Category: Stock Market

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) fell 7.8% in March, with two of the big three ASX 200 mining shares outperforming that loss and one falling harder.

All three of the Aussie miners lost ground in the month just past. That came despite a 6% increase in the iron ore price, with the industrial metal ending the month at US$106 per tonne. Copper prices went the other way, however, falling 8% to end March trading for US$12,225 per tonne, according to data from Bloomberg.

Investors will also have been eyeing the impacts from the Iran war. Atop guaranteed higher upcoming fuel costs for the ASX 200 mining shares, they could also potentially be facing diesel supply shortages, which could impact their operations in the months ahead.

Now, as we’ll look at below, the three Aussie miners all traded ex-dividend over the month. We’ll need to take those passive income payments into account as they’ll mitigate the share price declines.

So, how did the ASX 200 mining shares stack up?

I’m glad you asked!

How did the big three ASX 200 mining shares perform in March?

On 27 February, Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) shares closed at $167.33. When the closing bell sounded on 31 March, shares were swapping hands for $161.43 apiece. This saw the Rio Tinto share price down 3.5% over the month.

Rio Tinto traded ex-dividend on 5 March. The miner will pay the (rounded) $3.60 a share fully-franked dividend on 16 April. If we add that back into the March closing price, then investors holding Rio Tinto shares over the month will have only lost 1.4%.

Turning to Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG), the miner closed out February trading for $21.14 a share and ended March trading for $20.31. This saw the Fortescue share price down 3.9% over the month just past.

Fortescue traded ex-dividend on 2 March. The ASX 200 mining share paid out its fully-franked 62 cents a share dividend on 30 March. Adding that back into the March closing price, and investors holding the stock over the month will have lost a lesser 1.0%.

Trailing the pack in March, we have Australia’s biggest mining stock, BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP).

BHP shares ended February trading for $58.41 and closed out March trading for $50.39 each. This put the ASX 200 mining share down 13.7%.

BHP traded ex-dividend on 5 March. BHP paid its (rounded) $1.04 a share fully-franked dividend on 26 March. But even after we add that back in, investors holding BHP shares over March will have lost 12.0%.

In March, investors also learned that Brandon Craig will take the reins as BHP’s new CEO on 1 July.

The post Buying ASX 200 mining shares? Here’s how Rio Tinto, Fortescue and BHP stacked up in March appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why sitting out this ASX share market chaos could cost you big
• Why now could be the perfect time to buy ASX dividend stocks
• $7,500 invested in Rio Tinto shares 10 days ago is now worth…
• 3 reasons why the Rio Tinto share price could be a buy
• How are these 5 ASX share giants really tracking in 2026?

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

S&P/ASX 200 Health Care Index (ASX: XHJ) shares have tumbled 27% over six months as the sector faces multiple challenges.

Blackwattle Large Cap Quality Fund portfolio managers Joe Koh and Elan Miller cite unfavourable currency changes, tariffs, and higher labour and cost pressures for Australian healthcare companies.

These challenges, in part, have led to 8 of the 10 largest healthcare shares on the market trading at or close to multi-year lows.

This week on The Bull, analysts reveal buy ratings on three ASX 200 healthcare shares, and why they see value in them today.

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

The Pro Medicus share price is $124.94, up 0.8% on Thursday.

This ASX 200 healthcare share has dropped 60% over six months, and hit a two-year low of $107.75 in late February.

Blake Halligan from Catapult Wealth has a buy recommendation on Pro Medicus shares.

Halligan explains:

With an underlying earnings before interest and tax margin at 73 per cent and cash of $222 million, PME remains financially robust.

Growing US market share supports a positive long term growth outlook, making PME an attractive portfolio addition.

Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX)

The Telix Pharmaceuticals share price is $13.29, up 0.7% today.

This ASX 200 healthcare share has fallen by 14% over six months and by 48% over the past year.

The stock hit a two-year low of $8.26 in February.

Mark Gardner from MPC Markets says Telix Pharmaceuticals shares are a buy, commenting:

The company recently re-submitted its drug application to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Pixclara, an imaging agent for a particularly aggressive form of brain cancer.

The FDA has given it priority status, and Telix has gone through a formal meeting to address every question raised in its previous application. In our view, a re-submission isn’t a setback, but the last step before approval.

We believe the market isn’t pricing in the benefits of a potentially successful FDA outcome.

Ramsay Health Care Ltd (ASX: RHC)

The Ramsay Health Care share price is $39.47, up 1.1% today.

This ASX 200 healthcare share has bucked the trend, rising 25% over six months.

The stock hit an 18-month high of $44.73 in early March.

Remo Greco from Sanlam Private Wealth gives Ramsay Health Care shares a buy rating.

Greco said:

The private hospital operator posted a better than expected first half year result for fiscal year 2026.

RHC is spinning off its European business, which we believe paints a brighter outlook.

The fully franked interim dividend of 42.5 cents was up 6.3 per cent and potentially points to a stronger final dividend for the full year. 

The post 3 ASX 200 healthcare shares to buy amid sector rout appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 reasons to buy Ramsay Health Care shares today
• 3 reasons to buy this red-hot ASX healthcare stock today
• The best time to buy shares? It might be right now
• 2 ASX stocks that could help turn $10,000 into $1 million
• Why Arafura Rare Earths, Eagers Automotive, Life360, and Pro Medicus shares are racing higher today

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 Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Pro Medicus and Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Uncertainty has a way of shifting investor priorities.

When markets become volatile and the outlook is less clear, many investors start looking for businesses that can deliver more consistent earnings. These are often referred to as defensive shares, and they tend to hold up better when conditions are challenging.

The key is finding companies with resilient demand, strong market positions, and reliable cash flow.

Here are three ASX defensive shares that could be worth considering.

APA Group (ASX: APA)

The first ASX share that could be a defensive option is APA Group.

APA operates energy infrastructure assets, including gas pipelines and storage facilities, which are critical to Australia’s energy network. These assets are not easily replaced and are essential for transporting energy across the country.

What makes APA particularly defensive is its revenue model. Much of its income is derived from long-term contracts, which provides a high level of visibility over future cash flow.

In uncertain markets, that kind of predictability can be valuable. It allows the company to generate steady earnings and support its dividend payments, even when broader economic conditions are uneven.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

Another ASX share that could be a defensive pick is Wesfarmers.

Wesfarmers owns a portfolio of well-known retail businesses, including Bunnings, Kmart, and Officeworks. These brands have strong positions in their respective markets and benefit from consistent customer demand.

Bunnings, in particular, is a standout. Its focus on home improvement and trade customers provides a relatively stable earnings base, supported by both DIY activity and ongoing housing-related demand.

Wesfarmers also has a strong balance sheet and a track record of disciplined capital allocation. This gives it flexibility to invest, manage costs, and return capital to shareholders over time.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

A third ASX share that could be a defensive option is Woolworths.

As Australia’s largest supermarket operator, Woolworths benefits from the non-discretionary nature of grocery spending. Regardless of economic conditions, consumers still need to buy food and everyday essentials.

Another positive is that after a tough period, recent results have shown that the company is making progress on its strategy, with improving customer metrics and stabilising market share. This suggests it is strengthening its position in a highly competitive environment.

With its scale, strong cash flow, and focus on value for customers, Woolworths remains well placed to deliver relatively stable earnings even when markets are uncertain.

The post 3 ASX defensive shares to buy in uncertain markets appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 reasons to buy Wesfarmers shares today
• How are these 5 ASX share giants really tracking in 2026?
• 3 must-own ASX dividend shares which belong in every portfolio
• 2 ASX dividend shares to hold for the next 7 years
• Is it too late to start investing in ASX shares in your 40s?

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Apa Group and Woolworths 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.

Shares in KGL Resources Ltd (ASX: KGL) have soared more than 45% after the copper and gold project developer said it had secured a US$300 million funding package towards the construction of its Jervois project in the Northern Territory.

Major partner brought on

The company said in a statement to the ASX on Thursday that it had entered into a precious metals purchase agreement with Wheaton Precious Metals Corp, which will, in part, fund the construction and development of KGL’s mining project.

The funding agreement provides US$275 million as an upfront consideration and US$25 million as a contingent cost overrun.

The main lump sum will be provided as US$32 million available prior to any construction expenditure, and US$243 million available in four tranches following the achievement of certain construction milestones.

The company said regarding the agreement:

With the necessary development and mining permits in place, the precious metals purchasing agreement represents a major step forward towards development of the Project, positioning KGL to become the next meaningful Australian copper producer. This is Wheaton’s first streaming transaction in Australia and follows Wheaton’s entry into a streaming agreement in respect of BHP’s portion of the Antamina mine, announced in February 2026.

The company added that work on progressing towards mining was ongoing.

KGL is in the process of finalising the scope and cost of the process plant construction contract, updating the production schedule, providing for price escalation (where applicable) and incorporating changes resulting from movements in commodity prices. KGL expects its review of these items (which remains ongoing) to result in changes to the technical and economic framework for Project delivery, as set out in the 2025 Feasibility Study Update (announced 10 February 2025). Specifically, KGL expects both overall Project capital costs and revenue forecasts to increase. KGL’s expects to be able to provide an update by May 2026.

KGL said it remained in active dialogue with global metals traders and potential offtake partners, “as well as other capital providers and arrangers to finalise the full funding of the Project”.

Further equity raise potential

The company said that, in addition to the US$300 million funding package, Wheaton had also agreed to participate in any future equity raise to fund the Jervois mine.

KGL Chief Executive Officer Sam Strohmayr said regarding the new deal:

This is an exciting and significant milestone for KGL which supports the next phases of advancing the Jervois project towards production. The near-term availability of the early deposit ensures we can maintain our development schedule, and we are now on the cusp of breaking ground on Australia’s next major copper mine.

KGL shares were 45.2% higher at 30.5 cents in early trade.

The company was valued at $162 million at Wednesday’s close.

The post Why are shares in this ASX copper developer surging more than 45%? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX 200 healthcare shares to buy amid sector rout
• 3 ASX defensive shares to buy in uncertain markets
• Why is this ASX stock crashing 60% today?
• What happened with ASX 200 bank stocks like CBA and Westpac in March?
• Up 33% in 2 weeks, Northern Star share price surging again today on $500 million news

Motley Fool contributor Cameron England 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.

KMD Brands Ltd (ASX: KMD) shares are having a day to forget after returning from their suspension.

At the time of writing, the ASX stock is down over 60% to 6 cents.

Why is this ASX stock crashing?

Today’s decline has been driven by the Rip Curl and Kathmandu owner raising funds to help recapitalise.

According to the release, the ASX stock has successfully completed its $6.8 million underwritten placement and the institutional component of its fully underwritten entitlement offer.

The struggling retailer revealed that the placement and institutional entitlement offer raised combined gross proceeds of approximately $44.2 million. It notes that the placement was well supported by a number of existing and new institutional investors, raising the $6.8 million at the offer price of NZ$0.06 per new share.

KMD’s eligible institutional shareholders elected to take up approximately 79% of the entitlements available under the institutional entitlement offer.

Furthermore, all of the entitlements not taken up by eligible institutional shareholders and entitlements of ineligible institutional shareholders were sold in the institutional shortfall bookbuild at the same price as the offer price.

The retail component of the entitlement offer will open next week and is expected to raise gross proceeds of $21.1 million.

KMD’s CEO and managing director, Brent Scrimshaw, said:

We are pleased with the support for the institutional component of the equity raising. The raise will strengthen KMD’s balance sheet and position us to continue executing our Next Level transformation. We now look forward to inviting our retail shareholders to participate in the equity raising.

Results update

The ASX stock also released its half-year results along with its equity raising.

It posted a 7.3% increase in sales to $505.4 million but a statutory net loss of $13.1 million and an underlying loss of $11.5 million.

Unsurprisingly, there was no dividend declared for the first half.

Nevertheless, Scrimshaw was pleased with the performance of the company. He said:

Since launching our Next Level strategy, we have accelerated the pace and quality of execution and returned each of our brands to growth in a short timeframe. Strong early progress has been made against our key initiatives, giving us further conviction in our potential.

We’re particularly encouraged by the improved performance of Kathmandu, which has delivered double-digit same store sales growth for the first time in over two years. It’s also pleasing to see consumers responding positively to our accelerated product freshness, flow and assortment, along with a renewed focus on innovation. While Rip Curl has navigated more volatile global trading conditions, we remain confident that the brand’s repositioning will drive long-term growth and youthful energy, connected to the next generation of core surf and beach consumers.

The post Why is this ASX stock crashing 60% today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• KMD Brands shareholders to be stung with a hugely discounted capital raise
• What’s going on with KMD Brands shares?
• Trading halt, delayed results, and a capital raise: Why this ASX retail stock is under pressure
• Which ASX retail company just rejected a deal to buy its Rip Curl stores?

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.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) slumped 7.8% in March, with two of the big four ASX 200 bank stocks outperforming those losses and two falling even harder.

March was a difficult month for most stocks following the onset of the Iran war at the end of February.

The resulting conflict in the Middle East saw the Brent crude oil price spike 48% over the month just past, soaring from US$72.50 on 27 February to US$107.50 on 31 March, according to data from Bloomberg.

That’s likely to push inflation significantly higher over the coming months, which in turn could pressure global central banks, including the Reserve Bank of Australia, into raising interest rates.

As you’re likely aware, the RBA already has hiked the official cash rate twice this year. The second interest rate rise was delivered on 17 March, with the 0.25% lift taking the benchmark rate to 4.10%.

Higher interest rates have the potential to support ASX 200 bank stocks by enabling a larger net interest margin (NIM). But if higher rates and rising inflation lead to a broader economic downturn in Australia, the banks – among other headwinds – could get hit with a material increase in non-performing loans.

With that picture in mind…

ASX 200 bank stocks retreat in March

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) was the best performing big bank stock last month.

CBA shares closed out February trading for $174.62 and finished March at $167.70 each. That put the CBA share price down 4.0% in March, significantly outperforming the 7.8% loss posted by the benchmark index.

Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) shares also outperformed the benchmark.

Barely.

Shares in the ASX 200 bank stock closed on 27 February trading for $42.54. When the closing bell sounded on 31 March, shares were changing hands for $39.47 apiece. This saw Westpac shares down 7.2% over the month.

That was a better performance than we saw from ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ).

ANZ shares ended February at $40.04 and closed out March trading for $35.97. The 10.2% decline in ANZ shares over the month underperformed the benchmark.

Which brings us to March’s laggard, National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB).

NAB shares closed out February trading for $49.02. On 31 March, shares ended the day changing hands for $41.44. That saw the NAB share price down 15.5% over the month, or almost twice the losses posted by the benchmark index.

Taking a step back

While March saw the big four ASX 200 bank stocks take a tumble, investors who bought any of the banks a year ago will still be sitting on some benchmark beating gains.

Here’s how they’ve performed (as at time of writing today) over the past 12 months, not including dividends:

• NAB shares are up 21.6%
• CBA shares are up 11.0%
• Westpac shares are up 25.6%
• ANZ shares are up 22.6%

The post What happened with ASX 200 bank stocks like CBA and Westpac in March? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why sitting out this ASX share market chaos could cost you big
• How are these 5 ASX share giants really tracking in 2026?
• Buy, hold, sell: BHP, CBA, and Pro Medicus shares
• Westpac warns the RBA may need to hike rates again
• ASX share market sell off: Buy in the dip or stay on the sidelines?

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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 Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) share price is charging higher today.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) gold stock closed yesterday trading for $22.10. In early morning trade on Thursday, shares are swapping hands for $22.86 apiece, up 3.4%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is up 0.4% at this same time.

While shares in the Aussie gold mining giant remain down 6.5% in 2026, the Northern Star share price has now surged 32.8% since the recent closing lows on 23 February.

Here’s what’s grabbing investor interest today.

Northern Star share price jumps on buyback news

The ASX 200 gold stock released two price-sensitive updates before market open this morning.

Turning to the one that’s likely giving the Northern Star share price the biggest boost today first, the miner announced plans to undertake an on-market share buyback of up to $500 million.

When a company repurchases its own shares, it leaves fewer for sale on the market, which tends to increase the value of its remaining shares.

Management expects the buyback to start around 23 April, with an aim to complete it within 12 months.

Commenting on the buyback, Northern Star managing director Stuart Tonkin said:

Today’s announcement reflects our confidence in the strength of our business, the structural uplift in cash generation expected from the commissioning of the KCGM Mill Expansion and the compelling value we see in our share price.

The on-market buy-back, representing up to 1.6% of issued share capital, is an efficient way to return capital to shareholders while also being immediately earnings and value accretive. We believe current share prices do not fully reflect the quality and future potential of our assets.

Northern Star noted that the buyback is subject to prevailing share price and market conditions, with no guarantee that any shares will be repurchased. The buyback does not require shareholder approval.

What else did the ASX 200 gold stock report?

In a separate update this morning that could also be offering support to the Northern Star share price, the miner reported that it’s on track to meet its revised full-year FY 2026 guidance of at least 1.5 million ounces of gold.

Over the March quarter, the company sold 381,000 ounces of gold. That brought its year-to-date gold sold for the nine months to 1.11 million ounces.

With the Iran war crimping global fuel supplies, the miner noted that while it is not currently experiencing any diesel supply issues, this remains a key risk for the broader mining industry in Australia.

Despite the sharp sell-down in the first three weeks following the outbreak of the war, Northern Star stock is up 26.5% over 12 months, not including dividends.

The post Up 33% in 2 weeks, Northern Star share price surging again today on $500 million news appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Northern Star Resources posts Q3 gold sales, on track for FY26
• Should you buy the dip on gold shares? Expert
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• These were the worst-performing ASX 200 shares in March

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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 exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are a popular choice among investors because it’s a simple and low-cost way to get access to a wide range of assets, without needing to buy individual stocks.

ASX ETFs offer instant diversification, they traditionally have low fees, and because they usually track an index they tend to grow consistently and steadily over time.

Just as importantly, ASX ETFs are a great way to earn passive income because they pay a dividend. Unlike stocks which pay dividends directly to shareholders, ASX ETFs would have a portfolio of dividend-paying shares which the fund collects and passes onto its investors.

Like any ASX dividend-paying stock, this is usually paid out quarterly or annually. But then there are the rare few ASX ETFs that pay income to investors monthly.

The monthly-paying ASX ETF on my radar right now is the Betashares Dividend Harvester Active ETF (ASX: HVST).

Here’s a rundown of how it works and what it pays.

What’s the fund’s investment strategy?

The Betashares HVST is an ASX-listed ETF that invests in 40 to 60 dividend-paying companies. 

These are selected from the 100 largest companies listed on the ASX based on their dividend forecasts, franking credits, and expected future gross dividend payments.

The fund does not track an index; instead, it targets exposure to high-dividend stocks.

The fund is created in a way that allows it to own a dividend share until it trades ex-dividend. At this point, the fund sells the shares and reinvests the proceeds into its next opportunity.

What does HVST ETF pay its investors?

HVST ETF pays its investors a regular, partially-franked dividend income every single month.

Its annual dividend yield is around double the annual income yield of the broader ASX. 

As of the 27th of February 2026, the HVST ETF pays a 12-month gross distribution (dividend) yield of 7%, and a net yield of 5.5%. Its franking level is 64.7% and it has an annual management fee of 0.72%.

Its most recent dividend payment was in mid-March when it paid out 6 cents per share to investors. The fund also paid out $0.06 per share to investors in late February and in January. 

HVST shares have trailed the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) index over the past 12 months. At the time of writing, the ASX ETF’s share price has climbed 1.4% over the past 12 months, compared with the ASX 200’s 9.3% annual gain.

The post This monthly income ASX ETF yields 7%, and every ASX investor should take note appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 reasons to buy Wesfarmers shares today
• Northern Star Resources posts Q3 gold sales, on track for FY26
• Want to retire at age 65? This is how much superannuation you need
• Here’s what I consider to be the very best ASX 200 share to buy in April
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday

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 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.

Pexa Group Ltd (ASX: PXA) shares took a big tumble this week after the release of a consultation paper on pricing in the New South Wales market, which could affect how much they can charge for their services.

The stock fell 17.3% on Wednesday, prompting the ASX to issue a speeding ticket to the company, asking for an explanation of why it had been sold down so heavily.

Macquarie sees this as an opportunity to buy into the stock and has a bullish price target on the company’s shares, although it’s worth noting that UBS has a differing opinion.

The review into pricing is still underway, however, it could have large implications for what Pexa is able to charge for e-conveyancing services.

In its own words, the company said in its statement to the ASX:

As part of its Pricing review process, yesterday IPART released a consultation Paper titled ‘Methodology Paper – Initial Asset Base for an Electronic Lodgment Network Operator’. The Paper sets out a proposed approach to calculating an initial asset base and seeks submissions and feedback on the proposed and alternative methodologies prior to developing draft recommended prices for the Draft Report, which they expect to be published in June 2026. IPART’s methodology paper contains information which does not constitute a decision, is open to change and contains illustrative examples which should not be read as guidance. There is no certainty at this point in time that the proposed approach will be used by IPART and, if the proposed approach is used to develop draft recommended prices, the numerical components remain uncertain and open to discussion. While the initial asset base is a key element in the ‘building block’ method IPART will use in their price recommendation, there are multiple other inputs including return of capital, return on capital, operational expenditure, tax adjustments and other adjustments as determined by IPART.

Pexa Group shares looking cheap?

The analyst team at Macquarie said it was difficult to discern IPART’s outcome.

They ran the numbers using some assumptions, however, and said that even if price cuts of 5% to 10% were implemented, there was sufficient cost-out opportunity within the business.

Macquarie maintained its $19.60 price target on Pexa shares, compared with its current $12.97. This would constitute a 51.1% return if achieved.

Conversely, UBS has downgraded Pexa from a buy to neutral and lowered its price target for the shares from $17.50 to $15.70.

Pexa does not currently pay dividends.

Pexa Group was worth $2.28 billion at the close of trade on Wednesday.

The post After their big fall is it time to buy the dip on Pexa? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

The ASX share market is one of the best places to find passive income, in my view. But, there are some businesses that could be a better source of dividends than others because of how they source their revenue.

Sometimes it’s difficult to predict how much demand a business is going to see for its offering.

Companies like BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) and Adairs Ltd (ASX: ADH) can see revenue bounce around.

Wouldn’t it be great to know you have revenue locked in for a number of years? Normally, I’d write about Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co. Ltd (ASX: SOL), when it comes to long-term passive income, but there are two other businesses I really want to highlight.

Rural Funds Group (ASX: RFF)

Rural Funds has been one of my favourite real estate investment trusts (REITs) and I expect it will continue to be that way in the coming years.

Food is an exceptionally important commodity, so the farmland that Rural Funds owns is an important part of the national and global picture.

It owns various types of farmland including almonds, cattle, macadamias, vineyards and cropping, but it leases that land to agricultural tenants, ensuring the Rural Funds doesn’t carry major operational risks.

What makes it an effective pick for long-term passive income? It’s because it has a long weighted average lease expiry (WALE) with its tenants of approximately 13 years. In other words, the average tenancy rental agreement the ASX share has will expire in more than a decade, even if it didn’t sign any other long-term leases or renewals in that time.

That’s an extremely long time and suggests to me that the business has also largely locked in paying good passive distribution income in the coming years as well.

The business continues to invest in its farms to help maximise their rental income potential. But, rent is also growing organically, with most rental agreements having an indexation of either a fixed annual increase or a rise linked to inflation, plus market reviews.

Its guided FY26 payout translates into a distribution yield of 5.9%.

Charter Hall Long WALE REIT (ASX: CLW)

The other ASX share I want to highlight is this diversified REIT that owns properties across an array of commercial real state categories including pubs and hotels, telecommunication exchanges, service stations, distribution and logistics centres, manufacturing and so on.

I like the diversified strategy because it reduces risks and ensures the business can look across a wide range of areas for potential opportunities.

The one part of the strategy that all these properties have in common is that the ASX share has signed on tenants for years, providing appealing long-term income.

This ASX share has a WALE of around nine years, which is also a long time to have rental income locked in.

The business expects to grow its FY26 annual distribution by 2% to 25.5 cents per security, translating into a distribution yield of 7.6%, at the time of writing.

The post Looking for long-term passive income? Try one of these ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• 2 ASX dividend shares with yields above 7%
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Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Rural Funds Group and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Adairs and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Adairs, Rural Funds Group, and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. 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.