Tag: Stock pick

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has historically delivered total returns of around 9% per year over the long term. That is a solid benchmark. But as an active investor, I am always looking for businesses that I believe can outperform that average.

Right now, I see three ASX 200 growth shares that, in my view, have the ingredients to beat the broader market over the next 12 months and potentially well beyond.

SiteMinder Ltd (ASX: SDR)

I think SiteMinder is building serious momentum.

At its recent annual general meeting, management highlighted accelerating annual recurring revenue (ARR) growth of 27.2% on a constant currency organic basis in FY25. That is not only strong growth, but it is also an acceleration from the prior year. The business has also flipped to positive underlying EBITDA and free cash flow, which I see as an important inflection point.

What really excites me is the Smart Platform strategy. Management is repositioning SiteMinder as the “revenue flight deck” for hoteliers, integrating intelligence, pricing, and distribution into a single workflow. According to the presentation, the company currently monetises just 0.3% of the US$85 billion in gross booking value it facilitates, with potential to exceed 1.5% at full product adoption.

To me, that signals a long runway for revenue expansion, even within its existing customer base. If SiteMinder can continue compounding ARR at high-20% levels while improving profitability, I believe it has a genuine chance of outperforming the index.

Codan Ltd (ASX: CDA)

Codan is another ASX 200 growth share that I think the market may still be underestimating.

The company delivered revenue of $393.5 million in the first half of FY26, up 29% on the prior corresponding period, with EBIT up 52% and NPAT up 55%. That is powerful operating leverage.

What stands out to me is the performance of its Metal Detection segment. Revenue in this division surged 46% to $168 million, with segment profit up 86%. Management specifically referenced strong gold detector demand in Africa and favourable gold price conditions as drivers of this growth.

With gold now trading above US$5,000 an ounce, I believe the incentive for both small-scale and recreational gold hunting remains elevated. Codan’s Minelab business is a global leader in handheld metal detection technology. If high gold prices persist, demand for detectors could remain strong.

At the same time, Codan’s Communications division continues to benefit from elevated defence spending and demand for unmanned systems technology. For me, this combination of gold exposure and defence communications creates a diversified growth profile that could continue surprising to the upside.

Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX)

Telix is a different type of growth opportunity, but one I think has the potential to outperform.

In FY25, Telix delivered revenue of US$803.8 million, up 56% year on year, achieving upgraded guidance. That level of top-line growth is rare among companies of this size.

Importantly, Telix’s Precision Medicine segment continues to scale, with segment revenue up 22% and adjusted segment EBITDA up 24% year on year. The company is also guiding to FY26 group revenue of US$950 million to US$970 million, which implies continued strong momentum.

What I like most is that Telix is reinvesting heavily in its therapeutic pipeline while maintaining commercial momentum. If even a portion of its late-stage assets deliver, I think earnings could step up meaningfully over time.

Foolish Takeaway

The ASX 200’s long-term 9% return is a useful benchmark. But I believe SiteMinder, Codan, and Telix each have business-specific catalysts and structural tailwinds that could enable them to outperform the average.

Of course, ASX 200 growth shares can be volatile, and short-term returns are never guaranteed. But based on their recent updates and current momentum, I think these three names have a genuine shot at beating the market over the year ahead.

The post Why I think these ASX 200 growth shares could beat the market appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Forget CSL shares, this ASX biotech stock could triple in value
• Why Telix shares could rise 80% in a year
• These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• ASX 200 tech shares lead market sectors with a 7% bounce back

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Codan. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended SiteMinder and Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended SiteMinder. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Polynovo Ltd (ASX: PNV) shares were out of form on Monday and ended the day in the red.

The ASX 300 stock fell 1.5% to 90.5 cents.

This means that the medical device company’s shares are now down approximately 50% since this time last year.

The good news is that Bell Potter believes this could have created a buying opportunity for investors.

What is the broker saying?

Bell Potter was a touch disappointed with the ASX 300 stock’s performance during the first half of FY 2026. It notes that its revenue and EBITDA were short of consensus expectations. The broker said:

PNV had pre released 1H26 product sales revenue of $68.2m ↑ 26% vs pcp. Total revenues $70.4m (including BARDA income $2.0m) 3% below our previous forecast of $72.6m. EBITDA $3.4m compared to consensus $6.9m (1H25 EBITDA $4.6m). Total revenues include sales of Novosorb MTX $6.2m (1H25 $2.1m).

The revenue growth rate in the US market decreased to 26% vs 30% in FY25. Products sales revenues for the half expanded by a $14m vs pcp, nevertheless the growth rate was modestly disappointing. In ex US markets revenues of $16.5m increased vs pcp but were only in line with 2H25. These markets tend to be more lumpy compared to the US, hence there remains ample scope for 2H26 growth.

Why is it bullish?

However, Bell Potter believes there are reasons to be positive. One of those reasons is that institutional investors could soon return after a major red flag was resolved. It said:

The stock has underperformed the ASX200 over LTM by ~20% despite 26% top line growth. A contributing factor has been Board governance which was a red flag to numerous institutions. We believe these matters are now resolved.

Overall, the broker sees deep value on offer with this ASX 300 stock at under $1.00. Bell Potter explains:

Looking forward, top line growth should continue at strong double digit pace, translating into meaningful earnings growth and ROE. Novosorb has a significant and sustainable cost of advantage over peers in the market for dermal substitute products. These attributes also dovetail nicely with cost focussed markets outside of the United States. On a two to three year outlook, we believe the stock is deep value under $1. The forecast implies strong earnings leverage from the sales growth which is easily justified by Novosorb being among the cheapest cost of goods on the market.

Big potential returns

According to the note, the broker has retained its buy rating on Polynovo’s shares with a trimmed price target of $1.80.

Based on its current share price of 90.5 cents, this implies potential upside of approximately 100% over the next 12 months. It concludes:

We maintain our Buy rating. PT is lowered to $1.80 following downgrades to short terms earnings forecast. Stock remains attractive based on a two to three year outlook for EPS growth.

The post Guess which ASX 300 share could rise ~100% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

It was a sour, Garfield-esque start to the trading week for ASX investors this Monday. After ending a strong week last week on a rough note on Friday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) kept up that pessimism today. 

After a strong start at market open, the ASX 200 fell into negative territory mid-morning and never recovered, closing down a hefty 0.61%. That leaves the index at a flat 9,026 points.

This painful start to the trading week for the Australian markets comes after a far rosier end to the American trading week on Saturday morning (our time).

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was in fine form, cruising 0.47% higher.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) did one better, gaining 0.9%.

But let’s get back to this week and the local markets now, though, for a deeper dive into what was happening amongst the various ASX sectors this session.

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

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Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Newmont. 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.

There are a lot of ASX shares to choose from on the Australian share market.

To narrow things down, let’s take a look at three that analysts at Morgans have just given their verdict on.

Is it bullish or bearish? Here’s what the broker is saying:

DigiCo Infrastructure REIT (ASX: DGT)

This data centre investment company’s shares could be dirt cheap according to Morgans. It notes that its shares are trading at a 50% discount to its net asset value (NAV).

It also highlights that this NAV estimate does not include the 88MW SYD1 expansion, which could add a further $1.50 per share to its NAV. In light of this, the broker has put a buy rating and $4.15 price target on its shares. It said:

DGT continues to trade at a c.50% discount to NAV of A$4.62/security, yet that NAV does not yet reflect the full value of the 88MW SYD1 expansion, which management estimates will deliver a further c.A$1.50/security of NAV uplift at a targeted 15% yield on cost. The core thesis rests on three pillars. First, SYD1 is a genuinely scarce asset, a Tier 1 CBD carrier hotel with secured power and full planning approval operating in a structurally undersupplied market with a 200MW+ qualified demand pipeline.

Second, the business has demonstrated operating momentum, yet cash earnings are yet to materialise. Third, Australian capital partnering at or above book value would be a significant valuation catalyst. Acknowledging the share price weakness, we continue to see the opportunity in DGT, retaining our Buy rating with a $4.15/sh price target.

Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG)

Morgans isn’t as positive on this fund manager’s shares. In response to its half-year results, the broker has put a hold rating and $9.80 price target on its shares.

The broker feels that its shares are fully valued, especially given that the core business remains challenged. It said:

MFG’s 1H26 operating profit after tax (A$83m) was flat on the pcp, but appeared comfortably above (+20%) Factset consensus (A$68m). Overall, whilst this result showed MFG’s investment in Barrenjoey is shaping as a winner (with upside), there is still significant work to do turning around MFG’s core Investment management franchise.

Following a change of analyst, we update our numbers and price target with this note. Our PT is set at $9.80 (previously (A$10.74) and stock coverage is transferred to Richard Coles. We maintain a HOLD rating on MFG, with the stock trading at only a 5% discount to our Blended valuation. Growth in the core business is still challenged (with downside risk), however we acknowledge optionality from current and future strategic investments.

Ramelius Resources Ltd (ASX: RMS)

This gold miner delivered a half-year result in line with expectations last week according to Morgans.

And while there were positives and negatives from the half, the broker remains positive and has retained its buy rating with a $5.75 price target. It said:

1H26 result was solid with no material surprises, FY26 continues to focus on the integration of Dalgaranga (acquired via ASX SPR) into the RMS asset portfolio. Key positive: Introduction of new capital management framework and the spartan deal; A$84.9m (net) tax losses remain. Key negative: Operating cash flow (-3% pcp), free cash flow (-15% pcp) and cash/bullion on hand (-14% pcp) reflect the anticipated grade decline across the RMS Magnet Hub assets.

This was well flagged and should begin to reverse as Dalgaranga ore is introduced into the Magnet operations and ramps through the system, marking the transition to the next phase of higher-grade feed – we forecast Dalgaranga alone to contribute +A$700m per annum from FY28 onwards. We maintain our BUY rating, price target A$5.75ps (previously A$5.76).

The post Should you buy Digico, Magellan, and Ramelius shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How high does Macquarie think Digico shares can go?
• 16 ASX shares going ex-dividend next week
• 2 ASX 200 gold stocks outperforming on big news on Friday
• DigiCo Infrastructure REIT posts 1H FY26 earnings and accelerates SYD1 expansion
• Ramelius Resources delivers first Never Never ore, cuts major gold hedges

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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price rose 2.7% to a new record high of $54.75 during a red day for the market on Monday.

BHP has been publicly listed in Australia for more than 140 years, so today’s record is a bit of a deal for the ‘Big Australian’.

The previous price record for BHP shares was $54.55, set on 30 July 2021.

Back then, the iron ore price was about US$135 per tonne, and BHP was paying out its largest annual dividend ever at $4.85 per share.

Meanwhile, on Monday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) endured a second day in the red.

The ASX 200 closed at 9,026 points, down 0.61%.

The ASX 200 is letting off steam after reaching a new record high of 9,118.3 points last Thursday, as earnings season continues.

Why did BHP shares reach a new record?

There is no official news from BHP today.

BHP shares have been riding high since the miner released its 1H FY26 results.

Shareholders were pleased with the 28% profit increase to US$5.64 billion and a 46% increase in the interim dividend.

BHP will pay a fully-franked dividend of 73 US cents per share on 26 March.

For the first time, copper made up more than half the miner’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA).

BHP’s copper operations contributed record underlying EBITDA of US$8 billion, representing 51% of total EBITDA.

On the same day, BHP also announced a US$4.3 billion silver streaming agreement. 

BHP is the largest mining share on the market, and its rise contributed to the materials sector outperforming on Monday, up 1.53%.

Today’s BHP share price record was not enough to snatch back the ASX 200’s top spot from Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA).

At the close of trading, CBA had a market capitalisation of just over $300 billion compared to almost $271 billion for BHP shares.

BHP shares briefly took back the title last month.

However, CBA shares surged after a surprise 6% lift in profit to $5.45 billion for 1H FY26, enabling the bank to return to the top spot.

Where to next for the BHP share price?

Some experts think the BHP share price still has room to run.

Bank of America, which is buy-rated on BHP shares, has the most ambitious 12-month price target at $60.

Morgan Stanley, which is also buy-rated, has a price target of $55.50.

RBC Capital, which gives BHP shares a hold rating, has a target of $55.

Some brokers expect BHP shares to decline from here.

The most pessimistic price target published since BHP’s half-year results is $45.80 from Deutsche Bank.

Barclays has a target of $47.71 for BHP shares.

Both banks have a hold rating on the ASX 200 mining share.

The BHP share price closed at $54.02, up 1.29%.

The post BHP share price cracks new all-time high appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why I’d buy and hold these 5 ASX 200 shares until 2036
• 2 more ASX 200 blue chip stocks that increased dividends this week
• 5 low-cost ASX ETFs for a global diversified portfolio
• Is it too late to buy BHP and CBA shares?
• Brokers review 12-month price targets for 3 ASX 200 mining shares post-results

Bank of America is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in BHP Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Barclays Plc. 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.

If you are looking for some exposure to the booming mining sector, then it could be worth hearing what analysts are saying about the stocks in this article, courtesy of The Bull.

Are these mining shares buys, holds, or sells? Let’s find out:

Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG)

This iron ore giant is a popular option in the mining sector. However, the team at Shaw and Partners only rates it as a hold at present.

Although the broker is comfortable maintaining its current exposure, it isn’t recommending investors buy Fortecue shares at current levels. It explains:

The miner continues to benefit from iron ore prices, which are holding up better than many expected. The company’s low cost position and large scale operations support strong profitability. But similar to my commentary on S32, the commodities and iron ore markets are cyclical.

Movements in iron ore prices are influenced by global demand and particularly China’s steel production. For that reason, I’m comfortable maintaining current exposure without leaning in further just yet.

Solstice Minerals Ltd (ASX: SLS)

Analysts at MPC Markets are positive on this copper and gold explorer. They were pleased with recent drilling results from the Nanadie project in Western Australia.

In light of this and the recent pullback in its share price, MPC Markets thinks an appealing entry point has opened up for investors and is recommending the mining stock as a buy. It said:

The miner recently delivered encouraging copper-gold drilling results at its Nanadie project in Western Australia, including an impressive assay of 62 metres at 1.55 per cent copper and 0.66 grams a tonne of gold. Management believes this is a large scale system, with meaningful high grade zones beyond the existing inferred mineral resource estimate of 162,000 tonnes of copper and 130,000 ounces of gold.

The share price doubled in response to the latest assay results, but has since retreated to more appealing entry levels on February 19, 2026. More assay results are due in coming weeks, which may be positive. Investors, with an appetite for risk, may want to consider buying SLS in anticipation of good results.

South32 Ltd (ASX: S32)

MPC Markets is also recommending South32 shares as a buy this week. After a solid half-year result, it believes South32 is a good long-term buy, especially on any pullbacks. It said:

Mining operations include aluminium, copper, zinc, lead, manganese and silver. The company delivered a solid first half year result in fiscal year 2026, with earnings largely in line with expectations, a better-than-expected dividend and an expanded share buy-back, which is usually a good sign. Extending the Cannington mine life adds value amid upside potential at Sierra Gorda and Hermosa. S32 has a quality portfolio with improving margins. We believe the company is a solid long term buy, particularly on any temporary dips.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Fortescue, Solstice, and South32 shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• The 3 ASX shares I’d buy and hold into 2026
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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 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.

Austal Ltd (ASX: ASB) shares are no strangers to volatility. They swing sharply as investors pile in and out of the fast-emerging defence sector.

Last week, the Australian shipbuilder was one of the big winners with a gain well over 25%. Austal shares have started this week completely different, as they have lost 10.6% at $5.64 during afternoon trade.

Let’s have a closer look at how brokers see this wild stock.

Heavy defence spending

Over the past 12 months, defence stocks like Austal have been in the spotlight as global conflict and geopolitical risk have led to heavy defence spending.

Austal is an Australian shipbuilder that designs, builds, and supports defence and commercial vessels for customers worldwide. Its portfolio spans naval ships and surface combatants, high-speed military support vessels, patrol boats, offshore platforms, and passenger and vehicle ferries.

Investor sentiment has largely been positive on this sector. At the time of writing, Austal shares are 40% higher than a year ago, but they have fallen 15% so far in 2026.

The 12-month range, with the stock trading between $3.50 and $8.82, shows how volatile Austal shares have been over that period.

Good news, bad news

The company has had some good news in recent months, and the share price soared. In mid-December, it reported that it had been awarded a contract extension to build another two Evolved Cape Class patrol boats for the Australian Border Force.

Two weeks ago, the share price plunged. The company issued a brief statement to the ASX saying that, in preparation for publishing its half-year accounts, it had identified some discrepancies. Austal revealed that it had previously overstated its potential earnings for the year. 

In a statement to the ASX on Friday morning, the board of Austal shares said its Australian defence division had been awarded a $4 billion contract to build eight landing craft heavy (LCH) vessels. Austal said the construction would take place at its Henderson shipyard in Western Australia and would start in 2026 and carry on until 2038.

In reaction to the new contract, Austal shares surged over 5%, bringing the total plus for the week to 28%.

What next for Austal shares?

TradingView data show that most analysts are positive on Austal shares. Most of them see the ASX defence stock as a hold or strong buy with an average 12-month price target of $7.24. This points to a 28.5% upside at the time of writing.

Bell Potter is more cautious than most colleagues. In a recent report, the broker lowered its price target on Austal shares from $8 to $6.60. This target indicates roughly 17% upside from current levels. 

Bell Potter maintains its hold rating, saying:

When stripping out the MMF 3 earnings from future consensus forecasts, we observe that ASB trades in line with global peers on an EV/EBIT basis for FY26. Although ASB exhibits superior revenue growth, operational risks are relatively elevated as ASB transitions from legacy to new shipbuilding contracts in the USA. We retain Hold.

The post Are Austal shares a buy after weeks of heavy gains and losses? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• 3 ASX 200 shares storming 22% to 29% higher this week
• Austal shares take off on new Aussie contract win
• Are Austal shares a buy, hold or sell after soaring 20% on Monday?
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

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 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.

When I think about building a defensive ASX portfolio, I’m looking for businesses with essential products, resilient earnings, and balance sheets strong enough to ride out economic cycles.

If I had to start that portfolio today, three names that would be near the top of my list are in this article.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

CSL has been a frustrating investment for many shareholders over the past couple of years. The biotech’s share price has de-rated significantly from its highs, and there have been operational headwinds across parts of the business.

Influenza vaccine weakness in the US, softer demand for albumin in China, and slower-than-expected margin recovery in CSL Behring have weighed on sentiment. The disappointment around its CSL112 trial outcome also removed what many had hoped would be a meaningful growth driver.

There’s no point pretending that period didn’t happen. It did.

But from my perspective, that’s precisely why the risk-reward now looks more favourable than it did when the stock was trading near its peak valuation.

CSL remains a global plasma leader with scale advantages that are difficult to replicate. Plasma collection networks, manufacturing expertise, and deep relationships with healthcare providers create a formidable moat. Demand for immunoglobulins and other plasma-derived therapies is structurally driven by chronic disease and an ageing population.

If the business simply stabilises and resumes steady margin improvement, I believe the current valuation better reflects the risks than it did before. For patient investors, this looks more like a reset than a broken story.

APA Group (ASX: APA)

If I want genuine defensiveness in an ASX portfolio, infrastructure is hard to ignore. That is where APA fits in.

APA owns and operates critical energy infrastructure, including gas pipelines and related assets. These are long-lived assets underpinned by contracted revenues. Demand for energy transmission does not disappear in a slowdown.

What I like about APA is the visibility of its cash flows. Many of its contracts are long term, and the regulated nature of parts of the business provides a degree of earnings stability.

On top of that, APA has historically offered an attractive dividend yield. For a defensive portfolio, a reliable income stream can help smooth total returns during volatile periods.

It’s not the fastest-growing business on the ASX, but that’s not the point here. In a defensive allocation, stability and cash generation matter more than rapid expansion.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

Woolworths is another classic defensive cornerstone.

People need groceries regardless of consumer confidence. Supermarket spending may shift between premium and private-label products, but it does not disappear.

While Woolworths has had operational challenges and competitive pressure to navigate, it remains one of Australia’s dominant supermarket operators. Scale, supply chain capability, and brand recognition provide advantages that are not easily eroded.

For me, Woolworths represents a steady compounder. It may not deliver explosive growth, but over time, consistent earnings, dividends, and reinvestment can add up.

Foolish takeaway

If I were building a defensive ASX portfolio today, I would start with businesses that provide essential services, generate resilient cash flows, and have proven staying power.

CSL offers global healthcare exposure at a more reasonable valuation after its de-rating. APA brings infrastructure-backed income and visibility. Woolworths adds everyday consumer stability.

Together, I believe they form a solid foundation for investors who want to play defence without giving up long-term potential.

The post If I had to build a defensive ASX share portfolio today, I’d start here appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Want to build a second income? I’d buy these ASX shares today
• Buy, hold, sell: Wesfarmers, Westpac, and Woolworths shares
• Forget CSL shares, this ASX biotech stock could triple in value
• Where to invest $10,000 in ASX 200 blue chip shares today
• What is Morgans saying about APA, Bega Cheese, and Transurban shares?

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in CSL. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Apa Group and Woolworths Group. 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.

With ASX earnings season in full swing, it’s a great time to scour the share market for passive income investments. Whenever an ASX dividend share reports its latest earnings, it also tends to reveal the next dividend pay cheque that investors can expect.

Last week, we heard from two ASX 200 blue-chip shares in this manner. In my view, both of these shares have dividends that suggest they could make for fantastic long-term passive income investments.

Two top ASX dividend shares to buy for passive income right now

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

Telstra has long been one of my top picks for passive income on the ASX. This telco offers an established business model and wide economic moats in the form of Telstra’s strong brand and superior national mobile network.

It also offers a highly defensive earnings base. In our modern world, I think there are plenty of goods and services customers would be willing to give up in tough economic times before their mobile phones and internet connections.

Telstra has long been known for its passive-income chops thanks to its habit of paying large dividends. Last week’s earnings report from Telstra did nothing to dent that reputation. The company announced that its interim dividend for 2026 would come in at 10.5 cents per share. Unusually for Telstra, it will only come 90.5% franked. But even so, passive income investors would have been pleased with this 10.5% dividend hike.

Telstra shares are currently (at the time of writing) trading on a dividend yield of 3.91%.

Medibank Private Ltd (ASX: MPL)

Next up, we have private health insurer Medibank Private. I think Medibank Private is another defensive stock worth considering for anyone looking for passive income in the share market today.

Medibank is the largest and most dominant private health insurer in Australia, enjoying significant market share through both its Medibank Private and budget-friendly ahm brand. As there are several government policies that encourage Australians to buy private health insurance, I tend to think of Medibank as another stock with a defensive earnings base.

Medibank’s earnings from last week also contained good news for dividend investors. The company unveiled a 6.4% increase to its interim dividend, with investors to receive an 8.3 cents per share dividend as the company’s first 2026 passive income payment. This dividend will come with full franking credits attached to it.

Medibank shares are currently trading on a dividend yield of 4.13%.

The post 2 top ASX dividend shares to buy for passive income this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• Here’s the dividend forecast out to 2030 for Telstra shares
• Buy, hold, sell: Goodman, Hub24, and Telstra shares
• 2 more ASX 200 blue chip stocks that increased dividends this week
• How to build an ASX share portfolio you can stick with long term

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.

The Metrics Master Income Trust (ASX: MXT) share price is in focus as it announces a monthly unfranked distribution of 1.17 cents per unit, payable on 9 March 2026.

What did Metrics Master Income Trust report?

• Declared a monthly distribution of $0.0117 per ordinary unit
• Unfranked distribution for the period ending 28 February 2026
• Ex-date set for 27 February 2026, with a record date of 2 March 2026
• Distribution payment date confirmed as 9 March 2026
• Distribution Reinvestment Plan (DRP) is available with no discount

What else do investors need to know?

The Trust’s latest distribution maintains its regular monthly payment schedule, providing consistent income to unitholders. Investors can elect to reinvest their distribution through the DRP, but need to submit their election by 5:00pm on 3 March 2026 if they wish to participate.

The entire distribution is unfranked, indicating no franking credits will be attached. The DRP price will be calculated in line with the Trust’s constitution and no discount will apply for this period.

What’s next for Metrics Master Income Trust?

The Trust will continue its established approach of monthly distributions, aiming to provide investors with steady income. Investors considering DRP participation need to act before the stated deadline to be eligible for the March payment.

Ongoing updates to the distribution rate or Trust strategy will be communicated directly to unitholders and the market as required.

Metrics Master Income Trust share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Metrics Master Income Trust shares have declined 5%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 9% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Metrics Master Income Trust reveals March 2026 unfranked distribution appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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