Best 3 ASX Dividend Stocks to Watch in 20266

These stocks have concentrated on giving returns to the shareholders in the form of dividends due to good performance of their businesses.

WAM Leaders Limited (ASX: WLE)

WAM Leaders Limited (ASX: WLE), on 6 July 2026, released its investment update for June 2026. The company reported an annualised fully franked interim dividend of 9.6 cents per share, with 67.55 cents in dividends paid since inception. The annualised fully franked interim dividend yield was 7.2%. The future dividend income would be dependent upon making further profit reserves by way of portfolio performance in the financial year 2027.

The portfolio of the WAM Leaders during June 2026 had appreciated and had outperformed the S&P/ASX 200 Accumulation Index. The equity market remained strong despite the pressure of inflation. The main contributors to portfolio performance have been Aristocrat Leisure and Amcor.

Aristocrat Leisure continued momentum after its May 2026 half-year result, while Amcor expects benefits from lower resin prices, recovering volumes and Berry Global acquisition synergies. The WAM Leaders continues to apply its investment approach of macroeconomics, fundamental analysis, and positioning within the market.

McMillan Shakespeare Limited (ASX: MMS)

McMillan Shakespeare Limited (ASX: MMS), on 7 July 2026, advised it will webcast its FY26 Results Presentation on Friday 28 August 2026. For 1HFY26, the company reported Statutory NPAT from Continuing Operations of $49.6m, up 9.7% on 1HFY25. It declared a fully franked dividend of $0.62 and announced a $10m on-market share buyback over 12 months.

On 7 July 2026, MMS said growth in financial performance came from higher revenue across all segments and improved productivity. Oly increased SME relationships by 233%, while Maxxia digital service interactions reached 83% in December 2025. Customers per FTE rose 14.1% on pcp. The Group will continue dividends within its 70%-100% of UNPATA policy range.

MMS is positioned to capture opportunities from government spending, EV uptake, AI, technology and analytics, and SME demand. 2HFY26 outlook includes customer growth, increased Onboard Finance Receivables, efficiencies and buyback up to $10m.

Westpac Banking Corporation (ASX: WBC)

Westpac Banking Corporation (ASX: WBC), on 5 May 2026, announced its Half Year Result for the six months ended 31 March 2026. The company delivered solid operating momentum with lending and deposit growth of 7% over the year. Australian business lending increased 16%, while Australian housing loans excluding RAMS grew 7%. The interim dividend was declared at 77 cents per share.

Westpac continued investing for future growth while managing costs. The company opened regional service centres, expanded its Community Banking Service and reported agribusiness growth of 15% during the year. The UNITE program progressed with the first large-scale migration creating a single wealth platform on BT Panorama and work continuing on One Commercial Bank.

Its focus remains on customer service, technology, risk management and performance. The company increased its investments in artificial intelligence, fraud protection and digitization. It recorded total shareholder return of 31% during the financial year ended 31 March 2026.

(Source: Company Report)