But which ones could be worth buying now?

Let's take a look at three shares that could offer attractive income in the coming years.

Accent Group Ltd (ASX: AX1)

The first ASX dividend share to consider is Accent Group.

It is a major footwear and apparel retailer with brands including The Athlete's Foot, Platypus, Hype DC, and Stylerunner. It also has exposure to well-known international footwear brands such as Skechers.

Accent has been battling difficult retail conditions, which have weighed heavily on earnings and its share price.

However, the company has a strong position in the Australian footwear market and a large store network that could benefit when consumer spending improves.

As a result, income investors may want to consider buying Accent shares while sentiment is weak and potentially benefit from a recovery in earnings and dividends.

Morgans is expecting a fully franked 4.9 cents per share dividend in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of 69 cents, this equates to a dividend yield of 7.1%.

Cedar Woods Properties Ltd (ASX: CWP)

Another ASX dividend share that could be worth considering is Cedar Woods Properties.

The property developer has a portfolio of residential communities, apartments, townhouses, and commercial developments across Australia.

What makes Cedar Woods attractive is its exposure to the country's ongoing need for housing.

Population growth, housing shortages, and demand for well-located communities could support the company's development pipeline for many years.

Cedar Woods also has a long history of returning profits to shareholders through dividends.

The team at Bell Potter expects this trend to continue. It has forecast a fully franked FY 2027 dividend of 44 cents per share. Based on its current share price of $6.49, this would mean a forward dividend yield of approximately 6.8%.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

A final ASX dividend share to look at is Woolworths.

The supermarket giant offers a different type of income opportunity to the first two companies.

Its yield is lower, but its earnings are supported by one of the most defensive industries in the country.

Australians need to buy groceries regardless of what is happening with interest rates, employment, or consumer confidence. This gives Woolworths a relatively dependable revenue base.

For investors seeking passive income from a mature, cash-generating business, Woolworths could be a strong option.

Morgans is forecasting a fully franked dividend of $1.08 per share in FY 2027. This represents a dividend yield of approximately 2.8%.

The post Why these ASX dividend shares could be buys for passive income appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

There are plenty of other companies out there that can provide attractive dividends while giving investors exposure to different parts of the economy.

With that in mind, here are three ASX passive income stocks that could be worth considering if you have $50,000 to invest.

Accent Group Ltd (ASX: AX1)

Accent Group could be an interesting option for investors looking for a combination of income and growth.

It is one of Australia's largest footwear and apparel retailers, with stores including The Athlete's Foot, HypeDC, Platypus, Stylerunner, and Skechers.

Retail can be cyclical, but Accent has built a strong position by focusing on categories where consumers are often prepared to spend for brands they know and like.

It also has a large store network, growing online operations, and exposure to some of the world's biggest footwear brands.

If consumer spending improves in the near term and Accent's earnings rebound, there could be scope for dividends to increase meaningfully.

HomeCo Daily Needs REIT (ASX: HDN)

Another ASX passive income stock to look at is the HomeCo Daily Needs REIT. It could suit investors looking for a more defensive source of income.

HomeCo Daily Needs is a property company that owns neighbourhood retail, large-format retail, healthcare, and other assets linked to everyday spending.

Its tenants include supermarkets, pharmacies, childcare operators, healthcare providers, and other businesses that people continue using through different economic conditions. This can provide relatively dependable rental income.

I also like that the portfolio is focused on practical properties rather than relying heavily on offices or discretionary shopping centres.

Overall, this could make HomeCo Daily Needs REIT a solid option for investors wanting regular income from property.

Transurban Group (ASX: TCL)

Transurban is another ASX stock that could be well suited to passive income.

It owns and operates toll roads across Australia and North America, including important roads in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.

These are difficult assets to replicate. As cities grow and congestion increases, motorists can place significant value on roads that help them get around more quickly.

Transurban also benefits from toll increases built into many of its road concessions, which can help revenue grow over time and supports an attractive income profile for investors.

Another positive is the company has a long pipeline of infrastructure projects, which could allow cash flows and dividends to increase over the years.

For investors seeking passive income backed by large-scale infrastructure assets, Transurban could be worth a look.

The post 3 ASX passive income stocks to buy with $50,000 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

What did Accent Group report?

• Total sales reached $1.64 billion, up from $1.62 billion in FY25
• EBITDA came in at $278.9 million (FY25: $288.8 million)
• Underlying EBIT was $105.3 million; underlying NPAT was $51.0 million
• Reported statutory NPAT loss of $13.8 million due to a $48.6 million goodwill impairment
• Final fully franked dividend of 1.25 cents per share; total dividends for FY26 were 4.5 cents (FY25: 7.0 cents)

What else do investors need to know?

Accent Group completed the closure of loss-making businesses, notably the OzSale and Glue operations, which removed about $17.8 million of annualised losses. This allowed management to focus on high-performing brands and new growth opportunities.

The company successfully continued its reacquisition of The Athlete's Foot (TAF) franchise stores, acquiring 17 in FY26, with positive contributions from these locations. Meanwhile, the launch and rollout of Sports Direct saw three stores (plus online) trading by year-end, with strong early sales and plans to expand further.

Accent Group finished the year with 876 stores, opening 43 new stores—including key brands like HOKA, Stylerunner, UGG, Lacoste, and Sports Direct—while closing 59, supporting the ongoing transformation and brand focus.

What did Accent Group management say?

Accent Group CEO Daniel Agostinelli said:

FY26 was a year of significant strategic progress for Accent Group despite a challenging macroeconomic backdrop. We completed the closure of loss-making businesses, launched and expanded Sports Direct, continued the TAF franchise reacquisition program, and released our 2030 Strategic Growth Plan. Whilst the consumer environment remained challenging, the business delivered underlying EBIT of $105.3 million and is well positioned for FY27, supported by initiatives being implemented under our 2030 Strategic Growth Plan

What's next for Accent Group?

Looking ahead, management is driving several initiatives as part of its 2030 Strategic Growth Plan, aiming to reach at least $1.9 billion in sales, a 9%+ EBIT margin, and roughly 950 stores by the end of the decade. The focus includes ongoing cost savings, efficient capital use, new store rollouts, and digital investment, especially in vertical and performance brands.

Early trading in FY27 has shown positive signs, with owned sales (excluding closed businesses) up 3.2% in the first seven weeks. Gross margins improved in July as well, helped by disciplined inventory management, while the sports category and online channels remain resilient and key to future growth.

Accent Group share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Accent Group shares have declined 52%, trailing the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO).

View Original Announcement

The post Accent Group reports FY26 results appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

What did Accent Group report?

• Frasers Group's unconditional, all-cash offer remains at $0.65 per Accent share
• The offer price represents a 6% premium to the 5-day VWAP and a 12% premium to the 1-month VWAP
• Accent's recent like-for-like sales slipped into negative territory for H2 FY26 so far
• Accent's independent board committee (IBC) repeated its view that the offer is "materially inadequate"
• No formal valuation or valuation range for Accent shares has been disclosed by Accent
• The bid closes at 4:00pm (Sydney time) on 30 September 2026, unless extended or withdrawn

What else do investors need to know?

The supplementary bidder's statement was prompted by Accent's corrective disclosure following concerns raised with the Takeovers Panel by Frasers. Frasers argues that Accent's rejection relies heavily on long-term aspiring targets (not forecasts) and omits important context about near-term performance.

Frasers points to ongoing uncertainty around Accent's earnings and highlights the negative trend in like-for-like sales since the first half of FY26. According to Frasers, the company's own board has also flagged risks of a material goodwill impairment in the near term.

What's next for Accent Group?

Frasers continues to seek shareholder acceptance for its bid, emphasising that Accent has not provided a formal valuation or bridge between current results and long-term ambitions. The group urges shareholders to weigh the certainty of the cash offer against uncertainty in Accent's outlook.

The offer is scheduled to close on 30 September 2026, unless extended. Frasers remains critical of Accent's leadership and disclosure practices, calling for a refreshed board to drive future growth and stability.

Accent Group share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Accent Group shares have declined 53%, trailing the All Ordinaries Index (AS:X XAO), which has risen 5% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Accent Group share price in focus as Frasers releases updated bidder's statement appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

What did Accent Group report?

• The Takeovers Panel has declined to conduct proceedings involving Accent Group.
• Accent is subject to an on-market takeover bid by Frasers Group plc.
• The Panel raised preliminary concerns about Accent's earlier disclosure regarding the bid.
• Accent issued a First Supplementary Target's Statement with corrective disclosure on 29 July 2026.
• The Panel is satisfied Accent shareholders have now received sufficient information.

What else do investors need to know?

Accent's revised disclosures addressed all the Takeovers Panel's concerns, including clarity around how its independent board committee assessed Frasers' offer and the use of recent share price history in determining value. The Panel accepted Accent's undertaking to promptly dispatch its First Supplementary Target's Statement to shareholders.

The process highlights the importance of transparent and comprehensive disclosure for investors. Investors are now in a better position to evaluate the merits of Frasers' offer using updated, relevant information.

What's next for Accent Group?

Now that the corrective disclosure has been completed and accepted by the Panel, the focus will shift back to the progress of the takeover bid. Accent's independent board committee remains responsible for guiding shareholders through their options as the offer continues.

Shareholders can expect further updates as the takeover process unfolds, including more communication from both Accent and Frasers as the bid period progresses.

Accent Group share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Accent Group shares have risen 52%, trailing the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO), which has risen 1% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Takeovers Panel declines to proceed on Accent Group takeover disclosure appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

What did Accent Group report?

• The Independent Board Committee (IBC) reiterated that the $0.65 offer is materially inadequate based on several factors.
  
• Accent's 2030 Strategic Growth Plan targets at least $1.9 billion in sales, an EBIT margin of 9% or more, and around 950 stores by FY30.
  
• The Group's FY25 sales base was roughly $1.5 billion, with an EBIT margin of 7.6%.
  
• Recent trading saw EBIT guidance for FY26 revised to $79.5–84.5 million after challenging retail conditions.
  
• Frasers previously acquired shares at prices significantly above the current offer.

What else do investors need to know?

Accent's board clarified that its recommendation is grounded in a broad set of factors, not just the 2030 plan. The company's value assessment factored in share price reference points, strategic position, absence of a meaningful control premium, and timing of the bid during weak retail market conditions. The board also noted that Frasers' earlier acquisitions were at much higher prices, giving context to the current offer.

The document provides transparency around the assumptions and risks underpinning Accent's growth plan. It highlights recent closures of loss-making businesses, substantial cost savings initiatives, and strategic new store rollouts as drivers for the Group's earnings potential.

What's next for Accent Group?

The board will continue to advise shareholders throughout the offer period, updating the market on any changes to its recommendation or to Accent's outlook. The company remains focused on executing its 2030 Strategic Growth Plan, with targeted growth in both store numbers and profitability. Investors are encouraged to review the extensive risk disclosures and to consider recent shifts in consumer sentiment and trading conditions.

Accent Group share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Accent Group shares have declined 51%, trailing the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO), which has risen 2% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Accent Group issues update on Frasers takeover bid and business outlook appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

What did Accent Group report?

• Frasers Group plc has extended its on-market takeover offer for Accent Group Limited shares.
• The new closing date for the offer is 4:00pm (Sydney time) on Wednesday, 30 September 2026.
• No changes have been made to the other terms of the offer.
• Accent Group Limited ordinary shares remain quoted on the ASX throughout the offer period.

What else do investors need to know?

The extension of the takeover offer provides Accent Group shareholders with additional time to assess whether to accept Frasers Group's bid. Investors should note that the offer's terms and price remain unchanged despite this extension.

Frasers Group, which already owns or controls a portion of Accent Group shares, is seeking to acquire all remaining ordinary shares. There is no indication of revised terms, so the original offer conditions still apply.

What's next for Accent Group?

Accent Group shareholders now have until at least 30 September 2026 to make a decision. Unless further extended or withdrawn, this is the final date for the current bid.

Shareholders are encouraged to review the notice of extension and consider any updates that may be released. Ongoing transparency from both Accent Group and Frasers Group will help investors stay informed about the process.

Accent Group share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, the Accent Group shares have declined 51%, trailing the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO), which is flat over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Accent Group: Takeover bid extension announced appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

ASX 200 shares are up 0.06% to 8,828.5 points at the time of writing. 

Meanwhile, two experts have revealed their views on three ASX shares (courtesy The Bull).

Let's see what they think.  

Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

The Goodman share price is $32.16, up 0.2% today and down 6.1% over FY26. 

Stuart Bromley from Medallion Financial Group has a buy rating on this ASX real estate investment trust (REIT).

Bromley said: 

GMG is a global industrial property group and data centre developer. Recent acquisitions and development activity have further strengthened the group's exposure to data centres, artificial intelligence infrastructure and cloud computing demand.

Work in progress of $14.5 billion at March 31, 2026 is expected to increase to $18 billion by the end of June.

We believe the market is still undervaluing the long term earnings potential of Goodman's data centre strategy.

Accent Group Ltd (ASX: AX1)

The Accent share price is steady at 71 cents and has almost halved over FY26. 

Arthur Garipoli from Dolphin Partners has a hold rating on this ASX consumer discretionary share. 

Garipoli said: 

This footwear and apparel retailer operates a chain of stores in Australia and New Zealand, such as Platypus, The Athlete's Foot, Hoka and UGG.

The company recently received an all cash takeover offer from Frasers Group PLC at 65 cents a share. The offer had no premium attached to the prevailing share price at the time.

The Accent board has recommended shareholders reject the offer as the price was materially inadequate.

We view the bid as opportunistic given prior weakness in the AX1 share price. The bidder may need to increase its offer if it wants Accent, or another suitor may emerge.

Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR)

The Karoon Energy share price is $1.43, up 4.2% today and down 25% over FY26. 

Garipoli has a sell rating on this ASX 200 energy share. 

He explained: 

This international oil and gas explorer and producer develops and operates offshore energy assets across Brazil, the United States and Australia. 

Karoon recently announced a downgrade in production guidance at the Who Dat asset in the US Gulf of Mexico for calendar year 2026.

The shares have fallen sharply post the production cut, but there may be further downside in response to falling crude oil prices resulting from increasing tanker traffic crossing the Strait of Hormuz.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Goodman, Accent, Karoon Energy shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

That's because Morgans recently named two that could be among the best to buy right now. Here's what it is recommending to clients:

Accent Group Ltd (ASX: AX1)

The team at Morgans recently put a buy rating and 85 cents price target on this footwear retailer's shares.

It made the move after the HypeDC and Platypus owner received an opportunistic takeover offer. It said:

Frasers Group has made an unconditional on-market cash takeover offer for AX1 at $0.65 per share, which represents no premium to the closing share price. We see this offer as opportunistic, given the weakness in the share price over the last 12 months (down 64%), and see scope for Frasers to revise its bid higher. We have made no changes to our forecasts, but have increased our target price to $0.85 (from $0.75) applying a lower discretionary discount. We retain our BUY recommendation.

With respect to dividends, Morgans expects Accent to reward its shareholders with fully franked payouts of 3.8 cents per share in FY 2026 and then 5 cents per share in FY 2027. Based on the current Accent share price of 72 cents, this would mean dividend yields of 5.3% and 6.9%, respectively.

Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT)

Morgans thinks that Flight Centre could be an ASX dividend share to snap up.

The broker recently put a buy rating and $14.80 price target on the travel agent's shares. It said:

Given recent downgrades from other travel industry peers due to the conflict in the Middle East, FLT's downgrade wasn't a surprise. Given its balance sheet strength and depressed share price, a new up to A$200m share buyback was announced. We have made only minor changes to our forecasts given FLT's guidance was broadly in line with our previous forecast.

While a peace agreement and eased travel restrictions are positive, we think 1H27 will still be challenging. We forecast a strong recovery in 2H27. If it wasn't for this conflict, FLT would have had a great year given its results for the first nine months were strong. We are buyers of FLT because when operating conditions ultimately improve, both its earnings and share price will be materially higher.

As for income, the broker is expecting fully franked dividends of 40 cents per share in FY 2026 and then 48 cents per share in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $12.06, this represents attractive 3.3% and 4% dividend yields, respectively.

The post 2 of the best ASX dividend shares to buy in July appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

At the time of writing, the Accent share price is down 0.68% at 73.5 cents.

That means the stock is still up almost 40% over the past month, although it remains around 20% lower since the start of 2026.

So, what did Accent have to say?

Accent tells shareholders to reject the offer

In a statement to the ASX, Accent said its Independent Board Committee has unanimously recommended that shareholders reject Frasers' unsolicited on-market takeover offer.

Frasers is offering 65 cents cash per share for the Accent shares it doesn't already own.

However, Accent has told shareholders to take no action and not sell into the offer.

The company warned that shareholders who accept the offer would miss out on any future upside from its strategy. They could also miss out on any higher offer from Frasers or another proposal that may come along.

Accent said it plans to set out the full reasons for its recommendation in its target's statement.

Why did the board say no?

There were a few reasons for knocking back the offer.

Firstly, Accent said the 65 cents offer does not include a premium. It is equal to the last closing price before the offer was announced and below Friday's closing price of 74 cents.

It also described the offer as materially inadequate. In the board's view, it does not properly reflect the company's strategic position, medium-term growth plans, or the benefits expected from its cost and trading program.

Furthermore, Accent took a bit of an issue with the timing.

It said the offer has landed during a weak period in the discretionary retail cycle, after its share price had already fallen over the past 12 months.

The board also pointed out that Frasers has previously paid much higher prices for Accent shares. This included $1.718 per share under a subscription agreement in May 2025 and an average price above 92 cents for on-market purchases in February.

Why Sports Direct is caught in the middle

There appears to be a lot of the disagreement on Sports Direct.

Accent pushed back on the idea that Frasers should gain more control without paying a proper control premium.

According to the company, Frasers has made clear that one of its goals is to increase its holding and gain influence over the board.

Frasers is also looking for more involvement in the Sports Direct ANZ business, which Accent described as a key strategic asset and a core part of its growth plans.

The board disagrees with a number of claims made by Frasers about Accent's board and management, including around the Sports Direct roll-out and communication between the two companies.

What happens from here?

Shareholders will now be waiting for Accent's target's statement, which should provide more detail on the board's view.

And while the takeover bid has helped support the share price, Accent is clearly arguing that 65 cents is not enough.

Now the next question is whether Frasers comes back with a better offer or digs its heels in for a longer takeover fight.

The post This ASX retail stock just rejected a takeover bid. Is a bigger offer coming? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

This week, brokers see new potential in several ASX shares.

Let's take a look at them.

Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR)

The Karoon Energy share price is $1.41, down 2.6% today.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 energy share has lost almost a third of its value.

Morgans upgraded Karoon Energy shares from a trim to hold rating on Tuesday.

The broker said:

A good company in a difficult position, dealing with multiple operational issues, albeit enjoying a nice bump in earnings resulting from the Middle East conflict.

Operator LLOG advised of ongoing operational issues leading to a 41% downgrade to Who Dat production in 2026, an 11% downgrade at group level. Down 20% in two sessions, KAR is trading close to our revised target price.

As a result, we lift our Trim rating to HOLD with a A$1.67 target price.

Morgans has a 12-month price target of $1.90, which implies very healthy upside of 35% ahead.

Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE)

The Treasury Wine Estates share price is $4.78, down 0.6% today.

Over the past month, this ASX wine share has risen 10%.

Citi upgraded Treasury Wine Estates shares to a buy rating on Tuesday.

The broker lifted its 12-month price target from $4.25 to $5.50.

This implies a potential 15% upside ahead.

Liontown Ltd (ASX: LTR)

The Liontown share price is $1.96, down 4.1% today.

In 2026, this ASX 200 lithium share has gained 21% in value.

Lithium commodity prices are rapidly recovering from a devastating two-year decline.

The carbonate price is now 43% higher YTD, following a 58% rise in 2025.

Macquarie upgraded Liontown shares to a buy rating on Monday.

The broker lifted its 12-month price target from $2.20 to $2.30.

This implies a potential 17% upside ahead.

Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN)

The Evolution share price is $12.55, down 5% today.

In 2026, this ASX 200 gold share has dipped 1%.

Macquarie upgraded Evolution shares to a buy rating on Tuesday.

The broker shaved its 12-month price target from $14 to $13.

This suggests just 3% potential upside ahead.

Sims Ltd (ASX: SGM)

The Sims share price is $29.45, down 1.8% today.

Over the past month, this ASX industrial share has ripped 31%.

Jefferies upgraded Sims shares to a hold rating on Wednesday.

The broker lifted its 12-month price target from $19 to $31.

This indicates a potential 6% upside over the next year. 

Accent Group Ltd (ASX: AX1)

The Accent share price is 73 cents, down 0.7% today.

Over the past month, this ASX consumer discretionary share has soared 31%.

On Monday, Frasers Group plc (LSE: FRAS) made an unconditional on-market cash takeover offer of 65 cents per share.

Following the bid, Morgan Stanley upgraded Accent shares to a hold rating.

The broker has a 12-month target of 75 cents.

This suggests the ASX retail share is almost fully valued.

The post 6 ASX shares upgraded by analysts this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Since this time last week, the ASX share has risen 17%.

The catalyst for this has been a low-ball takeover offer from one of the footwear retailer's shareholders.

Is it too late to invest? Let's see what analysts at Bell Potter are saying.

Is this ASX takeover target a buy?

Commenting on the takeover offer, Bell Potter said:

Accent Group (AX1)'s major shareholder with a 22.9% holding (as last reported), UK based Frasers Group (FRAS) made an on-market takeover bid on Monday morning. The current takeover bid represents no premium to the last close of $0.65 at the time and below the levels FRAS last acquired AX1 shares in Jan/Feb-26 at $0.90- 0.95/share. We see this as an opportunistic bid at a time when AX1 navigates cyclical low macroeconomic conditions especially in its key lifestyle footwear market (~60% of the group) with the broader category trending flat to negative in Australia and multiple earnings downgrades resulted from weak market conditions & poor performance from non-core businesses.

The broker has been looking into how much it thinks Accent shares are worth and has concluded that fair value is 80 cents per share. It explains:

Our previous 12-month based price target was A$0.60/share. We now utilise a terminal value-based price target for AX1, based on a terminal earnings base (historically last seen in FY23), in addition to cost cuts needed to achieve this level of earnings from our current low level of earnings base in FY27e. Thereafter we factor in a discount for the potential removal of certain brands within the poor performing lifestyle footwear division in reaching a fair value for AX1 shares. Our valuation of A$0.80/share sees ~23% upside from the present bid from FRAS.

Should you invest?

According to the note, Bell Potter has retained its hold rating on the ASX takeover target with an improved price target of 80 cents. This implies potential upside of 6.7% for investors from current levels.

In addition, it is forecasting fully franked dividend yields of 5.3% in FY 2026 and then 4.6% in FY 2027.

Commenting on its recommendation, the broker said:

There are no changes in our forecasts as we've recently downgraded our estimates (published on 20-May-26), however we revise down our expectations on forward dividend payments (BPe forward dividend payout of 62-64% vs prev. 72-74%). Our PT increases by ~33% to $0.80/share (prev. $0.60/share) as we consider a terminal valuation for the stock. Maintain HOLD.

The post Is the ASX takeover target a buy? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Will the market be able to build on this on Thursday? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 expected to tumble

It looks set to be a disappointing session for Australian investors on Thursday after a poor night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 72 points or 0.8% lower this morning. In the United States, the Dow Jones was down 1%, the S&P 500 fell 1.2%, and the Nasdaq tumbled 1.35%.

Hold Accent shares

Accent Group Ltd (ASX: AX1) shares are almost fully valued according to analysts at Bell Potter. This morning, in response to a takeover approach, the broker has retained its hold rating on the footwear retailer's shares with an improved price target of 80 cents (from 60 cents). It said: "We see this as an opportunistic bid at a time when AX1 navigates cyclical low macroeconomic conditions especially in its key lifestyle footwear market (~60% of the group) with the broader category trending flat to negative in Australia and multiple earnings downgrades resulted from weak market conditions & poor performance from non-core businesses."

Oil prices ease

It could be a subdued session for ASX 200 energy shares Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) after oil prices eased further overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 0.1% to US$75.96 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 0.1% to US$78.88 a barrel. Traders have been selling oil since the US and Iran agreed to a peace deal.

BHP and Rio Tinto shares on watch

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) shares could have a poor session on Thursday after their NYSE-listed shares dropped on Wall Street overnight. BHP shares were down almost 2.5% and Rio Tinto shares were down almost 3%. This may have been driven by a pullback in commodity prices, including a 2.1% decline in the copper price.

Gold price sinks

It could be a poor session for ASX 200 gold shares Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) on Thursday after the gold price sank overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is down 1.8% to US$4,227.3 an ounce. This was despite the US Federal Reserve keeping interest rates on hold overnight. This was the first policy decision under new chair Kevin Warsh.

The post 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Let's see if the broker is bullish, bearish, or something in between on these names. Here's what it is saying:

Accent Group Ltd (ASX: AX1)

Morgans remains positive on this struggling footwear retailer and notes that it received an opportunistic takeover offer this week.

In response, the broker has retained its buy rating on Accent shares with an improved price target of 85 cents. This compares to its current share price of 76 cents. It commented:

Frasers Group has made an unconditional on-market cash takeover offer for AX1 at $0.65 per share, which represents no premium to the closing share price. We see this offer as opportunistic, given the weakness in the share price over the last 12 months (down 64%), and see scope for Frasers to revise its bid higher. We have made no changes to our forecasts, but have increased our target price to $0.85 (from $0.75) applying a lower discretionary discount. We retain our BUY recommendation.

Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR)

This energy producer's shares have been hammered this week following a disappointing update.

While the update was disappointing, Morgans has upgraded Karoon Energy's shares to a hold rating with a $1.67 price target following the share price decline. This compares favourably to its current share price of $1.44. The broker said:

A good company in a difficult position, dealing with multiple operational issues, albeit enjoying a nice bump in earnings resulting from the Middle East conflict. Operator LLOG advised of ongoing operational issues leading to a 41% downgrade to Who Dat production in 2026, an 11% downgrade at group level. Down 20% in two sessions, KAR is trading close to our revised target price. As a result, we lift our Trim rating to HOLD with a A$1.67 target price.

Transurban Group (ASX: TCL)

Morgans was disappointed with this toll road operator's recent traffic update, highlighting that traffic is below expectations.

It believes this leaves it positioned to fall short of consensus estimates. As a result, it has downgraded Transurban's shares to a sell rating with a $12.50 price target. This is 15% lower than its current share price of $14.74. It commented:

TCL's update indicated traffic is running below expectations. TCL also announced its exit from the Montreal market via divestment, crystallising an equity value loss. DCF-based 12-month target price reset to A$12.50/sh (-5% vs previously), with forecast downgrades (we are more bearish on EBITDA, Free Cash and DPS growth than consensus) partly offset by discount rate adjustments.

TCL's recent share price strength (+9% since its February result and not far off all-time highs) is not reflective of the weaker traffic growth and higher interest rate environment that typically challenges TCL's valuation. We recommend clients use the share price strength to take profits in overweight positions. Downgrade from HOLD to SELL.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Accent, Karoon Energy, and Transurban shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Four ASX shares that are rising more than most today are listed below. Here's why they are storming higher:

Accent Group Ltd (ASX: AX1)

The Accent share price is up 15% to 74.5 cents. This follows news that major shareholder, Frasers Group, has made a low-ball takeover offer of 65 cents per share. This was where the footwear retailer's shares ended last week. The company's board has advised shareholders to take no action. It said: "The Accent Board notes that: the Offer Price is equal to the last closing price of Accent shares on 12 June 2026 and therefore represents no premium to that closing price; Frasers' own substantial holding notice discloses that its last on-market purchases of Accent shares occurred between 3 February 2026 and 5 February 2026, at average prices above A$0.90, which is materially above the Offer Price; and because the Offer is an on-market bid, shareholders who sell their Accent shares to Frasers will not be able to withdraw that sale and will not receive the benefit of any increase in the Offer Price or any superior proposal that may emerge."

IperionX Ltd (ASX: IPX)

The IperionX share price is up 6% to $5.43. This morning, the titanium products company announced the US$3 million acquisition of critical mineral and mining assets adjacent to its flagship Titan Project in Tennessee. Management notes that the deal consolidates its position in the Big Sandy Critical Minerals Province. It also brings together established infrastructure and large stockpiles of pre-processed rare earth minerals.

Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST)

The Northern Star share price is up 7.5% to $20.73. Investors have been buying gold miners today after the precious metal surged in response to a peace deal between the US and Iran. With oil now flowing through the Strait of Hormuz and oil prices tumbling, there are hopes that inflation could ease and interest rates may not need to rise further.

Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG)

The Sigma Healthcare share price is up 7% to $2.83. Investors have been buying the Chemist Warehouse owner's shares after it announced that it was no longer interested in acquiring UK pharmacy chain Boots. It advised: "Sigma engaged in the Boots sale process given the potentially unique opportunity it presented to accelerate its UK expansion through the market-leading Boots brand and large footprint. However, following its preliminary review the Company has concluded that such an acquisition would not currently meet its strategic and capital investment objectives."

The post Why Accent, IperionX, Northern Star, and Sigma Healthcare shares are racing higher on Monday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

This morning, Frasers Group plc, one of the largest shareholders of Accent Group Ltd (ASX: AX1), lodged a takeover offer through Barrenjoey Markets.

However, unlike most takeover offers that are a significant premium to the prevailing share price, Frasers Group has made a very unattractive offer to the footwear retailer's shareholders.

What takeover offer has been made?

According to the release, Sports Direct owner Frasers Group has offered to buy Accent shares for 65 cents per share.

This is exactly the price that the ASX stock's shareholders could have sold their shares on Friday of last week if they wanted, with Accent shares ending the period at 65 cents.

And with the Platypus and HypeDC owner's shares down over 60% from their 52-week high, many shareholders would be making a sizeable capital loss on their investment.

It is also worth noting that Accent shares are up 9% to 71 cents on Monday, which is comfortably ahead of the offer price.

What is Frasers Group saying?

Frasers Group revealed that it doesn't have confidence in the ASX stock's chair, Lawrence Myers, and believes it would do a better job running its brands. It said:

Frasers is a great believer in the strength of the brands sold through Accent's retail network and has very successful commercial relationships with most of the brand owners through its existing global business. Frasers is highly confident in the long‑term potential of the brands in the Australian market. However, Frasers has significant concerns regarding Accent's strategic direction and performance under its chairman, Lawrence Myers, and the incumbent management team.

In forming this view, Frasers has had regard to matters including Accent's recent financial performance, approach to capital management, which has seen Accent continue to prioritise shareholder distributions during a period of declining earnings, increased borrowings and ongoing growth investment obligations, and the Accent Board's approach to executive compensation as well as the level of goodwill reported on Accent's balance sheet as at 29 June 2025.

It also warned that shareholders that don't accept the offer could face dilution from potential capital raises in the future. It adds:

If you retain your Accent Shares and do not accept the Offer, you may remain exposed to the risks and uncertainties associated with a continued investment in Accent, which include potential exposure to risks associated with any future equity dilution resulting from any issue of securities that Accent may decide to make or any increased debt funding that Accent may decide to obtain in response to its recent subdued financial performance and future capital and operational expenditure requirements.

Foolish takeaway

While some of what Frasers is saying is fair, it is worth remembering that many discretionary retailers are struggling in the current environment. So, it may not be fair to judge the company's performance during this period. As a result, I would be surprised if the majority of shareholders accepted the offer.

The post Guess which ASX stock is jumping on takeover offer appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Sales growth can slow, margins can tighten, and investors often become impatient very quickly. But I think this is the type of environment where patient investors can start looking for opportunities before confidence improves.

Two cheap ASX shares I would consider buying before the next consumer recovery becomes more obvious are named in this article.

Accent Group Ltd (ASX: AX1)

Accent Group has been through a painful period, with its share price down around 66% from its high. I think that weakness has created a more interesting setup.

The company owns a large portfolio of footwear and lifestyle banners, including The Athlete's Foot, Platypus, Hype DC, Nude Lucy, Skechers, and Stylerunner. That gives it exposure to several different customer groups, from performance footwear to streetwear, casual shoes, and youth fashion.

The attraction for me is that footwear is a repeat-purchase category. Customers may delay purchases when budgets are tight, but shoes still wear out, trends change, kids grow, and athletes keep needing product.

I also think the group has more levers than a smaller retailer.

It can adjust store formats, improve ranges, negotiate with landlords, grow stronger brands, and use its scale with suppliers. Its Sports Direct rollout could also add a different growth angle if management executes well.

This is still a higher-risk retail recovery story. Consumer demand could stay weak for longer, and retail turnarounds rarely move in a smooth line.

But I think the market may already be pricing in a very cautious outlook. If trading stabilises and management starts to rebuild earnings, Accent could offer meaningful upside from today's depressed levels.

Nick Scali Ltd (ASX: NCK)

Nick Scali is another cheap ASX share I would consider before the mood improves. Its shares are down over 40% from their high.

Furniture retail is closely tied to confidence, housing activity, renovation spending, and household budgets. When consumers feel stretched, a new sofa or dining table can be delayed.

That is why the stock can come under pressure during tougher retail conditions.

But I think Nick Scali has a strong long-term position. It has built a premium furniture brand with good margins, a disciplined store model, and a reputation for managing the cycle better than many retailers.

The UK opportunity also makes the story more interesting. Offshore expansion adds execution risk, but it gives the business another way to grow beyond the Australian market.

I like companies that can come through a softer period with their brand still intact and their balance sheet strong enough to keep investing. Nick Scali fits that description for me.

If interest rates ease in 2027, housing turnover improves, or consumers become more willing to spend on the home again, I think the earnings outlook could look better than it does today.

Foolish Takeaway

Consumer recovery stories can feel uncomfortable because the good news is often missing at the point of purchase.

That is part of the appeal. By the time shoppers feel confident again, and earnings momentum is obvious, the share prices may already have moved. I would rather look at businesses with strong brands, repeat demand, and management teams that can keep improving while conditions are difficult.

Accent and Nick Scali both carry risk, but I think they are worth considering before the next consumer upswing becomes clear.

The post Down 40%+! 2 cheap ASX shares I'd buy before the recovery becomes obvious appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The key is finding businesses with the cash flows, assets, or market positions to support shareholder returns over time.

With that in mind, here are five ASX dividend shares that could be worth a closer look this month.

Accent Group Ltd (ASX: AX1)

The first ASX dividend share to look at is Accent.

It is one of Australia's leading footwear and lifestyle retailers, with brands and store networks covering sports, streetwear, and casual fashion.

Retail can be a tough place when households are under pressure, but Accent has built a broad portfolio across well-known banners and owned brands. This gives it different ways to reach customers across stores and online.

The company's earnings can be cyclical, but when trading conditions improve, its cash generation can support attractive dividends.

Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN)

Another ASX dividend share that could be worth a look is Harvey Norman.

The retailer has been through plenty of consumer cycles before and remains a major player in furniture, electronics, appliances, bedding, and household goods.

What makes Harvey Norman different from many retailers is its property portfolio. This gives the business an extra layer of asset backing and makes the investment case broader than store sales alone.

Consumer spending remains a risk, but its brand, franchise model, and property exposure could continue supporting dividends over time.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)

A third ASX dividend share for income investors to consider is Macquarie.

Macquarie is not a traditional income stock, but it has a long record of rewarding shareholders while also reinvesting for growth.

Its operations span asset management, commodities, infrastructure, green energy, banking, and markets. That gives the company several ways to generate earnings across different conditions.

The company's dividends can move with profits, so income may not be perfectly smooth. But Macquarie's global platform and capital allocation record make it a high-quality option for investors seeking both income and growth.

Rural Funds Group (ASX: RFF)

A fourth ASX dividend share to look at for the $5,000 investment is Rural Funds.

This agricultural property owner leases farmland and related assets to operators across sectors such as cattle, almonds, macadamias, vineyards, and cropping.

That means it is more focused on rental income than directly running farms. This can provide a more predictable income stream than many agricultural businesses.

Overall, Rural Funds offers exposure to real assets and a dividend profile that stands apart from the usual bank and resource names.

Universal Store Holdings Ltd (ASX: UNI)

A final ASX dividend share for income investors to consider is Universal Store.

The youth fashion retailer operates brands including Universal Store, Perfect Stranger, and Thrills. It serves a clearly defined customer base and has been expanding its store network and online presence.

Fashion retail can be volatile, particularly when consumer confidence weakens. But Universal Store has a strong niche, a clean balance sheet, and room to keep growing its footprint.

If it continues executing well, it could provide both dividend income and long-term growth potential.

The post 5 ASX dividend shares to buy with $5,000 this month appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The global oil shock continued, with the Strait of Hormuz remaining effectively closed with scores of oil tankers stranded.

The Reserve Bank of Australia raised interest rates for a third time in 2026 last month due to resurgent inflation.

Softer-than-expected inflation data and 18,600 job losses in April suggest the RBA is unlikely to raise rates again this month.

The market expects the RBA to keep interest rates on hold at 4.35% on 16 June.

Changes to capital gains tax (CGT) proposed in the Federal Budget shocked some investors last month.

The 50% CGT discount for assets held for more than a year will be replaced by cost-base indexation and a minimum 30% CGT rate from 1 July 2027.

Existing investments in ASX shares and property will be grandfathered.

That means the 50% CGT discount will continue to apply to gains accrued before 1 July 2027 on those assets.

After 1 July 2027, cost base indexation will apply for future gains on those existing investments.

There is one exception under the changes. Investors who buy new properties will be able to choose between the two CGT methods.

Private wealth and investment advisory firm, Medallion Financial Group, says the changes may encourage more focus on yield.

For example, investors may prefer to accumulate more franked ASX dividend shares over growth investments.

Drew Meredith, a principal adviser at Wattle Partners, provides 5 tips for investors considering topping up their dividend stocks.

Most bought ASX shares in May

The following ASX shares and ETFs were the most bought by investors using the Bell Direct trading platform last month.

The rankings are based on order of net value of buy orders, minus sell orders, placed by Bell Direct clients.

Given the number of experts discussing the enhanced appeal of dividends under the CGT changes, it's interesting to see the market's largest ASX dividend ETF at the top of the buy list.

Source: Bell Direct

Most sold ASX shares last month

Source: Bell Direct

The post Top 10 ASX shares bought and sold by investors in May appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The footwear and apparel retailer is trading at 55 cents at the time of writing, down around 70% from its 52-week high.

That sort of fall tells us the market has become deeply cautious about the outlook. I can understand why. Consumer spending has been under pressure, retail conditions have been difficult, and investors have not had much patience for discretionary shares.

But after such a large sell-off, I think Accent Group is worth a closer look.

A big fully-franked yield

The first thing that stands out is the potential income.

According to CommSec, the consensus estimate is for Accent Group to pay dividends per share of 4.2 cents in FY26, 6.2 cents in FY27, and 6.6 cents in FY28.

Based on a 55 cents share price, that would imply forward dividend yields of around 7.6%, 11.3%, and 12%, respectively.

Those dividends are expected to be fully franked.

That is a large potential income stream if the forecasts prove accurate. Of course, dividend estimates can change, especially for a retailer exposed to consumer demand. But the market appears to be pricing Accent as though a lot has already gone wrong.

If earnings stabilise and the dividend outlook holds up, the income case could look very attractive.

The valuation looks low

Accent Group also screens cheaply on earnings estimates.

CommSec's consensus forecasts point to earnings per share of 6 cents in FY26, 8.8 cents in FY27, and 9.4 cents in FY28.

At 55 cents per share, that puts Accent on around 9 times FY26 earnings, just over 6 times FY27 earnings, and less than 6 times FY28 earnings.

That is not the valuation of a market favourite. It reflects genuine uncertainty. Investors are worried about consumer spending, margins, store performance, competition, and whether management can deliver on its improvement plans.

But I think that is where the opportunity may sit. A retailer does not need conditions to become perfect for a low valuation to start looking too harsh. It needs evidence that trading can improve, costs can be controlled, and earnings can recover.

A recovery plan is in motion

The third reason I am interested is that Accent Group is not standing still.

The company owns and operates a large portfolio of footwear and lifestyle banners, including The Athlete's Foot, Platypus, Hype DC, Skechers, and Stylerunner. It also has exposure to global brands, owned brands, wholesale channels, and a large store network across Australia and New Zealand.

That gives Accent scale, customer data, landlord relationships, and brand access that many smaller retailers cannot match.

Its recent strategic update pointed to a plan built around efficiency, brand evolution, and expansion. That includes cost savings, store portfolio optimisation, The Athlete's Foot franchise reacquisitions, and the rollout of Sports Direct across Australia and New Zealand.

There is execution risk here. Retail turnarounds can take time, and weak consumer conditions could keep pressure on the business for longer than expected.

But I like that Accent has several levers to pull. It can close weaker stores, improve costs, push stronger brands, expand promising formats, and benefit if shoppers become more confident again.

Foolish Takeaway

Accent Group will not suit investors who only want defensive earnings. This is a consumer-facing retailer, and the share price fall shows how quickly sentiment can turn when the market loses confidence.

But I think the current valuation and dividend forecasts are hard to ignore.

A fully-franked yield that could move into double digits, combined with a low earnings multiple and a credible recovery plan, makes this ASX dividend share look interesting to me.

The market is clearly worried. But if Accent Group can execute even reasonably well from here, today's share price may end up looking too pessimistic.

The post Could this fully-franked ASX dividend share be too cheap to ignore? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.