Author: openjargon

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) has just given investors another look at the strength of its banking franchise.

For me, three parts of the business stood out from its FY26 result and support the long-term investment case.

A broad franchise

CBA’s scale across Australian banking remains one of its biggest strengths.

The bank says it is the main financial institution for one in three Australians and one in four Australian businesses. During FY26, it also grew at or above the wider banking system across home lending, business lending, consumer finance, household deposits, and business deposits.

I think the range of that growth is particularly encouraging.

CBA has relationships with customers across everyday banking, savings, mortgages, credit cards, business finance, and investing. Those relationships give it plenty of opportunities to serve customers as their financial needs change over time.

A customer might begin with a transaction account before eventually taking out a home loan, opening an investment account, or starting a business.

The more products customers use, the deeper that relationship can become.

For me, this enormous customer base provides CBA with a strong foundation to keep growing alongside the Australian economy.

Business banking continues to impress

I also like what CBA is building in business banking.

Around one in four Australian businesses now considers CBA its main financial institution, and the bank continued increasing its share of business lending and deposits during FY26.

This gives CBA exposure to another large part of the economy.

Businesses need funding to buy equipment, expand premises, manage working capital, and pursue new opportunities. They also need transaction accounts, payment services, and other banking products to run their day-to-day operations.

CBA can build much broader relationships with these customers than simply providing a loan.

I think the bank’s ability to serve businesses of varying sizes gives it a considerable opportunity as Australian companies grow and invest over the years ahead.

Its strong position in this market also complements the enormous retail franchise, giving CBA several avenues for long-term growth.

Technology remains a major strength

CBA has spent years building one of Australia’s strongest digital banking offerings, and I think this remains an important competitive advantage.

The CommBank app sits at the centre of the relationship for millions of customers. The bank continues adding tools that help people manage spending, savings, home loans, investments, and other parts of their finances.

It is also pushing further into artificial intelligence. CommBank Companion is being developed to help retail and business customers interact with their financial information conversationally, while the bank is investing in AI across areas such as customer service, productivity, and fraud detection.

I think technology can help CBA make banking easier while strengthening customer relationships.

It can also improve how quickly the bank makes decisions and handles routine processes. For example, CBA says around 70% of proprietary home loan applications are now automatically decided on the same day.

Continuing to invest heavily in these capabilities could help CBA protect its leading position as customer expectations keep changing.

Foolish takeaway

CBA’s FY26 result reinforced several of the reasons I like the business for the long term.

Its enormous customer franchise gives it plenty of opportunities to grow existing relationships, business banking continues to strengthen, and its technology investment could keep making the bank more valuable to customers.

Those are three qualities I would be happy to back for many years.

The post 3 reasons to buy CBA shares following its results appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Want income for life? Here’s how I’d build an ASX dividend portfolio
• My top 5 ASX 200 shares to buy and hold
• By August 2027, CBA shares could turn $15,000 into…
• With $30 billion in FY26 income, should I buy CBA shares today?
• How much do I need in my superannuation to earn $50,000 per year in passive income?

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Commonwealth Bank Of Australia. 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.

If you are looking for the best ASX shares, then it could be worth listening to Bell Potter.

That’s because the broker has just released an update on its Core Portfolio.

Here’s what Bell Potter holds in its portfolio:

ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ)

This big four bank features in the portfolio due to its earnings resilience, income, and valuation. In addition, Bell Potter thinks it is better positioned than its major bank peers. It explains:

We hold ANZ as our preferred exposure to the Australian banking sector, offering a compelling combination of earnings resilience, attractive income and valuation support. We increased our position as we see ANZ as better positioned than its major bank peers, many of which continue to trade on demanding multiples.

Higher interest rates should continue to support margins and profitability, while a strong capital position underpins sustainable dividend payments and shareholder returns. As the domestic economy navigates a higher-for-longer interest rate environment, ANZ provides exposure to improving credit demand, robust cash generation and potential earnings upgrades, while still trading at a discount to the sector ‘ s highest-rated names.

Brambles Ltd (ASX: BXB)

Another ASX share that could be worth considering is supply chain logistics company Brambles.

Bell Potter likes the company due to its recurring revenues, strong free cash flow generation, and attractive returns on invested capital. It explains:

We hold Brambles for its exposure to a high-quality global logistics franchise with recurring revenues, strong free cash flow generation and attractive returns on invested capital. Through its market-leading CHEP pallet pooling network, Brambles benefits from powerful network effects and long-term structural growth in supply chain outsourcing. Recent operational challenges in the US appear temporary rather than structural, creating an opportunity to buy a quality business at a more attractive valuation.

As pallet repair capacity normalises, earnings growth should reaccelerate, supported by improving economic activity, greater pooling penetration and digitisation initiatives that enhance productivity and margins. We believe the market is underappreciating the resilience of the franchise and the potential for earnings upgrades as operational performance improves.

South32 Ltd (ASX: S32)

A final ASX share that Bell Potter is positive on is mining giant South32. It likes the company’s exposure to global electrification and infrastructure investment through its copper and zinc operations.

The broker also highlights that it sees significant value in South32’s copper growth pipeline. This includes the Sierra Gorda expansion and Hermosa development. Bell Potter said:

We hold South32 as a simplified base-metals growth story with increasing leverage to copper and zinc, two commodities that sit at the heart of global electrification and infrastructure investment. The sale of the aluminium business to Alcoa transforms South32 into a more focused mining company, reducing earnings volatility, lowering legacy liabilities and improving the overall quality of the asset portfolio. The transaction is expected to leave the company with substantial balance sheet flexibility, supporting capital returns while retaining the capacity to fund future growth.

We see significant value in South32’s copper growth pipeline, including the Sierra Gorda expansion and Hermosa development, which provide long-duration exposure to commodities benefiting from the energy transition and the build-out of AI and data-centre infrastructure. As the business becomes increasingly weighted toward higher-growth, higher-multiple base metals, we believe South32 is well positioned to deliver both earnings growth and a valuation re-rating over the medium term.

The post Bell Potter names the best ASX shares to buy in August appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Brokers name the ASX 200 winners and losers from the first half of reporting season
• Here’s the earnings forecast out to 2027 for ANZ shares
• Brambles earnings: FY26 profit rises, dividend up, outlook steady
• How many Brambles shares do I need to buy for $5,000 per year of passive income?
• Buy, hold, sell: ANZ Bank, Iress, and JB Hi-Fi shares

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 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.

ASX reporting season is now past its halfway mark, and the gap between winners and losers is widening.

Roughly half of the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has reported its FY26 numbers.

Companies that beat their guidance have been rewarded, and those that missed have been sold hard within minutes of the announcement hitting the market.

Three results released this week captured that divide neatly, and each one tells you something different about what the market is currently willing to pay for.

Zip: the standout of ASX reporting season

Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) delivered the cleanest beat of the week.

Its FY26 result showed total transaction volume of $16.7 billion, up 27.2%, on revenue that rose 24.6% to $1.35 billion. Cash EBTDA jumped 57.9% to $268.9 million, comfortably ahead of the $260 million guidance.

Net profit after tax climbed 45.7% to $116.4 million.

The United States did the heavy lifting again, with transaction volume there up 42.5% in local currency across 4.6 million active customers.

Management is now guiding to cash EBTDA of $340 million in FY27.

The shares surged on the day, and several brokers reaffirmed their buy ratings.

Even so, Zip remains down roughly 23% for the calendar year.

Northern Star: record profit with a catch

Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) posted the biggest headline number of the day.

The company’s FY26 result delivered revenue of $7.6 billion, underlying EBITDA of $4.3 billion and underlying net profit after tax of $1.8 billion.

The company sold 1.54 million ounces of gold at an all-in sustaining cost of $2,698 per ounce.

The full-year dividend rose to 55 cents per share.

The catch lies within the cash flow statement. Underlying free cash flow was only $190 million, as KCGM’s capital spending has reached its peak.

FY27 guidance compounds the point, with production of 1.5 million to 1.65 million ounces expected at an all-in sustaining cost of $3,050 to $3,450 per ounce.

That is a meaningful step up in costs.

Brambles: resilient, but not enough

Brambles Ltd (ASX: BXB) had a tough time this reporting season.

Its FY26 numbers showed sales revenue up 2% and underlying profit up 4%.

Excluding a US$90 million hit from United States repair capacity constraints, profit would have risen 11%.

Free cash flow before dividends topped US$1 billion for a second consecutive year, and dividends rose 16% to 46.15 US cents per share alongside US$509 million of buybacks.

Chief executive Graham Chipchase was measured about the year.

We delivered a resilient financial result while advancing the customer operational and sustainability initiatives that strengthen our long-term competitive advantage.

The market wanted more, and the shares drifted lower despite a dividend increase that would have been celebrated in a quieter year.

FY27 guidance of 2% to 6% underlying profit growth includes a further US$35 million to US$55 million repair drag.

What the rest of ASX reporting season holds

The heaviest week is still ahead.

Fortescue, Woodside and Coles report early next week, while Woolworths, WiseTech and Domino’s follow on 26 August.

Wesfarmers, Qantas and South32 close things out on 27 August.

The full calendar runs through to the end of the month.

Foolish takeaway

ASX reporting season rewards clarity more than it rewards size.

Zip beat its own guidance and told investors exactly what FY27 should look like.

Northern Star delivered a record profit but flagged materially higher costs ahead.

Brambles did neither particularly well nor particularly badly.

With the biggest week of ASX reporting season still to come, investors may want to wait a bit longer before judging whether this reporting season was a success.

The post Brokers name the ASX 200 winners and losers from the first half of reporting season appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Bell Potter names the best ASX shares to buy in August
• 3 ASX shares UBS says will return better than 36%
• How high do UBS and Macquarie think Zip shares will go?
• Buy, hold, sell: Fortescue, Northern Star, and Megaport shares
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Motley Fool contributor Mark Verhoeven 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 Domino’s Pizza Enterprises, Wesfarmers, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Domino’s Pizza Enterprises and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

I think ASX growth shares can be a great way to build wealth over time.

The companies I am most interested in are those that can keep increasing revenue and earnings for many years while reinvesting in even larger opportunities.

When that process continues for long enough, the results can be substantial.

Look for businesses with room to grow

A company can already be successful and still have a long way to go.

TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE) is a good example. Its enterprise software is used by councils, universities, government organisations, and other large institutions.

Once an organisation builds important processes around a software platform, changing providers can become time-consuming and disruptive. That can help TechnologyOne retain customers while gradually expanding the services they use.

The tech company also has opportunities to keep growing overseas, particularly in the UK.

For me, that is the type of growth story worth looking for. TechnologyOne does not need to invent an entirely new business every few years. It can keep improving its existing software, add customers, and expand into larger markets.

Give compounding time to work

Growth investing becomes particularly powerful when a company can reinvest its profits and keep generating attractive returns from that spending.

Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB) has been doing this for years as it expands its investment and superannuation platform.

Australia’s pool of retirement savings should keep growing over the decades ahead, while financial advisers increasingly rely on modern platforms to manage client portfolios.

If Hub24 continues winning advisers and attracting more money onto its platform, the business can become more valuable without needing to reinvent its core proposition.

This is where patience becomes important.

A strong company can have an excellent year without creating life-changing wealth for shareholders. The bigger opportunity comes when it repeats that growth over five, 10, or even 20 years.

Earnings can compound, the business can become considerably larger, and shareholders participate in that expansion.

I would focus on quality as well as growth

Rapid growth alone would not be enough for me.

I want to understand why a company is growing and whether it has a realistic chance of continuing.

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA) is the type of business I find attractive for that reason.

Realestate.com.au has built an enormous audience, which encourages property agents to list their homes on the platform. Those listings then give buyers and renters another reason to keep visiting.

REA Group can build on that position by offering better tools, property data, artificial intelligence features, and services connected to financing and the broader property journey.

I think businesses with strong competitive positions have a better chance of protecting the profits needed to keep investing for the future.

The share price will not always cooperate

Even great growth shares can fall sharply.

Expectations can become too high, economic conditions can change, or investors can simply lose enthusiasm for a sector.

I would expect volatility rather than treating it as a sign that a long-term strategy has failed.

That makes diversification important as well. I would rather own several high-quality growth businesses than depend on one company getting everything right.

It also means I would be careful about chasing a share simply because its price has been rising. The business still needs to justify my confidence in its future.

Foolish takeaway

I think ASX growth shares can play an important role in building serious long-term wealth.

The businesses I want to own have clear opportunities to become larger, strong competitive positions, and the ability to reinvest successfully for years.

Finding those companies is only part of the job. The other part is giving them enough time to compound.

If I can own a collection of strong growth businesses and resist the temptation to constantly interfere, I think that can be a powerful approach to growing wealth over the long term.

The post How I’d use ASX growth shares to build long-term wealth appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 16 ASX 200 shares with ex-dividend dates next week
• Buy, hold, sell: Car Group, Baby Bunting, Hub24 shares
• 7 ASX 200 shares with reaffirmed buy ratings this week
• Buy, hold, sell: BHP, CSL, and HUB24 shares
• Buy, hold, sell: REA, Northern Star Resources, Suncorp shares

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Hub24. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Hub24. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Hub24. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

An ASX dividend portfolio shouldn’t be built by simply chasing the biggest yields.

A sky-high dividend can quickly disappear if the underlying business struggles. For investors seeking income for decades, I’d rather own high-quality companies with resilient cash flows, sustainable dividends and the potential to increase those payments over time.

The goal is to build multiple income streams that can withstand changing economic conditions.

Start with defensive businesses

A strong ASX dividend portfolio needs dependable cash flow.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) is a good example. Supermarkets aren’t particularly exciting, but Australians still need groceries and household essentials regardless of the economic cycle.

Woolworths faces intense competition, rising costs and changing consumer behaviour. However, its defensive business model and recurring customer demand can provide the earnings stability dividend investors value.

Add essential infrastructure

A long-term ASX dividend portfolio should also include businesses providing services people rely on every day.

Transurban Group (ASX: TCL) owns and operates toll roads across Australia, North America and Canada, collecting toll revenue from millions of journeys.

That infrastructure can provide relatively predictable cash flows, although Transurban faces substantial capital requirements, debt and regulatory risks.

For an ASX dividend portfolio, its toll-road exposure adds an infrastructure income stream that’s less dependent on consumer spending or commodity prices.

Diversify your income streams

Concentrating too heavily in banks or miners can leave dividend investors exposed when economic conditions change.

APA Group (ASX: APA) can add another layer of diversification. It owns and operates energy infrastructure, including gas pipelines and renewable energy assets, generating revenue from essential infrastructure rather than relying purely on commodity prices.

Property can also play a role in ASX dividend portfolio.

Charter Hall Retail REIT (ASX: CQR) provides exposure to a portfolio of Australian retail properties, including convenience-focused shopping centres. Its relatively long leases can provide visibility over rental income, although investors still need to monitor interest rates, debt and tenant quality.

Don’t forget dividend growth

A high dividend yield today doesn’t guarantee a higher income tomorrow.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) has historically rewarded shareholders through dividends and long-term capital growth. Its scale, balance sheet and strong market position make it one of Australia’s most closely followed income stocks, although banks remain exposed to economic cycles.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) is another company worth considering. Its dividend yield isn’t usually among the highest on the ASX, but that’s not necessarily a weakness.

Wesfarmers has focused on reinvesting in its businesses, improving operations and allocating capital towards attractive growth opportunities. Over time, that approach can support rising earnings and, potentially, a growing dividend.

Foolish takeaway

Building an ASX dividend portfolio for life isn’t about finding the highest-yielding shares. I’d rather combine defensive businesses, essential infrastructure, property and dividend growers to create multiple income streams.

The aim isn’t simply to collect big dividends today. It’s to own businesses capable of continuing to pay – and ideally increase – those dividends for many years to come.

The post Want income for life? Here’s how I’d build an ASX dividend portfolio appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• How ASX dividend growth shares can build lasting income
• I think this is one of the best ASX dividend shares to own for the next 10 years
• How much is needed in superannuation for $1500 in weekly passive income?
• My top 5 ASX 200 shares to buy and hold

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 Transurban Group and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Apa Group, Charter Hall Retail REIT, and Transurban Group. 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.

The Guzman Y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG) share price soared on Friday after reporting its FY26 result. As the chart below shows, GYG has soared since April 2026.

At this higher valuation, I’m not about to say that GYG is trading at an ultra-cheap price. But, I think the company has such a compelling long-term future that it still represents a good buy at this price.

The US expansion didn’t work out, but the rest of the business is still growing rapidly and the outlook is compelling, in my view. Let’s run through why Guzman Y Gomez shares are still compelling to me.

Excellent revenue growth potential

I think one of the most important factors for deciding how big a return a business can deliver is how much its top line can grow.

Despite being two decades old, the business seems nowhere near finished growing at a strong pace.

In FY26 alone, the business saw Australian network sales grow 17.9% to $1.29 billion, and Asian network sales also rose 17.9% to $87.1 million. Many ASX shares would be happy with that level of growth, and the business is growing strongly in the two different markets of Australia and Asia.

During FY26, its Australian network expanded by 32 to 255, the Singapore network rose by three to 24, and the Japanese network remained at five. Excitingly, GYG expects more restaurants in both Singapore and Japan. I think there is significant potential for international growth over the long term.

The business expects to open 35 new restaurants in Australia in FY27, with a medium-term goal to open around 40 new locations annually in Australia. Over the ultra-long-term, it sees scope to reach 1,000 restaurants in Australia.

On top of that network growth, it’s expecting mid-single-digit comparable sales growth in FY27. That’s a solid level of growth for its existing network.

Profit margins expected to rise

If margins were stable as the network grows quickly, the business would have a good future. Guzman Y Gomez also expects significant margin improvement in the coming years.

In the 2026 financial year, GYG revealed that its underlying operating profit (EBITDA) as a percentage of network sales rose by 50 basis points (0.50%) to 6.2% in FY26. In the long term, the company is targeting this margin to reach 10%, but it’s expecting it to reach between 6.7% to 6.9% in FY27.

With strong profitability for its corporate restaurants and franchise restaurants, the outlook is positive for strong profit growth.

Excluding the losses from the US business, operating profit (EBITDA) grew by 27.4% to $98.5 million, and statutory net profit rose 31.6% to $40.6 million.

I’m optimistic that earnings per share (EPS) can compound at a strong rate in the coming years.

Payments to owners of Guzman Y Gomez shares

The company is rewarding investors with pleasing dividends. For FY26, Guzman Y Gomez is paying out around 90% of its underlying earnings from Australia and Asia as a dividend, with a total dividend of 48 cents per share.

By rewarding investors with such a high dividend payout ratio, they are receiving significant income and still able to enjoy the capital growth from its expansion. With a significant franchise network (including Asia), GYG doesn’t need that much retained earnings (capital) itself to see its restaurant network grow at a pleasing pace.

I expect the GYG dividend to grow roughly in line with underlying earnings in the coming years. Additionally, it announced a share buyback of up to $100 million, which can boost the EPS and dividend per share, while also improving the return on equity (ROE).

I think the Guzman Y Gomez share price has a very compelling long-term future.

The post Why I’d still buy Guzman Y Gomez shares after its big rise appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Everything you need to know about the Guzman Y Gomez dividend
• Why Guzman Y Gomez, Pro Medicus and James Hardie shares are turning heads on Friday
• Guzman y Gomez delivers record FY26 results, launches new buyback
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Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Guzman Y Gomez. 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.

Investing does not need to involve constantly researching individual companies or trying to pick the next big winner.

For investors who want to keep things simple, I think Vanguard exchange-traded funds (ETFs) can do much of the work.

Here are a few ways I would use them.

Start with the Australian share market

The Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS) is one of the simplest ways to invest across the Australian share market.

Rather than choosing which bank, miner, healthcare company, or retailer might perform best, the fund spreads investors’ money across a group of 300 Australian businesses.

I think that can be attractive for someone who wants exposure to ASX shares without spending hours researching individual companies.

There is also an income component. Many Australian shares pay dividends, and the VAS ETF passes the income it receives from its holdings through to investors.

The biggest advantage for me, though, is simplicity.

An investor can make one purchase and immediately own a broad collection of established Australian businesses. From there, they can keep adding money over time and allow the underlying companies to do the work.

Add the rest of the world

Australia is only a small part of the global share market, so I would also consider investing internationally.

The Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS) provides exposure to companies across major developed markets outside Australia.

That opens the door to global businesses in technology, healthcare, consumer products, financial services, industrials, and many other industries that are less represented on the ASX.

I think this is an easy way to broaden an investment portfolio without researching companies across dozens of countries.

The VGS ETF also means an investor does not need to predict which overseas market will perform best next.

Instead, they can own a broad collection of global businesses and give them years to grow.

Want to make it even easier?

Some investors may prefer to go one step further and use a single diversified ETF.

The Vanguard Diversified High Growth Index ETF (ASX: VDHG) combines Australian and international shares with smaller allocations to defensive assets.

Vanguard takes care of spreading the money across several markets and rebalancing the portfolio over time.

I think that can remove several decisions that often make investing feel more complicated than it needs to be.

There is no need to decide exactly how much money should go into Australian shares, US companies, emerging markets, or bonds each time an investment is made.

For someone who wants to regularly invest and then get on with life, that simplicity could be valuable.

Consistency can do a lot of the work

Whichever approach an investor chooses, I think the biggest advantage comes from making investing easy enough to stick with.

Markets will fall from time to time, headlines will change, and there will always be a new investment that appears more exciting.

A broad Vanguard ETF allows investors to focus instead on regularly putting money to work and thinking in years rather than weeks.

Over a long enough period, I think that consistency can become far more important than finding the perfect investment at exactly the right moment.

Foolish takeaway

I think Vanguard ETFs can make building wealth remarkably straightforward.

An investor could use the VAS ETF for Australian shares, the VGS ETF for global exposure, or the VDHG ETF if they would rather have much of the diversification handled within a single investment.

The important part is finding an approach that is easy to understand and easy to continue.

For many investors, buying a broad ETF regularly and giving it plenty of time could be all the investing strategy they need.

The post How I’d make investing easy with Vanguard ETFs appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Top 3 ASX ETFs for a first-time investor in 2026
• How to turn $10,000 into $100,000 with ASX shares
• Is $2 million really the new superannuation target?
• How to invest $10,000 the Warren Buffett way: Buy businesses, not stocks
• How much do I need to retire on $100,000 a year at 60?

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF. 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 Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Investing $15,000 into Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) shares could generate lots of passive income for shareholders over the coming 12 months.

Of course, it has already generated significant passive income for shareholders. The FY26 result alone was an incredibly rewarding period for investors.

The company hiked its annual dividend per share in FY26 by 10.5% to 21 cents per share. I think shareholders of most ASX blue-chip shares would be happy with this level of passive income growth.

Let’s see what’s projected for the business in FY27 and what they could mean for a $15,000 investment.

More passive income to come?

The company reported a number of positive metrics in the FY26 result which bodes well for FY27, in my view.

Its mobile division delivered ongoing growth, supported by its leading mobile network. Total mobile income grew 3% to $11.4 billion and the operating profit (EBITDA) rose by 3%.

Mobile service revenue increased by 4.8%, driven by both handheld price changes and wholesale. It reported sustained average revenue per user (ARPU) growth across all categories, brands and segments.

Postpaid handheld ARPU grew 3.8%, prepaid handheld ARPU rose 7.2% and wholesale ARPU increased 8.8%. Overall ARPU rose 3.7% to $45.33.

Telstra also noted that mobile handheld users increased by 274,000 in FY26, including 39,000 in retail and 235,000 for wholesale.

Ongoing price rises could help the company’s earnings rise again in FY27.

The company is forecasting that its operating earnings will rise by single-digits (in percentage terms) in FY27. Operating profit (EBITDAaL) could rise by between 1.9% to 5.5% to between $8.5 billion and $8.8 billion. Cash earnings (EBIT) could rise by between 1.9% to 6.2% to between $4.75 billion and $4.95 billion.

The ASX telco share is forecast by analysts to deliver shareholders an annual dividend per share of 22 cents in the 2027 financial year. That translates into a dividend yield of 4.6% excluding franking credits and 6.4% including franking credits.

What would a $15,000 investment in Telstra shares do?

If an investor bought $15,000 of Telstra at the time of writing, it would allow that Australian to buy 3,164 Telstra shares.

With that, in FY27, an investor could receive $696.08 of dividend cash and approximately $269.49 of franking credits for a potential total grossed-up income of $964.57.

The company could be a solid choice for passive income for the years ahead. It has a solid dividend yield, rising ARPU and it continues to invest in its network.

The post If I invest $15,000 in Telstra shares, how much passive income will I receive in 2027? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 16 ASX 200 shares with ex-dividend dates next week
• Telstra shares hit fresh 52-week low: What’s next for the ASX 200 telco stock?
• How much is needed in superannuation for $1500 in weekly passive income?
• Buying Telstra shares? Here’s the yield you’ll get today
• Why I’d buy Telstra, Woolworths, and Macquarie shares

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

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) suffered a rather sour end to the trading week this Friday, with the values of many an ASX share dragged lower.

Despite yesterday’s green day breaking a six-day losing run, the pessimists were back in charge once more this Friday, with the index opening lower and staying in red territory all session. By the time trading wrapped up, the ASX 200 had lost 0.27%. That leaves the index at 9,058.9 points as we head into the weekend.

This rough end to the trading week for the local markets came after an even bleaker night across the Pacific on Wall Street.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was hit hard, dropping a hefty 1.32%

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) did a little better than that, but still lost a flat 1% of its value.

But let’s get back to ASX shares now and examine how this Friday’s negativity spilled over into the different ASX sectors.

Winners and losers

Despite the market’s retreat this session there were still a few sectors that made hay.

But first, it was real estate investment trusts (REITs) that were first to the torch. The S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) was thumped today, cratering by 2.4%.

Consumer discretionary shares were slammed as well, with the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) tanking 1.82%.

Healthcare stocks weren’t popular either. The S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) took a 1.79% plunge this Friday.

Tech shares also had a day to forget, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ)’s 1.36% dive.

Consumer staples stocks were no safe haven. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) shrank by 0.42%.

Our last losers today were industrial shares, with the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) slipping 0.03%.

Turning to the winners now, it was gold stocks that shone the brightest. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) recorded another 1.41% jump this session.

Communications shares were a little tamer, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ)’s 0.32% lift.

Energy stocks were dead even with that. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) also added 0.32% to its total.

In a rare three-way tie, utilities shares matched that figure too, with the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) advancing 0.32% as well.

Financial stocks stayed on investors’ good side too. The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) ended up climbing 0.23% today.

Finally, mining shares managed to record a small rise, as you can see by the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ)’s 0.17% bump

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

It was NRW Holdings Ltd (ASX: NWH) that topped the index chart this Friday. NRW shares roared 8,04% higher to close the week at $8.20 each.

There wasn’t any news out from the company today, but NRW did drop its earnings yesterday, which still seems to be exciting investors.

Here’s the rest of today’s best:

ASX-listed company	Share price	Price change
NRW Holdings Ltd (ASX: NWH)	$8.20	8.04%
TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPG)	$3.81	7.93%
Resolute Mining Ltd (ASX: RSG)	$1.34	5.93%
Liontown Ltd (ASX: LTR)	$1.27	5.39%
Medibank Private Ltd (ASX: MPL)	$4.95	5.10%
PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS)	$5.07	4.97%
Vault Minerals Ltd (ASX: VAU)	$6.78	4.47%
NIB Holdings Ltd (ASX: NHF)	$7.40	4.37%
Elevra Lithium Ltd (ASX: ELV)	$9.08	4.13%
IGO Ltd (ASX: IGO)	$8.36	3.98%

Enjoy the weekend!

Our top 10 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary that shows which companies made big moves on the day. Check in at Fool.com.au after the weekday market closes to see which stocks make the countdown.

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

More reading

• Why I’d buy Medibank shares for the dividend yield
• TPG Telecom shares on watch as earnings and dividend edge higher in HY26
• Elevra Lithium share price on watch amid new long-term Mangrove supply deal
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• Vault Minerals share price in focus after record FY26 earnings

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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended NIB Holdings. 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 0.4% to 9,052.4 points on Friday.

Amid earnings season, brokers continue to reassess their ratings and 12-month targets on ASX 200 shares post-results.

Let’s check out some new notes from Morgans and Bell Potter.

Sonic Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SHL)

The Sonic Healthcare share price is $20.93, down 2.1% today and down 16% over 12 months. 

Bell Potter maintained its buy call on this ASX 200 healthcare share after reviewing the company’s FY26 report.

The broker shaved its 12-month share price target down from $28.75 to $27.50.

This implies a possible 31% upside ahead.

Bell Potter commented:

SHL reported EBITDA of c.$1.92b (cc) which was within the guidance range of c.$1.87b – c.$1.95b.

On a reported basis, EBITDA of c.$1.93 was in line with consensus, but c.1.5% below BPe.

The result was impacted by a range of nonrecurring items that more than offset the one-off gain from the Brisbane lab sale &
leaseback transaction.

While the headline EBITDA margin was c.10bp lower than pcp, margins in the 2H showed meaningful improvement at c.19% v
c.16.7%.

Sonic Healthcare is benefitting from a broader sector rebound since 3 June.

The S&P/ASX 200 Health Care Index (ASX: XHJ) has risen 41% since then, compared with a 3% bump for the ASX 200.

The Sonic Healthcare share price has improved 11% since 3 June.

Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL)

The Super Retail share price is $13.43, down 7.1% today and down 28% over 12 months. 

Morgans maintained its hold rating on the ASX 200 consumer discretionary share after reading the FY26 report.

The broker increased its 12-month share price target from $12.30 to $15.20.

This suggests a potential 13% upside ahead.

Morgans said: 

SUL delivered a better-than-expected FY26 result, as rebel World Cup tailwinds (+70% volume growth vs last WC), a resilient SCA through June and a lower tax rate (~26%) beat consensus normalised NPAT expectations by ~11%.

Gross margins remained stable at the group level (+10bps yoy) and trading through FY27 is mixed (SCA leading; BCF/rebel muted; and Macpac underperforming), with group LFL growth of +1.5% through the first seven weeks.

A positive update, driven by outperformance from SUL’s core SCA/rebel brands, while BCF is continuing to progress on strategic initiatives (store format/fitment), delivering +5.5% total sales growth and cycling easing comps in the near-term.

Despite a solid start to FY27, we view the valuation (~14x PE) as reasonable relative to near-term growth expectations.

APA Group Ltd (ASX: APA)

The APA share price is $10.55, up 3.5% today and up 19% over 12 months. 

Morgans kept its trim rating on this ASX 200 utilities share in place after reviewing the FY26 results.

The broker has a 12-month share price target of $8.66.

This implies a potential 16% downside ahead.

Morgans explained its sell rating on APA shares: 

Operating earnings growth driven by inflation, new assets and cost-out.

Long-term capital management means earnings growth does not convert into DPS growth.

Forecast EBITDA upgrades from cost-outperformance.

APA has an attractive cash yield of 5.9% at current prices on FY27 DPS guidance, but share price downside risk is material.

The post Buy hold, sell: Super Retail, APA, Sonic Healthcare shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Buy, sell, hold: Dexus, APA, Zip shares
• Sonic Healthcare share price in focus on FY26 profit jump and digital push
• APA Group FY26 delivers strong earnings, pipeline expansion, and 22nd annual dividend increase

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 Super Retail Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Apa Group and Super Retail Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Sonic Healthcare. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.