While interest rates are rising, a number of shares continue to offer attractive dividend yields supported by stable cash flows and long-term contracts.

Here are three ASX dividend shares that could be worth considering.

APA Group (ASX: APA)

The first ASX dividend share that could appeal to income investors is APA Group.

It owns and operates a vast portfolio of energy infrastructure assets, including gas pipelines, storage facilities, and electricity transmission networks. These assets play a critical role in Australia's energy system.

A key strength of APA is its contracted revenue model. Much of its income is generated through long-term agreements with customers, which provides strong visibility over future cash flows.

This stability supports consistent dividend payments and has helped the company build a reputation as a reliable income stock.

With a yield above the market average and exposure to essential infrastructure, APA Group could be a solid option for income-focused investors.

Lottery Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLC)

Another ASX dividend share to consider is The Lottery Corporation.

It operates some of Australia's most recognisable lottery brands and generates revenue through ticket sales across its network.

What makes this business attractive is the defensive nature of its earnings. Lottery sales tend to be relatively stable across economic cycles, supported by consistent customer demand and strong brand recognition.

The company also benefits from high margins and a capital-light model, which allows it to generate strong cash flow.

This supports its ability to pay dividends, making it an appealing option for investors seeking income from a business with resilient earnings.

Transurban Group (ASX: TCL)

A final ASX dividend share that could be worth a look is Transurban Group.

It owns and operates toll roads across Australia and North America, generating revenue from millions of daily trips.

Its assets are underpinned by long-term agreements, often lasting decades, which provide strong visibility over future income.

In addition, toll prices typically increase annually, often linked to inflation. This can support steady revenue growth and underpin growing dividend payments over time.

With a dividend yield comfortably above the current cash rate and a portfolio of high-quality infrastructure assets, Transurban could be a top option for income investors.

The post 3 of the best ASX dividend shares for income investors to buy appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Four ASX shares that are acting as a drag on the market today are listed below. Here's why they are falling:

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

The BHP share price is down almost 2% to $54.73. This has been driven by the mining giant's shares going ex-dividend this morning for its interim dividend. When a share goes ex-dividend, it means the rights to the payout are now locked in and new buyers won't be able to receive the dividend. Last month, BHP released its half-year results and declared a fully franked interim dividend of 73 US cents per share. This will be paid to eligible shareholders later this month on 26 March.

EQ Resources Ltd (ASX: EQR)

The EQ Resources share price is down 3% to 33 cents. The catalyst for this may have been a broker note out of Morgans. According to the note, the broker has downgraded the miner's shares to a trim rating with a price target of 23 cents. It said: "Our valuation and target price have lifted from A$0.16 per share to A$0.23ps. Continued strength in the tungsten price, a most critical metal, could lead to a further increase in our target price. With the share price above our target price, we lower our rating to TRIM from Speculative Buy. Tungsten concentrate production at the start of this current March Quarter may have been affected by the Wet Season in north Queensland at Mt Carbine, and to some extent at Barruecopardo, Salamanca Province, Spain."

Lottery Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLC)

The Lottery Corporation share price is down almost 2% to $5.30. This morning, this lottery company released an update on operational changes. Under the new model, Lottery Corporation will create three customer-facing business units. These are Lotteries, Digital, and Keno. The company's CEO, Wayne Pickup, said: "We have a strong foundation and our strategy has served the Company well, but we can unlock more value. This new structure gives us the clarity and accountability to accelerate our evolution as a digital entertainment company, concentrate on local market growth and make faster, better decisions."

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

The Woodside share price is down 2.5% to $30.01. This has also been driven by the energy giant's shares going ex-dividend this morning for its latest dividend. Last month, Woodside released its full-year results and declared a final dividend of 59 US cents per share. This brought its full-year fully franked dividend to US$1.12 per share or US$2.1 billion. Eligible shareholders can look forward to receiving the final dividend later this month on 27 March.

The post Why BHP, EQ Resources, Lottery Corp, and Woodside shares are falling today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

At the time of writing, the ASX 200 stock is up 1% to $5.46.

Why is this ASX 200 stock rising?

Investors have been buying the lottery company's shares today after it announced a new operating model and changes to its executive leadership team.

The ASX 200 stock notes that these changes are designed to accelerate growth.

According to the release, Lottery Corporation has revealed a new organisational structure aimed at supporting the next stage of its strategy and helping it evolve further as a digital entertainment company.

Under the new model, Lottery Corporation will create three customer-facing business units. These are Lotteries, Digital, and Keno.

It notes that each will have a distinct strategic mandate and will report to a chief operating officer structure.

Management believes this will improve focus, accountability, and decision-making across the business.

The ASX 200 stock's CEO, Wayne Pickup, said the company is well positioned but believes the new structure will help unlock further value. He commented:

We have a strong foundation and our strategy has served the Company well, but we can unlock more value. This new structure gives us the clarity and accountability to accelerate our evolution as a digital entertainment company, concentrate on local market growth and make faster, better decisions.

Leadership changes

Several leadership changes will accompany the new operating structure.

The release highlights that Callum Mulvihill will become chief operating officer of Lotteries, responsible for growing the company's core lotteries portfolio across its retail network and digital wholesale partnerships.

Loren Somerville will take on the role of chief operating officer of Digital, with responsibility for driving digital lottery sales, improving app and web experiences, and exploring new opportunities in adjacent lottery entertainment categories.

Antony Moore will become chief operating officer of Keno, overseeing both venue-based and online Keno operations as the company looks to expand the product's reach.

Alongside these customer-facing units, the company will also establish three enterprise service divisions covering Financial & Corporate Services, Strategy, and People & Brand.

The company's chief financial officer Adam Newman will remain in his role, with expanded responsibilities including legal, risk, cyber and technology services.

When will the changes take effect?

The new operating model and leadership structure are expected to take effect from 1 July 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.

And based on its share price performance this morning, investors appear to be welcoming the announcement.

The post Guess which ASX 200 stock is pushing higher on big news appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

What did Lottery Corporation report?

• Introduced a new operating structure with three core business units: Lotteries, Digital, and Keno
• Announced changes to the Executive Leadership Team, including new COO appointments for each business unit
• Expanded accountability for enterprise services, with Adam Newman's role as CFO broadened to cover Legal, Risk, Cyber, and Technology
• Advised of the planned departures of two executives: Andrew Shepherd and Nicholas Allton

What else do investors need to know?

Lottery Corporation's shake-up is designed to provide clearer mandates and strategic focus across its expanding digital and retail operations. The new operating structure groups offerings under distinct chief operating officers, with digital set to play a larger role as the company moves towards becoming a digital entertainment business.

Adam Newman, currently CFO, will temporarily serve as Company Secretary from 31 March 2026 while a permanent appointment is found. The company emphasised continuity and stability through these changes, thanking outgoing executives for their service.

What did Lottery Corporation management say?

Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer Wayne Pickup said:

We have a strong foundation and our strategy has served the Company well, but we can unlock more value. This new structure gives us the clarity and accountability to accelerate our evolution as a digital entertainment company, concentrate on local market growth and make faster, better decisions.

What's next for Lottery Corporation?

Looking ahead, Lottery Corporation plans to sharpen its focus on digital growth and local market expansion. By streamlining the executive team and creating specialised business units, management aims to make faster decisions and adapt swiftly to changing market conditions.

The company's priorities include maximising the performance of its lotteries products, enhancing digital experiences for customers, and growing its Keno offering both online and in venues.

Lottery Corporation share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, the Lottery Corporation share price has risen 11%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 9% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Lottery Corporation shakes up leadership with digital-first strategy appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

From infrastructure and banks to retailers and asset managers, there are many companies that return a meaningful portion of their profits to shareholders through dividends. For investors building a portfolio designed to generate reliable income, that creates plenty of choice.

Here are five ASX dividend shares that I think are worth considering.

Dicker Data Ltd (ASX: DDR)

Dicker Data is one of Australia's leading technology distributors, supplying hardware, software, and cloud services to resellers across Australia and New Zealand.

The business has built a strong reputation with vendors and partners, which has allowed it to grow consistently over many years. What I like about Dicker Data from an income perspective is its approach to shareholder returns.

The company has a long track record of paying regular dividends and typically distributes a large portion of its profits. While earnings can fluctuate with technology spending cycles, the underlying business model has proven resilient.

For investors seeking income exposure to the technology sector, Dicker Data is an interesting option.

Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT)

Flight Centre's shares have been under pressure over the past year, but the company remains confident in its long-term outlook.

The company has rebuilt its earnings following the pandemic and remains one of the world's largest travel retailers. Its global footprint across leisure and corporate travel gives it scale and diversification that can support profits over time.

As I wrote here this week, consensus forecasts suggest Flight Centre's dividend could continue growing in the years ahead.

And if travel demand remains healthy and recent acquisitions deliver on their promise, Flight Centre's dividend potential could improve meaningfully over time.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)

Macquarie Group is widely regarded as one of Australia's highest-quality financial institutions.

Its diversified business spans asset management, infrastructure investing, commodities trading, and banking services. That diversification helps smooth earnings across different market cycles.

Macquarie also has a solid record of returning capital to shareholders through dividends. While payouts can vary depending on profitability, the bank's global platform and strong capital position give it flexibility to keep rewarding investors over the long term.

For income investors looking for exposure beyond the traditional big four banks, Macquarie stands out as a compelling alternative.

Lottery Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLC)

Lottery Corporation operates some of Australia's best-known lottery brands, including Powerball and Oz Lotto.

Lottery businesses tend to be highly cash generative and relatively defensive. Ticket sales can hold up well even during softer economic conditions, and operating costs are relatively predictable.

That combination allows Lottery Corporation to pay attractive dividends to shareholders. The company has positioned itself as a reliable income play since its demerger, supported by steady cash flow from lottery products.

For investors seeking income with a defensive tilt, it is an ASX dividend share worth keeping on the radar.

GQG Partners Inc (ASX: GQG)

GQG Partners is a global asset manager that has grown quickly in recent years thanks to strong investment performance and significant inflows.

Asset management businesses can be highly profitable when funds under management are expanding, and GQG has been returning a substantial portion of its earnings to shareholders.

Because its dividends are linked to profitability, payouts can fluctuate with markets and flows. However, when conditions are favourable, the income generated for shareholders can be very attractive.

For investors comfortable with some variability in dividends, GQG Partners offers exposure to the growth of global funds management alongside appealing income potential.

Foolish takeaway

Building an income portfolio on the ASX doesn't have to mean sticking to the same handful of companies.

Dicker Data, Flight Centre, Macquarie Group, Lottery Corporation, and GQG Partners all offer different sources of dividend income across technology distribution, travel, financial services, gaming, and asset management.

For investors focused on generating income from shares, I think these five ASX dividend shares are worth considering.

The post 5 ASX dividend shares to buy for income in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Here are three I consider strong income options right now.

Transurban Group (ASX: TCL)

Transurban is one of my favourite income-focused infrastructure plays.

It owns and operates toll roads across major Australian and North American cities. These are long-life assets with high barriers to entry. Once built, they tend to generate steady traffic volumes supported by population growth and urban congestion.

What I like most is the predictability of cash flow. Many of Transurban's toll concessions include inflation-linked price increases. That provides a built-in mechanism for revenue growth without needing aggressive expansion.

For retirees, that kind of contractual and regulated income stream is attractive. While distributions can fluctuate with traffic conditions and capital expenditure cycles, I see Transurban as one of the more dependable infrastructure income vehicles on the ASX.

Lottery Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLC)

Lottery Corporation offers something slightly different: defensive consumer exposure.

Lotteries are remarkably resilient. Even during economic downturns, ticket sales tend to hold up well. The business benefits from strong brand recognition, long-term licences, and limited competition.

Cash flow generation is robust and highly visible. Because lottery products are low-ticket discretionary purchases, they don't tend to be cut from household budgets in the same way larger expenses might be.

For retirees seeking income, I like the combination of recurring revenue, high margins, and a business model that isn't capital intensive. That supports consistent dividend payments over time.

HomeCo Daily Needs REIT (ASX: HDN)

HomeCo Daily Needs REIT focuses on large-format retail centres anchored by non-discretionary tenants such as supermarkets, healthcare providers, and essential service operators.

This matters. Daily needs retail is far more resilient than fashion or luxury retail. Tenants provide goods and services people rely on regularly, which supports rental stability.

The REIT structure also means a high proportion of rental income is distributed to investors. While property trusts are sensitive to interest rates, I believe exposure to essential retail tenants helps underpin earnings stability.

For retirees comfortable with property exposure, HomeCo Daily Needs REIT offers an attractive yield backed by assets tied to everyday spending.

Foolish takeaway

When building an income-focused portfolio in retirement, I prioritise durability over excitement.

Transurban provides infrastructure-backed cash flows. The Lottery Corporation offers defensive consumer earnings. HomeCo Daily Needs REIT delivers property income linked to essential spending.

No dividend is ever guaranteed, but in my view, these three ASX dividend stocks have the kind of underlying businesses that retirees can build income portfolios around.

The post 3 strong ASX dividend stocks for retirees to buy appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Here are three ASX dividend shares I would consider.

Charter Hall Retail REIT (ASX: CQR)

The first ASX dividend share I would look at is Charter Hall Retail REIT.

This real estate investment trust (REIT) owns a portfolio of convenience-based shopping centres across Australia. These are typically anchored by supermarkets and essential service providers, which means foot traffic tends to be steady even during softer economic periods.

Long leases with built-in rental increases provide income visibility, and the trust structure means a large portion of earnings is paid out as distributions.

Retail property is not immune to economic cycles, but convenience-focused centres with strong tenants can offer more resilience than discretionary retail assets.

It currently trades with a 6.3% dividend yield, making it one of the most generous shares on the market.

Lottery Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLC)

Another ASX dividend share that I would consider for the $3,000 is Lottery Corporation.

As its name implies, it operates well-known lottery brands across Australia. Lotteries are a unique business. They generate strong cash flows, require relatively modest capital investment, and tend to hold up even when consumer confidence wobbles.

Because earnings are highly cash generative, a large share of profits can be returned to shareholders via dividends.

The defensive characteristics of lotteries, combined with stable demand, could make Lottery Corporation an interesting option for income investors.

According to consensus estimates, the market is currently expecting a 3.1% dividend yield from its shares in FY 2026.

Universal Store Holdings Ltd (ASX: UNI)

A final ASX dividend share I would look at is Universal Store.

It operates a portfolio of youth-focused fashion brands and has been steadily expanding its store network. While retail can be cyclical, Universal Store has demonstrated an ability to manage inventory tightly and maintain healthy margins.

The company has also been returning a meaningful portion of profits to shareholders through dividends.

This means that Universal Store offers a blend of income and growth. And if earnings continue to increase as its store rollout continues, dividend payments could grow strongly over time.

It currently offers an estimated 4.4% FY 2026 dividend yield.

The post 3 ASX dividend shares I would buy with $3,000 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

ASX All Ords shares have risen 1.7% over the week as more companies revealed strong earnings results and dividends.

Next week, a large group of ASX shares go ex-dividend. We provide a sample of these stocks below.

To pick up a dividend payment, you must own the share before the ex-dividend date.

ASX shares about to go ex-dividend

Here are 16 ASX shares going ex-dividend next week.

Which companies are reporting next week?

According to the calendar, we will hear from Adairs Ltd (ASX: ADH), Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD), and Nib Holdings Ltd (ASX: NHF) on Monday.

On Tuesday, ARB Corporation Ltd (ASX: ARB), Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS), and Monadelphous Group Ltd (ASX: MND) are up.

On Wednesday, we'll get reports from Bapcor Ltd (ASX: BAP), Domino's Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP), and Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG).

Light & Wonder Inc (ASX: LNW), Wisetech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC), and Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) will also report on Wednesday.

On Thursday, Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR), Monash IVF Group Ltd (ASX: MVF), and Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN) will release their earnings.

Ramsay Health Care Ltd (ASX: RHC), Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL), and Worley Ltd (ASX: WOR) will also be in the spotlight.

On Friday, we'll see reports from Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL), Star Entertainment Group Ltd (ASX: SGR), and TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPG).

The post 16 ASX shares going ex-dividend next week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Here are three new recommendations.

Bravura Solutions Ltd (ASX: BVS)

The Bravura Solutions share price closed at $1.95 on Thursday, down 4.4%.

Last week, the wealth management software provider reported underlying revenue of $140 million, up 9.8% year-over-year, for 1H FY26.

About $81.3 million was recurring revenue.

Underlying cash earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) was $34.2 million, up $14.2 million on 1H FY25.

Underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) was $25.9 million, up $14.6 million on 1H FY25.

Bravura ended the half with $64.5 million in cash and no debt.

Shaw and Partners reiterated its buy rating on the ASX tech share after reviewing the report.

The broker said revenue and EBITDA were comfortably ahead of expectations, commenting:

BVS is now a leaner, more efficient and more focused organisation.

While u/lying recurring growth is a highlight, churn is still a headwind and shouldn't be ignored entirely.

However, Services is driving recent upgrades and BVS has good visibility into FY27.

Its cost base has now stabilized, which suggests future upgrades will be driven by revenue outperformance.

Shaw and Partners has a 12-month price target of $2.50 on Bravura Solutions shares.

Lottery Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLC)

Lottery Corporation shares closed at $5.58 yesterday, up 1.1%.

On Wednesday, the lottery services provider reported a 2% lift in revenue to $1.82 billion for 1H FY26.

EBITDA slipped 0.7% to $367 million and NPAT fell 1.4% to $173.3 million.

Operating expenses increased 2.9% to $146 million. Net debt was $2.24 billion, with leverage at 3x EBITDA.

After surveying the numbers, Morgans retained its hold rating on this ASX retail share, commenting:

TLC delivered a resilient 1H26 result despite the leanest jackpot environment since demerger, with jackpot game outcomes (~50% of turnover) well below statistical norms.

Record Keno performance and strength in base games (incl. Saturday Lotto retention +103%) helped cushion the impact, while digital mix growth was muted by the absence of large jackpots.

New CEO Wayne Pickup's maiden result leaned into 'evolution not revolution', with messaging focused on portfolio optimisation and disciplined cost/capital allocation going forward.

TLC trades on forward EV/EBITDA and PER of ~16x and ~27x respectively, with the mid-year Investor Day the next key catalyst.

Morgans lifted its price target on Lottery Corporation shares from $5.40 to $5.70.

ASX Ltd (ASX: ASX)

The ASX Ltd share price closed at $54.92 on Thursday, up 0.2% amid the ASX 200 setting a new record high.

ASX is the predominant stock market operator in Australia.

Last week, ASX reported an 11.2% increase in revenue to $602.8 million for 1H FY26.

Statutory NPAT was $263.6 million, up 8.3%. However, total expenses rose 20% to $264.3 million.

On The Bull this week, Andrew Wielandt from DP Wealth Advisory put a sell rating on this ASX financial share.

He commented:

The business faces several challenges, including regulatory scrutiny after technology issues and heightened competition from Cboe Australia.

The rise of private equity and debt also generates competition for the ASX.

On February 12, 2026, the ASX announced a statutory net profit after tax of $263.6 million for the first half of 2026, an increase of 8.3 per cent on the prior corresponding period.

However, total expenses of $264.4 million were up 20 per cent, partly as a result of costs associated with the inquiry by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, which cited ASX operational and governance issues in its interim report. 

The post Buy, hold, sell: Bravura, ASX, Lottery Corporation shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Lottery Corp has long been a top choice for ASX investors looking for defensive earnings and a stable dividend. After all, this company has exclusive licenses to run the perennially popular lottery and Keno games in most states and territories. These services tend to be highly resilient to economic maladies like inflation and recessions, given the enduring appeal of the chance to hit the jackpot.

So let's see how this company lived up to that reputation with its latest earnings and dividend, covering the six months to 31 December 2025.

As we covered this morning, it was a bit of a mixed bag for Lottery Cop over the second half of last year. The company told investors that it suffered its least-favourable period for jackpot outcomes since its 2022 spinoff from Tabcorp Holdings Ltd (ASX: TAH). Revenues were up 2% year on year to $1.82 billion. However, the company's earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) dropped 0.7% from the same period in 2024 to $367 million. Net profit after tax (NPAT) was also lower, falling 1.4% to $173.3 million.

Earnings per share (EPS) came in at 7.8 cents per share, a drop of 0.1 cents (or 1.3%) from the previous period.

Despite this, investors seem to be relieved. That's going off the current Lottery Corp share price, which is up a healthy 4.17% at the time of writing to $5.38.

What does the latest Lottery Corp dividend look like?

But let's talk dividends.

Lottery Corp has revealed that its first dividend of 2026 will come in at 8 cents per share. As is the company's habit, it will come with full franking credits attached. This interim dividend matches last year's equivalent payout, also worth 8 cents per share. Together with the final dividend, worth 8.5 cents per share, that was paid out in September of last year, it keeps Lottery Corp's full-year payouts at 16.5 cents per share.

Lottery Corp has nominated 25 February (next Wednesday) as this payout's ex-dividend date. So if any investor doesn't yet own Lottery Corp shares but wishes to receive this dividend, they will need to have shares in their name by market close on 24 February. The dividend pay day has then been set for 26 March next month.

Perhaps concerningly for investors, the interim dividend that was announced today represents a payout ratio of 103% of earnings. That's something you may have clocked, given that Lottery Corp's EPS for the period was just 7.8 cents per share. Perhaps this can be excused, given the apparently erroneous dip in jackpot conditions. However, the company did pay out 100% of its earnings as dividends over the full 2025 financial year. This indicates that it is hitting its speed limit when it comes to dividends. So income investors should certainly keep an eye on Lottery Corp's financials over the rest of 2026.

Lottery Corp shares are currently trading on a (trailing and forward) dividend yield of 3.07%.

The post Here's everything you need to know about the new Lottery Corp dividend appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Lottery Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLC)

The Lottery Corporation share price is up 5% to $5.42. Investors have been buying this lottery company's shares following the release of its half-year results. The company posted a 2% increase in revenue to $1.82 billion and a 1.4% decline in net profit after tax to $173.3 million. Despite this, the Lottery Corporation's board elected to maintain its fully franked interim dividend at 8 cents per share.

National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB)

The NAB share price is up almost 5% to $47.47. This has been driven by the release of the banking giant's quarterly update this morning. NAB reported cash earnings of $2.02 billion for the three months. This is up 15% compared to the average quarterly result in the second half of FY 2025. NAB's CEO, Andrew Irvine, said: "We have started FY26 strongly. Underlying profit rose 12% compared with the 2H25 quarterly average, driven by increases across each of our customer facing divisions and a supportive Australian economic environment. Pleasingly, asset quality outcomes also improved over 1Q26 and we have maintained appropriate balance sheet settings."

Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL)

The Netwealth share price is up almost 13% to $25.15. This follows the release of the investment platform provider's half-year results. Netwealth reported a 24.7% increase in revenue to $193.8 million and a 19.9% lift in net profit after tax to $69 million. The good news is that its CEO and managing director, Matt Heine, appears confident the strong form can continue. He said: "Netwealth enters this half with strong momentum, continued business growth, and increasing traction across the market and a strong pipeline of new opportunities."

TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE)

The TechnologyOne share price is up 6% to $23.02. This morning, the enterprise software provider upgraded its guidance for FY 2026. TechnologyOne revealed that it now expects profit before tax growth of 18% to 20% this year. This is up from its previous guidance range of 13% to 17%. The company's CEO, Ed Chung, said: "SaaS+ and our products turbocharged through AI are our not so secret weapons, giving us the confidence to increase PBT growth to 18% to 20%, upgraded from our prior range of 13% to 17%, as well as guiding to ARR growth of 16% to 18%. We are targeting the top end of the guidance range for both PBT and ARR."

The post Why Lottery Corp, NAB, Netwealth, and TechnologyOne shares are charging higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

What did The Lottery Corporation report?

• Revenue rose 2% year on year to $1.82 billion.
• Net Profit After Tax (NPAT) slipped 1.4% to $173.3 million.
• Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA) was $367.0 million, down 0.7% from 1H25.
• Operating expenses increased modestly by 2.9% to $146.0 million.
• The interim dividend was 8.0 cents per share (fully franked), matching last year, representing a payout ratio of 103% of NPAT.
• Net debt stood at $2.24 billion, with leverage at 3.0x EBITDA.

What else do investors need to know?

Despite the least favourable period for jackpot outcomes since its demerger, with an estimated $400 million negative turnover impact, The Lottery Corporation delivered a resilient financial performance. Keno revenues continued to grow, up 7% against the prior corresponding period, with a notable return to digital growth after new spend limits were introduced last year.

Digital sales continue to rise, making up 41.2% of total Lotteries turnover, up 80 basis points. The Saturday lotto game change was successfully executed, retaining 103% of the price increase, and active game management helped offset weaker jackpot outcomes.

What's next for The Lottery Corporation?

Looking ahead, the company plans to review its brand architecture and explore new product opportunities while investing in Keno and digital transformation. Strategic technology upgrades, portfolio enhancements, and a focus on local market growth are all expected to support ongoing sustainable shareholder returns.

In FY27, more game changes are planned, including enhancements to Set for Life, subject to regulatory approvals. The Lottery Corporation's strong balance sheet provides flexibility for organic expansion as it evolves as a digital entertainment business.

The Lottery Corporation share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, The Lottery Corporation shares have risen 5%, slightly trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 6% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post The Lottery Corporation posts steady earnings and dividend for 1H26 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 again

The Australian share market looks set to rise on Wednesday after a decent night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 54 points or 0.6% higher this morning. In late trade in the United States, the Dow Jones is up 0.25%, the S&P 500 is up 0.4% and the Nasdaq is 0.5% higher.

Oil prices fall

ASX 200 energy shares Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) could have a poor session on Wednesday after oil prices tumbled into the red overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 0.9% to US$62.33 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 1.8% to US$67.42 a barrel. Traders were selling oil down after Iran made progress with its nuclear talks with the United States.

NAB shares on watch

National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) shares will be on watch on Wednesday when it becomes the last of the big four to release an update this month. The rest of the major banks delivered solid updates, so expectations are high for this one. Also scheduled to release results today are Sonic Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SHL), Lottery Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLC), and Suncorp Group Ltd (ASX: SUN).

Gold price sinks

ASX 200 gold shares such as Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a difficult session on Wednesday after the gold price sank overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is down 2.9% to US$4,899.3 an ounce. Traders were selling gold (and silver) as they awaited delayed economic data and responded to easing US-Iranian tensions.

CBA shares go ex-dividend

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares are going ex-dividend this morning and could trade lower. Last week, Australia's largest bank released its half-year results and reported a cash net profit of $5.45 billion. This was an increase of 6% on the prior corresponding period and allowed the CBA board to declare a fully franked interim dividend of $2.35 per share. Eligible CBA shareholders can look forward to receiving this payout next month on 30 March.

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

To narrow things down, let's look at three ASX dividend stocks that experts think could be in the buy zone right now. Here's what they are recommending to clients:

Cedar Woods Properties Limited (ASX: CWP)

The first ASX dividend stock that analysts are tipping as a buy is Cedar Woods. It is one of Australia's leading property developers with a portfolio that is diversified by geography, price point, and product type.  This includes subdivisions in emerging residential communities, high-density apartments, and townhouses in inner-city neighbourhoods.

Bell Potter believes the company is well-placed to benefit from Australia's chronic housing shortage. It expects this to underpin fully franked dividends per share of 35 cents in FY 2026 and then 39 cents in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $7.68, this equates to 4.6% and 5.1% dividend yields, respectively.

The broker has a buy rating and $10.00 price target on its shares.

Lottery Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLC)

Another ASX dividend stock that analysts rate as a buy is Powerball, Keno, and Tatts Lotto operator Lottery Corporation.

Its earnings are largely insulated from economic cycles. Ticket sales tend to remain steady regardless of whether consumer confidence is high or low, which supports predictable cash flows.

What could make Lottery Corporation attractive for income investors is its capital-light business model. With minimal reinvestment requirements, a large portion of earnings can be returned to shareholders as dividends. This has allowed the company to establish itself as a consistent income payer since its demerger.

UBS expects this trend to continue and is forecasting fully franked dividends per share of 17 cents in FY 2026 and then 21 cents in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $5.14, this would mean dividend yields of 3.3% and 4.1%, respectively.

The broker has a buy rating and $6.30 price target on its shares.

Sonic Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SHL)

A third ASX dividend stock that is rated as a buy by analysts is Sonic Healthcare.

It is one of the world's leading healthcare providers with operations spanning laboratory medicine, pathology, radiology, and primary care medical services. After a tough period following the end of COVID testing, analysts at Bell Potter believe the company is positioned for sustainable growth.

This is expected to support partially franked dividends of $1.09 per share in FY 2026 and $1.11 per share in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $21.62, this equates to dividend yields of 5% and 5.1%.

Bell Potter has a buy rating and a $28.50 price target on its shares.

The post Looking for income? Check out these buy-rated ASX dividend stocks appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Quality ASX shares such as Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL), The Lottery Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLC) and GQG Partners Inc (ASX: GQG) are trading at levels that could deliver attractive long-term upside.

Let's have a closer look.

Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL)

The shine on this ASX share has dulled. Valuation pressure and rising uncertainty has pushed Aristocrat into cheap screens relative to its long-term growth track record.

Recent sales and revenue were mixed. Some softness spooked the market. That's happened despite record machine deployments and strong recurring earnings from digital gaming. The result? Shaken confidence and a weaker share price.

The business itself remains high quality. The $31 billion ASX share operates across land-based gaming machines and digital and mobile gaming. That diversification is a big advantage as player behaviour evolves. Few competitors can match its scale or depth of content.

But risks are real. Gaming spend is cyclical. Regulation can bite without warning. Currency moves can swing earnings. All of that makes short-term results uneven.

On the plus side, capital management is disciplined. Buybacks and debt reduction support earnings quality. Optionality from mergers and acquisitions and expansion of the online portfolio could drive a re-rating if growth steadies.

For investors seeking growth with some defensive characteristics, the current price range looks interesting. Analysts seem to think so. They see a potential upside of 41% with an average 12-month target set at $71.61.

The Lottery Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLC)

If you're chasing quality with defensive earnings, The Lottery Corporation could be worth a closer look.

This $11 billion ASX share operates Australia's leading lottery brands, including Oz Lotto, Powerball, Set for Life and instant scratch-its. Since demerging from Tabcorp, the business has become a pure-play lotteries operator with a simple, high-margin model built on recurring demand.

Its biggest strength is predictability. Lottery ticket sales tend to hold up well regardless of economic conditions. Cash flow is strong, margins are attractive, and capital requirements are low.

That supports reliable dividends and steady earnings growth. Digital ticket sales are another tailwind, lifting customer engagement and efficiency.

There are weaknesses to note. Growth is incremental rather than explosive. The business is also tightly regulated, limiting flexibility. Jackpot cycles can cause short-term earnings volatility.

From an analyst perspective, sentiment on the ASX share is broadly positive. Many see TLC as a defensive compounder with dependable dividends and modest share price upside.

Analysts have set the average 12-month price target at $5.68, a potential gain of 8% compared to the current share price.

GQG Partners Inc (ASX: GQG)

This ASX share has been left for dead by the market. Shares are down close to 25% over the past year as fund flows slowed and performance lagged benchmarks.

That's weighed heavily on sentiment. Net inflows declined. Investors headed for the exits.

Yet the underlying numbers tell a different story. Revenue and net profit still grew at double-digit rates. Margins remain high. Dividends are generous and among the strongest in the sector, with a dividend yield of 12% at the current levels.

The risk is flows. GQG is highly sensitive to investor behaviour. Periods of underperformance can quickly shrink assets under management and fee income.

Still, valuation has reset. Brokers see potential catalysts ahead. If flows stabilise or performance improves, the rebound could be sharp.

For value-focused investors willing to ride the volatility, GQG's risk-reward profile is starting to look compelling. Most brokers have a buy-rating on the ASX share. They set a price target for the next 12 months of $2.10, a 24% upside.

The post 3 quality ASX shares to buy with $10,000 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

I think it can be a very positive sign for potential positive returns when a business is rated as a buy by a number of analysts, rather just one or two.

Of course, it's possible that they're all wrong. But, I also have a positive view on the below ASX shares at the current valuations.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

According to CMC Markets, in the last three months there have been seven different analysts that have called WiseTech shares a buy. The global technology company provides software for the logistics sector.

The average price target for the WiseTech share price is $106.14, implying a possible rise of more than 80% within the next year. The most optimistic price target is $130, implying a theoretical rise of more than 120%, while the lowest price target of $74 still implies a possible rise of close to 30%.

While the market may be concerned about a possible impact by AI on the ASX share, UBS thinks that there's an opportunity for names in the software as a service (SaaS) space to benefit from AI monetisation and deliver rising average revenue per user (ARPU).

UBS thinks that a new commercial model could drive price rises of around 5% going forwards, with customers benefiting from four new AI capabilities.

The broker thinks there could be further upside for WiseTech if "i) large freight forwarders in contract move earlier than expected to the commercial model; and ii) customers [are] willing and able to disburse/pass through their CargoWise software costs to the end customer".

UBS thinks the WiseTech share price valuation is attractive as it's trading cheaper than it has historically and it has AI defensiveness.

Lottery Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLC)

The national lottery operator has been rated as a buy by at least four brokers, according to CMC Markets.

The average price target on the business is $5.53, implying a potential mid-single-digit rise. The highest price target of $6.30 implies a theoretical rise of around 20% within the next year.

UBS is the broker that's most optimistic about the ASX share. The broker wrote in a recent note:

We believe Lottery Corp has a compelling 'growth formula' that may be underestimated by [market] consensus forecasts. Once normalising for the jackpot cycle (now UBSe FY27E), we expect Lottery Corp to consistently deliver high single digit EPS growth supported by (1) GDP lottery top line (UBSe revenue +4.3% pa), (2) digital channel mix shift (UBSe VC +5.9% pa), (3) scalable cost base (UBSe EBITDA 6.6% pa), and (4) capital boosters such as leverage and buybacks (post Vic licence renewal). By FY31 we forecast EPS 6% higher than consensus, mostly due to digital mix/ VC margin.

A mixture of revenue growth, rising margins and share buybacks for investors could mean very positive things for owners of this ASX share.

UBS predicts earnings per share (EPS) could rise from a predicted 17 cents in FY26 to 26 cents in FY30, while maintaining a high dividend payout ratio.

The post 2 ASX shares highly recommended to buy: Experts appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

With that in mind, these are three ASX dividend shares I'd seriously consider right now if income was the priority.

Transurban Group Ltd (ASX: TCL)

If I'm buying dividends, I want predictability. That's exactly what Transurban offers.

It owns and operates toll roads in major cities where traffic demand is driven by population growth, commuting patterns, and congestion. These aren't discretionary assets. People use them because they have to, not because conditions are perfect.

The cash flows it generates are long-dated, inflation-linked in many cases, and supported by contractual toll escalation. This has underpinned a growing stream of distributions for well over a decade.

In FY26, Transurban has guided to a distribution of 69 cents per share, up from 65 cents previously. At current prices, that translates into a dividend yield of around 5%.

HomeCo Daily Needs REIT (ASX: HDN)

HomeCo is one of the more interesting income plays on the ASX, in my view, because of what it owns.

Its portfolio is focused on large-format retail assets anchored by tenants that provide everyday necessities. Think supermarkets, hardware, childcare, and essential services. These are not malls dependent on discretionary spending.

The REIT is guiding to distributions of 8.6 cents per share in FY26. Based on the current share price, that implies a dividend yield north of 6.5%. Importantly, those distributions are underpinned by long lease terms and a high-quality tenant mix that tends to hold up well even when consumer conditions soften. Its three largest tenants are Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW), Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES), and Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL).

For investors with $1,000, I think HomeCo offers an attractive income stream without taking on excessive risk.

Lottery Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLC)

Lottery Corporation is another smart choice, in my opinion.

This ASX dividend share operates Australia's major lottery brands, and demand for lottery tickets has historically been remarkably resilient. Sales don't rely on economic growth, interest rates, or consumer confidence in the same way most retail businesses do.

What I like most is the quality of the cash flow. The business is capital-light, highly profitable, and converts a large portion of earnings into free cash flow. That gives it plenty of capacity to pay and grow dividends over time.

While the yield isn't the highest on the ASX, currently 3.4% based on CommSec forecasts, the consistency and defensiveness of the earnings make it a strong long-term income holding.

Foolish takeaway

With $1,000, you don't need complexity. You need businesses that can reliably generate cash and share it with investors.

Transurban, HomeCo Daily Needs REIT, and Lottery Corporation each approach that goal differently, through infrastructure, property, and regulated consumer demand. Together, they offer a mix of yield, stability, and resilience that I think makes sense for income-focused investors right now.

The post The smartest ASX dividend shares to buy with $1,000 right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

That also seems to be the consensus across a broader survey of analysts, with Tradingview saying that based on 11 analysts recomendations, the consensus is for a neutral recommendation.

According to Jarden there is some mild upside left in the stock, although their target price of $5.30 was only just above the price at publication of their research note of $5.11.

Factoring in dividends, this would return 7% to investors if that share price target was achieved.

No luck from jackpots

The Jarden team said they were estimating first half lotteries turnover of about $3.2 billion, down 2% year on year for the first half, primarily due to fewer jackpots accruing in the half.

They went on to say this re the expected revenue result:

In our view, this is due to unfavourable jackpot sequences (Powerball/Oz Lotto aggregate jackpots -14% y/y), rather than underlying demand weakness. We estimate like-for-like draws have performed robustly through the period. First half FY26 turnover is also likely impacted by Saturday Lotto's annual year-end draw falling in calendar year 2026.

Jarden said they expected the company to "look through" the jackpot weakness and declare a dividend of 8.5 cents per share, in line with the corresponding first half in the previous year.

The Jarden team also said that while there was a risk to earnings, this had likely been factored in.

While we see risk to consensus earnings, recent share price performance would suggest likely downgrades are more than reflected in market expectations given the high degree of visibility on jackpot activity. Consensus FY26 earnings per share downgrades since 1-Sep have been about 5% with Jarden estimates about 7% lower. Despite this, we now view current levels as already pricing in below theoretical jackpot activity near-term. With the stock trading on about 25x FY27 P/E (assuming normalised jackpot sequences), and at the low end of historical trade ranges, we now see positive risk/reward and upgrade our rating to Overweight (from Underweight).

Jarden said they saw the business as well-managed and cash-generative, "within an economically resilient, exclusive licensed market''.

Opportunities for structural earnings growth under new CEO Wayne Pickup will likely include digital penetration, cost and Victorian licence-related opportunities.

The Lottery Corporation was valued at $11.37 billion at the close of trade on Wednesday.

The post Are The Lottery Corporation shares a buy, sell or hold at current levels? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.