 top stock picks?
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• 35 ASX All Ords shares with ex-dividend dates next week

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.

The Ramsay Health Care Ltd (ASX: RHC) share price is continuing to push higher in mid-afternoon trade on Friday.

At the time of writing, the hospital operator’s shares are up 2.09% to $43. This follows Thursday’s huge 10.35% surge after the company released its half-year results.

While the broader result centred on steady earnings growth, income investors are paying closest attention to Ramsay’s latest dividend announcement.

Here’s what you need to know.

Ramsay lifts interim dividend by 6.3%

Ramsay declared a fully franked interim dividend of 42.5 cents per share.

That represents a 6.3% increase on the prior corresponding period.

The dividend reflects a 60% payout ratio on underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) and non-controlling interests, in line with the company’s stated dividend policy.

Ramsay has consistently targeted a payout ratio of between 60% and 70% of underlying earnings. This approach has helped position the stock as a relatively reliable income option within the ASX healthcare sector.

Because the dividend is fully franked, it provides additional after-tax value for eligible income investors.

Key dividend dates to note

Investors considering buying shares for the payout should take note of the following dates:

• Ex-dividend date: 6 March 2026

• Record date: 7 March 2026

• Payment date: 3 April 2026

To be eligible for the dividend, shares must be purchased before the ex-dividend date.

Ramsay confirmed that its dividend reinvestment plan (DRP) is suspended and will not operate for this interim dividend.

What does this mean for investors?

At the current share price of $43, the 42.5-cent interim dividend represents a yield of roughly 1% before franking credits.

On an annualised basis, if the final dividend is similar, this implies a forward yield of approximately 2% before franking.

While Ramsay is not typically viewed as a high-yield stock, it has built a track record of maintaining and gradually increasing its dividend.

Management reaffirmed its intention to keep the full-year payout ratio within its 60% to 70% target range, suggesting no material change in capital return strategy.

Foolish takeaway

Ramsay’s interim dividend increase may not transform it into a high-yield stock overnight, but it does reinforce the company’s commitment to steady capital returns.

The 6.3% lift, fully franked status, and adherence to its payout policy suggest management remains confident in the group’s cash generation and balance sheet position.

Importantly, Ramsay continues to offer a defensive healthcare exposure with a growing dividend profile.

With management reaffirming its payout policy and maintaining balance sheet discipline, the dividend outlook appears stable under current economic conditions.

The post Here’s everything you need to know about Ramsay’s latest dividend appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 7 ASX All Ords shares finish earnings season on a 52-week high
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Why Ramsay Health Care shares are storming 10% higher
• Ramsay Health Care posts 1H FY26 earnings; lifts dividend
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras 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.

As we head into the final days of February, self-managed super fund (SMSF) investors may be reviewing their portfolios and thinking about positioning for the new month.

For many trustees, the priorities are clear: diversification, long-term growth, and sensible risk management.

The good news is that exchange-traded funds (ETFs) can tick all three boxes, offering exposure to global markets without the need to pick individual stocks.

Here are three ASX ETFs that could suit an SMSF portfolio right now.

Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF (ASX: QLTY)

The first ETF to consider is the Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF.

This popular fund focuses on high-quality global stocks that rank highly on four key factors. These are return on equity, debt-to-capital, cash flow generation ability, and earnings stability.

Current holdings include companies such as Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY), ASML Holding (NASDAQ: ASML), Tokyo Electron, and Lam Research (NASDAQ: LRCX). These are global leaders operating in sectors with long-term growth drivers.

For an SMSF, quality exposure can help reduce the risk of owning weaker businesses that struggle during economic downturns. This fund was recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.

iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)

The iShares S&P 500 ETF provides investors with broad exposure to 500 of the largest stocks on Wall Street.

The portfolio includes Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Merck & Co Inc (NYSE: MRK), Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA), Walmart (NYSE: WMT), and JPMorgan (NYSE: JPM), spanning technology, healthcare, consumer goods, and financial services.

For SMSF investors looking for a core international holding, the iShares S&P 500 ETF offers scale and diversification in a single trade. In addition, the S&P 500 index has an enviable track record, historically delivering strong long-term returns. This has been supported by innovation and corporate profitability. I don’t believe it will be any different over the next decade or two.

Over a retirement time horizon, that broad exposure can play a foundational role.

VanEck MSCI International Value ETF (ASX: VLUE)

To balance growth exposure, the VanEck MSCI International Value ETF adds a value tilt.

This ETF targets international companies trading at attractive valuations based on metrics such as price-to-book and forward earnings. Holdings include firms such as Toyota Motor Corp (NYSE: TM), Pfizer (NYSE: PFE), Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO), and Qualcomm (NASDAQ: QCOM).

Value stocks can perform well during periods of market rotation or rising interest rates, which is what we are experiencing right now. This fund was recently recommended by analysts at VanEck.

The post 3 excellent ASX ETFs to buy for an SMSF in March appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 amazing ASX ETFs to buy and hold for 20 years
• How to build serious wealth with ASX shares
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• 3 top ASX ETFs to buy and hold for 10 years or more

JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. 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 ASML, Apple, JPMorgan Chase, Lam Research, Merck, Microsoft, Nvidia, Pfizer, Qualcomm, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended ASML, Apple, Lam Research, Microsoft, Nvidia, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) share price is $21.05, up 0.94% on the final day of earnings season on Friday.

The ASX 200 mining giant was one of the biggest names to deliver their 1H FY26 reports this week.

Fortescue reported a 10% increase in revenue to US$8.4 billion for the first half of FY26 on Wednesday.

Underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) rose 23% to US$4.5 billion, with a 53% margin.

The net profit after tax (NPAT) was US$1.9 billion, up 23%.

Fortescue shares will pay a fully-franked interim dividend of 62 cents per share, up 24% on the 1H FY25 dividend.

The ASX 200 mining share goes ex-dividend on Monday, and is one of scores of stocks with ex-dividend dates next week.

On the day of the 1H FY26 results, the Fortescue share price rose 4.55% to $21.12.

Five brokers have now reviewed Fortescue’s results and re-rated the stock with fresh 12-month price targets.

Let’s check them out.

Will the Fortescue share price rise from here?

The most ambitious price target among the five broker opinions we’ve seen here at The Fool is $22.50.

That target comes from Ord Minnett, and is actually lower than the broker’s previous target of $23.

However, Ord Minnett retains a buy rating on Fortescue shares post-results.

Macquarie gives the ASX 200 mining stock a hold rating with a price target of $22.

Morgans upgraded Fortescue shares to a hold rating with a price target of $20.60.

However, Morgans is concerned about Fortescue’s “speculative spend” on projects that are yet to deliver any earnings.

In a new note, Morgans said:

The hematite business delivered a 5% EBITDA beat; the problem is what happens to the cash after that.

A strong hematite result, but 43% of group capex is directed to activities generating zero current earnings, compressing FCF conversion to 48% and ROCE to 19%.

NPAT miss reflects rising capital intensity, with a sharp rise in D&A.

Post recent pullback we upgrade to HOLD.

UBS kept its hold rating in place with a target of $20.

The most pessimistic broker is Morgan Stanley.

Morgan Stanley reiterated its sell rating on Fortescue shares with a price target of $19.

Fortescue share price snapshot

The Fortescue share price is down 5% in the year to date (YTD) compared to a 5% uplift for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).

Fortescue shares appear to have decoupled from the market’s three other ASX 200 large-cap iron ore shares in the new year.

The BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price is up 25% in the YTD, while Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) shares are up 13.2%.

The Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN) share price is 10.2% higher YTD.

The post What’s next for the Fortescue share price? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Fortescue was upgraded and Woodside shares could be a buy
• How do experts view Fortescue, Ebos Group and Woodside Energy shares after earnings?
• Everything you need to know about the latest Fortescue dividend
• Why is the Fortescue share price racing ahead of the benchmark on Wednesday?
• Fortescue delivers record shipments and a bigger dividend in H1 FY26 earnings

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in BHP Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. 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 S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is hovering around record highs again on Friday.

On the surface, that can make it feel like everything is expensive. The banks are trading near peak valuations. The major miners have rebounded strongly. Some high-quality industrials look fully priced.

But a record index does not mean a fully priced market. It often just means value options have narrowed.

Right now, I think there are still pockets of genuine value on the ASX. You just have to look beyond the obvious.

Here’s where I’m seeing opportunity.

The healthcare sector

One of the clearest areas of value, in my view, is healthcare.

High-quality global businesses have been sold off over the past couple of years due to earnings resets, temporary headwinds, or sentiment shifts. But structurally, their long-term growth drivers remain intact.

Take CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL).

It has not been a smooth ride for shareholders recently. But plasma collection volumes have improved, margins are on the path to recovery, and the company continues to invest in its pipeline. The share price de-rating means the risk-reward profile looks far more attractive than it did at the peak.

I also think Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH) fits into this bucket. Hearing loss is a major problem globally, and Cochlear’s world-class products give it a powerful competitive advantage. Structural demand, global exposure, and strong cash generation at a reasonable multiple? That’s the kind of value I look for at record market highs.

The tech sector

Another area I still see value is among tech stocks that have been punished in 2026.

The index may be at record highs, but plenty of former high-flyers are still well below their peaks.

For example, WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) has endured a significant pullback due to company-specific issues and slowing growth in its core business. However, the long-term opportunity in global logistics software remains large. If earnings reaccelerate over the next couple of years, today’s valuation could look conservative.

Similarly, Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO) continues to build scale globally. It’s no longer priced for perfection like it once was. For a business with strong recurring revenue, global expansion potential, and improving margins, I think it still offers compelling long-term value relative to its quality.

Infrastructure and defensive earnings

If the ASX 200 is expensive, I also want resilience.

Infrastructure-style assets with predictable cash flows can still make sense, even when the index is elevated.

Transurban Group (ASX: TCL) is one example. It owns long-life toll road assets across Australia and North America, many with inflation-linked pricing mechanisms. That provides a built-in buffer against rising costs and economic uncertainty.

When I can buy defensive, cash-generating assets that have visible revenue streams, I am less worried about the broader index level.

Foolish Takeaway

A record high ASX 200 Index doesn’t mean it’s time to panic. It just means you need to be selective.

I’m less interested in chasing crowded trades at premium valuations. Instead, I’m focusing on high-quality healthcare names that have already de-rated, structural growth businesses trading below prior peaks, and defensive infrastructure assets with predictable cash flow.

Value still exists. It just isn’t necessarily where the headlines are pointing.

The post ASX 200 at a record high? Here’s where I still see value appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• If I had to build an ASX share portfolio from scratch today, here’s how I’d do it
• The boss of which tech company has just bought $1m worth of shares?
• 3 strong ASX dividend stocks for retirees to buy
• Why this expert thinks the WiseTech share price can rise 80% in the next 12 months
• Buy, hold, sell: Breville, CSL, and EOS shares

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

Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC) shares are ending the week with a bang.

In afternoon trade, the rare earths producer’s shares are up 9% to $18.85.

This means they are now up by over 170% since this time last year.

Unfortunately, the team at Bell Potter thinks this is the top and is warning investors that Lynas shares could come crashing down to Earth soon.

What is the broker saying?

Bell Potter has been running the rule over Lynas’ half-year results. While it was strong operationally, it fell short of expectations on the bottom line. The broker said:

Revenue was $413m (BPe $402m, VA $411.5m), a 62% increase on PcP, driven by a 49% increase in the basket price. The basket price increase was driven by a combination of higher premiums achieved for NdPr and a greater volume of NdPr sales as a portion of total REO sales (60% vs 56%). COGS of $220m (BPe $224m, VA $249m) expanded in-line with the increase in production, the inclusion of Kalgoorlie costs and power disruptions, importantly excluding depreciation this figure was below our estimates and consensus.

EBITDA of $152m was 4% ahead of our estimate and 2% ahead of consensus (BPe $146m, VA $149m). Depreciation was materially higher than we anticipated at $71.9m (BPe $38.3m, VA $43.8m). G&A expenses surprised to the upside as well, at $56m over the half, up from $47m in 2HFY25. At the NPAT line, LYC recorded $80m which was 7% below our estimate ($86m) and 13% below consensus ($92m).

Lynas shares tipped to sink

According to the note, the broker believes Lynas shares are severely overvalued at current levels.

This morning, it has retained its sell rating on them with a slightly improved price target of $11.60 (from $11.15).

Based on its current share price, this implies almost 40% downside over the next 12 months.

To put that into context, a $10,000 investment could turn into approximately $6,000 by this time next year if Bell Potter is on the money with its recommendation.

Commenting on its sell recommendation, Bell Potter said:

Fundamentals are improving, however we continue to see a significant premium applied to the stock. NdPr has risen more recently (+US$100/kg), we estimate the stock is factoring in ~US$175/kg into perpetuity. Our TP increases slightly and we maintain the Sell recommendation, EPS changes in this report are FY26: -8% FY27 – 10% FY28 -11%.

The post Why the Lynas share price could crash almost 40% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Lynas Rare Earths earnings: Profit jumps as growth strategy kicks off
• Sell alert! Why this expert is calling time on Lynas shares
• Two critical minerals companies to consider, according to Macquarie
• Buy, hold, sell: CSL, Lynas, and Wesfarmers shares
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

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 recommended Lynas Rare Earths Ltd. 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.

If you are building a long-term portfolio, I believe passive income should be a part of the core strategy.

Strong dividend stocks can help smooth out market volatility, provide regular cash flow, and compound wealth over time. Today, 3 ASX names stand out to me for their combination of yield, scale, and proven earnings power.

Here are 3 ASX dividend stocks I think every Aussie investor should at least consider.

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

The Woodside share price is up 0.90% today to $28.19.

Woodside is Australia’s largest listed oil and gas producer. It generates enormous cash flow during periods of solid oil and LNG prices and has built a track record of returning that cash to shareholders.

At the current share price, Woodside is offering a trailing dividend yield of around 6%. Importantly, the company’s dividends are 100% franked.

Woodside pays in US dollars, which gives Aussie investors exposure to global energy markets and the US currency. That can act as a natural hedge if the Australian dollar weakens.

Energy earnings can be cyclical, but Woodside’s scale, long life assets, and disciplined capital management make it one of the more resilient players in the sector.

New Hope Corporation Ltd (ASX: NHC)

The New Hope share price is up 0.21% to $4.71.

New Hope is a coal producer, which means its profits are tied to thermal coal prices. When coal prices are strong, cash flow can surge.

At current levels, New Hope is offering a dividend yield of roughly 7.2%, with dividends 100% franked. That is a very attractive income stream in today’s market.

Like Woodside, earnings can be volatile. Coal prices have cooled from their peak levels, which could impact future payouts.

However, New Hope has maintained a relatively conservative balance sheet and has returned excess capital to shareholders in previous years.

BlueScope Steel Ltd (ASX: BSL)

The BlueScope share price is up 1.01% today to $27.99.

BlueScope is a global steel producer with operations in Australia, the United States, and Asia. While steel earnings are also cyclical, BlueScope has diversified its revenue base and improved cost control over recent years.

At present, the dividend yield sits around 2.1%. That is lower than the 2 ASX energy names above, but BlueScope offers something different.

It provides exposure to construction and infrastructure activity, particularly in the US. When building activity is strong, margins can expand quickly. The company has also shown disciplined capital management, including share buybacks and special dividends in stronger years.

Foolish bottom line

No dividend is ever guaranteed. Commodity prices move, economic conditions change, and earnings can fluctuate.

However, Woodside, New Hope, and BlueScope are established businesses with strong cash generation and a history of rewarding shareholders.

If you are seeking income plus long-term growth, these 3 ASX dividend stocks deserve a closer look.

The post 3 ASX dividend stocks I think every Aussie should own appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• 35 ASX All Ords shares with ex-dividend dates next week
• Why Fortescue was upgraded and Woodside shares could be a buy
• 6% fully-franked yield! Is this ASX income share a buy?
• BlueScope shares on the slide as takeover again rebuffed

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras 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 has been another busy week for many of 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 right now:

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 trimmed price target of $4.80. This follows the release of full-year results that were strong, but just a touch short of expectations due to a weaker-than-expected gross margin. Nevertheless, Bell Potter remains very positive. It once again 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. It is also expecting 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 is trading at $3.64 on Friday.

Jumbo Interactive Ltd (ASX: JIN)

A note out of Morgans reveals that its analysts have retained their buy rating and $14.90 price target on this lottery ticket seller’s shares. Morgans was pleased with Jumbo’s performance in the first half, noting that it delivered a solid result. In addition, it was pleased to see that managed services continues to build momentum and that underlying SaaS trends remain healthy. Another positive is that Morgans believes the company can de-lever its balance sheet in FY 2027, leaving it well-placed for the remainder of the decade. The Jumbo share price is fetching $9.78 at the time of writing.

Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN)

Analysts at Macquarie have retained their outperform rating on this airline operator’s shares with a trimmed price target of $12.00. According to the note, Macquarie was pleased with Qantas’ performance during the first half. It highlights that the Flying Kangaroo’s earnings were ahead of its expectations thanks to strong performances from Jetstar and Qantas Domestic. This reflects new fleet benefits for Jetstar and stronger Domestic yields. Looking ahead, the broker is expecting further earnings growth as Qantas reaps the benefits of its fleet renewal and cost discipline. The Qantas share price is trading at $9.92 this afternoon.

The post Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• What is Morgans saying about Jumbo Interactive and Tabcorp shares?
• Should I buy Qantas shares after their 9% decline?
• How high can the DroneShield share price climb in 2026?
• Forget DroneShield shares, this ASX drone stock could rocket 30%
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

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 DroneShield, Jumbo Interactive, and Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Jumbo Interactive. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.