Author: openjargon

  • Why I think CBA shares are a top buy with $5,000

    A woman in a bright yellow jumper looks happily at her yellow piggy bank.

    Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) is not the kind of share that often looks cheap.

    It usually trades at a premium to the rest of the banking sector, and that can make investors hesitate.

    But when I look at the bigger picture, I think there are good reasons why it continues to be priced that way. And for long-term investors, that quality can still make it an attractive place to put $5,000 to work.

    A business built on consistency

    One of the things I value most in investing is reliability. And that is where Commonwealth Bank of Australia stands out.

    The bank has spent decades building a dominant position in the Australian market. Its scale, brand strength, and customer relationships make it difficult for competitors to match.

    You can see that in the underlying trends. During the first half, ongoing growth in lending and deposits is helping to support earnings, even as margins face some pressure.

    For me, that kind of steady performance is important, particularly in an uncertain environment.

    Strong foundations matter

    Another reason I like CBA is the strength of its balance sheet.

    The bank maintains high levels of capital and funding, which gives it flexibility to support customers, invest in its business, and navigate changing economic conditions .

    That matters more than it might seem at first. Banking is a cyclical industry, and conditions can shift quickly. Having a strong financial position helps CBA manage those cycles more effectively than many peers.

    It is one of the reasons I think it is often viewed as the highest-quality bank on the ASX.

    Income remains a key part of the story

    CBA is also a major income payer. The bank recently declared an interim dividend of $2.35 per share, fully franked .

    That reflects both its profitability and its willingness to return capital to shareholders.

    While dividend levels can vary over time, I think the bank’s earnings base provides a solid foundation for ongoing income.

    For investors, that combination of income and stability can be appealing.

    The premium is there for a reason

    There is no denying that CBA shares often look expensive compared to other banks.

    But I think that premium reflects something real. This is a business that has consistently delivered strong returns, invested heavily in technology, and maintained a leadership position in digital banking.

    It is not just about what the bank earns today.

    It is about its ability to keep delivering over the long term.

    Foolish takeaway

    Commonwealth Bank may not always be the cheapest bank option on the ASX.

    But I think its consistency, balance sheet strength, and reliable income make it a compelling long-term investment.

    If I were putting $5,000 to work today, it is one of the shares I would still feel comfortable buying and holding through different market conditions.

    The post Why I think CBA shares are a top buy with $5,000 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Commonwealth Bank of Australia 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 Commonwealth Bank of Australia 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 Commonwealth Bank Of Australia. 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.

  • 3 ASX blue chips I’d buy for a $250,000 retirement portfolio

    An older woman with a huge smile on her face having just touched down on the ground from skydiving.

    Building a retirement portfolio isn’t about chasing the highest yield on the ASX. It’s about owning businesses that can keep paying you through market cycles, inflation shocks, and economic slowdowns.

    If I were building a $250,000 retirement-focused ASX portfolio today, I’d split it across APA Group (ASX: APA), Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW), and Transurban Group (ASX: TCL).

    Together, they offer the three ingredients retirees need most: income, stability, and inflation protection. 

    APA Group: Income engine

    First, I’d put $100,000 into APA Group, making it the retirement portfolio’s income engine.

    APA owns critical energy infrastructure assets including gas pipelines, storage, and electricity transmission networks. These are long-life, hard-to-replace assets that generate highly visible cash flow.

    APA has paid semi-annual dividends in March and September since 2016, with a track record dating back to 2008. Impressively, it has increased its payout every year for the past 20 years.

    Better yet, the stock is currently offering a dividend yield of roughly 6%, giving retirees a strong stream of passive income from day one. 

    Woolworths: Resilient earnings and dividends

    Next, I’d allocate $75,000 to Woolworths.

    Every retirement portfolio needs at least one ultra-defensive blue chip, and it’s hard to look past Australia’s supermarket giant.

    People keep buying groceries no matter what the economy is doing, which helps Woolworths deliver resilient earnings and reliable, partly franked dividends.

    The company’s scale, loyalty ecosystem, and digital investments also give it the ability to grow income steadily over time. 

    Transurban: Inflation hedge

    Finally, I’d invest the remaining $75,000 into Transurban.

    This is where the retirement portfolio gets its inflation hedge. Transurban’s toll roads are essential infrastructure assets with concession lives stretching decades into the future.

    Many toll agreements allow regular price increases linked to inflation, which means rising CPI can actually support higher distributions over time. For retirees worried about the cost of living, that’s an incredibly valuable feature. 

    Dependable income layer

    Based on conservative yield assumptions, this retirement portfolio could generate around $11,700 a year in passive income, or close to $975 per month before tax.

    That won’t fund a luxury retirement on its own, but combined with superannuation, pension payments, or other investments, it creates a highly dependable income layer.

    Foolish Takeaway

    What I like most is the balance. APA does the heavy lifting on yield. Woolworths provides the “sleep well at night” stability. Transurban helps protect purchasing power as inflation rises.

    For long-term retirees, that’s exactly the kind of mix that can help preserve both income and peace of mind.

    The best part? These aren’t speculative growth stocks. They’re essential businesses embedded into everyday Australian life, which is exactly why they deserve a place in a serious retirement portfolio.

    The post 3 ASX blue chips I’d buy for a $250,000 retirement portfolio appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy APA 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 APA 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 Marc Van Dinther 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 Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Apa Group, Transurban Group, and Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • The ASX 200 shares I think smart investors are buying after the tech selloff

    A woman wearing yellow smiles and drinks coffee while on laptop.

    The recent tech selloff has shifted the tone across the market.

    High-growth names have come under pressure, valuations have reset, and concerns around artificial intelligence (AI) and interest rates have made investors more cautious.

    But these periods tend to do something important. They separate sentiment from fundamentals.

    And in my experience, that is often when long-term investors start leaning back in.

    Here are three ASX 200 shares I think are attracting attention after the recent pullback.

    WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

    WiseTech has been one of the more heavily sold-off tech names.

    That reflects a mix of factors, including valuation concerns and broader uncertainty around how AI could reshape parts of the software industry.

    But when I look at the business, I still see an ASX 200 share building a truly global logistics platform. Its software is deeply embedded in customer workflows, which creates switching costs and supports recurring revenue.

    I think that matters. Even if growth moderates or sentiment takes time to recover, the underlying platform continues to expand.

    For investors willing to look beyond the short term, I think that could make the current environment more interesting.

    REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

    REA Group has also seen pressure, despite operating one of the most dominant digital platforms in Australia.

    Its position in online real estate listings gives it a powerful network effect. Buyers and sellers naturally gravitate to where the activity is, which reinforces its leadership.

    The property market can move in cycles, and that can influence short-term performance.

    But I think the long-term story is more stable than that. REA has consistently found ways to grow revenue through pricing, product expansion, and increased engagement.

    For me, that combination of market position and monetisation potential remains compelling.

    Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB)

    Hub24 is not always grouped with traditional tech names, but it shares many of the same characteristics.

    It operates a platform used by financial advisers to manage client investments, and that platform continues to grow as more funds flow onto it.

    What I find interesting is how that growth tends to build over time. As advisers adopt the platform, it becomes embedded in their processes. That creates a base of funds that is both recurring and scalable.

    In a softer market, flows may slow at times. But as confidence returns, I think platforms like Hub24 are well positioned to benefit from renewed activity.

    Foolish takeaway

    Selloffs in the tech sector can feel uncomfortable, but they also tend to create opportunities.

    The key, in my view, is focusing on businesses that still have strong underlying models, even if their share prices have come under pressure.

    WiseTech, REA Group, and Hub24 all operate in different parts of the market, but each has characteristics that could support long-term growth.

    For investors thinking beyond the current volatility, I think they could be great long-term investments.

    The post The ASX 200 shares I think smart investors are buying after the tech selloff appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in HUB24 Limited right now?

    Before you buy HUB24 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 HUB24 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 Grace Alvino has positions in Hub24. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Hub24 and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global. 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.

  • 6 ASX All Ords shares elevated to strong buy status after March sell-off

    Business man marking buy on board and underlining it.

    S&P/ASX All Ords Index (ASX: XAO) shares fell 8% in March due to the war in Iran and skyrocketing oil and gas prices.

    Energy prices and supply chain networks impact almost all corners of the global economy.

    So it wasn’t surprising to see a broad market sell-off over the first three weeks of March as multiple industries assessed the damage.

    The sell-off now leaves room for investors to buy the dip.

    A two-week ceasefire is underway amid hopes of a long-term deal between the US and Iran soon.

    Brokers have reviewed their ratings after many shares fell, and they see good opportunities across a number of industries.

    Here are some of the ASX All Ords shares elevated to strong buy consensus ratings after last month’s turmoil.

    6 ASX All Ords shares newly upgraded to strong buy ratings

    These ASX shares have just been upgraded to strong buy consensus ratings among analysts on the CommSec platform.

    A consensus rating represents the average rating among analysts.

    Kingsgate Consolidated Ltd (ASX: KCN)

    The Kingsgate Consolidated share price fell 38% in March alongside a big fall in the gold price.

    In April so far, the ASX All Ords gold share is up 19% to $5.22 at yesterday’s close.

    MA Financial is among the brokers that have upgraded Kingsgate shares.

    The broker also lifted its 12-month share price target from $6.85 to $6.95.

    Pinnacle Investment Management Group Ltd (ASX: PNI)

    The Pinnacle Investment Management share price fell 10% in March.

    This month, the ASX All Ords financial shares is up 4% to $14.63.

    Canaccord Genuity is buy-rated on Pinnacle shares with a $24.53 target.

    Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP)

    The Zip share price fell 19% in March.

    This month, the ASX All Ords financial share is up 19% to $1.84.

    Blackwattle holds Zip shares in its Small Cap Quality Fund.

    Portfolio managers Robert Hawkesford and Daniel Broeren describe Zip as ‘one of the most compelling value opportunities on the ASX‘.

    WA1 Resources Ltd (ASX: WA1)

    The WA1 Resources share price fell 20% in March.

    This month, the ASX All Ords copper share is up 9% to $15.19.

    Canaccord Genuity is buy-rated on WA1 Resources shares with a $32 target.

    Macquarie Technology Group Ltd (ASX: MAQ)

    The Macquarie Technology share price fell 12% in March.

    In April so far, the ASX All Ords tech share is up 12% to $66.60.

    Canaccord Genuity is also buy-rated on this stock with a $95 target.

    Santana Minerals Ltd (ASX: SMI)

    The Santana Minerals share price fell 27% in March.

    This month, the ASX All Ords gold share is up 2% to 68 cents.

    Shaw & Partners has a buy rating and a $2.15 target on Santana Minerals shares.

    Further reading

    Check out 7 ASX 200 shares just upgraded to strong buy ratings, too.

    The post 6 ASX All Ords shares elevated to strong buy status after March sell-off appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Santana Minerals 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 Santana Minerals 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 Bronwyn Allen has positions in Zip Co. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Pinnacle Investment Management Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Pinnacle Investment Management Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Ma Financial Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Why ASX dividend investing still works for building long-term wealth

    Man holding Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.

    Dividend investing has long been a favourite strategy for Australian investors. And while market trends come and go, the appeal of generating regular income from a portfolio of shares like BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) remains as strong as ever.

    But dividend investing is not just about income. When done well, it can also be a powerful way to build wealth over time.

    More than just passive income

    At its simplest, dividend investing involves buying shares in companies that return a portion of their profits to shareholders.

    This income can be used to fund lifestyle expenses or, importantly, reinvested to accelerate portfolio growth.

    That reinvestment is where things get interesting. By using dividends to buy more ASX shares, investors can benefit from compounding. Over time, this can lead to a snowball effect, where both capital and income grow together.

    The power of reliability

    One of the key advantages of dividend investing is the focus on established, profitable businesses.

    Companies that consistently pay dividends are often those with strong cash flows, resilient business models, and disciplined management teams. These characteristics can make them more stable during periods of market volatility.

    In Australia, sectors such as banking, supermarkets, infrastructure, and telecommunications have traditionally been strong dividend payers. These businesses provide essential services, which helps support earnings even when economic conditions are challenging.

    Franking credits

    A unique feature of dividend investing in Australia is the benefit of franking credits.

    Fully franked dividends come with a tax credit for the corporate tax already paid by the company. For many investors, particularly retirees, this can significantly increase the effective yield of their investments.

    This system makes Australian dividend shares especially attractive compared to international markets, where similar tax advantages may not exist.

    Not all dividends are created equal

    While high dividend yields can be tempting, they are not always a sign of quality.

    In some cases, an unusually high dividend yield may reflect underlying problems within a company. If earnings are under pressure, dividends may be cut, which can also lead to share price declines.

    That is why it is important to look beyond the headline yield. Factors such as payout ratios, earnings growth, and balance sheet strength can provide a better indication of whether a dividend is sustainable.

    Balancing income and growth

    A common misconception is that dividend investing means sacrificing growth. In reality, many of the best dividend-paying companies also deliver steady earnings expansion over time.

    This creates a powerful combination. Investors receive regular income while also benefiting from capital appreciation.

    By blending reliable dividend payers with companies that have the potential to grow their distributions over time, it is possible to build a portfolio that supports both current income and future wealth.

    A long-term strategy

    Like any investment approach, dividend investing requires patience.

    Markets will fluctuate, and dividend payments may vary from year to year. But over the long run, owning high-quality businesses that generate consistent cash flow can provide both stability and growth.

    For investors seeking a straightforward and proven way to build wealth, dividend investing remains a strategy well worth considering.

    The post Why ASX dividend investing still works for building long-term wealth appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy BHP Group shares, consider this:

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

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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

  • Morgans says this exciting small-cap ASX share could rise almost 50%

    4 teenagers playing mobile game

    Do you have a high tolerance for risk? If you do, then it could be worth considering an investment in the small-cap ASX share in this article.

    That’s because Morgans believes the exciting company could be a small-cap ASX share to buy now.

    Which small-cap ASX share?

    The small cap that Morgans is bullish on is 6K Additive Inc (ASX: 6KA).

    It describes itself as a US-based manufacturer and trusted supplier of premium metal powders for additive manufacturing and alloy additions for the aluminium melt industry. Importantly, it notes that all its products are made from sustainable sources.

    The company highlights that its manufacturing process produces the highest quality metal powders that are truly spherical, void of porosity and satellites with better unit economics than competing technologies.

    What is the broker saying?

    Morgans is positive on the company’s outlook, highlighting that it has a growing customer base filled with some very large names. It said:

    6K Additive (6KA) is a US-based advanced materials company that upcycles metal waste into engineered feedstock, producing high-value powders and alloys for aerospace, defence, medical, energy, and industrial applications. The company delivered 4Q25 revenue of US$5.6m (representing a run-rate of ~US$22.4m pa) with over 100 active customers including ABB, Boeing and Ford.

    6KA has a potential sales pipeline of ~US$250m pa and plans to use proceeds from its recent IPO (Dec-25) to consolidate and scale its operations in the US. This will result in a 5x increase in powder production capacity (from 200mt to 1,000mt) and deliver significant margin improvement and production efficiency.

    In light of this, the broker has initiated coverage on the small-cap ASX share with a speculative buy rating and $1.30 price target.

    Based on its current share price of 88 cents, this implies potential upside of almost 50% for investors over the next 12 months.

    Commenting on its speculative buy recommendation, the broker said:

    We initiate coverage on 6KA with a SPECULATIVE BUY rating and a target price of $1.30. Backed by proven technology, a closed-loop model, and broad customer validation, we believe the company is well-positioned to benefit from strong demand in metal additive manufacturing and US government initiatives to reshore the sourcing and processing of critical minerals.

    Trading on 3.7x FY27F (Jun Y/E equivalent) EV/Revenue versus a domestic peer median of 9.5x, we view 6KA’s valuation as relatively attractive – though suited to more assertive investors.

    The post Morgans says this exciting small-cap ASX share could rise almost 50% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in The Boeing Company right now?

    Before you buy The Boeing Company 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 The Boeing Company 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 Boeing. 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.

  • These ASX blue chips now look too cheap to ignore

    A man looking at his laptop and thinking.

    It is not often that high-quality blue chip shares trade at discounted valuations. These are typically businesses with strong competitive advantages, global earnings, and long track records of performance.

    But from time to time, even the best companies fall out of favour.

    Right now, a handful of ASX blue chips appear to be in that position. Here are three that could be worth a closer look.

    CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

    CSL is widely regarded as one of Australia’s highest-quality companies, but the biotech giant’s shares have come under pressure in recent times.

    This has been driven by earnings misses, margin pressures, a tough operating environment, and leadership changes.

    However, these are largely transitional issues rather than structural ones.

    CSL still operates a global leader in plasma therapies and vaccines, with strong demand drivers linked to ageing populations and rising healthcare needs. As plasma collection normalises and efficiencies improve, there is potential for margins to recover.

    For long-term investors, this could be one of those rare opportunities to buy a premium healthcare business at a more reasonable price.

    Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH)

    Another ASX blue chip that could be looking attractive is Cochlear.

    Short-term concerns around softer demand have weighed on sentiment. But this does not change the underlying demand for hearing solutions.

    Cochlear benefits from a powerful structural tailwind. Hearing loss is a growing global issue, and access to treatment is still underpenetrated in many regions.

    The company also enjoys a strong competitive position, supported by technology leadership and a global distribution network.

    For investors willing to look beyond near-term noise, Cochlear’s long-term growth story appears firmly intact.

    Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE)

    A third ASX blue chip that may be undervalued is Treasury Wine Estates.

    The company has faced a number of challenges in recent years, including shifting consumer preferences and disruptions to key export markets. These issues have weighed on its share price and created uncertainty around its outlook.

    However, Treasury Wine is in the process of reshaping its portfolio.

    The focus is increasingly on premium and luxury brands, where margins are higher and demand tends to be more resilient. This shift is helping the company reduce reliance on lower-margin products and improve the quality of its earnings.

    In addition, improving trade dynamics and stabilising conditions in key markets could provide a tailwind over time.

    While not without risks, Treasury Wine Estates could offer a compelling turnaround opportunity for patient investors.

    The post These ASX blue chips now look too cheap to ignore appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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

  • Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy right now

    Red buy button on an Apple keyboard with a finger on it.

    It has been another busy week for many of Australia’s top brokers. This has led to the release of a number of broker notes.

    Three broker buy ratings that you might want to know more about are summarised below. Here’s why brokers think these ASX shares are in the buy zone right now:

    Genesis Minerals Ltd (ASX: GMD)

    According to a note out of Bell Potter, its analysts have retained their buy rating and $9.90 price target on this gold miner’s shares. The broker has been looking ahead to the release of its third-quarter update this month. While it is expecting a small decline in production compared to the last quarter, it is forecasting production ahead of consensus estimates. Outside this, the broker remains very positive on gold and believes Genesis Minerals would be a good way to gain exposure to it. This is especially the case given the discount its shares trade on compared to peers. The Genesis Minerals share price is trading at $6.54 this afternoon.

    Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

    A note out of UBS reveals that its analysts have retained their buy rating and $33.92 price target on this industrial property company’s shares. This follows news that Goodman has formed a joint venture with DataBank for its Los Angeles data centre. This will enable the launch of a new 32MW facility in the city, which is one of the most supply-constrained data centre markets in the United States. UBS is positive on the deal and believes it could generate strong profits. Overall, the broker highlights that this deal demonstrates Goodman’s ability to secure partners and execute on its data centre strategy. The Goodman share price is fetching $27.89 at the time of writing.

    Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG)

    Analysts at Morgans have upgraded this pharmacy chain operator and wholesale distributor’s shares to a buy rating with a $3.36 price target. According to the note, the broker believes Sigma is well-placed to deliver strong earnings growth over the medium term. This is expected to be underpinned by same store sales growth, store rollouts, and synergies from the Chemist Warehouse merger. And given recent share price weakness, it sees now as an opportune to invest. The Sigma Healthcare share price is trading at $2.72 today.

    The post Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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

  • Why this ASX mining stock could be a strong buy after major milestone

    A smiling woman holds a Facebook like sign above her head.

    If you are hunting for exposure to the mining sector, then it could be worth considering the ASX mining stock in this article.

    That’s because the team at Bell Potter believes it could be a strong buy following the achievement of a major milestone.

    Which ASX mining stock?

    The stock that has caught the eye of Bell Potter is Develop Global Ltd (ASX: DVP).

    It notes that the company operates under a hybrid model as an underground mining contractor and owner of three mining assets. These are the Woodlawn Zinc-Copper Mine, the Sulphur Springs Zinc-Copper Project, and Pioneer Dome. The latter is a hard rock lithium deposit.

    Bell Potter highlights that the ASX mining stock has achieved steady-state production ahead of its nameplate processing capacity rate. It said:

    DVP announced steady-state production exceeded the nameplate processing capacity rate of 850ktpa during the March 2026 quarter. Mined tonnes grew 46% QoQ to 181,973t, with stoping tonnes rising 53% QoQ and processed tonnes lifted 25% QoQ to 176,550t (BPe 185,000t). During March, mined ore was 80,510t (966ktpa annualised) and processed ore was 77,741t (933ktpa annualised).

    Metal concentrate tonnes rose 50% QoQ to 14,219t and metal concentrate value rose 66% QoQ. We are expecting to see historically low zinc TC/RC and negative copper TCs translate into an expansion in Net Smelter Returns and net revenue.

    The good news is that this comes at a time when commodity prices are looking favourable for Develop Global.

    But the positives may not end there. Bell Potter highlights that there are a number of upcoming catalysts that could be a boost to its share price. It adds:

    Upcoming catalysts: 1) Demonstration of Woodlawn earnings and FCF growth (at least consistent with BPe); 2) updates on Woodlawn exploration; 3) Sulphur Springs FID and financing package finalisation; 4) a third Mining Services contract award; and 5) Pioneer Dome offtake and financing.

    Strong potential returns

    According to the note, Bell Potter has retained its buy rating on the ASX mining stock with an improved price target of $6.50.

    Based on its current share price of $5.51, this implies potential upside of 18% for investors over the next 12 months.

    Commenting on its buy recommendation, the broker said:

    Woodlawn steady-state production is coinciding with favourable copper, zinc and silver market fundamentals, bolstering the case for consensus outperformance. The strong operational track-record at Woodlawn should give investors comfort in DVP’s ability to deliver similar timely outcomes at Sulphur Springs and Pioneer Dome.

    The post Why this ASX mining stock could be a strong buy after major milestone appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Develop Global right now?

    Before you buy Develop Global 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 Develop Global wasn’t one of them.

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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

  • Broker sees 26% upside in ASX healthcare share behind Chemist Warehouse

    A senior pharmacist talks to a customer at the counter in a shop.

    Morgans has just upgraded its rating on ASX healthcare share Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG) due to ongoing share price weakness.

    The Sigma Healthcare share price is $2.73 on Friday, up 0.9% today but down 7.3% in the year to date (YTD).

    Sigma Healthcare merged with Chemist Warehouse last year, and also owns other pharmacy chains, Amcal and Discount Drug Stores.

    The blockbuster merger, completed in February 2025, sent the Sigma Healthcare share price to a multi-decade high of $3.28 by June.

    The merged group now supports more than 880 franchised pharmacies and supplies more than 3,500 chemists across Australia. 

    It has operations in New Zealand, Ireland, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as well.

    Market exuberance around the deal began to wear off in the second half of last year.

    The Sigma share price has fallen 17% since its peak as the broader healthcare sector also encountered multiple headwinds.

    Sigma Healthcare shares touched a 15-month low of $2.58 apiece last month.

    Morgans ‘prescribing long term growth’

    In a new note released yesterday, Morgans said ongoing share price weakness had prompted it to upgrade the ASX healthcare share.

    Morgans titled its note ‘prescribing long term growth’ and moved its rating up from accumulate to buy.

    The broker kept its 12-month share price target at $3.36.

    Morgans said it is forecasting about 20% growth in earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) over the next few years.

    The broker said it expects strong like-for-like sales growth and new stores to be rolled out domestically and internationally.

    It also anticipates operating efficiencies and about $100 million per annum in synergies by FY29.

    The broker commented:

    Given the share price weakness, we have upgraded our recommendation to BUY (from ACCUMULATE) with an unchanged target price of $3.36 and 26% upside.

    Morgans previously described Sigma Healthcare’s 1H FY26 report as “solid” and in line with consensus expectations.

    What do other experts think?

    Ord Minnett and Jefferies also upgraded Sigma Healthcare shares to a buy rating over the past few weeks.

    Ord Minnett lowered its 12-month target from $3.40 to $3.30, while Jefferies has a target of $3.05.

    Meanwhile, RBC Capital recently initiated coverage on the ASX healthcare share with a hold rating and a $2.50 target.

    Macquarie also has a hold rating and lifted its share price target from $3 to $3.20 early last month.

    Jarden also upgraded Sigma Healthcare shares to a buy rating in late February, with a $3.60 price target.

    The post Broker sees 26% upside in ASX healthcare share behind Chemist Warehouse appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Sigma Healthcare right now?

    Before you buy Sigma Healthcare 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 Sigma Healthcare 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 Bronwyn Allen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.