Why PLS, Bendigo Bank and Ampol shares are turning heads on Monday

PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS), Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Ltd (ASX: BEN), and Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD) shares are creating a buzz today.

Two of the high-profile S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) are charging ahead of the 0.3% gains posted by the benchmark index in late morning trade on Monday, while one is in the red.

Here's what's grabbing investor interest.

Ampol shares jump on dividend boost

Ampol shares are up 2.5% at time of writing, changing hands for $40.85 apiece.

This follows the release of the Aussie fuel supplier's half year results (H1 2026).

Highlights for the six months include a 152% year-on-year increase in Replacement Cost Operating Profit (RCOP) earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) to $1.64 billion (excluding significant items).

And on the bottom line, Ampol shares are getting a boost with the company reporting a statutory net profit after tax (NPAT) of $1.36 billion, up from a loss of $25 million in H1 2025.

And with profits surging, management declared a fully franked interim dividend of $1.85 per share, up a whopping 362.5% from last year's interim payout.

Bendigo Bank shares slide on economic growth outlook

Unlike Ampol shares, Bendigo Bank shares are in the red today, down 1.1% at $10.38 each.

That comes as investors study the ASX 200 bank stock's full year results release.

On the positive front, Bendigo Bank reported a 3.0% year-on-year increase in cash earnings to $530 million for the year. The bank also achieved a statutory net profit after tax of $375 million.

The fully franked final Bendigo Bank dividend of 33 cents per share was in line with last year's final payout.

However, as with the other ASX 200 banks, investors may be favouring their sell buttons with an eye on a potentially slowing Aussie economy dragging on the Bendigo's growth outlook.

The company noted:

Cost-of-living pressures due to higher inflation (especially since the Middle East conflict) have led to a sharp fall in consumer sentiment. Three RBA rate hikes, softening property prices and geopolitical events are expected to result in more modest economic growth this financial year.

Which bring us to…

PLS shares leap on return to profit

Joining Bendigo Bank and Ampol shares in the financial headlines on Monday, we find PLS, formerly known as Pilbara Minerals.

At the time of writing, shares in the ASX 200 lithium stock are up 7.3%, swapping hands for $5.44 apiece.

That strong performance follows the release of PLS own FY 2026 results.

Investors are responding positively, with PLS reporting a 152% year-on-year increase in revenue to $1.93 billion. PLS achieved a NPAT of $526 million, up from a net loss of $196 million last year.

And passive income investors will be celebrating the return of the PLS dividend. Management declared a final fully franked dividend of 5 cents per share.

PLS suspended its dividend payouts in 2024 amid cratering global lithium prices.

The post Why PLS, Bendigo Bank and Ampol shares are turning heads on Monday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Bendigo And Adelaide Bank. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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