Category: Stock Market

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares are 0.2% higher at 9,073.3 points on Thursday.

As earnings season continues, Morgans has updated its ratings and 12-month price targets following company reports.

Let’s take a look at the broker’s assessment of these ASX shares post-results.

SRG Global Ltd (ASX: SRG)

The SRG Global share price is $3.99, down 2.8% today and up 115% over 12 months. 

Over the past month, this ASX 200 industrial share has risen 13%.

Morgans kept a buy rating on this ASX 200 industrial share after reviewing the company’s FY26 report.

SRG delivered a strong FY26 with EPSA growth of +30%, largely consistent with its 5-year EPSA CAGR of +32%.

FY27 guidance was upgraded, and the momentum looks set to continue.

Organic growth is strong (2H EBITA +19%) and the order book has risen sharply (+20% in 6 months), providing robust visibility into FY27 and beyond.

Although SRG has re-rated, earnings momentum via organic and inorganic growth could see the company continue to compound +30% EPS growth over the next 3 years.

The broker raised its share price target from $4.20 to $4.70.

This implies a potential 15% upside from here.

Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH)

The Cochlear share price is $137.26, down 0.1% today and down 55% over 12 months. 

Over the past month, this ASX 200 healthcare share has increased 15%.

Morgans retained a hold rating on this healthcare heavyweight share after its FY26 report.

FY26 result was mixed, with underlying NPAT of A$322m, 6% above our forecast, despite revenue of A$2,348m being broadly in line.

The result benefited from a stronger 2H, particularly Services and cochlear implant (CI) volumes, although margins remained under pressure.

Notably, Nexa adoption has been solid, capturing >95% of developed-market (DM) implants, but has yet to translate into an acceleration in underlying market growth.

FY27 NPAT guidance of A$330-350m implies only modest growth and not yet a material earnings inflection.

Morgans has a share price target of $138.42, which implies just 1% growth ahead.

National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB)

The NAB share price is $38.33, down 1.5% today and down 9% over 12 months. 

Over the past month, this ASX 200 bank share has fallen 3%.

Morgans maintained a trim rating on the ASX 200 bank share after NAB’s 3Q FY26 update.

The broker said:

3Q26 cash profit growth trailed 2H26 consensus expectations, driven by slower revenue growth (particularly the relatively higher quality net interest income).

No change to FY26F EPS, but FY27/28F moderated on lower net interest income growth outlook.

DCF valuation declines -3% to $35.19/sh.

TRIM retained. Potential TSR c.-5% at current prices (including c.4.4% yield).

Morgans has a 12-month target of $35.19 on NAB shares.

This implies a potential 8% downside ahead.

The post Buy, hold, sell: SRG Global, Cochlear, NAB shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why I’d buy CSL, Cochlear, and Pro Medicus shares
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Buy $5,000 of Cochlear shares today and it could be worth this much in 12 months
• This high flying industrials stock just rocketed 9% on results and is expected to keep rising
• Is the NAB share price a buy for its 6% dividend yield?

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 Cochlear. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Cochlear and Srg Global. 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 0.2% higher at 9,075.1 points on Thursday.

As earnings season continues, three experts give us their views on three ASX shares.

Let’s check them out. 

Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB)

The Hub24 share price is $76.47, down 4.1% today and down 27% over 12 months. 

Morgans has an accumulate rating on this ASX 200 financial share after reviewing the company’s FY26 report.

The broker said: 

HUB’s FY26 Group result was largely in line with expectations with underlying EBITDA of A$211.4m, up 30% on pcp, consistent with MorgansF/Consensus A$212m, and underlying NPAT of A$137.3m slightly ahead of MorgansF A$131.9m.

Platform EBITDA however fell short of expectations due to slower revenue momentum in 2H26, which was outpaced by 2H26 Platform Opex growth.

HUB’s FY28 FUA target of A$186-200bn points to FY28 net flows of ~A$18-19bn, however momentum through to Aug’26 appears to be running behind this due to elevated discretionary gross outflows.

Whilst the timing of this roll-off remains uncertain, we see this as a near-term headwind and likely to abate, although it does suggest FY27 flows will track lower than FY26 (particularly vs. 1H26).

Car Group Ltd (ASX: CAR)

The Car share price is $28.40, down 2.1% today and down 31% over 12 months. 

On The Bull this week, Tom Fairchild from Lazarus Capital Partners gives Car shares a hold rating.

After reviewing Car Group’s FY26 report, Fairchild said: 

This global digital car market business enjoys first mover advantage.

Investors reacted positively to the company’s full year results. Reported revenue of $A1.253 billion was up 6 per cent on the prior corresponding period. Reported net profit after tax of $A314 million was up 14 per cent.

The company expects to generate high single digit revenue growth in Australia in fiscal year 2027 and double digit revenue growth in constant currency in North America and Latin America.

The company is resilient through economic cycles and offers excellent brand value.

Baby Bunting Group Ltd (ASX: BBN)

The Baby Bunting share price is $1.30, up 3.4% today and down 47% over 12 months. 

Andrew Wielandt from DP Wealth Advisory has a sell rating on this ASX consumer discretionary share. 

Wielandt said: 

In June 2026, the specialty baby retailer downgraded full year guidance, citing softer trading in the fourth quarter of 2026.

Three interest rate rises in the second half of 2026 and higher fuel prices weighed on consumer spending and lifted distribution costs.

Also, the company is up against fierce competition.

Given industry and retail trends, I expect BBN to face challenging times moving forward, at least in the short term.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Car Group, Baby Bunting, Hub24 shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 7 ASX 200 shares with reaffirmed buy ratings this week
• Buy, hold, sell: BHP, CSL, and HUB24 shares
• Could this ASX 200 share be one of the best long-term buys?
• HUB24 delivers record FY26 earnings as platform growth accelerates
• 2 ASX shares highly recommended to buy: Experts

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 Hub24. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CAR Group Ltd and Hub24. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

IDP Education Ltd (ASX: IEL) shares have crashed 24% to an all-time low of $1.64 in Thursday afternoon trade.

At one point earlier this morning, the shares dropped as low as $1.55 a piece.

The global education company’s shares are now down 71% for the year-to-date and 65% lower than 12 months ago.

What happened today?

It looks like the catalyst for today’s sell-off is IDP’s FY26 results update, which the company posted to the ASX ahead of the market open this morning.

The company posted a steep decline in NPAT, down 74% from last year. It also announced a 11% decline in revenue and an 18% decline in adjusted NPAT.

IDP said its earnings decline was caused by weaker international student demand. This is mostly a result of ongoing policy changes and tighter migration settings in key markets. 

Student Placement volumes tumbled by 27% and IELTS English Language Testing volumes dropped by 8%. 

But it’s not all bad news. Despite the headwinds, IDP still delivered a $32 million underlying reduction in overhead costs, exceeding its transformation target. It also continued to generate strong cash flow, bringing net debt down by 29% to $118.6 million.

IDP also launched a share buy-back program of up to $50 million, suggesting confidence in its transformation strategy. 

But looking ahead to FY27, the company said it expects challenging market conditions to persist, with tighter migration and student visa policies continuing to weigh on volumes.

The company’s shares also crashed in late 2025. And its dismal performance led to the stock being removed from the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) amid a reshuffle in September last year. IDP Education is now among the worst-performing shares in the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) over the past 12 months. 

Investors are clearly disappointed with the update, and many have decided to sell up their shares ahead of a further downturn.

So, what can we expect next from IDP shares?

Is it time to buy in the dip? Or is more downside coming?

Some analysts said they think visa caps and declines in student volume may have bottomed out, particularly in key markets like Canada and Australia. 

This suggests student placement volume could start rebounding, and it could lift revenue and the company’s share price.

But there isn’t much evidence of this translating to higher revenue just yet. I think we could see some adjustments to analysts and broker forecasts in the coming days as they digest the latest update.

But at the time of writing, Market Index data shows the majority of brokers have a buy rating on the ASX education shares. The $4 average target price is unchanged, which implies the shares have the potential to jump 140% higher, at the time of writing.

The post IDP shares crash 24% to historic low on Thursday: What happened? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• IDP Education posts steep FY26 profit drop but stays on transformation track
• These 2 oversold ASX shares look super cheap right now

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.

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares are just inside the green at 9,062 points as earnings season continues today.

Among the 11 market sectors, information technology is in the lead, up 3.4%, followed by materials and miners, up 3.1%.

The financials sector is the laggard, down 2.2%, amid the market’s disappointment with Medibank Private Ltd (ASX: MPL), down 9%.

Meanwhile, three experts give us their views on three ASX shares.

Let’s review. 

Premier Investments Ltd (ASX: PMV)

The Premier Investments share price is $11.67, up 1.3% today and down 48% over 12 months. 

Bell Potter has a buy rating on this ASX 200 consumer discretionary share following a trading update.

Analyst Chami Ratnapala said: 

While we expect a period of slow growth for PMV near to medium term, we view PMV’s forward multiple as attractive considering the
Premier Retail division together with PMV’s equity investments, land bank and cash position while retaining a strong balance sheet supportive of M&A.

Santos Ltd (ASX: STO)

The Santos share price is $8.42, up 1.3% today and up 11% over 12 months. 

Morgans maintained a hold rating on Santos shares after the oil and gas company’s 1H FY26 report.

The broker said: 

A healthy 1H26 result from STO, beating estimates with management confident following the start-up of Barossa and Pikka.

The interim dividend will be funded out of debt, but is entirely reasonable given the 25:75 skew we expect in CY26 earnings as operations ramp up and lagged oil increases flow through.

It is impossible to quantify the risks posed by the Federal Government’s gas reservation policy ahead of its release, but we hope it offers support for new gas supply growth that will be needed by the energy market in the coming years.

Hansen Technologies Ltd (ASX: HSN)

The Hansen Technologies share price is $3.18, down 5.1% today and down 43% over 12 months. 

Andrew Wielandt from DP Wealth Advisory put a sell rating on this S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO) tech share ahead of its FY26 report this week.

On The Bull, this week, Wielandt said: 

HSN has been subjected to a broader technology sell-off in response to investor fears that software-as-a-service firms may be impacted by large language model businesses, such as OpenAI, Anthropic and Alphabet.

HSN shares have fallen from $6.14 on August 13, 2025 to trade at $4.30 on August 13, 2026.

HSN is a quality company, but we prefer to sit on the sidelines at this point given a volatile technology sector.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Premier Investments, Hansen Technologies, Santos shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 7 ASX 200 shares with reaffirmed buy ratings this week
• This ASX 300 technology stock is tipped to double in the next 12 months
• Are Santos shares a buy following their half-year results?
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares 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 Alphabet. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alphabet and Premier Investments. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is trending higher on Thursday as a run of bumper FY26 results draws investors back into the market. But Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) shares are travelling in the other direction.

At the time of writing on Thursday afternoon, Westpac shares are down around 2% to $33.86 a piece. It’s not a significant daily decline, but it comes off the back of a string of share price falls following the bank’s quarterly update earlier this month.

On Monday last week, Westpac shares fell around 6% after it announced third-quarter net profit of $1.8 billion, excluding notable items. Its net interest margin was stable at 1.89%.

The banking giant also reported moderate loan and deposit growth, but noted that mortgage application volumes declined thanks to stronger competition and interest rate uncertainty.

Westpac also said it expects margins to come under more pressure in the near term.

Westpac is the most mortgage-exposed of the big four bank shares, with approximately 69% of its loan book in residential mortgages. So, the news has raised concerns about the bank’s financial future.

Investors were spooked by the update, quickly selling off their shares in the bank. And the sell-off has continued through to the time of writing.

Westpac shares are now down around 11% since it posted its quarterly update, and down 13% since early August. The latest sell-off in Westpac shares has also left the stock down around 13% for the year to date and 12% lower than this time last year.

Now investors are questioning whether the ASX bank shares can rebound or whether another share price crash is coming.

Here’s what the experts think.

Analyst outlook for Westpac shares over the next 12 months

Analyst sentiment is pretty bearish on Westpac shares, and it looks like, after the latest share price tumble, the shares are now considered to be trading around fair value.

Market Index data shows the majority of brokers have sell ratings on the shares. The $33.91 average target price now implies a potential 0.5% downside over the next 12 months, at the time of writing.

Sentiment is similar on TradingView data. Despite the 11% drop in the share price over the past 10 days, brokers still forecast further downside.

Out of 16 analysts, nine have a sell/strong sell rating on Westpac shares, and another six have a hold rating. The average $33.38 target price implies a potential 1% downside at the time of writing. Although there is a huge range between the maximum and minimum target prices. 

Some tip the shares to fall another 16% to $28.41, while the more bearish of the bunch still think Westpac shares could climb another 33% to $45 a piece over the next 12 months.

The post Westpac shares tumble to 52-week low on Thursday: Can they rebound? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• A200 vs NDQ: one Betashares ETF is the clear winner
• Buying NAB shares after the sell-off? Here’s the dividend yield you’ll get
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• Revealed: The ASX bank share with the highest dividend yield today
• How much passive income can I earn off my $730,000 superannuation balance?

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.

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares are 0.25% higher at 9,075.3 points on Thursday.

As earnings season continues, brokers have signalled continuing confidence in several ASX 200 shares this week.

Let’s take a look.

Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP)

The Zip share price is $2.85, up 10.5% today and down 6% over 12 months.

Citi reiterated its buy rating on Zip shares after the buy now, pay later company’s FY26 report.

The broker has a price target of $3.55.

This implies potential capital gains of 25% ahead for the ASX 200 financial share.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

The BHP share price is $65.26, up 2.4% today and up 56% over 12 months. 

Morgan Stanley renewed its buy rating on BHP shares after the miner’s FY26 report.

The broker increased its 12-month price target from $67 to $67.50.

This suggests a potential 3% upside ahead.

Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB)

The Hub24 share price is $76.22, down 4.4% today and down 27% over 12 months.

Morgan Stanley renewed its buy rating on Hub24 shares after the company’s FY26 report.

The broker has a $121 target, which suggests a potential 58% upside ahead.

Santos Ltd (ASX: STO)

The Santos share price is $8.45, up 1.7% today and up 12% over 12 months.

Citi reaffirmed its buy rating on the ASX 200 energy share yesterday.

This followed Santos’ 1H FY26 report.

The broker raised its 12-month target from $8.30 to $9.

This suggests a potential 6% upside ahead.

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)

The Coles share price is $23.07, down 0.9% today and up 8% over 12 months.

Citi renewed its buy rating on Coles shares this week.

The broker has a $23 target on the ASX 200 consumer staples share.

This implies the stock is already fully valued.

Coles will report its FY26 earnings next Tuesday 25 August.

Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX)

The Telix Pharmaceuticals share price is $17.54, up 4% today and up 4% over 12 months.

Bell Potter reiterated its buy call on the ASX 200 healthcare share after reviewing the company’s 1H FY26 report.

The broker has a price target of $19, which implies a potential 8% upside ahead.

Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX: IAG)

The IAG share price is $7.86, down 3.6% today and down 14% over 12 months. 

Jefferies renewed its buy rating on IAG shares after reviewing the insurer’s FY26 report.

The broker shaved its 12-month price target from $9.45 to $9.25.

This suggests a potential 17% upside ahead.

The post 7 ASX 200 shares with reaffirmed buy ratings this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 10 ASX 200 shares downgraded by analysts this week
• My top 5 ASX 200 shares to buy and hold
• Is the Coles share price good value?
• Buy, sell, hold: Dexus, APA, Zip shares
• Why Megaport, Northern Star and Zip shares are turning heads on Thursday

Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in Zip Co. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Hub24, Jefferies Financial Group, and Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group, Hub24, and Telix Pharmaceuticals. 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 0.25% higher at 9,075.3 points on Thursday.

As earnings season continues, brokers have lowered their ratings on several ASX 200 shares this week.

Let’s see a sample.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

The BHP share price is $65.29, up 2.5% today and up 56% over 12 months. 

Morgans downgraded BHP shares after the miner’s FY26 report.

The broker lowered its 12-month price target from $59.80 to $55.30.

This suggests a potential 15% downside ahead.

Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST)

The Northern Star Resources share price is $23.99, up 6.4% today and up 32% over 12 months. 

Citi downgraded the ASX 200 gold share to a hold call after the miner’s FY26 report.

The broker has a price target of $24.30, indicating just a 1% upside over the next 12 months.

Judo Capital Holdings Ltd (ASX: JDO)

The Judo share price is $1, down 1.8% today and down 45% over 12 months. 

Jarden downgraded the ASX 200 bank share to a sell rating after its FY26 report.

The broker has a $1.25 target, implying a potential 25% upside ahead.

Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW)

The Temple & Webster share price is $4.25, up 2.4% today and down 82% over 12 months. 

Morgan Stanley downgraded the ASX 200 consumer discretionary share to a hold rating on Thursday.

This followed the online furniture retailer’s FY26 report.

The broker has a 12-month price target of $4.23, suggesting a 13% upside from here.

Endeavour Group Ltd (ASX: EDV)

The Endeavour share price is $3.50, up 2.6% today and down 17% over 12 months. 

Bell Potter downgraded the ASX 200 consumer staples share to a hold call with a $3.60 target.

This followed the liquor and hotel operator’s unaudited preliminary results for FY26.

The target implies just 3% potential upside ahead.

QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE)

The QBE share price is $21.75, down 4% today and up 0.8% over 12 months. 

Jarden downgraded the ASX 200 financial share to a sell rating after the insurer’s 1H FY26 report.

The broker has a $20.30 target, indicating a 6% downside ahead.

Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC)

The Whitehaven Coal share price is $7.50, down 0.7% today and up 17% over 12 months. 

Morgans downgraded the ASX 200 coal share from buy to hold after the miner’s FY26 report.

The broker reduced its 12-month price target from $8.50 to $8.05.

This implies a potential 7% upside ahead.

The broker said:

The effects of poor coal prices in the 1H provided a significant headwind for the full-year result.

FY27 guidance was softer than expected, with production growth appearing limited given the unchanged upper end of group guidance, while both costs and capital expenditure expectations have moved higher.

HomeCo Daily Needs REIT (ASX: HDN)

The HomeCo Daily Needs REIT is $1.15 per share, down 0.4% today and down 13% over 12 months. 

Jefferies downgraded the real estate investment trust (REIT) to a hold rating this week.

The change came after HomeCo’s FY26 report.

The broker lowered its price target from $1.44 to $1.30.

This suggests potential capital growth of 13% over the next year. 

Reliance Worldwide Corp Ltd (ASX: RWC)

The Reliance share price is $4.83, down 0.6% today and up 4% over 12 months. 

Jarden downgraded Reliance shares to a hold call after the company released its FY26 report and revealed a takeover offer of $4.75 per share.

The broker increased its target price from $4.25 to $4.75.

This implies a potential 8% upside ahead.

Imdex (ASX: IMD)

The Imdex share price is is $3.85, up 3.2% today and up 15% over 12 months. 

Imdex provides cloud-connected devices and solutions that help miners find, define, and mine ore bodies.

Bell Potter downgraded the ASX 200 materials share to a hold rating on Tuesday.

This followed Imdex’s FY26 report.

The broker reduced its 12-month price target from $4.60 to $4.

This suggest a potential 4% upside ahead.

The post 10 ASX 200 shares downgraded by analysts this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 7 ASX 200 shares with reaffirmed buy ratings this week
• My top 5 ASX 200 shares to buy and hold
• Why Megaport, Northern Star and Zip shares are turning heads on Thursday
• 2 ASX shares tipped to grow 40% or more in the next 12 months
• Here’s how experts view Whitehaven Coal and BHP shares after full-year results

Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. 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  Jefferies Financial Group and Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP, HomeCo Daily Needs REIT and Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

ASX telco Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) was one of the earliest shares to get out of the gate with its latest numbers this earnings season. Unfortunately, the market wasn’t kind to the telco when those earnings were made public on 13 August.

As we covered at the time, Telstra’s share price dropped a hefty 3.2% on earnings day, and, at $4.70 a share at the time of writing, is now down almost 6% from where it was at market close on 12 August.

Perhaps investors were expecting better than the 0.8% drop in revenues that Telstra revealed, or the 4.9% bump in underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) of $2.5 billion.

But most investors who own Telstra shares do so not for this telco’s growth potential, but for its dividend income firepower.

For its entire history as a public company, Telstra has been renowned for its fat, and usually fully franked dividends. It is considered one of the ASX’s most reliable income payers, and usually offers a yield at the top end of what most ASX blue chips can offer.

So today, let’s discuss what kind of yield one can expect from buying Telstra shares today.

Telstra shares: What kind of dividend yield is on the table?

So, over the past 12 months, Telstra has forked out two dividend payments. The first was last September’s final dividend worth 9.5 cents per share. That one came with full franking credits attached. The second was March’s interim dividend, worth 10.5 cents per share. For the first time in a long time (perhaps ever), that dividend only came partially franked at 90.48%.

This annual total of 20 cents per share in dividends gives Telstra the 4.26% yield we see the telco trading at today.

However, now that we know what Telstra’s final dividend for 2026 looks like, we can update that figure. Last week, Telstra announced that its next dividend would be worth 10.5 cents per share. That’s a coincidental 10.5% hike over 2025’s final dividend, bringing it in line with March’s interim dividend. Like the payout, though, this one will also come partially franked at 90.48%.

This new annual total of 21 cents per share in dividends means we can assign Telstra a forward dividend yield of 4.46%. However, that will only hold if Telstra’s next interim dividend at least matches the one we saw back in March. Given this company’s track record, that seems very possible. But nothing is ever certain on the ASX. Let’s see what happens next year.

The post Buying Telstra shares? Here’s the yield you’ll get 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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Telstra Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

It’s been an encouraging start to this Thursday’s trading for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO). At the time of writing, the ASX 200 has advanced a confident 0.26% and is back over 9,070 points. Things aren’t so rosy for Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) shares, though.

Fortescue is having a day to forget. At the time of writing, the big mining stock has retreated by 0.47% to $17.98 a share. That’s after closing at $18.06 yesterday.

It seems investors were not impressed by the miner’s latest earnings, which became public this morning before market open.

As we covered earlier today, there were still a few decent numbers in that report. For the 12 months to 30 June 202, Fortescue reported revenue growth of 9% to US$17 billion. Underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) rose 9% to US$8.6 billion, while underlying net profits after tax (NPAT) were up 3% to US$3.5 billion.

But let’s talk about the latest Fortescue dividend. After all, many ASX investors own this miner purely for its dividend prowess, which has been formidable in the past.

What does the new Fortescue dividend look like?

So, this morning, Fortescue announced that its final dividend for 2026 would come in at 46 cents per share. As is almost always the case with this miner’s payouts, this payment will come with full franking credits attached. This latest final dividend represents a significant reduction (23.3% to be precise) from the 60 cents per share final dividend that investors enjoyed last year.

It means Fortescue will dole out a total of $1.02 per share in fully franked dividends in 2026, a 2-cent drop over the $1.04 that shareholders bagged over 2025. That was assisted mightily by the fact that the company’s interim dividend from March (worth 62 cents per share) was a hefty hike over 2025’s interim payout of 50 cents.

Fortescue has nominated 1 September as this latest payout’s ex-dividend date. So investors have until the close of trading on 31 August to secure Fortescue shares if they wish to receive this payout.

Payday will then roll around on 29 September next month. Fortescue is running its dividend reinvestment plan (DRP) too. So if eligible shareholders wish to receive additional Fortescue shares in lieu of the traditional cash payment, they have until 3 September to opt in to the DRP.

Right now, Fortescue shares are trading on a trailing dividend yield of 6.79%. However, now that we know what Fortescue’s next payout will look like, we can assign a lower forward yield of 5.67% to its shares.

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

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• Why is the Fortescue share price on a rollercoaster today?
• Fortescue hits new records in FY26: profit up, dividends flow
• How much passive income could I earn from a $630,000 superannuation balance?
• How much do I need in my superannuation to earn $50,000 per year in passive income?
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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 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.

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) is one of those ASX shares that can be easy to overlook because the underlying business is so familiar.

Australians keep turning up for groceries each week, while Coles has spent years investing in how those groceries are moved, picked, and delivered.

With the shares trading around $23.17 on Thursday, does the current price still offer good value?

The shares carry a premium

According to CommSec, consensus earnings per share estimates stand at 90 cents in FY26, 96.6 cents in FY27, and $1.12 in FY28.

At the current share price, that puts Coles on a PE ratio of roughly 26 times forecast FY26 earnings.

I would certainly describe that as a premium valuation for a supermarket operator.

But I think looking only at the FY26 multiple misses an important part of the story.

Analysts are expecting earnings per share to increase by around 7% in FY27 before accelerating further in FY28. By then, forecast earnings would be almost 25% higher than in FY26.

If Coles delivers that growth, today’s valuation begins to look considerably more reasonable.

Using consensus estimates, its PE ratio would fall to 24 times in FY27 and around 21 times in FY28.

Where could that growth come from?

One reason I am comfortable with the forecasts is that Coles has already spent heavily on improving its operations.

Its automated distribution centres are designed to make replenishing stores more efficient, while its automated customer fulfilment centres are helping the company handle online grocery orders at greater scale.

These investments are now moving beyond the expensive implementation stage. Coles said at its half-year result that supermarket earnings benefited from the annualised contribution from its automated distribution centre program as well as the absence of major implementation and transition costs.

I think Coles is now in a better position to reap the benefits of that spending.

Coles does not need dramatic growth in grocery demand to increase earnings. Making an enormous existing business more efficient can have a meaningful impact when those improvements are spread across its store and supply chain network.

Online shopping provides another avenue. The investments Coles has made in fulfilment should allow it to serve more customers in the way they want to shop while improving the economics of that channel over time.

Dividends could grow as well

The consensus dividend forecasts are also moving in the right direction.

The market expects dividends per share of 75.5 cents in FY26, 82 cents in FY27, and 95.3 cents in FY28.

At the current price, these payouts represent dividend yields of 3.2%, 3.5%, and 4.1%.

I like that progression because it gives shareholders another way to benefit if the expected earnings growth comes through.

One thing to keep in mind

Investors will not have to wait long for an important update.

Coles is scheduled to release its FY26 results on 25 August.

That result could change analyst forecasts and therefore the valuation calculations above. I would pay particular attention to what management says about the benefits from automation, costs, consumer behaviour, and the outlook for the year ahead.

Foolish takeaway

I think the Coles share price offers reasonable value at around $23.17.

The shares are clearly priced at a premium, but I believe the expected earnings growth helps justify it. If earnings per share reach around $1.12 in FY28, the multiple investors are paying today comes down significantly without requiring the share price to do anything.

With a major result only days away, there could be some short-term movement ahead. But for investors looking several years into the future, I think Coles remains a share worth buying.

The post Is the Coles share price good value? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX shares I’d buy if I could only check my portfolio once a year
• Reporting season half-time report: 5 lessons from August so far
• How to build a strong ASX retirement portfolio with 10 shares
• 7 ASX 200 shares downgraded by the experts this week
• 2 ASX blue-chip shares offering big dividend yields

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino 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.