Author: openjargon

  • 2 ASX shares tipped to grow at least 50% in the next 12 months

    Person pointing finger on on an increasing graph which represents a rising share price.

    Certain ASX shares could deliver great returns from here, according to experts, and those analysts have outlined how undervalued they believe these stocks could be.

    A price target tells investors how much they think a share price could rise over the next 12 months from the time of the investment rating.

    Of course, a promising price target does not guarantee positive returns in the year ahead, but it does suggest the stock is worth a closer look. Below are two of the fast-growing ideas to consider.

    Life360 Inc (ASX: 360)

    Life360 describes itself as a family connection and safety company that “keeps people close to the ones they love”. The services include location sharing, safe driver reports, and crash detection with emergency dispatch.

    Its offering is clearly resonating, with the fourth quarter of 2025 showing strong ongoing growth for the business.

    Fourth quarter revenue grew by 26% to $146 million, with US paying circles growing 23% to 2 million and international paying circles soaring 32% to 0.8 million. Additionally, the average revenue per paying circle rose 6% to $139.54.

    The business demonstrated operating leverage with adjusted operating profit (EBITDA) rising 53% to $21.2 million and operating cash flow surging 199% to $36.8 million. Rising profit margins are exactly what I like to see from a growing business.

    According to CMC Invest, there have been seven analysts who have recently rated the ASX share as a buy, with an average price target of $32.79, implying a possible rise of 51% over the next year.

    Bubs Australia Ltd (ASX: BUB)

    Bubs is best known as a goat infant formula business. Its products are sold across Australia in supermarkets and pharmacies. Products are also exported to markets in China, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and the US.

    It has had a volatile journey over the years, but it continues to grow in size, and it’s expecting its operating profit (EBITDA) to be positive for FY26.

    In the FY26 half-year result, the business reported group revenue of $55.5 million, representing a year-over-year increase of 14.4%. EBITDA increased by $3.9 million to $4.4 million.

    Both the revenue and EBITDA benefited from strong demand in the US, according to Bubs. US revenue surged 48% (or $34.2 million) year over year.

    In response to that strong half, management decided to upgrade its revenue guidance to between $120 million and $125 million. If revenue continues to grow globally, I believe the scale benefits should assist the company’s margins in the future.

    According to CMC Invest, there have been three recent buy ratings on the ASX share, with an average price target of 17 cents, suggesting a possible 66% rise from where it is at the time of writing.

    The post 2 ASX shares tipped to grow at least 50% in the next 12 months appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Life360 shares, consider this:

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

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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    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 Life360. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Up 444% in a year, what’s moving Core Lithium shares today?

    a miniature moulded model of a man bent over with a pick working stands behind a sign that has lithium's scientific abbreviation 'Li' with the word lithium underneath it against a sparse bland background.

    Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO) shares are marching higher today.

    Shares in the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) lithium miner closed yesterday trading for 37.0 cents. In early morning trade on Thursday, shares are changing hands for 37.5 cents apiece, up 1.4%.

    For some context, the All Ords is down 0.4% at this same time.

    Core Lithium shares are now up 443.5% since this time last year, smashing the 11.2% gains delivered by the benchmark index over this same period.

    Today’s outperformance follows the release of Core Lithium’s March quarter update.

    Here’s what investors are mulling over.

    Core Lithium shares rise on Finniss restart details

    The highlight for the three months to 31 March, was the company’s formal approval of the Final Investment Decision (FID) for the restart of operations at its Finniss Lithium Project, located in the Northern Territory.

    The miner’s flagship Finniss project was placed into care and maintenance back in January 2024. That came after global lithium prices crashed, making mining unprofitable and sending Core Lithium shares sharply lower.

    Management noted that approval of the FID was proceeded by a comprehensive restart plan, updated mine planning, Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) work, and refined operating strategies. The new plan aims to reposition Finniss as a lower‑cost, long‑life lithium operation.

    The ASX lithium miner said it used a “conservative” long‑term spodumene concentrate price assumption of US$1,500 per tonne CIF for the FID. That’s well below the current spot price of around US$2,500 per tonne CIF.

    Management is expecting strong returns with a three-year payback, a pre‑tax net present value (NPV) of $1.1 billion, and free cash flow generation of $1.7 billion. Additionally, Core Lithium noted that Finniss has an estimated 20-year mine life and 214,000 tonnes per year spodumene concentrate (6%) equivalent (SC6) nameplate production capacity.

    And Core Lithium is well-funded for the restart, having secured fully funded $290 million in the March quarter, comprised of strategic partner funding and an institutional equity raise.

    As at 31 March, the miner has a cash balance of $91.6 million.

    What did management say?

    Commenting on the quarterly progress helping lift Core Lithium shares today, managing director Paul Brown said, “The March quarter was a defining period for Core, with Final Investment Decision approval and a fully committed Funding Package secured to restart Finniss.”

    Brown added:

    Work is now underway at Finniss, with the open pit mining contract awarded at Grants and BP33 box cut activities progressing in parallel. Our staged restart strategy is disciplined, low risk and capital efficient, with first ore from Grants targeted in the June quarter and first spodumene concentrate production from the DMS plant targeted in the September quarter.

    The post Up 444% in a year, what’s moving Core Lithium shares today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Core Lithium Ltd right now?

    Before you buy Core Lithium Ltd 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 Core Lithium Ltd 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.

  • Mirvac provides Q3 FY26 operational update; reaffirms upbeat guidance

    Magnifying glass in front of an open newspaper with paper houses.

    The Mirvac Group (ASX: MGR) share price is on investors’ radar today after the release of its third quarter FY26 operational update, showcasing a 28% year-on-year lift in residential sales and reaffirming the company’s full-year guidance.

    What did Mirvac report?

    • 1,896 residential sales recorded year to date (YTD), up 28% on the same period last year
    • Residential pre-sales grew 13% since 1H26, reaching around $1.8 billion
    • Strong portfolio occupancy maintained at approximately 97%, with over 90,000 sqm of leasing achieved
    • Operating earnings per security (EPS) guidance reiterated at 12.8–13.0 cents (6.7% to 8.3% growth)
    • Distribution guidance reaffirmed at 9.5 cents (up 5.6%)
    • Mirvac Wholesale Office Fund raised a further ~$200 million, totalling ~$630 million in 12 months

    What else do investors need to know?

    Mirvac’s Living business saw continuing momentum, including 592 sales in the latest quarter and strong performance at new projects in Queensland and Western Australia. Land lease communities achieved 428 sales YTD, up 42% year-on-year, reflecting ongoing demand across key regions.

    In the investment portfolio, leasing spreads improved to +6.8%, while the company welcomed new income from completed developments like Aspect North & South in Sydney, now about 98% leased. Mirvac also progressed a number of major development milestones, including approvals for a 1,750-home project at Wantirna South, Victoria, and secured contracts for Sydney’s Blackwattle Bay precinct.

    What’s next for Mirvac?

    Mirvac has reiterated its full-year FY26 guidance, with expectations for continued growth in operating EPS and distributions, subject to market conditions. The group highlights secured pipeline opportunities and ongoing progress in major projects, underpinning its outlook.

    Management flagged a proactive approach to managing macroeconomic and supply chain risks, noting construction timelines remain on track and sales fundamentals are broadly solid, especially in the key NSW, Queensland, and WA markets. Focus remains on delivering on targets, unlocking new opportunities, and ensuring balance sheet strength.

    Mirvac share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, Mirvac Group shares have declined 20%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 11% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post Mirvac provides Q3 FY26 operational update; reaffirms upbeat guidance appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Mirvac 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 Mirvac 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 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.

  • Sandfire Resources lifts cash and revenue in March quarter update

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

    The Sandfire Resources Ltd (ASX: SFR) share price is in focus today after the company reported record unaudited sales revenue of $408 million and boosted its net cash position to $76 million for the March 2026 quarter.

    What did Sandfire Resources report?

    • Group copper equivalent (CuEq) production: 34.5kt for Q3 FY26; 106.5kt year to date
    • MATSA CuEq production: 21.7kt in Q3 FY26 (YTD: 68.0kt); impacted by heavy rainfall and maintenance
    • Motheo CuEq production: 12.8kt in Q3 FY26 (YTD: 38.5kt)
    • Group sales revenue (unaudited): $408 million in Q3 FY26
    • Underlying EBITDA: $220 million for the quarter, with a margin of 54%
    • Net cash position: $76 million at 31 March 2026, up from $13 million at end-December 2025

    What else do investors need to know?

    The company retained its FY26 copper equivalent production guidance of 149kt–165kt, but now expects to finish in the lower half of the range. Operational challenges continued, especially at MATSA following a tragic fatality at the Magdalena mine and some weather-related disruptions.

    Sandfire pressed ahead with exploration, investing $9 million regionally and $6 million near mine in Q3. The company also executed agreements with Havilah Resources to advance the Kalkaroo Copper-Gold project in South Australia, laying the foundations for a $70 million pre-feasibility study due by the second half of FY28.

    What’s next for Sandfire Resources?

    Sandfire expects production for FY26 to come in at the lower end of guidance, as performance rebounds in the final quarter and cost controls remain a focus. Guidance for operating costs at MATSA and Motheo remains unchanged, but management continues to monitor supply chain risks.

    Strategically, the company aims to grow through further exploration at its global projects, with Kalkaroo in South Australia shaping as a key growth opportunity. The upcoming $70 million pre-feasibility study at Kalkaroo aims to unlock further resource potential.

    Sandfire Resources share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 monts, Sandfire Resources shares have risen 81%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 12% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post Sandfire Resources lifts cash and revenue in March quarter update appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Sandfire Resources NL 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 Sandfire Resources NL 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 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.

  • What are experts saying about these red hot ASX 200 shares?

    Three climbers scramble up a rocky peak overlooking a vast snow covered mountain range with an icy blue sky beyond them.

    Three of the hottest ASX 200 stocks over the last year have been: 

    These companies have all charged more than 300% higher in just a year. 

    If you already have exposure to these high flying ASX 200 stocks – congrats! 

    However for many investors on the outside looking in, the burning question is if there is any further upside. 

    Here is the latest outlook from various experts on these ASX 200 stocks. 

    4DMedical

    The 4DMedical story has been historic. 

    Its share price has rocketed more than 1,728% in the last 12 months. 

    That kind of growth is hard to comprehend. 

    A $1,000 investment in 4DX a year ago would now be worth approximately $18,285.70 today. 

    However after this kind of run it can be difficult to pinpoint true value for a growth story like this. 

    While holders will be jumping for joy, it’s important prospective buyers understand 4DMedical is still in a loss‑making, growth and commercialisation phase. 

    In short, the company is not yet a profitable business.

    The continued stock price growth is likely being driven by expectation as much as solid fundamentals. 

    Analysts seem to agree it may have gone past fair value. 

    The average analyst price target via TradingView sits at $4.47, which is approximately 13% below its current share price. 

    Electro Optic Systems

    This ASX 200 stock has been another red hot company over the last year, rising roughly 800%. 

    It is an Australian company that develops and produces advanced electro-optic technologies. 

    Geopolitical conflict has led to increased defence spending, benefiting sentiment around the company. 

    At the time of writing, EOS shares are fetching $10.70 per share. 

    There appears to be mixed outlooks on the future growth of the company. 

    Price targets are ranging from $9.70 (9% downside) to highs of $16 (49% upside). 

    PLS Group

    PLS has enjoyed a 12 month rise of more than 300%. 

    The company is an Australian lithium-tantalum producer positioning itself at the forefront of the rapidly growing global lithium industry. Its flagship development, the 100%-owned Pilgangoora Lithium-Tantalum Project, is located in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

    Recently, it has benefited from inflated oil prices.

    When oil (petrol/diesel) gets expensive, running internal combustion cars becomes costlier. 

    That tends to improve sentiment and drive investment in EVs, which rely on lithium-ion batteries. 

    Since Pilbara Minerals produces lithium, rising EV demand translates to higher lithium demand and subsequently better pricing and margins for PLS.

    If this tailwind continues, it could be good news long term for PLS shares. 

    However, broker estimates indicate that upside could already be priced in. 

    The lithium producers shares are currently trading for $5.92. 

    Recently, Morgan Stanley downgraded this stock to a hold rating with a $5.25 price target. 

    The post What are experts saying about these red hot ASX 200 shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy 4DMedical Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and 4DMedical Limited 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 positions in and has recommended Electro Optic Systems. 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.

  • Guess which ASX 200 stock is sinking 15% on CEO change

    Shot of a young businesswoman looking stressed out while working in an office.

    Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW) shares are on the slide on Thursday.

    In morning trade, the ASX 200 stock is down 15% to $5.61.

    Why is this ASX 200 stock sinking?

    Investors have been selling the online furniture retailer’s shares after it announced a change of leadership.

    According to the release, Temple & Webster’s co-founder and CEO, Mark Coulter, will transition to the role of executive chair on 1 July.

    The ASX 200 stock revealed that Coulter will be replaced by Susie Sugden, who will be appointed as the company’s next CEO from the same day.

    The good news is that Sugden is very familiar with the company. She previously held the roles of chief commercial officer and chief marketing officer between 2016 and 2020 and was “instrumental in the company’s growth into one of Australia’s leading online retailers.”

    In addition, Sugden is an experienced CEO and operator with a strong track record of building and scaling global consumer and ecommerce businesses.

    She is currently a managing director at Genesis Capital, which is a leading Australian private equity firm, where she is responsible for portfolio oversight, mergers & acquisitions, and operational performance across a range of businesses.

    Prior to that, Sugden was CEO of Love To Dream, which is a global sleepwear brand operating in more than 40 countries. During her tenure, she scaled the business into a fully integrated global wholesale and direct-to-consumer model, and expanded operations across North America, Europe and Asia.

    Management commentary

    Commenting on his transition to an executive chair role, Mark Coulter said:

    I am so proud of everything we have achieved at Temple & Webster. We have navigated the early start-up years, public market turbulence, global pandemics and cost of living crises, to firmly become one of the most successful e-commerce businesses in Australia. We have built an incredible platform – a team, brand, customer base and operating business that has so much potential. Now is the time to take that incredible platform to the next level.

    Bringing back Susie – a proven former executive at Temple & Webster, will provide me with more capacity to focus on strategy and longer-term growth opportunities, which will only become more important as we scale. I look forward to working closely with Susie as we continue our journey to become the largest retailer of furniture and homewares in Australia.

    Sugden appears up for the challenge of running the ASX 200 stock. She said:

    I am thrilled to return to Temple & Webster and to lead the business through its next chapter of growth. My focus will be on driving operational excellence and continuing to scale the business to meet the evolving needs of our customers. I look forward to working with Mark once again and leading this incredible team to deliver sustained, long-term growth.

    The post Guess which ASX 200 stock is sinking 15% on CEO change 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 James Mickleboro 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.

  • Buy, hold, sell: Cleanaway, Hub24, and MAAS shares

    Shocked office worker staring at computer screen with colleagues working in the background.

    The team at Morgans has been busy running the rule over a number of ASX shares this week.

    Does it rate them as buys, holds, or sells? Let’s see what the broker is saying:

    Cleanaway Waste Management Ltd (ASX: CWY)

    Morgans notes that this waste management company released its investor day update this week.

    While this has led to the broker trimming its medium-term earnings estimates and reducing its valuation, it still sees plenty of value in Cleanaway shares.

    As a result, it has retained its buy rating with a new price target of $2.80. It said:

    CWY hosted an investor strategy day and tour of its Melbourne Regional Landfill. It discussed how it intends to grow earnings and cashflows across its FY27-30 strategy period. We expect investors will be particularly pleased by management’s language about expected free cashflow growth (hasn’t historically kept pace with underlying earnings growth).

    We moderate our EPS forecasts so as to move closer to CWY’s medium term growth expectations. FY27 consensus EPS looks likely to be downgraded as higher interest rates are reflected in interest costs. Target price reset to $2.80ps given lower long-term growth assumption. BUY retained given c.21% potential TSR at current prices.

    Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB)

    This investment platform provider delivered a third-quarter update that was largely in-line with expectations.

    Overall, Morgans believes this leaves Hub24 well-placed to deliver on its FY 2027 targets.

    This has led to the broker retaining its accumulate rating on Hub24 shares with a $96.50 price target. It said:

    HUB’s 3Q26 net-flows of $4.0bn came in largely in-line with MorgF, albeit the period saw near-term run-rate momentum slow, with HUB’s flows only marginally exceeding NWL’s during the quarter. Positively, adviser growth accelerated in 3Q26, which remains supportive of net inflows outlook.

    Market momentum remains positive month to date in Apr’26, placing mark-to-markets on track to recover lost momentum in Mar’26 (ASX200 +5.5% MTD) HUB’s FY27 FUA growth trajectory remains on track despite near-term headwinds. We retain our ACCUMULATE rating, with a revised price target of $96.50/sh.

    Maas Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: MGH)

    Another ASX share that Morgans has been looking at is Maas Group. It is a construction materials, equipment, and service provider.

    Morgans highlights that the company is well-placed for growth thanks to work relating to Firmus data centre projects.

    And after adjusting for its significant cash balance, the broker thinks Maas shares are being significantly undervalued by the market.

    As a result, it has put a buy rating and $6.00 price target on its shares. It said:

    MGH management have set a new course, underpinned by a growing pipeline of Firmus related data centre projects and $130m of EBITDA from the existing (and growing) civil construction and engineering division. The business currently has a market cap of $1.8bn, with a net cash balance of c.$650m (post transaction and Firmus investment) and an expanded data centre pipeline to potentially deliver c.$333m of value.

    Netting out cash ($650m) and our estimate of the Firmus earnings (PV: $245m), we derive a net market cap of $870m, reflecting a PER (net of cash) of 11.8x (on the residual business) – cheap given the DC optionality and relative to peers (c.15x PER). Whilst the new strategic vision for MGH is in its infancy, the current share price is too cheap on a fundamental basis, while the blue sky potential gives investors the chance for outsized returns. On this basis, we reiterate our Buy recommendation with our target price increasing to $6.00/sh.

    The post Buy, hold, sell: Cleanaway, Hub24, and MAAS shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Cleanaway Waste Management Limited right now?

    Before you buy Cleanaway Waste Management Limited 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 Cleanaway Waste Management Limited 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 Hub24. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Hub24. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Santos Q1 2026: Higher revenue, project ramp-up, steady guidance

    A male oil and gas mechanic wearing a white hardhat walks along a steel platform above a series of gas pipes in a gas plant.

    The Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) share price could be on the move today, with the company reporting a 3% lift in March quarter revenue to US$1.27 billion and production of 22.5 mmboe, up 1% from the prior quarter.

    What did Santos report?

    • Production: 22.5 million barrels of oil equivalent (mmboe), up 1% quarter-on-quarter and 3% year-on-year
    • Sales revenue: US$1.27 billion, up 3% from Q4 2025
    • Free cash flow from operations: ~US$383 million, steady on the prior quarter
    • Capital expenditure: US$441 million, down from US$619 million last quarter
    • Full-year 2026 production and cost guidance unchanged

    What else do investors need to know?

    The first quarter saw major milestones across key projects. Pikka phase 1 in Alaska delivered early mechanical completion, with commissioning progressing and first oil sales expected soon. Barossa LNG reached its first equity cargoes, and ramp-up is set to accelerate as facilities return to full operation following commissioning works.

    Santos also completed appraisal success at the Quokka-1 well in Alaska, pointing to high-quality resources that may boost future production. Meanwhile, operational reliability remained strong across the PNG LNG and GLNG projects, with new contracts such as the 10-year gas sales agreement with the South Australian Government supporting domestic energy security.

    What did Santos management say?

    Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kevin Gallagher said:

    Our base business continues to perform reliably, supporting free cash flow generation. The Pikka phase 1 oil project is now mechanically complete with commissioning activities progressing well and first sales oil expected in the coming weeks. The Barossa project has had a few challenges during commissioning. Pleasingly we have now replaced the dry gas seals on the compressors and the FPSO is expected to commence ramping up as we complete the flushing and cleaning of the heat exchanger trains. The Quokka-1 appraisal well was a resounding success, confirming a high-quality resource that reinforces the strength of our Alaska portfolio. During the quarter, Santos strengthened its strategic position in Australia through key commercial outcomes, including a long-term gas supply agreement with the South Australian Government and a final investment decision on the Moomba Central Optimisation project. Our portfolio of high-quality LNG assets, located close to Asian markets, is well positioned to meet strong and growing LNG demand across this region. Our focus remains on safe and reliable operations across our base business, disciplined capital allocation and delivering our projects. As Barossa ramps up and Pikka phase 1 comes online, Santos is well positioned to deliver production growth within the $45 to 50 per barrel all-in free cash flow break even target range for the business. This will set Santos up to deliver sustainable, long-term value and competitive shareholder returns.

    What’s next for Santos?

    Santos reaffirmed its full-year 2026 guidance for production between 101–111 mmboe and capital expenditure of around US$1.95–2.15 billion. Key project ramp-ups are expected over coming quarters, including first sales oil from Pikka phase 1 and further Barossa production.

    Looking forward, final investment decisions on optimisation and LNG expansion projects are progressing, and the company’s ongoing focus will remain on reliability, disciplined spending and maximising returns as market conditions evolve.

    Santos share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, Santos shares have risen 25%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 12% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post Santos Q1 2026: Higher revenue, project ramp-up, steady guidance appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Santos Limited right now?

    Before you buy Santos Limited 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 Santos Limited 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 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.

  • Scentre Group launches tender offer for 2030 subordinated notes

    Young people shopping in mall and having fun.

    The Scentre Group (ASX: SCG) share price is in focus today, following news the company has launched a tender offer to repurchase all its outstanding US$1,312 million Non-Call 2030 Subordinated Notes (A$1,794 million equivalent). The repurchase will be funded using existing senior bank facilities.

    What did Scentre Group report?

    • Announced an “any and all” tender offer for US$1,312 million Non-Call 2030 Subordinated Notes
    • Equivalent to around A$1,794 million in notes outstanding
    • Repurchase to be funded through existing senior bank facilities
    • Result of the tender will be reported in due course

    What else do investors need to know?

    Scentre Group’s move to repurchase its subordinated notes could help the company optimise its capital structure and manage its overall debt profile. Using its existing bank facilities for this transaction suggests the Group has access to sufficient liquidity.

    Investors might also see this as the company taking a proactive stance in managing future interest costs and potential refinancing risks. The completion and financial impact of the offer will become clearer once the tender results are announced.

    What’s next for Scentre Group?

    The market will await further details once the tender offer closes, with a keen eye on how much of the outstanding notes are repurchased and the implications for future interest expenses. Scentre Group’s approach could provide benefits by reducing its long-term financing costs and supporting its ongoing strategy.

    Watch for updates as the company discloses the outcome of the offer and any commentary on future capital management plans.

    Scentre Group share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, Scentre Group shares have risen 4%, underperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 12% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post Scentre Group launches tender offer for 2030 subordinated notes appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Scentre 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 Scentre 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 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.

  • Has your ASX dividend stock increased its payout 28 years in a row?

    a graph indicating escalating results

    The ASX dividend stock Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co. Ltd (ASX: SOL) has an incredible record when it comes to consecutive annual dividend growth. Its regular dividend has been hiked every year since 1998!

    That dividend record is so old it’s almost a millennial! That’s impressive.

    Think of all the things in that time that could have caused the business to stop its consistent dividend growth.

    There was the dotcom bubble bursting 26 years ago.

    The GFC in 2008 and 2009 was a huge financial crunch, but the Soul Patts dividend kept increasing.

    The COVID-19 impacts were widespread in 2020, yet the Soul Patts payout continued to grow.

    High levels of inflation meant plenty of ASX dividend stock’s streaks ended somewhere between 2022 to 2024, but Soul Patts’ payment increased year after year.

    The latest result was the FY26 half-year result, where the interim dividend was hiked by 9.1% to 48 cents per share.

    In my view, the business can continue increasing its dividend for many years to come because of a few key factors.

    Sustainable dividend payout ratio

    The investment house pays out a majority of its cash flow as a dividend each year, but it’s not like it’s paying out an extremely high figure like 98% of its earnings each year.

    Each year, it’s retaining a significant portion of its cash flow so that it can invest in new opportunities and there’s room in the dividend payout ratio for the business to not achieve profit growth and still sustainably hike its dividend for multiple years before reaching a 100% dividend payout ratio.

    In the FY26 half-year result, the business reported that its interim dividend was just 54.6% of net cash flow from investments, which I’d call extremely healthy.

    Why I expect further payout growth from the ASX dividend stock

    Soul Patts has invested in a variety of businesses and industries that generate defensive cash flow. These investments largely have good growth potential too. It can perform in all conditions.

    Some of its larger investments include industrial property, swimming schools, telecommunications, ’emerging companies’, electrification, agriculture, water entitlements and plenty more.

    Over time, Soul Patts’ investment portfolio steadily changes to be future-focused. For example, it recently sold down its TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPG) position. Time will tell where it re-invests that money.

    What I do know is that Soul Patts is looking internationally for opportunities, expanding its horizon to find the best ideas. Additionally, the company is staying aware of AI risks, which is good considering the level of disruption that could occur in the coming years.

    With the ASX dividend stock deliberately pursuing private business investments, I think it’s a great option to own for the long-term, offering something quite different to the overall ASX share market.

    The post Has your ASX dividend stock increased its payout 28 years in a row? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited right now?

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