Category: Stock Market

Just a few years ago, Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP) was the bell of the ball. During the pandemic, Domino’s shares were trading for over $160 each. 

However COVID-era growth proved unsustainable and inflation, higher interest rates, weaker franchisee economics and disappointing international expansion hurt profits.

Fast forward to 2026, and Domino’s shares have hovered around $20 per share – a huge pullback from pandemic levels. 

Yesterday, the popular pizza franchise released its full-year results, prompting a heavy sell-off among investors. 

What did Dominos report?

As reported by The Motley Fool yesterday, the company’s FY26 results showed an 11% decline in revenue to $2,046.1 million and a statutory net loss after tax of $134.2 million.

Other results included: 

• Underlying NPAT: $121.6 million, up 4.0%
• EBITDA: $325.4 million (underlying, down 6.1%)
• Final dividend: 32.5 cents per share, unfranked (total FY26 dividend 57.5 cents, down 25.3%)
• Net tangible assets per share: $5.04. 

Investors were clearly not impressed with the result, as the share price dipped 6%. 

However, the team at Bell Potter has a more balanced view moving forward. 

What is Bell Potter’s view on Dominos shares?

Bell Potter viewed Domino’s result as broadly in line with expectations, with underlying NPAT of at the top end of guidance, supported by cost reductions and lower interest costs. 

Free cash flow of $164.1m was also strong, helped by lower capex, working capital improvements, capital management and favourable tax timing.

The main negative was weaker sales, with network sales down 4% and FY26 same-store sales growth (SSSG) declining 4.1%, led by Asia, ANZ and Europe. 

More concerning were the first eight weeks of FY27, when SSSG fell 5.8%, a significant deterioration from the -0.9% seen in FY26 and -1.3% in FY25, which likely contributed to the sharp share price decline.

Bell Potter has downgraded its revenue and EBITDA forecasts for FY27-29 to reflect the ongoing weak sales environment and softer consumer conditions, although it expects sales to recover to low single-digit growth by FY28. 

Despite the revenue downgrades, lower expected interest costs have led Bell Potter to raise its NPAT forecasts by 7%/6%/5% for FY27/28/29, respectively.

Hold recommendation for Domino’s shares

Based on this guidance, the team at Bell Potter has retained its hold recommendation on Domino’s shares. 

However, the broker raised its price target to $20.15 (previously $18.50). 

This updated target indicates roughly 7% upside. 

Without SSSG, operating leverage remains limited; and without leverage, temporary cost-out measures can only support earnings for so long before underlying operating profits come under pressure. We therefore remain HOLD rated pending clearer evidence of a sustained improvement in trading.

The post After crashing 6% on results, what is Bell Potter’s view on Domino’s shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Domino’s shares crash 12%: Are the shares a buy, sell or hold today?
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• Domino’s Pizza Enterprises posts FY26 loss but boosts franchise profitability
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• Attention! This ASX 300 stock could be set to rise 50% and has a 7% yield

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

DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO) shares were hit hard again on Wednesday after the counter-drone company released its half-year results.

The DroneShield share price finished the day down 11% to $1.74.

It continues what has been a pretty rough run for shareholders. The stock is now down around 17% over the past month and 48% since the start of 2026.

That’s a big change from where DroneShield was trading last year, when the shares were attracting plenty of attention.

With the share price now back near its lowest levels of the year, investors may be wondering whether the worst of the sell-off is finally behind it.

So, have DroneShield shares finally found a bottom?

Revenue growth continues as profits slip

Looking at the headline numbers, there was plenty to like on the revenue side.

DroneShield reported record first-half revenue of $125.8 million, up 74% from the same period last year.

Recurring revenue also rose 229% to $11.5 million, supported by a growing number of software-enabled devices in the field.

However, this came in below the $14.2 million estimate DroneShield provided in July.

Profitability also went backwards.

Underlying EBITDA came in at a $12.4 million loss, compared with an $8 million profit a year earlier.

DroneShield also reported a statutory net loss after tax of $32.2 million, while gross margin slipped to 60% from 65%.

The company said it has been investing heavily to support future growth, including in production, systems and staff.

There are still some good signs

Despite the first-half loss, there were still a few positives to take away from the result.

DroneShield had $240 million of committed FY26 revenue as at 21 August, up 36% from the same time last year.

That already covers between 89% and 96% of its full-year revenue guidance of $250 million to $270 million, giving the company a decent head start heading into the second-half.

There is also another $43 million of committed revenue for FY27 and beyond.

DroneShield is in a strong position financially as well, finishing June with $180 million in cash and term deposits and no debt.

This gives the company plenty of room to keep investing as it ramps up production and brings new products to market.

Have DroneShield shares bottomed out?

Calling the bottom isn’t easy, as you’re essentially trying to predict what every buyer and seller in the market is going to do.

Even the best investors in the world can’t pick the exact bottom every time.

Nonetheless, there are a few reasons to think much of the bad news could already be reflected in the share price.

There is still plenty going right in the business. Revenue is growing quickly, committed revenue continues to build and the balance sheet remains strong.

But investors will also want to see more of that growth flow through to margins and earnings, particularly after the first-half loss.

If DroneShield delivers on guidance and improves profitability in the second-half, investors could take another look.

The post Down 48% in 2026: Have DroneShield shares finally bottomed out? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why I’d buy the dip on DroneShield and WiseTech shares
• Are DroneShield shares a buy, sell or hold following their half-year FY26 results today?
• Why Woolworths, Domino’s and DroneShield shares are turning heads on Wednesday
• DroneShield share price in focus as record revenue meets interim loss
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday

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 positions in and has recommended DroneShield. 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 Plato Income Maximiser Ltd (ASX: PL8) share price is in focus after the company reported a 54% fall in revenue to $50.6 million and a 50% decrease in earnings per share to 5.6 cents for the full year.

What did Plato Income Maximiser report?

• Revenue from ordinary activities dropped 54.1% to $50.57 million
• Net profit after tax (NPAT) fell 49.9% to $41.83 million
• Basic and diluted earnings per share both down 50% to 5.6 cents
• Monthly fully franked dividends of 0.55 cents per share paid throughout FY26
• Net tangible asset backing per share (including tax on realised gains only) at $1.144, slightly down from $1.153

What else do investors need to know?

Plato Income Maximiser continued its policy of consistent monthly dividend payments, delivering 12 fully franked dividends during the period and flagging continued payouts post year-end. The company reaffirmed that it does not operate a dividend reinvestment plan.

Net tangible asset backing edged slightly lower year on year, reflecting the impact of market movements and realised gains. No changes in control of entities, associates, or joint ventures occurred during the period.

What’s next for Plato Income Maximiser?

Looking ahead, Plato Income Maximiser intends to maintain its monthly dividend payments, subject to future earnings and market conditions. Investors have already been notified of continued monthly payouts into the next financial year.

The company has not provided detailed forward guidance, but the focus remains on delivering reliable income and managing assets prudently within changing market dynamics.

Plato Income Maximiser share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Plato Income Maximiser shares have risen 4%, outperforming the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO), which has risen 1% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Plato Income Maximiser: FY26 profit slips, dividends steady appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

The Macquarie Technology Group Ltd (ASX: MAQ) share price is on watch after the company reported its twelfth straight year of EBITDA growth, with FY26 EBITDA up 2% to $115.9 million and strong cash flow performance.

What did Macquarie Technology report?

• EBITDA rose 2% to $115.9 million for FY26, marking twelve consecutive years of growth
• Operating cash flow reached $94.6 million with cash conversion of 108%
• 95% of revenue came from contracted monthly recurring revenue streams
• Significant investment in data centre infrastructure, with growth capex of $193.3 million
• Undrawn debt facility of $496.5 million and $100 million Hybrid Securities Series 2 available
• Australian Government invested $200 million from the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation

What else do investors need to know?

Macquarie Technology accelerated development of its IC3 SuperWest data centre and completed the acquisition of a new 34,200sqm site at Macquarie Park, intended for a 200MW engineering and technology campus (METC). Construction on IC3 SuperWest remains on budget and on schedule, with Stage 1 expected to complete by September 2026.

The company’s balance sheet was further strengthened by government investment, and its recurring revenue mix remains robust. Ongoing strategic investments are focused on supporting cloud, AI, and cyber security demand as well as enhancing sustainable infrastructure, including advanced cooling technologies with limited water use.

What did Macquarie Technology management say?

Chief Executive David Tudehope said:

Our capital structure has become increasingly diversified through the introduction of the Australian Government’s NRFC as a strategic investor. Combined with our existing debt facilities, this long-term source of capital provides additional financial flexibility to support the development of sovereign secure digital infrastructure, cyber security services and future growth initiative.

What’s next for Macquarie Technology?

The company expects modest FY27 EBITDA growth, assuming revenue from IC3 SuperWest Phase 1 begins in the second half. Investment will ramp up in people, AI-ready infrastructure, and product development to support anticipated growth across cyber security, cloud, and networking.

Macquarie Technology’s focus remains on expanding capacity, finalising customer agreements for major data centre projects, and supporting innovation in AI and cloud for business and government clients. The METC project is progressing, with community features and academic partnerships planned, although major construction is still subject to approvals.

Macquarie Technology share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Macquarie Technology shares have declined 9%, trailing the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO), which has risen 1% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Macquarie Technology: Twelve years of EBITDA growth appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

The Mayfield Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: MYG) shares are in focus after the company declared a fully franked final dividend of 2.4 cents per share for FY2026, up from last year’s 2.2 cents. This brings Mayfield’s total FY2026 dividend to 4.4 cents per share.

What did Mayfield Group report?

• FY2026 final dividend: 2.4 cents per share, fully franked
• FY2025 final dividend: 2.2 cents per share (prior period)
• Total FY2026 dividend: 4.4 cents per share
• Total dividend payment for FY2026: approximately $5.169 million
• Dividend payment date: 17 September 2026

What else do investors need to know?

Mayfield’s Board expects to continue paying dividends to shareholders on a six-monthly basis, maintaining consistency for income-focused investors. All dividends are expected to remain fully franked, subject to the company’s financial position, franking credits, and capital requirements.

Investors should note the key dates: the shares go ex-dividend on 3 September 2026, with the record date on 4 September 2026. Payment to shareholders will be made on 17 September 2026.

What’s next for Mayfield Group?

Looking ahead, Mayfield aims to keep delivering regular, fully franked dividends, provided its financial position remains strong. The Board reiterates its commitment to rewarding shareholders while balancing capital needs for further growth.

Investors can expect updates on future dividend intentions as market conditions and internal performance evolve.

Mayfield Group share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Mayfield Group shares have risen 72%, outperforming the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO).

View Original Announcement

The post Mayfield Group declares higher FY2026 final dividend appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• BrainChip shares: Half-year results show revenue up, loss widens
• La Trobe Private Credit Fund unveils August 2026 distribution and DRP details
• How much do I need to retire on $120,000 a year at 55?

Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Mayfield Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

The BrainChip Holdings Ltd (ASX: BRN) share price is in focus after the company reported a 19% lift in half-year revenue to US$1.22 million, with a net loss after tax of US$12.0 million as it accelerates on commercialising its neuromorphic AI technology.

What did BrainChip report?

• Revenue of US$1,222,745, up 19% from 1H 2025
• Net loss after tax of US$12,015,897 (1H 2025: US$9,360,251)
• Operating expenses increased 33% to US$13,647,140
• Cash and cash equivalents of US$20,304,971 as at 30 June 2026
• No interim dividend declared

What else do investors need to know?

BrainChip achieved a significant operational milestone by shipping the first production batch of 2,000 AKD1500 neuromorphic processors, marking the transition from pre-production to commercial-scale manufacturing. The company is also developing AKD1500-based hardware platforms to support faster customer adoption.

During the half, BrainChip signed new intellectual property (IP) licensing deals with EDGEAI and ASICLAND, opening up new streams for potential licensing and royalty revenue. The ecosystem expanded through a new partnership with MicroIP, while dedicated product platforms for defence, industrial AI, and signal analytics were advanced.

Costs rose as BrainChip invested in R&D, commercialisation efforts, and supporting its next-generation AKD2500 chip—still tracking for a late-2026 development milestone. The company’s financing facility with LDA Capital concluded during the period, with all obligations substantially settled.

What’s next for BrainChip?

BrainChip is focused on broadening commercial deployment of its Akida neuromorphic technology across defence, industrial, and edge AI markets. The company expects further product shipments, ecosystem partnerships, and customer integrations in the coming months.

Development of the AKD2500 chip and BrainChip’s Generative AI program remain key priorities, with internal demonstrations of its GenAI platform targeted by year-end. Management says groundwork is being laid for increased commercial and licensing revenue ahead of anticipated larger-scale customer uptake.

BrainChip share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, BrainChip shares have declined 33%, trailing the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO), which has risen 1% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post BrainChip shares: Half-year results show revenue up, loss widens appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

The La Trobe Private Credit Fund (ASX: LF1) share price is in focus after the fund announced an estimated unfranked monthly distribution of 1.27 cents per unit for the period ended 31 August 2026. A Dividend/Distribution Reinvestment Plan (DRP) is available to all eligible unitholders.

What did La Trobe Private Credit Fund report?

• Estimated ordinary distribution: $0.0127 per unit (unfranked) for August 2026
• Record date: 2 September 2026
• Ex date: 1 September 2026
• Payment date: 14 September 2026
• DRP available to all holders with an Australian or New Zealand address
• Distribution tax components expected to be available on or before payment date

What else do investors need to know?

The distribution is fully unfranked, and the fund has confirmed that no franking credits are attached for this period. Eligible investors can participate in the DRP to have their distributions automatically reinvested into new units, which will be issued at the ex-distribution Net Tangible Asset Value (NTA) as at the end of the distribution period.

Tax information relating to the distribution components—including interest, tax-free, and tax-deferred amounts—will be available on the La Trobe Financial website by the payment date. This helps investors when completing their tax returns.

What’s next for La Trobe Private Credit Fund?

Investors can expect to receive their August 2026 distribution payment on 14 September 2026. Those who wish to reinvest their distribution must ensure their DRP election is lodged by 5pm AEST on 3 September 2026. The next estimated distribution amount will be confirmed in the lead up to the next payment period.

La Trobe Private Credit Fund aims to provide consistent monthly income by investing in a diversified portfolio of credit assets. The continued offering of the DRP gives investors flexibility in how they receive their income, supporting long-term capital growth for those who choose to reinvest.

La Trobe Private Credit Fund share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, La Trobe Private Credit Fund shares have declined 5%, trailing the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO), which has risen 1% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post La Trobe Private Credit Fund unveils August 2026 distribution and DRP details appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• BrainChip shares: Half-year results show revenue up, loss widens
• How much do I need to retire on $120,000 a year at 55?
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
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• AIC Mines net profit soars 177% as plant expansion powers growth

Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

Many Australians love the idea of retiring at 55 with $120,000 of annual passive income. Investing in ASX shares could be the best option to achieve that.

For some people, retiring early sounds good because it could mean enjoying more of life, stopping before the body can’t do the physical work anymore, or simply getting away from the desk.

Whatever the reason for wanting $120,000 per year of passive income, unlocking that level of dividends is enticing.

Use compounding to build wealth

One of the best things that investors can utilise to get to retirement is the power of compounding.

Albert Einstein once supposedly said about compounding:

Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it; he who doesn’t, pays it.

Compounding allows our ASX share investments to grow in value over time without us needing any more money ourselves to increase that value.

By regularly putting additional money into the stock market, investors can see the value of their portfolio increase.

I’ll run through two examples of how it could work.

If someone is 25 and can invest $1,000 per month, they’d be able to invest $12,000 per year. Assuming the portfolio returns an average of 10% per year, that portfolio would grow to be worth $1.97 million after 30 years.

With the second example, let’s imagine someone is 30 and has more earning power, allowing them to invest $2,000 per month. If the portfolio were to return 10% per year, it would grow to $2.36 million after 25 years.

Which ASX shares I’d buy for passive income to retire

If we go with those two examples above, a $1.97 million portfolio would require a portfolio dividend yield of approximately 6.1% to make $120,000 of annual passive income. Meanwhile, a $2.36 million portfolio would require a dividend yield of 5.1%.

I’m going to highlight some ASX shares with a lower-to-medium dividend yield and some with a higher dividend yield.

Some of the stocks with a dividend yield of around 5% (or a little less) that I like include Rural Funds Group (ASX: RFF), Centuria Industrial REIT (ASX: CIP), L1 Long Short Fund Ltd (ASX: LSF), Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co. Ltd (ASX: SOL), APA Group (ASX: APA), Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL), Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) and WCM Quality Global Growth Fund (ASX: WCMQ).

The ASX shares that have a higher dividend yield that I’m a big fan of with a higher dividend yield include WCM Global Growth Ltd (ASX: WQG), MFF Capital Investments Ltd (ASX: MFF), Future Generation Australia Ltd (ASX: FGX), Future Generation Global Ltd (ASX: FGG) and Hearts and Minds Investments Ltd (ASX: HM1).

The post How much do I need to retire on $120,000 a year at 55? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Future Generation Australia, Future Generation Global, Hearts And Minds Investments, L1 Long Short Fund, Mff Capital Investments, Rural Funds Group, Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited, Wcm Global Growth, and Wcm Quality Global Growth Fund. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Apa Group, Mff Capital Investments, Rural Funds Group, Telstra Group, and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

It was a disappointing mid-week session for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) and many ASX shares this Wednesday. After starting out strong this morning, investors got spooked around midday, turning what had been a healthy lead for the ASX 200 into a loss.

That may have been a result of today’s inflation figures. Either way, the index ended up closing 0.4% lower at 9,127.8 points.

This tantalising hump day for the ASX followed a more robust night of trading over on the American markets.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) continued to push higher, gaining another 0.3%.

Over on the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC), the mood was even more upbeat, with the index rising 0.66%.

But let us return to the local markets now and dive a little deeper into what was happening amongst the various ASX sectors this Wednesday.

Winners and losers

Despite the market’s choke today, we still had a few sectors that pushed higher.

But first, the standout losers this hump day were tech stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) was hit hard, crashing 3.47%

Energy shares had a day to forget as well, with the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) plunging 1.52%.

Communications stocks were also on the nose. The S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) took a 1.38% dive today.

As were healthcare shares, evident from the S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ)’s 1.21% tanking.

Industrial stocks fared a little better. The S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) still lost 0.6%, though.

Financial shares were right behind that, with the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) dipping 0.57%.

Our final losers today were mining stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) slid 0.01% lower.

Let’s get to the winners now. Leading the pack were consumer staples shares, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ)’s 1.83% surge.

Gold stocks were also a safe haven. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) had lifted 0.83% by the closing bell.

Utilities shares didn’t miss out, with the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) jumping 0.53%.

We can say the same for real estate investment trusts (REITs). The S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) jumped up 0.35% this session.

Finally, consumer discretionary shares managed to stick a landing, as you can see from the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ)’s 0.07% crawl higher.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

Today’s top stock was retailer Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV). Lovisa shares were hot property today, rocketing up 12.73% to close at $27.62.

This big leap came after the company reported its latest earnings, which seemed to have exceeded expectations.

Here’s how the other winners pulled up at the kerb:

ASX-listed company	Share price	Price change
Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV)	$27.62	12.73%
Pantoro Gold Ltd (ASX: PNR)	$2.76	9.96%
Perseus Mining Ltd (ASX: PRU)	$6.71	9.46%
Nine Entertainment Co Holdings Ltd (ASX: NEC)	$1.05	7.18%
Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS)	$11.24	6.24%
Sandfire Resources Ltd (ASX: SFR)	$24.15	6.01%
Westgold Resources Ltd (ASX: WGX)	$6.83	5.75%
Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN)	$12.57	5.10%
Alkane Resources Ltd (ASX: ALK)	$1.98	5.04%
Eagers Automotive Ltd (ASX: APE)	$23.42	4.75%

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.

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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 Electro Optic Systems and Lovisa. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Eagers Automotive Ltd, Lovisa, and Nine Entertainment. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

It’s always an interesting insight into the health of the ASX when earnings season arrives. Of course, everyone likes to look at revenues, profits and the countless other metrics that companies present. But my favourite thing to analyse in an ASX 200 share’s earnings report is the dividend section.

In my view, there is no litmus test of a company’s financial health quite like a dividend. Companies that are in financial strife simply cannot afford to increase their payouts consistently over time. And that can be fudged by accounting tricks. Today let’s go over three ASX dividend shares that aren’t in that boat, and have just revealed pay rises for their investors.

3 ASX 200 dividend shares that just boosted shareholder income

First up, we have Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW). Woolworths is a blue chip ASX 200 dividend share that has always been given a look from the typical ASX income investor. The view this year was a good one. Woolworths announced this morning that its shareholders can look forward to a final dividend of 52 cents per share, fully franked.

This new dividend is worth a 15.56% increase over the final dividend of 45 cents per share that investors banked in 2025. Woolworths is currently (at the time of writing) trading on a trailing dividend yield of 2.23%.

Next, let’s talk about gold miner Perseus Mining Ltd (ASX: PRU). Perseus’ earnings were exceptionally well-received this morning. The company posted big rises in revenues, profits and cash flow, thanks to the marked increase in gold prices over FY2026. That filtered down into this ASX 200 dividend share’s next payout.

Perseus revealed a final dividend of 9 cents per share for 2026, unfranked. That’s a whopping 80% increase over the final dividend of 5 cents per share from 2025. At current pricing, Perseus Mining stock has a dividend yield of 1.04%.

Finally, we can’t not mention WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC). WiseTech shares are in freefall today after the ASX 200 tech share reported its own earnings. You can read more about that here. Despite this, there were plenty of green numbers in the company’s report. Those included a 79% rise in revenues and a 56% surge in underlying earnings.

That helped Wisetech declare a final, fully franked dividend worth 88 US cents per share. That’s up a healthy 14.29% from the 77 US cents per share investors bagged in 2025. Right now, the Wisetech share price has a dividend yield of 0.51%.

The post 3 ASX 200 dividend shares that just hiked their payouts appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• South32, Woolworths, BHP shares reach 52-week high: Buy, sell or hold?
• Why I’d buy the dip on DroneShield and WiseTech shares
• Everything you need to know about the Woolworths dividend
• Why Woolworths, Domino’s and DroneShield shares are turning heads on Wednesday
• Why are WiseTech shares crashing 8.5% today?

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