The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to end the week with a decent gain. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is up 0.4% to 7,285 points.

Four ASX shares that have failed to climb with the market today are listed below. Here's why they are dropping:

Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD)

The Ampol share price is down over 5% to $31.22. The catalyst for this has been the fuel retailer's shares going ex-dividend this morning for its fully franked $1.55 per share final dividend for FY 2022. Eligible shareholders can now look forward to receiving this dividend at the end of the month on 30 March.

Arafura Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: ARU)

The Arafura share price is down 9% to 55.5 cents. This appears to have been driven by comments out of Tesla at its investor day. The electric vehicle giant revealed that it plans to drop the use of rare earths in its future electric vehicle models due to health and environmental risks that come with mining the critical minerals.

GQG Partners Inc (ASX: GQG)

The GQG share price is down 3% to $1.44. This may have been caused by reports that GQG is investing heavily in the Adani empire. According to the AFR, the company has poured $2.8 billion in four Adani companies. It believes an activist short seller attack has created significant value for investors.

Retail Food Group Ltd (ASX: RFG)

The Retail Food share price is down 7% to 7.9 cents. This morning, this embattled quick service restaurant operator announced firm commitments to raise $24.9 million via a share placement to sophisticated and institutional investors. These funds will be raised at 8 cents per share, with the proceeds used to reset its balance sheet and support growth opportunities.

The post Why Ampol, Arafura, GQG, and Retail Food shares are dropping today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The market may be pushing higher this morning, but the same cannot be said for the ASX 200 shares listed below.

However, these shares are not falling because something bad has happened. Rather, they are falling because they are trading ex-dividend today.

When a share trades ex-dividend, it means the rights to an upcoming dividend payment remain with the seller and don't transfer to the buyer. In light of this, a share price will often drop in line with the dividend to reflect this.

Three ASX 200 shares that are trading ex-dividend today are named below. Here's what you need to know about them and their dividends:

Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD)

This fuel retailer's shares are down 6% after trading ex-dividend for its fully franked $1.55 per share final dividend for FY 2022. Eligible shareholders can now look forward to receiving this dividend in their bank accounts at the end of the month on 30 March.

Nine Entertainment Co Holdings Ltd (ASX: NEC)

This media company's shares have dropped 3% on Friday after going ex-dividend for its interim dividend. Last month, Nine released its half-year results and declared a fully franked interim dividend of 6 cents per share. This will be paid to eligible shareholders next month on 24 April.

Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE)

Finally, this wine giant's shares have slipped into the red in early trade. This morning, the Penfolds owner traded ex-dividend for its fully franked 18 cents per share interim dividend. It plans to pay this to eligible shareholders at the start of next month on 4 April.

The post 3 ASX 200 shares trading ex-dividend on Friday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

On Thursday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) recorded the smallest of gains. The benchmark index rose 3.8 points to 7,255. points.

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

ASX 200 expected to rise

The Australian share market looks set to end the week on a positive note. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open 26 points or 0.35% higher this morning. In late trade in the United States, the Dow Jones is up 0.9%, the S&P 500 is up 0.5%, and the NASDAQ index is up 0.5%.

Oil prices climb

Energy producers Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) could have a good finish to the week after oil prices pushed higher overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 0.5% to US$78.07 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 0.4% to US$84.63 a barrel. Chinese demand optimism has lifted prices this week.

Miners lift

It could be a decent finish to the week for mining giants BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO). In late trade on the NYSE, the miners' shares are pushing higher again. The BHP share price is up 3% and the Rio Tinto share price is up 1.5%.

Gold price edges higher

Gold miners Newcrest Mining Ltd (ASX: NCM) and St Barbara Ltd (ASX: SBM) could have a subdued finish to the week after the gold price edged lower overnight. According to CNBC, the spot gold price is down 0.2% to US$1,842.2 an ounce. US dollar and bond yields strengthened and put pressure on gold.

Shares going ex-dividend

A number of ASX 200 shares are trading ex-dividend this morning and could drop into the red. This includes fuel retailer Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD), retirement village company Lifestyle Communities Ltd (ASX: LIC), media company Nine Entertainment Co Holdings Ltd (ASX: NEC), and wine giant Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE).

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

Well, the ASX earnings season is in full swing. We've now heard from many ASX 200 shares as to how their finances are looking after the first half of FY2023. And, as most income investors would know, earnings season means dividend season.

Many ASX 200 shares like to pay out their dividends fairly soon after reporting their most recent numbers. But before a company can pay out a dividend, it must first choose an ex-dividend date, cutting off new investors from receiving the said dividend.

Loads of ASX 200 shares have already traded ex-dividend for their latest dividend payments. But there are quite a few that are scheduled for next week.

So let's discuss seven such shares that are about to cut investors off from their latest shareholder payments and trade ex-dividend for their next dividend.

7 ASX 200 shares going ex-dividend next week

Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG)

ASX 200 iron ore miner Fortescue is first up. Fortescue shares will go ex-dividend on Monday, 27 February, for the upcoming interim dividend. Investors will receive a reduced 75 cents per share, fully franked dividend payment on 29 March next month.

Santos Ltd (ASX :STO)

ASX 200 energy share Santos is next up. Santos will cut investors off from eligibility for its next interim dividend on Monday as well. Investors will then receive the 21.9 cents per share fully franked dividend on 29 March as well.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

Telstra delighted its investors with a dividend hike earlier this month. Investors will be bagging an 8.5 cents per share dividend, fully franked of course, on 31 March. But Telstra is going ex-dividend for this payment on Wednesday 1 March.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

Next up is ASX 200 blue chip Woolworths. Woolies was another share that gave investors a dividend pay rise this earnings season. Shareholders can circle 13 April as payday for Woolworths' interim dividend of 46 cents per share, fully franked.

But investors will need to own the company's shares before the ex-dividend date of 2 March if they wish to receive it.

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)

Not to be outdone by its arch-rival, Coles is also trading ex-div next week. Coles upped its own interim dividend as well this earnings season.

Coles owners will receive their payout a bit earlier than Woolies too, with 30 March as the date set for dividend payment of Coles' 36 cents per share, fully franked dividend. But the companies are sharing 2 March as their ex-dividend date.

AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP)

Much to the delight of investors, AMP is returning to paying dividends in 2023 after a four-year drought. 1 March is the ex-dividend date for AMP's next dividend payment.

Investors will then have to wait until 3 April to bag the 2.5 cents per share payment. This dividend will be only partially franked at 20%.

Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE)

Finally, let's talk about Treasury Wine. Treasury will give investors its next payment on 4 April – a fully franked interim dividend of 18 cents per share. But new shareholders will be cut off from this dividend when the company goes ex-dividend on 3 March.

Foolish takeaway

These aren't the only major ASX 200 shares going ex-div next week though.

Watch out for Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN), Amcor plc (ASX: AMC), Domino's Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP), Ampol Limited (ASX: ALD), Platinum Asset Management Ltd (ASX: PTM), Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME) and NIB Holdings Ltd (ASX: NHF) as well.

The post 7 ASX 200 shares with ex-dividend dates next week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD) share price is in the green this morning after the company posted its full-year earnings.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) fuel giant are up 2% at the time of writing, trading at $32.41.

Ampol share price gains as dividend more than doubled

• $795.9 million of statutory net profit after tax (NPAT) – 42% higher than that of the prior comparable period (pcp)
• Replacement cost operating profit (RCOP) earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) reached $1.76 billion – an 84% improvement
• Full year RCOP earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) came to $1.3 billion – a 124% improvement and a new record
• Its convenience retail leg posted $347.2 million of RCOP EBIT – a 37% improvement and a five-year high
• Lytton Refinery delivered $687 million of RCOP EBIT – a 9% fall on the pcp
• Declared $1.05 per share fully franked final dividend – up 156% – and a 50 cent per share special dividend

Last year was a good one for Ampol, and its shareholders are benefiting. Including the special dividend announced today, the company will pay out $2.75 per share for 2022 – representing 86% of RCOP NPAT.

It ended the year with $2.36 billion of net borrowings.

What else happened last half?

The company sold a record 24.3 billion litres of fuel in 2022. Of that, 14.05 billion litres went to Australia – a 7.6% year-on-year improvement. Meanwhile, international customers bought 7.52 billion litres – down 16%.

It also successfully acquired Z Energy and divested Gull.

Z Energy saw 2.76 billion litres of fuel pumped in Ampol's eight months of ownership.

What did management say?

Ampol CEO and managing director Matt Halliday commented on the results driving the company's share price higher, saying:

2022 has been another very successful year for Ampol as the integrated supply chain combined to deliver a record financial result and supported the declaration of record shareholder dividends.

We remain disciplined with our allocation of capital, prioritising shareholder returns as we strive to get the balance right between core business optimisation and targeted investment in the energy transition to meet the evolving needs of our customers.

What's next?

Ampol had a strong start to 2023 in January.

The refined products market was strong, with Lytton realising a US$18.40 per barrel refiner margin as gasoline cracks recovered from fourth-quarter lows.

Its Australian fuel volumes were also up 19% on the prior COVID-19-impacted period while Z Energy was impacted by major flooding in New Zealand. Notwithstanding that, though, it saw a 28% jump in fuel sales.

Its fuels and infrastructure leg (excluding Lytton and Future Energy) has been tipped to benefit from the COVID recovery, particularly in jet fuel sales, and Z Energy is expected to contribute full-year earnings in 2023.

Ampol share price snapshot

The Ampol share price has been outperforming lately.

Today's gains included, the stock is 18% higher than it was at the start of this year. It has also gained 8% over the last 12 months.

For comparison, the ASX 200 has lifted nearly 6% year to date and 1.5% over the last 12 months.

The post Ampol share price jumps on record dividend appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is having a rough Monday, but one sector is dodging the carnage. S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) stocks are outperforming, including market giant Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS).

And it could be Russia putting the wind under their sails. The nation reportedly vowed to cut oil production over the weekend.

Meanwhile, stock in Woodside's peer Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) is in the green after the company posted its first-half earnings.

Right now, the Woodside share price is trading 1.9% higher at $36.535.

Comparatively, the ASX 200 is currently down 0.33% and the energy sector is up 1.88%.

Let's take a closer look at the news that could be boosting the Woodside share price higher, alongside those of its peers.

What's boosting ASX 200 energy stocks like Woodside?

It's a good day to be invested in ASX 200 energy stocks after the price of oil surged again late last week.

As most of Australia kicked off the weekend, the Brent crude oil price rose 2.2% to US$86.39 a barrel and the US Nymex crude oil price gained 2.1% to US$79.72 a barrel. The energy commodities rose 8.1% and 8.6% respectively over the course of last week.

Their latest gain came as Russia vowed to cut oil production by around 5%, or 500,000 barrels a day, in March, Reuters reports.

The move is a response to price caps imposed on the nation's oil by Western nations following the invasion of Ukraine.

Of course, higher oil prices generally mean more revenue for oil producers. Thus, the news might be driving the Woodside share price upwards today.

The stock is currently the energy sector's third-best performer, bested by shares in Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC) and Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD). They're gaining 2.6% and 2.1% respectively.

Meanwhile, stock in Beach Energy is up 0.33% after the company revealed it saw $827 million of revenue in the first half of financial year 2023. It also upped its interim dividend by 100% to 2 cents per share.

The post Why are ASX 200 energy stocks like Woodside having such a stellar start to the week? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The Contact fund managers believe that investor sentiment domestically remains "too negative". They noted that economic uncertainty is not new – there's "always something to worry about and the bear case is often easier to believe."

Higher interest rates are creating "headwinds" for valuations and consumer sentiment, but Contact also pointed to several positive signals including:

• Unemployment at record lows, a "critically important metric"
• Earnings expectations have "moderated significantly", particularly in consumer-facing industries where consensus forecasts now expect a significant reduction in year over year growth
• Cash positions remain above average for a lot of investors, which would help in a market decline

The fund manager thinks that investing in quality businesses for the long term will continue to do well. Contact believes that market multiples are not "excessive by historical standards", particularly in the S&P/ASX Small Ordinaries Index (ASX: XSO) which suffered in 2022.

With that in mind, there were three ASX 200 shares that it pointed to in its latest monthly update.

Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD)

Ampol describes itself as the nation's leader in transport fuels. It was previously called Caltex Australia. It supplies the country's largest branded petrol and convenience network (with 1,900 branded sites, including around 690 company-operated retail sites), as well as refining, importing and marketing fuels and lubricants. Across its retail network, it serves approximately 3 million customers each week.

It also has a growing presence in New Zealand as the owner of Z Energy Limited. It sells approximately 40% of all fuel volumes across the country. Ampol also owns a 20% equity stake in Seaoil, a fuel company in the Philippines.

Contact said that Ampol recently reported a "solid" quarterly update, which highlighted the "continued improvement in retail shop and fuels profitability". It continues to generate "sound refining margins" as well.

The fund manager said that Ampol is trading on a single-digit price/earnings (P/E) ratio multiple and a fairly high dividend yield. The investment team believe it's "attractively priced".

Deterra Royalties Ltd (ASX: DRR)

Deterra owns royalties, with its key exposure being to iron ore which relies on the BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) mining area C (MAC) royalty. Deterra receives an ongoing royalty of 1.232% of Australian free on board (FOB) revenue from the MAC royalty. Plus, it receives extra revenue for increased annual mine production above a certain level.

Contact said that the ASX 200 share is benefiting from strong iron ore prices, despite the production of mining area C being marginally below expectations.

The fund manager pointed out that Deterra generates "outstanding" returns on capital and offers a "compelling income stream"

TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPG)

TPG is a telco that owns a number of brands including TPG, Vodafone Australia and iiNet.

Contact pointed out that Vodafone Australia announced price increases for its mobile plans.

The fund manager noted that the ASX 200 share's lowest-priced plan had increased by 13% to $45 per month with no additional data.

The investment team also said that the mobile market is now "more rational and operators are delivering average revenue per user (ARPU)". Contact said this bodes well for earnings stability.

The post 3 ASX 200 shares that this fund manager loves at these prices appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

While S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares in most sectors suffered last year, one bright spot was the energy sector.

With a war in Ukraine disrupting supplies from Russia, energy prices rocketed and the industry benefited from a favourable supply-demand ratio.

Despite the boom in 2022, many experts reckon energy stocks will continue their golden run into 2023.

"The energy sector is quite cheap. We're overweight energy," Schroders portfolio manager Ray David told The Motley Fool last week.

"The multiples that they're trading on are still quite low. They're trading on about six or seven times earnings."

If you agree with this thesis, here are two energy-related ASX 200 shares that experts have named as buys this week:

'Favourable industry dynamics paint a bright outlook'

Oil and gas producer Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) is one that David named as an example of a cheap buy, and Medallion Group analyst Jean-Claude Perrottet agreed.

"Santos' fourth quarter result met production expectations. Sales revenue hit record levels of US$7.8 billion in fiscal year 2022, up 65% on the prior year," Perrottet told The Bull.

"Favourable industry dynamics paint a bright outlook for the energy sector."

The Santos share price is actually 7.3% down over the past 12 months, while paying out a 2.8% dividend yield.

Another reason to buy Santos stock now, for Perrottet, is a just-announced sweetener.

"Santos recently announced an increase in its share buy-back, offering an additional US$350 million increase to now total US$700 million."

Santos shares are a favourite among David and Perrottet's peers too.

According to CMC Markets, all 18 analysts covering the stock recommend it as a buy. Fourteen of them rate it as a strong buy.

Profit up 100% but stock's the same price as a year ago

On the other end of the energy supply chain, Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD) is going well in the retail space.

Bell Potter Securities investment advisor Christopher Watt would buy it right now.

"Australia's largest refined fuel retailer reported a statutory net profit after tax of $695.9 million in the 2022 first half," he said.

"It represented an increase of more than 100% on the prior corresponding period."

The Ampol share price, surprisingly, has dipped 1.44% over the past year. And that's only after a 10.47% rally since the start of 2023.

The stock does pay out an attractive 5.23% dividend yield.

Watt is positive about the business looking ahead. 

"We expect stronger refiner margins and capital management to drive future success," he said.

"The stock offers attractive fully franked dividends."

The post 2 ASX 200 shares to buy while energy shortage rages on: experts appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Four ASX shares that are climbing more than most today are listed below. Here's why they are racing higher:

Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD)

The Ampol share price is up 4% to $29.74. Investors have been buying this fuel retailer's shares following the release of a fourth quarter trading update. Ampol revealed that its fourth quarter group RCOP earnings before interest and tax is expected to be slightly ahead of the third quarter result.

Block Inc (ASX: SQ2)

The Block share price is up 3.5% to $106.41. This follows a strong session for the payments company's US listed shares on the NYSE overnight. This may have been driven by a broker note out of Barclays, which named Block as one of its best ideas for 2023.

JB Hi-Fi Limited (ASX: JBH)

The JB Hi-Fi share price is up 3% to $48.01. This may have been driven by the release of a broker note out of Morgans. According to the note, the broker has retained its add rating with an improved $53.00 price target. Morgans said: "Although trading conditions will be more difficult in 2H23, we believe JBH is well placed to ride out the turbulence and deliver shareholder value over the medium-term."

Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX)

The Telix share price is up 7% to $6.96. Investors have been buying this radiopharmaceuticals company's shares following the release of its quarterly update. Telix reported a 41% increase in quarterly revenue to $78.2 million, which led to the company generating positive free cash flow from operating activities.

The post Why Ampol, Block, JB Hi-Fi, and Telix shares are racing higher appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

For example, listed below are two ASX shares that have made big moves in opposite directions on Wednesday following the release of their updates. Here's what's happening:

Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD)

This fuel retailer's shares were up as much as 4% to $29.87 following the release of its quarterly update. Ampol, formerly known as Caltex, revealed that its fourth quarter group RCOP earnings before interest and tax is expected to be slightly ahead of the third quarter result.

The company also revealed that the Lytton Refiner Margin (LRM) for the fourth quarter remained above historical levels averaging US$11.75 per barrel. Furthermore, refinery production for the period was 1,580 ML, increasing from 1,546 ML in the third quarter.

Overall, a solid quarter from the fuel giant.

Redbubble Ltd (ASX: RBL)

Investors have been selling down Redbubble's shares after the release of yet another disappointing update. The ecommerce company's shares are currently down over 12% to 50 cents, which means they are now down approximately 80% since this time last year.

This morning, Redbubble reported a modest increase in second quarter marketplace revenue, which led to flat first half revenue. However, higher costs mean that it expects to post an $18 million operating loss for the half. This compares to a $10.5 million operating profit a year earlier. Management blamed "increasingly challenging" trading conditions and higher promotional activity.

This loss has led to Redubble's cash balance falling by approximately $46 million over the last 12 months to $97 million.

Unfortunately, management expects "macroeconomic conditions to remain challenging in the near term." As a result, the company has decided to adjust its operating expenditure with the aim of being sustainably cash flow positive by the end of 2023.

The post 2 ASX shares making big moves following quarterly updates appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) tumbled into the weekend on the back of a dire session on Wall Street. The index closed 0.78% lower at 7,148.7 points today. That marks a 0.89% week-on-week fall.

Fears of a recession following the recent rate hike from the US Federal Reserve appeared to drive New York indices lower overnight. The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) fell 2.2%, the S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX) dropped 2.5%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) plunged 3.2%.

With that in mind, I doubt it's a surprise to anyone that Aussie tech stocks were among those suffering the most today. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) plummeted 2%. The Block Inc (ASX: SQ2) share price led the sector's fall with a 6.2% tumble.

On the other hand, the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) posted the biggest gain, rising 0.3% despite falling oil prices.

The Brent crude oil price fell 1.8% to US$81.21 a barrel and the US Nymex crude oil price dropped 1.5% to US$76.11 a barrel.

All in all, two of the ASX 200's 11 sectors closed in the green today. But which stock outperformed all others to end the week on the highest high? Keep reading to find out.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

Today's top-performing ASX 200 share was Aurizon Holdings Ltd (ASX: AZJ).

It gained 4% on news the company has found a buyer for its East Coast Rail business. The competition watchdog declared the business' sale a condition of Aurizon's previous acquisition of One Rail Australia.

Today's biggest gains were made by these shares:

Our top 10 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary to let you know which companies were making 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.

If there has been a winner from the global energy shortage, it would have to be oil shares. Energy elites of the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) have enjoyed enormous profits as conflicts crimp the supply of the commodity.

For shareholders, it has meant a plentiful year for dividends. According to Janus Henderson's latest Global Dividend Index report, the recent third quarter was a record for global payouts — rising 7% to $415.9 billion thanks largely to oil producers.

However, it begs the question: could the delectable dividends that are being injected into Australian portfolios from oil, gas, and energy companies pose a risk to future income? After all, the commoditised sector is known for its cyclical habits.

How much of ASX 200 dividends are from oil and gas?

In the third quarter of the calendar year, oil producer dividends surged 75% to a record $46.4 billion globally. This was a byproduct of elevated oil prices compared to the prior corresponding period, as shown below.

Locally, our biggest energy company increased its interim dividend by nearly four-fold to US$1.09 per share amid the amplified prices. As a result, Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) became one of the top five dividend-payers on the ASX.

Sourcing data from S&P Market Intelligence, oil and gas companies constituted approximately 8% of the total $28.45 billion in Aussie payouts in Q3, the majority of which was delivered by Woodside.

The energy sector's contribution was bolstered by large cash drops from the likes of Santos Ltd (ASX: STO), APA Group (ASX: APA), and Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD). In total, oil and gas companies served up more than $2.2 billion in divvies to shareholders.

Notably, one in five Australian companies sliced their dividends in the third quarter. Comparatively, only one in ten companies globally reduced their payouts.

Is it too much?

Many investors rely on the dividends from the ASX 200 via index-tracking passive exchange-traded funds (ETF). Any material changes to large contributors to the index could impact future income. So, could oil and gas payouts put a dent in your next payday?

The short answer is yes, but the more nuanced answer is: it depends… At around 8% of total ASX 200 dividends, oil and gas companies are far from the most important sector when it comes to income.

Instead, banks and mining companies are responsible for the majority of income generated by an investment in the index. At least that was the case in the third quarter.

According to S&P Global, banks made up roughly 21% of payouts. Meanwhile, mining companies took the number one spot in Q3 with 45% of all dividends delivered.

It would seem the risk of falling oil and gas dividends pose a minor risk to the total ASX 200 yield. The benchmark index remains heavily exposed to other areas of the market.

The post Could our dividends now be too reliant on ASX 200 oil shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) ended the week in the green. The index closed Friday's session 0.23% higher at 7,151.8 points. That marks a week-on-week fall of 0.09%.

That was despite a weak performance from the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ). It slumped 0.4% amid tumbling oil prices.

The Brent crude oil price fell 3.3% to US$89.78 a barrel overnight and the US Nymex crude oil price dumped 4.6% to trade at US$81.64 a barrel.

Fortunately, the energy sector's suffering was offset by gains across the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ), the S&P/ASX 200 Communications Index (ASX: XTJ), and the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ). They lifted 0.9%, 0.8%, and 0.7% respectively

Meanwhile, the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) traded flat amid news OZ Minerals Limited (ASX: OZL) will likely accept BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)'s increased takeover bid.

All in all, seven of the ASX 200's 11 sectors closed in the green. But which share outperformed all others to close the week on a high? Keep reading to find out.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

It might come as no surprise that the stock topping the lot on Friday was OZ Minerals.

It returned to trade this morning after a two-day trading halt on news BHP upped its bid for the company to $28.25.

Today's biggest gains were made by these shares:

Our top 10 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary to let you know which companies were making 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.

Sure, it's been a frightening time for investors. But 2022 has also been an opportunity to pick up some absolute bargains as quality ASX shares end up heavily discounted.

With this in mind, it's prudent to see which stocks have fallen radically in recent weeks but the professionals are still backing for a long-term rise.

This allows a low entry point for maximum long-term returns.

Fortunately, the analysts at QV Equities revealed two such stocks in a recent memo to clients.

Short-term pain, long-term gain

The QVE team admitted its fund fell behind its benchmark slightly in October.

"The main reasons for the lagging performance were some very strong performances by lithium stocks, which the portfolio is not exposed to, as well as strong rises in several consumer discretionary stocks, which we remain cautious on given what looks to be a tough 2023 ahead for the sector."

The portfolio was also held back by "some disappointing performances" seen in a pair of "key stocks".

"Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD) fell 5.3% in October following a mixed quarterly update in which its fuel distribution business recorded an unexpected loss due to one-off factors, while the company's other divisions performed strongly."

The Australian Clinical Labs Ltd (ASX: ACL) share price also took a 4.3% hit downwards for the month as COVID-19 testing volume continued to wind down.

"Although the company also reported that its underlying business is still growing strongly."

Despite these short-term losses, the QVE team is keeping the faith.

"Both Ampol and Australian Clinical Labs remain very well positioned in their industries with strong balance sheets and we retain our positive long-term view of their prospects."

How ASX stocks Ampol and ACL have been going

During a time when energy and fuel prices have been soaring, it may be surprising that the Ampol share price is actually down 8% year to date. 

It does pay out a juicy 5.8% dividend yield though.

The petroleum provider last month named as one of the 22 ASX shares that Wilsons is targeting for their high-income yield.

October was not the only bad month for Australian Clinical Labs. Its stock price has almost halved since the start of the year.

A life of queuing for hours for a PCR test and scrambling to purchase rare rapid COVID-19 tests now seems like a distant memory, even though that was just 10 months ago.

The devaluation of ACL does mean its dividend yield now stands at a remarkable 15.8%.

The post 16% dividend yield: Fund names 2 slammed ASX shares to buy for the long run appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

For more than a decade, investors became rich from ASX growth shares — but all that changed almost overnight late last year.

As the very infectious Omicron variant of COVID-19 struck the world in November, share markets turned against growth, and haven't really looked back since.

In such an environment, The Motley Fool has certainly noticed a big change in attention towards dividend shares.

The logic among investors seems to be that if capital growth is so anaemic, you might as well grab some income to make up for it.

However, the team at Wilsons had a stark warning for dividend hunters.

"However, high yield stocks have proven to underperform the market on a long-term view," its recent memo to clients read.

"We therefore believe a dividend strategy cannot solely rely on high yielding stocks to be successful."

The checklist for quality ASX dividend shares

For Wilsons analysts, it's imperative to search for businesses that grow dividends over time. That might mean sacrificing some yield now.

"We think selecting a dividend strategy by its initial yield is a poor choice because the growth of the dividend over time ultimately determines the income payouts in future years."

Also, a high current dividend yield tells nothing about the business performance or its outlook.

"Therefore, we think it is also paramount to consider companies based on their competitive positioning and industry backdrop, their earnings quality, and their long-term growth outlook."

Considering this, the team screened the S&P/ASX 100 [XTO] (ASX: XTO) for businesses that met the following criteria:

• Financial year 2025 dividend yield greater than 2%
• Positive or flat three-year forecast dividend per share compound annual growth rate
• Balance between growth and yield
• Predictable earnings supported by "relatively defensive demand" through economic cycles
• Decent moat or industry outlook
• No iron ore miners, which Wilsons believes to be in structural decline 

Using this screen, the team came up with 22 ASX shares that are providing 2023 financial year yields above 3%:

• Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC)
• Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd (ASX: ANZ)
• Scentre Group (ASX: SCG)
• APA Group (ASX: APA)
• Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX: IAG)
• National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB)
• Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD)
• Transurban Group (ASX: TCL)
• Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS)
• Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)
• Mineral Resources Limited (ASX: MIN)
• Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)
• Medibank Private Ltd (ASX: MPL)
• Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)
• Domino's Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP)
• Charter Hall Group (ASX: CHC)
• Carsales.Com Ltd (ASX: CAR)
• Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE)
• ALS Ltd (ASX: ALQ)
• Steadfast Group Ltd (ASX: SDF)
• Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)
• Seek Limited (ASX: SEK)

"Overall, we think it is worth taking a holistic view of total return when considering a dividend strategy," read the memo. 

"Investors should adopt a total return approach when selecting stocks for their portfolios by thinking long-term and understanding that earnings growth will support long-term dividend income."

The post 22 high-yield ASX dividend shares Wilsons is targeting appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Four ASX shares that have failed to follow the market higher today are listed below. Here's why they are dropping:

Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD)

The Ampol share price is down 12% to $27.52. This morning this fuel retailer released its third quarter update. Although Ampol reported further strong earnings growth in FY 2022, it appears to have fallen short of expectations.

Cann Group Ltd (ASX: CAN)

The Cann share price is down 13% to 23.5 cents. This follows news that the cannabis company is seeking further funds from shareholders. The company has launched a share purchase plan to raise between $8 million and $10 million at an 18.8% discount of 22 cents per new share. Funds from the share purchase plan will contribute to the company's strategic investment in expanding GMP manufacturing capabilities at its Mildura operation.

Reliance Worldwide Corporation Ltd (ASX: RWC)

The Reliance Worldwide share price has sunk over 13% to $3.11. Investors have been selling this plumbing parts company's shares following the release of a disappointing trading update. For the first quarter, Reliance reported sales of US$303.1 million. While this was up 23% over the prior corresponding period, this was due largely to a US$53.8 million contribution from the EZ-Flo acquisition. Excluding this acquisition, its sales growth was 6%. And due to margin weakness, normalised EBITDA fell 4% to $63.2 million.

South32 Ltd (ASX: S32)

The South32 share price is down over 1.5% to $3.59. This appears to have been driven by a lukewarm response to the miner's quarterly update on Monday. For example, this morning Goldman Sachs retained its neutral rating but trimmed its price target on the company's shares to $3.60.

The post Why Ampol, Cann, Reliance Worldwide, and South32 shares are dropping appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The TerraCom Ltd (ASX: TER) share price is feeling the heat today.

While the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has edged 0.1% lower at the time of writing, the TerraCom share price has been crunched by 10.3% to sit at 91 cents.

Why the TerraCom share price is being smoked

Instead of ASX announcements or sector news driving this fall, the ASX energy share's tumble today likely comes down to one primary driver.

TerraCom shares are trading ex-dividend today. And the dividend in question is a juicy one.

When a company declares a dividend, it sets a cut-off date to determine which shareholders are eligible for the payment. This is known as the ex-dividend date.

If you purchase shares on or after this cut-off date, you don't receive the payment.

So, investors buying the ASX energy shares today won't be getting their hands on TerraCom's 10-cent FY22 final dividend.

The emerging resources explorer recently announced a bumper set of FY22 results. Revenue jumped 47% to $805 million while losses on the bottom line reversed to a $216 million profit.

What's more, TerraCom updated its dividend payout ratio. It's now intending to return between 60% and 90% of profits to shareholders in the form of quarterly dividends.  

The last time TerraCom paid a dividend was in 2019. 

Why do shares drop on the ex-dividend date?

When a company's shares turn ex-dividend, its share price typically drops. 

This is because the company is paying dividends out of its cash reserves. So, with its war chest of cash reduced, the value of the company is diminished.

What's more, some investors will look to offload shares once they've locked in the upcoming dividend. 

The extent of the share price fall usually mimics the size of the dividend. But it varies depending on sentiment and how the broader market is faring that day.

In the case of TerraCom, the dividend in question is 10 cents. At the time of writing, the TerraCom share price has fallen by 10.5 cents, slightly more than the dividend.

Which other shares are trading ex-dividend today?

You can see similar price action in Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD) shares today. It's the first day that Ampol shares are trading without the company's 2022 interim dividend of $1.20. And at the time of writing, Ampol shares have tumbled by 5.2% or $1.75 to $31.91.

Base Resources Ltd (ASX: BSE) is another company coming under fire today. The Base Resources share price has slid 13.4% or 4.5 cents to 29 cents apiece as shares trade without a 2022 final dividend of 3 cents.

The post Why is this ASX energy share diving 10% on Friday? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Will the market be able to bounce back from this on Friday and end the week on a high? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 expected to rise

The Australian share market looks set to end the week on a positive note. This follows a volatile but decent night of trade on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open 22 points or 0.3% higher this morning. In the United States, the Dow Jones rose 0.45% and the S&P 500 rose 0.3%, but the Nasdaq edged 0.25% lower. At one stage the all three indices were deep in the red.

Oil prices continue to drop

Energy producers such as Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) could have a poor finish to the week after oil prices fell again overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 3.7% to US$86.26 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 3.9% to US$91.94 a barrel. Recession fears and lockdowns in China are weighing on prices.

Shares going ex-dividend

A number of ASX 200 shares are going ex-dividend on Friday and could trade lower. This includes fuel retailer Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD), supermarket operator Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL), automotive retailer Eagers Automotive Ltd (ASX: APE), and mining and mining services company Mineral Resources Limited (ASX: MIN).

Gold price sinks

Gold miners including Newcrest Mining Ltd (ASX: NCM) and St Barbara Ltd (ASX: SBM) could have a difficult finish to the week after the gold price sank overnight. According to CNBC, the spot gold price is down 1.2% to US$1,706.70 an ounce. A stronger US dollar and rate hike fears appear to be weighing on the precious metal.

Rio Tinto rated as a buy

The Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) share price could be great value according to analysts at Goldman Sachs. This morning the broker responded to news that the mining giant has agreed to acquire Turquoise Hill by retaining its buy rating and $121.50 price target. The broker said: "Agreement in principle for TRQ below our valuation, implies ~0.7xNAV."

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

ASX reporting season saw a whole host of S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares declare lucrative dividends.

Before these dividends can be paid, companies must first determine which investors are eligible for the dividend payment.

To do so, they set a cut-off date, otherwise known as the ex-dividend date. Investors looking to secure a dividend must own shares in the company before the associated ex-dividend date.

Here are five ASX 200 shares going ex-dividend tomorrow, in order of market capitalisation from largest to smallest.

This means that today is the final day to lock in the latest dividends from these ASX 200 shares.

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)

Today will be the last day Coles shares will be trading with a final FY22 dividend of 30 cents, fully franked.

Investors who own Coles shares by the time the market closes today should see this payment come through on 28 September. Alternatively, a dividend reinvestment plan (DRP) is also available.

Across the full year, the ASX 200 supermarket giant declared total FY22 dividends of 63 cents, up 3% from the prior year.

This puts Coles shares on a trailing dividend yield of 3.6%. Throwing in franking credits, this yield bumps up to 5.1%.

Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD)

ASX 200 fuel company Ampol will be trading tomorrow without an interim dividend of $1.20, fully franked.

Like Coles, the payment date has been pencilled in for 28 September.

For the first half of FY22, Ampol reported a 114% uplift in statutory net profit after tax (NPAT) as its refiner margins went gangbusters.

This helped the company to hike up its interim dividend by 130% compared to the 52-cent interim dividend declared last year. In fact, this latest FY22 interim dividend alone is bigger than Ampol's total dividends across FY21.

On the back of this monster interim dividend, Ampol shares are currently trading on a trailing 12-month dividend yield of 4.7%. This grosses up to 6.7% including franking credits.

Eagers Automotive Ltd (ASX: APE)

Eagers Automotive shares will be on watch tomorrow as the ASX 200 automotive retail group turns ex-dividend.

Despite first-half profit taking a backwards step, the company lifted its ordinary interim dividend by 10% to 22 cents, fully franked. This dividend will be paid on 23 September.

Eagers Automotive shares are currently flashing a trailing 12-month dividend yield of 4.8%, or 6.9% grossed up.

Lifestyle Communities Limited (ASX: LIC)

Lifestyle Communities is another ASX 200 share turning ex-dividend tomorrow.

That means that today will be the last day to bag the company's FY22 final dividend of 6 cents, fully franked. The payment date has been marked down for 6 October.

Across the financial year, Lifestyle Communities declared total FY22 dividends of 10.5 cents, fully franked. 

This was up 31% on the prior year and puts shares on a trailing dividend yield of 0.6%. With the benefit of franking credits, this yield ticks up to 0.9%.

Kelsian Group Ltd (ASX: KLS)

Last but not least, shares in Kelsian, formerly known as Sealink Travel, will also be trading ex-dividend tomorrow.

The company recently declared a fully franked final dividend of 9.5 cents, up 6% over the prior year. This payment should appear in shareholders' accounts on 5 October.

With this final dividend, Kelsian's total FY22 dividend payouts edged higher by 3% to 16.5 cents. 

As a result, Kelsian shares are printing a trailing dividend yield of 3.0%. Including franking credits, this yield cranks up to 4.3%.

The post Here are 5 ASX 200 shares going ex-dividend tomorrow appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Motley Fool Australia Chief Investment Officer Scott Phillips joined Michael Thomson for Nine's Late News on Monday night to discuss the broad fall on the ASX, the upcoming US Federal Reserve meeting at Jackson Hole, Ampol Ltd's (ASX: ALD) doubling of profit and Star Entertainment Group Ltd's (ASX: SGR) ongoing challenges.

The post ASX falls, eyes on the Fed and huge petrol profits. Scott Phillips on Nine's Late News appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.