Tag: Stock pick

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

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

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

Start with defensive businesses

A strong ASX dividend portfolio needs dependable cash flow.

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

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

Add essential infrastructure

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

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

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

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

Diversify your income streams

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

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

Property can also play a role in ASX dividend portfolio.

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

Don’t forget dividend growth

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

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

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

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

Foolish takeaway

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

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

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

More reading

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

Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Transurban Group and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Apa Group, Charter Hall Retail REIT, and Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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

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

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

Excellent revenue growth potential

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

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

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

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

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

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

Profit margins expected to rise

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

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

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

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

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

Payments to owners of Guzman Y Gomez shares

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

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

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

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

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

More reading

• Everything you need to know about the Guzman Y Gomez dividend
• Why Guzman Y Gomez, Pro Medicus and James Hardie shares are turning heads on Friday
• Guzman y Gomez delivers record FY26 results, launches new buyback
• 2 top ASX shares to buy and hold for the next decade
• 5 ASX shares downgraded by brokers this week

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

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

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

Here are a few ways I would use them.

Start with the Australian share market

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

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

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

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

The biggest advantage for me, though, is simplicity.

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

Add the rest of the world

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

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

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

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

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

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

Want to make it even easier?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Consistency can do a lot of the work

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

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

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

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

Foolish takeaway

I think Vanguard ETFs can make building wealth remarkably straightforward.

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

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

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

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

More reading

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

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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

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

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

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

More passive income to come?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More reading

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winners and losers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

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

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

Here’s the rest of today’s best:

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

Enjoy the weekend!

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

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

More reading

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

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

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares are down 0.4% to 9,052.4 points on Friday.

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

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

Sonic Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SHL)

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

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

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

This implies a possible 31% upside ahead.

Bell Potter commented:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL)

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

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

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

This suggests a potential 13% upside ahead.

Morgans said: 

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

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

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

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

APA Group Ltd (ASX: APA)

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

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

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

This implies a potential 16% downside ahead.

Morgans explained its sell rating on APA shares: 

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

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

Forecast EBITDA upgrades from cost-outperformance.

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

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

More reading

• I think this is one of the best ASX dividend shares to own for the next 10 years
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Buy, sell, hold: Dexus, APA, Zip shares
• Sonic Healthcare share price in focus on FY26 profit jump and digital push
• APA Group FY26 delivers strong earnings, pipeline expansion, and 22nd annual dividend increase

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

Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1), Lendlease Group (ASX: LLC), and JB Hi Fi Ltd (ASX: JBH) shares have had a week to forget.

As have their shareholders.

With just a few hours of trade left before Friday’s closing bell, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is down 0.7% for the week, with all three of these ASX 200 stocks suffering far bigger falls.

Here’s what caught investor attention this week.

JB Hi-Fi shares sink on growth outlook

At time of writing, JB HI-FI shares are trading for $69.25 apiece, down 15.3% since last Friday’s close.

Investors were reaching for their sell buttons on Monday following the release of JB Hi-Fi’s FY 2026 results, sending the ASX 200 electronics retailer down 12.3% on the day.

That came despite the company reporting all-time high revenue of $11.06 billion, up 4.8% year on year.

And on the bottom line, JB Hi-Fi achieved a net profit after tax (NPAT) of $490 million, up 6% from FY 2025.

But JB Hi-Fi shares may have come under pressure, with the final fully franked dividend of $1.27 per share down 38% from last year’s final payout.

Investors also appear to have been concerned with 1.4% decline in comparable sales growth for JB Hi-Fi Australia for the month of July (the first month of FY 2027).

Lendlease shares fall on full year loss

Getting walloped alongside JB Hi-Fi shares this week, Lendlease shares are down 14.2% since last Friday’s close, currently trading for $2.77 apiece.

The ASX 200 international property developer also reported its FY 2026 results on Monday, with shares closing down 11.2% on the day.

While the company’s Investments, Development and Construction (IDC) segment reported earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of $542 million, at the top end of guidance, investors were selling Lendlease shares amid the material one-off impairments in the company’s Capital Release Unit (CRU).

On the bottom line, Lendlease reported a statutory loss after tax of $749 million for the 12-month period.

Megaport shares tumble on mixed results

Joining Lendlease and JB Hi-Fi shares in the doghouse this week we find Megaport.

At time of writing, Megaport shares are changing hands for $18.41 each, down 14.3% for the week.

The ASX 200 network services company has closed in the red every day this week, with shares tumbling 5.1% on Thursday on the heels of Megaport’s own FY 2026 results release.

Some of that selling may come down to profit taking. On Wednesday, the day before the results release, Megaport shares had gained around 79% since 2 January.

Indeed, the company reported $312 million in full year revenue, up 37% from FY 2025. And EBITDA of $77 million was up by 24%.

However, on the bottom line, Megaport’s statutory net loss climbed from $300,000 in FY 2025 to $39 million in FY 2026, which clearly didn’t escape investors’ notice.

The post Why Megaport, Lendlease and JB Hi-Fi shares all crashed 14% to 15% this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 16 ASX 200 shares with ex-dividend dates next week
• 8 ASX shares just upgraded by the experts
• 3 ASX shares UBS says will return better than 36%
• Buy, hold, sell: Fortescue, Northern Star, and Megaport shares
• Why Megaport, Northern Star and Zip shares are turning heads on Thursday

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 positions in and has recommended Megaport. 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 down 0.3% to 9,053.8 points on Friday.

As the earnings season continues, more companies are announcing their next dividends.

We’ll help you keep track of ex-dividend dates with an article every Friday over the next two months.

Here are the ASX 200 shares going ex-dividend next week.

ASX shares with ex-dividend dates ahead

Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX: IAG)

This ASX 200 financial share will pay an 80% franked dividend of 20 cents per share on 28 September.

IAG shares go ex-dividend on Monday, 24 August.

QBE Insurance Ltd (ASX: QBE)

QBE will pay a 30% franked dividend of 33 cents per share on 2 October.

The ex-dividend date is Monday, 24 August.

Santos Ltd (ASX: STO)

This ASX 200 energy share will pay an unfranked dividend of 11.6 US cents per share on 23 September.

Santos shares go ex-dividend on Monday, 24 August.

Amotiv Ltd (ASX: AOV)

This ASX 200 retail stock will pay a 100% franked dividend of 23 cents per share on 15 September.

Amotiv shares go ex-dividend on Tuesday 25 August.

Deterra Royalties Ltd (ASX: DRR)

This ASX 200 materials share will pay a 100% franked dividend of 10.8 cents per share on 22 September.

The ex-dividend date is Tuesday 25 August.

AGL Energy Ltd (ASX: AGL)

This ASX 200 utilities stock will pay a 100% franked dividend of 26 cents per share on 24 September.

AGL shares go ex-dividend on Tuesday 25 August.

Challenger Ltd (ASX: CGF)

This ASX 200 financial stock will pay a fully franked dividend of 17.5 cents per share on 17 September.

Challenger shares go ex-dividend on Tuesday 25 August.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

This ASX 200 telco will pay a 90% franked dividend of 10.5 cents per share on 24 September.

The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, 26 August.

The Lottery Corporation (ASX: TLC)

This ASX 200 consumer discretionary share will pay a 100% franked dividend of 8.5 cents per share on 24 September.

Lottery Corp shares go ex-dividend on Wednesday, 26 August.

JB Hi-Fi Ltd (ASX: JBH)

This ASX 200 retail share will pay a 100% franked dividend of $1.27 per share on 11 September.

JB Hi-Fi shares go ex-dividend on Thursday, 27 August.

SRG Global Ltd (ASX: SRG)

This ASX 200 industrial stock will pay a 100% franked dividend of 4 cents per share on 11 September.

The ex-dividend date is Thursday, 27 August.

Ebos Group Ltd (ASX: EBO)

This ASX 200 healthcare share will pay a 97% franked dividend of 63.7 NZD cents per share on 18 September.

Ebos shares go ex-dividend on Thursday, 27 August.

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

This ASX 200 communications share will pay a fully franked dividend of $1.73 per share on 11 September.

The ex-dividend date is Thursday, 27 August.

Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT)

This ASX 200 energy stock will pay a fully franked dividend of 2 cents per share on 30 September.

The ex-dividend date is Friday, 28 August.

Orora Ltd (ASX: ORA)

This ASX 200 materials stock will pay an unfranked dividend of 4 cents per share on 6 October.

The ex-dividend date is Friday, 28 August.

Iress Ltd (ASX: IRE)

This ASX 200 tech stock will pay a 100% franked dividend of 14 cents per share on 28 September.

The ex-dividend date is Friday, 28 August.

The post 16 ASX 200 shares with ex-dividend dates next week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Telstra shares hit fresh 52-week low: What’s next for the ASX 200 telco stock?
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• What is Morgan’s view on these ASX 300 shares following earnings results?
• How much is needed in superannuation for $1500 in weekly passive income?

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 The Lottery Corporation. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Telstra Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Challenger, Srg Global, and The Lottery Corporation. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

With less than half a day of trade left on Friday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is down 0.7% since last week’s close, but don’t blame these three surging ASX 200 stocks.

Here’s why they’ve managed to leap higher despite this week’s sliding market.

Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN)

In afternoon trade today, Evolution Mining shares are changing hands for $15.23, putting this ASX 200 stock up 15.3% for the week.

Among this week’s tailwinds, the gold miner has benefited from a 3.5% increase in the gold price since last Friday. The yellow metal is currently fetching US$4,527 per ounce, according to data from Bloomberg.

Evolution shares also grabbed investor interest following the release of the miner’s FY 2026 results on Wednesday.

Highlights included underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of $3.17 billion, up 44% year on year. And the ASX 200 gold stock notched a record statutory profit after tax of $1.48 billion, up 59% from FY 2025.

With profits soaring, management increased the final fully-franked dividend by 62% to 21 cents per share.

Regis Resources Ltd (ASX: RRL)

The second ASX 200 stock leaping higher in this week’s sliding market is Regis Resources.

Shares in the gold miner are currently trading for $8.47 each, up 15.2% since last Friday’s close.

Atop benefiting from the rising gold price over the week, Regis also released its FY 2026 results this morning, with shares up 3.9% in intraday trade today.

The financial year just past saw Regis sell 373,879 ounces of gold for an average price of $6,283 per ounce.

The company reported revenue of $2.35 billion, up 43% year on year. And net profit after tax (NPAT) leapt 181% to a new record $715 million.

The gold miner declared a fully-franked final dividend of 20 cents per share.

Which brings us to our top-performing stock of the week…

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

Currently trading for $167.60, CSL shares are up 22.8% for the week.

Shares in the Aussie biotech giant closed up a whopping 17.3% on Tuesday following the release of CSL’s FY 2026 results.

Investors were piling into the ASX 200 stock despite CSL reporting revenue of US$15.8 billion, down 1% from FY 2025. And on the bottom line, NPATA of US$3.1 billion was down 2%.

However, CSL shares look to have benefited from the positive outlook management forecast for FY 2027.

“FY26 has been a year of reset. We have taken decisive action and created a clear path to return to sustainable growth,” CSL interim CEO Gordon Naylor said.

CSL expects steady revenue in FY 2027, while forecasting a 5% increase in underlying NPAT.

The post 3 ASX 200 stocks, including CSL, leaping 15% to 23% in this week’s sliding market appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 8 ASX shares just upgraded by the experts
• 3 ASX 200 gold stocks jumping higher on big news today
• Regis Resources delivers record FY26 profit and dividends
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

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 positions in and has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL. 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 0.3% lower at 9,055.3 points on Friday.

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

Let’s review. 

A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M)

The A2 Milk share price is $6.76, up 0.8% today and down 23% over 12 months.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 consumer staples share has fallen 4%.

Citi upgraded A2 Milk shares to a buy rating on Tuesday.

The rating change came after A2 Milk released its FY26 results.

The broker increased its 12-month price target from $7 to $7.40.

This implies a potential 9% upside ahead.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

The CSL share price is $167.94, down 1.9% today and down 26% over 12 months.

This ASX 200 healthcare share has ripped 38% amid a broader sector rebound over the past month.

Jarden upgraded CSL shares to a buy rating following the company’s FY26 report.

The broker has a 12-month price target of $207, suggesting 23% upside ahead.

Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX: IAG)

The IAG share price is $7.88, up 1% today and down 10% over 12 months. 

Over the past month, this ASX 200 financial share has fallen 6%.

Citi upgraded IAG shares to a buy call following the insurer’s FY26 results.

The broker reduced its 12-month price target from $9 to $8.80.

This implies a potential 11% upside ahead for IAG shares.

Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG)

The Fortescue share price is $17.88, down 0.4% today and down 9% over 12 months.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 iron ore mining share has fallen 4%.

Jefferies upgraded Fortescue shares to a hold rating yesterday.

This followed Fortescue’s FY26 earnings report.

Jefferies has a 12-month price target of $16.

This suggest a potential 10% downside ahead.

Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1)

The Megaport share price is $18.50, down 4.2% today and up 34% over 12 months.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 tech share has fallen 2%.

Morgan Stanley upgraded Megaport shares to a buy rating with a $25 target today.

The change followed Megaport’s FY26 report this week.

This implies a potential 35% upside ahead.

Mirvac Group (ASX: MGR)

The Mirvac share price is $1.90, down 0.2% today and down 21% over 12 months.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 real estate share has risen 10%.

Jefferies upgraded Mirvac shares to a buy call after reviewing the developer’s FY26 report.

The broker raised its 12-month price target from $1.80 to $2.09.

This indicates potential capital gains of 9% over the next year. 

Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE)

The Treasury Wine Estates share price is $5.64, up 0.9% today and down 31% over 12 months.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 wine share has skyrocketed 22%.

Morgans upgraded Treasury Wine Estates shares after reviewing the company’s FY26 earnings.

The broker increased its 12-month target from $5.95 to $7.30.

This suggests a possible 30% upside ahead.

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Ltd (ASX: BEN)

The Bendigo and Adelaide Bank share price is $10.33, up 1.1% today and down 21% over 12 months.

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

Jarden upgraded Bendigo Bank shares to a buy rating after the bank released its FY26 report.

The broker has an $11 target, which implies about 6% upside ahead.

Further reading

Check out 10 ASX 200 shares downgraded by analysts this week.

Learn of 7 ASX 200 shares that received reaffirmed buy ratings this week.

The post 8 ASX shares just upgraded by the experts appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 16 ASX 200 shares with ex-dividend dates next week
• 3 ASX 200 stocks, including CSL, leaping 15% to 23% in this week’s sliding market
• 3 ASX shares UBS says will return better than 36%
• Buy, hold, sell: Fortescue, Northern Star, and Megaport shares
• Are Fortescue shares in the buy zone after its 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 CSL, Jefferies Financial Group, Megaport, and Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Bendigo And Adelaide Bank and Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.