This has been consistent across both ASX and global shares. 

After falling 9% over the first three weeks of March, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has since rebounded 7%.

Geopolitical shocks and volatility are inevitable during the life of an investor. 

However, this recent recovery shows just how quickly markets can recover. 

Despite the recovery, there are still ASX 200 stocks that haven't enjoyed the same rebound. 

Here are three still sitting well below fair value according to brokers. 

Life360 Inc (ASX: 360)

For a long time, Life360 shares enjoyed a strong and almost uninterrupted rise.

The company's core product is a private family and friends social networking app that allows users to communicate and share their locations. 

After peaking at more than $55 per share in October last year, they have since fallen significantly. 

At the time of writing, they are down 66% since hitting all-time highs and closed yesterday at $18.58. 

However, this could now be an opportunity for investors to buy low on a quality company, as the business continues to grow its user base and monetisation.

The team at Bell Potter agrees.

The broker has a buy rating on this ASX 200 stock, with a price target of $35.50. 

From yesterday's closing price, this indicates an upside of more than 90%. 

Guzman y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG)

It has been a turbulent start to life as an ASX 200 stock for GYG. 

After first listing on the ASX in June last year, it quickly rode positive momentum to more than $43 per share. 

However, since then, the fast casual Mexican-inspired food chain has seen its share price fall more than 50%. 

It closed yesterday at $19.96 per share. 

However, the company recently posted a positive third-quarter update, prompting a positive response from Morgans.

The broker has retained their buy rating on this ASX 200 stock with an improved price target of $26.70.

From yesterday's closing price, this indicates a potential upside of almost 34%. 

Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN)

Harvey Norman shares have suffered along with many consumer discretionary shares this year. 

The Australian-based retailer has seen its share price dip 34% year to date. 

It now appears to be another ASX 200 stock trading below fair value. 

Bell Potter currently has a buy rating with a price target of $6.70.

From yesterday's closing share price of $4.61, that indicates an upside potential of just over 45%. 

The post 3 discounted ASX 200 shares to buy before they rebound  appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Anyone can put money into Australian shares. But turning small, regular contributions into a portfolio that pays you $50,000 a year is about designing something with a clear end goal.

If you are investing $300 a month, here is how that journey could realistically unfold.

Think in terms of income

A $50,000 annual second income, based on a 5% dividend yield, requires a portfolio of around $1 million.

That number might seem daunting at first. But when you break it down into monthly contributions and long-term compounding, it becomes far more achievable.

In the early years, the focus should not be on dividends at all. It should be on growth.

By investing $300 each month and targeting an average return of 10% per year (not guaranteed), you are effectively building the engine that will later produce income.

At this stage, every dollar earned should be reinvested. Dividends, capital gains, everything goes back into the portfolio to accelerate growth.

Over time, this creates a compounding effect where your investments begin generating returns on top of returns.

Growing your portfolio

Compounding does not feel powerful at the beginning. But there comes a point where it starts to take over.

After 10 years, the portfolio may still feel modest. If everything goes to plan, it would sit at approximately $60,000 based on an average 10% annual return.

After 20 years, it starts to become meaningful and would have grown to almost $220,000.

But somewhere in the third decade, growth will accelerate quickly. So much so, after 30 years your portfolio would have grown to become $625,000.

After which, it would take just five more years to grow your portfolio to $1 million, all else equal.

Transitioning to income

Once the portfolio approaches a meaningful size, the strategy can begin to shift.

Instead of focusing purely on growth, you can gradually tilt toward income-producing Australian shares. This might include banks, infrastructure companies, and other reliable dividend payers like Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) or Harvey Norman Holding Ltd (ASX: HVN).

At this stage, a 5% dividend yield is the target. On a $1 million portfolio, that equates to the $50,000 annual second income target.

Small changes, big impact

While $300 a month can get you there in 35 years, small adjustments can make a big difference.

Increasing your contributions over time, even slightly, can significantly shorten the journey.

Even an extra $50 or $100 a month, or occasional lump sum investments, can accelerate progress more than most people expect.

For example, $500 a month instead of $300 a month would take 30 years (based on a 10% per annum return) to reach $1 million.

It is a long game

This strategy is not about quick wins or short-term gains.

It is about building something gradually, almost quietly, until one day it becomes meaningful.

A $50,000 annual second income from Australian shares does not come from one great investment. It comes from hundreds of small, consistent decisions made over time. And it all starts with that first $300.

The post How to invest $300 a month in Australian shares to target a $50,000 annual second income appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Despite this recovery, the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) has remained flat. 

The consumer discretionary index remains down more than 12% year to date. 

There are several factors that could be keeping investors away from the sector: 

• Interest rates – higher rates reduce spending
• Inflation – high inflation reduces discretionary income
• Consumer confidence – low confidence leads to cutbacks

Despite these headwinds, there remains long-term value in the sector, as these economic conditions ebb and flow over the long term. 

For investors willing to deal with short-term volatility but looking for long-term opportunities, here are three consumer discretionary shares to consider. 

Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL)

Aristocrat is an Australian gaming technology company licensed in around 340 gaming jurisdictions in more than 100 countries. Aristocrat offers a range of products and solutions in the gaming space, including poker machines and casino management systems.

Its share price has fallen 18% year to date and 25% over the last year. 

It currently sits close to 52-week lows. 

However, it could be a buy-low opportunity for the long term. 

Recently, Macquarie retained its outperform rating and $63 price target on this consumer discretionary stock. 

From today's price of close to $46.92, that indicates an upside of 34%. 

The team at Morgans are also optimistic that the share price will recover. 

The broker believes its shares are attractively priced right now, given its strong growth track record.

Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN)

Harvey Norman is a leading Australian-based retailer selling electrical, computer, furniture, and entertainment goods.

Its share price is down almost 34% year to date after a tough February and March. 

Negative sentiment appears to be continuing this month, although it now appears to have been oversold. 

It simply might now be too cheap to ignore.

Bell Potter seems to agree. The broker currently has a buy rating with a price target of $6.70. 

From today's share price of $4.64, that indicates an upside potential of 44%. 

JB Hi-Fi Ltd (ASX: JBH)

Finally, JB Hi-Fi is also sitting well below yearly highs. 

The retailer of home entertainment and home appliance products has seen its share price fall more than 23% year to date. 

Analysts at Bell Potter recently retained their buy rating on this retail giant's shares with a reduced price target of $90.

That target sits right around the average of 15 analyst forecasts via TradingView. 

If this consumer discretionary stock reaches this target in the next 12 months, it would represent a 23% rise. 

The post Consumer discretionary shares to target for a long-term rebound appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN), Life360 Inc (ASX: 360), and Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL) are three ASX 200 shares that have dropped to a 52-week low recently.

Here's a rundown of what has pushed their share prices lower, and what we can expect next.

The ASX 200 shares to buy

Harvey Norman shares hit a fresh 52-week low of $4.66 on Tuesday lunchtime. The share price also dropped over 12% in February alone and has continued to tumble another 13% through March. The trend has continued through the first two weeks of April, too.

It looks like investors quickly took their profits off the table in late February after Harvey Norman shares enjoyed a strong rally through late 2025.

But the retail giant has faced strong headwinds over the past year on the back of renewed concerns about rising inflation and how that will impact consumer spending. Tighter household budgets mean Australians are spending less on discretionary items this year.

Market Index data shows that brokers now think the shares are below fair value. They rate the ASX 200 stock as a buy with an average target price of $6.29. That implies a potential 35.2% upside at the time of writing.

Another beaten-down ASX 200 stock that brokers are even more positive about is Life360. The US-based software development company's shares fell to a 52-week low of $17.91 at the close of the ASX on Monday afternoon. 

The shares have rebounded today, climbing 4.4% to $18.70 at the time of writing, but they're still 42.4% lower year to date and over 66% lower since the stock peaked at an all-time high of $55.87 in October last year. 

The ASX 200 stock has suffered a volatile few months after it was caught up in the tech-sector-wide sell-off. This was driven by a growing fear that companies' core services could be replaced by AI. At the same time, there was concern that tech sector share prices, including Life360, had become overinflated.

But brokers are very bullish that the share price could start soaring higher. They have a strong buy consensus rating with the potential to climb 91.5% to $35.78, at the time of writing.

And one to hold

Just because an ASX 200 stock has fallen to a 52-week low, it doesn't necessarily mean it's below fair value.

For example, Super Retail Group shares closed at a one-year low of $12.50 when the bell sounded on the ASX on Monday afternoon. While the shares have climbed 1.5% at the time of writing today, to $12.69, they're still down nearly 20% for the year to date.

The share price has tumbled since August last year, off the back of declining revenue figures, tighter margins, and rising operating costs. Higher inflation is also dampening consumer spending, which affects the company's margins.

While the shares have tumbled, brokers are hesitant about what to expect next. Market Index indicates brokers have a hold rating on the ASX 200 stock with a $16.44 target price. However, that still implies a 30% upside at the time of writing.

The post These 3 ASX 200 stocks hit a 52-week low: Buy, sell or hold? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

In early afternoon trade, the Harvey Norman share price is down 3.33% to $4.65. Earlier in the session, the stock slipped to $4.625, marking a fresh 52-week low.

That leaves the stock down roughly 33% since the start of 2026, a sharp de-rating for one of the ASX's best-known retail and dividend names.

The fall has dragged Harvey Norman shares back to late 2024 levels, underlining just how quickly sentiment toward consumer retailers has weakened this year.

So, is the sell-off starting to look overdone?

Selling pressure keeps building

The chart has remained almost one-way for most of 2026.

After starting the year above $7, Harvey Norman shares have steadily trended lower, with each bounce fading into renewed selling. And today's break to a new 52-week low reinforces that momentum remains weak in the near term.

Part of the pressure appears tied to broader concerns around discretionary retail spending, particularly as higher living costs continue to weigh on household budgets.

The market may also be reassessing Harvey Norman's valuation after its strong run through 2025. Back then, investors appeared comfortable paying a premium for its property-backed balance sheet, large fully franked dividends, and offshore growth exposure.

Even after the sell-off, Harvey Norman is still trading on a dividend yield above 6% based on the current share price.

Its latest fully-franked 14.5 cent interim dividend is due to be paid on 1 May.

Broker support suggests upside still exists

Despite the weak price action, not everyone has turned cautious on the retailer.

Earlier this month, Bell Potter retained a buy rating on Harvey Norman with a $6.70 price target. Based on the current share price, that implies potential upside of more than 40% from here.

The broker's positive view appears to rest on a few key pillars. These include the company's large freehold property portfolio, its diversified earnings mix across Australia and international markets, and ongoing store rollout opportunities offshore.

Those factors may be helping some investors look beyond the short-term retail slowdown.

Foolish Takeaway

Harvey Norman shares are now deep in correction territory, with the stock heavily down this year.

Despite weak momentum, the stock's property backing, strong yield, and broker upside could keep value investors interested.

Right now, Harvey Norman looks like a stock caught between weak sentiment and a valuation that is starting to look more reasonable.

The post Harvey Norman just hit a 52-week low. Is this beaten-down ASX retailer becoming too cheap to ignore? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

To narrow things down, let's take a look at two ASX dividend shares that brokers think could be among the best to buy now.

Here's what they are recommending:

GQG Partners Inc (ASX: GQG)

Morgans thinks this investment management company's shares could be undervalued at current levels.

In response to its improving investment performance, the broker recently put a buy rating and $2.03 price target on its shares.

But more importantly, Morgans is expecting double-digit dividend yields over its forecast period. It said:

GQG has provided a February FUM update.  Whilst monthly net flows remained negative (-US$3.2bn), strong February investment performance (+US$10.5bn), which drove +4.5% FUM growth, made this a positive update in our view. We lift our GQG FY26F/FY27F EPS by +1%-+2%, driven by increased FUM forecasts based on better investment performance than we expected. Our PT rises to A$2.03 (previously A$1.89).

We acknowledge it remains early, but the improved January and February investment performance for GQG might mark the start of a business turnaround. We continue to see the stock as undervalued trading on 8x FY1 PE and an ~11% dividend yield. With >20% TSR upside, we move to a BUY rating, previously Accumulate.

Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN)

The team at Bell Potter thinks that retail giant Harvey Norman could be a top ASX dividend share to buy.

Last week, it put a buy rating and $6.70 price target on its shares.

As for income, it is forecasting fully franked dividend yields of 6.2% in FY 2026 and then 7% in FY 2027.

Commenting on the retailer, the broker said:

Our PT is based on a sum-of-the-parts valuation with a DCF methodology (WACC ~9%, TGR 3.5%, FY26-30e) for retail operations (exProperty) and the property bank on a fair value basis (as BPe for FY26e) assuming a broadly stable capitalisation rate for the remainder of FY26e.

While our preference skews to category specialists with balance sheet strength, we see HVN's well balanced geographical diversification somewhat offsetting the multi-category risks. Following the sharp sell-off in the name since Oct-25, HVN's 1-year forward P/E of ~13x (as per BPe) appears attractive considering the new store driven growth in international retailing (UK, Malaysia, Croatia), refit program in Australia and opportunities to grow their real estate portfolio as Australia's single largest owner in large format retail with a global portfolio of ~$4.6b.

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

If you are, it could be worth checking out the ASX shares that analysts at Bell Potter and Morgans are recommending to clients.

Here's what you need to know:

Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN)

The first ASX share that is rated as a buy is Harvey Norman.

Bell Potter acknowledges that there are risks in the retail sector, particularly given the company's exposure to multiple product categories. However, it believes Harvey Norman's geographic diversification and property assets help balance these risks.

Importantly, the broker sees value emerging in its shares after a sharp decline. Furthermore, it highlights that Harvey Norman's international store expansion, ongoing store upgrades in Australia, and significant property portfolio could support earnings growth over time.

Bell Potter has a buy rating and $6.70 price target on its shares. It said:

While our preference skews to category specialists with balance sheet strength, we see HVN's well balanced geographical diversification somewhat offsetting the multi-category risks.

Following the sharp sell-off in the name since Oct-25, HVN's 1-year forward P/E of ~13x (as per BPe) appears attractive considering the new store driven growth in international retailing (UK, Malaysia, Croatia), refit program in Australia and opportunities to grow their real estate portfolio as Australia's single largest owner in large format retail with a global portfolio of ~$4.6b.

Navigator Global Investments Ltd (ASX: NGI)

Another ASX share that is rated as a buy by brokers is Navigator Global Investments.

Morgans believes the company's recent acquisition of Georgian strengthens its long-term growth outlook. Georgian is an AI-focused growth equity firm, which Morgans believes aligns with key investment trends and could support earnings growth in the coming years.

While the broker has trimmed its price target due to broader market valuation changes, it does not believe the company's fundamentals have deteriorated. In fact, recent market volatility may even be supportive of its alternative asset management business.

Morgans has put a buy rating and $2.98 price target on its shares. It said:

NGI has acquired Georgian, a Toronto-based AI-focused growth equity firm. This deal appears to be a strategic fit for NGI, meeting its flagged acquisition criteria and being earnings accretive. We forecast NGI FY26F/FY27F/FY28F EPS to increase by ~1%-3% following the transaction. However, our target price reduces to A$2.98 (from A$3.35), reflecting a meaningful contraction in global peer trading multiples and our application of a more conservative valuation multiple to NGI (12.5x PE versus 15x previously).

NGI's recent sell-off appears to be mainly tied to Private Credit concerns around its key strategic partner Blue Owl. We think NGI's fundamentals are largely unchanged, and current market volatility is arguably conducive to its stable of alternative asset fund managers. We rate NGI a Buy.

The post Why these ASX shares are rated as buys in April appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

That's because the team at Bell Potter believes its shares can deliver both over the next 12 months.

Which ASX 200 stock?

The stock that Bell Potter is bullish on right now is Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN).

It is of course one of Australia's largest retailers with a growing network of stores selling electronic and household goods across the globe.

Bell Potter has been looking at its recent half-year result and while it was a touch softer than expected, it remains positive. It said:

Harvey Norman (HVN)'s 1H26 result back in February saw some minor misses, however with aggregate system sales +7% and the least variance in the Australian Franchising division supported by strong franchising operations margins.

The Australian business saw comparable sales growth easing towards the ~1% level (as per BPe) in the last 6 weeks of 1H (21-Nov to 31-Dec) as HVN cycled ~9% comps. The month of Jan in 2H26 started at a slightly better 3.6% comparable sales growth in Australia (cycling +2.1%), however tougher comps 2H to be cycled in Feb-Jun. The Home, Lifestyle and Technology categories have remained robust during 1H26.

Major upside and a big dividend yield

According to the note, the broker has retained its buy rating with a reduced price target of $6.70 (from $8.30).

Based on its current share price of $4.87, this implies potential upside of 38% for investors over the next 12 months.

In addition, it is expecting the ASX 200 stock to provide investors with a generous 6.1% fully franked dividend yield over the period. This boosts the total potential return to over 44%.

Bell Potter thinks its shares are being undervalued by the market at just 13x forward earnings. Commenting on its buy recommendation, Bell Potter said:

While our preference skews to category specialists with balance sheet strength, we see HVN's well balanced geographical diversification somewhat offsetting the multi-category risks. Following the sharp sell-off in the name since Oct-25, HVN's 1-year forward P/E of ~13x (as per BPe) appears attractive considering the new store driven growth in international retailing (UK, Malaysia, Croatia), refit program in Australia and opportunities to grow their real estate portfolio as Australia's single largest owner in large format retail with a global portfolio of ~$4.6b.

The post Bell Potter says this ASX 200 stock can rise 38% and pay a 6% dividend yield 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 set to rise

The Australian share market looks set for another rise on Thursday following a good night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 13 points or 0.15% higher this morning. In late trade in the United States, the Dow Jones is up 0.6%, the S&P 500 is up 0.9% and the Nasdaq is 1.25% higher.

Buy Harvey Norman shares

Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN) shares could be undervalued according to analysts at Bell Potter. This morning, the broker has retained its buy rating on the retail giant's shares with a reduced price target of $6.70. Based on its current share price of $4.87, this implies potential upside of 38%. It said: "Following the sharp sell-off in the name since Oct-25, HVN's 1-year forward P/E of ~13x (as per BPe) appears attractive considering the new store driven growth in international retailing (UK, Malaysia, Croatia), refit program in Australia and opportunities to grow their real estate portfolio as Australia's single largest owner in large format retail with a global portfolio of ~$4.6b."

Oil prices fall

ASX 200 energy shares Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) could have a subdued session on Thursday after oil prices dropped overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 1.6% to US$99.73 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 2.8% to US$101.03 a barrel. This has been driven by optimism that a US-Iran peace deal is near.

Graincorp shares are fully valued

The team at Bell Potter has also been looking at Graincorp Ltd (ASX: GNC) shares. However, it thinks the grain exporter's shares are fully valued at current levels and has retained its hold rating and $6.80 price target. It said: "As the focus shifts to the upcoming crop, soil moisture profiles are in general the opposite of a year ago, being improved in the south and drier in the north. At this stage, the increasing shift in outlook towards an El Nino bias in 2HCY26 warrants consideration against potential yield outcomes."

Gold price rises

ASX 200 gold shares Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a good session on Thursday after the gold price pushed higher overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is up 2.4% to US$4,658.4 an ounce. A softer US dollar gave the precious metal a lift.

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

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

Here at The Fool, our analysts do not recommend buying ASX shares simply just to get the next dividend payment.

Our market experts say the decision to buy should be more thoughtful than that, and based on fundamental analysis.

But if you already intend to buy any of these ASX shares, you might like to consider the best timing for you.

For example, you could buy before the ex-dividend date and receive entitlement to the next dividend payment.

Or you might prefer to wait until the ex-dividend date itself, when the share price usually falls, to snap up your stock.

Here are some ex-dividend dates next week

The post 20 ASX shares with ex-dividend dates next week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

If you are, then it could be worth looking at the three ASX dividend shares in this article that brokers are bullish on.

Here's what they are recommending to clients:

Cedar Woods Properties Ltd (ASX: CWP)

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

The property developer focuses on residential communities and urban land subdivision projects across Australia. While the housing market can be cyclical, long-term demand remains supported by population growth and limited supply in key regions.

With development projects progressing and demand for housing remaining strong, the company could be well placed to continue generating earnings and supporting its dividend payments over time.

Bell Potter believes this will underpin fully franked dividends of 39 cents per share in FY 2026 and then 41 cents per share in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $7.27, this would mean dividend yields of 5.35% and 5.6%, respectively.

The broker also sees plenty of upside for its shares with its buy rating and $10.20 price target.

Centuria Industrial REIT (ASX: CIP)

Another ASX dividend share that could appeal to income investors is Centuria Industrial REIT.

This REIT owns a portfolio of industrial and logistics assets, including warehouses and distribution centres. These properties are closely tied to supply chains and ecommerce activity, which has driven strong demand in recent years.

The trust benefits from long lease terms and a diversified tenant base, which provides visibility over future rental income.

With industrial property remaining a key part of the modern economy, Centuria Industrial REIT could continue to deliver steady income for investors.

UBS believes the company is well-placed to pay 17 cents per share dividends in both FY 2026 and FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $2.96, this would mean dividend yields of 5.75% in both years.

The broker has a buy rating and $3.40 price target on its shares.

Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN)

A final ASX dividend share that brokers rate as a buy is Harvey Norman.

It operates a retail and franchise model across furniture, electronics, and appliances, while also owning a significant property portfolio.

This combination provides multiple income streams, with both retail earnings and rental income supporting its financial performance.

Harvey Norman has a history of paying solid dividends, and while retail conditions can fluctuate, its strong brand and asset backing provide a level of resilience.

The team at Macquarie believes Harvey Norman is positioned to reward shareholders with fully franked payouts of 27.8 cents per share in FY 2026 and 31.2 cents per share in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $4.97, this would mean dividend yields of 5.6% and 6.3%, respectively.

Macquarie has an outperform rating and $6.60 price target on its shares.

The post 3 ASX dividend shares to double up on right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

They offer the potential for regular income while also providing exposure to businesses that can grow over time. The key is to focus on companies with reliable earnings, sustainable payouts, and supportive industry conditions.

With that in mind, here are three ASX dividend stocks that could be worth considering.

Charter Hall Retail REIT (ASX: CQR)

The first dividend stock to consider is Charter Hall Retail REIT.

This property trust owns a portfolio of convenience-based retail centres, typically anchored by supermarkets and essential service providers. These locations tend to attract consistent foot traffic, which supports stable rental income.

Rather than relying on discretionary spending, the trust benefits from everyday consumer activity. This makes its income stream more resilient compared to traditional retail landlords.

Macquarie is positive on the company and recently put an outperform rating and $4.15 price target on its shares.

As for income, the broker expects dividends per share of 25.5 cents in FY 2026 and then 25.4 cents in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $3.96, this would mean dividend yields of approximately 6.4% for both years.

Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN)

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

Unlike many retailers, Harvey Norman operates a unique franchise model that generates income through both retail sales and property ownership. This dual structure gives it multiple earnings streams and can help support its dividend payments.

While retail conditions can fluctuate, Harvey Norman has shown an ability to remain profitable across cycles, supported by its brand recognition and broad product offering.

Macquarie is also positive on this one and earlier this month put an outperform rating and $6.60 price target on its shares.

With respect to dividends, Macquarie expects Harvey Norman to reward shareholders with fully franked payouts of 27.8 cents per share in FY 2026 and 31.2 cents per share in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $5.23, this would mean dividend yields of 5.3% and 6%, respectively.

Premier Investments Ltd (ASX: PMV)

A third ASX dividend stock to consider is Premier Investments.

This company owns the Smiggle and Peter Alexander brands, which have built strong customer followings both in Australia and internationally.

It also holds a significant investment in Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG), which adds another layer of value and income potential to the group.

UBS is bullish on the company. Last week, it put a buy rating and $18.00 price target on its shares.

As for income, the broker is forecasting fully franked dividends of 58 cents per share in FY 2026 and then 64 cents per share in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $12.79, this equates to dividend yields of 4.5% and 5%, respectively.

The post Where to invest $20,000 for dividend income on the ASX appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

JB Hi-Fi Limited (ASX: JBH)

JB Hi-Fi delivered some solid 1H26 results, including:

• Sales revenue up 7.3% to $6.1 billion
• Net profit after tax up 7.1% to $305.8 million
• Earnings per share up 7.1%

While it experienced a slowdown in sales momentum in January, JB Hi Fi continues to thrive overall. And for me, its relative success in a difficult consumer spending climate comes down to the power of its brand. Its core value proposition has never wavered.

Customers know what to expect from JB Hi-Fi, and it continually delivers, with discounted prices, easy price matching and an interactive in-store experience. Its casual staff culture appeals to younger generations who typically spend more on technology than their older counterparts. Gen Z and Millennials drop a combined $9.2 billion a year on smart home tech alone, according to 2025 Pure Profile research conducted for Samsung.

And while this demographic is also much more likely to buy online, I believe JB Hi-Fi's in-store experience and the broader societal trend towards instant gratification position it well in this landscape.

JB Hi-Fi has indicated that it expects some further softening in consumer spending in the next quarter. But I believe the retailer is well-positioned to weather any potential challenges. Its balance sheet should provide enough cover, with low debt and cash reserves of $489.5 million as of 1H26.

From a share price perspective, it remains fair value, with a small upside for investors, in my opinion. It has dropped around 13% in the last year, perhaps driven by broader market weakness and investor concern about a consumer spending crunch.

Harvey Norman Holdings Limited (ASX: HVN)

Harvey Norman also delivered robust results for the half, including:

• Sales revenue up 6.9% to $5.16 billion
• Net profit after tax up 15.2% to $321.9 million
• Earnings per share up 20.8%

Regardless, its share price has fallen around 20% over the last month, most likely due to concerns about a consumer spending squeeze.

Harvey Norman is a decent business as it stands today. With a solid supplier network and the backing of its strong property portfolio, it's in a good position to stare down the immediate challenges of any contraction in consumer spending.

However, the value proposition for this retailer changes for me based on the time horizon.

According to Roy Morgan Research, almost 60% of Harvey Norman's customers were aged over 50 in 2019, highlighting its popularity amongst Baby Boomers and older Gen Xers. Given that its marketing appears to target the same audience in 2026, I think it's reasonable to assume that this hasn't materially changed. 

In a spending crunch, we tend to see older generations spending more than Millennials, who are in the thick of one of life's most expensive stages, from school fees to mortgages.

So, in the short term, an older customer base combined with a strong balance sheet will likely be an advantage for Harvey Norman.

Over the longer term, however, I don't love its brand positioning. There is a risk that it may compete solely on price to attract Millennial and Gen Z consumers. Harvey Norman will need to deliver a consistent, high-quality in-store experience to compete with lean online players and with competitors like JB Hi-Fi, which has already successfully attracted younger shoppers.

Would I buy it right now? Probably. I think there is some upside at current prices, and its recent results and balance sheet look good. Long-term, I think it may face challenges if it continues with its current brand positioning.

The bottom line

Both are reasonably good retail buys right now. In the short term, I think Harvey Norman has a slight edge. Its results are strong, its higher dividend yield is appealing, and I think there may be a little more upside at current prices. However, looking longer term, I think JB Hi-Fi will prove the stronger business, gaining real momentum from the investment it has made in its brand.

The post JB Hi-Fi vs. Harvey Norman: Which is the better retail buy? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

When I look for ASX dividend stocks, I tend to focus on businesses that combine reliable income with solid underlying operations. A dividend is great, but it is even better when it is supported by a strong business model and the potential for earnings to grow over time.

With that in mind, here are three dividend-focused ASX stocks I would be looking at this month.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

I think it is impossible to talk about dividend investing on the ASX without mentioning Commonwealth Bank of Australia.

The bank has built a reputation as the highest-quality lender in Australia thanks to its dominant deposit base, strong technology platform, and disciplined approach to lending.

CBA's dividend yield may not look spectacular at first glance because the share price has rallied strongly over the past few years. However, it still provides a healthy income stream.

Consensus estimates currently point to a fully franked dividend of about $5.20 per share in FY2026. Based on the current CBA share price of $171.09, that implies a yield of a little over 3%, before taking franking credits into account.

For income investors, those franking credits make a meaningful difference. They can significantly boost the effective yield on an after-tax basis.

What I like most about CBA is the consistency. Banks will always face economic cycles, but CBA has shown time and again that it can generate strong profits and maintain dividends through changing conditions.

Sonic Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SHL)

Another ASX dividend stock that stands out to me is Sonic Healthcare.

Sonic operates one of the world's largest medical diagnostics businesses, with laboratories and pathology services across Australia, Europe, and the United States.

Healthcare demand tends to be relatively stable, which helps make Sonic's earnings more predictable than many other industries. That stability can translate into reliable dividends over time.

Consensus forecasts currently suggest Sonic could pay partially franked dividends of around $1.10 per share this financial year. With its shares trading at about $21.28, that equates to a dividend yield of just over 5%.

In my view, the combination of defensive healthcare demand and a solid dividend yield makes Sonic an appealing option for income-focused investors.

Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN)

The third ASX dividend stock on my list is Harvey Norman.

Retail businesses can sometimes produce strong dividends when they are run conservatively and generate healthy cash flow. I think Harvey Norman is a good example of that.

The company's unique franchise model allows it to earn income from both retail operations and property ownership. That property exposure has historically provided a strong asset backing for the business.

Consensus estimates predict Harvey Norman will pay around 31 cents per share in fully franked dividends this year. With the share price currently around $5.24, that represents a dividend yield of roughly 6%.

For investors seeking higher income, that yield could be particularly appealing.

Foolish takeaway

Dividend investing isn't just about chasing the highest yield. In my experience, the best income stocks are usually backed by strong businesses that can keep generating cash flow year after year.

Commonwealth Bank, Sonic Healthcare, and Harvey Norman each offer a combination of income potential and established business models. For that reason, they are three ASX stocks I think are worth considering.

The post My 3 best ASX dividend-focused stocks to buy in March appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) electronics and home furnishings retail stock closed yesterday trading for $5.41. In early afternoon trade on Wednesday, shares are swapping hands for $5.38 each, down 0.6%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is up 0.4% at this same time.

Harvey Norman shares have struggled in 2026, now down 23.5% year to date. However, after a strong run in 2025, the ASX 200 stock remains up 5.1% over 12 months.

Atop those capital gains, Harvey Norman also paid out (or shortly will pay out) two fully-franked dividends over the full year, totalling 29 cents a share. This sees the stock trading on a 5.4% fully-franked dividend yield (partly trailing, partly pending).

But despite that appealing passive income, Investor Pulse's Mark Elzayed believes investors would do well to sell the stock (courtesy of The Bull).

Time to sell Harvey Norman shares?

"Much of the operational recovery now appears reflected in the retail giant's share price," Elzayed said.

Commenting on the company's performance, he noted:

Fiscal year 2025 results and early fiscal year 2026 trading updates confirmed solid aggregated sales growth, aided by an improving UK performance and continuing strength in Europe.

As for his sell recommendation on Harvey Norman shares, Elzayed said, "Yet after a material re-rating over the past year, we see limited room for positive surprises. Competition in the consumer electronics category is intense."

And that "appealing" passive income isn't enough to sway his recommendation.

"While the dividend yield remains appealing, consumer discretionary sector headwinds leave valuation multiples looking extended, in our view," Elzayed concluded.

What's the latest from the ASX 200 retail stock?

Harvey Norman reported its half-year (H1 FY 2026) results on 27 February.

Highlights for the six months to 31 December included a 6.9% year-on-year increase in sales revenue to $5.16 billion, while earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) increased by 14.4% to $527.5 million.

On the bottom line, the company achieved a 15.2% increase in net profit after tax (NPAT) to $321.9 million.

"This is a very solid first-half result, with profit growth driven by higher system sales, disciplined cost control and strong performances across our franchising operations and overseas retail businesses," chairman Gerry Harvey said.

But with market expectations clearly high, Harvey Norman shares closed down 9% on the day of the results release.

The post Sell alert! Why this expert is calling time on Harvey Norman shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

To narrow things down, let's see what analysts at Investor Pulse are saying about three, courtesy of The Bull.

Are they bullish, bearish, or something in between?

Aussie Broadband Ltd (ASX: ABB)

The expert is tipping this broadband provider as an ASX 200 share to buy now.

It was pleased to see operational leverage starting to emerge and appears to support management's recent M&A deals. It said:

This telecommunications company continues to build a credible long term growth case as it pushes further into scale and diversification. First half group revenue of $637.8 million in fiscal year 2026 was up 8.4 per cent compared to the prior corresponding period. Underlying EBITDA of $74.7 million grew 13.5 per cent. We're impressed with the operational leverage beginning to emerge.

ABB recently acquired AGL Energy's telecommunications business, adding an estimated 350,000 broadband services and mobile connections to ABB's customer base. It recently entered into a binding agreement to acquire 100 per cent of Nexgen Investment Group, a provider of advanced business communication solutions. The deals strengthen ABB's small-to-medium sized enterprise business offering.

Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN)

This ASX share has been rated as a sell by the expert. While it concedes that Harvey Norman's dividend yield remains appealing, it believes its shares are now fully valued after a material re-rating over the past 12 months. It said:

Much of the operational recovery now appears reflected in the retail giant's share price. Fiscal year 2025 results and early fiscal year 2026 trading updates confirmed solid aggregated sales growth, aided by an improving UK performance and continuing strength in Europe.

Yet after a material re-rating over the past year, we see limited room for positive surprises. Competition in the consumer electronics category is intense. While the dividend yield remains appealing, consumer discretionary sector headwinds leave valuation multiples looking extended, in our view.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

Finally, Wesfarmers has been named as a hold by the expert. It likes the resilience of the ASX 200 share, but not its valuation. It said:

Despite the recent market turbulence, we continue to hold this industrial conglomerate, reflecting group resilience amid consistency among its core retail divisions. The recent first half result for fiscal year 2026 reinforced our view, with statutory net profit after tax of $1.603 billion up 9.3 per cent on the prior corresponding period. Bunnings and Kmart Group sustained sales momentum by leaning into their low price positioning at a time when household budgets remain under pressure.

Wesfarmers chemicals, energy and fertiliser division has also become a more meaningful contributor, helped by firmer lithium prices and the ramp up of the Covalent Lithium refinery, which is now producing battery grade lithium hydroxide.

The post Expert gives its verdict on 3 popular ASX 200 shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

But for long-term investors, pullbacks can also create opportunities to lock in attractive dividend yields.

These ASX dividend shares offer a combination of income potential and established businesses.

Sonic Healthcare

This ASX dividend share is one of the world's largest medical diagnostics providers, operating laboratories and pathology services across Australia, Europe, and North America. The company's scale and global footprint are major strengths.  

Another positive is the long-term demand outlook. Healthcare testing and diagnostics are essential services, and aging populations across developed markets should support steady demand for Sonic's services over time.

However, there are risks investors should keep in mind. Healthcare shares are exposed to government funding changes and regulatory shifts, which can affect margins. Rising wages in the healthcare sector are also a challenge for pathology operators.

Macquarie has recently assigned the ASX dividend share an outperform rating with a $27.50 price target. This points to a 25% upside over 12 months.

For income investors, the broker expects the company to pay partially franked dividends of 104 cents per share in FY2026 and 100 cents per share in FY2027.

At the current share price of $21.97, this equates to dividend yields of approximately 4.7% for FY2026 and 4.55% for FY2027.

Super Retail Group

The ASX dividend share is the retailer behind well-known brands including Supercheap Auto, Rebel, BCF, and Macpac.

A key strength of the business is its brand diversification. By operating across multiple retail categories, Super Retail reduces reliance on any single segment of consumer spending. The group also generates strong operating cash flow, which supports dividends and store expansion.

The main risk for the ASX dividend share is its exposure to consumer spending cycles. If economic conditions weaken or household budgets tighten, sales across discretionary retail categories can fall. Retail competition and promotional activity can also weigh on margins.

Even so, this ASX dividend share is known for generous shareholder returns. The company currently pays about 96 cents per share annually in dividends, offering a yield of roughly 6.5%, with payments typically made twice a year.

Most analysts rate the dividend stock a buy. They have set the average 12-month price target at $16.66, implying a 13% upside. This could bring the year's total earnings to 19.5%.

Harvey Norman Holdings

Harvey Norman is one of Australia's most recognisable retailers, selling electronics, furniture, bedding, and appliances through a large franchise network. One of the company's biggest strengths is its property portfolio, as many stores sit on land owned by the group.

This property ownership helps underpin the balance sheet and can provide an additional source of value beyond the retail operations. Harvey Norman also generates strong cash flow from its franchise model, which supports shareholder distributions.

However, the ASX dividend share is still exposed to the consumer cycle. Sales of big-ticket household goods can slow when interest rates are high or when housing markets weaken. Competition from online retailers is another ongoing challenge.

Macquarie remains positive on the ASX dividend share. It believes the company is positioned to pay fully-franked dividends per share of 27.8 cents in FY 2026 and 31.2 cents in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $5.46, this represents dividend yields of 5.1% and 5.7%, respectively.

The broker has a buy rating and $6.60 price target on the retail stock. This points to a 23% upside at current price levels.

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

Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN) and Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL) operate well-known retail brands across Australia and overseas. Both ASX dividend stocks have also built reputations for returning consistent cash to shareholders.

Harvey Norman: Retail and freehold property

Harvey Norman is one of Australia's most recognisable retail businesses. It sells electronics, furniture, bedding, and appliances through a network of franchised stores.

But this ASX dividend stock is not just a retailer. A key strength of the business is its significant property portfolio. Many of its stores are located on freehold land owned by the group.

This real estate portfolio has become an important source of value and income for the company. In recent years, it has also helped underpin profitability, alongside the core retail operations. In the first half-year results for 2026, Harvey Norman reported a 15% increase in net profit after tax to about $322 million as sales rose 7% to $5.16 billion.

Another attraction for income investors is the dividend track record of the ASX dividend stock. The payout ratio is around 58%, suggesting the dividend is reasonably supported by earnings.

Macquarie remains positive on the retailer. It believes the company is positioned to pay fully-franked dividends per share of 27.8 cents in FY 2026 and 31.2 cents in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $5.46, this represents dividend yields of 5.1% and 5.7%, respectively.

The broker has a buy rating and $6.60 price target on the ASX dividend stock. This points to a 21% upside at current price levels.

Super Retail Group: Diverse retail brands

Super Retail Group is another well-known Australian retailer, operating brands such as Supercheap Auto, Rebel, BCF, and Macpac. These brands focus on automotive, sports, and outdoor recreation products, giving the company exposure to several popular consumer categories.

One of the company's biggest strengths is its diversified portfolio of retail brands. This helps spread risk across different consumer segments and has supported steady revenue growth.

The ASX dividend stock posted solid revenue growth, supported by resilient demand across auto and leisure categories and continued online traction. The group generates strong operating cash flow, which reached more than $400 million in the past year.

Super Retail Group is also known for its generous dividend policy. The company aims to pay out around 60% of the underlying net profit. The retailer pays shareholders twice a year and has built a reputation for consistent, largely fully-franked payouts.

In stronger years, the ASX dividend stock has also delivered special dividends. The current yield is attractive at 4.2% compared to the market.

Most analysts rate the ASX dividend stock a buy. They have set the average 12-month price target at $16.66, implying an 8% upside. This could bring total earnings for the year to 12%.

The post 2 ASX dividend stocks to buy and hold for 10 years appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

During this time, the counter-drone technology company's shares have risen over 380% and currently trade at $4.07.

To put that into context, a $5,000 investment a year ago would now be worth approximately $24,000.

But those returns are now behind us. Could DroneShield shares double again this year? Let's find out.

Could DroneShield shares double?

It is worth remembering that nobody can say with certainty whether a share price will go higher, let alone double in value. But that doesn't mean that we can't consider whether it is a possibility.

Firstly, at the current share price, DroneShield has a market capitalisation of $3.75 billion.

This means that if its shares were to double, it would take the company's market capitalisation to $7.5 billion.

That's more than retail giant Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN), Dan Murphy's owner Endeavour Group Ltd (ASX: EDV), and energy giant AGL Energy Limited (ASX: AGL).

That sort of valuation might be a bit of a stretch based on its current sales and profits, but there's no reason why it couldn't get there in the next few years if its strong momentum continues.

For now, I would say the probability of its shares doubling is low. But I would also never rule anything out with this market darling.

What are brokers saying?

The team at Bell Potter is bullish on DroneShield shares. However, not to the point that the broker believes they could double in value over the next 12 months.

According to a recent note, the broker has a buy rating and $4.80 price target on its shares.

Based on its current share price of $4.07, this implies potential upside of 18% for investors over the next 12 months.

While not a 100% gain, this is still comfortably ahead of the average annual share market return of around 10%. So, it certainly isn't something to be sniffed at!

Commenting on its buy recommendation, Bell Potter said:

We believe DRO has a market leading RF detect/defeat C-UAS offering and a strengthening competitive advantage owing to its years of battlefield experience and large and focused R&D team. We expect 2026 will be an inflection point for the global C-UAS industry with countries poised to unleash a wave of spending on RF detect and defeat solutions.

Consequently, we believe DRO should see material contracts flowing from its $2.3b potential sales pipeline over the next 3-6 months as defence budgets roll over to FY26e. At 35x CY26e EV / EBITDA, DRO trades at a discount to the global drone peer group. Further, we see upside risk to our revenue forecasts in CY26/27e, given the opportunities observed in the C-UAS industry.

The post Could DroneShield shares double again in 2026? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Not only do they provide investors with regular income, but many of the best dividend payers also grow their profits over time. When that happens, dividends can steadily increase as well.

For investors thinking long term, here are five ASX dividend shares that could be worth considering for the next decade.

Accent Group Ltd (ASX: AX1)

Accent Group is one of Australia's leading footwear retailers and distributors.

The company operates well-known brands and retail chains including Hype DC, Platypus, and The Athlete's Foot, while also distributing global brands such as Skechers and Vans across Australia and New Zealand.

Over time, Accent has steadily expanded its store network while building a strong online presence. This growth has supported rising sales and solid cash generation, which has enabled the company to pay attractive dividends.

While the last 12 months have been difficult, if consumer spending improves and the company continues to expand its retail footprint, Accent could remain a reliable income generator for shareholders.

APA Group (ASX: APA)

APA Group is one of the most established infrastructure dividend shares on the ASX.

The company owns and operates a large network of energy infrastructure assets, including gas pipelines and energy transmission systems across Australia.

These assets often operate under long-term contracts, which helps provide predictable revenue and cash flow. This stability has allowed APA to pay consistent dividends for many years.

APA is also investing in renewable energy and electricity transmission projects, which could help support future earnings growth as Australia's energy system evolves.

Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN)

Harvey Norman is another ASX share that has rewarded shareholders with dividends for decades.

The retailer sells furniture, electronics, and household goods through a network of franchised stores across Australia and international markets.

In addition to its retail operations, Harvey Norman also owns a large property portfolio, which provides an additional layer of asset backing to the business.

While retail earnings can fluctuate with economic conditions, the company's strong balance sheet and property assets have historically supported generous dividend payments.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)

Macquarie Group has long been considered one of Australia's highest-quality financial institutions.

It operates across asset management, infrastructure investment, commodities trading, and investment banking.

From these operations, the company has built a global platform, which has a long history of delivering strong profit growth through multiple economic cycles.

As earnings have expanded, Macquarie has steadily increased its dividend payments to shareholders. If the company continues to grow its international operations, its dividend could also continue rising over time.

Universal Store Holdings Ltd (ASX: UNI)

Universal Store is a youth-focused fashion retailer that has been growing rapidly in recent years.

The company operates several retail brands including Universal Store, Perfect Stranger, and Thrills. These businesses target younger consumers and have been expanding their store networks across Australia.

Despite only being listed for five years, Universal Store has already built a reputation for strong profitability and healthy cash generation.

That financial strength has allowed it to pay attractive dividends while still investing in future growth.

The post 5 ASX dividend shares to hold for the next decade appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.