After yesterday's horrid 1.7% drop, investors weren't in the mood to turn the ship around today. The ASX 200 spent the entire session in the red and ended up closing down 0.82%. That leaves the index at 8,428.4 points as we head into the weekend.

This not-so-nice end to the trading week for Australian investors follows a similarly downbeat morning on the American markets.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) couldn't hold water, falling 0.44%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) only managed a slightly better performance, dropping 0.28%.

Time now to get back to the local markets and take a closer look at what was happening amongst the different ASX sectors this Friday.

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

Will the market be able to bounce back from this on Monday? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 expected to fall again

The Australian share market looks set for a disappointing start to the week following declines on Wall Street on Friday. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 61 points or 0.7% lower. In the United States, the Dow Jones was down 0.25%, the S&P 500 dropped 0.6%, and the Nasdaq tumbled 0.9%.

Oil prices rise

It could be a positive start to the week for ASX 200 energy shares Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) after oil prices charged higher on Friday night. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price was up 3.1% to US$98.71 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price was up 2.7% to US$103.14 a barrel. This was despite US efforts to reduce prices.

ASX 200 shares going ex-div

A number of ASX 200 shares are going ex-dividend this morning and could trade lower. This includes Capricorn Metals Ltd (ASX: CMM), Chorus Ltd (ASX: CNU), Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB), Kingsgate Consolidated Ltd (ASX: KCN), and Ramelius Resources Ltd (ASX: RMS). Hub24 is rewarding shareholders with a 36 cents per share fully franked dividend next month on 21 April.

Gold price falls

ASX 200 gold shares such as Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a poor start to the week after the gold price tumbled on Friday night. According to CNBC, the gold futures price was down 2% to US$5,023.1 an ounce. This was the second week in a row of weekly declines in response to inflation and rate hike concerns.

Buy Cochlear shares

The team at Wilsons thinks investors should be buying Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH) shares. It highlights that the hearing solution company's shares are trading at a material discount to long-term multiples. The broker said: "Cochlear trades on a forward P/E multiple of ~26x, representing a >10 year low and a material discount to its 10-year average of ~42x. We view this as a compelling entry point for a high-quality business ahead of accelerating earnings growth."

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

In order to receive a dividend, you must own the ASX share before its ex-dividend date.

As we've reported, some of the biggest dividend increases among ASX mining shares this season came from the gold miners.

Next week, two of them go ex-dividend.

Ramelius Resources Ltd (ASX: RMS) shares will pay a fully-franked interim dividend of 3 cents per share on 15 April.

This exceeds the company's commitment to pay a minimum annual dividend of 2 cents per share for FY26.

Ramelius Resources reported a 13% increase in EBITDA to $347.7 million but a 6% fall in net profit after tax (NPAT) to $160 million.

The ASX gold share goes ex-dividend on Monday.

Capricorn Metals Ltd (ASX: CMM) shares will pay a maiden fully franked interim dividend of 5 cents per share.

The gold miner reported a 130% jump in underlying NPAT to $144.8 million for 1H FY26.

The ASX gold share also goes ex-dividend on Monday.

Here is a sample of the other ASX All Ords shares with ex-dividend dates next week.

ASX shares about to go ex-dividend

The post 26 ASX shares with ex-dividend dates next week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

What did Chorus report?

• Operating revenue: $506 million, up 1% year-on-year
• EBITDA: $357 million, up 3% from HY25
• Net profit after tax: $15 million (HY25: net loss of $5 million)
• Operating expenses: $149 million, reduced by $5 million
• Interim dividend: 24 cents per share, up 4% from HY25
• Total fibre connections increased by 31,000 to 1.13 million

What else do investors need to know?

Chorus continued its transition toward being a fully fibre-based network operator, with copper connections now reduced to just 3,000 in Chorus fibre areas and a full withdrawal expected by mid-2026. Fibre uptake rose to 72.4% in serviceable areas, with strong customer demand driving higher data consumption, now averaging 722GB per connection per month.

The company also reported ongoing cost savings, including lower labour costs and reduced maintenance, as fibre proves more resilient and efficient than copper. Capital expenditure declined to $158 million, reflecting tighter investment discipline and project timing.

Chorus has initiated its Equity Fibre product, designed to improve digital inclusion for households facing affordability barriers, highlighting its broader social focus alongside financial performance.

What did Chorus management say?

Chief Executive Officer Mark Aue said:

Our purpose is anchored in enabling better futures for Aotearoa at an intergenerational level. In many cases, a driving role we play is through connectivity. We know we have a role to play in helping address this, and so we are very proud to be launching our Equity Fibre product, designed to provide affordable and accessible connectivity. We're highly committed to driving progress in this space.

What's next for Chorus?

Chorus reaffirmed its full-year FY26 EBITDA guidance range of $710 million to $730 million, noting progress is tracking towards the upper half. The company plans to pay a total dividend of 60 cents per share, subject to no material adverse changes.

Looking ahead, Chorus is focused on achieving 80% fibre uptake by 2030, further streamlining operations, and delivering value by supporting New Zealand's increasing need for high-speed connectivity. The company will continue to reduce copper infrastructure and ramp up copper recycling and property optimisation initiatives.

Chorus share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Chorus shares have risen 5%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which haas risen 9% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Chorus half-year earnings: Profit growth and higher fibre uptake appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Term deposits may stop capital destruction, but they also lack the ability to deliver capital growth. ASX 200 shares can deliver capital growth, income growth and a good dividend yield. The term deposit return is limited to the interest rate it offers.

The two businesses that I'll highlight are defensive companies with intentions to grow their payout in the coming year (and likely beyond).

Sonic Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SHL)

Sonic Healthcare is a global pathology business with a presence in multiple countries including Australia, Germany, Switzerland, the UK, the US and New Zealand.

We don't choose when to get sick based on how the economy is performing, so demand is consistent. People generally place a high importance on their health, so I'd describe the company as defensive.

Impressively, the ASX 200 share has grown its payout in most years over the last three decades, with only a couple of years in which the dividend was maintained. It has delivered shareholders significant dividend growth over the years.

I'm expecting more growth in the coming years as the company benefits from rising and ageing populations in its key markets. Plus, new technology and tools can help the business provide better, more efficient pathology.

Sonic grew its operating profit (EBITDA) by 8% to $1.7 billion in FY25, with the normalised EBITDA margin expanding by 40 basis points. It's expecting to grow its EBITDA to between $1.87 billion to $1.95 billion in constant currency terms, or around $2 billion at the exchange rate at the time of the guidance.

The company is expecting its earnings per share (EPS) to grow by around 19% in FY26 using (at the time) current exchange rate.

The ASX 200 share says that future earnings growth is expected to support its "progressive dividend strategy".

It currently has a 5.1% dividend yield, excluding franking credits, which is stronger than what an Aussie can get from a term deposit these days.

Chorus Ltd (ASX: CNU)

Chorus is a New Zealand business that owns a high-speed fibre broadband network. The business has invested significantly in its infrastructure over the last few years and now the business can benefit from the cash flow generation of the assets.

With higher profits, the ASX 200 share can deliver larger dividends and shareholders can reap the benefits.

Western society is becoming increasingly digital, so Chorus is well placed to benefit as more traffic goes through its cables.

In FY25, the business grew its annual dividend per share by 21% and it's expecting to hike its FY26 dividend by another 4.3% to NZ 60 cents. At the current Chorus share price, that translates into a dividend yield of 6.3%.

The post Forget term deposits! I'd buy these two ASX 200 shares instead appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

It's the businesses that are overlooked by the market that could be the most undervalued.

Both of the companies I'll highlight in this article are well-liked by the fund manager L1 Capital. Both businesses are benefiting from the ongoing digitalisation of their respective markets.

Let's take a look at why both businesses are appealing businesses to own.

Imdex Ltd (ASX: IMD)

Imdex describes itself as a leading global mining technology company, which enables successful and cost-effective operations from exploration to production. It develops cloud-connected sensors and drilling optimisation products to improve the process of identifying and extracting mineral resources for drilling optimisation products to improve the process of identifying and extracting mineral resources for drilling contractors and resource companies globally.

Fund manager L1 said junior miner capital raising activity, a key leading indicator for exploration spending, continues to "trend positively" and has reached the highest levels since 2021.

The investment team believes this should provide a "strong tailwind" for the company as exploration activity increases after a period of weak underlying market conditions.

L1 also said that the ASX 200 share continues to execute well, reporting increased market share and resilient margins due to its leading product offering and strong cost management. The fund manager then said:

We still see positive tailwinds for the business, above and beyond the improving market environment, underpinned by further market share gains, margin expansion and digital penetration.

In the first quarter of FY26, Imdex reported 10% revenue growth of 10% year-over-year and 3% quarter-over-quarter. The gross profit margin and operating profit (EBITDA) margins continue to perform as expected.

Chorus Ltd (ASX: CNU)

Chorus is best known for being the builder and owner of a major fibre network in New Zealand. It continues to see strong growth for data. September 2025 data usage increased 10% year-over-year.

L1 notes that Chorus has benefited from several incremental but positive events.

In August, the ASX 200 share delivered a FY25 result and FY26 outlook that was broadly in line with expectations.

However, the FY26 guidance of 60 cents per share (up 4.3% year-over-year) was "modestly ahead" of market expectations and is well supported by ongoing discipline over the levels of sustaining capital expenditure. In the three months to September 2025, Chorus implemented speed boosts and also flagged price changes for 2026, which were also slightly ahead of market expectations.

L1 notes that Chorus has a dividend yield of around 7%. The fund manager concluded its thoughts on the ASX 200 share with the following:            

Chorus remains an attractive asset, with the business well placed to deliver robust earnings and dividend growth in the years ahead from a unique platform as a scarce, regulated, essential digital infrastructure operator.

The post 2 ASX 200 shares to buy with strong growth outlooks appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Of course, term deposits are still effective at protecting capital and generating a bit of passive income. But, the level of yield on offer is now lower than it was last year.

I can understand why investors would not want to go from 'safe' term deposits to a somewhat higher-risk ASX dividend share like an ASX mining share.

That's why I think the businesses APA Group (ASX: APA) and Chorus Ltd (ASX: CNU) are both compelling options.

Defensive earnings

Both of the ASX 200 shares I just mentioned are infrastructure-style businesses with a strong level of demand each year and good prospects for further growth.

APA owns a portfolio of energy assets across Australia, including a major network of gas pipelines. It's also invested in other gas assets, renewable energy generation, and electricity transmission. The vast majority of its revenue is linked to inflation, which provides pleasing organic growth for its top line.

Chorus provides telecommunications infrastructure throughout New Zealand. It has invested significantly in a fibre network, and Chorus has agreed with the Commerce Commission and Crown Infrastructure Partners that data traffic through its core network supporting copper and fibre broadband at any one time must not exceed more than 90% of network capacity.

The New Zealand company says that even as New Zealand's data usage continues to grow, its network will always have at least 5% more than it needs. With traffic currently less than 70% of the capacity available, there is plenty of room for growth.

In my view, both APA and Chorus tick the box for defensive earnings.

Better yield

Both ASX 200 shares have good prospects for earnings growth, and they're currently offering very pleasing yields for investors.

Payouts are not guaranteed, of course, but the FY25 payouts were compelling and sizeable for investors focused on income.

In the 2025 financial year, APA decided to pay a distribution per security of 57 cents, which translates into a trailing distribution yield of 6.4%.

Chorus also paid a pleasing amount of passive income to investors. The board of directors decided on an annual payout of NZ 57.5 cents per share. That translates into a dividend yield of 6.2%.

Payout growth

The last positive is payout growth. Payments we receive from term deposits are fixed – the payout is guaranteed, but there's no prospect of organic growth.

ASX 200 shares can increase their payout and send cash our way each year.

APA is expecting to increase its FY26 payout to 58 cents per security, representing a forward distribution yield of 6.5%, which I think represents a very good yield.

Chorus is expecting to increase its annual payout to NZ 60 cents in FY26, which would represent a forward dividend yield of 6.4%.

If those guided payouts become reality, they would provide significantly more passive income than what term deposits are now offering.

The post Forget term deposits! I'd buy these two ASX 200 shares instead appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

With the August reporting season in the rearview mirror, dozens of companies have ex-dividend dates next week.

Here's a sample of the ASX shares going ex-dividend soon.

23 ASX shares going ex-dividend next week

How to make ex-div dates work for you

To receive an ASX company's next dividend, you must buy or already own the shares before the ex-dividend date.

If you're interested in buying a stock trading cum dividend, you have two options.

Buy it before the ex-dividend date, and earn a quick return with the upcoming dividend payment.

Alternatively, buy the stock on its ex-dividend date, when it will likely trade lower because the dividend entitlement is no longer attached.

We've seen examples of this recently, with CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) shares dropping 2.15% on their ex-dividend date.

TV network owner Nine Entertainment Co Holdings Ltd (ASX: NEC) plummeted 36% yesterday after going ex-dividend, too.

Sometimes there are exceptions, like we are seeing with WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) shares today.

The post 23 ASX shares with ex-dividend dates next week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Firstly, while the downside of term deposits is limited, so is the upside. There is no potential growth at all, the return is the fixed interest rate. Plus, with the RBA rate cuts happening, new term deposits are now offering lower rates than they were a year or two ago.

ASX 200 shares can pay dividend yields that are similar (or better) than term deposits. Most importantly, the companies can grow earnings over time, sending the share price and passive income higher with it.

With that in mind, the below two ASX 200 shares are more attractive to me than term deposits.

Transurban Group (ASX: TCL)

Transurban is a major toll road business, with assets in both Australia and North America.

The fall in the RBA interest rate is a major positive for Transurban. It can reduce the cost of debt (boosting profitability) and it may also lead to investors being willing to value the cash flow at a higher multiple.

I'm expecting Transurban's underlying earnings to continue growing thanks to a combination of both growing traffic (including new projects such as the West Gate Tunnel project) and rising toll prices.

In FY25, the ASX 200 share reported a 2.2% increase of overall average daily traffic (ADT). Sydney ADT rose 2.7%, Melbourne ADT grew 1.2%, Brisbane ADT rose 1.5% and North America ADT increase 6.4%. This helped proportional toll revenue grow 5.6% and proportional operating profit (EBITDA) rising 7.4%.

Transurban is expecting to grow its distribution by 6% to 69 cents per security in FY26. This translates into a forward distribution yield of 4.8%.

Chorus Ltd (ASX: CNU)

Chorus is not a well-known business, but it plays an important part in the New Zealand economy.

It owns a significant fibre cable network in New Zealand. After a period of building its network, it's now reaching a point where it's spending less on constructing and the cash generation can now flow through the business.

With higher cash flow, the ASX 200 share can pay growing dividends to shareholders, which is pleasing for income-focused investors.

In FY25 the business grew its annual dividend per share by 21% year-over-year to NZ 57.5 cents.

The ASX 200 share has provided guidance that it expects to grow its annual dividend by 4.3% in FY26 to NZ 60 cents per share. At the current Chorus share price, that represents a forward dividend yield of 6%. Operating profit (EBITDA) is expected to grow by between approximately 1% to 3.5%.

The post Forget term deposits! I'd buy these two ASX 200 shares instead appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

These range from healthcare and financials to energy, information technology, and consumer staples – with the latter home to supermarket giants such as Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL).

Then there's also the communication services sector, which is made up of two industry groups.

Firstly, the 'media and entertainment' group includes a range of companies involved in advertising, broadcasting, publishing, and interactive media.

Secondly, the 'telecommunication services' group covers businesses operating in mobile and integrated communications services.

And leading the charge in the telecom space is a name that needs little introduction: Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS).

Telstra operates Australia's largest mobile network.

It also provides a wide array of services, including mobile and fixed-line telecommunications, data, and digital content, for both consumers and businesses.

Like many other blue-chip shares, Telstra is preparing to report its financial results for FY25 during August.

But it is not going solo, with several other prominent ASX 200 communication services stocks also due to deliver their earnings results in the coming weeks.

Reporting galore

Below, we provide the key reporting dates for the communication services sector.

Firstly, however, a small word of caution.

These dates are subject to change as companies fine tune their financial numbers. And this list is not exhaustive.

Secondly, investors with a broader interest can view reporting dates for leading ASX companies from different sectors in the following links:

• 9 ASX 200 Mining Stocks
• 6 ASX 200 Energy Companies
• 7 ASX 200 Consumer Staples Businesses
• 10 ASX 200 Healthcare Shares

Reporting dates – ASX 200 communication services stocks

• Wednesday 6 August – Rea Group Ltd (ASX: REA): Digital advertising business specialising in real estate. It owns several residential and commercial property websites in Australia, as well as mortgage broking assets.
• Monday 11 August – CAR Group Limited (ASX: CAR): Runs a leading digital vehicle marketplace portfolio, including Carsales in Australia and Trader Interactive in the US.
• Thursday 14 August – Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS): The headline act for this sector's earnings season. Telstra delivers comprehensive mobile, broadband, and digital services across the country.
• Tuesday 19 August – Seek Ltd (ASX: SEK): Operator of online employment marketplaces in Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Asia.
• Monday 25 August – Chorus Ltd (ASX: CNU): New Zealand-focused provider of fixed-line communications infrastructure.
• Wednesday 27 August – Nine Entertainment Co Holdings Ltd (ASX: NEC): Integrated media entertainment company spanning TV, radio, digital publishing, and newspapers.
• Thursday 28 August – TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPG): Telecommunications provider and owner of household names such as Vodafone, TPG, and Internode unveils its results for the half-year ending in June.

The post Telstra shares lead reporting dates for 7 ASX 200 communication services stocks appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) cash rate has already been cut twice in 2025. Experts predict that the rate could reduce multiple times over the next 12 months.

Each time the RBA rate is reduced, I'd expect virtually every financial institution to reduce the interest they pay on their term deposit.

But, ASX dividend shares don't cut their dividend just because the RBA has cut rates. Indeed, the two ASX 200 shares below seem likely to grow their dividends for the foreseeable future.

Chorus Ltd (ASX: CNU)

Chorus describes itself as a builder and manager of an open-access internet network. It's also rolling out ultra-fast broadband that should be an ultra-long-term asset. The ASX dividend share also works with various New Zealand phone and broadband providers.

As fund manager L1 has pointed out, it's one of the few regulated digital infrastructure assets that can still be bought on a stock exchange.

Given how the company's infrastructure work is progressing, its profile is changing from a network builder to a network operator. This can help produce strong cash flow and pay shareholders significant dividends.

L1 is predicting that Chorus can continue its dividend growth going into FY26, with a payout of NZ 60 cents per share. This means the ASX 200 dividend share could pay a dividend yield of almost 7%.

Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co. Ltd (ASX: SOL)

Soul Patts is an investment conglomerate that has been operating for over 120 years. I think the ASX 200 share is an excellent choice compared to a term deposit.

I'd describe the company as one of the most defensive ASX 200 shares for dividends because of how it has a portfolio designed to generate resilient cash flow, which in turn can pay for ongoing dividends.

The ASX 200 share has paid a dividend in every year in its 120-year existence and has increased its annual ordinary payout each year since 2000, which is the best record on the ASX.

In terms of sectors it's invested in, the portfolio includes telecommunications, resources, financial services, industrial properties, building products, financial services, agriculture, swimming schools, electrification and plenty more.

I'm expecting continuing dividend growth from the business and it currently has trailing grossed-up dividend yield of 3.5%, including franking credits.

The post Forget term deposits! I'd buy these two ASX 200 shares instead appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

And while Australia's dominant telco is certainly a good option right now, there is another ASX telco stock that could deliver even greater returns.

That's the view of analysts at Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG), which are recommending this stock to clients.

Which ASX telco stock?

The telco stock in question is Chorus Ltd (ASX: CNU). It is New Zealand's largest telecommunications infrastructure company, building and operating nationwide fibre broadband and copper telecommunication network.

Macquarie notes that the company has released a quarterly update, which was largely in line with expectations. It said:

Fibre uptake: Fibre uptake reaches 72.1%, with 8,000 new connections in 4Q (Auckland 76.3% (flat), Dunedin 76.5% (+0.1%), Wellington 70.9% (+0.1%)). Copper withdrawal continuing: Copper connections decreased by 10,000 in 3Q (-19K in 3Q). Just 13,000 copper connections remain in areas where CNU has fibre available. Full withdrawal expected by mid-2026.

In addition, the broker was pleased to see that management has reaffirmed its full year guidance for FY 2025. It explains:

CNU delivered 1H25 EBITDA of $346m and reaffirmed FY25 guidance of $700m-$720m (currently tracking to the lower half of the range). We (and consensus) remain comfortable with guidance, supported by the quarterly connections trend. The implied strength in 2H25 EBITDA is in part underpinned by the new pricing schedule, effective from 1 Jan 2025. There is evidence that the cyclical headwinds called out in 1H25 have continued, with some consumers trading down their broadband tier, but more significantly, not trading up as might have been expected, both impacting ARPU.

Big potential returns

This morning, the broker has reaffirmed its outperform rating and NZ$9.83 (A$8.96) price target on the ASX telco stock.

Based on its current share price of A$7.75, this implies potential upside of 15.6% for investors over the next 12 months.

In addition, Macquarie is forecasting very attractive dividend yields of approximately 6.7% in FY 2025 and then 6.9% in FY 2026. Combined, this stretches the total potential 12-month return to approximately 22%.

Commenting on its outperform recommendation, Macquarie said:

We retain an Outperform recommendation, reflecting increased regulatory certainty and the lift in FY25 dividend (along with increased visibility into the medium-term dividend trajectory), and non-regulated revenue opportunities.

Catalysts: Quarterly connections updates, accelerated copper network closure, second till revenue opportunities.

The post Macquarie tips 22% return for this ASX telco stock appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

I'm going to look at two businesses which have pleasingly high dividend yields and could continue growing it for investors.

It's pleasing to have a mixture of a good starting yield and further passive income growth in the years ahead, if the outlook is promising.

Let's look at the two businesses.

Chorus Ltd (ASX: CNU)

Fund manager L1 Capital calls Chorus a high-speed fibre broadband infrastructure owner in New Zealand.

L1 says that Chorus is one of the very few regulated digital infrastructure assets remaining in public ownership.

One of the more appealing elements of the ASX 200 share is that it's shifting from being a network builder to a network operator, which means the business is coming to an inflection point for both its cash flow generation and what dividends it can pay to the business.

The fund manager notes the company has guided an annual dividend per share of NZ 57.5 cents in FY25. This translates into a forward dividend yield of 6.8%. In FY26, L1 expects the business could increase the dividend per share to 60 cents in FY26, representing a dividend yield of 7.1%.

That level of a dividend yield from a defensive business could be very appealing.

Centuria Industrial REIT (ASX: CIP)

This is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that's focused on owning industrial properties around Australia and leasing them to high-quality tenants.

Industrial properties are in demand because of a number of different growth trends including a growing population, increasing online shopping adoption, refrigerated space for food and medicine, data centres and so on.

This level of demand is helping drive the ASX 200 share's underlying rental profit potential of the properties. In the FY25 half-year result, the business reported 6.4% like-for-like net operating income (NOI) growth, which is a strong growth rate, in my opinion. This helps the REIT fund larger distribution payments.

It's regularly working on development projects worth tens of millions of dollars, which can unlock further rental income generation for the business.

The business is expecting to pay an annual distribution per unit of 16.3 cents in FY25. This translates into a forward distribution yield of 5.1%, and there's good potential for future growth.

The post 2 ASX 200 shares that could make it rain dividends appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

When good businesses get overlooked, it can mean picking up a bargain at a price that's too good to ignore.

Of course, just because a company has been identified as good value doesn't guarantee it will deliver big returns. However, L1 Capital is convinced that the New Zealand business Chorus is an opportunity.

Why is this ASX dividend share appealing?

The company says it builds and manages an open-access internet network, rolling out ultra-fast broadband that will benefit generations to come. It also works with phone and broadband providers to keep New Zealanders connected.

L1 Capital is attracted to the business because it owns high-speed fibre broadband infrastructure in New Zealand and is one of very few regulated digital infrastructure assets remaining in public ownership.

The fund manager also noted that the ASX dividend share is shifting from being a network builder to a network operator, which is an "inflection point for cash generation and shareholder remuneration".

In relation to shareholder returns, L1 Capital is expecting the business to continue paying larger dividends.

Payout potential

Dividends are a great way for shareholders to benefit from the business' profit generation and receive 'real' returns paid to their bank account while they hold for the long term.

The ASX dividend share has grown its dividend payout each year since FY21, when it paid an annual dividend per share of NZ 25 cents. That grew to NZ 35 cents per share in FY22, then NZ 42.5 cents per share in FY23, and then NZ 47.5 cents per share in FY24.

Pleasingly, the fund manager notes the New Zealand business has guided that it will grow its dividend per share by 21% to NZ 57.5 cents in FY25. This could translate into a dividend yield of 6.8%.

There could be another dividend increase for shareholders in FY26. L1 Capital is forecasting that the 2026 financial year payout could be NZ 60 cents per share. That would translate into a dividend yield of around 7%, according to L1.

Overall, there appears to be a good future for income-focused investors.

The post Why this little-known ASX dividend share is a top pick for this fund manager appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Meanwhile, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) edged 0.21% higher to close at 8,360.9 points on Friday.

Five of the 11 market sectors finished the week in the green.

Let's recap.

Communications shares led the ASX market sectors last week

The big news last week was the Reserve Bank of Australia cutting interest rates by 25 basis points for the second time this year.

All four of the big ASX 200 banks followed suit.

RBA Governor Michele Bullock said she expects underlying inflation to remain at about 2.5% for the next year or so.

Bullock commented:

So price increases have slowed and it's fairly broadly based, and this is very good news.

The Board's strategy over quite some time has been to bring inflation down while avoiding a sharp rise in unemployment.

I know this period of relatively high interest rates has been, and continues to be, challenging for many households and businesses, but it was essential we brought inflation down because inflation hurts everyone. 

Broker Macquarie is tipping three further interest rate cuts this year in July, August, and November.

Check out 13 ASX stocks that Macquarie considers rate-cut winners.

The ASX 200 communications sector was pulled higher by its largest company, Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS), last week.

The Telstra share price jumped 4.86% over the week to close at an eight-year high of $4.75 per share on Friday.

There were no announcements from Telstra last week.

REA Group Ltd (ASX: X) shares lifted 1.73% to close at $252.33.

The CAR Group Limited (ASX: CAR) share price fell 1.66% to $36.16.

TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPG) shares lifted 1.18% to $5.16.

The Seek Ltd (ASX: SEK) share price rose by 4.96% to $23.70.

The ASX 200 online job classifieds provider delivered a presentation at its investor day last Wednesday.

Spark New Zealand Ltd (ASX: SPK) shares rose by 1.97% to close at $2.07 on Friday.

Spark announced a new strategic network partnership with Nokia Oyj (NYSE: NOK) on Monday.

The Chorus Ltd (ASX: CNU) share price fell 0.93% to $7.49.

Last Monday, Chorus announced a delay with its $170 million capital notes offer to New Zealand investors.

Domain Holdings Australia Ltd (ASX: DHG) shares dropped 0.91% to close at $4.36 on Friday.

The Tuas Ltd (ASX: TUA) share price fell 2.07% to $5.68.

ASX 200 market sector snapshot

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

Over the five trading days:

The post Telstra share price hits 8-year high amid a lacklustre trading week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The definition of a market correction is a major index falling 10% from the most recent peak.

The ASX All Ords' most recent closing high was 8,825.1 points on 14 February.

Today, the All Ords is at 8,005.4 points, up 0.49% for the day and down 9.31% since the peak just one month ago.

The fall can be largely attributed to market uncertainty over how the US tariffs will impact global trade, economic growth, and inflation.

So, with capital growth prospects looking pretty grim right now, dividends may be at the forefront of investors' minds.

Following last month's earning season, a bunch of ASX shares will begin trading ex-dividend next week.

If you want to catch any of these dividend payments, you have to buy the relevant stock before it goes ex-dividend.

The Fool does not advocate buying ASX shares purely for their next dividend.

But if you've been watching any of these stocks for a while, and they pass your fundamental analysis test, then perhaps you might like to take advantage of market weakness and pick them up for a bit less while also qualifying for the next dividend payment.

So, here is a sample of ASX shares going ex-dividend next week.

21 ASX shares going ex-dividend next week

The post 21 ASX shares going ex-dividend next week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Meanwhile, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) experienced a significant decline, falling 3.03% to close at 8,296.2 points on Friday.

The positives from the highly-anticipated interest rate cut announced by the Reserve Bank last week were offset by disappointing earnings results from some of the major ASX companies.

They included three of the 'Big Four' ASX 200 banks, which dragged the financials sector 7.49% lower.

Only four of the 11 market sectors finished the week in the green.

Let's recap.

Communication shares led the ASX market sectors last week

A strong 1H FY25 report from the sector's largest company by market cap, Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS), on Thursday, was partly responsible for the sector's lead this week.

The Telstra share price lifted 7.65% over the week to close at $4.15 per share on Friday. The stock hit a new 52-week high of $4.16 on Friday.

Telstra reported a 6% rise in underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) to $4.25 billion and a 7.1% bump in net profit after tax (NPAT) to $1.1 billion for 1H FY25.

Nine Entertainment Co Holdings Ltd (ASX: NEC) and Domain Holdings Australia Ltd (ASX: DHG) shares were also major movers last week.

Nine owns Domain, which runs the online property classifieds site, domain.com.au.

Last week, both stocks surged when they announced that Domain had received a takeover offer from US property data company CoStar Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSGP).

CoStar has offered to buy Domain for $4.20 cash per share, which was a 34.6% premium on the last closing price.

The Domain share price skyrocketed 49.7% on Friday to a three-year high of $4.67 before closing at $4.37. Nine shares soared by 20.14% on Friday and closed at $1.73.

Among other ASX 200 communication shares last week, the Seek Ltd (ASX: SEK) share price lifted 3.25% to close at $25.44 on Friday.

Seek reported its 1H FY25 results on Tuesday. Despite reporting a 28% decline in adjusted profit to $77 million, Seek increased its interim dividend by 26% to 24 cents per share.

TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPG) shares lifted 2.99% to $4.48 despite no news from the telco.

Shares in New Zealand's largest telecommunications infrastructure company, Chorus Ltd (ASX: CNU), rose by 2.17% over the week to $8 per share.

The worst performing sector last week was the ASX 200 financials, largely due to the market's disappointment with the 1Q FY25 reports from three of the 'Big Four' banks.

National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) shares were the hardest hit, tumbling 12.89% over the week to finish at $35.08 on Friday.

ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) shares fell 6.27% to close at $28.79 on Friday.

The Westpac share price declined 5.91% to $31.03.

ASX 200 market sector snapshot

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

Over the five trading days:

The post Bank stocks tanked and telcos rose amid the ASX 200 losing 3% last week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Term deposits are still offering 5%-plus risk-free yields, so investors may be wondering which ASX 200 shares will be able to match this or better it with their dividend payouts in 2025.

In recent years, many investors have relied upon the ASX 200 mining and banking stocks for strong dividend income.

But it's unlikely the banks and miners will wow us with their dividends this year, according to expert forecasts.

A volatile iron ore price and weaker Chinese demand will likely lower dividend yields from the ASX 200 miners.

Of the six large-cap miners, only Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) is tipped to pay more than a 5% dividend yield.

Exceptional share price growth for ASX 200 bank shares means dividend yields are likely to be lower this year.

Of the seven ASX 200 banks, only ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) and Bank of Queensland Ltd (ASX: BOQ) are expected to pay a 5%-plus dividend yield.

Where can investors find 5%-plus dividend yields?

In the weeks before the first earnings season of 2025, which got underway this week, we have been researching analysts' predictions for ASX dividends this year.

Here are some examples of ASX 200 shares tipped to pay a 5%-plus dividend yield in 2025.

We have calculated these yields based on consensus analysts' dividend forecasts published on the CommSec trading platform, and share prices at the time of writing.

18 ASX 200 shares expected to pay 5%-plus dividend yields

Which sectors paid the best ASX dividends last year?

Last year, the smallest of the 11 market sectors delivered the biggest dividend returns.

The ASX 200 utilities sector, comprised of just 22 companies, delivered total returns of 17.48%. Dividends accounted for 7.05% of those returns.

The second-biggest sector for dividends was the ASX 200 financials sector. Total returns were 33.72%, with dividends making up 5.5% of those returns.

The post 18 ASX 200 shares set to pay 5%-plus dividend yields in 2025 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Earnings season has begun and investors are watching dividend announcements closely.

Let's check out the forecast for dividends in the ASX 200 communications sector this year.

Dividend forecasts for ASX 200 communications shares

Let's review the forecast 2025 dividend yields for the top 10 ASX 200 communications shares by market capitalisation.

The following table shows the consensus analysts' forecasts for 2025 dividends, as published on the CommSec trading platform.

We've calculated the dividend yields these forecasts equate to based on share prices at the time of writing.

We've also included the dividend amounts paid in 2024 so you can compare them to the 2025 predictions.

These ASX 200 communications shares are listed in order of market cap from biggest to smallest.

So, Spark New Zealand is expected to pay the highest dividend yield of this group in 2025.

The telecommunications and digital services company will announce its 1H FY25 results and interim dividend on 21 February.

Spark and the predicted second-highest dividend payer, Chorus, are both New Zealand companies so their dividends will be unfranked.

But dividends from the anticipated third highest payer, Nine shares, will come with full franking credits.

Five stocks to pay dividend yields above the market average

It's interesting to note that five of the top 10 ASX 200 communications shares are expected to pay a dividend yield higher than the long-term average for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which is 4%.

Aussie investors are used to receiving above-average dividends from the large-cap ASX 200 mining and banking stocks, but analysts say this year only a few will manage it.

Among the six large-cap miners, analysts expect only two to pay dividends above 4%.

Among the big five ASX banks, analysts expect only three to pay dividends above 4%.

Perhaps investors will look outside the banks and miners to less high-profile sectors this year, such as communications and utilities, where more stocks are tipped to yield more than 4%.

The post Which ASX 200 communications share will pay the best dividend yield in 2025? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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