• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

    Winning woman smiles and holds big cup while losing woman looks unhappy with small cup.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) had a tough start to the trading week this Monday, along with many ASX shares. After ending the week on a sour note last week, investors clearly didn’t regain any confidence over the weekend.

    The ASX 200 spent today’s entire session in red territory and ended up closing down 0.49%. That leaves the index at 8,701.8 points.

    This rough start to trading this week for Australian investors comes after a more positive end to the American week on Friday night (our time).

    The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) barely broke even, inching just 0.025% higher.

    The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was far more confident, though, rising a happy 1.71%.

    But let’s get back to this week and the local markets now for a look at what was happening with the different ASX sectors today.

    Winners and losers

    Despite the market’s drop, we still had a few sectors that managed to move higher today.

    But first, it was healthcare stocks that bore the brunt of investors’ displeasure this Monday. The S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) had a hrorid 6.47% wiped from it today. Thank CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)’s brutal sell-off for this, which we checked out earlier.

    Gold shares were torched too, with the All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) slumping 1.27%.

    Financial stocks were also hit hard. The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) ended up tanking 0.74%.

    Industrial shares weren’t in favour either, evident by the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ)’s 0.45% dive.

    Nor were utilities stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) suffered a 0.3% swing against it this session.

    Consumer discretionary shares came next, with the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) dipping 0.21%.

    Tech stocks were also overlooked. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) had drifted 0.15% lower by the end of trading.

    Communications shares were just behind that, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ)’s 0.14% slide.

    Our last losers this Monday were consumer staples stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) saw its value slip by 0.02% this session.

    Let’s turn to the winners now. Leading the green sectors were energy shares, with the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) shooting 1.09% higher.

    Mining stocks were in demand as well. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) managed to jump 0.37%.

    Finally, real estate investment trusts (REITs) pulled a proverbial rabbit out of the hat, as you can tell by the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ)’s 0.34% bump.

    Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

    Healthcare stock 4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX) came in at the top spot on the index today. 4D Medical shares rose 7.17% today to finish at $3.44 each. This wasn’t caused by any news, but may be a rebound after the past month’s near-50% loss.

    Here’s the rest of today’s best:

    ASX-listed company Share price Price change
    4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX) $3.44 7.17%
    Dyno Nobel Ltd (ASX: DNL) $3.54 6.63%
    Metcash Ltd (ASX: MTS) $2.92 6.57%
    Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) $13.21 5.76%
    Silex Systems Ltd (ASX: SLX) $6.15 5.31%
    Capstone Copper Corp (ASX: CSC) $13.02 5.25%
    Deep Yellow Ltd (ASX: DYL) $1.81 4.62%
    Neuren Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: NEU) $13.39 4.61%
    Infratil Ltd (ASX: IFT) $12.86 3.71%
    Predictive Discovery Ltd (ASX: PDI) $0.98 3.70%

    Our top 10 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary that shows which companies made 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.

    Should you invest $1,000 in 4DMedical right now?

    Before you buy 4DMedical shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and 4DMedical wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in CSL. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • This ASX gold stock is up 10% in a week. Here’s why

    Woman with gold nuggets on her hand.

    Pantoro Gold Ltd (ASX: PNR) shares are pushing higher on Monday after the gold miner announced a new high-grade discovery.

    At the time of writing, the Pantoro share price is up 3.39% to an intraday high of $3.505.

    That takes its gain over the past week to almost 10%, giving shareholders some relief after a tough start to the year.

    But even after today’s rise, Pantoro shares remain down around 30% in 2026.

    So, what has investors buying today?

    A high-grade discovery at Racetrack

    In its ASX announcement, Pantoro said it has made a significant high-grade gold discovery at the Racetrack target.

    Racetrack sits within the company’s 100%-owned Norseman Gold Project in Western Australia.

    The discovery is part of Pantoro’s wider drilling program across the Norseman Mainfield. The program is testing Racetrack, Golden Goose, and extensions to the Crown Reef.

    Pantoro said drilling along the Racetrack trend has found a high-grade zone over a current strike of 400 metres. It extends from near surface to 600 metres depth.

    The company also advised that the zone remains open to the east and down dip.

    Some of the standout intercepts include 8 metres at 28.68 grams per tonne gold, including 1 metre at 189.84 grams per tonne.

    Another result came in at 2.01 metres at 82.99 grams per tonne, including 1 metre at 165 grams per tonne.

    Close to existing infrastructure

    Pantoro said Racetrack is around 600 metres north of the OK Underground Mine and existing infrastructure.

    That short distance could make the discovery more valuable if follow-up drilling supports a mineable resource.

    Discoveries close to existing operations are usually easier to assess because the roads, mine access, plant, and other infrastructure are already nearby.

    Notably, Pantoro Managing Director Paul Cmrlec said the company has a “clear pathway” to bring the ore into production in a capital-efficient way.

    A closer look at the Norseman project

    Pantoro is focused on unlocking the full potential of the Norseman Gold Project.

    The project has a 1.2 million tonne per annum processing plant and two active underground mines. It also has an ore reserve of 949,000 ounces.

    Pantoro’s medium-term aim is to lift production above 200,000 ounces per year.

    The company has also been generating stronger cash flow recently.

    In the March quarter, Pantoro produced 17,757 ounces of gold and sold 20,016 ounces at an average price of $6,916 per ounce.

    The stronger gold price helped drive quarterly EBITDA to $88.4 million.

    Foolish Takeaway

    The share price had a poor start to 2026, but the company is producing gold, generating cash, and still finding high-grade mineralisation at Norseman.

    Racetrack is still an early-stage discovery, so follow-up drilling will be needed.

    The post This ASX gold stock is up 10% in a week. Here’s why appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Pantoro Gold right now?

    Before you buy Pantoro Gold shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Pantoro Gold wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras 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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

    Broker looking at the share price.

    With so many shares to choose from on the Australian share market, it can be difficult to decide which ones to buy. The good news is that brokers across the country are doing a lot of the hard work for you.

    Three top ASX shares that leading brokers have named as buys this week are outlined below. Here’s why they are bullish on them:

    Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

    According to a note out of Citi, its analysts have retained their buy rating and $40.00 price target on this industrial property company’s shares. The broker believes that Goodman will reaffirm its FY 2026 operating earnings per share guidance for 9% growth when it releases its third-quarter update later this month. However, Citi also sees scope for management to upgrade its guidance given accelerating activity levels and continued strong execution across its portfolio. In light of this, the broker appears to see plenty of value in Goodman’s shares at current levels. The Goodman share price is trading at $30.99 on Monday afternoon.

    Life360 Inc. (ASX: 360)

    Another note out of Citi reveals that its analysts have retained their buy rating and $32.10 price target on this family safety technology company’s shares. Citi is feeling confident about Life360’s quarterly update this week. It believes that recent product improvements will be a boost to engagement and monetisation from the advertising business. And while app download data suggests that monthly active user (MAU) growth may have slowed in April, Citi thinks investors should be wary to assume that this is an indication of current trends. In fact, the broker believes that MAUs will be in line with consensus estimates and weighted to the second half. The Life360 share price is fetching $19.88 at the time of writing.

    REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

    Analysts at Bell Potter have retained their buy rating on this property listings company’s shares with an improved price target of $217.00. According to the note, the broker was pleased with REA Group’s performance in the third quarter. It notes that the company delivered a resilient result thanks to strong performances in Melbourne and Sydney. And while Bell Potter recognises the potential for disruption, it believes the multiple compression is overdone. This is especially the case considering that REA Group’s moat lies in decades of property, customer and buyer intent data, as well as an inherent network effect via an established and highly engaged audience. The REA Group share price is trading at $177.35 on Monday.

    The post Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Life360 right now?

    Before you buy Life360 shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Life360 wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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    Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Goodman Group, Life360, and REA Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Goodman Group and Life360. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Goodman Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Why are ANZ shares sinking today?

    An older woman with grey hair and wearing glasses looks at her laptop screen with her hand outstretched to demonstrate that she doesn't understand what she is reading

    ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) shares are having a tough start to the week.

    In afternoon trade, the banking giant’s shares are down almost 3% to $35.77.

    Why are ANZ shares down today?

    The weakness in the ANZ share price is being driven primarily by the bank trading ex-dividend for its latest shareholder payout.

    This means investors buying ANZ shares from today onwards will not be entitled to receive the upcoming interim dividend.

    As a result, the share price will often fall by roughly the value of the dividend on the ex-dividend date, all else being equal.

    What does ex-dividend mean?

    When a company declares a dividend, it sets a record date to determine which shareholders are eligible to receive the payment.

    The ex-dividend date is the first trading day when new buyers are no longer entitled to that dividend.

    Because that dividend entitlement has effectively been removed from the share, the market commonly adjusts the share price lower on the ex-dividend date.

    This does not necessarily mean investors are reacting negatively to the business itself. It is just that a dividend forms part of a company’s valuation. And investors don’t want to pay for something that they won’t receive.

    The ANZ dividend

    Last week, ANZ released its half-year results for the six months ended 31 March 2026.

    The bank reported statutory profit of $3.65 billion and cash profit of $3.78 billion for the half. Cash profit was up 70% on the second half of FY25, or up 14% when excluding the impact of significant items.

    ANZ also reported a Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 12.39% at 31 March, up from 12.03% at 30 September 2025.

    In light of the strong performance, the ANZ board declared an interim dividend of 83 cents per share. This payout is 75% franked, which is up from 70% previously.

    ANZ said the increased franking level was supported by an improvement in the performance of its Australian operations.

    When is payday?

    Eligible ANZ shareholders won’t have long to wait until payday.

    They can look forward to receiving the interim dividend in around seven weeks on 1 July.

    After which, the consensus estimate is for a partially franked final dividend of 85 cents per share later this year.

    That will bring its total dividends to $1.68 per share for FY 2026.

    The post Why are ANZ shares sinking today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Anz Group right now?

    Before you buy Anz Group shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Anz Group wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro 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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • How beginners could go from zero to $50,000 with ASX shares

    A group of young people lined up on a wall are happy looking at their laptops and devices as they invest in the latest trendy stock.

    Starting with no investments can feel like a huge disadvantage.

    But I think beginners have one major advantage that is easy to overlook: time.

    With enough time, regular investing, and a sensible portfolio, even small monthly amounts can grow into something meaningful.

    For someone starting from zero, I think a $50,000 ASX portfolio is a realistic first major milestone.

    Start with a simple monthly plan

    Let’s say a beginner invests $250 a month into ASX shares.

    That works out to $3,000 a year.

    On its own, that may not sound like a lot. But when it is invested consistently and allowed to compound, the numbers become much more interesting.

    If that money earns an average return of 9% per annum, the portfolio could grow to approximately $50,000 in just over 10 years.

    That return is not guaranteed, of course. Some years will be negative, some will be flat, and others may be much stronger. But I think 9% is a reasonable long-term assumption to use when showing how ASX share investing can build wealth over time.

    The important point is that beginners do not need to wait until they have a large lump sum.

    They can start with a manageable monthly amount and let the portfolio grow step by step.

    Focus on quality from day one

    If I were starting from zero, I would not try to find the next speculative winner.

    I would want the first $50,000 to be built on quality.

    That could mean using broad exchange-traded funds (ETFs), high-quality shares, or diversified portfolios that reduce the risk of relying too heavily on one company.

    One option could be the iShares S&P 500 AUD ETF (ASX: IVV).

    This ETF gives investors exposure to many of the largest companies in the United States. That includes global leaders across technology, healthcare, consumer goods, financials, and industrials.

    For a beginner, I think the IVV ETF can be a useful way to own a slice of some of the world’s strongest businesses without needing to pick them individually.

    Add a quality filter

    Another ETF I would consider is the Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF (ASX: QLTY).

    This ETF focuses on global companies with quality characteristics, such as strong profitability, low debt, and stable earnings.

    I like that idea for beginners because it encourages them to think beyond share price movements and focus on business quality.

    Not every company in the market is worth owning. Some businesses are highly cyclical, heavily indebted, or vulnerable to disruption.

    A quality-focused ETF can help tilt the portfolio toward companies that may be better placed to compound over the long term.

    Keep it diversified

    A third option could be the Vanguard Diversified High Growth Index ETF (ASX: VDHG).

    This is a more complete portfolio in a single investment. It provides exposure to Australian shares, international shares, emerging markets, and some defensive assets.

    For beginners who want something simple, I think the VDHG ETF can be appealing because it removes a lot of decision-making.

    Instead of building a portfolio from many separate holdings, investors can use one ETF as a diversified core.

    That simplicity can be valuable. The fewer moving parts there are, the easier it may be to keep investing through market volatility.

    Foolish takeaway

    Going from zero to $50,000 with ASX shares does not require a huge salary or a perfect stock-picking record.

    At $250 a month, a beginner could reach that milestone in just over 10 years if the portfolio earns an average return of 9% per annum.

    That outcome is not guaranteed, but the maths shows how powerful regular investing can be.

    For me, the best way to approach it would be with quality at the centre. ETFs such as the IVV, QLTY, and VDHG ETFs can help beginners build a diversified portfolio from day one and give compounding the chance to do its work.

    The post How beginners could go from zero to $50,000 with ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in iShares S&P 500 ETF right now?

    Before you buy iShares S&P 500 ETF shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and iShares S&P 500 ETF wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Down 40% but not out: Is Pro Medicus the buy of the decade right now?

    Doctor looks at a graph on a tablet.

    Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME) has been on a rollercoaster ride these last few years.

    The healthcare imaging software company has consistently delivered soaring margins, blue-chip US hospital contracts, and a share price that has defied gravity.

    However, that story has changed since the beginning of this year.

    After peaking above $230 earlier this year, Pro Medicus shares remain down roughly 40%, even after a recent rebound.

    For many investors, the sell-off raises a big question: Is this finally the buying opportunity long-term investors have been waiting for?

    The Pro Medicus Bull Case

    Despite the sharp share price correction, the business itself has continued to fire on all cylinders.

    In its HY26 result, Pro Medicus reported revenue growth of 28.4% to $124.8 million, while underlying profit before tax climbed almost 30%.

    Even more impressively, EBIT margins expanded to an extraordinary 73%.

    Importantly, Pro Medicus is also debt-free and sitting on more than $220 million in cash and financial assets.

    On the operational side, Pro Medicus’ flagship Visage imaging platform continued to gain traction across major US healthcare systems.

    In recent weeks alone, Pro Medicus has announced multiple significant US contract wins and renewals, including a $37 million extension with Northwestern Medicine.

    This growth is encouraging due to the stickiness of Pro Medicus’ contracts.

    Pro Medicus software is embedded into hospital imaging workflows, and these systems become deeply integrated and difficult to replace, creating strong switching costs and recurring revenue streams.

    The Risks

    Of course, there are still risks.

    Even after the sell-off, Pro Medicus is still quite expensive when looking at traditional valuation metrics.

    As a result, volatility could remain extreme, and management has very little room for earnings disappointment.

    Still, quality businesses rarely become genuinely “cheap”.

    Instead, the market sometimes offers investors the chance to buy elite companies at more attractive entry points.

    AI disruption is another issue to consider.

    However, given the specialty nature of Pro Medicus’ software and its critical role within hospital operating systems, it is doubtful that AI will replace Pro Medicus’ product offering.

    Bell Potter seems to agree more with the bull case for Pro Medicus, reiterating its buy rating, and maintaining a $240 price target following earnings.

    Foolish Takeaway

    If management continues executing, the current pullback may offer an attractive entry point for some investors.

    With strong fundamentals and a sticky revenue base, Pro Medicus is well positioned to deliver long into the future.

    For investors with a long-term horizon, this stock is starting to look interesting again.

    The post Down 40% but not out: Is Pro Medicus the buy of the decade right now? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Pro Medicus right now?

    Before you buy Pro Medicus shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Pro Medicus wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Mark Verhoeven has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Which 2 ASX tech companies could more than double according to Shaw and Partners?

    A woman in a red dress holding up a red graph.

    Shaw and Partners recently held their TechRise conference in Sydney, where Australian technology companies were invited to present on their outlook.

    Out of this, the broking firm has issued a number of research notes on promising companies, two of which I’ll look at today.

    Let’s jump right in.

    Gentrack Group Ltd (ASX: GTK)

    Shareholders in Gentrack might well be frustrated given the company’s share price has plunged from levels higher than $12 over the past year to now be changing hands for $3.36.

    But the Shaw and Partners team believes the shares can more than double from these levels, with a price target on Gentrack of $8 per share.

    The team said Gentrack presented at TechRise and there was also a follow up on their recent trading update, where the company said they expected revenue for the full year to come in at $229 to $238 million, which was “lower than our previous guidance”.

    The Shaw and Partners team said:

    The group call stepped through movements in non-recurring revenue and highlighted why current FY26 guidance carries more limited risk, alongside what underpins management’s confidence in medium-term targets. In our view, the recent circa-40% sell-off increasingly implies a structural slowdown that management commentary and pipeline visibility do not support.

    Gentrack is currently valued at $387.9 million.

    Vista Group International Ltd (ASX: VGL)

    This company released a trading update to coincide with its TechRise presentation, with revenue expected to come in at $176-$182 million with an EBITDA margin of 18-20%.

    The company specialises in the software which cinemas use to manage all of their processes, and claims to have a 46% market share globally, not including Russia, China and India.

    Vista said it was currently generating cash flow of about $19 million per year, but was targeting $75 million by the end of 2030.

    The Shaw and Partners research note on Vista said the main message was that, “Vista is increasingly an execution story rather than a demand story, with customers signed and onboarding now the key focus”.

    The analyst team added:

    FY26 guidance of 10–13% revenue growth and 18–20% margins was reiterated, with management stating the business is ‘definitely well on track’. Domestic US box office assumptions (~US$9.7bn) were described as tracking ahead, while foreign exchange was ‘slightly in our favour’. Management repeatedly stressed this is now ‘absolutely an execution story’ with customers already signed and migrations underway.

    Shaw and Partners has a price target of $3.70 on Vista Group shares compared with $1.75 currently.

    The company is valued at $423.5 million.

    The post Which 2 ASX tech companies could more than double according to Shaw and Partners? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Gentrack Group right now?

    Before you buy Gentrack Group shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Gentrack Group wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Cameron England has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Gentrack Group and Vista Group International. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Gentrack Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Why ANZ, CSL, Dateline, and DroneShield shares are sinking today

    Woman with a concerned look on her face holding a credit card and smartphone.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is having a poor start to the week. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is down 0.7% to 8,685.2 points.

    Four ASX shares that are falling more than most today are listed below. Here’s why they are dropping:

    ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ)

    The ANZ share price is down almost 3% to $35.78. Investors have been selling the banking giant’s shares on Monday after they went ex-dividend for the bank’s latest payout. Last week, the big four bank released its half-year results and declared a partially franked interim dividend of 83 cents per share. Eligible ANZ shareholders can look forward to receiving this latest dividend in around seven weeks on 1 July.

    CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

    The CSL share price is down 19% to $97.36. It goes from bad to worse for this struggling biotechnology giant. This morning, CSL revealed that it would be cutting its FY 2026 earnings guidance and plans to make $5 billion in additional asset impairments. CSL’s interim CEO, Gordon Naylor, said: “Our growth initiatives are working, but the financial benefits will take longer than previously anticipated to materialise. As a result, we have now revised down our 2026 financial year guidance. CSL’s culture and people continue to be first class, the industry is stable and growing and the company has evident strengths in plasma collections and influenza vaccines. I am confident that the company can be returned to profitable growth and my work is to position the business and the next CEO for success.” FY 2026 revenue is now expected to be around US$15.2 billion, while NPATA is forecast to be approximately US$3.1 billion.

    Dateline Resources Ltd (ASX: DTR)

    The Dateline Resources share price is down almost 14% to 20.7 cents. This follows the release of the Bankable Feasibility Study (BFS) for its Colosseum Gold and Rare Earth Element (REE) Project in the United States. The project has a net present value of US$785 million (pre-tax), which increases to US$999 million using the spot gold price. Start-up costs are expected to be US$249 million. It seems that the market was expecting stronger numbers from the BFS.

    DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO)

    The DroneShield share price is down 6% to $3.42. This is despite there being no news out of the counter-drone technology company today. However, it is worth highlighting that a number of ASX defence shares are falling today. Some investors may have decided to take profit after strong gains over the past 12 months.

    The post Why ANZ, CSL, Dateline, and DroneShield shares are sinking today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Anz Group right now?

    Before you buy Anz Group shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Anz Group wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in CSL. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL and DroneShield. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • This ASX media company has attracted a second takeover offer. Let the bidding war begin

    A woman has a thoughtful look on her face as she studies a fan of Australian 20 dollar bills she is holding on one hand while he rest her other hand on her chin in thought.

    Asx media company oOh!media Ltd (ASX: OML) has fielded its second takeover in as many weeks, with I Squared Capital offering to buy the company for $1.45 per share in cash.

    This follows Pacific Equity Partners offering to buy the company for $1.40 per share in late April.

    Shares trading higher

    Shareholders who bought in at recent lows below $1 will be happy. Meanwhile, for longer term holders, the offers are well below levels reached in October last year, with the stock then trading above $1.80.

    oOh!media shares were changing hands for $1.32 on Monday morning, up 5.4%.

    oOh!media’s board said the second takeover offer was, similar to the PEP offer, non-binding and conditionals.

    They added:

    The ISQ proposal is subject to a number of key conditions broadly consistent with those relating to the PEP proposal, including the satisfactory completion of due diligence by ISQ and entry into binding transaction documentation on acceptable terms. The ISQ offer price is also subject to an adjustment under which the offer price will be reduced by the amount of any future dividends or other distributions paid to shareholders. The Board of Directors of oOh!media Limited (Board) has considered both proposals in conjunction with its advisers and has unanimously determined that neither proposal adequately reflects the intrinsic value of oOh!. The Board has informed both PEP and ISQ that it does not intend to recommend to shareholders any formal binding offer at or below the value of their respective non‑binding indicative proposals.

    While the board does not think either bid represents good value for shareholders, they said that they would allow both parties, “access to a limited amount of due diligence information to enable each party to assess whether it is able to put forward a revised proposal that may be capable of the board’s recommendation”.

    More than two bids possible

    They also hinted that more bids may be in the offing:

    oOh! is also engaging with certain other parties and may potentially receive change of control proposals from one or more of those parties and potentially other parties. oOh! is open to engaging with all parties to assess whether any proposal may emerge that is capable of being recommended by the board.

    The board said it had also decided to pause its share buyback while the corporate activity ran its course.

    oOh!media is scheduled to hold its annual general meeting on May 14.

    The company is valued at $665.6 million.

    The post This ASX media company has attracted a second takeover offer. Let the bidding war begin appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in oOh!media right now?

    Before you buy oOh!media shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and oOh!media wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Cameron England 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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Should you buy Telstra shares amid the $1.25 billion share buyback?

    A cute little kid in a suit pulls a shocked face as he talks on his smartphone.

    Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) shares are edging lower today.

    Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) telco provider closed on Friday trading for $5.31. During the Monday lunch hour, shares are swapping hands for $5.30 apiece, down 0.3%.

    For some context, the ASX 200 is down 0.8% at this same time.

    Longer-term, Telstra shares have gained 15.5% over the past 12 months, or almost three times the 5.5% one-year gains posted by the benchmark index.

    And that doesn’t include the two fully franked dividends the telco giant paid out over the full year. Telstra stock currently trades on a 3.8% fully franked trailing dividend yield.

    Atop its own operational successes, which drove solid first half year earnings growth, Telstra has also been catching headwinds from its recently increased $1.25 billion share buyback program.

    When a company buys back its shares, it reduces the amount available on the market, which often helps support the share price.

    As of last Friday, the company had repurchased around 214 million shares, the buyback currently scheduled to run through 30 June.

    Which brings us back to our headline question…

    Telstra shares: Buy, hold or sell?

    Catapult Wealth’s Blake Halligan recently ran his slide rule over the ASX 200 telco (courtesy of The Bull).

    Halligan noted:

    The telecommunications giant recently reaffirmed its 2026 fiscal year outlook, guiding to cash earnings per share growth amid maintaining capital discipline as it progresses its on-market share buyback of up to $1.25 billion.

    Looking ahead, Halligan added, “Mobile price rises are expected to support revenue growth in full year 2026.”

    But despite these potential tailwinds, he issued a hold recommendation for Telstra shares.

    According to Halligan:

    However, regulatory uncertainty around proposed higher spectrum licence fees remains a medium-term headwind. Investors can expect a fully franked dividend of 21 cents a share for full year 2026, but near‑term upside appears limited, in our view.

    Why did the ASX 200 telco beef up its billion-dollar share buyback?

    Telstra released its half year results (H1 FY 2026) on 19 February.

    The company initially announced its share buyback program in August last year, reporting its intention to buyback up to $1.0 billion in stock.

    But, following the half year results, that buyback was ramped up to $1.25 billion.

    Commenting on the extra $250 million in potential share repurchases at the time, Telstra CEO Vicki Brady said:

    Today, we are also announcing an increase in our current on market share buyback from up to $1 billion to up to $1.25 billion. This increase is supported by strong progress in completing $637 million of the buyback in the half, earnings growth, and the strength of our balance sheet.

    Telstra shares closed up 3.6% on the day of the results release.

    The post Should you buy Telstra shares amid the $1.25 billion share buyback? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Telstra Group right now?

    Before you buy Telstra Group shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Telstra Group wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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    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 Telstra Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.