Tag: Stock pick

Temple & Webster vs Nick Scali shares: Furniture retail head-to-head

If you’re tossing up between Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW) and Nick Scali Ltd (ASX: NCK) shares, you’re not alone. Both companies are leaders in the Australian furniture retail space, but take very different approaches. With digital disruption shaking up the industry, one is an online-only growth play, while the other is a well-established, dividends-paying bricks-and-mortar business with growing international reach. Here’s how they stack up against each other.

The case for Temple & Webster Group

Temple & Webster is Australia’s largest pure-play online furniture and homewares retailer. Launched in 2011, it quickly carved a niche for itself, now offering an enormous range of over 200,000 products aimed at furnishing and decorating Australian homes and offices. Its model skips physical showrooms entirely, keeping costs low and focusing on customer convenience.

Several key metrics define Temple & Webster’s investment case:

• P/E Ratio: 127.09 – It’s priced for growth, which signals high expectations for future earnings but also brings risk if growth lags.
• Dividend Yield: 0.00% – Temple & Webster doesn’t pay dividends, choosing to funnel any profits back into expanding the business.
• Year To Date Return: -67.8% – The shares have had a very tough run lately, down substantially this year.

Temple & Webster has more than a million Australian subscribers and incorporates private label brand Milan Direct. However, as a pure-play online retailer, it’s heavily exposed to changing consumer sentiment and digital competition.

The case for Nick Scali

Nick Scali is a long-established name in the Australian furniture scene. Founded in 1962, it operates a sprawling network of Nick Scali and Plush stores across Australia and New Zealand, and is now setting sights on the UK with recent acquisitions and store rebranding. The business is known for its sofas but also covers most household furniture.

Notable fundamentals for Nick Scali:

• P/E Ratio: 16.11 – Far lower than Temple & Webster’s, reflecting more stable, mature earnings.
• Dividend Yield: 5.05% (fully franked) – A strong, fully franked income stream, with a history of consistent dividend payments.
• Year To Date Return: -37.8% – The shares have also dropped sharply this year, but less so than Temple & Webster.

Nick Scali’s model combines physical presence with growing e-commerce. It’s a reliable cash-generating business, as shown by a dividend per share of $0.78 and a long history of fully franked payouts.

Valuation comparison

Here’s how the major numbers stack up:

	Temple & Webster	Nick Scali
Market Cap	$511.64 million	$1.23 billion
P/E Ratio	127.09	16.11
Earnings per share	0.064	0.885
Dividend Yield	0.00%	5.05% (100% franked)
Dividend per share	N/A	$0.78

Nick Scali stands out for value-conscious investors, with a much lower P/E and a high, franked yield, reflecting its consistent profit and mature business model. Temple & Webster’s extremely high P/E signals a business the market expects to grow rapidly – although such multiples can unravel quickly if those expectations aren’t met.

Note: Temple & Webster’s reported P/E ratio may be based on a different earnings measure (e.g. underlying or forward earnings) than the EPS figure shown, which is why they may appear inconsistent.

Recent share price performance

Comparing recent share price trends until 23 September 2026:

• Temple & Webster: Closed at $4.41 on 23 Sep 2026, gaining 4.8% that day but still suffering a year-to-date return of -67.8%.
• Nick Scali: Closed at $14.40 on 23 Sep 2026, rising 1.0% that day with a year-to-date return of -37.8%.

Both companies have been hit hard in 2026, but Temple & Webster shares have fallen almost twice as much as Nick Scali’s.

Which is the better buy?

For my money, I’d lean toward Nick Scali as the better buy right now. The reasons? First, Nick Scali offers a much lower P/E ratio and a high, franked dividend yield of over 5%, so you’re getting paid to wait even if the business hits some bumps. While both shares are deep in the red year to date, Temple & Webster’s steeper fall and nosebleed valuation multiple set a higher bar for recovery. Of course, if you have a high-risk tolerance and believe in the long-term potential of online retail, you might prefer Temple & Webster’s growth option. But personally, I prefer Nick Scali’s steadier earnings, dividends, and international expansion story at today’s price.

The post Temple & Webster vs Nick Scali: Which furniture share is better? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Lovisa vs Temple & Webster: Which ASX retailer is the better growth stock today?

Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Nick Scali 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. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial draft. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

It was a busy week for Australia’s top brokers. This has led to a number of broker notes being released. 

Three broker buy ratings that you might want to know more about are summarised below. Here’s why brokers think these ASX shares are in the buy zone:

Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN)

According to a note out of UBS, its analysts upgraded this gold miner’s shares to a buy rating with an improved price target of $16.00. The broker made the move following site visits, which have given UBS confidence in Evolution Mining’s production growth outlook. It sees scope for the company to increase its gold production to 900,000 ounces per annum and its copper production to 120,000 tonnes per annum by 2032. Key drivers of this are expected to be its Cowal and Northparkes operations and underground mining. The Evolution Mining share price ended the week at $13.71.

Nufarm Ltd (ASX: NUF)

A note out of Morgans reveals that its analysts have retained their buy rating on this agricultural chemicals company’s shares with an improved price target of $4.24. This follows the release of its guidance for FY 2026. Morgans believes that Nufarm would’ve beaten consensus expectations were it not for two unplanned manufacturing disruptions. This is especially the case given that Seed Technologies earnings have once again been upgraded due to higher Omega-3 prices. The broker remains very positive and highlights that Nufarm is on track to materially deleverage, with further improvement targeted in FY27. So, with its turnaround plans on track and its shares looking materially undervalued compared to peers, Morgans thinks now could be a good time to invest. The Nufarm share price was fetching $3.04 at Friday’s close.

Premier Investments Ltd (ASX: PMV)

Analysts at Bell Potter have retained their buy rating on this retail conglomerate’s shares with a trimmed price target of $15.50. According to the note, Premier Investments delivered an FY 2026 result that was in line with expectations. Outside this, the broker notes that while it is expecting a period of slow growth in the near to medium term, it views Premier Investments’ forward multiple as attractive. In fact, its sum of the parts valuation sees an attractive ~$1.6 billion enterprise value for the key Peter Alexander brand. This compares to the company’s $1.9 billion market capitalisation. The Premier Investments share price ended the week at $11.77.

The post Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX shares given buy ratings this week offering 20% to 40% upside
• Why I’d buy the dip in top ASX 200 gold stocks like Newmont, Northern Star and Evolution Mining shares today
• Premier Investments vs Myer: Which ASX Retail Stock is Best?
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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Premier Investments. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

National Australia Bank vs ANZ shares: which delivers better income?

When it comes to income investing, the big four banks are perennial favourites among Aussie shareholders. But which comes out ahead — National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) or ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ)? Both are banking giants with substantial dividends and a long history of rewarding shareholders. Let’s break down the data to see which looks better for those chasing income, and whether one offers a stronger investment case right now.

The case for NAB

National Australia Bank is a mainstay of Australia’s financial landscape, providing a broad spectrum of banking and wealth management services. Its primary operations are in Australia and New Zealand, with a presence in Asia, UK, and the US. As one of the nation’s ‘big four’ banks by market cap, NAB stands out for its scale and established reputation.

A few things jump out from the latest data:

• NAB boasts a market capitalisation of $120.37 billion, edging out ANZ and confirming its position as one of the country’s very largest listed firms.
• Its dividend yield sits at 4.39%, with dividends fully franked at 100%.
• NAB’s dividend history is both long and consistent, with recent annual dividends per share reaching $1.70, and all recent dividends fully franked — a feature especially appealing to Aussie investors seeking tax-effective income.

NAB bank runs a comprehensive range of services, but for me, it’s the fully franked dividend paired with its massive scale that makes NAB a classic income pick.

The case for ANZ

ANZ Group Holdings is another pillar of Australia’s banking sector, tracing its roots back to its 1969 ASX listing. The company claims, as of its latest public description, to serve over 8.5 million customers across nearly 30 markets. Like NAB, ANZ is globally diversified but with a strong anchor in Australia and New Zealand.

The metrics worth noting here include:

• ANZ’s market cap came in just below NAB, at $115.06 billion, so it’s a touch smaller but still an absolute giant.
• Its latest dividend yield is 4.36%, incredibly close to NAB.
• Dividends total $1.66 per share based on the most recent data, but unlike NAB, ANZ dividends are only partially franked (most recently at 75%), and the franking rate has been trending lower in recent payments.

While ANZ’s payout and yield are virtually identical to NAB’s, the lower franking means the after-tax income for Australian investors could be less attractive.

Valuation comparison

Both NAB and ANZ trade on seemingly similar valuations, but there are a couple of fine points of difference. Here’s how they line up on the key income metrics:

	National Australia Bank	ANZ
Market Cap	$120.37 billion	$115.06 billion
P/E Ratio	19.36	19.28
Dividend Yield	4.39%	4.36%
Dividend per Share	$1.70	$1.66
Franking	100%	75%
Earnings per Share	2.000	1.973

NAB offers slightly higher dividends, fully franked, while ANZ’s payout is almost the same dollar amount but only 75% franked, so you might not pocket quite as much after tax. Their P/E ratios and EPS numbers are effectively matched, suggesting the market prices them on similar expectations.

Recent share price performance

Comparing share price activity until 22 September:

• National Australia Bank closed at $38.61 on 22 Sep 2026. Its year to date return is -6.5%, reflecting a moderate downturn over 2026 so far.
• ANZ Group Holdings closed at $38.15 on 22 Sep 2026. Its year to date return is a positive 6.9%, showing genuine strength versus NAB over the same period.

It’s clear that while both shares are trading at almost identical levels, ANZ has delivered solid positive momentum this year, whereas NAB has slipped backwards.

Which is the better buy?

If income is my main focus, I’d favour National Australia Bank over ANZ Group right now. Both offer near-identical headline dividend yields and similar payout levels, but NAB delivers 100% franking on its dividends — that’s a real edge for Aussie shareholders chasing the maximum after-tax income. The consistent franking, especially compared to ANZ’s recent trend of partial franking, makes a big difference come tax time.

On the other hand, ANZ is enjoying notably stronger share price momentum based on year-to-date returns. If total shareholder return (dividends plus price appreciation) is your true goal, ANZ’s recent outperformance could tip the scales, at least in the short term.

But for me, the promise of fully franked, reliable dividends still matters more than a few months of price action. Provided NAB can keep up its track record, it’s the better buy for an income investor in this big bank showdown.

The post NAB vs ANZ: Which big four bank is the better passive income stock? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here’s the dividend forecast out to 2028 for NAB shares
• How much superannuation do I need to earn $2,000 per week in passive income?
• Here are the most popular ASX share superannuation investments in SMSFs
• ANZ shares have climbed 13% in a year. Is there still room to run?
• Is NAB one of the best ASX dividend shares to buy?

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

ASX dividend shares look more compelling following the passage of capital gains tax (CGT) changes into law, experts say.

Cost base indexation will replace the current 50% CGT discount for assets held longer than 12 months from 1 July next year.

The new rules grandfather existing ASX shares investments. So, the 50% discount will still apply to gains made before 1 July 2027.

After that date, capital gains on existing and new investments will be subject to cost base indexation.

A minimum 30% CGT tax rate will apply, too.

Income strategies looking better than growth: expert

Portfolio strategist Damien Boey from Wilson Asset Management says the CGT changes have already affected investors’ behaviour.

In an interview with Wilson chair and chief investment officer, Geoff Wilson AO, Boey said:

So it’s early days, but one of the things which we’ve noticed, particularly as we’ve been doing the rounds with shareholders, is that people have actually anticipated and responded to these changes.

So a lot of people … have decided that look, it’s not worth their while anymore to keep holding out for big capital gains. They’d rather actually go for much more income-based investment … there’s definitely a shift there for investors to prefer income over capital growth.

Wilson and Boey said buying and holding ASX shares for capital growth now looked less rewarding due to the 30% minimum CGT rate.

Boey said:

… The Australian Shareholders Association ran a survey a little while ago and what they showed was that over 40% of people are basically saying, look, I’m not so sure I want to invest in long-term equities any more as a result of these changes.

Wilson pointed out the significance of that percentage, given 7.7 million Australians invest in shares outside their superannuation.

Overseas markets may offer better capital growth

Boey also questioned how Australian capital growth would even materialise for investors given his expectation that the CGT changes would negatively impact already anaemic productivity growth.

The minimum 30% CGT rate also applies to businesses. This could disincentivise reinvestment and stifle productivity growth, he said.

This dynamic may encourage Aussie investors to continue putting their money into overseas share markets like the US for growth.

US stocks have delivered substantially more capital growth than ASX shares over the past three years.

“If I still have a preference for capital growth, then where am I going to get it? I have to go overseas,” Boey said.

He added:

… when you’re really starving the place of actual, real productivity growth, then what are you actually earning?

Where is the capital growth going to come from? What you’ll probably see is a big shift into income-based [products].

In Australia you’ve got to go for the most reliable income sources, particularly after inflation, and then if you want capital growth you really have to invest abroad.

Goal: $15,000 in passive income

In FY26, the ASX 200 provided an average dividend yield of 4.2%, so let’s use that as a guide.

If you only own ASX shares with full franking credits, that 4.2% yield grosses up to 6%.

To get $15,000 passive income per year, you’ll need about $250,000 in ASX dividend shares on a 6% yield.

Of course, that’s an oversimplification, because each individual ASX dividend share pays a different yield.

So, you’ll need to do your research.

You could try building a portfolio of several individual stocks which deliver a collective average 6% yield.

Some examples of ASX shares paying fully franked dividends include Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) and BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP).

There’s also Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) and Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares.  

Easier alternative to individual stock picking

Alternatively, you could invest in an ASX exchange-traded fund (ETF), ideally one with a high level of franking.

The most popular ASX dividend-focused ETF is Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: VHY).

VHY ETF has delivered a 10-year average annual distribution of 6.46% and growth of 4.03%.

This ETF’s franking levels have changed significantly from year to year.

In FY26, VHY ETF distributions came with 89% franking.

The post How much do I need in ASX dividend shares to receive $15,000 passive income per year? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group, Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

What a month it has been for Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares. CBA stock has had one of its worst periods in a long time over the past two months or so.

Back in early August, this ASX 200 bank stock was going for over $180 a share. Today, those same shares are asking just $150.37 at the time of writing. That’s a fall worth a nasty 16.9% – even more than the precipitous 10% drop we saw back in May following a quarterly trading update.

But of course, many investors buy CBA shares for their dividend potential, not just an expectation of endless capital growth. And, as any good dividend investor knows, a lower share price means a higher starting dividend yield, all else equal.

So today, let’s dive into what kind of dividend yield you can expect from CBA shares at their current pricing.

CBA shares: Show me the money

Over the past 12 months, CBA has funded two dividend payments, as is its habit. The first of those came in February, with an interim dividend worth $2.35 per share. The second is the bank’s final dividend for 2026, which, coincidentally, will be doled out this week on 29 September. That payment will be worth $2.70 per share. Since CBA has already traded ex-dividend for this payment, we’ll use it as part of our yield calculations.

As is typical with Commonwealth Bank, both of its 2026 dividends will come with full franking credits attached.

2026 has been a bumper year for CBA’s dividend investors. Both of those payments represent healthy rises over their 2025 equivalents. The $5.05 in total dividends per share that the bank will pay out this year represents a 4.12% increase over the $4.85 paid out in 2025.

At CBA’s price of $150.37 (at the time of writing), that $5.05 in dividends per share gives this bank a trailing dividend yield of 3.36%. That’s still pretty low by ASX bank standards, but a lot better than the sub-3% yields investors may have become used to seeing on CBA shares when its price was markedly higher.

Of course, this is just a trailing yield, though. An investor who buys CBA shares today is not guaranteed to get that kind of yield. The bank will need to keep its 2027 dividend payments at least level with those paid out over 2026 to make this yield a forward-facing one. CBA has built up an impressive track record with dividend growth in recent years, with shareholders getting an annual dividend pay rise every year since 2021 (following the big COVID-induced cuts of 2020).

But only time will tell if that trend continues into 2027.

The post Buying CBA shares? Here’s the dividend yield you’ll get today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Commonwealth Bank vs Westpac: Which ASX bank stock is the better buy for resilient passive income?
• How I’d build a $50,000 ASX share portfolio today
• CBA vs Telstra: Which ASX blue-chip is better for passive income?
• CBA shares hit their lowest level since February. Could $140 be next?
• Here are the most popular ASX share superannuation investments in SMSFs

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.

I’d describe Technology One Ltd (ASX: TNE) as one of Australia’s top shares. A sell-off could be an excellent opportunity for brave investors.

Technology One is Australia’s largest enterprise software company. It says that its Solution as a Service (SaaS+) offering is an all-inclusive, industry-specific solution that allows it to deliver enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementations.

It has more than 1,300 leading businesses, government agencies, local councils and universities as clients.

At the time of writing, the Technology One share price has fallen 14% since 14 August 2026. It’s also down by 32% since June 2025.

For multiple reasons, I think it’s a good time to invest in one of Australia’s top shares.

Strong revenue growth

To count as one of Australia’s top shares, I think the revenue needs to grow at a solid pace.

The Technology One business is growing at a strong pace, with revenue growth of 11% to $322.7 million during the FY26 first-half.

I think the growing annual recurring revenue (ARR) is an even better sign of the company’s success. This reveals what the business could earn in the next 12 months.

A key driver of its ARR is the net revenue retention (NRR). In other words, it is the level of income the existing client base generates – 100% means those clients account for as much revenue this year as last year.

Technology One reported NRR of 114%, meaning revenue from existing clients grew by 14%. That growth rate has been consistent recently, which is strong organic growth.

A company that grows at 15% per year doubles in size in five years, so that’s the sort of number we’re talking about with Technology One, making it look to me like one of Australia’s top shares.

Rising profit margins

Another positive element to the business is the prospect of rising profit margins in the coming years.

As the company is a software business, it can deliver pleasing operating leverage. Revenue can grow faster than expenses, leading to rising margins and a stronger bottom line in the years ahead.

Currently, the business is investing heavily for growth, which is why HY26 profit before tax grew 9% to $89.1 million. But, on an underlying basis, profit before tax grew 21% with a margin improvement of 2 points to 30%.

It expects that group margins will improve towards 35% in the coming years, driven by “significant economies of scale”.

Geographic expansion

Technology One is driving future growth by looking at places like the UK to unlock the next stage of growth. The UK has a similar setup to Australia with government agencies, local councils, companies and so on, so the growth opportunity is there.

It’s already delivering impressive growth in the UK. HY26 UK ARR rose 23% to $53 million, so it’s a small but growing part of the business. Recent wins include Liverpool City Council and Salisbury City Council.

Technology One noted that the UK local government sector is currently undergoing a transition period with the planned combination of smaller councils to form larger, economically viable councils. Its sales pipeline for local government in the UK remains strong and management expects accelerated growth from this sector in future periods.

Overall, the business has a very promising future, in my opinion, it looks like one of Australia’s top shares to buy right now.

The post A rare buying opportunity in 1 of Australia’s top shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
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• With no savings at 50, I’d follow Warren Buffett’s approach to build wealth
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• How to build a winning ASX share portfolio and create wealth

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Technology One. 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) consumer staples and healthcare were the only two sectors in the green last week.

The traditionally defensive sectors found favour during tough trading as investors braced for an interest rate hike on Tuesday.

The benchmark index fell 0.76% over the week to close at 8,665 points, after hitting a 15-week intraday low on Friday.

Traders are pricing in a 95% chance of the Reserve Bank (RBA) raising the cash rate to 4.6% this week.

Many experts expect another rate hike in November, which would be the fifth this calendar year.

Inflation remains above the RBA’s 2% to 3% target, and last week the Governor, Michele Bullock, spoke of “materialising” upside risks.

On Friday, Trading Economics analysts said:

Markets are pricing a 95% chance of a 25-bp hike to 4.60% in September and a possible peak around 5.10%.

Meanwhile, uncertainty surrounding US-Iran negotiations kept oil prices elevated, fueling inflation concerns and a renewed selloff in global bond markets, while strong US business activity has increased bets for another Fed hike, boosting the greenback.

The US Federal Reserve raised interest rates for the first time in three years this month.

Consumer staples shares led the ASX sectors last week

While consumer staples and healthcare did best last week, both sectors moved only slightly higher.

ASX 200 consumer staples shares rose 0.78% and healthcare edged just 0.09% higher.

Let’s take a look at some specifics.

The Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) share price rose 0.63% to $38.47 per share.

The Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) share price edged 0.3% higher to $23.19.

Endeavour Group Ltd (ASX: EDV) shares increased 3.1% to $2.99.

Inghams Group Ltd (ASX: ING) shares ripped 10.99% to $2.12 after PSP Investments took a 5.62% stake.

ASX 200 wine share Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE) lifted 5.24% to $5.42.

The Bega Cheese Ltd (ASX: BGA) share price rose 1.33% to $6.08.

ASX 200 agricultural share Graincorp Ltd (ASX: GNC) rose 0.15% to $6.57.

The Elders Ltd (ASX: ELD) share price lifted 0.31% to $6.38.

The A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M) share price descended 5.5% to $6.65.

Almond food producer Select Harvests Ltd (ASX: SHV) fell 2.93% to $4.31 per share.

Australian Agricultural Company Ltd (ASX: AAC) shares lost 0.77% to close at $1.29.

ASX 200 market sector snapshot

Here’s how the 11 market sectors stacked up last week, according to CommSec data.

Over the five trading days:

S&P/ASX 200 market sector	Change last week
Consumer Staples (ASX: XSJ)	0.78%
Healthcare (ASX: XHJ)	0.09%
A-REIT (ASX: XPJ)	(0.2%)
Consumer Discretionary (ASX: XDJ)	(0.51%)
Financials (ASX: XFJ)	(0.63%)
Industrials (ASX: XNJ)	(0.76%)
Materials (ASX: XMJ)	(0.84%)
Information Technology (ASX: XIJ)	(1.01%)
Energy (ASX: XEJ)	(1.55%)
Communication (ASX: XTJ)	(2.91%)
Utilities (ASX: XUJ)	(5.23%)

Check out the 15 ASX shares going ex-dividend next week.

The post Investors get defensive as ASX 200 drifts to a 15-week low appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• If I invest $15,000 in Wesfarmers shares, how much passive income will I receive in 2027?
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Woolworths shares jump 31% in 2026. Is there any upside left?
• ASX 200 sinks to June lows as investors brace for another RBA rate hike
• Is the Coles share price a buy for its 5% 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 Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Elders. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

I’m not quite ready to retire yet, but when I do tap into my superannuation, I already have a few core investments in mind.

With diversification in mind, I plan to invest $50,000 blocks of my super balance into various baskets of ASX stocks covering a broad range of different sectors.

When it comes to the mining sector, I aim to put $50,000 of my superannuation into S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) mining stocks New Hope Corporation Ltd (ASX: NHC), Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN), and BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares.

All three companies are well-established, well-managed, and have very sizeable moats to keep the competition at bay.

And atop the potential for long-term share price gains, all three pay fully-franked dividends, delivering some handy passive income throughout the year.

I’ve also narrowed my focus to these three because they each offer unique diversity within the mining sector.

BHP shares, for example, derive the majority of their revenue from copper and iron ore.

New Hope shares are solely focused on thermal and coking coal production.

And Mineral Resources shares are exposed to the company’s mining services, iron ore, lithium, and energy segments. On the energy front, Mineral Resources has a current gas exploration program running across prospective acreage in the onshore Perth and Carnarvon basins.

Investing $50,000 of superannuation into top ASX 200 mining stocks

While ASX mining stocks are inherently cyclical, if you’re okay holding onto them through the low parts of any cycle, I believe they’re an excellent place to invest $50,000 of superannuation savings.

At its FY 2026 results, New Hope reported underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of $514 million. Net profit after tax (NPAT) came in at $161 million.

And on the passive income front, New Hope declared a final fully-franked dividend of 30 cents per share. New Hope shares trade on a fully-franked trailing dividend yield of 7.1%. The New Hope share price is up 40.3% in a year.

Turning to Mineral Resources, the ASX 200 diversified miner reported record underlying EBITDA of $2.6 billion for FY 2026. On the bottom line, the company achieved an underlying NPAT of $822 million. This saw management restore the dividend, which had been suspended since 2024. Mineral Resources declared a final fully-franked dividend of 83 cents per share.

The Mineral Resources share price is up 25.4% in 12 months.

Which brings us to the third ASX 200 mining stock I’d buy with part of my $50,000 of superannuation, BHP.

For FY 2026, BHP reported underlying EBITDA of US$32.9 billion, with underlying profit of US$13.2 billion. BHP paid a fully-franked final dividend of $1.38 per share. The BHP share price is up 45.5% in 12 months.

The post Why I’d invest $50,000 of superannuation in New Hope, Mineral Resources and BHP shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Northern Star vs BHP: Which ASX share is better for passive income?
• Soul Patts vs Macquarie Group: Best ASX dividend stock for retirees?
• How I’d build a $50,000 ASX share portfolio today
• Forget BHP and buy this ASX copper stock
• How much superannuation do I need to earn $2,000 per week in passive income?

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

Northern Star Resources vs BHP shares: Income investor showdown

When Aussie investors hunt for steady income from ASX blue-chips, both Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) and BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) tend to land high on the shortlist. Both are resource heavyweights, but they operate in different leagues – one as a leading gold producer, the other a global mining titan with fingers in many commodities. For those looking to boost their income stream, is one a more compelling buy right now? Here’s how these shares stack up, side by side.

The case for Northern Star Resources

Northern Star Resources is a homegrown gold producer, operating major mining projects in Western Australia and Alaska. The company has grown through savvy acquisitions and still invests heavily in exploration. As a pure-play gold stock, Northern Star’s fortunes are closely tied to gold prices, making it a classic option for investors seeking precious metal exposure but with the scale and liquidity of an ASX top-20 company.

A couple of fundamentals stand out for income seekers:

• Dividend yield: 2.41%
• Franking: 100%, so qualified Australian investors can enjoy the full benefit of franking credits
• P/E ratio: 19.71, indicating a valuation that is a bit below BHP’s on this measure

Recent dividend history shows Northern Star lifting its annual payout to $0.55 per share, fully franked, as of the most recent year. According to its most recent public description, the group manages multiple established goldfields and has expanded via strategic deals.

The case for BHP Group

BHP Group is one of the biggest names on the ASX—and indeed, in global mining. With operations spanning iron ore, copper, coal, and other key commodities, BHP’s size brings fortress-like diversification and financial might. The company unified its listing structure in 2022, further streamlining its position as an Aussie share market leader.

Key factors for income-focused investors:

• Dividend yield: 3.90%, well above Northern Star’s current yield
• Dividend per share: $2.42 over the last year, with a long and consistent payout history
• Franking: 100%

BHP has a reputation for generous dividends, and the current figures back that up. Its market cap, at $310.24 billion, towers above most, cementing its role as a “core” holding for many income portfolios. As of its company profile, BHP’s global operations give it exposure to multiple commodity cycles, providing some ballast compared to more specialised miners.

Valuation comparison

Here are some head-to-head fundamentals:

	Northern Star Resources	BHP Group
P/E Ratio	19.71	22.87
Dividend Yield	2.41%	3.90%
Dividend per Share	$0.55	$2.42
Franking	100%	100%
Market Cap	$31.73 billion	$310.24 billion

BHP currently carries a higher P/E ratio than Northern Star. Since they operate across different resource sectors (diversified mining vs. pure gold), P/E ratios aren’t always directly comparable, but BHP does command a “blue-chip” premium. Notably, both offer fully franked dividends—a real plus for local income investors. The dividend yield, however, skews well in BHP’s favour.

Recent share price performance

Comparing recent share price action until 24 September 2026:

• Northern Star Resources: Closed at $22.27, down 2.3% on the day; YTD return is -12.6%
• BHP Group: Closed at $61.02, down 1.7% on the day; YTD return is a strong 41.8%

While Northern Star has tracked lower this year, BHP has enjoyed significant price momentum.

Which is the better buy?

For income seekers, BHP Group stands out in this match-up. Its dividend yield is considerably higher (3.90% vs 2.41%) and the payout itself is much larger in dollar terms. Both companies franking their payments at 100% makes those dividends especially attractive for Aussies in favourable tax brackets.

Northern Star Resources offers a fully franked yield and exposure to gold for diversification, but its lower yield and negative YTD return make it a less compelling choice on income grounds right now.

If I had to choose one share for an income-focused portfolio today, I’d lean towards BHP. The big miner offers stronger dividends, consistent franking, and much better recent momentum. Unless I was super keen on gold exposure above all, my pick would be BHP for income.

The post Northern Star vs BHP: Which ASX share is better for passive income? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How I’d build a $50,000 ASX share portfolio today
• Why I’d buy the dip in top ASX 200 gold stocks like Newmont, Northern Star and Evolution Mining shares today
• Forget BHP and buy this ASX copper stock
• How much superannuation do I need to earn $2,000 per week in passive income?
• 6 ASX 200 shares scoring renewed buy calls this week

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

Owning Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) shares has been a smart long-term move, but the valuation has recently dropped, which could make it a great time to buy for passive income.

When share prices fall, it boosts the dividend yield on offer for prospective investors.

Looking at the recent Wesfarmers share price, it’s down around 22% (at the time of writing) since 20 July 2026, as the chart below shows.

When such a high-quality business falls like that, I think investors can get excited about the opportunity on offer.

Let’s take a look at what a $15,000 investment into the owner of Bunnings, Kmart and Officeworks could do for investors.

Wesfarmers dividend projection

The business has steadily grown its annual dividend payout since its demerger of Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) several years ago, and the dividend growth is expected to continue in FY27.

In FY26, the Wesfarmers board of directors increased the annual dividend per share by 7.8% to $2.22.

In FY27, the company is projected to hike its annual dividend per share by another 7.9% to $2.395.

If that happens, it would translate into a grossed-up dividend yield of 4.7%, including franking credits, at the time of writing. That’s not the biggest dividend yield on the ASX, but it’s a solid start, and I expect plenty more dividend hikes are coming over the rest of the decade.

What passive income would a $15,000 investment create?

At the time of writing, if someone were to invest $15,000 into Wesfarmers shares, they would be able to buy 206 Wesfarmers shares.

With 206 Wesfarmers shares, the projected FY27 annual dividend payout would translate into $493.37 in dividend cash and $704.81 in grossed-up dividend income, including franking credits.

Of course, that’d just be year one. I expect the dividend income to increase in FY28, FY29 and in the longer-term.

Is this a good time to invest?

I think it’s an appealing time to invest in Wesfarmers shares, particularly for a long-term investment. But interest rates and inflation could be a short-term headwind.

Analysts also seem to think the business is now offering decent value.

According to CMC Invest, 11 analysts have issued ratings on the business in the last three months. The average price target across those 11 ratings is $77.79, suggesting a possible 7% rise over the next year from where it is at the time of writing.

That’s not suggesting huge gains over the next 12 months, but with the dividend added in, it could beat the return of the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).

But other ASX shares could likely deliver returns greater than 7%.

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

More reading

• How I’d build a $50,000 ASX share portfolio today
• Fortescue vs Wesfarmers: Which ASX share is better for passive income in 2026?
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• 5 ASX 200 shares upgraded by experts this week
• Is the Coles share price a buy for its 5% dividend yield?

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 positions in and has recommended Wesfarmers. 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.