For you to be entitled to a stock's next dividend, you must own it before its ex-dividend date.

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

ASX shares with ex-dividend dates next week

The post 32 ASX shares about to go ex-dividend appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

In a statement to the ASX on Monday, Adairs said revenue was up 5.9% to $329 million for the first half, while gross margin fell 120 basis points to 57.7% and net profit was 33.8% lower at $12.8 million.

The company added:

Adairs sales and margin gained momentum through Q2 after a challenging Q1 where heavy clearance activity was undertaken. Mocka achieved another outstanding result and is poised to accelerate further with the opening of retail stores. The management changes at Focus on Furniture provides the opportunity to reset operations and strategy to unlock the potential of this business.

Breaking down the results

The Adairs division delivered first-half sales of $229.4 million, up 4%, supported, the company said, by strong execution through sales events including Black Friday, Christmas, and Boxing Day.

Underlying earnings of $18.6 million were down 10%, primarily attributable to Q1 clearance sales, the company said.

During the half, two new stores were opened, two were upsized and refurbished, and one closed.

In the Focus on Furniture division, sales were up 1% to $63.1 million while like for like sales declined 3.3%.

In the Mocka division, sales hit a record $36.5 million, up 29.8%, "driven by product innovation and effective customer acquisition strategies, particularly in Australia'', Adairs said.

Adairs added:

Australian sales increased +44.5%, with customers responding to on-trend, great-value new ranges. New Zealand returned to growth, with sales up +8.2%, supported by new product and continued positive results from the shop-in-shop trial, which contributed $1.2 million in sales.

Mocka will open its first standalone retail store in May this year, the company said.

Managing director Elle Roseby said regarding the results that they were heading in the right direction.

Whilst the results across the brands were mixed, I'm pleased with the material progress we have made and the significant decisions we have actioned to reposition and reset our businesses. This work positions us well for sales growth, margin expansion and earnings improvement into 2H. Specifically, I'm pleased with the extent to which we were able to clear excess inventory in Q1 at Adairs, leading to improved performance in Q2. At Focus on Furniture we have made the important changes to the leadership team which allows us to reset our operational approach and strategy. Finally, I'm delighted with the continued growth at Mocka and the opportunity that gives us to open our first standalone retail store for Mocka in 2H

Adairs shares were trading 4.1% higher at $1.898 on Monday morning. The company was valued at $320.9 million at the close of trade on Friday.

The post This retailer's shares are up despite mixed results, as the business goes through a reset period appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

If we're going to beat the market, we need to own shares in a different way to the market average. That doesn't necessarily need to be through owning businesses that are trading cheaply, it can be done by buying high-quality companies for the long-term.

I'm going to talk about two ASX shares that I think are trading at very cheap price/earnings (P/E) ratios.

Adairs Ltd (ASX: ADH)

Adairs sells homewares and furniture through three different businesses – Adairs, Mocka and Focus on Furniture.

I wouldn't say this business has the strongest economic moat on the ASX and it's quite heavily exposed to changes in consumer sentiment. But, those cyclical changes in customer demand and investor confidence can prove to be buying opportunities.

At the time of writing, the ASX share is down by 37% since 19 September 2025, making it seem much cheaper.

While trading conditions may be tough, the business is now trading at a very low level. Analysts from UBS currently predict that the business could generate earnings per share (EPS) of 20 cents in FY26. That means it's valued at just 9x FY26's estimated earnings.

That looks particularly cheap with the fact that the business is projected to steadily increase its net profit every year to the end of FY30. By FY30, UBS forecasts its EPS could rise to 29 cents.

Centuria Industrial REIT (ASX: CIP)

This is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that owns a portfolio of industrial properties around Australia. Its real estate is located in metropolitan locations that are in-demand by tenants and the vacancy rate is very low. This is a strong support for the rental earnings of the business.

Industrial properties are benefiting from strong demand tailwinds including e-commerce, logistics, data centres, refrigerated space and more.

The fund manager of the ASX share, Grant Nichols, said at the end of October:

CIP continues to achieve strong outcomes across its portfolio relating to leasing, capital transactions and value add initiatives. The ability to deliver these results is credited to CIP's portfolio being concentrated in Australia's urban infill markets where tenant demand is strongest, vacancy is low and supply is constrained. These urban infill assets provides multiple future opportunities for alternative, higher-use developments such as data centres and residential schemes.

At the end of FY25, it reported net tangible assets (NTA) of $3.92 per unit, so it's trading at a discount of more than 18%, which I think makes it very cheap.

In FY26, the business is expecting to generate funds from operations (FFO – rental profit) – between 18.2 cents to 18.5 cents per unit, funding a distribution per unit of 16.8 cents. That translates into a forward distribution yield of 5.25%.

The post 2 ASX shares that are absurdly cheap right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

If businesses are undervalued, they can be particularly appealing on the dividend yield side of things because a lower valuation boosts the yield.

While the two names below aren't the most famous, it looks to me like a good time to invest in both of them.

Centuria Industrial REIT (ASX: CIP)

This ASX dividend share is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that owns a portfolio of industrial properties across Australian metropolitan locations.

It continues to benefit from a low vacancy rate in Australian cities because of the limited space and the amount of demand for industrial properties.

Australia requires more space for fresh food and pharmaceutical demand, increased data centre demand, onshoring of supply chains and increasing e-commerce adoption.

The business has properties across the subsectors of distribution centres, manufacturing and production, transport logistics, data centres and cold storage, giving it broad exposure to the industrial sector.

In FY26, it's expecting to grow its rental earnings – as measured by the funds from operations (FFO) – per unit to between 18.2 cents to 18.5 cents. This guidance represents growth of up to 6% compared to FY25.

The distribution is being paid in quarterly instalments and the ASX dividend share expects to deliver a payout of 16.8 cents per unit in FY26, representing a year-over-year increase of 3% to 16.8 cents. It has a distribution yield of 5.1%.

It also reported $3.92 of net tangible assets (NTA) at 30 June 2025, so it's valued at an attractive 16% discount.

Adairs Ltd (ASX: ADH)

Adairs is a retailer of homewares and furniture. It has three businesses: Adairs, Focus on Furniture and Mocka.

The company has suffered a valuation decline in recent months. Over the past three months its share price has dropped around 30%.

But, for such a cyclical retailer like Adairs, this lower valuation could be the right time to pounce and then be patient.

This ASX dividend share is not priced for a lot of success over the medium-term. But, analyst estimates suggest that the company could see steadily rising earnings and dividends in the coming years.

The projection on CMC Markets suggests the ASX dividend share could generate earnings per share (EPS) of 20.1 cents in FY26, 24.1 cents in FY27 and 26.8 cents in FY28.

With those forecasts, the potential dividend per share could be 12.5 cents in FY26, 15.5 cents in FY27 and 18 cents in FY28.

At the current Adairs share price, it's valued at less than 9x FY26's estimated earnings with a possible grossed-up dividend yield of 10%, including franking credits.

The trading update in October suggested that group sales are expected to grow by at least $9 million in the first half of FY26 to between $319.5 million to $331.5 million. Sales growth is a promising sign for earnings growth, even if it's not as strong as the market was hoping for.

The post These 2 ASX dividend shares are great buys right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

But which ASX dividend shares are in the buy zone? Let's take a look at three that analysts are recommending to clients. They are as follows:

Adairs Ltd (ASX: ADH)

The first ASX dividend share that could be a buy according to analysts is Adairs. It is one of Australia's leading homewares retailers.

Adairs has returned to form recently following a difficult period. And with improved inventory management, stronger online performance, and cost efficiencies flowing through, the company now sits in a healthier financial position.

As consumer sentiment gradually improves, Adairs' margin profile and cash generation should improve, supporting its fully franked dividend. Morgans expects the company to pay fully franked dividends of 11 cents per share in FY 2026 and then 15.5 cents per share in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $1.85, this equates to dividend yields of 6% and 8.4%, respectively.

Morgans has a buy rating and $2.60 price target on its shares.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

Another ASX dividend share that could be a top pick for passive income is BHP.

The Big Australian's world-class and low cost mining assets generate significant free cash flow through the cycle, allowing the company to continue rewarding its shareholders even when commodity prices soften.

Morgan Stanley expects BHP to pay dividends of approximately $1.90 per share in FY 2026 and then $1.70 per share in FY 2027. This would mean dividend yields of 4.4% and 4%, respectively.

The broker also sees plenty of upside for investors with its overweight rating and $48.00 price target.

Dicker Data Ltd (ASX: DDR)

A third ASX dividend share that analysts rate as a buy is Dicker Data. It is an IT hardware and software distributor with a long track record of steady revenue growth, resilient margins, and rising dividends.

The company's relationships with top-tier technology vendors, along with its focus on recurring product demand, have helped support consistent cash flow. And with digital infrastructure spending remaining robust, Dicker Data appears well placed to continue rewarding shareholders with attractive fully franked dividends.

Morgan Stanley is forecasting fully franked dividends per share of 47.6 cents in FY 2025 and then 50.8 cents in FY 2026. This equates to dividend yields of 4.6% and 4.9%, respectively.

The broker has an overweight rating and $10.30 price target on its shares.

The post 3 ASX dividend shares to buy for a passive income stream appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Plenty of homegrown ASX shares deliver consistent earnings, strong cash flow, and fully franked dividends.

If you are looking to build or top up an income-focused portfolio, here are five ASX dividend shares that could be worth considering:

Adairs Ltd (ASX: ADH)

Adairs is one of Australia's leading homewares retailers. It has returned to form recently following a difficult retail cycle. With improved inventory management, stronger online performance and cost efficiencies flowing through, the business now sits in a healthier financial position. As consumer sentiment gradually improves, Adairs' margin profile and cash generation should benefit, supporting its fully franked dividend. It currently trades with an estimated forward dividend yield of 6.8%.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

BHP is one of the most dependable dividend payers on the ASX. Its world-class mining assets generate enormous free cash flow through the cycle, allowing the company to continue rewarding shareholders even when commodity prices soften. Analysts expect BHP to maintain strong fully franked distributions over the coming years thanks to its low-cost operations and robust balance sheet. For example, the consensus estimate is for a 3.9% dividend yield in FY 2026.

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)

Another ASX dividend share to look at is Coles. It is a favourite among defensive income investors, and for good reason. This supermarket giant generates consistent earnings through all economic conditions, supported by steady demand for essential goods. In addition, its focus on automation, cost efficiencies, and private-label expansion is helping push margins higher, which bodes well for its future dividends. The market is expecting a fully franked 3.5% dividend yield this year.

Dicker Data Ltd (ASX: DDR)

Dicker Data is an IT hardware and software distributor with a long track record of steady revenue growth, resilient margins, and rising dividends. Its relationships with top-tier technology vendors, along with its focus on recurring product demand, have helped support consistent cash flow. As digital infrastructure spending remains strong across the corporate sector, Dicker Data is positioned to continue rewarding shareholders with fully franked dividends. It currently trades with an estimated forward dividend yield of 4.6%.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

Finally, Telstra could be a core holding for income-focused investors. With strong demand for mobile services, expanding 5G adoption, and ongoing improvements to network efficiency, Telstra continues to deliver stable earnings. Management has outlined plans to lift dividends gradually through its Connected Future 30 strategy, supported by recurring cash flow from mobile, enterprise and infrastructure businesses. This is expected to underpin a 4.1% fully franked dividend yield in FY 2026.

The post Buy Telstra and these ASX dividend shares for passive income appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Some names in the retail sector have experienced significant declines recently, as trading updates were not as good as expected.

There's no guarantee that disappointment in the latest update will mean a positive surprise in the next one. However, on a three- or five-year view, I think there are some names capable of recovering substantially from their current position, such as the following two.

Accent Group Ltd (ASX: AX1)

Accent owns several retail brands, including The Athlete's Foot, Nude Lucy, Stylerunner and Platypus. It also sells various global shoe brands, including Vans, Ugg, Skechers and Hoka. The business has also started opening Sports Direct stores in Australia.

The trading update for FY26 did not impress the market. While total group-owned sales were up 3.7%, like-for-like sales were down 0.4% and the gross profit margin for FY26 year to date was down 160 basis points (1.60%) compared to the prior year. Operating profit (EBIT) is expected to be in the range of $85 million to $95 million for FY26.

The ASX 300 share has a number of initiatives to deliver growth, including opening 50 Sports Direct stores over the next six years, rolling out dozens of stores for the other brands (including Stylerunner and the highly profitable Nude Lucy), buying back The Athlete's Foot stores from franchisees and growing new distributed brands.

According to the forecast from UBS, the Accent share price is valued at under 11x FY27's estimated earnings after falling close to 30% in a month.

The weaker performance is disappointing, but I believe it can bounce back from this level and potentially surprise investors.

Adairs Ltd (ASX: ADH)

Adairs is a furniture and homewares business which sells items through three different brands – Adairs, Mocka and Focus on Furniture.

The Adairs share price has fallen by more than 30% since 19 September 2025, making it appear to be a better value proposition if there's a recovery in the medium term. I believe that's possible following the rate cuts by the RBA and the end of high inflation.

The ASX 300 stock's update was also not exciting – it downgraded its sales expectations to a range of $319.5 million to $331.5 million, down from the previous range of $324.5 million to $336.5 million. The gross profit margin guidance was narrowed to between 59% to 59.5%.

I'm hopeful of a recovery in consumer spending overall, but Adairs is working on plans to improve, which could be more impactful.  

It wants to reduce Adairs' inventory and cut the item count by 10%, maximise key sales periods, enhance the Linen Lover membership value, launch new store formats and upgrade its technology.

The ASX 300 share wants Focus on Furniture to be Australia's favourite furniture retailer by improving product quality and stock availability, expanding the choice of fabrics and colours, be faster to market with on-trend furniture, it's offering customers flexible payment options, it'll open dozens of more stores and accelerate store upgrades.

Finally, with the Mocka business, it wants to build brand awareness, expand the range and open a physical store trial in Australia.

According to the forecast from UBS, Adairs is trading at 8x FY27's estimated earnings.

The post These 2 ASX 300 shares are bargain buys appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

All three of the companies that I'm going to talk about have seen their share prices decline in recent times. But, I believe they are great candidates to bounce back from recent difficulties; they only seem to me like temporary challenges.

Let's get into what makes them exciting ideas.

Beacon Lighting Group Ltd (ASX: BLX)

As the chart below shows, the Beacon share price has fallen more than 20% since August.

Beacon has a few different segments including its Beacon Lighting stores for consumers, a trade segment (for electricians, builders, architects and interior designers) and international sales.

The ASX small-cap share is exposed to a number of areas of the economy that have struggled including consumer spending, construction and trade activity.

But, following rate cuts, I think the company has the potential to become a lot larger. It has identified a potential store network of close to 200 Beacon Lighting stores, implying a possible increase of around 50% from where it is today.

I'm also hopeful that the company can grow its earnings in international markets such as Hong Kong and Europe (which saw double-digit sales growth). Impressively, Tmall Global sales in China grew by 72.3% during FY25.

According to the forecasts on CMC Markets, the Beacon share price is valued at 20x FY26's estimated earnings and 17x FY27's estimated earnings.

Adairs Ltd (ASX: ADH)

Adairs is a homewares and furniture retailer that operates through three different businesses – Adairs, Mocka and Focus on Furniture.

It has dropped around 30% from 19 September 2025, as the below chart shows.

I view Adairs as a discretionary retailer that goes through elevated volatility, so it can be an opportunity to buy when investors don't seem very confident.  

The ASX small-cap share recently reduced its FY26 guidance, but it's working on a number of initiatives to improve its profitability.

I think it's trading at a price that's too low given how retail spending could recover over the next year or two.

According to the forecasts on CMC Markets, it's trading at 10x FY26's estimated earnings and 8x FY27's estimated earnings.

Inghams Group Ltd (ASX: ING)

Inghams is one of the largest poultry businesses in Australia. The Inghams share price is down around 40% from June 2025.

The company has suffered through a number of negatives including transitioning to a new Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) supply agreement, a shift to a lower-margin mix, weaker wholesale pricing and weaker overall retail demand.

But, the poultry ASX small-cap share is working on a number of ways to try to improve profitability, including reducing inventory, matching production to demand and reducing costs.

I'm optimistic that the company's profits can recover over the next couple of years, making the current valuation attractive as a turnaround opportunity.

According to the forecasts on CMC Markets, the Inghams share price is valued at 12x FY26's estimated earnings and 9x FY27's estimated earnings.

The post 3 ASX small-cap shares I'd buy with $3,000 right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

It's close to its 52-week low, and I think that makes this a good time to invest in the discretionary retailer.

The business may be best known for its Adairs business, but it also owns Mocka and Focus on Furniture. It sells furniture and homewares.

Slowing sales

The ASX small-cap stock recently provided a trading update, which noted slowing sales growth in the first half of FY26 to date.

Adairs' sales growth has moderated as the company pulled back on the frequency and intensity of its promotional activity.

After an encouraging start, sales at Focus on Furniture slowed despite ongoing promotional activity, leading to a lower-than-planned gross profit margin.

However, Mocka's strong sales momentum has been maintained with customers continuing to respond well to new products.

The next two months are vital for the company's overall first-half performance, with Black Friday, Christmas, and other trading events.

Adairs reduced its HY26 sales guidance from a range of $324.5 million to $336.5 million, down to between $319.5 million to $331.5 million. The gross profit margin guidance has been narrowed to between 59% to 59.5%, changed from 58.8% to 59.6%.

Management of the small-cap stock did say that they are cautiously optimistic about the trading outlook for the rest of the half. All three businesses are "well stocked".

Why this is a good time to invest in the ASX small-cap stock

It was a disappointing update; there's a reason why the Adairs share price has fallen so far in the last couple of months. But, I think the valuation takes into account the negativity and leaves room for contrarian investors to benefit from a potential rebound.

Adairs is working on a number of initiatives to improve profitability.

In the Adairs business, it wants to reduce its item count by 10%, maximise key event periods, enhance the Linen Lover membership, enable sustainable sales and margin growth (and reduce excess inventory), launch its next generation of 'store of the future', and upgrade its data and technology.

With Focus on Furniture, it wants to improve product quality and stock availability, expand product choice (including fabrics and colours), be faster to market, improve in-store merchandising, accelerate store upgrades, and open more stores.

With the Mocka business, the ASX small-cap stock aims to invest in marketing, expand its range further, and deliver a Mocka standalone store strategy.

After the valuation decline, it's now trading at around 10x FY26's estimated earnings, according to the forecast on Commsec.

The post Why I think this ASX small-cap stock is a bargain at $2.03 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Adairs released an update this week ahead of its annual general meeting, which said that the company's sales growth had slowed as it pulled back on promotional activity in its Adairs branded division.

The company downgraded its first-half guidance from projected revenue of $324.5 to $336.5 million to $319.5 to $331.5 million as a result.

The Adairs business comprises three retail brands: Adairs, Focus on Furniture, and Mocka.

Sales slowing

The company told the market that:

After am encouraging start, sales at Focus Furniture have slowed despite ongoing promotional activity leading to lower than planned gross profit margin. Mocka's strong sales momentum has been maintained with customers continuing to respond well to new product.

Jarden, in a research note sent to clients, said the update "implies the test is still to come''.

This was because about 55% of sales came towards the end of the first half of the financial year, as Black Friday sales and Christmas skewed the results.

The Jarden analysts added:

Focus sales downgrades are consistent with industry feedback on weaker sector furniture sales in August and September.

The Jarden team said, despite the soft update, they remained comfortable with their buy rating on the stock and had a price target of $2.68 on Adairs shares, albeit reduced from their previous target of $2.96.

Including 3.4% of returns from dividends, the Jarden analysts are expecting a total shareholder return over 12 months of 17%.

Key risks to the company going forward included the macroeconomic environment, promotions, costs, the company's execution on its national distribution centre, and competition, the Jarden team said.

Adairs said in its update this week that the company remained "cautiously optimistic" about the outlook for the rest of the half.

All three businesses are well-stocked, and our term are well-prepared for the peak trading period ahead.

Protest votes

The company received a strong protest vote against its remuneration report this week, with 20.4% of shares voted going against its adoption.

This fell short of the 25% of no votes needed to constitute a strike under Australian corporate law.

There was also a significant vote of 13.4% against the re-election of Trent Peterson as a director of the company.

The post This ASX 300 retail stock should deliver double-digit returns, one broker says appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Four ASX shares that are falling more than most today are listed below. Here's why they are dropping:

Adairs Ltd (ASX: ADH)

The Adairs share price is down 6% to $2.21. This appears to have been driven by a broker note out of Bell Potter this morning. In response to the homewares retailer's trading update, its analysts have cut their valuation. Bell Potter now has a hold rating and $2.50 price target. It said: "Our PT is down ~4% to $2.50/share (prev. $2.60/share) driven by our earnings downgrades. Our target P/E multiple remains unchanged at 12.5x (on a FY26e and FY27e blended basis). We see several upside catalysts for ADH in the upcoming seasonal period given the higher than industry average contribution at 55% of 1H sales and continuing tailwinds from the housing market/consumer recovery."

Alcoa Corp (ASX: AAI)

The Alcoa Corp share price is down 3.5% to $55.47. This follows the release of the alumina producer's quarterly update. For the first quarter, the company reported a 3% increase in revenue to US$3 billion but an adjusted net loss of US$6 million. The latter is down from a profit of US$135 million a year earlier.

ASX Ltd (ASX: ASX)

The ASX share price is down 1% to $56.91. This morning, this stock exchange operator released an update ahead of its annual general meeting. Management advised that "total expense growth guidance remains between 14% and 19% in FY26 compared to FY25. This includes operating expenses of between $25 million and $35 million related to ASX's response to the ASIC inquiry." Its core business expenses (ex. ASIC costs) are expected to be at the upper end of its guidance range.

Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL)

The Super Retail share price is down 3.5% to $16.54. Investors have been selling the retailer's shares following the release of a trading update at its annual general meeting. The Supercheap Auto owner revealed that sales were up 4.5% for the first 16 weeks of FY 2026. In addition, it advised that its gross margin has been stable. Judging by its share price weakness today, it seems that the market was expecting a stronger start to the new financial year.

The post Why Adairs, Alcoa, ASX, and Super Retail shares are falling today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

In early trade, the ASX 300 stock is down 3% to $2.11.

Why is this ASX 300 stock falling?

Investors have been rushing to the exits this morning after the homewares retailer downgraded its guidance for the first half of FY 2026.

According to the release, year to date trading across the first half of FY 2026 has been largely in line with what was foreshadowed in management's commentary provided with its results in August.

The ASX 300 stock revealed that Adairs' sales growth has moderated as it pulled back on the frequency and intensity of its promotional activity.

For the Focus on Furniture brand, after an encouraging start, sales have slowed despite ongoing promotional activity, which has led to a lower than planned gross profit margin.

One positive is that its online business, Mocka, has continued its strong sales momentum in the first half, with customers continuing to respond well to new product.

Overall, this isn't the best way for the ASX 300 stock to be performing ahead of the most important period of the half. Commenting on the period to come, it said:

Looking ahead, the next 10 weeks is the most important trading period for the half, delivering approximately 55% of sales for the half with key events like Adairs' next Linen Lover Sale Event (which commences this evening), Black Friday, Christmas, and Boxing Day sales to come. The H1 result is heavily dependent on performance during these peak periods.

Guidance downgraded

The company has downgraded its first half sales and gross margin assumptions for the Adairs and Focus on Furniture businesses.

It now expects Adairs sales of $225 million to $232 million (down from $229 million to $236 million) with a gross margin of 61.4% to 61.9%.

The Focus on Furniture business is now expected to generate sales of $60 million to $63 million (down from $62 million to $64 million) with a gross margin of 50.2% to 50.7%.

This is ultimately expected to lead to Adairs reporting group sales of $319.5 million to $331.5 million for the half. While this is up 2.9% to 3.8% on the prior corresponding period, it is down from its previous guidance range of $324.5 million to $336.5 million. This is expected to be achieved with a gros margin of 59% to 59.5%, compared to its previous guidance of 58.8% to 59.6%.

Commenting on its outlook, the ASX 300 stock said:

We remain cautiously optimistic about the trading outlook for the rest of the half. All three businesses are well stocked, and our team are well prepared for the peak trading period ahead.

The post Guess which ASX 300 stock just downgraded its guidance appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

With the August reporting season done and dusted, scores of companies have ex-dividend dates next week.

If you're keen to buy any of these ASX shares while they are still trading cum dividend, time is running out!

To receive a stock's next dividend, you must buy or already own it before the ex-dividend day.

We provide a sample of the ASX shares going ex-dividend next week below.

35 ASX shares about to go ex-dividend

The post 35 ASX shares with ex-dividend dates next week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Adairs' shares are galloping higher this Wednesday. The ASX 200 homewares and furniture retailer closed at $2.29 a share yesterday afternoon. This morning, those same shares opened at $2.20 each before rocketing up to $2.57 at the time of writing. That's a gain worth a whopping 12.45%.

The catalyst for this dramatic jump was the FY2025 full-year earnings report that Adairs released this morning, before market open.

What did Adairs report for FY2025?

For the 12 months to 30 June 2025, Adairs revealed that its group sales came in at $618.1 million. That's a 6.5% rise over the $580.4 million reported for FY2024.

Underlying earnings were $55.2 million, up 1.4% over last financial year's $54.5 million. That was helped by a 21.2% rise in the underlying earnings of the core Adairs business to $35.8 million. However, it was also hindered by a 36.6% decline in the earnings of the Focus on Furniture division to $11.8 million.

Adairs' gross margin was also down, falling 140 basis points from 60.3% to 58.9%.

Overall, Adairs reported a group net profit after tax (NPAT) of $25.7 million, and an earnings per share (EPS) metric of 14.6 cents. That NPAT metric represents a 17.9% drop from FY2024's $31.1 million. Meanwhile, Adairs' earnings per share were down 18.5% from FY2024's 17.9 cents.

That prompted management to declare a final (and fully franked) dividend of 4 cents per share for Adairs shares in FY2025. That's a 42.86% cut from last year's final dividend of 7 cents per share.

Here's some of what Adairs' CEO, Elle Roseb,y had to say on these numbers:

FY25 marked the beginning of a strategic reset for the Group. We've delivered solid top-line growth and strong EBIT results at Adairs and Mocka, while laying the groundwork for future performance improvement at Focus on Furniture. Across the Group, we're sharpening our customer focus, streamlining operations, and investing in brand, product and technology innovation…. I'm pleased with the progress we've made and optimistic about the opportunities ahead.

What's next for Adairs' shares?

Given the mixed bag of numbers we've just experienced, you might wonder why Adairs' shares are surging today. The answer might lie in the company's trading update for the first eight weeks of the 2026 financial year.

Adairs revealed that group sales over these eight weeks are up a huge 22.6% compared to the same period in FY2025. That includes growth of 26.6% for the core Adairs business, 6.7% for Focus on Furniture and 39.4% for Mocka.

Despite today's momentous share price gains, Adairs' shares are down 6.8% year to date in 2025. However, the company is up 23.7% over the past 12 months.

At the current share price, Adairs is trading on a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 13.6, with a trailing dividend yield of 5.31%.

The post Adairs shares pop 11% despite FY25 dividend cut appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Of course, an ASX share isn't a buy just because it has fallen. But, I'm expecting there could be a recovery for these businesses because they are currently going through a tough time but it's likely only temporary, in my view.

While this upcoming earnings season may not show a recovery yet, I think FY26 could be an important year for both of them following RBA cash rate cuts. There could be two or three rate cuts within the next 12 months, which could significantly help the customers of the following two ASX value stocks.

Adairs Ltd (ASX: ADH)

Adairs is best known for the retail business of the same name, which sells homewares and furniture. It also owns other retail businesses, namely Focus on Furniture and Mocka, which are predominantly furniture retailers.

The Adairs share price is down 24% in 2025 at the time of writing, as the chart below shows, making it look much better value to me.

This share price decline of the ASX value stock was spurred by weaker profit margins because of elevated levels of promotional activity to stimulate sales. This was felt particularly in the Focus on Furniture business, which is expecting to report a 7% sales decline in FY25, leading to a 35.9% drop of underlying operating profit (EBIT) for that segment.

But, the other two businesses are seeing positive operating leverage. For FY25, Adairs segment sales is expected to have grown 9.2% with 21% underlying operating profit growth, while Mocka sales are projected to have risen 14.1%, helping Mocka's underlying operating profit grow 18.5%.

I don't think Focus on Furniture will see another large profit decline, particularly with the RBA rate cuts potentially unlocking an improvement in household spending.

According to the forecasts on Commsec, the Adairs share price is currently trading at under 9x FY26's estimated earnings with a possible grossed-up dividend yield of more than 10%, including franking credits.

Accent Group Ltd (ASX: AX1)

Accent is another ASX retail share, it's focused on retailing footwear and apparel. It owns a number of brands itself, such as The Athlete's Foot, Stylerunner, Glue Store and Platypus. The company also sells a number of global shoe brands including Ugg, Skechers, Vans, Hoka and Herschel.

The ASX value stock is also seeing a challenging retail environment, which has required higher levels of promotional activity to sell products to ensure a good inventory position. That's essentially why the Accent share price is down 37% this year (at the time of writing), as the chart below shows.

I'm optimistic that RBA rate cuts and the calming of inflation can help customer budgets.

Plus, the business continues to roll out new stores in the local market. The recent agreement with Frasers Group to roll out Sports Direct stores in Australia and New Zealand is particularly exciting, combined with gaining access to its brands such as Lonsdale, Everlast and Slazenger.

In FY26, the ASX value stock is scheduled to start working with the brands Dickies and Lacoste, which could help boost sales and profit generation.

According to the forecast on Commsec, the Accent share price is valued at under 10x FY26's estimated earnings with a possible grossed-up dividend yield of almost 11%, including franking credits.

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Retailers do not have the same level of consistent demand as other sectors like telecommunications and utilities, so it's normal for net profit to rise and fall.

Investors usually value a business based on how much profit it is expected to make, so it's understandable that the share prices of retailers go through volatility. I believe those beaten-up ASX retailers can be a bargain if they're at a low point in the cycle. I'll talk about two sold-off retailers that I think could bounce back.

A key reason for that belief is that the more the RBA cuts the cash rate, the more money that households have in their budget, which could boost spending in various categories.

Adairs Ltd (ASX: ADH)

This company has three different operating businesses that sell furniture and homewares: Adairs, Focus on Furniture, and Mocka.

The Adairs share price has declined by 22% in 2025 to date, and it's down close to 50% since the end of 2021.

Adairs recently gave a FY25 trading update which noted elevated promotional activity to drive sales and manage inventory, which has impacted margins. That's why FY25 group sales are guided to grow 6.1% but underlying group operating profit (EBIT) is guided to increase 1.2% for the financial year.

However, I'm confident on both sales and margins improving in FY26 and beyond. Firstly, the RBA rate cuts could boost consumer spending which could boost the cheap ASX share.

Second, the company's impressive national distribution centre is seeing service and cost metrics continue to improve, and I think this will assist the business further in FY26. I'm also excited by the plan for Mocka to be sold in physical stores.

Third, it's not the entire business that is hurting. Both Adairs and Mocka saw pleasing profitability trends – it's Focus on Furniture that's expecting a 36% drop in underlying EBIT. But if that trend continues, the struggling part of the business will have a smaller impact on the FY26 result than FY25.

In FY25, the company is expecting to report sales growth of 9.2% and 14.1% for Adairs and Mocka, respectively. Underlying EBIT is expected to increase by 21% and 18.5%, respectively, for Adairs and Mocka.

According to the forecast on Commsec, the Adairs share price is valued at 9x FY26's estimated earnings.

Accent Group Ltd (ASX: AX1)

Accent is an important footwear retailer in the local market because of its own businesses and the global brands with which it has agreements to distribute.

Some of those global brands include Vans, Skechers, Hoka, Herschel, Sebago, Merrell, Ugg, Timberland, and Saucony. Its own businesses include Platypus, The Athlete's Foot, Hype, Stylerunner, Nude Lucy, and Article One.

As the chart below shows, the Accent share price has dropped over 37% since the start of 2025.

I think this is a good time to invest in the cheap ASX share after it has had to navigate similar issues as Adairs – a weaker sales environment has led to weaker margins.

The business could grow profit thanks to a few different ways.

First, there's the store rollout of various brands. This could deliver higher sales, and the business could benefit from scale advantages.

Second, it's going to open dozens of Sports Direct stores across Australia and New Zealand in the coming years. This agreement with Sports Direct owner Frasers will also allow Accent to sell Frasers brands through Sports Direct stores and other Accent businesses. Those brands include Everlast, Lonsdale, Slazenger, Karrimor, USA Pro, and Hot Tuna.

Third, there are the RBA rate cuts, which could help increase consumer demand.

Finally, Accent could continue expanding its portfolio of brands. In FY26, it will work with Dickies and Lacoste.

According to Commsec estimates, the Accent share price is trading at just under 10x FY26's estimated earnings.

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The market response to the result often relates to how good the numbers are compared to expectations rather than the actual level of growth achieved. The outlook commentary is also likely to be important for what investors think of the business.

With the results rapidly approaching, there are a few elements I'm considering.

Is there too much pessimism?

A company's share price is always changing. Over time we notice trends of it rising or falling as the market's optimism or pessimism takes hold until the next major company update.

When businesses head towards an earnings result with too much pessimism, there could be some good value on offer for investors.

If the market has been (too) pessimistic, investors may see a pleasing boost to the share price.

I'm always on the lookout for stocks that seem undervalued for their earnings potential and the upcoming ASX earnings season is the first (but not last) opportunity for a business to send its share price higher.

There are some businesses that seem to me as though they're undervalued for the medium-to-long-term such as Propel Funeral Partners Ltd (ASX: PFP), Guzman Y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG), Siteminder Ltd (ASX: SDR) and Bailador Technology Investments Ltd (ASX: BTI).  

I'm actively looking to invest more in some of the businesses above and other names.

I think there could also be a chance for real estate investment trusts (REITs) to positively surprise if their property valuations have increased in the last six months following two cash rate cuts from the RBA.

Inflation?

Inflation has been a difficult economic factor for businesses. Some companies have complained about rising costs. Others, such as Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) and Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO), have used the inflationary environment to justify sizeable price increases for customers.

I am going to see if the businesses that were previously facing inflationary pressures are now experiencing, or about to see, a bit of breathing room with their margins.

How businesses are seeing inflation now could have an important influence on what the RBA does over the next 12 months. Businesses like Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW), Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) and AGL Energy Ltd (ASX: AGL) could have very interesting things to say.

Will ASX earnings season show some stocks are turning around?

Some discretionary retailers have gone through difficult times in the last few years up until now. I'm thinking of names like Accent Group Ltd (ASX: AX1), Adairs Ltd (ASX: ADH), Reece Ltd (ASX: REH), Metcash Ltd (ASX: MTS) (which has already reported) and others.

The reported numbers in the upcoming ASX earnings season are likely to show FY25 was another challenging year for some companies. But, the trading update for the first few weeks of FY26 could be very telling. Will they show an improvement year-over-year following interest rate cuts and a weak comparable period in the first few weeks of FY25, implying the worst is over? Or have weak sales growth (or even a decline) continued?

Time will tell, but there could be opportunities. In particular, for investors who are able to spot undervalued businesses that are primed for a turnaround.

The post 1 month until ASX earnings season begins: how I'm preparing appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

High inflation and high interest rates were detrimental for asset valuations, but I'm expecting that to reverse in the coming months and years.

While the US tariff situation remains uncertain, I think certain ASX stocks are well positioned to materially benefit from rate cuts.

ASX property shares to win?

For me, there's one clear area of opportunity. Property businesses like ASX real estate investment trusts (REITs) have suffered from both the higher cost of debt (hurting rental profits) as well as the headwind for property valuations.

Warren Buffett once explained why interest rates are so important to valuations:

The value of every business, the value of a farm, the value of an apartment house, the value of any economic asset, is 100% sensitive to interest rates because all you are doing in investing is transferring some money to somebody now in exchange for what you expect the stream of money to be, to come in over a period of time, and the higher interest rates are the less that present value is going to be. So every business by its nature…its intrinsic valuation is 100% sensitive to interest rates.

Currently, there are a number of appealing ASX property shares that are trading at large discounts to their underlying value. I'm thinking of names like Rural Funds Group (ASX: RFF), Centuria Industrial REIT (ASX: CIP), Charter Hall Long WALE REIT (ASX: CLW) and Dexus Industria REIT (ASX: DXI).

With predictable rental income, sizeable distributions and large asset discounts, I think they're primed to outperform the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) over the medium-term.

I also believe property fund managers could be strong performers because a turnaround in conditions for the real estate sector could mean a boost to funds under management (FUM), both through positive property revaluations and clients allocating more money to funds managers such as Centuria Capital Group (ASX: CNI) and Charter Hall Group (ASX: CHC).

Other areas that could benefit

I also believe that defensive ASX shares could beneficiaries of the rate cuts. I'm thinking of names like Transurban Group (ASX: TCL), APA Group (ASX: APA) and Propel Funeral Partners Ltd (ASX: PFP) that look appealing at the current valuations. In my view, they look too cheap, particularly with RBA rate cuts seemingly inbound.

ASX retail shares could also be appealing. However, they're unlikely to see a uniform increase in sales. So, I'd pay closer attention here to the valuation and potential for a sales recovery. Names like Accent Group Ltd (ASX: AX1) and Adairs Ltd (ASX: ADH) could be brave, contrarian ideas.

The post Where I'd invest in ASX shares ahead of the likely RBA rate cut appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Investors have been hoping ASX retailers will quickly turnaround following the high inflationary period, but that hasn't quite happened yet in most cases.

The two ASX shares I'll discuss have both sold off recently after updates were not as positive as the market had hoped. On a medium-term basis, this could be a good time to invest.

Adairs Ltd (ASX: ADH)

The Adairs share price is down 21% in the past month, as the chart below shows.

The ASX share is a furniture and homewares company with three different businesses – Adairs, Mocka and Focus On Furniture.

In a June update, the company said the Adairs business is on track to deliver a record sales year in FY25, with revenue growth of approximately 9% year over year. However, that performance has been helped by "elevated promotional activity aimed at driving sales and managing inventory". The Australian dollar also weakened compared to the prior year. Those two factors negatively impacted the gross profit margin.

Group revenue growth is expected to be 6.1% in FY25, with Focus on Furniture revenue predicted to decline 7% and Mocka revenue forecast to increase 14.1%.

However, Adairs is expecting underlying operating profit (EBIT) growth of 1.2%.

There are a number of positives to take from the update for the medium-term.

First, the Adairs national distribution centre (NDC) continues to see service and cost metrics improve.

Second, new and refurbished Focus on Furniture sales are outperforming others in the portfolio. The national store roll-out will continue.

Third, Mocka Australia is performing well (with 25% revenue growth in FY25) and it's trialling Mocka with physical stores.

I think the ASX share's earnings can bounce in FY26 following multiple RBA rate cuts if consumers return to the shops (and websites) in greater numbers.

Accent Group Ltd (ASX: AX1)

The Accent share price has dropped 22% in the past month, as the chart below shows.

Accent is a major shoe retailer in Australia, with a number of its own businesses including The Athlete's Foot, Stylerunner, Platypus and several others. It also acts as a local distributor for numerous global brands including Skechers, Ugg, Vans, Hoka, Herschel and Saucony.

In a June update, the business reported that trading conditions continued to be challenging in the second half of FY25, with low overall growth in the lifestyle footwear market from March to early June, impacting sales in both the retail and wholesale segments.

Accent said the promotional environment and a focus on managing inventory levels is pressuring its gross profit margin. Accent said its gross profit margin in the second half to date had dropped 80 basis points year-over-year. Operating profit (EBIT) for FY25 is expected to be between $108 million to $111 million.

Like Adairs, this isn't what shareholders want to see. But, I believe it's just a shorter-term problem because both company-specific and wider economic factors could help profit growth.

Firstly, I think multiple RBA rate cuts could help improve consumer confidence (and finances).

Second, Accent continues to roll-out stores which should help sales growth and support profit margins through scale benefits.

Third, the ASX share has going to work with Fraser's to open dozens of Sports Direct stores in Australia and New Zealand and also bring its portfolio of brands to Sports Direct and other Accent Stores, including Everlast, Lonsdale, Slazenger, Karrimor, USA Pro and Hot Tuna.

Overall, I think earnings can recover in FY26 and beyond.

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When interest rates fall, consumers generally have more disposable income and access to cheaper credit, often boosting spending on discretionary items and lifting the performance of related shares. 

In simple terms, if your mortgage repayments go down by a couple hundred dollars, you might be more inclined to spend on luxuries like electronics, jewellery, a holiday or upgrades for your car. 

Investor sentiment also plays a role. As lower rates typically make equities more attractive compared to fixed-income investments, driving money into growth-oriented sectors like consumer discretionary.

For investors looking to anticipate these rate cuts with timely investments, here are some consumer discretionary shares worth watching. 

Amotiv Ltd (ASX: AOV)

Amotiv engages in the manufacture, distribution, and sale of automotive products, pumps, pool and spa systems, and water pressure systems.

It also focuses on manufacturing and marketing of towing, trailering, functional accessories and associated products for the automotive aftermarket.

It is behind brands such as Narva, Ryco, and Kaymar.

These consumer discretionary shares are down 20.21% over the last year, however a low interest rate environment could help the company turnaround. 

Broker Bell Potter's price target indicates the stock may have fallen below fair value. 

At the time of writing, shares are trading at $8.29 each. 

The broker has a price target of $11.00 along with a "buy" recommendation, indicating an upside of 32.68%. 

Lower interest rates can help AOV shares by supporting consumer demand for non-essential automotive accessories. 

Furthermore, lower rates generally reduce borrowing costs for businesses. When companies carry debt, it can benefit from lower interest expenses. 

This can improve its net profit margins and cash flow. This may enhance earnings per share (EPS), which can lift investor sentiment and share price. 

Adairs Ltd (ASX: ADH)

Adairs is a specialty retailer focused on home furnishings, furniture, and décor. Its retail brands include Adairs, Adairs Kids, and Urban Home Republic.

This consumer discretionary company has experienced significant volatility over the past year, however remains up 10% over the period.

Bell Potter also has a favourable view on the current price of these consumer discretionary shares.

At the time of writing shares are trading at $2.09. 

It currently has an "overweight" recommendation and price target of $2.35. 

This indicates an upside of 12.44%. 

Speaking on the upcoming RBA rate decisions in a report on Tuesday, the broker said future rate cuts can positively impact the retail sector:

While the second cash rate cut in May-25 for Australia should somewhat assist trends through to the rest of CY25, we see a more meaningful benefit from a third cut anticipated in Jul-25. We view good potential for retail sales trends to shift meaningfully in Sep-25 supported by the Jul/Aug cash rate cuts and easier comps into the end of 3QCY25.

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