Author: openjargon

The James Hardie Industries plc (ASX: JHX) share price has crashed 6% in early morning trade on Wednesday. 

At the time of writing, the shares are changing hands at $37 a piece.

Despite the tumble, the shares are still up around 20% year to date and 24% higher than a year ago.

The decline comes off the back of the company’s Investor Day presentation, which was posted to the ASX ahead of the market open this morning.

What did James Hardie announce?

The cement manufacturer said it is seeing consistent demand for its products and is executing well in the areas it can control.

As a result, management is able to reaffirm the company’s second quarter and FY27 sales and adjusted EBITDA guidance (excluding Europe), and raise its FY27 free cash flow guidance to more than US$600 million, up from US$500 million+ previously. This is despite a continued challenging macro backdrop.

The company also revealed that it is targeting annual organic growth of 4% to 7% above market, with compounding earnings. 

Elsewhere, James Hardie said that it is accelerating the integration with AZEK, achieving faster-than-expected cost synergy targets. It now expects to complete the US$125 million cost synergy target a full year ahead of schedule, while revenue synergies are progressing as planned.

James Hardie is also pressing ahead with the divestment of its European operations for about US$980 million. The proceeds of which are already earmarked to pay down debt and fund share buybacks.

The announcement looks good on paper, so why are investors selling up?

What is spooking investors today?

The James Hardie share price had rallied strongly through June to August, reaching a 52-week high of $44.12 early last month. So it’s likely that investor expectations were already incredibly high. 

Investors may also have been disappointed that management reaffirmed its FY27 sales and adjusted EBITDA guidance rather than increasing it. 

It’s also possible that there is still some uncertainty about how quickly cost and revenue synergies from the AZEK acquisition can translate into earnings and cash flow.

What’s ahead for the James Hardie share price?

I expect we might see analysts and brokers revise or reaffirm their outlook for James Hardie shares in the coming days, following this morning’s announcement.

But at the time of writing, sentiment looks mostly very positive.

Market Index data shows brokers are currently split between a buy and hold rating. But the $39.20 average target price implies around a 5% upside, at the time of writing.

Analysts on TradingView are much more bullish. Of 25 analysts, 19 have a buy/strong buy rating, and another 6 rate the stock as a hold. 

But they all agree there will be some element of upside ahead. At the time of writing, the average $47.59 target price implies a potential 28% upside ahead. Whereas some are even more confident and forecast the shares to climb 50% higher to $56.05 each.

The post Down 6% today: What’s going on with the James Hardie share price? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• James Hardie lifts guidance and details long-term growth at 2026 Investor Day
• Buy, hold, sell: Echo IQ, James Hardie, Woolworths shares
• Experts reckon this high-flying ASX 200 blue-chip stock is a buy
• This ASX 200 stock is up 30% in 2026. Here’s why I’d still buy it
• Where I’d invest $20,000 in ASX shares this spring

Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has 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.

JB Hi-Fi vs Harvey Norman shares: which dividend stock wins?

If you’re an Aussie investor eyeing retail stocks for dependable dividends, JB Hi-Fi Ltd (ASX: JBH) and Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN) quickly spring to mind. Both are household names selling consumer electronics and home essentials—but they each go about it a little differently, and their financial profiles pack in some key differences too. Comparing JB Hi-Fi vs Harvey Norman shares can help you decide which might suit your portfolio if you’re especially focused on dividend yield and income reliability. Let’s dig in.

The case for JB Hi-Fi

JB Hi-Fi is a leading specialty retailer focused mainly on consumer electronics, electrical appliances and white goods across Australia and New Zealand. Trading via JB Hi-Fi, JB Hi-Fi Home, The Good Guys and e&s, the company operates stores in shopping centres and standalone sites, with a digital presence that’s growing fast.

Notably, JB Hi-Fi offers:

• A market cap of $7.35 billion, making it significantly larger than Harvey Norman.
• A dividend yield of 5.16%, fully franked at 100%, with a history of special dividends.
• An earnings per share (EPS) of $4.467, reflecting robust underlying profitability.

JB Hi-Fi’s payout record is impressive—not only has the yield stayed attractive, its dividends have been fully franked for years, regularly delivering both interim and final (plus the occasional special) payments.

The case for Harvey Norman

Harvey Norman is best known as the powerhouse franchisor behind over 270 Harvey Norman, Domayne and Joyce Mayne stores. Its footprint isn’t limited to Australia; it stretches into New Zealand, Asia, and Europe. Uniquely, Harvey Norman also owns a hefty portfolio of properties that house many of its franchises, underpinning its balance sheet with hard assets.

Here’s where Harvey Norman stands out:

• A higher dividend yield of 7.02%, also fully franked at 100%.
• A lower P/E ratio of 9.75—suggesting shares are cheaper on earnings.
• Earnings yield of 10.26%, outpacing JB Hi-Fi.

While Harvey Norman’s market capitalisation ($5.25 billion) is smaller than JB Hi-Fi’s, it more than makes up for it with higher yield and an extensive property portfolio, providing another layer of security for income-seeking investors.

Valuation comparison

Metric	JB Hi-Fi	Harvey Norman
Market Cap	$7.35 billion	$5.25 billion
P/E Ratio	14.62	9.75
Dividend Yield	5.16% (100% franked)	7.02% (100% franked)
Dividend Per Share	$3.37	$0.26
Earnings Per Share	$4.467	$0.424
Earnings Yield	6.84%	10.26%

Harvey Norman sports a much higher yield, a lower price-to-earnings ratio and greater earnings yield, but JB Hi-Fi’s earnings and dividends per share are higher, reflecting JB Hi-Fi’s higher share price and perhaps greater operational scale.

Recent share price performance

Looking at recent momentum (prices as of mid-September 2026), both stocks have had a rocky year.

JB Hi-Fi shares have fallen -28.6% year to date, currently trading at $67.19.

Harvey Norman fared even worse, down 38.4% year to date, with shares sitting at $4.21.

In the most recent trading days, both have shown mild recoveries, but the medium-term trend has been negative for both companies—not uncommon among big-box retail shares facing tough consumer spending environments.

Which is the better buy?

If I’m choosing purely on dividend yield, Harvey Norman is the standout at 7.02%—well above JB Hi-Fi’s 5.16%. Both stocks offer fully franked dividends, which is excellent for Aussie income seekers. Harvey Norman also boasts a lower P/E and higher earnings yield, and its property ownership adds some ballast if retail trading turns rough.

On the other hand, JB Hi-Fi has demonstrated remarkable earnings power per share, a proven record of both ordinary and special dividends, and simply dwarfs Harvey Norman on a per-share dividend basis, even if its headline yield is lower due to a high share price.

Both companies have had a rough run lately, but Harvey Norman’s share price has fallen more steeply—potentially making that big yield even more attractive, but also possibly reflecting some market concern.

If I had to place my chips, I’d lean toward Harvey Norman solely for the yield and value metrics, especially if I wanted maximum income right now. But for consistency, payout reliability, and a stronger track record of per-share earnings, my confidence would sway toward JB Hi-Fi over the long term. It’s very close—and I couldn’t fault an investor for favouring either, but for a high franked yield in today’s market, my pick would be Harvey Norman.

The post JB Hi-Fi vs Harvey Norman: Which dividend stock wins? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• 2 ASX blue-chip shares offering big dividend yields
• Top 3 ASX 200 shares now below their 200-day moving average
• JB Hi-Fi, GPT Group, Charter Hall shares hit 52-week low: Is there any chance of a rebound?
• Why the ASX 200 just hit a 6-week low

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 positions in and has recommended Harvey Norman. 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 draft. 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.

Shares in Neurizon Therapeutics Ltd (ASX: NUZ) are down about 45% over the past 12 months, but according to the team at Morgans, there is potentially good upside in the stock.

Key hire a positive sign

Morgans has just released a new research report on the company and reiterated its bullish share price target on the company, which I’ll get to shortly.

The broker has revisited Neurizon because the company released three news announcements in quick succession earlier this month.

Arguably, the most impactful of these was the hiring of a new Chief Executive Officer, Dr Chris Bremer, who has more than 20 years’ leadership experience spanning drug development, portfolio strategy, commercialisation, and business development.

Neurizon said that during his career, Dr Bremer had been involved in more than US$1 billion worth of licensing transactions.

The company said:

He has extensive experience guiding pharmaceutical assets from early development through to product launch and lifecycle management, as well as evaluating and executing licensing and strategic partnership transactions. His appointment comes as Neurizon advances NUZ-001 through Regimen I of the registrational Phase 2/3 HEALEY ALS Platform Trial and enters the important period leading up to topline results, expected in late Q2 CY2027. His combination of scientific, medical, commercial and transactional experience is particularly relevant as the Company prepares for the potential regulatory, development and strategic pathways that may follow and seeks to create long term shareholder value.

Neurizon’s lead investigational therapy, NUZ-001, is being evaluated as a treatment for ALS in 250 participants.

The company said its priorities “include disciplined execution of the clinical program through to topline results, continued regulatory … readiness, further development of the scientific evidence supporting NUZ-001, and preparation for potential development, partnering and commercial pathways, subject to the outcomes of the study”.

Shares looking cheap according to Morgans

Morgans said they saw Dr Bremer’s hiring as a signal that the company was looking to find development partners.

They said:

The company is unlikely to recruit a US$1bn-plus licensing operator two quarters from a registrational readout unless the Board is building toward that outcome as the preferred path. Dr Bremer has worked both sides of the licensing fence, inbound and outbound, so his skillset should be useful in structuring the dataroom, shaping the partnering process and negotiating economics if the topline result is positive.

Morgans has a price target on Neurizon of 20 cents per share compared to the current share price of 7.5 cents.

Their totally unrisked valuation is $1.50 per share, while should the clinical trial be a failure, the valuation drops to 1 to 2 cents.

Neurizon is valued at $59.4 million.    

The post Could this ASX biotech really jump more than 150%? One broker thinks so appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why did the Bitcoin price just plunge 6%?
• How much passive income could I earn from a $650,000 superannuation balance?
• Down 6% today: What’s going on with the James Hardie share price?
• JB Hi-Fi vs Harvey Norman: Which dividend stock wins?
• Why this ASX share is a retiree’s dream for FY27

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.

The ASX share Charter Hall Long WALE REIT (ASX: CLW) looks to me like a top pick for retirees and anyone wanting passive income.

Commercial property typically offers a much higher rental yield than residential property, allowing it to provide investors with attractive passive income.

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) are the structure that allows investors to invest in commercial property on the ASX.

For me, Charter Hall Long WALE REIT is one of the leading picks for retirees for a number of reasons.

Diversification

The business can offer investors significant diversification because it’s invested across a number of key defensive tenant industries that are supposedly resilient to economic shocks.

It’s invested in areas that have tenants across government areas (like Geosciences Australia), hotels, grocery and distribution, telecommunications exchanges, data centres, service stations, banking and professional services, food manufacturing, healthcare, Bunnings properties, and more.

To be able to make one investment and get exposure to all of those sectors sounds appealing to me.

In terms of the quality of tenants, the organisations that account for at least 5% of revenue include government entities, Endeavour Group Ltd (ASX: EDV), Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS), BP, Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) and Metcash Ltd (ASX: MTS).

The tenants are signed on for long-term contracts, giving investors long-term income security. Charter Hall Long WALE REIT currently has a weighted average lease expiry (WALE) of around nine years, which is a comforting length of time for retirees.

Ongoing rental growth

A REIT is not a term deposit; it’s capable of delivering growth for investors.

The business has rental growth built into its contracts, which is a good tailwind for both rising property values and increasing the distribution over time.

Some of the properties have rental income growth linked to inflation, while the rest have fixed annual increases. This combination helped the business achieve average annual net property income growth of 3.1% in FY26.

I think rising rental income is a key factor that helped the business report a 2.6% year-over-year improvement in net tangible assets (NTA) during FY26.

Strong passive income yield

The business has a very generous distribution payout ratio of 100% of its rental earnings, giving investors a large yield.

It’s also trading at a large discount to its underlying value – the NTA was $4.71 as of 30 June 2026. That means it’s trading at a 28% discount, which is enormous for a high-quality REIT, in my view.

The ASX share expects to pay an annual distribution of 25.5 cents per security in FY27, which translates into a distribution yield of 7.5%. I think that’s very appealing, and I’d happily buy some units if I were a retiree.

The post Why this ASX share is a retiree’s dream for FY27 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How to make $26,000 of passive income from ASX shares
• How much is needed in superannuation to target a $6,500 monthly passive income?
• How much superannuation is needed to target $5,500 per month in passive income?
• How much is needed in superannuation to target a $70,000 annual passive income?
• 2 ASX blue-chip shares offering big dividend yields

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

With proposed changes to Australian tax laws on negative gearing and capital gains, ASX shares with large dividend yields could be much more appealing to investors.

I think there’s something very satisfying about seeing cash paid into my bank account regularly by ASX dividend shares. If we choose the right investments, Aussies can enjoy larger dividend payments over time.

Huge dividend yields of more than 10% aren’t seen as safe payouts. There’s normally a reason the yield is that high – earnings may soon fall and/or the dividend payout ratio is too high.

But there are a couple of names that are providing investors with dividend yields of more than 10%, and those payouts may well be sustainable going forward. I’m a fan of the two names below.

Shaver Shop Group Ltd (ASX: SSG)

This ASX share describes itself as an Australian and New Zealand specialty retailer of male and female personal grooming products, and aspires to be the market leader in ‘all things related to hair removal’.

It currently has 127 stores across Australia and New Zealand, selling a wide range of quality products at competitive prices. Thanks to its position in the market, it has managed to negotiate exclusive products with certain suppliers.

The main product types it sells are electric shavers, clippers, trimmers, and wet shave items. It also sells other items, including oral care, hair care, massage, air treatment, and beauty categories.

The business trades on a low P/E ratio and has a generous dividend payout ratio, leading to an impressive dividend yield. It generated 11.3 cents of earnings per share (EPS) in FY26 and paid an annual dividend per share of 10.3 cents.

Its FY26 payout translates into a grossed-up dividend yield of 11.4%, which is an excellent yield considering the payout has grown or been maintained every year since 2017.

I think the move to grow its own brand, called Transform-U, is smart because it fills gaps in the company’s overall product offering, provides compelling customer value, and can lead to a stronger gross profit margin. Transform-U represented 8% of total sales in FY26, up from 3.4% in FY25.

Hearts and Minds Investments Ltd (ASX: HM1)

The other ASX share I want to highlight with a huge dividend yield is Hearts and Minds, a listed investment company (LIC) with a philanthropic cause.

Instead of paying management fees to fund managers, the LIC donates a small portion of its net assets each year to medical research in Australia. I think that’s a great initiative.

The portfolio is decided in two different ways. A majority of the portfolio is invested by a group of core portfolio managers on an ongoing basis.

The rest of the portfolio’s picks are decided at an annual investment conference. Investment professionals pitch their best pick, and each of those is also part of the portfolio.

Most of the portfolio is normally invested in global shares, which can provide Aussies with useful diversification.

The LIC has grown its half-yearly dividend by 0.5 cents every six months in recent history. Assuming it continues that record, the next two dividends to be paid will amount to 20.5 cents per share, which is a grossed-up dividend yield of 10.4%, including franking credits.

The post 2 ASX shares with dividend yields above 10% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How much is needed in superannuation to target a $6,500 monthly passive income?
• How much superannuation is needed to target $5,500 per month in passive income?
• How much is needed in superannuation to target a $70,000 annual passive income?
• How much is needed in superannuation to target a $60,000 annual passive income?
• 2 ASX shares with dividend yields above 9.5%

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Hearts And Minds Investments. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Shaver Shop Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Reliance Worldwide Corporation Ltd (ASX: RWC) share price is in focus today after the company announced it has entered into a scheme implementation deed with Brookfield, under which Brookfield will acquire 100% of Reliance Worldside shares for US$3.38 per share. This cash offer represents a 43% premium to RWC’s six-month VWAP and values the company at an enterprise value of approximately US$2.9 billion, or A$4.75 per share.

What did Reliance Worldwide report?

• Scheme Implementation Deed signed for Brookfield to acquire 100% of RWC shares via a scheme of arrangement
• Offer price: US$3.38 cash per share (~A$4.75 based on exchange rates)
• Total enterprise value: approximately US$2.9 billion
• Premiums: ~43% to six-month VWAP, ~32.7% to three-month VWAP, and ~31.5% to undisturbed price
• Implied FY26 EV/EBITDA multiple: ~12.1x (post-AASB16)
• Shareholders can elect to receive payment in AUD or USD at implementation

What else do investors need to know?

The agreement includes a “Go Shop” provision, allowing Reliance Worldwide’s board to actively seek out alternative bids until 15 October 2026. This means shareholders have the opportunity to benefit if a superior proposal emerges. After the Go Shop period, standard exclusivity, deal protections, and matching rights apply, including a US$25.3 million break fee and a reverse break fee on the same terms.

Completion of the transaction is subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals, including the Foreign Investment Review Board, ACCC, and equivalent authorities in the US, Germany and Ukraine. An independent expert will report on whether the scheme is in shareholders’ best interests.

What did Reliance Worldwide management say?

Reliance Worldwide Chair Russell Chenu said:

The Board is unanimous in its view that this Transaction is in the best interests of RWC shareholders. The Board has carefully assessed the proposal on a fundamental valuation basis, considering RWC’s strategic position, long-term growth opportunities and cash generation. The Board also considered the execution risk to deliver future growth, as well as the broader macroeconomic and geopolitical environment, against the certainty of value delivered by the Cash Consideration and unanimously recommends that RWC shareholders vote in favour of the Scheme in the absence of a superior proposal and subject to an Independent Expert concluding that the Scheme is in the best interests of shareholders. In addition, the ‘Go Shop’ process provides us with the opportunity to explore broader buyer interest in RWC which will allow shareholders to be fully informed when making their decision on the Transaction

What’s next for Reliance Worldwide?

The next step for Reliance Worldwide shareholders will be receipt of a Scheme Booklet, expected in November 2026, with full details of the proposal, including the independent expert’s report. A Scheme Meeting, where shareholders will vote on the deal, is tentatively scheduled for later in 2026. If the deal is approved and all conditions are met, implementation is targeted for Q1 2027. If completion is delayed past March 2027, a “ticking fee” will accrue to shareholders.

Shareholders are encouraged to take no action until formal materials are received. The board unanimously recommends the proposal, subject to no superior bid and a positive expert report.

Reliance Worldwide share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Reliance Worldwide shares have risen 3%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has declined 2% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Brookfield moves to acquire Reliance Worldwide Corporation at a 43% premium appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 10 ASX 200 shares downgraded by analysts this week
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Reliance Worldwide FY26 profit falls but receives Brookfield takeover offer

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.

Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL) shares have endured a tough 12 months. 

However, a new report from Bell Potter indicates it could now be a considerable value opportunity.

The positive outlook has come on the back of a key announcement from the company yesterday. 

Netwealth Group is a financial services and technology company. 

It provides a wide range of products and services to the Australian financial investment industry, including cloud-based investment administration software as a service (SaaS), a retail superannuation fund, and an administration business.

What did Netwealth announce?

As reported by my colleague Laura Stewart yesterday, Netwealth announced it will acquire Paradino, an AI-enabled adviser workflow automation business, for a total upfront consideration of $20 million. 

Netwealth will also invest an additional $10 million over two years to support Paradino’s growth and technology development.

For investors, the main takeaway is that the acquisition of Paradino will significantly strengthen Netwealth’s adviser platform capabilities. 

While Netwealth has historically focused on platform administration and implementation, the deal brings advice workflow automation and specialist AI engineering expertise in-house, expanding its ability to deliver technology-led solutions to advisers.

The full release can be found here.

Bell Potter cautiously optimistic 

Following the release, the team at Bell Potter updated its outlook on Netwealth shares. 

Bell Potter views the acquisition positively from a strategic perspective, seeing Paradino as a differentiated opportunity for Netwealth to expand further into adviser workflows and the broader advice value chain. 

The strong subscriber growth, low churn, adviser productivity benefits, and significant cross-sell opportunity across Netwealth’s adviser base support the rationale. 

However, Bell Potter notes that Netwealth is paying a relatively high price for Paradino, which is currently losing money. With no clear path to profitability yet, the success of the deal will depend on how well Netwealth executes its growth plans.

Big upside intact for Netwealth shares

The good news for investors is that Netwealth shares have been heavily sold off over the last 12 months, and now present a long-term value. 

At the time of writing, Netwealth shares are trading at approximately $18.77. This is almost 40% lower than a year ago. 

Following yesterday’s announcement, Bell Potter has a buy recommendation and a $30 price target. 

This indicates almost 60% upside from current levels. 

The impact from Paradino is limited. There is 10% adviser growth straight away and the price tag is fair for what could be a transformational strategic move. 

Trading on 33x, NWL continues to offer strong revenue growth potential at a discount to its prior TTC valuations.

The post Netwealth shares could be set to rise 60% in the next 12 months – Expert appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• Netwealth to acquire AI platform Paradino, boosting adviser automation
• ASX 200 bank shares led a financial sector rebound last week
• Where I’d invest $15,000 in ASX shares now
• 40 ASX shares with ex-dividend dates next week

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

The IperionX Ltd (ASX: IPX) share price is in focus after the company announced successful validation of its GenX continuous titanium production platform, highlighting major advances in throughput and reductions in unit costs.

What did IperionX report?

• GenX system achieved six times higher throughput compared to batch HAMR processing, producing over 500 kg of titanium powder.
• Power consumption dropped by more than 75% versus batch processing for each kilogram of titanium powder produced.
• Input use efficiency improved: over 45% less magnesium and more than 60% less hydrogen needed per kilogram.
• All valid product samples met strict ASTM oxygen benchmarks for titanium powder quality.
• Ongoing optimisation and engineering work are planned for industrial-scale production in Virginia.

What else do investors need to know?

GenX continuous processing marks a shift away from traditional batch-based titanium production, potentially reducing costs, processing time, and equipment use. The positive test results came from four production runs spanning 41 hours, averaging 12 kg per hour output.

IperionX’s process improvements could open more applications for titanium by making large-scale production more viable. The company believes lower reagent and power usage, along with better equipment utilisation, can materially decrease capital and labour costs per tonne.

The next phase involves integrating GenX into a complete titanium powder production line and advancing plans for the first industrial-scale GenX facility, supported by a recent US$99 million U.S. Army contract.

What did IperionX management say?

CEO and Managing Director Taso Arima said:

Achieving continuous primary titanium production has long been the ultimate aspiration for the titanium industry. IperionX’s GenX process is a continuous titanium production platform that is more efficient to operate and easier to scale. These first results exceeded our expectations: more than 500 kilograms of recycled titanium powder processed across four separate runs, with every sample meeting its relevant oxygen specification. Substantially lower magnesium, hydrogen and power consumption at steady state, together with processing throughput increasing by six times, give us a strong basis for industrial development. Our next step is the engineering and economic evaluation of the first industrial-scale GenX production line. We aim to establish a scalable platform for expansion that lowers production costs and brings titanium within reach of a broader range of applications.

What’s next for IperionX?

IperionX will continue to optimise the GenX furnace throughout Q4 2026, aiming to integrate the technology into a full-scale titanium powder production line. A technoeconomic evaluation for commercial-scale rollout is underway, targeting further cost and efficiency gains.

With ongoing support from the U.S. Department of Defense, the company’s strategy is to develop scalable, continuous titanium production for a wider range of industries, aiming to make titanium more affordable and accessible.

IperionX share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, IperionX shares have declined 62%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has declined 2% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post IperionX validates GenX™ titanium production: Major efficiency gains appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• IperionX wins US Army contract to ramp up titanium production
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

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.

The Vicinity Centres (ASX: VCX) share price is in focus today as the company hosted its 2026 Capability Showcase, highlighting the completed redevelopments at Chadstone and Chatswood Chase – two of the Group’s flagship retail assets.

What did Vicinity Centres report?

• Chadstone’s total value now stands at $7.26 billion, with annual retail sales (MAT) of $2.74 billion, and specialty sales per sqm rising to $28,000.
• Chatswood Chase occupancy reached 99.7%, with +15% foot traffic and +26% same-store sales since redevelopment.
• Premium assets comprise 67% of Vicinity’s retail portfolio, up from 51% in 2022.
• Gearing at 26.1% and interest cover at 4.1x, with 87% of debt hedged into FY27.
• Development pipeline of $2.5 billion invested since 2022, with stabilised project yields of 5.6% (Chadstone) and 6.7% (Chatswood Chase).

What else do investors need to know?

Vicinity emphasised its ongoing capital recycling strategy, shifting more of its portfolio toward premium centres and outlets. The company reported strong leasing demand and productivity lifts after major redevelopments, with Chadstone maintaining its title as Australia’s top retail centre and Chatswood Chase achieving rapid re-leasing and income growth.

The capability showcase also spotlighted Vicinity’s disciplined balance sheet management, with continued access to diversified funding and a focus on maintaining investment-grade credit ratings. The Group reaffirmed its commitment to ESG, reporting a 45% reduction in emissions intensity since FY16 and remaining on track for Net Zero 2030 target.

What did Vicinity Centres management say?

CEO and Managing Director Peter Huddle said:

Our strategy of concentrating capital into premium, differentiated assets is delivering superior value and resilience for investors, retailers and communities.

What’s next for Vicinity Centres?

Vicinity says it will continue to focus investment on its development pipeline, including the on-time and on-budget delivery of the Galleria project and revitalisation of Uptown set for early 2027. Management also flagged early-stage planning for large-scale residential opportunities at Chatswood Chase and further mixed-use projects across the portfolio, aiming to unlock additional value and support future growth.

The Group will maintain its disciplined capital approach, keeping gearing and liquidity in check while seeking risk-adjusted returns above industry benchmarks. Its strategy remains anchored in asset renewal and balancing defensive income with growth, despite changing market conditions.

Vicinity Centres share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Vicinity Centres shares have declined 9%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has declined 9% over the same period.

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The post Vicinity Centres: 2026 Capability Showcase highlights Chadstone and Chatswood Chase appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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.

Once you reach your mid-60s, your superannuation should be high on your priority list. After all, at this age, retirement has either begun or is just around the corner. 

At age 66, you’ve reached the milestone for unconditional superannuation access (meaning you can access your balance regardless of whether you’ve stopped working or not). You’re also just one year away from accessing the Age Pension payment if eligible.

That means, by this point in your life, you should know exactly how much super you have saved and what you need to be able to live the type of retirement you want.

Here’s a breakdown of the average superannuation balance of Aussies aged 66, and what you actually need at this age to retire. 

How does yours compare?

What is the average superannuation balance at age 66 in Australia?

There isn’t an exact figure for the average superannuation balance for men at age 66, but the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) provides a helpful estimate.

The average 65 to 69-year-old Australian male in FY27 has an average superannuation balance of $448,518.

Unfortunately, women the same age have a lot less, mostly because women tend to take extended periods out of the workforce. There are periods of time, sometimes spanning several consecutive years, where women earn lower compulsory employer superannuation or none at all.

The average 65 to 69-year-old Australian female has an average superannuation balance of around $392,274 in FY27. 

How does your super balance stack up with men and women the same age as you?

If your superannuation balance is on track with the rest of the population, that’s great news. But unfortunately, it doesn’t actually mean you have enough to live the retirement lifestyle you want. 

How much superannuation do I need to retire at age 66?

According to the latest ASFA Retirement Standard, the benchmark for a comfortable retirement is around $55,923 per year for single Australians and closer to $78,566 per year for couples.

To support that level of spending, ASFA estimates you’ll need a super balance of roughly $630,000 as a single and $730,000 as a couple by the age of 67. 

The figures also assume you own your home outright and that you’re receiving the age pension.

Am I on track?

In order to reach that number, ASFA calculates that at the age of 66, for a comfortable retirement, Australians should have a current superannuation balance close to $604,500.

That’s significantly higher than the average balances for Australians aged 65 to 69.

Why is the average Australian so far behind?

Unfortunately, there are several reasons.

In some exceptional cases, it’s possible to access your superannuation early. For example, to pay certain expenses on compassionate grounds, as well as terminal illness, incapacity, and severe financial hardship. 

There was an uptick in the number of Australians who applied for an early release during the COVID-19 pandemic, driven by soaring cost-of-living and widespread income loss.

The problem is that accessing your superannuation early severely affects long-term compounding growth and lowers balances in the long term. 

At the same time, ongoing economic volatility and consistently high cost of living also mean that individuals have severely curbed the amount of voluntary contributions going into super fund accounts. 

High fees and poor performance also eat into retirement savings. Meanwhile, sticking with an underperforming fund or default option is a mistake that can cost your super balance over time.

The post The average superannuation balance at age 66 in Australia, versus what you actually need to retire appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has 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.