Category: Stock Market

Owners of Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) shares recently learned what their next dividend payment will be.

It’s a sizeable one, though not as big as the payments earlier this decade.

Investors will receive a FY26 final dividend of 46 cents per share – that’s a reduction of 23% compared to the final dividend of FY25.

The full-year payout comes to $1.08 per share, which is 2% lower than the annual payment for FY25.

Both FY25 and FY26 had a dividend payout ratio of 65%, so the ASX mining share was consistent with how much cash it paid to investors.

Sadly for shareholders, it was partly a change in foreign exchange rates that led to the lower annual dividend. Underlying earnings per share (EPS) in Australian dollars declined 2%, but the underlying EPS grew 3% in American dollar terms. However, the dividend is based on and paid in Australian dollars.

Let’s look at what the potential payment for owners of Fortescue shares could be in FY27 and FY28.

FY27

We’re already more than a month and a half into the 2027 financial year and the iron ore price has declined by a few dollars per tonne, which is a headwind for Fortescue’s earnings if that decline sticks around.

During FY26, Fortescue saw the sold price of its iron ore increase by 7%, which was the biggest contributor to its underlying earnings increase in FY26 in American dollar terms.

The current forecast on Commsec suggests that the company’s FY27 annual dividend per Fortescue share could decline to 86.4 cents. At the time of writing, that translates into a dividend yield of 4.8% excluding franking credits and 6.9% including franking credits.

As you may have guessed, the dividend is projected to decline because the earnings are forecast to decrease. For now, that’s just a projection. The iron ore price could surprise the market positively, or it could decline towards US$90 per tonne as analysts have projected could happen amid rising iron ore shipments from Africa.

If supply rises without a lift in demand, it is likely to hurt the commodity price. But analysts have been wrong before about being overly negative about the iron ore price.

FY28

The current forecast on Commsec suggests that the dividend could become even smaller in the 2028 financial year. The pressure on the iron ore price could become stronger as the months go by because Simandou – a huge, new iron ore project in Africa – is expected to ramp-up in the next few years.

Interestingly, Fortescue is working on its own project in Africa (Gabon), though it’s not remotely the same scale.

I think the best move that Fortescue can do to grow earnings in the long-term is to continue efforts to grow earnings in areas other than iron ore, such as copper and energy.

The projection on Commsec suggests the company could pay an annual dividend per Fortescue share in FY28 of 59.8 cents. That suggests a dividend yield of 3.3% excluding franking credits and 4.75% including franking credits, at the time of writing.

At this stage, it doesn’t seem that Fortescue is the right pick for large or growing income in the medium-term, so I’d look at other ASX shares.

The post Here’s the dividend forecast out to 2028 for Fortescue shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Are Fortescue shares in the buy zone after its results?

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 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.

Profit season gives analysts plenty to work with in terms of identifying companies they think might be undervalued.

I’ve had a look at the recent broker reports and come up with two under-the-radar companies that brokers like the look of.

Let’s have a look at what they’re saying.

LGI Ltd (ASX: LGI)

LGI is an innovator in the energy space and converts biogas from landfill into energy.

The company delivered a solid FY26 result last week, with revenue of $39.8 million, up 17% on the previous year, and underlying net profit of $8.8 million, up 35%.

Chief Executive Officer Jarryd Doran said regarding the result:

In FY26 we outperformed all our key operational drivers with year-on-year biogas recovery increasing by 33%, Australian Carbon Credit Units created increasing 18%, and a 29% increase in renewable energy from our fleet of power stations. In summary, the Company’s strong operational performance was reflected in our financial results whereby we increased Net Revenue by 17%, and our Underlying EBITDA increased approximately 26%, delivering against our previously stated guided range. Looking forward, our efforts during the year in registering and commencing carbon abatement across 8 new sites lays important foundations for continued growth. Together with our completed capital raising in October 2025, we look forward to continuing to deliver against our strategy of expanding our pipeline of generation capacity to beyond 80MW.

Broker Morgans said they believed LGI was one of the best ways to get exposure to the decarbonisation thematic on the ASX.

They said:

Despite more modest expectations for FY27, we remain positive over the medium term given the material development pipeline ahead and strong operating leverage across the portfolio as the group scales and executes its meaningful battery rollout across new and existing sites.

Morgans has a price target on LGI of $3.60 compared to $2.38 currently.

Hansen Technologies Ltd (ASX: HSN)

UBS said in its full-year report that Hansen delivered softer-than-expected revenue of 4%, but good margins meant it hit targets for cash EBITDA.

Underlying net profit was strong, coming in 22.5% higher than the previous corresponding period at $48.5 million.

Hansen Chief Executive Officer Andrew Hansen said regarding the result:

FY26 demonstrated the resilience of Hansen’s business model. In a more cautious environment, we have remained focused on disciplined execution, protecting earnings quality while continuing to invest for long-term growth. What we have seen during the year, with regards to revenue, is primarily caused by mix and foreign exchange. We continue to have a solid pipeline of demand for our products and services. Our recurring revenue base continues to improve, providing stability and visibility through the cycle. AI is increasingly driving productivity, operating leverage and long-term margin expansion.

The company said AI had been a large focus, and an AI enablement team had been set up to drive capability across the workforce.

UBS said they saw FY27 as a “transition year” for the company, but still have a bullish price target of $5.95 on the shares, compared to $3.31 currently.

The post 2 ASX shares tipped by brokers to return 48% to 82% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• LGI posts FY26 earnings growth and expands renewable energy portfolio
• Buy, hold, sell: Premier Investments, Hansen Technologies, Santos shares
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• Hansen Technologies appoints new CEO as Andrew Hansen becomes Executive Chair
• ASX 200 utilities shares gained 7% while the broader market fell heavily last week

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 recommended LGI Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

There aren’t too many blue-chip ASX 200 shares that still offer dividend yields of 5% today, let alone 6%. But Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Ltd (ASX: BEN) is one of the rare few. Yes, Bendigo Bank shares are currently trading on a trailing dividend yield of 6.05%.

As such, we can probably conclude that there were more than a few income investors watching with interest this morning as Bendigo and Adelaide Bank revealed the next shareholder payment that investors can expect.

As we covered this morning, it was a solid, if uninspiring, report from Bendigo Bank. This ASX 200 bank stock told the market that its cash earnings for the 12 months ended 30 June were $30.2 million, up 3% over FY 2025. That helped the bank post statutory earnings after tax of $375.1 million, helped by a 1.5% growth in total lending and a 2.2% increase in customer deposits.

The second half of the financial year was particularly strong for Bendigo Bank. Cash earnings rose 6.8% compared to the same half in 2025 to $273.8 million, while expenses dropped 2.1%.

Is Bendigo Bank shares’ 6% yield holding firm?

But let’s get to Bendogo Bank’s latest dividend. In some decent news for income investors, this bank’s dividend will not be changing. Yes, Bendigo and Adelaide Bank today revealed that its final dividend for 2026 will come in at 33 cents per share. That’s unchanged and flat on 2025’s final dividend. As such, that 6% yield that we currently see on Bedigo Bank shares will be holding for the time being.

That 33-cent-per-share final dividend, coupled with March’s interim dividend of 30 cents per share, gives an annual total of 63 cents per share. That’s the same annual amount that Bendigo Bank has paid since 2024.

This latest final dividend will arrive in investors’ bank accounts on 30 September next month. Like almost every payout from this bank, this dividend will come with full franking credits attached.

For anyone who doesn’t yet own Bendigo Bank shares but wishes to receive this dividend, the shares are scheduled to trade ex-dividend on 1 September. Investors will need to own shares by the end of August to be eligible to receive this payout.

There is also the option to receive additional Benido Bank shares in lieu of a cash payment with this company’s dividend reinvestment plan (DRP). The cut-off date for DRP participation is 3 September.

The post 6%: Bendigo Bank just unveiled its latest dividend appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why PLS, Bendigo Bank and Ampol shares are turning heads on Monday
• Bendigo and Adelaide Bank FY26 earnings: profit lifts to $375.1 million, dividend steady
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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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Bendigo And Adelaide Bank. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD) shares are storming higher in Monday lunchtime trade.

At the time of writing, the petroleum company’s shares are up around 4% and trading at an all-time high of $41.42 a piece.

Today’s hike means the shares are now up 29% for the year to date, and have rallied 40% higher over the past 12 months.

The latest increase comes off the back of Ampol’s first-half FY26 results, which it posted to the ASX ahead of the market open this morning.

Investors are clearly thrilled with the update, and many are rushing to snap up its shares while they’re still trading for cheap. 

Ampol announced that its Group replacement cost operating profit (RCOP) came in 152% higher versus the first half of FY25, RCOP NPAT surged a huge 376% compared to the prior corresponding period, and statutory NPAT came to $1,363 million, compared to a loss of $25 million last year.

The strong result also meant Ampol was able to raise its fully-franked interim dividend to 185 cents per share, more than four times the prior year.

Ongoing concerns around global oil supply have also helped drive the shares higher over the past 12 months. 

Ampol is Australia’s largest transport energy distributor and retailer, with more than 1,800 Ampol-branded service stations across the country. 

The company has also posted a few updates that have gathered investor attention. In June, Ampol received the green light, with conditions, from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) for a proposed acquisition of fuel and convenience store operator, EG Australia. 

It also previously confirmed a 10% increase in refinery production, higher refiner margins, and increased production in its Q1 FY26 trading update.

What do brokers tip next for Ampol shares?

Brokers have a very positive stance on Ampol shares, but after today’s price increase, the average target price now implies a downside ahead.

I expect to see the experts revise their forecast for Ampol shares in the coming days, but at the time of writing, Market Index data shows that the majority of brokers have a buy rating on the shares, and the $41.25 average target price implies a potential 0.5% downside.

TradingView data shows something similar. Out of 10 analysts, five have a buy/strong buy rating on the stock. Four more rate Ampol shares as a hold and one as a sell.

The average $41.78 target price implies a potential 1% upside over the next 12 months, at the time of writing. But the more bullish of the bunch think there is potential for the shares to climb another 19% to $49.25.

So, if I invest $5,000 into Ampol shares today, what could they be worth in 12 months?

These forecasts suggest that a $5,000 investment in Ampol shares today could rise slightly to somewhere around $5,050 within the next 12 months. 

Or if the more bearish broker forecasts are correct, we could see the same investment climb as high as $5,950 by this time next year.

The post By August 2027, $5,000 invested in Ampol shares could turn into… appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Everything you need to know about the monster Ampol dividend
• Why PLS, Bendigo Bank and Ampol shares are turning heads on Monday
• Ampol profit and dividend surge in first-half 2026 results
• 2 ASX blue-chip shares experts rate as compelling
• Ampol Ltd delivers huge earnings jump as supply chain supports profit growth

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.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) shares are pushing higher again on Monday.

At the time of writing, the WiseTech share price is up 3.12% to $43.65.

The rally has gathered plenty of pace over the past month, with the logistics software stock now up almost 40% during that period.

It is also around 52% above its 23 June low of $28.76. That’s a very different picture from late June, when the shares were trading at their lowest level in 5 years.

However, shareholders are still sitting on a sizeable loss in 2026, with WiseTech shares down 36% since the beginning of the year.

So, has the share price finally left its lows behind?

A big rebound from June

WiseTech shares have spent much of the past year heading in the wrong direction.

The stock has fallen from a 52-week high of $115.75 and remains more than 60% below where it was this time last year.

A mix of governance concerns, regulatory issues, and weaker investor sentiment towards tech stocks has weighed heavily on the shares.

But the mood has changed since late June.

There have been some positive developments as well. Major customer DSV remains committed under its existing contract until September 2028. Bell Potter has also pointed to the appointment of an independent chair as a positive step towards addressing governance concerns.

WiseTech has continued to invest in its business as well, including the acquisition of US-based FRDM.ai in July.

All eyes on Wednesday’s result

The next major test comes on 26 August, when WiseTech is due to release its FY26 results.

Management has reaffirmed revenue guidance of US$1.39 billion to US$1.44 billion, representing growth of 79% to 85%.

EBITDA is expected to come in between US$550 million and US$585 million, up 44% to 53% from FY25.

The company has also reached its US$50 million annualised cost synergy target from the e2open acquisition ahead of schedule.

With the share price already rebounding strongly, investors will likely want to see WiseTech deliver within those ranges and provide a solid outlook for FY27.

Is the bottom behind WiseTech shares?

The recovery from $28.76 is definitely encouraging, but one month of strong gains doesn’t erase the risks that pushed the stock lower.

WiseTech still faces regulatory and governance questions, while the shares remain well below their previous highs.

At the same time, the underlying business continues to grow quickly.

Wednesday’s result could give investors a better idea of whether this rebound can keep going.

The post Up 52% from its low! Has the WiseTech share price finally bottomed out? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 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.

Shares in Playside Studios Ltd (ASX: PLY) are down more than 40% over the past year, but if the team at Shaw and Partners are to be believed, they could more than double in the coming 12 months.

Strong results posted on the back of new game

Playside last week released its FY26 results, with revenue of $54.9 million coming in higher than guidance of $50-$53 million and 13% up on the previous year.

The company’s EBITDA came in at $15.5 million and net profit was $5.4 million.

A major development for the company during FY26 was the release of its game, Mouse: P.I. For Hire.

Playside Chief Executive Officer Benn Skender said:

There was clear demand for the title well before launch, and the team converted it with a polished, exceptionally well-reviewed game that has translated directly into strong sales and a franchise we can build on. That is a hard thing to get right in this industry, and it validates both the publishing model we have been building and the studios we choose to back. External Projects has been tougher this year and we have aligned our cost base accordingly. At the same time we have expanded our Business Development team and global presence because we view current conditions as cyclical rather than structural, and we intend to be well positioned as demand recovers. The award of several small projects in recent weeks has been a positive in this regard.

In the current year the company will be releasing Games of Thrones: War for Westeros, and Dumb Ways to Build, the latter of which will be released in coming weeks.

Playside said Mouse: P.I. For Hire was the most successful game launch in the company’s history and generated US$28 million in gross sales.

The company also said it had carried out a restructure which had led to $12 million in annualised savings.

Shares looking cheap, broker says

Shaw and Partners said there was not much clarity on the outlook from the company, but with two new games in the pipeline there was the possibility of an earnings boost.

That said they were predicting a fall in earnings.

They said:

FY27 financial guidance is limited, with management highlighting continued MOUSE monetisation, Dumb Ways to Build launching in September, Game of Thrones: War for Westeros in 2H27 and ~$5m of incremental annualised cost savings. We forecast FY27 revenue of $45m (-19% YoY), EBITDA of $11m and cash burn of ~$11m, leaving ~$6m cash at year-end. Our forecasts assume relatively modest contributions from new game launches and External Projects, providing upside should either outperform.

Shaw and Partners has reduced their price target on Playside from 28 cents to 23 cents, still well above the current level of 11.5 cents.

Playside is valued at $56.6 million.

The post This ASX game developer could double in value: Broker appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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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 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.

Investors have learned today what the PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS) dividend will be following the release of the FY26 result.

The dividends have been restarted after a weak period for the lithium price. A 121% jump of the realised (sold) price to US$1,488 per tonne helped revenue climb 152% to $1.9 billion and net profit after tax (NPAT) rose 369% to $528 million.

There won’t be many ASX shares with a market capitalisation of more than $10 million that deliver that level of growth during this reporting season.

During the year, and thanks to improving lithium prices and market confidence, the ASX lithium share changed from defensive positioning to growth-focused. This led the business to restart the Ngungaju processing plant and update the study timelines for the P2000 and Colina projects.

The company also noted that the P2000 and Colina project feasibility studies have progressed and the P2000 pre-FID investment of approximately $175 million capital expenditure was approved in June.

PLS dividend announced

The PLS Group board of directors declared a fully franked final dividend of 5 cents per share. This represents a total payment of approximately $161 million to shareholders.

PLS Group said the declared amount is in line with its capital management framework and dividend policy.

The dividend represents a dividend payout ratio of 22% of FY26 adjusted free cash flow. The ASX lithium share noted that adjusted free cash flow is statutory operating cash flow minus tax paid and tax payable, minus sustaining capital (including capitalised waste mine development) and excludes customer prepayments.

When will this be paid?

Before we get to the payment date, we need to look at the ex-dividend date.

The ex-dividend date is the cutoff for entitlement to the upcoming dividend. PLS Group announced that its ex-dividend date is Wednesday, 2 September 2026. Therefore, the last day that investors can invest and gain entitlement to the payout is 1 September 2026 – just over a week away.

Following that, owners of PLS shares will receive the payment into their bank accounts on 24 September 2026.

At the pre-open price, the FY26 dividend represents a dividend yield of 1% excluding franking credits and 1.4% including franking credits. That’s not exactly a huge dividend yield, but the company is deliberately holding onto its cash so it can invest in its growth projects like Colina and P2000.

The company’s capital expenditure is expected to more than double to between $620 million to $685 million for FY27 as the business invests for growth.

The post Everything you need to know about the PLS Group dividend appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why PLS, Bendigo Bank and Ampol shares are turning heads on Monday
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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 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.

Earnings season is rolling on this week, with several prominent S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares dropping their latest numbers today. Amongst those shares was energy stock Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD). Income investors may want to have a read to check out Ampol’s latest dividend, because it’s a doozy.

As we covered this morning, it was a bumper set of numbers that Ampol dropped for the first half of its FY2026. The company reported group earnings of $1.64 billion, up a whopping 152% on what it reported for the first half of FY2025. Net profit after tax (NPAT) (excluding significant Items) roared 376% higher to $857 million, while the company reported a statutory NPAT of $1.36 billion. That was up from a loss of $25 million last year.

But let’s get down to the dividends.

Over the past 12 months, Ampol has doled out a total of $1 per share in dividend payments to its investors. That $1 broke down into an interim dividend of 40 cents per share from last September. As well as a 60 cents per share final dividend from April. As is Ampol’s habit, both of these payments came with full franking credits attached.

Ampol shares lift as new monster dividend unveiled

However, what Ampol unveiled this morning puts those payments to shame. Investors just found out that they can expect an interim dividend of $1.85 per share in 2026, up an astonishing 362.5% over the equivalent payout from 2025. It will come fully franked as well.

Together with that final April dividend, this takes Ampol’s 2026 payouts to a hefty $2.45 per share.

Ampol has nominated 4 September next month as its ex-dividend date for this latest payout. So if investors want to receive this monster Ampol dividend, but don’t yet own shares, they will need to buy some before the close of trade on 3 September. Payment day will then roll aorund on 30 September.

Ampol does not currently offer a dividend reinvestment plan (DRP). As such, shareholders will have no option but to accept this dividend as a cash payment.

At the time of writing, the market has reacted positively to Ampol’s earnings, giving the company’s shares a 2.5% boost up to $40.85 each. At this share price, Ampol is trading on a trailing dividend yield of 2.45%. However, this dramatically increased new dividend now gives the company a much-improved forward yield of 6%.

That’s certainly worthy of a closer look if you are a dividend investor looking for income on the ASX today.

The post Everything you need to know about the monster Ampol dividend appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why PLS, Bendigo Bank and Ampol shares are turning heads on Monday
• Ampol profit and dividend surge in first-half 2026 results
• 2 ASX blue-chip shares experts rate as compelling
• Ampol Ltd delivers huge earnings jump as supply chain supports profit growth
• ASX 200 energy shares rise 6% as reignited US-Iran conflict continues

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 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.

PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS), Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Ltd (ASX: BEN), and Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD) shares are creating a buzz today.

Two of the high-profile S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) are charging ahead of the 0.3% gains posted by the benchmark index in late morning trade on Monday, while one is in the red.

Here’s what’s grabbing investor interest.

Ampol shares jump on dividend boost

Ampol shares are up 2.5% at time of writing, changing hands for $40.85 apiece.

This follows the release of the Aussie fuel supplier’s half year results (H1 2026).

Highlights for the six months include a 152% year-on-year increase in Replacement Cost Operating Profit (RCOP) earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) to $1.64 billion (excluding significant items).

And on the bottom line, Ampol shares are getting a boost with the company reporting a statutory net profit after tax (NPAT) of $1.36 billion, up from a loss of $25 million in H1 2025.

And with profits surging, management declared a fully franked interim dividend of $1.85 per share, up a whopping 362.5% from last year’s interim payout.

Bendigo Bank shares slide on economic growth outlook

Unlike Ampol shares, Bendigo Bank shares are in the red today, down 1.1% at $10.38 each.

That comes as investors study the ASX 200 bank stock’s full year results release.

On the positive front, Bendigo Bank reported a 3.0% year-on-year increase in cash earnings to $530 million for the year. The bank also achieved a statutory net profit after tax of $375 million.

The fully franked final Bendigo Bank dividend of 33 cents per share was in line with last year’s final payout.

However, as with the other ASX 200 banks, investors may be favouring their sell buttons with an eye on a potentially slowing Aussie economy dragging on the Bendigo’s growth outlook.

The company noted:

Cost-of-living pressures due to higher inflation (especially since the Middle East conflict) have led to a sharp fall in consumer sentiment. Three RBA rate hikes, softening property prices and geopolitical events are expected to result in more modest economic growth this financial year.

Which bring us to…

PLS shares leap on return to profit

Joining Bendigo Bank and Ampol shares in the financial headlines on Monday, we find PLS, formerly known as Pilbara Minerals.

At the time of writing, shares in the ASX 200 lithium stock are up 7.3%, swapping hands for $5.44 apiece.

That strong performance follows the release of PLS own FY 2026 results.

Investors are responding positively, with PLS reporting a 152% year-on-year increase in revenue to $1.93 billion. PLS achieved a NPAT of $526 million, up from a net loss of $196 million last year.

And passive income investors will be celebrating the return of the PLS dividend. Management declared a final fully franked dividend of 5 cents per share.

PLS suspended its dividend payouts in 2024 amid cratering global lithium prices.

The post Why PLS, Bendigo Bank and Ampol shares are turning heads on Monday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Everything you need to know about the PLS Group dividend
• Everything you need to know about the monster Ampol dividend
• These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares
• Ampol profit and dividend surge in first-half 2026 results
• Bendigo and Adelaide Bank FY26 earnings: profit lifts to $375.1 million, dividend steady

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 positions in and has recommended Bendigo And Adelaide Bank. 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 up 0.27% to 9,086.2 points as earnings season continues on Monday.

Among the 11 market sectors, materials and miners are in the lead today, up 1.7%.

The sector pushed higher amid BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares reaching a new record of $67.72, up 3.9%, in early trading.

The financials sector is the laggard today, down 1%.

Let’s check out some new expert ratings on three ASX 200 sector heavyweights.

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

The Pro Medicus share price is $191.56, down 0.02% today and down 37% over 12 months. 

Pro Medicus shares jumped 7.1% last week after the company released its FY26 results.

The Pro Medicus share price is up 20% since the downtrodden healthcare sector pivoted on 3 June. 

Morgans maintained its accumulate rating on Pro Medicus shares after the report.

Analyst Iain Wilkie said: 

FY26 confirms PME is executing at an even higher level than the market gave it credit for. EBIT margin of 74.9% and constant currency EBIT growth of 30.6% both beat expectations comfortably, with the FX-driven softness in headline revenue a currency story, not a demand or execution one.

Momentum remains broad-based, implementations are ahead of schedule, renewals are a clean sweep, and the pipeline is opening up in new segments rather than just deepening in existing ones.

Looking ahead, FY27 is shaping as a genuine standout year. With four Trinity cohorts and 15 other implementations already banked rather than still ramping, the P&L gets the full run-rate benefit without needing fresh signings just to stand still.

Nothing in the result gives us any pause for change versus our positive view.

Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG)

The Fortescue share price is $18.08, up 1.8% today and down 10% over 12 months. 

Morgans has a hold rating on this ASX 200 mining share following the company’s FY26 report last week.

Analyst Adrian Prendergast said: 

A mixed FY26 result from FMG, with higher revenue helping to offset cost increases and elevated admin/R&D to help keep underlying earnings flat.

With the focus on FY27 guidance, Iron Bridge remained a key issue, with the magnetite operation struggling through ramp up and with elevated costs.

Plans for a green steel plant was big news, although difficult to quantify.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

The CBA share price is $155.24, down 1.7% today and down 9% over 12 months. 

CBA reported a 7% increase in its cash net profit after tax (NPAT) to $11 billion for FY26.

John Athanasiou from Red Leaf Securities has a sell rating on this ASX 200 bank share. 

He explained (courtesy The Bull):

CBA shares deserves to trade at a premium given its dominant retail franchise, strong technology platform, solid deposit base and consistent execution.

However, Australian banking remains a mature industry, with intense competition across mortgages and deposits limiting the potential for outsized earnings growth.

At a premium valuation, investors are paying a higher price for quality, leaving little room for disappointment.

After a substantial re-rating, investors may be better served taking some profits and reallocating capital towards businesses offering stronger growth at more reasonable valuations.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Pro Medicus, Fortescue, CBA shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group and Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.