Author: openjargon

  • Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure lifts distribution guidance and declares Q1 FY26 payout

    Three happy office workers cheer as they read about good financial news on a laptop.

    The Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure Ltd (ASX: DBI) share price is in focus after the company announced an 8.5% increase in its distribution guidance for FY26/27 and a Q1 FY26 distribution of 6.75 cents per stapled security.

    What did Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure report?

    • Forecast Terminal Infrastructure Charge (TIC) for TY-26/27 is ~$4.02 per tonne, up 8.1% on the prior year.
    • Distribution guidance for TY-26/27 set at 28.62 cents per stapled security, an 8.5% uplift versus the previous period.
    • Q1-26 distribution of 6.75 cents per stapled security declared, matching previous guidance.
    • Terminal remains fully contracted at 84.2Mtpa until 30 June 2028, with evergreen renewal options.
    • Distribution to be paid as a mix of unfranked dividend and loan note repayment.

    What else do investors need to know?

    Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure’s updated guidance points to stable cashflows, as the company continues to operate on a 100% take-or-pay basis with its contracted customers. The major increase in the Terminal Infrastructure Charge reflects higher non-expansionary capital expenditure (NECAP), underpinning the uplift to the asset base.

    The forecast incorporates an additional $97.8 million of NECAP spend and ongoing indexation to the Australian CPI, helping sustain consistency in DBI’s targeted distributions. All future distributions remain subject to board approval and prevailing market conditions.

    What’s next for Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure?

    Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure reaffirmed its annual distribution growth target of 3–7% for the foreseeable future, subject to business performance and conditions. The company plans to continue investing in its terminal infrastructure to ensure ongoing reliability, capacity, and value for securityholders.

    Management emphasises the business’s role as a critical export gateway and its stable, long-term contracts. This consistent strategy aims to deliver secure, predictable income streams and maintain the company’s commitment to its established payout policy.

    Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure shares have risen 30%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 3% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure lifts distribution guidance and declares Q1 FY26 payout appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure right now?

    Before you buy Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure 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 Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure 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…

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    Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart 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. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

  • 3 strong ASX 200 shares for retirees to buy and hold

    Strong woman overlooking city.

    Retirement investing is not just about chasing the biggest dividend yield.

    If I were building a portfolio for retirement, I would want income, but I would also want businesses that could keep growing over time. After all, retirement can last decades, and inflation can slowly eat away at purchasing power.

    That is why I think a good retiree portfolio should include ASX 200 shares with defensive qualities, reliable demand, and the ability to lift earnings and dividends over the long run.

    Three I would consider are named in this article.

    Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

    Telstra is one of the first ASX 200 shares I would look at for retirement income.

    The reason is simple. Telecommunications is close to essential.

    Mobile and internet services are now part of everyday life. People use them to work, bank, shop, communicate, stream, book appointments, and manage their households. That gives Telstra a level of demand resilience that many consumer-facing businesses do not have.

    I also like the way Telstra has become a cleaner investment story in recent years. The company has simplified its structure, invested heavily in its mobile network, and continued to benefit from its strong position in Australian telecommunications.

    For retirees, I think the dividend is the main attraction. Telstra may not offer the highest yield on the ASX, but I would rather own a solid income stock with defensive earnings than chase a yield that may not be sustainable.

    If Telstra can keep growing earnings modestly and maintain a sensible dividend, I think it could be a useful anchor in a retirement portfolio.

    Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)

    Coles is another ASX 200 share I would consider buying and holding through retirement.

    Supermarkets are not exciting, but I think that is part of their strength.

    People need groceries in every economic environment. Spending patterns can change, shoppers may trade down, and competition can be intense, but food demand does not disappear because interest rates rise or consumer confidence weakens.

    That makes Coles a relatively defensive business.

    I also like the everyday nature of its cash flows. A supermarket business has frequent customer visits, strong brand recognition, and a large national store network. It can also use data, loyalty programs, online shopping, and supply chain investment to improve the customer experience over time.

    For retirees, Coles could provide a combination of income and stability. The dividend may not make anyone rich quickly, but I think the business has the kind of steady demand profile that can be valuable when investors are drawing income from their portfolios.

    If inflation remains sticky, Coles also has some ability to pass through price increases, although it must balance that carefully with customer value and competition.

    Transurban Group (ASX: TCL)

    Transurban is a very different type of income share.

    This ASX 200 share owns and operates toll road assets in major cities. I like this because infrastructure can provide a long-term income stream linked to essential transport routes.

    Traffic volumes can fluctuate with economic conditions, fuel prices, and work-from-home trends. But major toll roads are hard to replicate, and they often sit in locations where congestion makes the assets valuable.

    For retirees, I think Transurban’s appeal is the potential for relatively predictable cash flows and distributions.

    It also offers some inflation-linked qualities because toll increases are often connected to inflation or set under long-term concession arrangements. That can be useful in a retirement portfolio, where the goal is not just income today, but income that can hold up over time.

    Transurban is sensitive to debt costs, so rising interest rates can affect sentiment. But if I were investing with a long-term view, I would still see it as one of the more attractive infrastructure names on the ASX.

    Foolish Takeaway

    If I were investing for retirement, I would want income that comes from businesses people keep using year after year.

    Telstra, Coles, and Transurban all fit that idea in different ways. They provide exposure to communication, groceries, and transport infrastructure, three areas that can remain relevant across many market cycles.

    For retirees seeking income and some capital growth potential, I think these ASX 200 shares could be strong buy-and-hold options.

    The post 3 strong ASX 200 shares for retirees to buy and hold 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 positions in Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Telstra Group and Transurban Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Catapult Sports reports record revenue in FY26

    Three male athletes sprint on an athletics track with the sun low on the horizon behind them representing the race between ASX lithium shares to outperform

    The Catapult Sports Ltd (AS:X CAT) share price is in focus, following its FY26 results revealing record revenue of US$140.7 million, up 19% in constant currency, and management EBITDA of US$24.7 million, up 67% year-over-year.

    What did Catapult Sports report?

    • Annualised Contract Value (ACV): US$133.8 million, up 28% (CC) year-on-year, or 18% (CC) excluding acquisitions
    • Total revenue: US$140.7 million, up 19% (CC) year-on-year
    • Management EBITDA: US$24.7 million, up 67%
    • Contribution margin: 53% (up from 49% last year)
    • Free cash flow (ex acquisitions/transaction costs): US$6.5 million
    • No net debt; cash balance above US$53 million

    What else do investors need to know?

    Catapult added 576 new professional teams in FY26 and boosted its average ACV per pro team to over US$30,000 for the first time, up 10%. Customer retention remains strong, topping 96%, suggesting the company’s land and expand approach is working.

    The business also advanced its product suite with notable innovation, launching new offerings like Vector 8 for athlete monitoring, Perch’s upgraded P2 Camera, and integrating IMPECT’s video analysis within Catapult’s platform. These developments come alongside successful acquisitions of Perch and IMPECT, which are now fully integrated ahead of the company’s key Northern Hemisphere sales season.

    What did Catapult Sports management say?

    Commenting on the results, CEO & Managing Director Will Lopes said:

    FY26 was a transformational year for Catapult. We set ourselves ambitious targets: maintain our organic growth rate, reinvest meaningfully in our platform, and stay focused through a period of significant M&A. We delivered on all of them… We are only just beginning to realize the potential of our expanded platform, and I have great confidence in our ability to continue driving this business forward as one of the world’s best SaaS companies.

    What’s next for Catapult Sports?

    Looking ahead to FY27, Catapult expects continued strong ACV growth, low customer churn, margin improvements, and higher free cash flow, all remaining consistent with its “Rule of 40” SaaS efficiency targets. The company’s expanded platform, which now combines athlete performance data, video analysis, gym monitoring, and scouting intelligence, positions it to deliver new capabilities to professional teams worldwide.

    Management says it remains focused on being an “invaluable partner” for customers and driving profitable expansion, with further product rollouts and deeper market penetration expected in the coming year.

    Catapult Sports share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, Catapult Sports shares have declined 33%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 3% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post Catapult Sports reports record revenue in FY26 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Catapult Sports right now?

    Before you buy Catapult Sports 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 Catapult Sports 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…

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    Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart 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 Catapult Sports. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Catapult Sports. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

  • A rare buying opportunity in 1 of Australia’s top shares?

    A small child holds his chin with his head on the side in a serious thinking pose against a background of graphic question marks and a yellow lightbulb.

    The ASX stock Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW) may well be one of Australia’s top share opportunities right now. The large sell-off could be a great buying opportunity for opportunistic investors.

    As the above chart shows, the Temple & Webster share price has more than halved in 2026 alone.

    However, it’s still materially above the lows seen in 2022 and 2023 when investors worried about what impacts higher inflation and interest rates could have on demand for homewares, furniture, and home improvement products – that’s what Temple & Webster sells through its website.

    Why I think it’s one of Australia’s top shares

    Interestingly, a large proportion of what’s sold on the website is shipped directly by third-party suppliers, allowing Temple & Webster to be capital-light and generate substantial positive cash flow. It doesn’t need to hold the amount of inventory that would be required to sell everything on its website.

    The company has been very effective at growing its market share, including in FY26. Over the long term, I believe the business will continue to grow its market share, and scale benefits will flow through the company as rising profit margins.

    In FY26, even in a difficult year, it expects to report revenue of between $665 million and $675 million, representing year-over-year growth of between 11% to 12%.

    The company is successfully utilising AI across the business in a variety of ways, which helps improve customer satisfaction and conversion rates – those are key aspects that support a new customer becoming a returning customer. AI is also helping drive a 10% improvement in shipping cost accuracy.

    One area of the business I think investors should pay close attention to is the home improvement segment, which includes products like tiles, wallpaper, sinks, and vanities for various rooms, cabinets, showers, baths, toilets, curtains and blinds, and heating and cooling. Its growth options like this are another reason why I’m calling this one of Australia’s top shares to buy.

    In the first half of FY26, the home improvement segment saw revenue growth of 47% to $30 million, a much faster growth rate than the core homewares and furniture segment. I think this business could deliver stronger revenue growth than the overall business for the foreseeable future.

    I’m expecting the core business to continue to see benefits from the national adoption of e-commerce. Australia has tended to lag the UK and US in e-commerce adoption by between 5 and 7 years – Australia is now at approximately 20% e-commerce adoption for homewares and furniture, while the UK is at 29% and the US is at 35%. There’s plenty of room for growth in the next five years.

    This could be a great time to buy

    The Temple & Webster share price has sunk heavily – not for the first time this decade – yet its revenue continues to climb.

    I believe the market is significantly undervaluing where Temple & Webster could be in three to five years. It could be good to invest when the market is fearful.

    I’m not suggesting it’s going to go back above $20 in the next 12 months, but the company is focusing on profitability during this period, and this could help the market see how much its earnings could rise in the long term.

    Temple & Webster expects its operating profit (EBITDA) to approximately double to around $40 million in FY27, even in a low growth scenario.

    According to the forecast on CMC Invest, the Temple & Webster share price is valued at 32 times FY27’s estimated earnings. This looks to me like a compelling time to look at one of Australia’s top shares.  

    The post A rare buying opportunity in 1 of Australia’s top shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Wondering where you should invest $1,000 right now?

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for over ten years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    Scott just revealed what he believes could be the ‘five best ASX stocks’ for investors to buy right now. We believe these stocks are trading at attractive prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now…

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

  • A new PNG project could generate more than $6 billion once in production, this ASX gold company says

    Young successful engineer, with blueprints, notepad, and digital tablet, observing the project implementation on construction site and in mine.

    Geopacific Resources Ltd (ASX: GPR)’s Woodlark gold project in Papua New Guinea would generate more than $6 billion over the life of the mine, a new study published today says.

    Robust project economics

    The company released its definitive feasibility study into the proposed gold mine this morning, saying the study “confirms Woodlark as a technically robust, economically attractive, long-life open pit gold development, forecast to generate strong free cash flow and rapid capital payback”.

    The study says the mine will generate revenue of $6.1 billion in total, with post-tax net cash flow of $2.5 billion, calculated at a gold price of $5500. The gold price is currently $6312.

    The mine is expected to have a payback period of about 18 months and an all-in sustaining cost of production of $ 1,966 per ounce.

    The company said:

    The production schedule prioritises near-surface higher grade material during the early years of operation, supporting strong eary cash generation and rapid capital payback.

    The definitive feasibility study is based on a 1.2 million ounce gold reserve.

    The open-pit mining project is expected to cost about $650 million to bring into production.

    The company said it would now engage with financing partners “and assess a range of funding solutions”.

    Geopacific Resources Managing Director Hamish Bohannan said:

    The completion of the DFS marks a major milestone for the Company and confirms Woodlark as a technically robust, long-life project capable of delivering strong margins and significant free cash flow. It comes at a time of increasing international interest in resource development and infrastructure investment in PNG, reflecting the country’s growing strategic importance as a destination for large-scale resource projects and a key supplier of precious metals to global markets. The Woodlark Project is well positioned to contribute to this development landscape while delivering long-term value for shareholders and stakeholders in PNG. Importantly, the Project benefits from a high proportion of Proved and Probable Reserves, established permitting and significant prior technical work which provides a strong foundation as we advance towards development.

    Mr Bohannan said the company was targeting a final investment decision on the project by late 2026.

    The Woodlark mine is expected to produce for 12 years with 35.6 million tonnes of ore mined.

    The project is located on Woodlark Island, about 600km east of Port Moresby.

    More exploration to come

    The company said there were further near-mine targets that could also result in new resources.

    The company said:

    Large-scale copper-gold porphyry targets on Woodlark Island remain completely untested, providing a potentially company-making discovery opportunity layered on top of the existing gold project.

    Geopacific Resources is valued at $153.9 million.

    The post A new PNG project could generate more than $6 billion once in production, this ASX gold company says appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Geopacific Resources right now?

    Before you buy Geopacific Resources 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 Geopacific Resources 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…

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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.

  • James Hardie earnings: FY26 profit drops as sales lift 25%

    Male building supervisor stands and smiles with his arms crossed at a building site with workers behind him.

    The James Hardie Industries Plc (ASX: JHX) share price is in focus today after the building products group posted full-year net sales of US$4.84 billion, up 25%, while net profit fell sharply year-on-year.

    What did James Hardie report?

    • Full-year net sales: US$4.84 billion, up 25% (Q4: US$1.40 billion, up 45%)
    • Net profit after tax: US$104.0 million, down 75%
    • Adjusted EBITDA: US$1.27 billion, up 17% year on year
    • Adjusted EBITDA margin: 26.2% (down from 27.8%)
    • Organic net sales: down 2% in FY26 (excluding AZEK acquisition)
    • No dividend declared or paid for the year

    What else do investors need to know?

    James Hardie completed its largest-ever acquisition with the purchase of AZEK on 1 July 2025. The company reported that integration is progressing well, delivering both cost and commercial synergies ahead of schedule. Cost savings from facility closures and operational initiatives were highlighted, with $25 million in annualised savings expected to begin from FY27.

    Australian and New Zealand operations delivered steady results, with local currency sales holding firm and EBITDA margins remaining in the mid-30% range. European sales also grew despite challenging economic conditions, buoyed by fibre gypsum products and resilience in key markets.

    Across the group, market softness—particularly in North America—affected organic growth, especially in the core Siding & Trim division, but the contribution from AZEK and disciplined cost management supported improved profitability.

    What’s next for James Hardie?

    For FY27, James Hardie expects pro forma Adjusted EBITDA growth of 4% to 8%, with positive organic sales growth anticipated in the Siding & Trim division. The company is targeting free cash flow of at least US$500 million, an increase of over US$200 million year on year.

    Management says synergy realisation and operational discipline remain key, while no material recovery in end markets is assumed in company guidance. With channel inventories now normalised, James Hardie expects to benefit from improved pricing, product mix, and cost leverage.

    James Hardie share price snapshot

    Over the past year, James Hardie shares have declined 30%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 3% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post James Hardie earnings: FY26 profit drops as sales lift 25% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in James Hardie Industries Plc right now?

    Before you buy James Hardie Industries 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 James Hardie Industries 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…

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    Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart 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. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

  • Could this rebounding ASX small cap still have a long growth runway?

    Woman handling a pile of hardware timber.

    Small-cap investing is rarely smooth.

    One month, the market is excited about scale, growth, and opportunity. The next, investors are worrying about dilution, capital raises, and whether management is moving too quickly.

    That seems to be the current debate around Stealth Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: SGI).

    The ASX small cap has had a wild few months. After reaching all-time highs in January 2026, Stealth shares are now down around 30% from that peak. Yet the share price has also rebounded more than 40% in May alone.

    That kind of volatility can be uncomfortable. But it is also fairly stereotypical of smaller-listed companies, particularly those trying to grow quickly through acquisitions and operating leverage.

    So, after the pullback and rebound, is Stealth still one of the more interesting ASX small caps to watch?

    What does Stealth Group do?

    Stealth is a diversified distribution company that supplies products and solutions to businesses, trade customers, and retail consumers across Australia.

    It operates across two main divisions: hardware and industrial distribution, and consumer products.

    That means the business sits in several practical end markets at once. It supplies hardware, safety, industrial, maintenance, repair, and operations products, while also distributing consumer products and technology accessories through retail channels.

    Following its acquisition of Hardware and Building Traders (HBT), Stealth has become a much larger business. HBT added around 1,165 independent stores, approximately $700 million in annual member purchases, and roughly 490 supplier relationships.

    The deal also helped position Stealth as a major independent alternative in the hardware and industrial supply market.

    That is the strategic attraction here.

    Stealth is not trying to reinvent the wheel. It is trying to build scale in fragmented markets, use that scale to improve procurement power, expand exclusive and private-label brands, and drive better margins across a larger platform.

    The latest result showed real progress

    Stealth’s half-year result was strong on the surface.

    For the first half of FY26, the company reported gross sales of $82.2 million, up 11.8%. Revenue came in at $72 million, while operating earnings (EBITDA) rose 18.8% to $5.3 million.

    Net profit after tax (NPAT) increased 51.4% to $1.6 million.

    That is the kind of operating leverage investors like to see. A modest increase in revenue produced a much stronger jump in profit, suggesting the business is beginning to scale.

    However, the per-share result tells a more complicated story.

    Stealth issued a significant number of shares to help fund the HBT acquisition. That increased the share count materially, meaning existing shareholders absorbed dilution immediately, while the full earnings benefit of HBT will take longer to appear.

    This is one of the central tensions in the investment case.

    On the one hand, acquisitions can accelerate growth. On the other hand, they can dilute existing shareholders if the new earnings do not arrive quickly enough.

    The balance of risk and reward

    There are a few clear risks to watch.

    The first is dilution. The recent notice of an extraordinary general meeting may have unsettled some investors, particularly the resolution seeking to refresh the company’s 15% placement capacity. That does not guarantee another capital raise, but it does remind shareholders that acquisitions and growth funding can come at a cost.

    The second risk is execution. Integrating HBT, capturing synergies, expanding private-label brands, and improving margins all sound attractive. But each requires disciplined management.

    The third is valuation. Even after falling from its highs, Stealth is no longer an overlooked microcap trading on sleepy expectations. Investors now expect growth.

    Foolish Takeaway

    Stealth is not a simple story anymore.

    It has gone from a small distributor to a much more ambitious national platform with scale, procurement leverage, and a clear FY28 target.

    The opportunity is obvious: If management delivers, Stealth could become a far larger and more profitable business.

    The risk is equally clear: shareholders need the earnings growth to justify the dilution, the acquisitions, and the volatility.

    That makes Stealth one to watch closely rather than blindly chase. For investors who can tolerate small-cap swings, this may be a company worth keeping on the radar as the HBT contribution becomes clearer over the next few reporting periods.

    The post Could this rebounding ASX small cap still have a long growth runway? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Stealth 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 Stealth 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 Leigh Gant 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.

  • Analysts say these ASX shares could rise 50% to 75%

    A young man pointing up looking amazed, indicating a surging share price movement for an ASX company

    If you are looking for ASX shares to buy and hold for the long term then it could be worth considering the two in this article.

    Not only do they have strong long-term growth outlooks, but they were recently recommended as buys by analysts with major upside potential.

    Here are the two ASX shares that they are recommending to clients:

    Light & Wonder Inc (ASX: LNW)

    Light & Wonder is an ASX share with momentum building beneath the surface.

    The company operates across gaming content, gaming machines, systems, and digital gaming. Its strength lies in creating content that can be used across multiple channels and markets.

    This matters because gaming technology is increasingly about content depth and distribution. A successful game can generate value across land-based casinos, online platforms, and social gaming channels.

    Light & Wonder has been reshaping its business in recent years, with a stronger focus on recurring revenue and higher-quality earnings.

    The company also has scale in a global industry where content, relationships, and regulatory approvals matter.

    If Light & Wonder keeps improving its execution and expanding digital revenue, it could continue to build value over the long term.

    Earlier this month, Macquarie put an outperform rating and $200.00 price target on the company’s shares. Based on its current share price, this implies potential upside of approximately 75%.

    Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL)

    Netwealth Group is benefiting from a major shift in Australia’s wealth management industry.

    The company operates a platform used by financial advisers to manage client portfolios, reporting, administration, and investment access.

    Its growth is being supported by advisers moving away from older legacy platforms toward more modern technology. This migration has been playing out for years, and Netwealth has been one of the winners.

    A key part of the appeal is operating leverage. As more funds move onto the platform, revenue can grow faster than costs if the business continues to scale efficiently.

    Australia’s superannuation and investment markets remain large, and advisers still need better tools to manage increasingly complex client needs.

    With funds under administration continuing to shift toward independent platforms, Netwealth remains well placed to benefit from this structural change.

    This month, Morgan Stanley put an overweight rating and $33.00 price target on Netwealth’s shares. Based on its current share price, this suggests that upside of approximately 50% over the next 12 months.

    The post Analysts say these ASX shares could rise 50% to 75% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Light & Wonder Inc right now?

    Before you buy Light & Wonder Inc 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 Light & Wonder Inc 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 positions in and has recommended Light & Wonder Inc, Macquarie Group, and Netwealth Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group and Netwealth Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Light & Wonder Inc. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • I’d buy 17,858 shares of this ASX stock to aim for $250 a month of passive income

    Person holding Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.

    I think Centuria Industrial REIT (ASX: CIP) is one of the most underrated ASX passive income stocks available to Australians.

    The business owns a portfolio of high-quality industrial assets that are located in key metropolitan locations throughout Australia, and is underpinned by a strong and diverse mix of tenants.

    It aims to generate income and deliver long-term capital growth for investors. Let’s take a look at how rewarding the passive income could be and why it’s an undervalued buy.

    Rewarding passive income

    Typically, commercial property can provide a much stronger income yield than residential property.

    Each year, the ASX stock gives distribution guidance for the financial year ahead thanks to the predictable income and expenses.

    For FY26, the business is planning to pay an annual distribution per unit of 16.8 cents. That translates into a forward distribution yield of 5.6%, at the time of writing. Pleasingly, that expected FY26 distribution would represent year-over-year growth of 3%. Any growth from a real estate investment trust (REIT) is pleasing to me during this period of higher interest rates.

    Its distribution payout ratio is also at a sustainable level where it’s retaining some of its rental profit which can be used to improve the balance sheet in some way. If it achieves the bottom of its rental earnings (funds from operations (FFO)) guidance of 18.2 cents per unit, then the payout ratio would be 92% – noticeably less than 100%.

    In the long-term, I expect the ASX stock’s distribution to increase thanks to good demand for industrial property (such as e-commerce growth), rising rental income with new leases from its portfolio and potentially improvements in its gearing levels.

    $250 per month of passive income

    The payment frequency from this ASX stock is pleasing, with a distribution every three months. That’s not monthly income, of course.

    So, we need to think of the goal as an annual target and then divide it by 12.

    To receive $250 per month, we’re talking about $3,000 annually.

    Using the passive income projection of 16.8 cents per unit, we’d need 17,858 Centuria Industrial REIT units for the income goal.

    Very undervalued business

    The Centuria Industrial REIT unit price looks significantly undervalued to me.

    The ASX stock’s net tangible assets (NTA) was $3.95 at 31 December 2025, a current valuation discount of around 25%.

    During the three months to 31 March 2026, the business divested $188 million of properties at a premium to the balance sheet value of 17%, reducing gearing by approximately 3%.

    Since FY23, the business has sold around $460 million of assets at an average premium to book value of 12%. So, the NTA could actually be less than its true underlying value.

    Considering the sizeable passive distribution income yield, I think the discount is real and this could be a great time to invest for the long-term.

    The post I’d buy 17,858 shares of this ASX stock to aim for $250 a month of passive income appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Centuria Industrial REIT right now?

    Before you buy Centuria Industrial REIT 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 Centuria Industrial REIT 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 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.

  • 5 reasons I’d buy the NDQ ETF with $10,000

    A woman presenting company news to investors looks back at the camera and smiles.

    The Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ) has been one of the most popular growth-focused exchange-traded funds (ETFs) on the ASX.

    I can understand why, and if I had $10,000 to invest today, I think the NDQ ETF would be high on my list. Here are five reasons why.

    1. It gives exposure to world-class companies

    The Nasdaq 100 is home to many of the companies shaping the modern economy.

    That includes businesses involved in artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, digital advertising, software, semiconductors, ecommerce, cybersecurity, and consumer technology.

    For an Australian investor, that is useful.

    The ASX has plenty of banks, miners, retailers, and healthcare shares. But it does not have many companies with the global scale of the leading US technology giants.

    The NDQ ETF helps fill that gap.

    Rather than trying to pick one winner, investors can own a basket of companies that have already built dominant positions in large global markets.

    2. The AI opportunity is still early

    Artificial intelligence has already created huge excitement in markets.

    But I do not think the opportunity is finished.

    AI is still being built into software, search, advertising, devices, cloud platforms, chips, data centres, and business workflows. That could support earnings growth for many Nasdaq 100 companies over the next decade.

    There will almost certainly be periods when AI enthusiasm runs too hot. Some expectations may prove unrealistic.

    But I think the bigger trend is real. This ETF gives investors a simple way to gain exposure to that trend without needing to decide which individual AI stock will win.

    3. The NDQ ETF can diversify an ASX-heavy portfolio

    Many Australian investors already have a lot of exposure to the local market.

    That can mean heavy weightings to the big banks, BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO), and other resources or income-focused shares.

    There is nothing wrong with that, but it can leave a portfolio very tied to Australia’s economy, commodity prices, and local interest rates.

    The NDQ ETF can add something different.

    It provides exposure to global businesses earning money across many countries and industries. That can make a portfolio feel less dependent on the ASX doing all the work.

    4. It suits long-term investors

    The Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF is not the ETF I would buy for a smooth ride.

    Technology and growth shares can be volatile, especially when interest rates rise or valuations come under pressure.

    But I think volatility is easier to handle when the time horizon is long.

    If I were investing $10,000 into the NDQ ETF, I would be thinking in terms of five, 10, or even 20 years. Over that period, I think innovation, earnings growth, and global digital adoption could continue doing a lot of heavy lifting.

    Short-term pullbacks would not surprise me. I would treat them as part of owning a growth-focused ETF.

    5. It keeps things simple

    One of the biggest advantages of ETFs is simplicity.

    With one investment, this ETF gives investors exposure to a diversified group of major global companies.

    That means there is no need to constantly decide whether to buy Microsoft, NVIDIA, Apple, Amazon.com, or another individual stock.

    For many investors, that simplicity is valuable. It reduces the pressure to pick the perfect stock and allows the portfolio to benefit from a broader innovation theme.

    Foolish takeaway

    Overall, I would buy the NDQ ETF because it gives me exposure to some of the strongest companies in the world, many of which are tied to powerful long-term trends.

    There will be setbacks. Growth shares can fall hard when sentiment changes.

    But if I had $10,000 to invest for the long term, I think the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF would be a very strong candidate.

    The post 5 reasons I’d buy the NDQ ETF with $10,000 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF right now?

    Before you buy BetaShares Nasdaq 100 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 BetaShares Nasdaq 100 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 Amazon, Apple, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Microsoft, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Amazon, Apple, BHP Group, Microsoft, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.