2129 GMT - Commonwealth Bank of Australia is likely to keep pushing its dividend payout ratio toward the top end of its 70%-80% target range, says Jefferies. That's despite payout ratios among Australian banks being too high, and likely to reset lower over time. Analyst Andrew Lyons says CBA's capital position is strong. Also, CBA's actual payout ratio is closest to its sustainable level. "Furthermore, we will be keen to see whether the Board seeks alternative methods of returning surplus capital to shareholders," Jefferies says. CBA's share price has fallen 14% to A$153.08 since early November. But the company hasn't restarted its on-market share buyback. Jefferies has an underperform call and A$139.60 price target on CBA. (david.winning@wsj.com; @dwinningWSJ)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

February 03, 2026 16:29 ET (21:29 GMT)

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