• If I invest $8,000 in NAB shares, how much passive income will I receive in 2027?

    A trendy woman wearing sunglasses splashes cash notes from her hands.

    National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) shares may be one of the most popular ASX dividend options because of the company’s perceived stability and dividend yield.

    The ASX bank share usually has a higher dividend yield than competitors like Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) and Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG), and a similar yield to names like Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) and ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ).

    The NAB dividend has significantly increased since the COVID-19 pandemic headwinds of 2020.

    Its recent FY26 half-year result was another example of the ASX bank share’s stability and ability to provide reliable dividends.

    In that result, NAB maintained its payout per share at 85 cents per share following underlying cash earnings of $3.6 billion, up 0.1% year-over-year and up 2.3% half-over-half.

    In this article, we’re going to look at the annual FY27 dividend, which will be paid in 2027.

    2027 dividend project for owners of NAB shares

    According to the projection on CMC Invest, the ASX bank share is projected to pay an annual dividend per share of $1.71 in the 2027 financial year. That would be slightly higher than the $1.70 per share projected for FY26.

    At the time of writing, this forecast translates into a FY27 dividend yield of 4.6% excluding franking credits and a grossed-up dividend yield of 6.6% including franking credits.

    If someone were to invest $8,000 in NAB, they would be able to buy 216 NAB shares (with a little bit of money left over).

    With those 216 NAB shares, investors could receive $369.36 of cash and $527.66 overall, including the franking credits, in FY27.

    Is this a good time to invest in the ASX bank share?

    According to CMC Invest, there have been nine recent rating calls on the business in the last three months.

    Of those nine, four of them were a sell, three of them were a hold and two were a sell. So, the investment professionals are slightly more negative than positive about the appeal of the company’s valuation right now.

    The average price target of those nine ratings is $38.74. That means, collectively, those analysts are predicting the NAB share price could rise by around 5% within the next year.

    Earlier this year, the NAB share price was almost at $50 – it has fallen heavily since then, making it a lot cheaper. But, analysts don’t think it will regain much ground in the near-term.

    For now, there seem to be more compelling ASX shares out there to buy.

    The post If I invest $8,000 in NAB shares, how much passive income will I receive in 2027? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in National Australia Bank right now?

    Before you buy National Australia Bank 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 National Australia Bank 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 Tristan Harrison 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 Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Invested $10,000 in Rio Tinto, Fortescue or BHP shares 5 years ago? Guess which one has gained the most

    An engineer takes a break on a staircase and looks out over a huge open pit coal mine as the sun rises in the background.

    If you’d bought $10,000 worth of Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO), Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) and BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares five years ago, which investment would have delivered the best returns?

    It’s a question I was asked this past week.

    And one I didn’t have a ready answer for.

    So, I did a little digging into how the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) mining giants have performed since mid-May 2021.

    Here’s what I found, bearing in mind that the S&P/ASX 200 Gross Total Return Index (ASX: XJT) – which includes all cash dividends reinvested on the ex-dividend date – is up 49.2% over the past five years.

    (*Note, all price figures are as at late morning trade on Friday, 22 May. Calculations are made assuming a full $10,000 invested in each ASX 200 mining stock.)

    Rio Tinto, Fortescue, or BHP shares?

    In no particular order, we’ll kick off with Rio Tinto.

    Five years ago, on 21 May 2021, you could have picked up Rio Tinto shares for $122.12 apiece. On Friday, those same shares were changing hands for $184.48.

    That represents a gain of 51.1%.

    But let’s not forget those all-important dividends.

    If you bought and held onto those Rio Tinto shares for the past five years, you’d have received the last 10 fully-franked dividend payouts.

    According to my trusty calculator, that equates to a total dividend payout of $40.09 a share.

    If we add that back into Friday’s share price, then the accumulated value of the Rio Tinto shares you bought five years ago comes out to $224.57 a share, or a gain of 83.9%.

    That would have seen your $10,000 investment grow to $18,389 today, with potential tax benefits from those franking credits.

    Turning to BHP, five years ago, the Aussie mining giant was trading for $42.52 a share. On Friday, BHP shares were swapping hands for $59.82 each, for a five-year gain of 40.1%.

    As for those fully-franked BHP dividends, since 21 May 2021, you have seen 10 of those passive income payouts land in your bank account, totalling $14.92 a share.

    Adding that back into BHP’s recent share price, the accumulated value of those BHP shares is now worth $74.74 each. That’s a gain of 75.8%. And it would have grown your $10,000 investment into $17,578 today.

    Finally, five years ago, Fortescue shares were trading for $22.30. On Friday, shares were trading for $21.63. That’s a loss of 3%, without counting the dividends.

    Now, if we add in the last 10 fully-franked dividend payouts, totalling $9.62 a share, then the accumulated value of Fortescue shares bought on 21 May 2021 is now worth $31.25 each.

    Demonstrating the importance of those dividend payments, that equates to a gain of 40.1%, or enough to turn your $10,000 investment into $14,013 today.

    And the winner is…

    Rio Tinto shares narrowly edge out BHP shares as the better investment over the past five years, with Fortescue coming in a distant third.

    The post Invested $10,000 in Rio Tinto, Fortescue or BHP shares 5 years ago? Guess which one has gained the most appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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

  • If I’d invested $10,000 in this ASX 200 gold stock 3 years ago I’d have $101,538 today!

    a woman wearing a sparkly strapless dress leans on a neat stack of six gold bars as she smiles and looks to the side as though she is very happy and protective of her stash. She also has gold fingernails and gold glitter pieces affixed to her cheeks.

    I’ll kick off this article by saying I did not buy $10,000 worth of this booming S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) gold stock three years ago.

    Or even $100 worth.

    But I wish I had!

    The outshining Aussie gold miner in question is Ora Banda Mining Ltd (ASX: OBM).

    Ora Banda Mining shares leaping ahead of the pack

    Three years ago, on 26 May 2023, I could have picked up Ora Banda shares for just 13 cents each.

    Of course, back then it wasn’t an ASX 200 gold stock yet. With its share price and market cap swelling, Ora Banda only joined the ASX 200 in December 2025 as part of the S&P Dow Jones Indices quarterly rebalance.

    In either case, three years ago, I could have bought 76,923 shares with my $10,000 investment.

    Now, in late afternoon trade on Friday, the Ora Banda share price stands at $1.32.

    Meaning those 76,923 shares I bought just three years ago are now worth a jaw-dropping $101, 538, representing a gain of 915.4%.

    For some context, the ASX 200 has gained 20.9% over this same time.

    If only I could get that darn time machine working!

    What’s been sending the ASX 200 gold stock rocketing?

    The first tailwind we should acknowledge is the surging gold price. Trading for US$4,527 per ounce on Friday, the gold price is up 133% over the last three years, according to data from Bloomberg.

    Indeed, this sees the S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) up 139.6% since 26 May 2023.

    But Ora Banda Mining shares have left those gains in the dust.

    That’s been driven by the miner’s strong growth metrics.

    At its half-year results (H1 FY 2026), the ASX 200 gold stock reported record revenues of $336.3 million, up 80% year on year.

    And earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) were up by 106% from H1 FY 2025 to $173.2 million.

    The strong performance was driven by record half-year gold sales of 62,583 ounces, up 31% year on year.

    On the bottom line, Ora Banda reported a net profit after tax (NPAT) of $96.3 million, up 89%.

    And, just this week, the ASX 200 gold stock updated the market on its ‘Drive to 300’ initiative. This is the miner’s plan to double gold production over the next three years, though management noted that this goal may not be achieved.

    Ora Banda managing director Luke Creagh noted:

    This doubling of production is currently expected to be capable of being internally funded and has the potential to add material value and position Ora Banda as a long-term sustainable gold business.

    The post If I’d invested $10,000 in this ASX 200 gold stock 3 years ago I’d have $101,538 today! appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Ora Banda Mining right now?

    Before you buy Ora Banda Mining 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 Ora Banda Mining 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 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.

  • I’d listen to Warren Buffett and load up on cheap ASX shares

    A head shot of legendary investor Warren Buffett speaking into a microphone at an event.

    Warren Buffett has a famous approach to market fear. When others are panicking, he looks for opportunity.

    I think that is a useful mindset for ASX investors right now. There are plenty of risks in the market, from higher interest rates and weaker consumer spending to geopolitical uncertainty and questions around company earnings.

    But there are also a number of high-quality ASX shares trading well below where they were not long ago.

    That is why I think this could be a good time to be greedy, selectively.

    Quality healthcare at lower prices

    One area I would be looking at closely is healthcare.

    CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) has had a brutal year, and investor confidence has been badly damaged. The company has disappointed the market, and it needs to prove that earnings growth can become more reliable again.

    But I still think CSL owns valuable healthcare assets across plasma therapies, vaccines, and specialist medicines. These are global businesses linked to real medical demand, not short-term consumer trends.

    At today’s much lower share price, I think investors may be getting a rare chance to buy CSL while expectations are very low.

    I also think ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD) looks interesting after its own selloff.

    ResMed is a global leader in sleep apnoea treatment, with devices, masks, accessories, and software that support patients and healthcare providers. I like its high-margin, recurring revenue characteristics. Once a patient is in therapy, there can be ongoing demand for masks, cushions, and other supplies.

    There are concerns around possible drug competition in sleep apnoea, but I think the market may be underestimating the durability of ResMed’s position.

    Fallen growth shares

    I would also be looking at selected ASX growth shares.

    WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) has fallen heavily from its highs, but I still think the long-term opportunity is compelling.

    Global trade is complicated. Freight forwarders and logistics companies deal with customs, compliance, documentation, routing, warehousing, and cross-border regulation. WiseTech’s software sits inside those workflows.

    That is exactly the kind of position I like in a technology business. If the software becomes deeply embedded, it can be difficult for customers to replace.

    The stock still carries risks around valuation, acquisitions, execution, and investor sentiment. But after such a large fall, I think the market may be offering long-term investors a better entry point.

    Consumer shares with recovery potential

    Some consumer-facing ASX shares also look interesting after major declines.

    Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN) is exposed to a difficult retail environment, with households under pressure and big-ticket spending under strain. But I think the business still has valuable retail brands, property assets, and a history of rewarding shareholders with dividends.

    Accent Group Ltd (ASX: AX1) is another beaten-up name that could appeal to patient investors. Footwear and apparel spending can be cyclical, but Accent owns a broad portfolio of banners and brands across sport, lifestyle, and youth fashion.

    If consumer confidence improves over time, I think the recovery potential could be meaningful.

    Finally, Amcor plc (ASX: AMC) could offer a different kind of cheap ASX share. Packaging may not be exciting, but it is used across food, beverages, healthcare, and consumer goods. I like the defensive nature of that demand, especially when the share price is out of favour.

    Foolish takeaway

    Being greedy does not mean buying every ASX share that has fallen. Some selloffs are deserved, and some businesses will not recover the way investors hope.

    But I think Buffett’s broader lesson still applies. Fear can create better prices for investors who are willing to think beyond the next few months.

    CSL, ResMed, WiseTech, Harvey Norman, Accent, and Amcor are all facing different challenges. That is why they are cheaper today.

    For me, the opportunity is in separating temporary disappointment from permanent damage. When good businesses are priced as though the future is much darker than it may prove to be, I think patient investors should be ready to act.

    The post I’d listen to Warren Buffett and load up on cheap ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Amcor Plc right now?

    Before you buy Amcor Plc 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 Amcor Plc 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 positions in CSL. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL, ResMed, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Amcor Plc, Harvey Norman, ResMed, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Accent Group and CSL. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Why Coles shares could be a smart buy in an uncertain market

    Woman chooses vegetables for dinner, smiling and looking at camera.

    Uncertain markets can make investors overthink things.

    Inflation, interest rates, consumer pressure, and global risks all create noise. But sometimes the best ASX shares to own are the ones with simple, durable demand behind them.

    That is why I think Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) shares could be a smart buy today.

    A business people keep using

    Coles is not an exciting growth stock. It sells groceries, household products, and everyday essentials through one of Australia’s largest supermarket networks.

    But I think that is why it can be useful in a portfolio.

    People still need food, cleaning products, toiletries, baby items, pet food, and other staples in almost every economic environment. Shoppers may become more price-conscious, swap brands, or hunt for specials, but grocery demand remains far more reliable than many discretionary categories.

    That gives Coles a defensive quality that can be valuable when the broader market is unsettled.

    The value focus helps

    Cost-of-living pressure is still shaping household behaviour.

    I think that plays into the hands of supermarkets that can offer convenience, scale, loyalty programs, private-label products, and regular promotions.

    Coles has the size to compete hard on price while still investing in stores, online shopping, supply chain improvements, and customer data.

    The supermarket sector is not easy. Competition from Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW), Aldi, Costco, and independent operators remains intense. Coles also needs to manage wage costs, supplier relationships, logistics, and scrutiny over grocery prices.

    But I think a strong supermarket business can still be a very useful long-term holding when managed well.

    Income plus resilience

    Coles also has appeal as an income share.

    Its dividend yield may not be the highest on the ASX, but I think the quality of the earnings base counts for a lot.

    A lower-risk dividend from a defensive business can be more attractive than a larger yield from a company with more cyclical earnings.

    For investors looking for passive income, Coles could provide regular dividends backed by a business that has a clear role in everyday Australian life.

    There is also room for capital growth if the company can keep improving margins, growing online sales, lifting efficiency, and strengthening customer loyalty over time.

    A share for the quieter part of a portfolio

    I would not buy Coles shares expecting explosive returns.

    That is not the point. I would buy it because it can add balance to a portfolio that may already have banks, miners, technology shares, and higher-risk growth stocks.

    When markets are strong, Coles may not always lead the way. But when investors become more cautious, businesses with defensive earnings and reliable demand can become more appealing.

    That kind of stability can be underrated.

    Foolish takeaway

    Coles is the type of ASX share that can look a little ordinary at first glance. But ordinary businesses can be very useful when they sell products people need every week.

    The supermarket sector will always have competition, cost pressure, and political attention. Those risks should be taken seriously.

    Even so, I think Coles has enough scale, brand strength, and defensive demand to make it a strong candidate for long-term investors.

    In a market full of uncertainty, a dependable grocery business may be just the sort of share worth owning.

    The post Why Coles shares could be a smart buy in an uncertain market appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Coles 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 Coles 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 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 Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • I’d buy these 3 ASX shares before the next market rally

    Couple looking at their phone surprised, symbolising a bargain buy.

    Market rallies rarely announce themselves in advance.

    By the time confidence returns, some of the best opportunities may already have moved. That is why it can be worth looking for quality ASX shares while sentiment is still mixed.

    The aim is not to chase the hottest stock of the week. It is to find businesses with strong long-term drivers that could benefit when investors become more willing to back growth again.

    Here are three ASX shares I’d be looking at before the next market rally.

    Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG)

    Breville is an ASX share I’d be happy to buy before confidence improves.

    The company has built a global premium appliance business with coffee at the centre of its growth story. Its espresso machines have benefited from the shift toward better coffee at home, particularly among consumers willing to pay for quality.

    That category gives Breville more than a one-off product sale. Coffee sits in daily routines, and the company has built credibility with consumers who care about performance, design, and consistency.

    Breville also has room to grow internationally through its Breville, Sage, Baratza, and Lelit brands. Expansion in the United States, Europe, and newer markets gives the business several levers beyond Australia.

    If consumer sentiment improves and premium spending stabilises, Breville could be well placed to keep building on its global growth story.

    Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1)

    Megaport is a smaller and more volatile idea, but its market opportunity is significant.

    This ASX share helps businesses connect to cloud providers, data centres, and networks through its on-demand connectivity platform. As companies continue shifting workloads into the cloud, the need for flexible digital infrastructure keeps growing.

    Megaport’s recent acquisition of Latitude.sh expands the company beyond connectivity and into compute infrastructure, increasing its addressable market.

    That is important because cloud and artificial intelligence demand are not only software stories. They require networks, compute capacity, and infrastructure that can scale quickly.

    Megaport still has to execute well. But if it can turn its broader platform into stronger revenue and earnings growth, the share price could have significant upside over the long term.

    ResMed Inc (ASX: RMD)

    ResMed Inc remains one of the highest-quality healthcare businesses on the ASX.

    The company develops devices, masks, and software used to treat sleep apnoea and other breathing-related conditions. These are not discretionary products. They sit in an area of healthcare where diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing patient management is important.

    What makes ResMed interesting is the size of the untreated market. Management estimates that there are over 1 billion sufferers of sleep apnoea globally, with the vast majority still undiagnosed. This means demand can continue growing as awareness improves and more patients enter treatment.

    The company also benefits from connected devices and digital tools that help patients and healthcare providers manage therapy over time. That gives ResMed a stronger position than a simple medical device manufacturer.

    If investors rotate back toward reliable global growth businesses, ResMed could be one of the ASX shares that attracts attention.

    The post I’d buy these 3 ASX shares before the next market rally appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Breville 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 Breville 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 Megaport and ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Megaport and ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended ResMed. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • 3 ASX dividend shares yielding up to 9%, and with monthly payouts

    A happy girl in a yellow playsuit with a zip gives the thumbs up.

    Monthly-paying ASX dividend shares are a dream for income-focused investors who want a reliable passive income.

    Here are my three top picks, and one of them yields as high as 9.2%.

    BetaShares Australian Top 20 Equity Yield Maximiser Fund (ASX: YMAX)

    The Betashares YMAX is an ASX-listed exchange-traded fund (ETF) that provides exposure to the 20 largest blue-chip ASX-listed shares.

    At the time of writing, the fund is heavily weighted into the financial sector, which accounts for 47% of its allocation. The materials sector is second, accounting for 21.4% of its allocation.

    The fund has been paying quarterly dividends to its shareholders since April 2013. But in January, its payment frequency was amended to monthly.

    As at 30th April 2026, the YMAX ETF has a 12-month gross distribution yield of 9%, and a 12-month distribution yield of 7.6%. The total 12-month franking level is 41.2%.

    The fund most recently paid a $0.047623 per unit dividend to shareholders on Monday this week.

    Plato Income Maximiser Ltd (ASX: PL8)

    Plato is a listed investment company (LIC) that targets income-focused investors, including retirees, SMSF investors, and other investors seeking a dependable income stream.

    The company actively manages a portfolio of mature ASX-listed equities, cash, and listed futures. It mostly focuses on ASX dividend shares with strong dividend payouts, such as major banks, mining giants, and energy firms. 

    At the time of writing, its top 10 holdings include BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS), and National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB), among other major ASX stocks.

    PL8 was the first Australian LIC to target monthly dividends to its shareholders, which it has paid consistently since 2017.

    Plato has paid fully-franked dividends of 0.55 cents per share every month since April 2022. Prior to then, the dividend payment varied between 0.4 and 0.5 cents. 

    In April, the Board resolved to pay three fully-franked dividends of 0.55 cents per share payable in April, May, and June 2026.

    That comes to an annual running total of 6.6 cents per share in fully-franked passive income. This equates to a dividend yield of 4.8% at the time of writing.

    Metrics Income Opportunities Trust (ASX: MOT)

    The Metrics Master Income Trust is an LIT with a diversified portfolio of private credit and related opportunities. 

    This means the Trust can give investors direct exposure to private credit investments, which is becoming an increasingly popular asset class for income-focused investors.

    It said its investment objective is to provide monthly cash income, preserve investor capital, and manage investment risks. It also seeks to provide upside potential through investments in private credit and other assets. These “other assets” include warrants, options, preference shares, and equity.

    The Trust targets a cash yield of 7% per year, with a total target return of 8% to 10% per year. The yield is net of fees and expenses. 

    Dividend distributions are paid monthly. The Trust also has a distribution reinvestment plan (DRP), which allows its unitholders to reinvest monthly income distributions.

    The ASX dividend share’s latest payout was 1.22 cents per unit in late April. The Fund also paid out 1.09 cents per unit in March, 0.92 cents in February, and 1.22 cents in January. 

    Over the past 12 months, Metrics Income Opportunities Trust has paid out 12 dividends totalling 15.92 cents per share (unfranked). This means the LIT has a dividend yield of around 9.2% at the time of writing.

    The post 3 ASX dividend shares yielding up to 9%, and with monthly payouts appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Metrics Income Opportunities Trust right now?

    Before you buy Metrics Income Opportunities Trust 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 Metrics Income Opportunities Trust 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 Samantha Menzies 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 Australia has recommended BHP Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • ASX ETFs to target this month that focus on undervalued sectors

    Person stacking rocks in their hand with water in the background.

    Here at The Motley Fool, we believe in long-term, diversified investing principles. One simple way to follow these principles is with ASX ETFs. 

    ASX ETFs offer instant diversification in just one trade. 

    However more and more thematic funds are becoming available that allow investors to tap into specific sectors. 

    This can be extremely effective when certain areas of the market are undervalued. 

    Scooping up an ASX ETF in an undervalued sector can pay off big in the long run when markets correct. 

    With that in mind, here are three ASX sectors that have struggled recently, making them a prime value play in the long run. 

    Healthcare

    Healthcare shares have been hit hard in 2026. 

    Here on home soil, the S&P/ASX 200 Health Care Index (ASX:XHJ) is down around 30% for the year to date. 

    Many healthcare stocks were previously trading at high valuations after years of strong performance, so investors became less willing to pay premium prices as interest rates stayed elevated. 

    Higher rates also pushed investors away from growth-oriented healthcare and biotech companies and toward sectors like banks, mining, and energy. 

    Some experts are now suggesting the sell-off may have swung too far to the down side, creating a buy-low opportunity for ASX ETFs focussed on this sector. 

    These headwinds have pushed down healthcare shares globally, not just here in Australia. 

    Some options for investors optimistic on a global long-term rebound include: 

    • BetaShares Global Healthcare ETF – Currency Hedged (ASX: DRUG)
    • iShares International Equity ETFs – iShares Global Healthcare ETF (ASX: IXJ)
    • Vaneck Vectors Global Health Leaders ETF (ASX: HLTH). 

    Technology 

    ASX technology shares have also been heavily sold off in 2026. 

    The S&P/ASX All Technology Index (ASX: XTX) is down around 20% for the year to date. 

    ASX technology shares have been pressured by fears that generative AI could disrupt traditional software business models and reduce the value of existing SaaS platforms. 

    Investors have been concerned that AI tools and autonomous agents may replace some software functions, weaken pricing power, and force Australian tech companies to spend heavily just to remain competitive against larger global AI players.

    However it appears some momentum is beginning to swing back in favour of tech shares.

    Targets from brokers are now swinging back towards the optimistic side. 

    For investors confident in a long-term rebound, an ASX ETF to consider is Betashares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF (ASX: ATEC), which provides exposure to leading ASX-listed companies in a range of tech-related market segments.

    Real estate

    Finally, real estate shares have also struggled in 2026. 

    The S&P/ASX 200 Real Estate Index (ASX: XRE) has dropped around 10% since the start of the year. 

    Headwinds have included higher bond yields and interest rates hurting property valuations and REIT financing costs. 

    For investors looking to target this undervalued sector, some ASX ETFs to consider include: 

    • VanEck Vectors Australian Property ETF (ASX: MVA)
    • Vanguard Australian Property Securities Index ETF (ASX: VAP). 

    The post ASX ETFs to target this month that focus on undervalued sectors appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in BetaShares Global Healthcare ETF – Currency Hedged right now?

    Before you buy BetaShares Global Healthcare ETF – Currency Hedged 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 BetaShares Global Healthcare ETF – Currency Hedged 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 Bell 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.

  • 10 ASX shares given buy ratings this week

    Business man marking buy on board and underlining it.

    Many of Australia’s leading brokers were busy this week updating their financial models and recommendations.

    Let’s look closer at ten ASX shares that received buy ratings from them. They are as follows:

    Bega Cheese Ltd (ASX: BGA)

    Morgan Stanley is bullish on this diversified food company. This week, it initiated coverage on the Vegemite owner’s shares with an overweight rating and $6.70 price target. The Bega Cheese share price ended the week at $5.39.

    Catapult Sports Ltd (ASX: CAT)

    Bell Potter was pleased with this sports technology company’s FY 2026 results. In response, the broker retained its buy rating with an improved price target of $4.65. This compares to its latest share price of $3.57.

    Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN)

    UBS turned positive on this gold miner and upgraded its shares to a buy rating with an improved price target of $14.00. The Evolution Mining share price ended the week at $12.17.

    Gentrack Group Ltd (ASX: GTK)

    Bell Potter continues to see value in this software provider’s shares. This week, the broker retained its buy rating and $5.70 price target on its shares. This is notably higher than its current share price of $3.18.

    Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

    Morgan Stanley put an overweight rating and $36.15 price target on this industrial property company’s shares. This compares to its current share price of $30.28. The broker is feeling positive about Goodman ahead of its quarterly update next week.

    Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1)

    Morgans remains positive on this network-as-a-service provider following the announcement of another big contract win for its Latitude business. It has put a buy rating and $15.50 price target on its shares. The Megaport share price ended the week at $13.05.

    Qualitas Ltd (ASX: QAL)

    The team at Morgans upgraded this real estate investment company’s shares to a buy rating this week with a $3.50 price target. This implies potential upside of 20% from its current share price of $2.92.

    Regis Resources Ltd (ASX: RRL)

    Macquarie is positive on this gold miner’s merger plans. After looking at the proposal, the broker has retained its outperform rating and $9.50 price target on Regis Resources’ shares. This compares to its current share price of $6.35.

    Santos Ltd (ASX: STO)

    Citi is bullish on this energy producer and has put a buy rating and $9.00 price target on its shares. The Santos share price ended the week at $8.24.

    Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW)

    Over at Morgan Stanley, its analysts have also put an overweight rating and reduced price target of $8.00 on this online furniture retailer’s shares. This is notably higher than its current share price of $5.04.

    The post 10 ASX shares given buy ratings this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Bega Cheese right now?

    Before you buy Bega Cheese 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 Bega Cheese 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 Goodman Group, Megaport, and Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Catapult Sports, Gentrack Group, Goodman Group, Megaport, and Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Catapult Sports and Gentrack Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Goodman Group, Qualitas, and Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • How much is needed in superannuation to target a $7,500 monthly passive income?

    Hand holding Australian dollar (AUD) bills, symbolising ex dividend day. Passive income.

    After the recent Federal budget changes to trusts, and negative gearing and capital gains for individuals, superannuation may be the best way to invest for full-time working Australians who want passive income.  

    Superannuation has a low tax rate compared to individuals, trusts and companies. Plus, it’s easy to invest for the long-term through the investment vehicle.

    It’s important to remember that the net income is an after-tax figure. An Australian working full-time could lose approximately a third of their passive income return to tax.

    Therefore, investing in superannuation is a much more appealing prospect compared to other options. Superannuation has a lower tax rate in the accumulation phase than the standard individual tax rates for a full-time earner. In retirement, the tax rate could be 0%.

    However, every Australian’s tax position is different, so we’re going to look at targeting a particular income level without mentioning tax any further.

    How much is needed in superannuation for $7,500 of monthly passive income

    Receiving $7,500 in dividends per month translates into $90,000 per year. I reckon many Australians would love to receive that level of dividends each year without having to do any ongoing work for it.

    Australian investors need to decide what investments they want to own and the dividend yield that comes with that.

    A portfolio with a dividend yield of 7% can be half the size of a portfolio with a dividend yield of 3.5% and earn the same level of passive income.

    For example, if a portfolio were $1.3 million in size, it would generate $91,000 of annual passive income with a 7% dividend yield. If a portfolio had a dividend yield of 3.5%, the portfolio would need to be $2.6 million in size to generate the same level of cash payments.

    To generate almost exactly $90,000 of annual passive income with a 7% dividend yield, an investor would need a portfolio size of $1.286 million.

    A 5% dividend yield would require a portfolio size of $1.8 million to make $90,000 annually.

    A 4% dividend yield would require a portfolio size of $2.25 million.

    The types of ASX dividend shares I’d want to buy

    If a superannuation investor is targeting mid-to-higher dividend yields, then I’d look at reliable and discounted real estate investment trusts (REITs), growing companies with a generous dividend payout ratio and listed investment companies (LICs) with a good track record of dividends.

    Appealing businesses with a dividend yield of around 5% to 6%, in my view, include WCM Quality Global Growth Fund (ASX: WCMQ), Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS), Rural Funds Group (ASX: RFF), Centuria Industrial REIT (ASX: CIP), Australian Foundation Investment Co Ltd (ASX: AFI) and Argo Investments Ltd (ASX: ARG).

    Businesses with a higher dividend yield include Future Generation Global Ltd (ASX: FGG), Future Generation Australia Ltd (ASX: FGX), Hearts and Minds Investments Ltd (ASX: HM1), WCM Global Growth Ltd (ASX: WQG), WAM Leaders Ltd (ASX: WLE), WAM Microcap Ltd (ASX: WMI) and Charter Hall Long WALE REIT (ASX: CLW).

    The post How much is needed in superannuation to target a $7,500 monthly passive income? 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 Tristan Harrison has positions in Future Generation Australia, Future Generation Global, Hearts And Minds Investments, Rural Funds Group, Wam Microcap, Wcm Global Growth, and Wcm Quality Global Growth Fund. 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 Rural Funds Group and Telstra Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.