Author: openjargon

  • Up 44% in a year, ASX All Ords gold stock slips despite 330,000-ounce gold boost

    a woman wearing a sparkly strapless dress leans on a neat stack of six gold bars as she smiles and looks to the side as though she is very happy and protective of her stash. She also has gold fingernails and gold glitter pieces affixed to her cheeks.

    ASX All Ords gold stock Aurum Resources Ltd (ASX: AUE) is sliding today.

    Aurum Resources shares closed yesterday trading for 71.0 cents. In early morning trade on Thursday, shares are changing hands for 70.5 cents apiece, down 0.7%%.

    For some context the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is down 0.2% at this same time.

    Longer term, the ASX All Ords gold stock remains up 44.1% over 12 months, racing ahead of the 4.0% on-year gains posted by the benchmark index.

    Here’s what’s catching investor interest today.

    ASX All Ords gold stock dips despite 330,000 ounce resource boost

    Aurum Resources shares are sliding after the miner announced a 24% increase in Indicated Resources at its Boundiali Gold Project, located in Cote d’Ivoire.

    Following that 330,000-ounce increase, the project’s Indicated Resources now stand at 1.70 million ounces of gold.

    Management credited the successful conversion of Inferred to Indicated Resources to the company’s intensive infill drilling campaign at the project.

    This also lifted the total Boundiali Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) by 6% to 3.22 million ounces of gold.

    The ASX All Ords gold stock revealed that its total Resource now stands at 4.38 million ounces of gold, which includes the 1.16 million ounces at its Napie Gold Project.

    Aurum Resources’ 100,000 metre drilling program is ongoing at Boundiali. The miner plans to deliver its next major MRE update in the third quarter of calendar year 2026.

    What did Aurum Resources management say?

    Commenting on the upgraded resources that have yet to lift the ASX All Ords gold stock today, Aurum Resources managing director Caigen Wang said:

    This rapid growth is a direct testament to our unique operational model; by owning and operating our own fleet of diamond drill rigs (16), we have grown Boundiali from a greenfield discovery to a 3.22-million-ounce gold asset in just 28 months. Our group Resource base now stands at 4.38 million ounces of gold.

    Looking to what could impact Aurum Resources shares in the coming months, Wang added:

    The year ahead represents a pivotal transition for Aurum, with our aggressive 100,000 metre diamond drilling program ongoing at Boundiali to support our Feasibility Studies and our plans to return to Napie and complete another 30,000 metres of drilling before year end

    We remain focused on testing numerous high-priority targets that have yet to see a drill bit, as well as testing depth and strike extensions where all deposits remain open.

    As for funding the ongoing drill campaign, Aurum Resources reported a cash position of $61 million.

    The post Up 44% in a year, ASX All Ords gold stock slips despite 330,000-ounce gold boost appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Aurum Resources shares, consider this:

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

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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

  • ASX 200 stock crashes 12% on half-year results

    A man looking at his laptop and thinking.

    GrainCorp Ltd (ASX: GNC) shares are crashing on Thursday morning.

    At the time of writing, the ASX 200 stock is down 12% to $5.45 following the release of its half-year results.

    ASX 200 stock crashes on results

    Investors have been selling the agribusiness and processing company’s shares after it reported a softer first-half result.

    For the six months ended 31 March 2026, GrainCorp reported underlying EBITDA of $136 million, down 33% from $202 million in the prior corresponding period.

    In Agribusiness, EBITDA fell 26% to $104 million from $141 million a year earlier. This reflected weaker conditions in East Coast Australia, where total grain handled was 26.5 million tonnes, compared with 29.5 million tonnes a year ago.

    The ASX 200 stock said this was due to a lower carry-in position and reduced grower selling activity, which weighed on receivals and left margins at multi-year lows.

    There were some positives in the division. Non-grain port volumes increased to 1.5 million tonnes from 1.2 million tonnes, supporting better utilisation of port infrastructure. GrainCorp also reported an improved result from its International business, supported by record Western Australian grain production.

    Nutrition and Energy EBITDA was $46 million, down 39% from $75 million in the prior corresponding period.

    Human Nutrition performed solidly, with processing sites crushing 277,000 tonnes of canola seed, but edible oils sales volumes were lower due to softer customer demand. Agri-energy sales volumes and margins were also lower, impacted by uncertainty in US biofuel policy. This was partly offset by record Animal Nutrition sales of 390,000 tonnes.

    This ultimately led to underlying net profit after tax declining by over half to $33 million from $69 million. Statutory net profit after tax was $5 million, down from $58 million.

    Despite the profit decline, the ASX 200 stock’s board elected to maintain its fully franked interim dividend at 14 cents per share.

    Management commentary

    Commenting on the half, GrainCorp’s managing director and CEO, Robert Spurway, said:

    GrainCorp’s 1H26 result reflects a disciplined performance in a challenging global grain market. Oversupply of grain and associated low pricing have compressed margins across the supply chain and reduced grower selling activity, limiting available volumes and increasing competition for grain brought to market.

    Against this backdrop, we are tightly focused on cost management, capital discipline and portfolio optimisation. We have maintained strong execution across our network and continue to diversify our business.

    Spurway also revealed that the company hasn’t been meaningfully impacted by the Middle East conflict. He added:

    We have experienced minimal impact from the Middle East conflict to date, with our supply chain continuing to operate as normal. GrainCorp’s resilient business model, integrated supply chain and strong balance sheet underpin our demonstrated ability to consistently navigate commodity cycles and capitalise on opportunities to deliver long-term value for shareholders.

    Outlook

    GrainCorp reaffirmed its FY 2026 earnings guidance of underlying EBITDA between $200 million and $240 million and underlying net profit after tax between $20 million and $50 million.

    The post ASX 200 stock crashes 12% on half-year results appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy GrainCorp 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 GrainCorp 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.

  • The ageing Australia megatrend: 3 ASX shares built to benefit

    A happy elderly couple enjoy a cuppa outdoors as the woman looks through binoculars.

    One of the most powerful and predictable demographic shifts in our history is already underway.

    Australia is getting older, and fast.

    The Australian Bureau of Statistics projects that older Australians will make up between 21% and 23% of the total population by 2066.

    This is happening already.

    The wave of baby boomers moving into their eighties is already reshaping demand for healthcare, aged care, and hospital services in ways that will compound for decades.

    For investors, the question is which ASX companies are best placed to capture that demand.

    Regis Healthcare Ltd (ASX: REG)

    Regis Healthcare offers perhaps the most direct exposure to Australia’s ageing demographic of any ASX-listed company.

    As one of Australia’s largest aged care operators, Regis delivers residential care, home care, day therapy, respite services, and retirement living to more than 10,000 Australians, supported by a team of over 12,000 professionals.

    The business recently delivered an 18% jump in revenue in its most recent half-year result, and the government’s 2026 Budget gave the stock a further boost.

    The Federal Government announced $3 billion in additional aged care funding, including a $5-per-resident-per-day increase for concessional residents and $2 billion in interest-free loans for new developments.

    Jarden analysts flagged Regis as a direct beneficiary of those changes, upgrading consensus net profit estimates by 6.5% and carrying an $8.50 price target on the stock.

    Even after a sharp recent pullback, Regis shares have risen more than 560% over the past five years, a track record that speaks for itself.

    Ramsay Health Care Ltd (ASX: RHC)

    Ramsey Health Care is a more diversified way to capture the ageing population theme.

    Australia’s largest private hospital operator runs more than 70 facilities across the country.

    While hospital demand broadly rises with an ageing population, the most exciting long-term opportunity sits in Ramsay’s rehabilitation, allied care, and home-based care operations.

    Its rehab at home program delivers in-home support following hospitalisation for common age-related conditions including cardiac events, joint replacements, and falls.

    This segment currently represents a small share of Ramsay’s total revenue, but the growth potential is significant as the healthcare system increasingly shifts toward community-based and in-home care models.

    Ramsay’s share price has recovered approximately 22% over the past twelve months, and with the ageing demographic providing new avenues for future growth, long-term investors could be the ones to benefit.

    Estia Health Ltd (ASX: EHE)

    Estia Health rounds out the trio as a pure-play residential aged care operator with a growing footprint across Australia.

    Like Regis, Estia stands to benefit directly from the government’s recent aged care funding reforms.

    Occupancy rates across the sector have recovered strongly from their pandemic lows, and with the supply of new aged care beds lagging the demographic demand curve, operators like Estia sit in an increasingly favourable structural position.

    The combination of government tailwinds, demographic inevitability, and improving operating leverage makes Estia an interesting consideration for long-term investors comfortable with the regulatory nature of the sector.

    Foolish Takeaway

    Demographics move slowly but they move with certainty.

    Australia’s ageing population will drive demand for aged care and healthcare services for at least the next three decades.

    The companies best positioned to serve that demand are already building the capacity to meet it.

    Regis, Ramsay, and Estia each offer a different risk and return profile within the same compelling theme.

    The post The ageing Australia megatrend: 3 ASX shares built to benefit appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Regis 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 Regis 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 Mark Verhoeven 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.

  • GrainCorp shares: 1H26 profit drops but guidance stands

    many investing in stocks online

    The GrainCorp Ltd (ASX: GNC) share price is in focus today after the company reported underlying EBITDA of $136 million and net profit after tax of $5 million for the half-year ending 31 March 2026.

    What did GrainCorp report?

    • Underlying EBITDA: $136 million (down from $202 million in 1H25)
    • Net Profit After Tax (NPAT): $5 million (down from $58 million in 1H25)
    • Underlying NPAT: $33 million (vs $69 million in 1H25)
    • Core cash: $163 million (vs $321 million at FY25)
    • Interim ordinary dividend: 14 cents per share, fully franked
    • FY26 earnings guidance reaffirmed: Underlying EBITDA $200-240 million, Underlying NPAT $20-50 million

    What else do investors need to know?

    GrainCorp’s agribusiness segment saw EBITDA fall to $104 million, with softer domestic and export grain volumes as oversupply and low prices dampened grower selling activity. In East Coast Australia, total grain handled slipped to 26.5 million metric tonnes.

    The nutrition and energy division reported weaker earnings, largely from lower edible oils demand and challenging global biofuel policy. Animal Nutrition, however, achieved record sales of 390,000 tonnes. GrainCorp closed the period with a strong balance sheet, maintaining capital management flexibility and an ongoing share buy-back extension.

    In portfolio moves, GrainCorp is progressing the exit from its GrainsConnect Canada joint venture, with completion expected in the second half of 2026. The company is also investing in processing upgrades and animal nutrition capacity to support long-term growth.

    What’s next for GrainCorp?

    GrainCorp reaffirmed its FY26 underlying EBITDA and NPAT forecasts, expecting conditions to gradually improve. The company has flagged good soil moisture across key areas in Victoria and southern NSW, though some northern regions face mixed weather.

    Looking ahead, GrainCorp is focused on supply chain execution, asset optimisation, and continued progress on its transformation program. The business is also investing in renewable fuels supply chains, positioning itself to benefit from anticipated government support for low-carbon fuel production.

    GrainCorp share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, GrainCorp shares have declined 13%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 4% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post GrainCorp shares: 1H26 profit drops but guidance stands appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

  • Synlait Milk CEO resigns – the latest in a line of executive departures

    A baby's eyes open wide in surprise as it sucks on a milk bottle.

    Synlait Milk Ltd (ASX: SM1) has lost its Chief Executive Officer Richard Wyeth in the midst of the company’s attempt to turn its fortunes around.

    Directors and execs depart

    It’s also the latest in a string of executive and director resignations in recent weeks, with independent director Paulk McGilvary resigning earlier this week.

    Last month Chief Quality Officer Hila Mory resigned, and Chief Supply Chain and Technology Officer Robert Stowell also resigned in early April.

    Turnaround story?

    Synlait in March released a letter to its shareholders saying it had been “another period of challenge” for the company.

    The company acknowledged that shareholders would find the company’s performance “frustratingly disappointing”.

    The company added:

    The result reflects a period where Synlait faced multiple headwinds with little choice as to how to deal with them. At every stage we carefully analysed, costed and weighed up our options. Even with the benefit of hindsight, there is little we could have done differently that would have improved this result. Suffice to say building optionality into the business is a critical focus for our recovery.

    For the first half ending January 31, Synlait posted a net loss of NZ$80.6 million, compared with a net profit of NZ$4.8 million for the previous corresponding period, on revenue of NZ$777.5 million, down from NZ$779 million.

    In a joint statement at the time of the results release Mr Wyeth said the company was focused on six main levers to turn the company around.

    He has now resigned, however will remain with the company until 30 June “to support an orderly transition and handover”.

    Current board director Leon Fung will take over as acting chief executive while a new leader for the company is found.

    Recall flagged

    Synlait said earlier this month it was assisting The a2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M) with its voluntary recall of batches of a2 Platinum USA infant milk formula due to the presence of cereulide.

    Synlait said it had manufactured the product in compliance with relevant standards at the time.

    The company added:

    The recall was initiated after cereulide was detected through additional testing that was undertaken after new directives from New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries. The product was discontinued prior to the recall.  

    Synlait also this month said it had received two waivers in relation to its syndicated banking facilities.   

    The company had asked for its financiers to waive the quarterly minimum EBITDA “event of review threshold” and waive its interest cover ratio for the April 30 test date.

    Synlait Milk shares closed at 38.5 cents on Wednesday afternoon. The company is valued at $232.2 million.

    The post Synlait Milk CEO resigns – the latest in a line of executive departures appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Synlait Milk right now?

    Before you buy Synlait Milk 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 Synlait Milk 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 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.

  • Air New Zealand flags sharp FY26 loss as rising fuel costs bite

    A man with a suitcase puts his head in his hands while sitting in front of an airport window.

    The Air New Zealand Ltd (ASX: AIZ) share price is in focus as the airline flags an expected full-year loss before tax of $340 million to $390 million, driven by a sharp rise in global jet fuel prices. Management points to improved liquidity and early progress returning grounded aircraft to service as key positives.

    What did Air New Zealand report?

    • FY26 loss before taxation now forecast at $340 million to $390 million
    • Estimated 2H26 fuel cost to reach $980 million, up from $740 million previously assumed
    • Airline about 85% hedged on 2H26 Brent crude exposure
    • Total available liquidity remains around $1.3 billion
    • Up to $100 million in annualised cost savings identified, to benefit FY27 and beyond

    What else do investors need to know?

    Air New Zealand has made targeted network reductions, lowering overall group capacity by around 3% to 5%, aiming to minimise disruption while controlling costs. Fare increases have also been implemented, with further adjustments expected if fuel prices remain high.

    Aircraft availability is improving, with all Boeing 787s set to return to service by late June. The company’s pro-forma liquidity will rise by about $670 million once a new US$400 million secured revolving credit facility is completed. Moody’s reaffirmed Air New Zealand’s Baa1 credit rating, but changed the outlook to negative.

    What’s next for Air New Zealand?

    Air New Zealand’s strategy update through to FY31 is progressing and management expects to outline more details soon, focusing on performance, network, and fleet growth. Cost savings programs and capital expenditure reviews continue as the airline adapts to elevated operating costs.

    The outlook for FY26 remains subject to uncertainty from fuel price volatility, possible further schedule adjustments, and ongoing maintenance costs. Management is taking a cautious approach to pricing and capacity as the market evolves.

    Air New Zealand share price snapshot

    Over the past year, Air New Zealand shares have declined 37%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 4% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post Air New Zealand flags sharp FY26 loss as rising fuel costs bite appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Air New Zealand right now?

    Before you buy Air New Zealand 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 Air New Zealand wasn’t one of them.

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

  • Megaport secures $254 million in contracts, boosts ARR and outlook

    Two smiling work colleagues discuss an investment at their office.

    The Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1) share price is in focus today after the company announced contract wins worth AUD$254 million, expected to deliver around AUD$90.6 million in annual recurring revenue.

    What did Megaport report?

    • Secured three major contracts with total contract value (TCV) of USD$182.9 million (AUD$254.0 million)
    • Annualised Recurring Revenue (ARR) from new contracts estimated at USD$65.2 million (AUD$90.6 million)
    • Contracts span fixed terms: two for 36 months, one for 24 months
    • Requires approximately USD$101.0 million (AUD$140.3 million) in new capital investment
    • Capex for customer contracts to be funded by existing cash and a newly upsized AUD$150.0 million debt facility

    What else do investors need to know?

    Megaport’s new contracts are with two US-based technology providers powering AI applications. Notably, one customer is an existing client, highlighting opportunities for upselling on Megaport’s global platform. The contracts secure revenue regardless of actual usage, providing predictable long-term returns.

    To support these deals, Megaport will invest in high-performance hardware—mainly NVIDIA GPUs, compute, network, and storage. Deployment of equipment will begin in the first half of FY27, and by contract end, hardware will be reused within Megaport’s Latitude.sh platform for ongoing revenue potential.

    What’s next for Megaport?

    Looking ahead, Megaport has reaffirmed its FY26 revenue and EBITDA guidance for the expanded group, excluding these new contracts. Additional capital expenditure for the new deals could lift overall FY26 capex by up to AUD$140.3 million, depending on equipment delivery timing.

    The company plans to provide more financial updates and performance details at its full-year results in August 2026. Megaport continues to focus on disciplined growth, aligning with strategy and shareholder value.

    Megaport share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, Megaport shares have fallen 24%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 4% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post Megaport secures $254 million in contracts, boosts ARR and outlook appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Megaport and Nvidia. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Nvidia. 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.

  • Top broker just slapped a buy rating on this ASX oil share

    Smiling attractive caucasian supervisor in grey suit and with white helmet on head holding tablet while standing in a power plant.

    With oil prices surging, many investors are seeking exposure to ASX oil shares.

    While Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) are popular options, they are not the only ones out there.

    In fact, Bell Potter has just initiated coverage on one speculative oil share and has good things to say about it.

    Which ASX oil share?

    The share that Bell Potter has been running the rule over is Omega Oil & Gas Ltd (ASX: OMA).

    Bell Potter has described the investment opportunity here as a geology-led unlock of an unconventional oil and gas play.

    Commenting on the company, the broker said:

    OMA is taking a geology-led approach to unlocking a significant new unconventional oil and gas play in Queensland’s Taroom Trough. Its acreage is located within 50km of existing gas pipelines and 150km from the Wallumbilla Gas Hub. In 2025, the Canyon-1H (horizontal) well flowed oil at peak daily rates of 452bbl oil and 0.60mmscf gas. SLB’s (Schlumberger) Estimated Ultimate Recovery for a 2,000m horizontal well is 0.95mmboe with OMA’s estimated potential gross wellhead revenue of $93m; at the time of assessment, OMA’s acreage could accommodate up to 418 wells.

    OMA’s most recent 2C Contingent Resource estimate of 1.7tcf (October 2023) does not yet incorporate this latest technical success and geological data. OMA is also working adjacent joint venture acreage with its major shareholder Tri-Star and Beach Energy (BPT, Hold, Target Price $1.15/sh), and has a 19.08% interest in Elixir Energy (EXR, not rated) which is operating on the western flank of the Taroom Trough.

    Initiation with buy rating

    According to the note, the broker has initiated coverage on the ASX oil share with a speculative buy rating and $1.45 price target.

    Based on its current share price of 85 cents, this implies potential upside of 70% for investors over the next 12 months.

    Commenting on its recommendation, Bell Potter said:

    OMA is leveraged to de-risking of a new unconventional oil and gas play located close to Australia’s east coast energy markets. Over 2026-27, OMA’s appraisal program should add significant scale to current its current Resource position and inform initial Reserves and production parameters. Australia’s east coast gas market is attractive with established basins in decline, limited sources of new supply and secure demand from domestic and export customers. Oil prospectivity provides another strategic element to the OMA value case.

    The post Top broker just slapped a buy rating on this ASX oil share appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Omega Oil & Gas right now?

    Before you buy Omega Oil & Gas 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 Omega Oil & Gas 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 Woodside Energy Group Ltd. 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.

  • Is the worst over for CSL shares after this week’s sell-off?

    A man sits in despair at his computer with his hands either side of his head, staring into the screen with a pained and anguished look on his face, in a home office setting.

    Yesterday, CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) shares remained flat after the savage sell-off earlier this week.

    But the damage remains severe. The ASX healthcare giant is still down around 18% over the past three trading days, 29% over the past month, and roughly 43% year to date.

    So, are CSL shares finally bottoming out or could more pain still be ahead?

    Another downgrade hurts sentiment

    The latest sell-off was triggered after CSL downgraded its FY26 guidance. The company now expects FY26 revenue of US$15.2 billion on a constant currency basis and NPATA of around US$3.1 billion. That compares with FY25 revenue of US$15.6 billion and profit of US$3.3 billion.

    The downgrade immediately added further pressure to already weak investor confidence.

    CSL shares were once considered one of the ASX’s most dependable long-term growth companies. However, over recent years the company has faced slowing earnings growth, operational challenges and multiple negative surprises.

    Those issues have included weaker vaccine demand, restructuring changes and the shock departure of management leadership. At the same time, the broader market has rotated away from healthcare stocks throughout 2026, amplifying the weakness across the sector.

    Why investors remain nervous

    Dwindling investor confidence appears to be the biggest reason CSL shares continue falling so aggressively. For years, investors were willing to pay premium valuations because CSL consistently delivered strong earnings growth and operational execution.

    That confidence has now weakened significantly. The latest guidance downgrade reinforced concerns that near-term earnings momentum remains under pressure.

    CSL specifically pointed to China albumin price pressure, US immunoglobulin channel inventory normalisation and several other operational impacts affecting earnings. Importantly, investors now want proof that earnings growth can recover before sentiment improves meaningfully.

    That likely means the biotech company needs to demonstrate several periods of stabilising revenue growth and stronger profitability before confidence fully returns.

    Could the shares rebound?

    Despite the negativity, it may still be too early to completely write off CSL shares.

    CSL remains Australia’s largest global biotechnology business with significant scale, strong plasma operations and leading healthcare products.

    If earnings growth begins accelerating again, investor sentiment could improve rapidly. That is particularly relevant given how sharply the valuation has compressed during the sell-off.

    What do analysts think?

    Broker opinion remains mixed but still leans cautiously positive overall.

    This week, Morgans retained their buy rating on CSL shares despite lowering their price target to $147.59. That points to a potential upside of roughly 50%. The broker acknowledged disappointment around the FY26 downgrade but noted the issues appear “primarily executional rather than structural”.

    Meanwhile, Bell Potter maintained its hold rating while sharply reducing its target price from $155.00 to $100.00. That target now sits only modestly above the current CSL share price of $98.79 at the time of writing.

    Bell Potter noted:

    We think a discount is warranted for CSL considering the declining underlying earnings outlook across FY26-27, the lack of stable management, and series of credibility hits following several disappointing results/trading updates.

    For now, CSL shares appear stuck between long-term quality and short-term uncertainty.

    The post Is the worst over for CSL shares after this week’s sell-off? 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 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 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.

  • Down 42% this year, is it time to jump into Life360 shares?

    A man leaps as high as he can over his friends into a pool.

    There was at least some reprieve for battered investors in Life360 Inc (ASX: 360) shares on Wednesday.

    The family safety technology company’s shares jumped 5% to $18.76 after suffering an 11% plunge on Tuesday following another sharp sell-off across the tech sector.

    Even after Wednesday’s rebound, the shares are still down 6% for the week, 42% since the start of 2026, and roughly 66% below their all-time high reached in October last year.

    So, is this a buying opportunity or a classic value trap?

    Broad-based tech sell-off

    Life360 operates a family safety and location-sharing platform that allows users to track loved ones, driving behaviour, and emergency alerts in real time. The company generates revenue primarily through subscription services, while also expanding its advertising and data monetisation capabilities.

    Life360 shares have been swept up in the broad-based sell-off that has hammered growth shares over the past eight months. Investors have increasingly dumped technology stocks amid fears that artificial intelligence could disrupt or replace parts of many companies’ core services.

    At the same time, concerns had been growing that valuations across the tech sector — including Life360 — had become overheated after a huge rally last year. That pressure appeared to intensify again this week, with technology shares broadly weaker on Tuesday.

    Strong quarter and guidance

    Unfortunately for Life360, the negative sentiment overshadowed what was actually a strong first-quarter FY26 result. The company reported a 38% increase in total revenue for the quarter, driven by a 32% lift in subscription revenue and a 36% increase in core subscription revenue.

    Just as importantly, management upgraded its FY26 guidance. Life360 now expects consolidated revenue between US$650 million and US$685 million, up from prior guidance of US$640 million to US$680 million. That represents expected annual growth of between 33% and 40%.

    The result suggests customer demand remains strong despite the heavy selling of Life360 shares.

    What next for Life360 shares?

    Analysts also appear firmly bullish on the outlook for Life360 shares.

    According to TradingView data, 13 of 14 analysts currently rate the stock as either a buy or strong buy. The average target price sits at $31.37, implying potential upside of roughly 67% from current levels.

    Some analysts are even more optimistic, with the highest target price of $38.71 suggesting the shares could more than double from here.

    Following the quarterly update, Citi retained its buy rating and $32.10 price target on Life360 shares. The broker believes recent product improvements could drive stronger engagement and improve monetisation through the company’s advertising business.

    Meanwhile, Bell Potter also maintained its buy rating, although it trimmed its price target from $35.50 to $32.50.

    Foolish Takeaway

    Of course, risks remain. Tech-sector volatility could continue, and investor sentiment toward growth shares remains fragile. Life360 shares also still trade on high growth expectations, which leaves little room for operational missteps.

    But with revenue growth accelerating, guidance rising, and analysts overwhelmingly positive, the sharp share price decline could look more like an opportunity than a value trap for long-term investors willing to stomach some volatility.

    The post Down 42% this year, is it time to jump into Life360 shares? 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 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 Life360. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.