Despite several stints in green territory this morning, the ASX 200 ended up closing in the red by the time trading wrapped up this afternoon, dropping 0.1%. That leaves the index at 8,525.7 points.

This miserly day for Australian investors follows a far more optimistic morning on Wall Street.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was in fine form, rising by 0.66%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) did even better, gaining a rosy 0.77%.

But time to return to the local markets now and see how today's falls were distributed amongst the different ASX sectors today.

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

While this has led to improvements in the rates on offer with savings accounts and term deposits, they still pale in comparison to the dividend yields you can find with ASX stocks on the Australian share market.

In addition, there are stocks out there that analysts think are cheap and could rise strongly from current levels.

Here are two dividend stocks that analysts are recommending to clients:

Charter Hall Retail REIT (ASX: CQR)

The first ASX dividend stock that analysts are bullish on is Charter Hall Retail REIT.

It is a property company that owns a diversified portfolio of convenience-based retail centres that are anchored by supermarkets, service stations, and essential services.

These assets tend to be highly defensive as shoppers continue to spend on groceries and everyday essentials regardless of economic conditions. In addition, long leases and high-quality tenants provide visibility over rental income.

The team at Macquarie is positive on the company and has an outperform rating and $4.15 price target on its shares. This implies potential upside of 10% for investors from current levels.

As for dividends, the broker is forecasting payouts of 25.5 cents in FY 2026 and then 25.4 cents in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $3.77, this would mean dividend yields of 6.75% and 6.7%, respectively.

Elders Ltd (ASX: ELD)

Another ASX dividend stock that has been given the thumbs up by analysts is Elders.

It is an agribusiness company that provides rural and livestock services, agricultural inputs, and real estate services to Australia's farming sector.

Elders recently completed the acquisition of Delta Agribusiness, which provides greater exposure to key local retail markets as well as a leading agronomy and farm advisory team.

It is partly because of this deal and its multi-year SysMod project to modernise systems with leading technology solutions that Bell Potter recently put a buy rating and $9.00 price target on its shares. This suggests that the company's shares could rise by approximately 30% between now and this time next year.

As for income, Bell Potter is expecting the agribusiness company to pay shareholders fully franked dividends of 39 cents per share in FY 2026 and then 45 cents per share in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $6.92, this would mean dividend yields of 5.6% and 6.5%, respectively.

The post These buy-rated ASX dividend stocks are forecast to pay 6%+ yields in 2027 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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.

In fact, ASX small-cap shares outperformed the larger companies by almost 2.5 times in 2025. 

The S&P/ASX All Ords Index (ASX: XAO) delivered total returns (capital growth plus dividends) of 10.56% last year.

This index contains the 500 largest ASX listed companies, and accounts for roughly 84% of Australia's equity market. 

Meanwhile, the S&P/ASX Small Ords Index (ASX: XSO), which tracks companies ranked 101 to 300 by market cap, delivered a total return of 24.96%.

However, it appears the pendulum has now swung the other way in 2026. 

Since the start of the year, the Small Ords Index has dropped approximately 12%. 

This fall is significantly further than the All Ords Index which is down roughly 3% in the same period. 

Why are they struggling in 2026?

A small-cap stock typically has a market capitalisation ranging from a few hundred million to $2 billion.

Subsequently, these companies are much more sensitive to interest rates than bigger companies.

One reason for this is that these stocks rely more on debt and external funding. 

Additionally, many are not yet profitable, which means valuations depend heavily on future growth.

In 2026, Australia has seen elevated inflation, causing the RBA to deliver two interest rate hikes.

It seems markets are now repricing for tighter financial conditions, causing smaller companies to be hit disproportionately. 

In essence, the Small Ords Index isn't falling because "small caps are broken" – it's falling because:

• Macro conditions are flipping against them
• Liquidity is tightening
• Risk appetite dropped suddenly.

Is there any upside?

With many small-caps falling throughout the start of 2026, investors might be considering swooping in on what could appear to be a relative value. 

Some notable ASX small-caps that have fallen include: 

• Web Travel Group Ltd (ASX: WEB)
• Catapult Sports Ltd (ASX: CAT)
• Elders Ltd (ASX: ELD). 

These companies have drawn some positive outlooks from brokers, however it's important to consider that in the short term, returns could be minimal, if these economic conditions persist.

Alternatively, if investors are aiming for a more broad, diversified entry into the small-cap market, there are several ASX ETFs to consider: 

• iShares S&P/ASX Small Ordinaries ETF (ASX: ISO) – designed to track the performance of small-capitalisation Australian equities included in the S&P/ASX 300 index, but not in the S&P/ASX 100 index.
• Vanguard MSCI Australian Small Companies Index ETF (ASX: VSO) – Tracks the MSCI Australian Shares Small Cap Index. 
• VanEck Vectors Small Companies Masters ETF (ASX: MVS) – offers exposure to a diversified portfolio of roughly 61 ASX-listed small companies. 

The post What's happened to ASX small-caps in 2026? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

To narrow things down, let's take a look at two that Bell Potter thinks could be among the best to buy in March.

Here's what it is recommending to clients:

Elders Ltd (ASX: ELD)

Bell Potter thinks this agribusiness company could be a top pick for income investors.

The broker continues to believe that the market is undervaluing its Delta acquisition and thinks the ASX dividend share looks cheap at 12x forward earnings. It explains:

Elders is a leading Australian agribusiness and rural services company. It has an expansive network across Australia, providing a diverse range of services to rural and regional Australia, including livestock and wool agency and marketing, real estate services, agricultural supplies, financial services, and insurance. Elders supports primary producers across various sectors like livestock, cropping, and wool, and also operates a feed-lotting business.

We see value in ELD, particularly with the market appearing to undervalue the pending Delta acquisition. The base business is performing well with multiple growth drivers including recovery from drought conditions, system modernisations, and backward integration benefits. We are attracted to ELD's valuation, which is relatively cheap at 12x 12MF P/E, along with these potential upside catalysts and a strong dividend yield.

As for income, forecasting fully franked dividends of 39 cents per share in FY 2026 and then 45 cents per share in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $6.99, this equates to dividend yields of 5.6% and 6.4%, respectively.

Nick Scali Limited (ASX: NCK)

Another ASX dividend share that could be a buy according to Bell Potter is furniture retailer Nick Scali.

The broker likes the company due to its expansion in the UK, which it sees as a key growth driver in the coming years. It said:

Nick Scali is an Australian retailer specialising in household furniture and related accessories, operating under the core Nick Scali brand as well as the Plush banner. >90% of sales are completed in-store, with the company maintaining a substantial physical presence with over 100 showrooms across Australia and New Zealand, and has recently expanded into the UK, which now contributes around 8% of total revenue.

Looking ahead, the key growth drivers include the continued roll-out of Nick Scali stores in the UK, supported by the refurbishment of acquired Fabb locations, and the ability to leverage the group's established supply base to drive scale efficiencies and margin expansion.

With respect to income, the broker is forecasting fully franked dividends of 61.9 cents per share in FY 2026 and then 75.1 cents per share in FY 2027. Based on the current Nick Scali share price of $16.97, this would mean dividend yields of 3.65% and 4.4%, respectively.

The post Bell Potter names the best ASX dividend shares to buy in March appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

While that is a great return, there are ASX 200 shares out there with the potential to outperform this.

For example, the two buy-rated ASX 200 shares listed below have been tipped to rise by more than 20% over the next 12 months by brokers.

Here's what they are saying about them:

NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT)

The team at Morgans remains very bullish on this data centre operator following the release of its half-year results last month.

In response to the results, the broker has retained its buy rating with an improved price target of $20.50. Based on its current share price of $13.88, this implies potential upside of almost 50% for investors between now and this time next year.

Morgans highlights that the company is experiencing incredible demand for capacity in its data centres. So much so, it believes that it is destined to deliver EBITDA of $700 million in FY 2029 even if it didn't win another contract before then. As a comparison, for the first half of FY 2026, NextDC reported EBITDA of $115.3 million, which annualises to approximately $230 million.

Commenting on the ASX 200 share, the broker said:

NXT sold more MWs in the month of December 2025 than in the preceding 36 months combined. It was a record sales period for enterprise and hyperscale. The 416MW now contracted underpins FY29 underlying EBITDA of >$700m (without new contract wins) and sees NXT trading on an undemanding ~22x EV/Contracted EBITDA, with upside potential. BUY retained and target price lifted to $20.50 from $19.00 following our upgrades.

Elders Ltd (ASX: ELD)

Bell Potter continues to believe that the market is undervaluing this ASX 200 share.

Last week, the broker retained its buy rating on the agribusiness company's shares with a trimmed price target of $9.00. Based on its current share price of $7.26, this suggests that upside of approximately 25% is possible between now and this time next year.

It also expects a generous 5.4% dividend yield over the period, lifting the total potential return to approximately 30%.

Commenting on its buy recommendation, Bell Potter said:

Our Buy rating is unchanged. We see encouraging signs for FY26e, with livestock turnoff values exhibiting double digit YoY growth through 1H26TD, mitigated in part by dryer conditions through most of the summer cropping window and an easing in input price tailwinds. A more normal selling pattern in FY26e, delivery on SYSMOD and backward integration initiatives, and consolidation of Delta are expected to drive high double-digit EPS growth in FY26-27e. This view does not look reflected in the current share price, with ELD trading at 13.3x FY26e EPS.

The post These ASX 200 shares could rise 25% to 50% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Two S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO) shares that received fresh guidance from Bell Potter yesterday were Capricorn Metals Ltd (ASX: CMM) and Elders Ltd (ASX: ELD). 

Both saw solid share price increases on Thursday for different reasons. 

Capricorn Metals released HY results, while Elders made headlines by announcing the sale of a key part of its business. 

Here's what the companies released. 

Capricorn Metals delivers record profit

Capricorn Metals is a gold production company based in Perth, Western Australia. 

Investors reacted positively to half-year results from Capricorn Metals that included:

• Sales revenue up 64% to $350.1 million from the sale of 59,816 ounces of gold at an average price of $5,842 per ounce
• Underlying net profit after tax up 130% to $144.8 million
• Underlying EBITDA rose 101% to $215.3 million with a 62% margin
• Maiden fully-franked interim dividend of 5 cents per share ($22.8 million) declared.

Following yesterday's 1.45% gain, its share price is now up 77.6% over the last 12 months.  

What did Bell Potter have to say?

Following the results, the team at Bell Potter said it was an excellent result that reflects operational performance, with the company tracking to the top end of guidance and maintaining its track record of delivery. 

It increased earnings per share by: FY26: +3%; FY27: +4%; and FY28: +25%. 

CMM is a sector leading gold producer, unhedged and debt free. It is fully funded to grow production from ~115kozpa to ~300kozpa, potentially from 2HCY27, from two gold mines in WA, each with +10 year mine lives.

CMM is run by a management team that has an excellent track record of delivery.

As a result, the broker increased its price target on these ASX shares to $16.10 (previously $14.30). 

From yesterday's closing price of $14, this indicates a potential upside of 15%. 

The broker also retained its buy recommendation. 

Elders shares downgraded

Elders is an agribusiness that provides goods and services to Australian primary producers.

Yesterday, the company announced it has agreed to sell its Killara Feedlot business to Australian Meat Group for approximately $195.8 million. 

Following the announcement, Bell Potter released updated guidance on the company. 

NPAT changes are -14% in FY26e, -9% in FY27e and -8% in FY28e incorporating the above and higher base interest rates. Our target price is now $9.00/sh (prev. $9.45/sh) reflecting earnings changes mitigated in part by higher Killara proceeds.

From yesterday's closing price of $7.40, the broker still sees 21% upside for these ASX shares. 

The broker maintained its buy recommendation. 

Our Buy rating is unchanged. We see encouraging signs for FY26e, with livestock turnoff values exhibiting double digit YoY growth through 1H26TD, mitigated in part by dryer conditions through most of the summer cropping window and an easing in input price tailwinds.

The post Bell Potter just updated its guidance on these ASX 300 shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

What did Elders report?

• Entered into agreement to sell 100% of Killara Feedlot for a total consideration of ~$195.8 million
• Killara contributed $12.1 million to underlying EBIT in FY25
• Non-working capital assets valued at $45.5 million as at 30 September 2025
• Elders holds $107.4 million in carried forward capital tax losses, fully offsetting any capital gain from the sale
• Sale expected to complete before 30 June 2026, subject to regulatory approval

What else do investors need to know?

The agreement covers 100% of shares in Killara Feedlot Pty Ltd, which operates on 1,402 hectares and can process up to 62,000 head of cattle annually. The deal includes $122.0 million cash and normalised working capital, mainly cattle inventory, valued at $73.8 million at 30 September 2025.

Elders plans to use the sale proceeds to reduce net debt, targeting a return to sub 2.0 times accounting leverage. The company forecasts the annualised impact on its earnings per share will be less than a 1% reduction. Upon completion, Killara will be reported as a discontinued operation and asset held for sale in Elders' HY26 statements.

What did Elders management say?

Elders Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mark Allison said:

Killara has long been a successful and valuable part of Elders' Products and Services Portfolio. We feel for Killara to continue to grow and develop as a blue chip operation, it is appropriate for it to move to a more natural owner, and we have found this in AMG. The sale at this time supports our value creation strategy for Elders' shareholders. We thank Killara management and its employees for their contribution to Elders.

What's next for Elders?

Completion of the Killara sale is subject to approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board and ACCC, with Elders expecting this to finalise before 30 June 2026. Once completed, the company will apply proceeds to lower its net debt, improving future balance sheet flexibility.

Elders notes that its core strategy remains focused on value creation for shareholders. The company's operational structure will adjust to reflect the divestment, and management has highlighted minimal impact on ongoing earnings.

Elders share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Elders shares have risen 5%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 11% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Elders sells Killara Feedlot in $195.8m deal appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

That's because the ASX boards are filled to the brim with shares that provide investors with dividends every three to six months.

But with so many options to choose from, it can be hard to decide which ones to buy over others.

To narrow things down, I have picked out three ASX dividend shares that analysts are bullish on at present.

Here's what they are recommending and the sort of dividend yields you can expect from them in the near term:

APA Group (ASX: APA)

The first ASX dividend share to consider is APA Group. It owns and operates critical energy infrastructure across Australia, including gas pipelines, storage facilities, and power assets. These assets are usually long life and regulated or contracted, which helps provide steady and visible cash flows.

Macquarie is positive on APA's outlook and currently has an outperform rating and $9.58 price target on its shares.

As for income, Macquarie is forecasting dividends of 58 cents per share in FY 2026 and then 59 cents per share in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $9.15, that equates to very attractive dividend yields of 6.3% and 6.4%, respectively.

Elders Ltd (ASX: ELD)

The team at Macquarie is also positive on Elders and sees it as an ASX dividend stock to buy now.

Elders is an agribusiness company that provides rural and livestock services, agricultural inputs, and real estate services to Australia's farming sector.

The broker is expecting Elders to pay fully franked dividends of 36 cents per share in FY 2026 and then 37 cents per share in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $7.13, this would mean dividend yields of 5% and 5.2%, respectively.

Macquarie has an outperform rating and $8.40 price target on its shares.

Rural Funds Group (ASX: RFF)

A third ASX dividend share analysts like is Rural Funds Group.

It provides exposure to high-quality Australian agricultural assets, including cattle properties, cropping farms, and almond orchards. These assets are leased to high-quality operators under long-term agreements, which helps smooth income over time.

Bell Potter is forecasting dividends of 11.7 cents per share in both FY 2026 and FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $2.10, this would mean generous dividend yields of 5.6% in each year.

Bell Potter currently has a buy rating and a $2.45 price target on the company's shares.

The post 3 excellent ASX dividend shares to buy this month appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

That's because listed below are three shares that Bell Potter thinks could be top buys for income investors. Here's what you need to know:

Cedar Woods Properties Limited (ASX: CWP)

Bell Potter thinks Cedar Woods could be an ASX dividend share to buy. It is one of Australia's leading property developers with a diverse portfolio. This includes subdivisions in emerging residential communities, high-density apartments, and townhouses in inner-city neighbourhoods.

The broker believes the company is well-positioned to benefit from Australia's chronic housing shortage. It expects this to underpin dividends per share of 35 cents in FY 2026 and then 39 cents in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $8.15, this equates to 4.3% and 4.8% dividend yields, respectively.

Bell Potter has a buy rating and $10.00 price target on its shares.

Elders Ltd (ASX: ELD)

Bell Potter is also feeling bullish on Elders and sees it as an ASX dividend share to buy.

It is an agribusiness company that provides rural and livestock services, agricultural inputs, and real estate services to Australia's farming sector.

Bell Potter has been pleased with the performance of its base business and believes it has multiple growth drivers. In addition, the broker feels that the market is undervaluing the company's Delta Agribusiness acquisition.

With respect to income, the broker is forecasting fully franked dividends of 43 cents per share in FY 2026 and then 45 cents per share in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $7.22, this would mean dividend yields of 6% and 6.2%, respectively.

Bell Potter has a buy rating and $9.45 price target on its shares.

Rural Funds Group (ASX: RFF)

A final ASX dividend share to consider for a $5,000 investment is Rural Funds.

It is a property company that owns agricultural assets such as cattle properties, vineyards, and cropping land. Rural Funds leases these properties to high-quality tenants on long-term agreements with periodic rental increases built in.

Bell Potter is expecting the company to reward its shareholders with 11.7 cents per share dividends in FY 2026 and FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $2.07, this would mean attractive 5.7% dividend yields in both years.

The broker currently has a buy rating and $2.45 price target on its shares.

The post 3 top ASX dividend shares to buy with $5,000 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Listed below are two more Australian shares that the broker has just named as best buys for the month ahead. Here's what it is saying about them:

Elders Ltd (ASX: ELD)

The first ASX share that Bell Potter has recommended as a best buy this month is Elders.

It is a leading agribusiness and rural services company providing a diverse range of services to rural and regional Australia. Bell Potter notes that this includes livestock and wool agency and marketing, real estate services, agricultural supplies, financial services, and insurance.

The broker believes that Elders' shares are looking cheap at current prices and feels that the market is undervaluing the recent acquisition of Delta Agribusiness. In addition, it sees scope for potential upside catalysts and a strong dividend yield for income investors.

Commenting on its bullish view of the stock, Bell Potter said:

We see value in ELD, particularly with the market appearing to undervalue the pending Delta acquisition. The base business is performing well with multiple growth drivers including recovery from drought conditions, system modernisations, and backward integration benefits. We are attracted to ELD's valuation, which is relatively cheap at 12x 12MF P/E, along with these potential upside catalysts and a strong dividend yield.

GemLife Communities (ASX: GLF)

Bell Potter has added this over 50s lifestyle communities developer to its best ideas list this month.

It believes the company is well-placed to benefit from Australia's ageing population and expanding retirement living sector. In fact, Bell Potter estimates that GemLife could deliver a three-year earnings per share compound annual growth rate of 15%.

Commenting on the company, the broker said:

We add GemLife Communities (GLF) to the Small Cap Panel as a high-quality exposure to Australia's ageing population and expanding retirement living sector. The business benefits from an experienced, family led management team with strong alignment through ~43% ownership, supporting long term strategic execution.

With a strong development pipeline and settlements expected to ramp, we forecast a +15% 3 year EPS CAGR, and see the CY25 result as the next major catalyst. The stock looks attractive trading at ~15x FY27 earnings and we anticipate a re-rate as recurring income becomes a bigger contributor of earnings and the market better recognises the resilience and scalability of the model.

The post Bell Potter names more of the best ASX shares to buy in February appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

If you are, then it could be worth checking out the three ASX dividend stocks in this article.

They have been rated as buys by analysts at Bell Potter and are being tipped to offer attractive dividend yields in the near term. Here's what you need to know about them:

Centuria Industrial REIT (ASX: CIP)

Bell Potter thinks that Centuria Industrial REIT could be an ASX dividend stock to buy right now

It is a leading industrial property company that owns a portfolio of high-quality industrial assets. These assets are situated in urban infill locations throughout Australia where demand is strong.

Bell Potter believes the company's assets have positioned it to pay dividends per share of 16.8 cents in FY 2026 and then 17.3 cents in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $3.15, this would mean dividend yields of 5.3% and 5.5%, respectively.

The broker currently has a buy rating and $3.65 price target on its shares.

Elders Ltd (ASX: ELD)

The team at Bell Potter is also positive on Elders and sees it as an ASX dividend stock to buy now.

Elders is an agribusiness company that provides rural and livestock services, agricultural inputs, and real estate services to Australia's farming sector.

Bell Potter believes the market is undervaluing the company's Delta Agribusiness acquisition and highlights that the base business is performing well and has multiple growth drivers.

With respect to income, it is forecasting Elders to pay fully franked dividends of 43 cents per share in FY 2026 and then 45 cents per share in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $6.80, this would mean dividend yields of 6.3% and 6.6%, respectively.

Bell Potter has a buy rating and $9.45 price target on its shares.

Universal Store Holdings Ltd (ASX: UNI)

A third and final ASX dividend stock that analysts are tipping as a buy for income investors is Universal Store.

It is a growing youth fashion retailer behind the Universal Store, Thrills, and Perfect Stranger brands.

Bell Potter highlights that Universal Store has been performing well in a difficult consumer environment. The good news is that it believes this positive performance can continue thanks to its store rollouts and private label expansion.

The broker expects this to support fully franked dividends of 37.3 cents per share in FY 2026 and 41.4 cents per share in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $8.61, this equates to dividend yields of 4.3% and 4.8%, respectively.

Bell Potter currently has a buy rating and $10.50 price target on its shares.

The post These buy-rated ASX dividend stocks offer 4% to 6% yields appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT)

The Beach Energy share price is down over 4% to $1.20. This follows the release of the energy producer's half-year results. Beach Energy reported a 1% decline in sales revenue to $981.7 million and a 32% drop in net profit after tax to $150.2 million. This reflects a combination of production declines and weaker oil and liquids prices. Beach Energy's CEO, Brett Woods, spoke positively about the second half. He said: "Our steady financial footing and safe operational performance through a challenging half positions Beach for an active second half, particularly as Waitsia ramps up and offshore campaigns progress."

Elders Ltd (ASX: ELD)

The Elders share price is down 4% to $7.04. Investors have been selling this agribusiness company's shares after it announced a change of leadership. Elders has named Rene Dedoncker as its new CEO, commencing 1 October 2026. He will be replacing long-serving CEO, Mark Allison. Elders' chair, Glenn Davis, said: "We are delighted to welcome Rene as our next CEO. He brings deep agricultural roots and outstanding leadership experience to Elders. He has proven expertise from his years with Fonterra and Mars, where he drove operational excellence and strategic growth on a global scale. The Board has great confidence in his ability to lead Elders into its next phase of success."

Maas Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: MGH)

The Maas Group share price is down 23% to $4.30. This has been driven by news that the construction materials, equipment and service provider is selling its construction business for $1.7 billion. The company believes the deal will help fund a strategic shift into digital assets. It said: "Just as the Group positioned itself early into renewables-related infrastructure, MGH is now positioning to participate in the next wave of infrastructure investment, combining digital, AI, and electrification opportunities. The Australian data-centre and electrification markets present scalable, high-value opportunities aligned with MGH's execution DNA, integrated capabilities, and program-based delivery."

Neuren Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: NEU)

The Neuren share price is down 10% to $13.19. This follows the release of an update on its NNZ-2591 product candidate. While the US FDA has given Neuren a pathway forward for advancing NNZ-2591 in two rare neurological conditions, some additional work will be required. This could mean it takes longer than expected for approval.

The post Why Beach Energy, Elders, Maas, and Neuren shares are dropping today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

In morning trade, the ASX 200 stock is down 1% to $7.29.

Why is this ASX 200 stock falling?

Today's decline is likely to have been driven by a leadership update from the agribusiness company.

Current Elders CEO, Mark Allison, tried to resign in 2022 but a suitable replacement was not found. He then signalled that he would be willing to stay on until September 2026.

The good news for Allison and Elders is that a suitable replacement has finally been found.

According to the release, Elders has named Rene Dedoncker as its new CEO, commencing 1 October 2026. Allison will continue to lead Elders until Dedoncker's commencement.

Elders notes that Mr Dedoncker is coming over from Fonterra Group, where he has served for approximately 20 years. He held several senior executive roles, most recently CEO of Mainland Group. Prior to Fonterra, he held senior manager roles at Mars Corporation.

Commenting on the appointment, the ASX 200 stock's chair, Glenn Davis, said:

We are delighted to welcome Rene as our next CEO. He brings deep agricultural roots and outstanding leadership experience to Elders. He has proven expertise from his years with Fonterra and Mars, where he drove operational excellence and strategic growth on a global scale. The Board has great confidence in his ability to lead Elders into its next phase of success.

Davis highlights that the appointment followed a comprehensive international and domestic search process and "aligns with Elders' strategy to combine agribusiness expertise with operational excellence."

He notes that the new CEO's "strong strategic acumen, operational discipline and genuine passion for agriculture make him an excellent choice to lead Elders into the future."

Dedoncker appears up for the challenge of leading this ASX 200 stock. He said:

I am truly honoured that the Elders Board has placed its trust in me. Elders is an iconic name with a proud history in Australian agriculture, and I have long admired its commitment to farmers and rural communities. I look forward to working with the Board, Mark, and the entire Elders team to continue delivering value for our clients, shareholders and people. Together, we will build on Elders' strong foundations and drive its next stage of growth.

Outgoing CEO, Mark Allison, said:

This is the right time to hand over the leadership of Elders. The Board has chosen a strong successor in René who has my full support and endorsement. We have worked to position Elders for long-term success and I'm confident Rene will further that momentum. It has been a great privilege to serve as Managing Director and CEO of Elders – I'm incredibly proud of what our team has achieved, and I remain committed to supporting a smooth transition.

The post Guess which ASX 200 stock is falling on CEO news appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

What did Elders report?

• René Dedoncker, ex-Fonterra executive, appointed as incoming CEO starting 1 October 2026
• Outgoing CEO Mark Allison to continue until transition and support onboarding through to February 2027
• Mr Dedoncker's remuneration: $1.15 million fixed per annum, plus short- and long-term incentives
• Comprehensive leadership search aligning with Elders' agribusiness growth strategy
• Standard executive terms including post-employment restraints and transition allowance

What else do investors need to know?

The Board ran an international and domestic search before settling on Mr Dedoncker, whose background spans 20 years at Fonterra and senior leadership roles at Mars. His experience covers enterprise strategy, international market management, and driving organisational change.

Mark Allison, Elders' outgoing CEO, has led significant transformation at the company, including a return to a pureplay agribusiness and dividend resumption in 2017. He will stay on in an advisory role until early 2027 to ensure a smooth leadership transition.

What did Elders management say?

In a statement, Elders Chair Glenn Davis said:

We are delighted to welcome René as our next CEO. He brings deep agricultural roots and outstanding leadership experience to Elders. He has proven expertise from his years with Fonterra and Mars, where he drove operational excellence and strategic growth on a global scale. The Board has great confidence in his ability to lead Elders into its next phase of success.

What's next for Elders?

Elders is setting up for a carefully managed leadership transition, with Mr Allison mentoring Mr Dedoncker through to early 2027. The change aims to keep stability for shareholders and customers, supporting Elders' long-term growth and continued focus on rural Australia.

Mr Dedoncker's appointment supports the company's strategic priorities: strengthening regional networks, supporting farmers, and driving operational performance. The Board expects his experience will complement Elders' well-established platform in Australian agribusiness.

Elders share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Elders shares have risen 4%, slightly trailing the S&PASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 6% over the same period.

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The post Elders appoints René Dedoncker as next CEO in planned succession appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Three top ASX shares that leading brokers have named as buys this week are listed below. Here's why they are bullish on them:

Elders Ltd (ASX: ELD)

According to a note out of Macquarie, its analysts have retained their outperform rating on this agribusiness company's shares with an improved price target of $8.40. This follows the release of Elders' investor update, which revealed that its performance was improving as conditions normalise. Looking ahead, Macquarie believes the company is well-placed for growth over the medium term as it realises synergies from the Delta Agribusiness acquisition. In light of this, the broker sees value in the company's shares at current levels. The Elders share price is trading at $7.61 on Monday afternoon.

Genesis Minerals Ltd (ASX: GMD)

A note out of Bell Potter reveals that its analysts have retained their buy rating on this gold miner's shares with an improved price target of $9.90. The broker highlights that Genesis Minerals delivered a strong second quarter update, with record-breaking production coming in ahead of expectations. Bell Potter believes there is more to come in the second half. So much so, it expects the company to achieve the upper end of its production guidance in FY 2026. In addition, the broker points out that it likes Genesis Minerals due to its belief that it is a high-quality gold producer that is expanding production in a rising gold price environment. The Genesis Minerals share price is fetching $6.98 at the time of writing.

ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD)

Analysts at Morgans have upgraded this sleep disorder treatment company's shares to a buy rating with a $47.73 price target. According to the note, Morgans was pleased with ResMed's performance in the second quarter. It highlights that the result was a beat across the board, with double-digit revenue and earnings growth, further gross margin expansion, and solid cash generation. ResMed's operating leverage has seen the broker lift its earnings estimates and valuation slightly. And with its shares down unjustifiably and materially from recent highs, Morgans thinks now is a good time to invest. The ResMed share price is trading at $36.74 this afternoon.

The post Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

What did Elders report?

• Sales revenue grew to $3.2 billion, up 2.2% from FY24
• Gross margin increased to $684.6 million (21.4%)
• Underlying EBIT rose to $143.5 million (up from $128.0 million)
• Underlying net profit after tax climbed to $86.0 million, a 34% improvement
• Dividend held steady at 36.0 cents per share (100% franked)
• Leverage ratio decreased to 1.8 times (excluding AASB 16), with a strong target for FY26

What else do investors need to know?

Elders delivered growth despite challenging seasonal conditions, with dry weather affecting retail product results in South Australia and Victoria. Diversification across Agency, Real Estate, and Feed & Processing supported revenue and margin improvements.

The year saw eight acquisitions completed, including Delta Agribusiness, which enhances Elders' regional footprint. A new divisional structure was implemented to drive sharper focus and operational accountability.

Cash generation was strong, with operating cash flow at $117.9 million and cash conversion exceeding 137%. Management maintained cost growth below inflation, supporting ongoing profitability.

What's next for Elders?

Elders expects its leverage to return to below 2.0 times in FY26 as working capital initiatives and improved seasonal conditions take effect. Management's focus is on extracting synergies from recent acquisitions—particularly Delta Agribusiness—and expanding backward integration to drive margin gains.

The company's strategic 'Eight Point Plan' continues to target 5–10% EBIT and EPS growth through the cycle and a return on capital above 15%. Elders is also investing in technology, operational discipline, and sustainable growth across all business divisions to reinforce its position as Australia's most trusted rural brand.

Elders share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, the Elders shares have risen 2%, underperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 5% over the same period.

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The post Elders FY25 earnings: resilient profit and strategic growth appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

For example, the team at Bell Potter recently identified two ASX 200 shares that it thinks are being undervalued by the market at present.

Let's see what it is saying about these shares:

CAR Group Ltd (ASX: CAR)

CAR Group is an ASX 200 share that is highly rated by Bell Potter. It operates leading online automotive classifieds platforms across Australia and offshore markets. These platforms benefit from strong network effects, where buyers attract sellers and vice versa, reinforcing market leadership over time.

Bell Potter believes CAR Group can continue growing earnings through pricing power, product enhancements, and international expansion. Even when vehicle sales volumes fluctuate, the company's dominant platforms and recurring revenue streams help support long-term value creation.

Commenting on the company, the broker said:

CAR is trading around two-year lows at a P/E of ~28x, despite a defined product rollout map to drive value from its market-leading networks in its large, addressable markets, which includes C2C payments, pay-per-lead model, regional expansion and scope to develop market-based legacy advertising practices, underpinning a steady growth profile in our forecast EPS through FY26e-FY28e.

Bell Potter has a buy rating and $42.20 price target on its shares.

Elders Ltd (ASX: ELD)

Elders provides a very different type of exposure, one tied to Australia's agricultural sector.

This ASX 200 share offers a range of services to farmers, including agency, livestock, wool, real estate, and financial products. This diversified model allows Elders to benefit from activity across multiple parts of the rural economy rather than relying on a single commodity or season.

Bell Potter's positive view reflects Elders' scale, national footprint, and strong position in agribusiness services. As conditions normalise across parts of the agricultural cycle, the broker believes Elders is well placed to deliver earnings resilience and attractive returns over time. It said:

We see encouraging signs for FY26e, with livestock turnoff values up ~35% YOY through 1Q26TD, stable to rising crop protection active ingredient values and modestly higher fertiliser price indicators. A more normal selling pattern in FY26e, delivery on SYSMOD and backward integration initiatives, sector activity tailwinds and consolidation of Delta are expected to drive high double-digit EPS growth in FY26-27e. This view does not look reflected in the current share price, with ELD trading at ~11x FY26e EPS.

Bell Potter has a buy rating and $9.45 price target on its shares.

The post Why these ASX 200 shares could be dirt cheap appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

To narrow things down, let's take a look at three that analysts have named as buys above others.

Here's what they are recommending to clients:

Cedar Woods Properties Limited (ASX: CWP)

The first ASX dividend share that analysts are tipping as a buy is Cedar Woods.

It is one of Australia's leading property developers and the owner of a portfolio that is diversified by geography, price point, and product type.

Cedar Woods' developments include subdivisions in emerging residential communities, high-density apartments, and townhouses in inner-city neighbourhoods.

Bell Potter is a big fan of the company due to its belief that it is well-placed to benefit from Australia's chronic housing shortage.

The broker believes this will underpin fully franked dividends per share of 35 cents in FY 2026 and then 39 cents in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $8.27, this equates to 4.2% and 4.7% dividend yields, respectively.

Bell Potter has a buy rating and $10.00 price target on its shares.

Charter Hall Retail REIT (ASX: CQR)

Another ASX dividend share that is rated highly by analysts is the Charter Hall Retail REIT.

This property company owns a diversified portfolio of convenience-based retail centres that are anchored by supermarkets, service stations, and essential services.

These assets tend to be highly defensive. That's because shoppers continue to spend on groceries and everyday essentials regardless of economic conditions. In addition, long leases and high-quality tenants provide visibility over rental income. This supports consistent distributions to unitholders.

The team at Citi is positive on the company due to its successful capital deployment, improving margins, and retail property trends. It believes this will support dividends per share of 25.5 cents in FY 2026 and then 26 cents in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $4.14, this would mean dividend yields of 6.15% and 6.3%, respectively.

Citi has a buy rating and $4.50 price target on its shares.

Elders Ltd (ASX: ELD)

Finally, Elders could be an ASX dividend share to buy. It is an agribusiness company that provides rural and livestock services, agricultural inputs, and real estate services to Australia's farming sector.

Macquarie is bullish on Elders due to its belief that the cycle is turning favourable after a tricky period.

The broker expects this to allow Elders to pay fully franked dividends of 36 cents per share in FY 2026 and then 37 cents per share in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $7.51, this would mean dividend yields of 4.8% and 4.9%, respectively.

Macquarie has an outperform rating and $8.25 price target on its shares.

The post Analysts say these ASX dividend shares are top buys appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

If you are, then it could be worth checking out the three below which have been named as buys by brokers.

Here's what they are recommending to clients:

Elders Ltd (ASX: ELD)

The first ASX dividend stock that analysts rate as a buy is Elders. This agribusiness company provides rural and livestock services, agricultural inputs, and real estate services to Australia's farming sector.

While its earnings can fluctuate with seasonal conditions, Elders has built a diversified national footprint that helps smooth performance across cycles. This includes the recent acquisition of Delta Agribusiness, which provides greater exposure to key local retail markets as well as a leading agronomy and farm advisory team.

With respect to payouts, Macquarie believes the company is positioned to pay fully franked dividends of 36 cents per share in FY 2026 and then 37 cents per share in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $7.37, this would mean dividend yields of 4.9% and 5%, respectively.

Macquarie currently has an outperform rating and $8.25 price target on its shares.

Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN)

The team at Bell Potter thinks that Harvey Norman could be an ASX dividend share to buy and it isn't hard to see why.

The retail giant benefits from a unique franchise model that generates robust cash flows and provides flexibility during challenging retail environments.

In addition to its core electronics and furniture operations, Harvey Norman owns a substantial property portfolio. This adds another layer of income stability and has supported generous dividend payments over time.

Bell Potter expects fully franked dividends per share of 30.9 cents in FY 2026 and 35.3 cents in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $6.78, this represents dividend yields of 4.6% and 5.2%, respectively.

The broker has a buy rating and $8.30 price target on its shares,

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

Finally, Telstra Group could be a great option for Australian income investors.

As the country's largest telecommunications provider, it generates recurring revenue from mobile, broadband, and network services that customers rely on every day.

The company's scale, infrastructure ownership, and pricing power give it a strong competitive position, which has supported a growing stream of dividends in recent years.

Macquarie expects this to continue. It is forecasting fully franked dividends of 20 cents per share in FY 2026 and 21 cents per share in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $4.85, this equates to dividend yields of approximately 4.1% and 4.3%, respectively.

The broker has an outperform rating and $5.04 price target on its shares.

The post Brokers say buy Telstra and these ASX dividend stocks this month appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.