The list includes BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS), and Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL), along with four other ASX 200 shares.

Combined, the dividends are worth around 31 points on the ASX 200, according to IG.

That could make some of the share price moves look worse than they really are on Thursday.

Let's take a closer look.

BHP, Woodside, and Coles lead the way

BHP is easily the largest company on today's list.

The mining giant closed Wednesday at $64.65 and is trading ex-dividend for $1.39 per share, fully franked.

That means anyone buying BHP shares from today will not receive the payment, which is due to eligible shareholders on 23 September.

Woodside is another heavyweight going ex-dividend.

Its shares finished yesterday at $33.08 and are now trading without a 79.51-cent fully-franked dividend attached. Woodside is due to pay shareholders on 25 September.

Coles closed Wednesday at $23.89 and has a 37-cent fully-franked dividend coming off its share price today. The supermarket giant will make the payment on 22 September.

However, with all three carrying such huge index weightings, going ex-dividend is likely to put some pressure on the ASX 200 today.

4 more ASX 200 shares to watch

There are also several other payouts investors should be aware of.

Amcor Plc (ASX: AMC) closed at $64.15 and is trading ex-dividend for 92 cents per share. Unlike the other larger payouts today, the Amcor dividend is unfranked.

Ramsay Health Care Ltd (ASX: RHC) finished Wednesday at $52.38 and is going ex-dividend for 48.5 cents per share, fully franked.

Meanwhile, NIB Holdings Ltd (ASX: NHF) closed at $6.97 and is trading without its 21-cent fully-franked dividend.

Rounding out the group is Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG), which closed at $2.71. Its latest dividend is 2 cents per share, also fully franked.

Sigma shareholders are due to receive their payment on 22 September, Ramsay on 24 September, and NIB on 7 October.

What investors should keep in mind

There is a fair bit going on with the index today, so the headline move may not tell the full story.

BHP, Woodside, and Coles are all large enough to have an impact, and having all 3 go ex-dividend on the same day adds some extra weight.

So, if the ASX 200 looks a bit weak, the dividend effect is worth factoring in.

The post Own BHP, Woodside or Coles shares? Here's what investors should know appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Hundreds of S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) companies have announced their next dividends this month.

We're helping you keep track of ex-dividend dates with an article every Friday.

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

We've listed the dividend amounts investors will receive and when they'll receive them.

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

ASX shares with ex-dividend dates next week

The post 37 ASX shares going ex-dividend next week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

However, this represents a compelling buying opportunity for income investors.

Before we get into why, let's go over what NIB had to say this morning.

As my Fool colleague covered earlier today, it was an interesting earnings report to go through. NIB reported group revenues of $3.8 billion for its 2026 financial year, up 6.2% on what the company brought in over FY 2025. Group underlying profits were up 9.1% to $260.9 million, but statutory net profits after tax fell 5.9% to $186.9 million.

It seems investors did not like what they saw, going off the steep drop in NIB shares that we are currently witnessing.

But let's talk about income. NIB has always been a decent dividend stock. The company has substantially increased its income in recent years, going from paying out an annual 14 cents per share in fully franked dividends in 2020 to 29 cents per share in 2025.

2025's payouts consisted of an April interim dividend of 13 cents per share and an October final dividend of 16 cents per share. Both payments came fully franked, as is NIB's habit. The company's first dividend of 2026 matched that of the 2025 interim dividend, with shareholders once again bagging 13 cents per share.

NIB shares drop despite new special dividend

Today, though, NIB threw some spice into the income soup. It declared a final dividend of 16 cents per share, once again matching 2025's ordinary payout. But it also unveiled a special dividend alongside its ordinary payout. Yep, shareholders are set to enjoy a concurrent dividend worth another 5 cents per share. That will bring NIB's dividend total for 2026 to 34 cents per share.

Right now, NIB shares are trading on a trailing dividend yield of 4.36% (boosted mightily by today's steep share price sell-off). However, we can now assign the stock a forward yield of 5.12%.

So does that make NIB a buy for income? Well, investors shouldn't take too much from this special dividend. It is entirely possible, even likely, that 2027's total payouts don't match what investors will receive in 2026. Special dividends by nature tend to be one-off events.

Saying that, this company occupies a defensive sector of the ASX and has a strong history of delivering dividend increases. As such, I would be happy to include it in a diversified income-focused portfolio.

The post Special dividend: Is now the time to buy NIB shares for income? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

What did nib report?

• Group underlying operating profit (UOP) up 9.1% to $260.9 million
• Group revenue rose 6.2% to $3.8 billion
• Net profit after tax of $186.9 million, down 5.9%
• Final dividend of 21.0 cents per share, including a 5c special dividend
• Australian resident policyholder growth of 1.9%
• Operating expense ratio improved to 16.6%

What else do investors need to know?

nib's Australian residents health insurance business saw record sales, though its UOP fell 9.6% to $187.9 million due to higher risk equalisation and rebate impacts. The International segment performed strongly with UOP up 15.1% and policyholder growth of 4.4%. New Zealand operations delivered a turnaround, moving from a loss in FY25 to $27.5 million in UOP, thanks to pricing and claims management.

During FY26, nib also concluded the sale of its nib Travel business, sharpening its strategic focus. The completion, expected in FY27, will provide around $97 million in net cash, supporting the recently announced special dividend and future capital management.

What did nib management say?

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Ed Close said:

nib Group's FY26 result reflects a year of disciplined growth and continued progress in helping our customers access and navigate healthcare with confidence. Group revenue increased 6.2% to $3.8 billion and underlying operating profit (UOP) increased 9.1% to $260.9 million, supported by growth across our Australian residents business, pleasing International performance, a strong recovery in New Zealand, Health Services shifting into profitability and continued productivity improvements. Net profit after tax was $186.9 million, ahead of expectations…Looking ahead, we will continue focusing on customer value, affordability, access to care and sustainable growth. We remain committed to strengthening provider partnerships, expanding health management and care navigation services and leveraging technology, data and AI to make healthcare simpler, more accessible and more personalised for our customers.

What's next for nib?

For FY27, nib is guiding for group UOP of $265–$285 million (excluding nib Travel), with ongoing productivity and digital improvements expected to further reduce costs. The group plans to drive sustainable policyholder growth in Australia and expand its role in health management and care navigation.

Completion of the nib Travel sale will enhance balance sheet flexibility, giving nib more options for capital management. Key focus areas include leveraging technology—such as AI-driven claims management—and maintaining strong customer advocacy, while seeking steady growth across its core insurance and health services businesses.

nib share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, nib shares have declined 7%, trailing the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO), which is flat over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post nib reports FY26 profit growth appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

ASX 200 expected to rise

The Australian share market looks set for a solid start to the week following a good session on Wall Street on Friday. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 41 points or 0.45% higher. In the United States, the Dow Jones rose 1%, the S&P 500 climbed 0.45%, and the Nasdaq pushed 0.45% higher.

Oil prices rise

It could be a positive start to the week for ASX 200 energy shares Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) after oil prices rose on Friday night. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price was up 0.25% to US$87.06 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price was up 0.65% to US$94.39 a barrel. This was despite reports claiming that the Iranian government wants to end the war soon.

GYG shares downgraded

Guzman Y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG) shares are around fair value now following a recent rally according to analysts at Bell Potter. In response to the quick-service restaurant operator's FY 2026 results, the broker has downgraded its shares to a hold rating with an improved price target of $27.30. It commented: "While we think GYG is a clear leader in the QSR space after displaying strong comp sales growth, margin expansion, and further network growth opportunities, we see near-term cost headwinds and a consumer slow-down as a risk to FY27 guidance and view the current multiple as fairly valued. While we increase our PT ~11%, it is only a modest premium to the share price, so we downgrade to HOLD."

Gold price jumps

It is likely to be a strong start to the week for ASX 200 gold shares Capricorn Metals Ltd (ASX: CMM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) after the gold price jumped on Friday night. According to CNBC, the gold futures price was up 2.4% to US$4,680.6 an ounce. The precious metal hit a three-month high on US dollar weakness.

ASX 200 results

A number of ASX 200 shares will be on watch on Monday when they release their latest results. Among the names to watch are Dan Murphy's owner Endeavour Group (ASX: EDV) regional bank Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Ltd (ASX: BEN), lithium leader PLS Group (ASX: PLS), and health insurance company NIB Holdings Limited (ASX: NHF).

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

Despite yesterday's green day breaking a six-day losing run, the pessimists were back in charge once more this Friday, with the index opening lower and staying in red territory all session. By the time trading wrapped up, the ASX 200 had lost 0.27%. That leaves the index at 9,058.9 points as we head into the weekend.

This rough end to the trading week for the local markets came after an even bleaker night across the Pacific on Wall Street.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was hit hard, dropping a hefty 1.32%

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) did a little better than that, but still lost a flat 1% of its value.

But let's get back to ASX shares now and examine how this Friday's negativity spilled over into the different ASX sectors.

Winners and losers

Despite the market's retreat this session, there were still a few sectors that made hay.

But first, it was real estate investment trusts (REITs) that were first to the torch. The S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) was thumped today, cratering by 2.4%.

Consumer discretionary shares were slammed as well, with the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) tanking 1.82%.

Healthcare stocks weren't popular either. The S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) took a 1.79% plunge this Friday.

Tech shares also had a day to forget, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ)'s 1.36% dive.

Consumer staples stocks were no safe haven. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) shrank by 0.42%.

Our last losers today were industrial shares, with the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) slipping 0.03%.

Turning to the winners now, it was gold stocks that shone the brightest. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) recorded another 1.41% jump this session.

Communications shares were a little tamer, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ)'s 0.32% lift.

Energy stocks were dead even with that. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) also added 0.32% to its total.

In a rare three-way tie, utilities shares matched that figure too, with the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) advancing 0.32% as well.

Financial stocks stayed on investors' good side too. The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) ended up climbing 0.23% today.

Finally, mining shares managed to record a small rise, as you can see by the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ)'s 0.17% bump.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

It was NRW Holdings Ltd (ASX: NWH) that topped the index chart this Friday. NRW shares roared 8.04% higher to close the week at $8.20 each.

There wasn't any news out from the company today, but NRW did drop its earnings yesterday, which still seems to be exciting investors.

Here's the rest of today's best:

Enjoy the weekend!

Our top 10 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary that shows which companies made big moves on the day. Check in at Fool.com.au after the weekday market closes to see which stocks make the countdown.

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

But exactly how much superannuation do you need to be able to earn passive income as high as $50,000 every single year?

Let's investigate.

How much do I need in my superannuation to generate an annual $50,000 passive income?

The calculation is simple. You need to divide your annual passive income by the dividend yield of your total portfolio, and it'll give you the amount you'll need to invest.

The tricky part is that the answer varies significantly depending on your portfolio's actual yield.

That means a 3% yielding superannuation portfolio would need to be double the size of one that yields 6%.

For $50,000 in passive income on a portfolio yielding 3%, you'd need a superannuation balance of around $1.66 million, because $50,000 ÷ 3% = $1,666,666.

Then, if your portfolio yields closer to 4%, you'd need a superannuation balance closer to $1.25 million to earn the same passive income.

To earn $50,000 per year on a 5% yielding portfolio, your balance would need to be around $1 million.

Increase that to 6%, and you'd need more like $833,000.

If you go higher again to 7% or 8%, you'd be able to earn $50,000 in annual passive income from a $714,000 or $625,000 balance, respectively.

And so on. The higher your yield is, the lower your superannuation balance needs to be.

Can't I just invest in the highest-yielding ASX shares so that I can earn the same amount off of a lower superannuation balance?

Yes, but it doesn't make good investment sense. 

When it comes to ASX dividend shares, generally the higher the yield, the higher the risk associated with that stock.

Ideally, you want a diversified portfolio of a range of good-quality ASX shares from different sectors and with a variety of different yields. 

And remember, you don't need to invest the whole sum in one go. Start with a monthly investment and let compound growth do some of the hard work for you.

Give me some examples of ASX shares that I could look at

ASX blue-chip shares like BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), and CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) all yield around the 3% level.

If you want something that yields a little higher, at around 4% or 5%, my picks would be something like Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS), Endeavour Group Ltd (ASX: EDV) and NIB Holdings Ltd (ASX: NHF).

Then, for higher-yielding ASX shares, my picks would be APA Group (ASX: APA), Metcash Ltd (ASX: MTS), Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG), or Lendlease Group (ASX: LLC). At the time of writing, these shares yield between 6% and 8%.

The post How much do I need in my superannuation to earn $50,000 per year in passive income? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

For me, that means focusing on businesses and assets that can generate steady cash flow across different conditions, with structures in place that support consistent distributions over time.

Here are four ASX dividend stocks I would trust for long-term income.

Rural Funds Group (ASX: RFF)

Rural Funds Group offers a different kind of income exposure to what you usually find on the share market.

It owns agricultural assets, such as farms and water infrastructure, which it leases to operators. That structure creates a relatively predictable rental income stream, supported by long-term agreements.

What I like is the duration of those leases. The portfolio has a weighted average lease expiry of over 13 years, with many leases structured on a triple-net basis, meaning tenants cover most operating costs.

That combination helps create visibility over income, while also providing some protection against inflation through lease indexation.

For me, it is a way to gain exposure to agricultural assets without needing to manage them directly, while still benefiting from a steady income profile.

HomeCo Daily Needs REIT (ASX: HDN)

HomeCo Daily Needs REIT is built around convenience.

Its portfolio focuses on properties anchored by essential retail, such as supermarkets and other services people use regularly.

What I find appealing is how that translates into performance. The REIT has maintained occupancy and rent collection rates above 99% since listing, which I think highlights the consistency of demand across its assets.

The ASX dividend stock also has a pipeline of development opportunities, which provides a pathway for income growth alongside its existing portfolio.

That mix of stability and gradual expansion is what makes it appealing to me from an income perspective.

APA Group (ASX: APA)

APA Group sits at the centre of Australia's energy infrastructure.

It owns and operates pipelines and energy assets that are essential to the delivery of gas and electricity across the country.

What I like most is the nature of its revenue. Much of it is linked to long-term contracts and inflation, which help provide a stable, growing cash flow base. That can support dividends over time.

The company has also reaffirmed its dividend guidance, with expectations of around 58 cents per share for FY26. This represents a dividend yield of almost 6% at the current share price.

For me, this ASX dividend stock represents a more traditional infrastructure-style income investment, backed by assets that are difficult to replace.

NIB Holdings Ltd (ASX: NHF)

NIB Holdings adds a different dimension to an income portfolio.

As a health insurer, it generates revenue from premiums, which creates a recurring income stream tied to its growing customer base.

What I find interesting is how the business has been improving efficiency. Its recent half-year results show a reduction in expense ratios and strong underlying operating profit growth, which reflects disciplined execution and scale benefits.

At the same time, the company continues to pay fully-franked dividends, including a 13-cent per share interim dividend last month.

That combination of operational improvements and consistent payouts makes it an appealing addition for long-term income.

Foolish Takeaway

Reliable income often comes from assets and businesses that people depend on.

Rural Funds Group benefits from long-term agricultural leases, HomeCo Daily Needs REIT generates income from essential retail properties, APA Group provides infrastructure-backed cash flow, and NIB delivers recurring income through health insurance.

They each approach income differently, but I think all four ASX dividend stocks offer the kind of stability that can support long-term passive income.

The post The ASX dividend stocks I'd trust for long-term income appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

ASX 200 to rise

The Australian share market looks set to rise again on Wednesday following a mixed night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 18 points or 0.2% higher. In the United States, the Dow Jones dropped 0.2%, but the S&P 500 rose 0.1% and the Nasdaq climbed 0.1%.

Buy Telix shares

The team at Bell Potter thinks investors should be buying Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX) shares following its first-quarter sales update. In response to the update, the broker has retained its buy rating and $19.00 price target on Telix's shares. It said: "The company continues to make good progress on multiple pipeline products. Short term news flow includes acceptance by the FDA of the resubmitted NDA for Pixclara and the amendment to the IND for TLX591 (prostate cancer Tx). We maintain our Buy rating. FY26 EBITDA is increased by ~US$21m to US$55.3m."

Oil prices fall

ASX 200 energy shares Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) could have a subdued session after oil prices pulled back overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 1.7% to US$110.41 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 3.8% to US$105.27 a barrel. This was driven by optimism that a US-Iran peace deal could be on the way.

Gold price rises

ASX 200 gold shares including Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a good session on Wednesday after the gold price pushed higher overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is up 1.1% to US$4,734.4 an ounce. Traders have been buying gold in response to Donald Trump's comments on Iran.

Dividend payday

A number of ASX 200 shares will be rewarding their shareholders with their latest dividends on Wednesday. This includes financial technology company Iress Ltd (ASX: IRE), gold miners Regis Resources Ltd (ASX: RRL) and Vault Minerals Ltd (ASX: VAU), media giant News Corporation (ASX: NWS), and private health insurer NIB Holdings Limited (ASX: NHF). The latter is paying a fully franked 13 cents per share interim dividend today.

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

After suffering some nasty drops this week, investors couldn't quite summon up the fortitude to end the week higher today. Although the ASX 200 did spend some time in green territory this session, it ended up closing 0.14% lower.

That leaves the index at 8,617.1 points as we head into the weekend.

This uninspiring end to the Australian trading week follows a far nastier morning on the American markets.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was a car crash-like scene, enduring a 1.56% drop.

Things were even worse for the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC), which lost 1.78% of its value.

But let's get back to the local markets now and see how the various ASX sectors ended their trading weeks.

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today 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 is a sample of the large number of ASX All Ords shares with ex-dividend dates next week.

ASX All Ords shares about to go ex-dividend

Which companies will we hear from today?

The big one today is the half-yearly report from supermarket network Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL).

Woolworths shares ripped this week after the ASX All Ords consumer staples giant reported a 16% profit lift to $859 million for 1H FY26.

We'll also hear from TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPG), Michael Hill International Ltd (ASX: MHJ), and Pexa Group Ltd (ASX: PXA).

The latest report from The Star Entertainment Group Ltd (ASX: SGR) will also be interesting, as investors seek further news on the turnaround plan for the beleaguered casino operator.

Yesterday, Star Entertainment shares bounced on news of a debt refinancing deal, including extra liquidity to fund the turnaround plan.

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

What did nib Group report?

• Revenue: $1.9 billion, up 7.7% from 1H25
• Underlying operating profit (UOP): $129.1 million, up 22%
• Net profit after tax (NPAT): $82.9 million, in line with 1H25
• Earnings per share: 17.0 cents
• Operating expense ratio: 16.5%, down 1 percentage point
• Interim dividend: 13.0 cents per share, fully franked

What else do investors need to know?

nib's customer base grew to a record 1.95 million people in 1H26, supporting both revenue growth and a sustainable net margin in its core Australian residents business. Adjacent business lines like international health insurance and New Zealand operations contributed strongly, delivering their best first-half results since FY19.

The group's digital transformation is delivering real benefits, with 86% of Australian residents' claims now processed automatically and more than 70% of customers digitally connected. AI tools are helping drive greater productivity and enhance customer service.

What did nib Group management say?

Managing Director and CEO Ed Close said:

Customer experience remains a key focus. This is reflected in strong NPS outcomes and a continued shift to digital self-service, with the majority of customer interactions now occurring digitally. Delivering on customer expectations and providing value throughout the healthcare journey remains a core capability. Today, 94% of Australian residents health insurance claims are processed within 24 hours.

What's next for nib Group?

nib has guided for FY26 underlying operating profit between $257 million and $267 million, with much depending on continued improvements in its travel business and ongoing cost management. The company highlighted ongoing investment in digital experiences and AI to further boost efficiency and deliver better customer outcomes.

A strategic review of the nib Travel business is underway, and the group says its ongoing focus remains on improving health outcomes, customer value, and sustainable growth.

nib Group share price snapshot

Over the past 12 month, the nib Group share price has declined 2%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 9% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post nib Group lifts 1H26 profit, keeps dividend steady appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

ASX 200 expected to rise

The Australian share market looks set for a decent start to the week following a good finish on Wall Street on Friday. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 16 points or 0.2% higher. In the United States, the Dow Jones was up 0.45%, the S&P 500 rose 0.7%, and the Nasdaq stormed 0.9% higher. However, the announcement of US tariffs over the weekend could add some volatility to today's session.

Oil prices edge higher

It could be a positive start to the week for ASX 200 energy shares such as Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) after oil prices edged higher on Friday night. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price was up 0.1% to US$66.48 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price was up 0.15% to US$71.76 a barrel. Oil prices have been rising after the US weighed up military strikes on Iran.

Half-year results

A number of ASX 200 shares will be on watch today when they release their half-year results. Among them are NIB Holdings Limited (ASX: NHF), Perpetual Ltd (ASX: PPT), and Reece Ltd (ASX: REH). With respect to the latter, Morgans expects the plumbing parts company to report a 22.9% decline in net profit to $139.5 million. It said: "Management noted that the macroeconomic environment remains challenging across ANZ and the US and expects activity in both regions to stay subdued in the near term."

Gold price jumps

ASX 200 gold shares Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a good start to the week after the gold price jumped on Friday night. According to CNBC, the gold futures price was up 1.7% to US$5,080.9 an ounce. This was driven by the release of soft US economic data which supported interest rate cut hopes.

Buy Telix shares

Bell Potter thinks investors should buy Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX) shares following the release of its half-year results. It has retained its buy rating with a trimmed price target of $19.00. It said: "FY25 was a challenging period by virtue to the two CRLs from the FDA and a stream of negative news flow – most recently the sudden resignation of the Chairperson. Nevertheless, the clinical programs are ongoing, and the company is well funded to continue these."

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

At the time of writing, the Nib share price is up 3.45% to $6.60.

Here is what investors need to know.

Premium increases confirmed for 2026

In an ASX announcement, Nib confirmed that its private health insurance premiums will rise by an average of 5.47%.

The increase follows approval from the Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care.

Management said the changes reflect ongoing cost pressures across the healthcare system. These include higher hospital and medical costs, increased use of services, and broader inflationary impacts.

The company noted that more than half of its policyholders will see increases of $3.80 per week or less.

Chief Executive Officer Ed Close said Nib remains focused on affordability and value, while continuing to manage rising claims costs.

During FY25, the group paid $2.3 billion in claims, an increase of almost 9% on the prior year. The company also recorded more than 400,000 hospital admissions and 4.3 million visits to medical providers.

Momentum and key price levels

Looking at the chart, Nib shares have trended lower since late 2025 after peaking above $8 during the year.

The stock closed at $6.38 on Tuesday and is hovering around $6.60 in early trade. Over the past 12 months, it has traded between $5.82 and $8.26.

On the daily chart, Nib is trading near the lower end of that range. The price is closer to the lower Bollinger Band, suggesting softer short-term momentum.

The relative strength index (RSI) is around 40, placing the stock near oversold territory but not at extreme levels. This suggests selling pressure may be easing, though momentum remains weak.

The $5.80 to $6 zone has acted as support over the past year. On the upside, resistance appears near $7, with further resistance around $7.50 based on prior trading activity.

With the shares closer to support than their 12-month high, the next move may hinge on whether support holds.

What investors will be watching next

Premium adjustments are a normal part of the private health insurance cycle and are closely linked to claims trends and healthcare cost inflation.

While higher premiums can support revenue growth, investors will also be monitoring policyholder retention and membership growth in the months ahead.

Nib is scheduled to release its half-year results on Monday, 23 February. The update will provide further detail on margins, claims trends, and management's outlook for the remainder of the year.

The post Why Nib shares are on the move after its latest update appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

At the time of writing, the NIB share price is up a modest 0.31% to $6.40. By comparison, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is down 1.1% following losses on Wall Street overnight.

NIB has confirmed it has agreed to a transaction involving one of its business segments.

Here is what investors need to know.

Details of the agreed transaction

According to the ASX announcement, NIB has signed a binding agreement to sell the World Nomads international travel insurance brand.

The business will be sold to International Medical Group, a subsidiary of SiriusPoint Ltd, for $67.5 million.

The company expects net cash proceeds of around $70 million on completion.

The sale only includes the international World Nomads brand. It does not include NIB's other travel insurance assets or its Australian and New Zealand travel insurance operations.

The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to be completed during the 2026 financial year. NIB will provide transitional support to ensure a smooth handover.

Management said the decision reflects its focus on simplifying the group and concentrating capital on its core health insurance businesses.

How the core business is tracking

NIB is a private health insurer operating across Australia and New Zealand. It provides private health cover for residents, international students and workers, as well as travel and related insurance products.

The group reported an underlying operating profit of $239.2 million in its most recent full-year result, with revenue of $3.6 billion. The majority of earnings come from its Australian residents health insurance segment.

Over the past 12 months, NIB shares have traded between $5.82 and $8.26. At around $6.40, the stock remains below its recent peak.

NIB also pays dividends. Based on the current share price, the stock offers a dividend yield of roughly 4.5%, which is broadly in line with other ASX-listed insurers.

What investors should focus on next

The sale of the international travel insurance business is relatively small compared with the size of NIB's overall operations. However, it signals a clear strategy to focus on core health insurance and reduce complexity.

Investors will likely watch how the company deploys the sale proceeds. This could include reinvestment into higher return areas of the business or potential capital management initiatives.

NIB is due to release its half-year results on 23 February, which may provide further details on trading conditions and capital allocation plans.

The post Why Nib shares are edging higher after today's update appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Across the ASX, a group of well-known income stocks are trading well below their highs, not because their business models are broken, but because short-term conditions have turned against them. 

In many cases, their dividends are under pressure today. But that is exactly why I think the long-term opportunity looks so compelling.

When income stocks fall out of favour, investors often focus on what dividends look like right now. I prefer to think about what they could look like two or three years from now if conditions normalise.

Here are several ASX income stocks where I think patience could be rewarded with both dividend growth and capital upside.

Accent Group Ltd (ASX: AX1) and Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL)

Accent Group and Super Retail Group have both been hit hard by the same forces.

Soft consumer spending and aggressive discounting have weighed on earnings and margins. Unsurprisingly, that has flowed through to share prices and dividend expectations. Both stocks are trading well below their prior highs.

In my view, these pressures look cyclical rather than structural. Neither business has lost relevance. They have strong brand portfolios, national store networks, and proven operating models.

If consumer conditions improve over the next couple of years, I think there is scope for a meaningful recovery in profitability. That would likely support higher dividends in FY27 and FY28, alongside a rebound in share prices. Buying during periods of pessimism has historically been how the best income returns are generated.

Domino's Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP)

Domino's Pizza Enterprises is a different case, but the setup feels similar.

This ASX income stock has struggled with execution across several international markets, and that has weighed heavily on investor confidence. Store closures, cost pressures, and weaker sales growth have all played a role in pushing the share price lower.

Management believes its turnaround plan will reset the business. This includes cutting costs, simplifying operations, and exiting underperforming locations.

I don't think a recovery is guaranteed. But if the plan works even moderately well, Domino's could emerge leaner, more focused, and more profitable. From an income perspective, that creates optionality. Dividends today are not the attraction. The attraction is what they could look like if their earnings recover.

Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE)

Treasury Wine Estates has been weighed down by soft demand for premium wine, particularly as cost-of-living pressures have altered consumer behaviour.

I think this is another example of a high-quality business caught in an unfavourable cycle. Demand for premium wine has not disappeared, but consumers have become more cautious with their spending.

If spending patterns normalise, this ASX income stock could see improving volumes and margins. That would support both earnings recovery and improved dividend capacity over time. Buying when sentiment is weak is uncomfortable, but it is often when long-term value is created.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) and NIB Holdings Limited (ASX: NHF)

Not all income opportunities require a full turnaround.

Macquarie Group is down around 15% from its 52-week high. NIB Holdings is down roughly 19%. In both cases, these are established businesses with long operating histories and proven earnings power.

While near-term growth may be more muted, I think both companies remain capable of delivering attractive income and capital returns over a full cycle.

Why this could be a rare opportunity

Income investing works best when you buy before dividends recover, not after.

Just look at Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN). You could have bought its shares for $4.77 in October 2023. According to CommSec, the airline is forecast to pay a dividend of 42.9 cents per share in FY26. This means that investors who bought shares two and a bit years ago could receive a yield on cost of 9% in 2026.

Today's environment has created a gap between what dividends look like now and what they could look like if conditions improve. For patient investors willing to look beyond the next twelve months, that gap could represent a rare opportunity.

It won't work for every stock. Some turnarounds fail. But when income stocks recover, they often reward investors twice. Once through higher dividends, and again through rising share prices. That combination is how long-term wealth is built.

The post ASX income stocks: A once-in-a-decade chance to get rich appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

However, the share price has lost some momentum recently. Over the past month, NIB shares have slipped almost 4% and are currently trading around $6.69, suggesting some investors are taking profits after the recent run.

Let's take a closer look at what's driving the recent pullback.

A strong year, but momentum has cooled

Over the past year, NIB's share price has climbed from the mid $5 range to around current levels. That puts it comfortably ahead of the broader S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), helped by steady earnings and reliable dividends.

That said, the shares have struggled to push higher recently. The price peaked late last year at $8.26 before pulling back, and it is now trading closer to the lower end of its recent range.

The relative strength index (RSI) shows the stock was previously in overbought territory, meaning it had risen too quickly. When that happens, a pullback is common as some investors lock in profits and momentum cools.

What the chart is saying

NIB shares are currently sitting near the middle-to-lower end of their Bollinger Bands, which often signals reduced momentum.

There appears to be support around $6.60 to $6.65, where buyers have stepped in before. On the upside, resistance sits near $6.90 to $7.00, a level the stock has struggled to break through in recent months.

Strong dividend profile is still a highlight

One reason investors continue to hold NIB is income. The company offers a dividend yield of about 4.3%, which is fully franked.

NIB has a long history of paying steady dividends, and payouts have been well supported by earnings.

What's next on the financial calendar?

Investors should also keep an eye on several key dates in 2026:

• 23 February – FY26 half-year results

• 5 March – Interim dividend ex-dividend date

• 8 April – Interim dividend payment

• 24 August – FY26 full-year results

• 3 September – Final dividend ex-dividend date

• 7 October – Final dividend payment

• 11 November – Annual general meeting (AGM)

These events could move the share price, especially the upcoming February results.

Foolish Takeaway

NIB looks like a steady, reliable business rather than a high-growth stock. The shares have done well over the past year, but short-term momentum has eased.

For long-term investors chasing income and stability, NIB still makes sense. For short-term traders, patience may be needed until momentum improves again.

The post NIB share price up 22% in 12 months, but could face short-term weakness. Here's what investors should know appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

In Australia, retirement spending expectations are commonly broken into two broad categories: modest and comfortable.

These aren't marketing terms. They are practical benchmarks designed to show what different superannuation balances can realistically support in day-to-day life.

So, what does your superannuation actually buy you in retirement? Let's break it down.

What is a modest retirement?

A modest retirement is best described as a lifestyle that covers the basics, with a little left over for simple pleasures.

According to the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA), a modest retirement allows retirees to meet essential living costs. This includes housing-related expenses, groceries, utilities, transport, and basic health insurance. There is room for some leisure activities, but they tend to be low-cost and infrequent.

This might mean occasional meals out, limited domestic travel, and a fairly tight discretionary budget. Overseas holidays, frequent entertainment, and major lifestyle upgrades are generally off the table, unfortunately.

In today's dollars, ASFA estimates that both singles and couples need $100,000 in superannuation, combined with the Age Pension, to fund a modest retirement.

For many Australians, this level of retirement is achievable, but it often requires careful budgeting and reliance on the Age Pension as a core income source.

How much superannuation for a comfortable retirement?

A comfortable retirement paints a very different picture.

ASFA defines a comfortable retirement as one that enables retirees to enjoy a higher standard of living, not just get by. This includes good-quality private health insurance with Medibank Private Ltd (ASX: MPL) or NIB Holdings Limited (ASX: NHF), reliable transport, regular leisure activities, dining out, and the ability to travel both domestically and internationally with Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN) or Virgin Australia Holdings Ltd (ASX: VGN).

Importantly, it also allows retirees to absorb unexpected expenses without stress, whether that is medical costs, home maintenance, or helping family members.

To support this lifestyle, ASFA estimates that a single person needs around $595,000 in super, while a couple needs approximately $690,000 combined. This assumes they own their home outright.

At this level, superannuation becomes the primary income source, with the Age Pension playing a smaller or supplementary role.

Foolish takeaway

Your superannuation doesn't just fund retirement, it defines your options.

A modest retirement covers the essentials and relies heavily on the Age Pension. A comfortable retirement offers flexibility, security, and the freedom to enjoy life without constant budgeting.

Understanding the difference helps you set realistic goals, measure your progress, and decide whether you need to make changes now, while there is still time for compounding to do its work.

The post Modest vs comfortable retirement: What your superannuation really buys you appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

In morning trade, the private health insurer's shares are up almost 1% to $6.96.

What's going on with NIB shares today?

Investors have been buying the company's shares today after it released an update on its profit expectations.

According to the release, it expects to report non-recurring one-off items that will impact its statutory operating profit (SOP) but not its underlying operating profit (UOP).

The company advised that non-recurring cash expenses in first half are expected to be around $17 million, which is higher than previously indicated at its FY 2025 results briefing in August.

Its one-off and non-recurring expenses, including M&A and integration costs, were $21.5 million for the half. These expenses partly relate to a net cash expense (before tax) of approximately ~$8 million relating to historical adjustments for the Private Health Insurance Australian Government Rebate (AGR) and NSW Hospital Insurance Levy (HIL).

With respect to the AGR, NIB highlights that the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has recently clarified that the AGR could not be claimed on some historical marketing offers and COVID customer givebacks. In response, NIB has amended its approach moving forward.

For HIL, as a result of recent legal determinations, NIB has confirmed that a different basis of calculation can be utilised for the HIL. This includes refunding some historically charged levies and providing some offset to the AGR impact. This approach has also been amended going forward.

Outside this, the company's non-recurring cash expenses include restructuring costs associated with the group-wide productivity program, as well as strategic initiatives such as the strategic review of NIB Travel, with an outcome expected in FY 2026.

What else?

NIB also revealed that a non-cash expense (before tax) of around $4.5 million is expected to be incurred in the first half. This is for the reduction in the value of redundant acquired software relating to acquisitions in NIB Thrive.

Management advised that this will be recognised in the amortisation of acquired intangibles.

Since 2022, the company has acquired six NDIS plan management businesses, a support coordination business, and an NDIS marketplace platform.

Over the last 12 months, it has consolidated the majority of these businesses onto a single technology platform to enhance automation, operating efficiency, and ongoing business model simplification.

Underlying profit on target

While we are not quite at the end of the half, management highlights that it is currently performing to expectations for group UOP during the first half. Though, it acknowledges that this is subject to the second quarter risk equalisation outcome.

The post NIB shares edge higher on profit update appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

What did NIB holdings report?

• Expected non-recurring cash expenses of around $17 million in 1H26, up from prior guidance
• Non-cash expense of about $4.5 million for redundant software amortisation
• FY25 one-off and non-recurring expenses totalled $21.5 million
• Underlying operating profit (UOP) remains on track with previous expectations
• Announcement of ongoing restructuring costs tied to productivity programs and strategic reviews

What else do investors need to know?

NIB attributed the higher one-off expenses mainly to historical adjustments on the Private Health Insurance Australian Government Rebate (AGR) and the NSW Hospital Insurance Levy (HIL). The company adjusted its claims and levy calculations following new clarification and legal decisions affecting the health insurance industry.

Additionally, a reduction in the value of previously acquired software—stemming from consolidation of NDIS-related businesses onto a unified technology platform—led to a one-off, non-cash hit to statutory profit. The group-wide productivity program and the ongoing strategic review of nib Travel will also contribute to non-recurring costs.

What's next for NIB holdings?

Looking ahead, NIB anticipates its 1H26 underlying operating profit will stay in line with market expectations, subject to outcomes from second quarter risk equalisation. The company is focusing on streamlining its technology and business models to drive efficiencies, including consolidating its NDIS businesses and continuing its review of the travel segment, with updates expected in FY26.

NIB is scheduled to release its full 1H26 results on 23 February 2026.

NIB holdings share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, NIB Holdings shares have risen 27%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 5% over the same period.

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The post NIB holdings updates investors on 1H26 one-off expenses and profit outlook appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.