Author: openjargon

  • 3 excellent ASX ETFs for beginners to buy now

    ETF with different images around it on top of a tablet.

    Getting started in the share market can feel like there are too many decisions to make.

    Which country? Which sector? Which stock?

    The good news is that ASX exchange traded funds (ETFs) can make that first step much easier. They allow beginners to buy a basket of shares in one trade, spread risk across multiple companies, and build exposure to long-term trends without needing to follow every market move.

    Here are three excellent ASX ETFs that could be worth buying now.

    Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

    The first ASX ETF that could be a top option for beginners is the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF.

    This fund provides access to 100 of the most influential companies listed on the Nasdaq. Holdings include Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA), and Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX).

    The interesting part is how many parts of modern life these companies touch. Devices, streaming, cloud infrastructure, artificial intelligence (AI), digital advertising, software, and ecommerce all sit inside the fund in different ways.

    It is also worth noting that SpaceX is expected to join the Nasdaq later this month after completing a blockbuster US$1.75 trillion IPO. It would add another major innovation story to the Nasdaq 100 if and when it joins.

    Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (ASX: RBTZ)

    A second ASX ETF to consider is the Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF.

    This fund is about machines becoming smarter, faster, and more useful. Holdings include Keyence Corp, ABB Ltd (SWX: ABBN), and Intuitive Surgical (NASDAQ: ISRG).

    The theme is broader than humanoid robots or AI chatbots. It includes factory automation, surgical systems, sensors, industrial controls, and the technology helping businesses reduce errors and lift productivity.

    That makes the fund a simple way for beginners to access automation without trying to pick which robotics company will win. It was recently recommended to investors by the team at Betashares.

    VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT)

    A final ASX ETF that could be worth a look for beginners is the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF.

    This fund takes its inspiration from a simple investing idea: some companies are harder to compete with than others.

    It focuses on US companies that have sustainable competitive advantages and are trading at attractive valuations. These advantages can come from brands, switching costs, patents, scale, or network effects.

    For beginners, this fund can provide a useful lesson. Good investing is not just about chasing fast growth. It can also be about owning businesses with staying power at sensible prices.

    The post 3 excellent ASX ETFs for beginners to buy now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF right now?

    Before you buy VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF shares, consider this:

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

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF and VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Abb, Apple, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Intuitive Surgical, Netflix, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended the following options: long January 2028 $520 calls on Intuitive Surgical and short January 2028 $530 calls on Intuitive Surgical. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Apple, Netflix, Nvidia, and VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • 3 ASX shares Warren Buffett would probably love right now

    A man looking at his laptop and thinking.

    Warren Buffett is not known to invest regularly in ASX shares.

    But the principles that made him the world’s greatest investor apply just as well to the Australian market as to Wall Street.

    Buy businesses with wide economic moats. Look for exceptional management with a track record of smart capital allocation. Pay a fair price and hold for the long term.

    Apply those principles to the ASX and three names consistently rise to the top.

    Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

    Buffett has long favoured dominant financial franchises with irreplaceable market positions.

    In Australia, no bank comes closer to that description than Commonwealth Bank of Australia.

    CBA holds a large part of Australia’s home loans, and an even larger proportion of retail banking relationships. The bank also runs what is widely regarded as the most sophisticated technology platform in Australian banking.

    Its CBA app has been ranked Australia’s most used financial app for years, with more than 8 million active users. This gives it a consumer engagement moat that its peers have consistently failed to replicate.

    In the first half of FY2026, CBA posted statutory net profit of $5.41 billion, up 5% year-on-year, alongside a fully franked interim dividend of $2.35 per share, up 4.4%.

    CBA shares are not cheap, trading at approximately 26.5 times forward earnings.

    But Buffett has always said he would rather buy a wonderful company at a fair price than a fair company at a wonderful price.

    CBA has been a wonderful company for decades.

    BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

    Buffett is famously wary of commodity businesses, and rightly so.

    But he has also invested in businesses with irreplaceable natural resource assets when the price is right and the management is outstanding.

    BHP Group is the world’s largest listed miner, with a portfolio of copper, iron ore, and potash assets that would take decades and hundreds of billions of dollars to replicate.

    What would attract Buffett today is the copper story specifically.

    For the first time in the company’s 136-year history, copper earnings exceeded iron ore contributions in the first half of FY2026.

    This is being driven by global demand from AI data centres, electric vehicles, and grid infrastructure. Consequently, copper has reached record highs above US$13,000 per tonne.

    BHP’s management has deliberately been building copper exposure for years, allocating capital to Escondida, Olympic Dam, and Carrapateena.

    Management has also been returning cash to shareholders through one of the most reliable fully franked dividend streams on the ASX.

    Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)

    Buffett has always admired businesses that earn fee income on other people’s capital.

    That is precisely what Macquarie Group does.

    Macquarie Asset Management now oversees $959.1 billion in funds under management.

    This has made it one of the world’s largest alternative asset managers specialised in infrastructure, real assets, and private credit.

    The nature of Macquarie’s fee-generating revenues produces stable, recurring earnings that smooth out the volatility of the commodities and markets divisions.

    Macquarie posted a 30% lift in full-year NPAT to $4.85 billion in FY2026, delivering return on equity of 14% and lifting the full-year dividend to $7.00 per share.

    What Buffett would particularly appreciate is the management track record.

    Macquarie has compounded shareholder value at exceptional rates for more than three decades, adapting to new markets and opportunities while maintaining the capital discipline that defines truly great financial businesses.

    Macquarie’s management has built a reputation for adapting quickly to new opportunities while maintaining shareholder discipline, a trait Buffett has cited repeatedly as among the most important he looks for in any business.

    Foolish takeaway

    Buffett will almost certainly never buy CBA, BHP, or Macquarie.

    He has a mandate to invest in the US and he has never shown interest in the ASX.

    But for Australian investors who want to apply his principles to the stocks available to them, these three ASX shares embody everything he has spent six decades looking for: wide moats, exceptional management, and businesses that compound shareholder value year after year.

    The post 3 ASX shares Warren Buffett would probably love right now 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 Mark Verhoeven 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 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.

  • Why everyone selling Cochlear shares right now could regret it in 3 years

    A woman leans forward with her hand behind her ear, as if trying to hear information.

    When a stock falls 65% in twelve months, it is natural to question the long-term investment thesis of that stock.

    The headline numbers at Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH) leave a lot to be desired.

    The April guidance downgrade was one of the worst in the company’s history.

    Surgeons are doing fewer implants. Referrals from the hearing aid channel have slowed. The Middle East conflict is disrupting sales in a key region.

    Add it all up and the temptation to sell Cochlear shares is entirely understandable.

    But it might also be one of the most expensive mistakes a long-term investor could make right now.

    Why the selloff has overshot

    The market has priced Cochlear shares as though the structural demand for cochlear implants has permanently declined.

    The evidence does not support that conclusion. Cochlear holds approximately 50% global market share in cochlear implants.

    The addressable market exceeds six million patients in developed markets alone, with current penetration of just 3%.

    Furthermore, the company has, over four decades, invested into of research and development, and has built a product moat that no competitor has come close to replicating.

    CEO Dig Howitt stated the following in his April ASX announcement.

    He said:

    The clinical need for cochlear implants continues to grow, particularly for the adult and seniors segment. Cochlear implants are also associated with a lower incidence of dementia, with dementia rates lower than in hearing aid users and comparable to those with normal hearing.

    Surgeries are being delayed by hospital capacity constraints and cost of living pressures.

    But importantly for investors, they are not being cancelled because cochlear implants no longer work. The market appears to be ignoring this distinction.

    What history tells us about situations like this

    The pattern of a high-quality business experiencing a temporary operational setback, being sold down aggressively, and then recovering strongly over the following two to three years is one of the most consistent in investing history.

    ResMed was sold down aggressively in 2025 on fears that GLP-1 obesity drugs would destroy demand for CPAP devices.

    Those who sold missed a sharp recovery when real-world data showed the fears were significantly overstated.

    Cochlear has already recovered approximately 6% from its decade low of $90 to trade near $95.10 today.

    What the brokers say

    The broker community is divided on Cochlear shares, but the bulls carry price targets that imply extraordinary upside.

    Jarden carries a price target of $169 on Cochlear shares, implying upside of approximately 78% from their current price.

    Wilsons Advisory has a buy recommendation, describing the current valuation as a rare entry point into one of Australia’s finest healthcare businesses.

    The consensus analyst price target sits at approximately $232, implying upside of more than 130% for investors who can hold through the volatility.

    Morgans cut its target to $107.17 and holds a cautious view on the near-term recovery timeline. But even Morgans’ cautious target implies upside from current levels.

    The three-year case

    In three years, one of two things will have happened.

    Either the demand headwinds proved permanent and the selloff was justified, in which case Cochlear shares will have continued to struggle.

    Or, far more likely based on the evidence, the hospital capacity constraints and cost of living pressures eased, surgical volumes recovered, the adult and seniors segment resumed its historical growth rate of approximately 10% per annum.

    Cochlear shareholders who held through the pain will have been rewarded handsomely in this case.

    Demographics support the second scenario. The global population is ageing. Hearing loss incidence rises sharply after 65. Dementia prevention is becoming an increasing priority for healthcare systems globally.

    All three of those trends point in the same direction for Cochlear’s long-term demand trajectory, regardless of what happens in FY2026.

    Foolish takeaway

    Selling Cochlear shares right now might feel like the sensible thing to do.

    The near-term outlook is uncertain. The guidance cut hurts and the recovery will take time.

    But the investors who will look back with regret in three years are more likely to be the ones who sold at $95 than the ones who bought.

    Quality businesses rarely go on sale. When they do, the crowd is usually on the wrong side of the trade.

    The post Why everyone selling Cochlear shares right now could regret it in 3 years appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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

  • 3 ASX 200 shares that could be too good to ignore in June

    Businessman looks with one eye through magnifying glass.

    The three ASX 200 shares in this article have not had an easy run recently.

    That can be enough for many investors to move on and focus elsewhere. But share price weakness does not always mean a company’s long-term opportunity has disappeared.

    In some cases, a pullback can make quality growth businesses much more attractive, particularly when they still have strong market positions and clear paths to expand.

    With June now here, these three ASX 200 shares could be worth another look.

    Life360 Inc (ASX: 360)

    The first ASX 200 share to look at is Life360.

    It has built something many consumer technology companies spend years trying to create: a product that becomes part of everyday family routines.

    Its app helps families stay connected through location sharing, driving safety features, crash detection, emergency support, and other tools designed around peace of mind.

    That regular use is important. A consumer app is far more valuable when it solves a repeated problem rather than relying on occasional engagement.

    Life360 also has several ways to expand its business from here. Subscriptions remain important, but advertising, connected devices, and new safety-focused services could all add to the revenue opportunity.

    The key challenge will be maintaining user trust while improving monetisation. That is especially important for a platform built around families and location data.

    Even so, its large user base, clear use case, and growing revenue options make Life360 one of the more interesting technology shares on the ASX.

    TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE)

    Another ASX 200 share that could be worth watching is TechnologyOne.

    It provides enterprise software to customers such as councils, universities, government agencies, and large organisations.

    That may not sound overly exciting, but these customers run on complex processes. Finance, payroll, asset management, student administration, property, planning, and compliance systems all need to work reliably.

    This gives TechnologyOne a strong position. Once its software is embedded across critical workflows, changing providers can be costly, disruptive, and risky.

    The company is also pushing beyond traditional software delivery with its SaaS+ model and artificial intelligence (AI) products. This could help customers reduce implementation complexity and get more value from their data and processes.

    Some software companies may be challenged by AI. TechnologyOne appears better placed to use it as a product and productivity enhancer, particularly because its systems sit inside important organisational workflows.

    Its valuation can be demanding, but recurring revenue, defensive customers, and sector-specific software give the company a strong long-term profile.

    WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

    A third ASX 200 share to consider is WiseTech Global.

    It builds software for the logistics industry, with its CargoWise platform used by freight forwarders, customs brokers, and supply chain operators around the world.

    Global trade is full of friction. Goods move across countries, transport modes, regulations, documents, tariffs, warehouses, and ports. That creates a need for software that can bring order to a complicated system.

    WiseTech’s opportunity is to become more important as logistics customers try to automate work, reduce errors, and improve visibility across supply chains.

    Its software can become deeply embedded because logistics operators do not want disruption inside mission-critical workflows. That can create sticky relationships and support long-term revenue growth.

    The company has also used acquisitions (large and small) to broaden its product capability and extend its reach across the logistics ecosystem.

    If global supply chains keep becoming more digital, WiseTech could remain one of the ASX’s standout technology compounders.

    The post 3 ASX 200 shares that could be too good to ignore in June 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 James Mickleboro has positions in Life360, Technology One, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Life360, Technology One, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360 and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Technology One. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • With 46% potential upside, this ASX materials stock is a compelling buy

    Two young African mine workers wearing protective wear are discussing coal quality while on site at a coal mine.

    ASX materials stock IperionX Ltd (ASX: IPX) is in focus today after the company announced the results of a Definitive Feasibility Study.

    The study was focused on its 100% owned Titan rare earths project located in Tennessee, USA.

    Company and announcement snapshot

    IperionX’s mission is to be the developer of low carbon titanium for advanced industries. This includes space, aerospace, electric vehicles and 3D printing.

    It is commercialising novel titanium production technologies which have the potential to disrupt the current global titanium supply chain. 

    The technologies: HAMR (Hydrogen Assisted Metallothermic Reduction) converts titanium scrap or minerals into high spec titanium powders; and HSPT (Hydrogen Sintering & Phase Transformation) converts titanium powders to high-end titanium components. 

    These technologies have materially lower production costs than other forms of titanium production through lower energy consumption, reduced waste and lower carbon emissions. 

    Yesterday, the company announced the results of its recent feasibility study (DFS). 

    It said the DFS confirms Titan as a large-scale, technically robust and high-return critical minerals project designed to produce titanium, zircon and a heavy rare earth concentrate from a single domestic resource in the United States.

    The Study underpins an initial 14-year mine plan based entirely on Proved and Probable Ore Reserves, with no Inferred Mineral Resources included in the Production Target.

    Bell Potter weighs in 

    Following the announcement, the team at Bell Potter provided updated guidance on this ASX materials stock. 

    The broker said the company now has a study to anchor partnership and funding discussions. 

    While the DFS outlines a timeline with development commencing in early 2027, we do not expect IPX will commit to the project in the absence of a minimally or non-dilutive funding solution. 

    The main game for IPX remains the build-out of its Titanium Manufacturing Campus, which is targeting 1,400tpa capacity in 2027 and has a longer-term target of +10,000tpa powder capacity by 2030.

    Compelling upside for this ASX materials stock

    Based on this guidance, Bell Potter has retained its speculative buy rating on IperionX. 

    The broker also has a 12 month price target of $8.25, indicating 46% upside from current levels. 

    IPX has the potential to disrupt the incumbent titanium supply chain through materially lowering production costs and manufacturing waste.

    The company will incrementally expand capacity and progress commercial relationships with aerospace, automotive, luxury goods and government end users. IPX will benefit from increased defence sector spending and with its focus on domestic US manufacturing.

    The post With 46% potential upside, this ASX materials stock is a compelling buy appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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

  • Here’s what brokers tip for CSL shares over the next 12 months

    A doctor or medical expert in COVID protection adjusts her glasses, indicating growth or strong share price movement in ASX medical, biotech and health companies

    CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) shares closed marginally higher on Thursday afternoon, up 0.38% to $92.59.

    For the year-to-date the shares are down around 46% and 62% lower than 12 months ago.

    Why are CSL shares still falling?

    CSL shares suffered their biggest-ever one-day crash in early-May after the company lowered its FY26 outlook after interim CEO Gordon Naylor completed his 90-day review.

    The biotech company said weakness in China albumin pricing, inventory normalisation in the US immunoglobulin market, and several operational factors had weighed heavily on profitability. The downgrade has only reinforced investor concerns that CSL’s earnings momentum is still weak.

    Management now expects FY26 revenue of around US$15.2 billion on a constant currency basis. It also expects NPATA of about US$3.1 billion, excluding restructuring costs and impairments.

    It’s not the only headwind facing CSL shares though.

    Aside from company-specific headwinds, CSL shares have also been smashed by a broad market rotation away from healthcare-related stocks this year. 

    The huge sector-wide downturn has put ASX healthcare 200 shares under significant pressure this year driven by macroeconomic pressures, a weaker US dollar, rising inflation, higher cost-of-living, and regulatory uncertainty.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Health Care Index (ASX: XHJ) is the worst performing sector by far in 2026 and has significantly underperformed the broader index. The decrease has pushed shares of many major ASX healthcare companies, including CSL, to multi-year lows.

    At the time of writing, the ASX 200 Health Care Index is down around 34% for the year to date and 47% lower than 12 months ago.

    For context, the wider S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is largely flat for the year to date and 3% higher than this time last year.

    What do brokers tip next for CSL shares?

    Sentiment is mixed.

    Market Index data shows that the majority (five out of seven) have a hold rating on CSL shares. But, using an average $143.76 target price, brokers are tipping a 55% upside over the next 12 months, at the time of writing.

    TradingView data shows that 10 out of 18 analysts have a hold rating, the other eight have a buy or strong buy rating. The average $140.60 target price implies a potential 52% upside at the time of writing. Although, some expect the stock to jump 108% higher to $193.04, from the current trading price.

    The team at Morgans reduced its forecasts and target price following CSL’s guidance downgrade. The broker pointed to issues including China albumin price pressure, US immunoglobulin channel inventory normalisation, paused Iran sales, and weaker sales in some areas. Morgans still has a buy recommendation, with a target price of $147.59.

    Macquarie also reduced its target price to reflect earnings uncertainty for the same reasons. But the broker also has concerns about the company’s ongoing management uncertainty. The team now has a much smaller $111 price target on CSL shares. 

    Is it worth buying CSL shares right now?

    Analysts consensus seems to be that we should expect an upside ahead, but as high as the trading levels seen earlier this year.

    I’m expecting more downside ahead before the shares start to rebound next year, or maybe even later, when the financial benefits of the company’s growth initiative start filtering through.

    Patient investors could see the latest share price as an opportunity to buy in the dip. But they would need to readjust expectations about how far the share price can go, and when.

    The post Here’s what brokers tip for CSL shares over the next 12 months appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy CSL 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 CSL wasn’t one of them.

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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

  • How much could investors profit off these undervalued ASX 200 shares with a $10,000 investment?

    Beautiful holiday photo showing two deck chairs close-up with people sitting in them enjoying the bright blue ocean and island view while sipping champagne.

    With the ASX 200 largely struggling in 2026, there are plenty of quality companies on discount right now. 

    Negative market sentiment and various headwinds like inflation and interest rate rises have pushed many investors into a defensive mindset. 

    However there are also value opportunities in today’s market.

    While broker targets should always be complimentary to individual research, they can provide a ballpark of where an ASX 200 stock price may go in the near future. 

    Here’s three of the most undervalued ASX 200 companies now according to experts, along with how much a prospective investor could potentially profit over the next 12 months. 

    Ora Banda Mining Ltd (ASX: OBM)

    Ora Banda Mining engages in the development and exploration of gold.

    Like many ASX gold shares, it enjoyed big gains in 2025. 

    However since the start of 2026, it has tumbled almost 14%. 

    Brokers now view this as a buy low opportunity for the ASX 200 stock. 

    Canaccord Genuity recently reiterated its buy rating with a $2.25 target. 

    From the current share price of $1.33, this indicates an upside potential of 69%. 

    This means a $10,000 investment could rise to almost $17,000 in the next 12 months should this ASX 200 company reach its potential. 

    Guzman Y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG)

    The popular Mexican fast casual chain has been heavily covered this year as its share price has fallen significantly. 

    For the year to date, this ASX 200 stock is down 12%. 

    However, it has recently started to rebound after the company announced it was exiting the US market.

    Investors largely saw this as a positive, as it has soared almost 20% since the news. 

    Brokers also quickly began re-evaluating the company following this announcement. 

    At the time of writing, the ASX 200 stock is trading at just under $19 per share. 

    Bell Potter has increased its price target to $24.50, while Ord Minnett is even more optimistic, placing a $31.00 price target on Guzman Y Gomez shares. 

    These targets indicate an upside potential of 29% to 63% upside. 

    This would send a $10,000 investment somewhere into the range of $12,900 to $16,000 in the next 12 months. 

    Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT)

    Travel shares have also been hit hard this year due to global conflict and soaring oil prices. 

    Flight Centre shares have subsequently fallen 26% year to date. 

    However, it is also being tipped to recover in the near future. 

    Macquarie has an outperform rating on Flight Centre shares with a price target of $17.95. 

    From the current share price of $11.12, this indicates an upside potential of 61%. 

    If the share price reaches this target, a $10,000 investment would reach over $16,000 by next June. 

    The post How much could investors profit off these undervalued ASX 200 shares with a $10,000 investment? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Flight Centre Travel Group right now?

    Before you buy Flight Centre Travel 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 Flight Centre Travel 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 Aaron Bell has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Flight Centre Travel Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Why Telstra and these defensive ASX dividend shares could be top buys

    A bland looking man in a brown suit opens his jacket to reveal a red and gold superhero dollar symbol on his chest.

    Are you in the market for some new additions to your income portfolio?

    If you are, it could be worth considering the three ASX dividend shares in this article.

    Here’s what you need to know about them:

    Amcor plc (ASX: AMC)

    The first ASX dividend share to look at is Amcor. It is a global packaging business that serves customers across food, beverage, healthcare, personal care, and other consumer categories.

    Its products may not grab headlines, but they sit inside supply chains that consumers interact with every day. From medicine packaging to food containers and household products, Amcor plays a quiet but important role in getting essential goods onto shelves safely and efficiently.

    That gives the business a defensive quality. Demand can still move with economic conditions and customer volumes, but packaging tied to everyday products is less exposed than many discretionary categories.

    Amcor shares are forecast to provide dividend yields around 7% in both FY 2026 and FY 2027.

    Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

    Another ASX dividend share that could be worth a look in June is Telstra.

    Its position in Australian telecommunications gives Telstra a strong base for income investors. Its mobile network remains a major competitive advantage, particularly as households and businesses continue using more data.

    Connectivity has become essential infrastructure. People may cut back on travel, entertainment, or big-ticket purchases when budgets are tight, but phone and internet services are much harder to live without.

    That defensive demand is a key reason Telstra remains popular with dividend investors. The company also has a clearer structure than it did in the past, with management focused on mobile, network quality, enterprise services, and cost control.

    Telstra shares are forecast to offer dividend yields around 4.2% this year and next.

    Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

    A third ASX dividend share for income investors to consider is Woolworths.

    It is of course one of Australia’s most important consumer businesses. Its supermarkets are used by millions of shoppers each week, giving the company a central role in household spending.

    The grocery sector is not without challenges. Competition can be intense, costs are rising, and regulatory scrutiny remains a risk.

    Even so, Woolworths has advantages that are difficult to replicate. Its store network, supply chain, digital capabilities, loyalty program, and brand recognition give it a strong position in a market where scale matters. This makes Woolworths a useful defensive income option.

    Woolworths shares are expected to offer dividend yields of 2.8% and 3.2% in FY 2026 and FY 2027, respectively.

    The post Why Telstra and these defensive ASX dividend shares could be top buys appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Amcor Plc shares, consider this:

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

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Woolworths Group. 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 Amcor Plc, Telstra 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.

  • Can these ASX shares hitting 52-week highs keep rising?

    Hand of a woman carrying a bag of money, representing the concept of saving money or earning dividends.

    While much of the ASX 200 sunk on Thursday, there were a few outliers hitting new 52-week highs. 

    Amongst those shares, notable names included: 

    • Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD) rose 4%
    • Aurizon Holdings Ltd (ASX: AZJ) hit a multi-year high
    • New Hope Corporation Ltd (ASX: NHC) climbed 2%. 

    There were various catalysts for the continued success of these ASX shares. Here’s what investors were reacting to and what experts are saying moving forward. 

    Ampol hits new 52-week high thanks to billion dollar deal 

    It’s been a great week for Ampol shareholders this week, as Australia’s largest listed petroleum refiner and distributor has risen roughly 8% in the last two days. 

    Investors have been gobbling up the company’s shares after it announced that the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has approved Ampol’s acquisition of fuel and convenience retailer EG Australia.

    The company said the approval is conditional on Ampol’s divestment of 41 sites. 

    Ampol said it has entered into a binding agreement to sell the 41 sites to Metro Petroleum.

    Citing its strong balance sheet, Ampol said it will cash settle the scrip component of the purchase price. The seller of EG Australia will receive a net cash consideration of approximately $1.115 billion.

    Its share price is now up 42% over the last 12 months. 

    Much of this has come on the back of conflict in the Middle East and concerns about global oil supply earlier this year.

    However it now appears the ASX stock is approaching full valuation. 

    9 analyst forecasts via TradingView have a one year average price target of $37.89, which is just 4% higher than current levels. 

    Aurizon hits multi-year high

    Aurizon is Australia’s largest rail freight operator hauling bulk commodities, largely coal, as well as iron ore and agricultural products.

    Its share price climbed another 1% yesterday, taking it to new multi-year highs. 

    Aurizon shares have now climbed over 20% year to date.

    This has largely come on the back of positive earnings results and a subsequent dividend boost. 

    Despite this, experts are largely looking at the company as a hold after hitting fresh 52-week highs. 

    The average price target sits roughly 9% below current levels. 

    New hope keeps rising

    New Hope is an Australian thermal coal miner.

    Like many ASX energy shares, it has enjoyed big returns in 2026. 

    For the to date, its share price has climbed an impressive 52%. 

    Yesterday, it hit fresh 52-week highs of $6.17 per share. 

    However, it also appears to have climbed past fair value. 

    Bell Potter recently placed a hold rating and $5.00 price target on its shares.

    This indicates a downside of 19%. 

    The post Can these ASX shares hitting 52-week highs keep rising? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Ampol 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 Ampol wasn’t one of them.

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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

  • If I invest $5,000 in BHP shares, how much passive income will I receive in 2026 and 2027?

    Miner and company person analysing results of a mining company.

    When investors start thinking about ASX dividend stocks that bring in a passive income, they usually go straight to classic defensive stocks or the major banks. But BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares are another popular choice.

    BHP is widely considered a premier blue-chip ASX 200 stock, with a market capitalisation of $319 billion and a strong operational history. At the time of writing, BHP is the largest stock on the Australian sharemarket.

    The miner is primarily exposed to iron ore, copper, and other key commodities.

    BHP is a cyclical, rather than a defensive stock. While cyclical stocks are closely tied to the broad economic cycle, they usually outperform during periods of economic recovery. And this is good news for income-focused investors.

    The low-cost miner has a long history of regular dividend payments, dating back to around 2006. And its commodity exposure is diversified, too. This means it is able to maintain its dividend payouts even when commodity prices fluctuate.

    But how much passive income could a $5,000 investment actually generate? 

    Let’s investigate.

    How many BHP shares would you get for $5,000?

    At the time of writing, BHP shares are changing hands for $62.61 each.

    That means your $5,000 investment would buy around 79 shares in the ASX mining giant.

    What does BHP pay its shareholders?

    BHP traditionally pays two fully-franked dividends to shareholders each year, in March and September. 

    The miner most recently paid its shareholders an interim dividend of $1.0385 per share in March, fully franked. This translates to a dividend yield of around 3.3% at the time of writing.

    Based on the latest consensus forecasts, BHP is expected to pay a fully-franked dividend of $1.91 per share in FY26 and $1.80 per share in FY27. 

    Based on the current share price, that translates to a forward dividend yield of around 3% for FY26 and 2.9% for FY27.

    It’s not the highest dividend yield, but it represents the company’s stability and consistency.

    So, what’s the estimated passive income for FY26 and FY27?

    Using the estimated payout figures above, we can calculate roughly how much income you can expect from a $5,000 investment.

    If the mining giant were to pay the expected $1.91 per share in FY26, then your 79 BHP shares would generate a total of $150.89.

    Assuming the $1.85 dividend forecast for FY27 also comes to fruition, your 79 shares would generate $146.15 in passive income for the year.

    The post If I invest $5,000 in BHP shares, how much passive income will I receive in 2026 and 2027? 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 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 recommended BHP Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.