Author: openjargon

  • Why is the ASX 200 down so much on Monday?

    A disappointed female investor sits in front of her laptop and puts her hand to her forehead and closes her eyes in disappointment over share price falls.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is kicking of the week with a whimper.

    In morning trade on Monday, the benchmark Aussie index is down 1.6% at 8,294 points.

    The ASX 200 isn’t getting any help from the two biggest listed Aussie stocks either. BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares are down 2.6%, and Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares are down 1.1% today.

    Taking a look at some of the key sectors, the S&P/ASX All Technology Index (ASX: XTX) is down 1.6% while the gold miners are doing it tougher. Amid ongoing pressure on the gold price, the S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) is down 6.1%.

    As you might expect with the global oil price surge, the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) is one of the few bright points, up 0.2%. Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) shares are up 0.8%.

    Here’s what’s happening.

    Why is the ASX 200 tumbling today?

    The Aussie stock market is following US markets lower today.

    On Friday, the S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX) closed down 1.5%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) ended the day down 2%.

    US and ASX 200 investor concerns are mounting that the war in Iran could spread deeper into the Middle East, with no clear endpoint in sight.

    This sees the Brent crude oil price trading at US$112 per barrel today, up more than 84% since 1 January. That, in turn, is fuelling concerns that the resulting inflation will see central banks like the US Federal Reserve turn to raising interest rates in 2026 rather than cutting them as markets have long been pricing in.

    And US President Donald Trump didn’t ease those concerns, when over the weekend he threatened that the US will “obliterate” Iran’s power plants if the nation doesn’t reopen the critical Strait of Hormuz shipping route within 48 hours.

    What are the experts saying?

    Commenting on the selling pressure on the ASX 200 and global stock markets, Stephen Miller, an investment strategy adviser at GSFM in Sydney, said (quoted by The Australian Financial Review), “Markets are starting to wake up to the fact that even if this conflict gets resolved or de-escalates, the impact on oil markets will be longer lasting.”

    Miller pointed to the 0.10% increase in US Treasury yields as indicative to rising bets on a looming Fed interest rate increase.

    “The US bond market finally had a big meltdown,” he said. “It’s telling you that [investors] are starting to get worried about the ongoing inflation impacts of higher oil prices.”

    Then there’s all the uncertainty thrown up by the open-ended Iran war. There are a few things that equity markets like less than uncertainty.

    “The current state of affairs are certainly, I think, more uncertain than I can remember. I think there is, to some degree, more uncertainty now than there was in COVID,” Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH) CEO Dig Howitt said (quoted by the AFR).

    Howitt noted:

    At least COVID, we sort of knew after the first month or so … what we were dealing with. Here, I think we’re still not quite sure exactly what we’re dealing with and what the flow-on implications and impacts are.

    With today’s intraday losses factored in, the ASX 200 remains up 4.4% over 12 months.

    The post Why is the ASX 200 down so much on Monday? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Wondering where you should invest $1,000 right now?

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for over ten years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    Scott just revealed what he believes could be the ‘five best ASX stocks’ for investors to buy right now. We believe these stocks are trading at attractive prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now…

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

  • Where I’d invest $10,000 into ASX growth shares on this painful day for the stock market

    Purple tech growth chart.

    It’s a rare time when ASX growth shares collectively go through a significant bump in their valuations. Today is one of those days when the stock market is hit.

    The market is understandably nervous about events in the Middle East and what might happen this week. As unsettling as that is, investors can still make investment decisions with their portfolios.

    If I were going to invest $10,000 today – and I am planning to put money to work today (into ASX dividend shares for passive income) – the ASX growth shares I’d buy today would be the following.

    Tuas Ltd (ASX: TUA)

    I regularly like to say that we should only invest in ASX shares that we’d be happy to invest more in if they declined in price. Both of my ASX growth share ideas are ones I’ve already put real money into, and I’d definitely buy more of.

    Tuas is a rapidly growing Singaporean telecommunications company that is seeing pleasing expansion of its financials.

    In FY25, the business reported revenue growth of 29% to $151.3 million, and operating profit (EBITDA) grew by 38% to $68.4 million. This shows both the strength of its growth in Singapore and the operating leverage the business is delivering, leading to rising profit margins.

    In the AGM update, the company reported that its active mobile subscribers increased 20% year over year to 1.34 million, while active broadband services increased 41% quarter over quarter to 36,200.

    With ongoing market share wins, a great value offering for customers, improving profit margins, an upcoming profit-boosting acquisition (M1), and the potential to expand internationally, I think this ASX growth share is one to watch.

    Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW)

    Temple & Webster is a leading online retailer of furniture and homewares, selling hundreds of thousands of items.

    The company has suffered a dramatic sell-off this year, despite achieving the most revenue and the biggest market share in its history.

    I like that the ASX growth share is prioritising growth over short-term profitability because scale advantages will come with their own benefits in the coming years, including lower fixed costs as a percentage of revenue, better terms with suppliers, and a bigger marketing budget.

    The business is benefiting from structural growth as more people shop online. The market share of homewares and furniture that’s transacted online has reached 20%. The UK has reached around 30%, suggesting further potential growth ahead for Australian online retail.

    I’m also excited about the home improvement product segment of the business. It’s just a small part of the overall company at this stage, but it grew revenue by 47% in the first half of FY26 to $30 million (with private label penetration reaching 25%). This could become increasingly important in the coming years if it continues growing much faster than the rest of the business.

    I think this ASX growth share has a lot of potential, and it’s significantly undervalued on a long-term basis.

    The post Where I’d invest $10,000 into ASX growth shares on this painful day for the stock market appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Tuas Limited shares, consider this:

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

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Temple & Webster Group and Tuas. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Here’s the latest earnings forecast out to 2030 for NAB shares

    A group of five people dressed in black business suits scrabble in a flurry of banknotes that are whirling around them, some in the air, others on the ground as some of them bend to pick up the money.

    Owning National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) shares could be a compelling choice this year because of how the economic situation is developing.

    The ASX bank share‘s earnings are fairly exposed to the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) cash rate.

    Generally, a higher RBA cash rate means NAB can earn a higher net interest margin (NIM) from lending out money that it doesn’t pay much/any interest on (such as transaction accounts). However, a higher rate could mean a higher risk of loan arrears and bad debts.

    It’s uncertain at this stage how high inflation and interest rates will go. But, these are latest forecasts for earnings from broker UBS on where NAB’s earnings could change, which includes analysis on the latest quarterly update from the bank.

    FY26

    After seeing a record quarterly result in the first quarter of FY26, broker UBS decided to increase its earnings per share (EPS) estimates for FY26 by 2.8%, for FY27 by 2.1% and for FY28 by 0.8%, largely driven by an improving NIM and reduced credit charges in FY26 and FY27.

    NAB’s FY26 first quarter earnings increased 16% year-over-year to $2.02 billion, while underlying profit rose by 11% year-over-year.

    UBS noted that NAB’s NIM improved by 2 basis points (0.02%) to 1.8% over the quarter, supporting strong net interest income (NII) growth on the back of loan growth. NAB’s total loans and acceptances (GLAs) rose by 6%.

    Costs were largely flat compared to the second-half quarterly average, but up 5% year-over-year because of tech spending and staff inflation.

    UBS also said that NAB’s business lending was progressing more profitably its than peers, excluding Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA).

    The broker thinks investors will focus on continued cost management, as well as loan growth with how the market treats the NAB share price.

    UBS currently estimates that NAB could generate net profit of $7.5 billion in FY26.

    FY27

    The profit is expected to continue rising in the subsequent financial years.

    In the 2027 financial year, NAB is projected to generate $7.7 billion of net profit.

    FY28

    UBS expects that NAB could deliver further net profit growth in the 2028 financial year, with net profit rising to $8 billion.

    FY29

    The 2029 financial year could see further growth in net profit, with earnings rising to $8.7 billion.

    FY30

    In the 2030 financial year, NAB could see net profit climb again in the final year of this series of projections, with earnings potentially climbing to $9.2 billion.

    The post Here’s the latest earnings forecast out to 2030 for NAB shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in National Australia Bank Limited right now?

    Before you buy National Australia Bank Limited shares, consider this:

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

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has 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.

  • 2 top ASX shares I’d buy today amid falling prices

    A group of people in suits watch as a man puts his hand up to take the opportunity.

    ASX share prices are always changing, which means investors have the opportunity to buy and sell at different times.

    When share prices are at their cheapest, those low valuations often coincide with the market becoming afraid of something that’s developing negatively like a pandemic or inflation.

    As Warren Buffett once said:

    Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful.

    Below are two picks I’m optimistic about for the long-term and feeling greedy for this week.

    Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG)

    Sigma’s key business is Chemist Warehouse, the leader in Australia. Most of its earnings are generated in Australia and it provides a range of essential products.

    It’s clear that the business is growing rapidly, with the FY26 half-year result showing pleasing growth. Total revenue rose 14.9% to $5.5 billion, normalised operating profit (EBIT) climbed 18.7% to $582.9 million and normalised net profit grew 19.2% to $392 million.

    Australian Chemist Warehouse-branded store sales increased 17.2% and Sigma reported that international growth accelerated, with retail network sales growth of 24.5%. This could become a larger part of the ASX share in the coming years.

    I’m expecting Sigman Healthcare to continue growing its international network – in the second half of FY26 alone it’s planning to open 11 new stores, with growth concentrated in New Zealand and Ireland. There are plenty of other countries that could be appealing growth locations.

    I also like that the business is growing its sales of owned and exclusive products, giving the business a stronger economic moat. Further expanding the ranges will give the business a larger total addressable market.

    Its ongoing scaling should help with profit margins, while impressive mid-teen like-for-like sales at Chemist Warehouse are a strong driver of the bottom line.

    According to Commsec, at the time of writing, the Sigma Healthcare share price is valued at 45x FY26’s estimated earnings.

    TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE)

    I think TechnologyOne is one of the most defensive technology businesses on the ASX because of how it provides integral operations software to clients like governments, councils, companies, universities and so on. They need this software to operate, even if global economic growth is slowing.

    The business invests heavily (around 25% of revenue each year) to develop existing and new software to be as good as it can be for subscribers. That’s one of the main reasons why it expects its revenue from the existing client base to grow by at least 15% per year. At that pace, its revenue will double in size every five years.

    Another reason I’m optimistic about the ASX share is that it’s seeking to grow in the UK, which could be just as rewarding as the Australian market. It recently won two important councils in London, which bodes well for future wins around the UK.

    Management expects its growing scale to lead to rising profit margins, a pleasing prospect when combined with growing revenue. It’s aiming for $1 billion of annual recurring revenue (ARR) by FY30.

    The valuation looks appealing to me, with the TechnologyOne share price trading at 54x FY26’s estimated earnings (at the time of writing), according to the forecast on Commsec.

    The post 2 top ASX shares I’d buy today amid falling prices appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Sigma Healthcare shares, consider this:

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

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Technology One. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Technology One. 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.

  • 2 fantastic ASX 200 shares to buy and hold for the next five years

    a man in a business suite throws his arms open wide above his head and raises his face with his mouth open in celebration in front of a background of an illuminated board tracking stock market movements.

    If you are building a long-term investment portfolio, focusing on high-quality ASX 200 shares with strong growth drivers can be a smart approach.

    The best opportunities are often found in businesses with scale, strong management, and exposure to trends that can support earnings growth over many years.

    Here are two ASX 200 shares that could be worth considering for the next five years.

    ResMed Inc (ASX: RMD)

    The first ASX 200 share that could be worth considering for the next five years is ResMed.

    The sleep technology company is a global leader in devices and digital platforms used to treat sleep apnoea and other respiratory conditions. Its ecosystem combines medical devices, software, and cloud-connected data to help patients manage sleep-related health issues.

    One of the most compelling aspects of the investment case is the size of the market opportunity. More than one billion people globally are estimated to suffer from sleep apnoea, yet a large portion of patients remain undiagnosed or untreated.

    This underpenetrated market could provide a long runway for growth as awareness improves and diagnostic technology becomes more accessible. At the same time, wearable technology and digital health tools are helping identify more potential patients who may require treatment.

    With strong global market leadership, a growing digital health ecosystem, and a massive addressable market, ResMed appears well positioned to continue expanding over the coming years.

    Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

    Another ASX 200 share that could be worth considering by Aussie investors for the next five years is Wesfarmers.

    The company is one of Australia’s leading conglomerates, with a portfolio of well-known businesses including Bunnings, Kmart, Priceline, Target, and Officeworks. These brands have strong market positions and generate consistent cash flow, providing a solid foundation for the group.

    One of Wesfarmers’ key strengths is its disciplined capital allocation. Management has a track record of investing in growth opportunities while also returning capital to shareholders when appropriate.

    In addition, the company has been investing in areas such as lithium and health, which could provide new avenues for growth beyond its core retail operations.

    With a combination of defensive earnings from its retail businesses and optionality through new investments, Wesfarmers appears well placed to deliver steady returns over the next five years. This could make it worthy of a spot in a balanced investment portfolio.

    The post 2 fantastic ASX 200 shares to buy and hold for the next five years appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in ResMed Inc. right now?

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

  • Up 148% in a year, ASX All Ords gold stock sinking today amid $370 million news

    Miner standing at quarry looking upset

    ASX All Ords gold stock St Barbara Ltd (ASX: SBM) has smashed the returns delivered by the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) over the past year.

    But not today.

    St Barbara shares closed on Friday trading for 57.5 cents. In early morning trade on Monday, shares are changing hands for 54.5 cents apiece, down 5.2%.

    For some context, the All Ords is down 2% at this same time, while the S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) is down a steeper 4.7%.

    Despite today’s retrace, shares in the ASX All Ords gold stock remain up 147.7% since this time last year, racing ahead of the 3.7% 12-month gains delivered by the All Ords.

    Atop ongoing pressure in the gold price, here’s what investors are mulling over today.

    ASX All Ords gold sinks amid project update

    St Barbara shares are sliding today despite a positive update on the miner’s New Simberi Gold Project, located in Papua New Guinea.

    The ASX All Ords gold stock said it expects to complete both the Lingbao and Kumul transactions in the first days of April. The Final Investment Decision (FID) on Simberi will then be triggered on the same date.

    At completion, St Barbara will receive a $370 million cash payment from Lingbao.

    Commenting on the progress, St Barbara CEO Andrew Strelein said, “The receipt of Lingbao’s approval from Chinese and PNG regulators is very positive step and satisfies a key condition precedent in completion of the transactions.”

    Strelein added:

    The parties have been targeting the end of March quarter for completion and St Barbara remains confident the remaining conditions will be met to allow completion on track in the first days of April 2026 and declaring Final Investment Decision on the New Simberi Gold Project.

    Energy update

    Amid the rising global energy crisis fuelled by the war in Iran, St Barbara also sought to ease investor concerns about its diesel requirements.

    The ASX All Ords gold stock revealed it had received various inquiries about Simberi’s fuel stocks, given the impact on global diesel supply chains amid the attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.

    The gold miner noted that its Simberi project is “well stocked” with diesel fuel.

    Which is a good thing, as the Simberi Operations currently use some 65,000 litres per day of diesel for the mining fleet and power generation.

    According to the release:

    Current diesel supply stored on Simberi Island is approximately 4.7 million litres (sufficient to cover more than two months’ usage), with another 3.5 million litres in allocated storage in country at Lae and Port Moresby storage locations.

    Pleasingly, St Barbara noted that the majority of its diesel stockpile was paid for based on average January (pre-conflict) pricing.

    The post Up 148% in a year, ASX All Ords gold stock sinking today amid $370 million news appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy St Barbara Limited shares, consider this:

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

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor 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.

  • Expert names 2 ASX ETFs to buy now

    ETF written in yellow with a yellow underline and the full word spelt out in white underneath.

    Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) continue to grow in popularity with investors.

    In light of this, there’s no shortage of options for Australian investors to choose from.

    To narrow things down, let’s see what one analyst is recommending this week, courtesy of The Bull. Here’s what you need to know:

    Munro Global Growth Fund Complex ETF (ASX: MAET)

    DP Wealth Advisory is positive on the Munro Global Growth Fund Complex ETF.

    It aims to smooth the investment journey through utilising capital preservation tools such as increased cash levels, shorts, put options, currency hedging, and equity exposure management. It gives investors access to an actively managed portfolio of 30-50 global growth stocks.

    The advisory firm notes that it has a strong track record and positive outlook. It explains:

    Funds under management, including its unlisted managed fund, exceed $1 billion. This exchange traded fund focuses on global companies involved in high performance computing, digital enterprise, climate, innovative health and security.

    Also, the ETF focuses on capital preservation. Main investments in its February 2026 report included Nvidia, TSMC, Amazon and Alphabet. During the past five years, the fund has returned 9.1 per cent per annum. I hold MAET in my self managed super fund. I like the fund’s historical record and outlook.

    BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF (ASX: ATEC)

    Another ASX ETF that DP Wealth Advisory is positive on is the BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF.

    This fund provides investors with access to a group of Australian tech shares, including WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) and Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO).

    With ASX tech shares down heavily over the past 12 months, dragging this ETF down with them, DP Wealth Advisory appears to see now as an opportune time for investors to initiate a position in the fund.

    Commenting on the BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF, its analyst said:

    This exchange traded fund invests in Australian technology companies. Across global exchanges, technology companies have been under pressure in response to the interruption and impact of artificial intelligence.

    Companies held in this ETF include Computershare, WiseTech Global and Xero. Performance has been sub-optimal in the past 12 months, but has returned more than 9 per cent per annum in the past three years. ATEC had net assets of more than $483 million at March 18, 2026. An opportunity exists on a weaker share price and potentially improving technology stocks moving forward.

    The post Expert names 2 ASX ETFs to buy now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Betashares S&P Asx Australian Technology ETF right now?

    Before you buy Betashares S&P Asx Australian Technology 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 Betashares S&P Asx Australian Technology 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 WiseTech Global and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Alphabet, Amazon, Nvidia, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alphabet, Amazon, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Why JB Hi-Fi shares are a retiree’s dream

    Two elderly people smiling with their fists pumping and with a cape on.

    JB Hi-Fi Ltd (ASX: JBH) shares may be a very underrated pick at this time for retirees.

    An ASX retail share may not seem like the most compelling business for dividend income or long-term returns.

    But, the owner of JB Hi-Fi Australia, JB Hi-Fi New Zealand, The Good Guys and E&S actually has a number of positives, including an incredible dividend record.

    Let’s take a look at what makes it so appealing.

    Excellent dividend record for retirees

    JB Hi-Fi has an excellent dividend record for an ASX retail share. Looking back, it has increased its dividend almost every year since 2013, aside from a slight reduction in FY23, which is understandable considering the headwind of high inflation and rising interest rates.

    In the recent FY26 half-year result, the business increased its interim dividend per share by 23.5% to $2.10 per share. HY26’s growth was partly because of earnings growth and partly due to an increase in the dividend payout ratio, going from 65% of net profit to 75% (thanks to its increased dividend payout guidance range of between 70% to 80%).

    JB Hi-Fi said that it continues to maintain a strong balance sheet and will continue to regularly review its capital structure with a focus on “maximising returns to shareholders and maintaining balance sheet strength and flexibility”.

    The current forecast on Commsec suggests the business could pay an annual dividend per share of $3.42 in FY26. That translates into a grossed-up dividend yield of 6.8% (including franking credits) at the time of writing, which I think would be a great starting yield for retirees.

    Good growth potential

    I’d describe JB Hi-Fi as the best electronics retailer in Australia. It has a number of competitive advantages including its scale, multiple brands, low cost operating model, multichannel approach and its people.

    I think it’s those factors that help the business stay ahead of others, deliver solid margins and grow its market share.

    The business continues to grow its sales, with solid progress in January 2026. JB Hi-Fi Australia sales increased 4% and The Good Guys sales grew 2.7% year over year.

    I also think JB Hi-Fi has more defensive earnings than some investors may give it credit for, with demand for smartphones, laptops and appliances being somewhat consistent.

    This could be a good time to invest for retirees because the JB Hi-Fi share price has declined by around 40% over the past six months and more than 25% in the year to date (at the time of writing).

    It’s now trading at under 16x FY26’s estimated earnings, which seems good value to me.

    The post Why JB Hi-Fi shares are a retiree’s dream appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in JB Hi-Fi Limited right now?

    Before you buy JB Hi-Fi Limited shares, consider this:

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

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has 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.

  • These ASX dividend shares pay 7% and could jump 25%

    One hundred dollar notes blowing in the wind, representing dividend windfall.

    Income investors are always scanning for reliable ASX dividend shares. But finding stocks that offer both high yield and growth potential? That’s where things get trickier.

    Two ASX dividend shares stand out right now: Perpetual Ltd (ASX: PPT) and Shaver Shop Group Ltd (ASX: SSG). Both deliver attractive yields around 7%, and brokers see meaningful upside ahead.

    Let’s take a closer look.

    Perpetual: Sharpen execution, unlock value

    Perpetual is a well-known financial services group, operating across asset management, wealth management, and corporate trust. But the ASX dividend share is undergoing a major shift.

    Last week, the company announced the $500 million sale of its wealth business to Bain Private Equity. The move is all about simplification. By narrowing its focus, Perpetual aims to sharpen execution and unlock value.

    Management of the ASX dividend share says proceeds will be used to reduce debt and invest in organic growth across its remaining divisions. That’s a positive signal for dividend sustainability.

    Perpetual has a long-standing reputation in funds management and a solid institutional footprint. The business is becoming leaner, which could improve margins over time.

    However, earnings can be sensitive to market movements. Funds under management can fluctuate, and execution risk remains as the company reshapes itself.

    This ASX dividend share shines when dividend payouts come into play. Analysts at Macquarie expect a 7% dividend yield this financial year, easing slightly to 6.7% in FY27 and 6.4% in FY28. That’s still comfortably above market averages.

    And there’s potential capital upside too. Macquarie has a bullish price target of $24.60 on the ASX dividend share. The broader consensus sits at $20.32, about 26% above current levels.

    Shaver Shop Group: Strong niche, growing online sales

    Shaver Shop is one of the region’s leading retailers of personal grooming products. Think electric shavers, clippers, trimmers, and wet shave essentials. It operates 126 stores across Australia and New Zealand, alongside a growing online channel.

    This is a steady, cash-generative retail business. Grooming products tend to have repeat demand, and Shaver Shop has built a strong niche. Its online sales are also gaining traction.

    Recent numbers back that up. In the second half of FY26 to 22 February 2026, total sales rose 3.8%, while online sales jumped 12.7%. That kind of growth can support future earnings — and dividends.

    Like all retailers, this ASX dividend share is exposed to consumer spending cycles. Cost pressures and competition could also weigh on margins.

    Shaver Shop has an impressive dividend track record. It increased its dividend every year from 2017 to 2023, held steady in 2024, and nudged it higher again in FY25.

    Right now, the stock offers a grossed-up yield of 10.7%, including franking credits. That’s exceptionally high.

    And it’s not just about income. Analysts see upside in the share price too, with an average target of $1.71. That’s a 29% upside at current levels.

    The bottom line

    Perpetual and Shaver Shop tick two key boxes: strong passive income and growth potential.

    They’re not risk-free. No dividend stock ever is. But with yields around 7% or higher and double-digit upside on offer, both are worth a closer look for income-focused investors.

    The post These ASX dividend shares pay 7% and could jump 25% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Perpetual Limited shares, consider this:

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

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor 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 Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. 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.

  • Buy, hold, sell: CBA, QBE, and Qantas shares

    A young man goes over his finances and investment portfolio at home.

    There are plenty of ASX shares for investors to choose from.

    To narrow things down, let’s see what analysts are saying about three popular shares, courtesy of The Bull. Here’s what they are recommending:

    Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

    The team at Medallion is siding with the majority of brokers by declaring CBA shares as sell.

    While acknowledging that CBA is the highest-quality Australian bank, it feels that its valuation is stretched.

    Medallion also highlights that its shares are trading at a significant premium to peers despite having similar earnings growth outlook. It said:

    CBA remains the highest quality franchise among Australia’s major banks, but the valuation now looks stretched. The stock trades on a price-to-earnings multiple well above its peers despite similar earnings growth prospects. The recent annual dividend yield around 3 per cent is modest compared with other income opportunities.

    With credit growth slowing and net interest margins stabilising, we believe earnings momentum is unlikely to justify such a premium valuation. After a strong share price run, investors may want to consider taking profits and reallocating capital to more attractively valued opportunities.

    QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE)

    Over at DP Wealth Advisory, its analysts have named this insurance giant as a hold this week.

    It acknowledges that QBE is a well-managed company, but has concerns over challenging trading conditions. It explains:

    QBE is a well managed global business with a strong return on equity and improving profit margins. Adjusted return on equity was 19.8 per cent in full year 2025 compared to 18.2 per cent in the prior corresponding period. Gross written premiums grew 7 per cent. Insurance companies rely on investment returns, which is challenging in a volatile global market. We retain a hold recommendation given QBE is trading near a 12 month consensus valuation.

    Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN)

    Finally, due to the prospect of jet fuel prices steering higher for longer, the team at DP Advisory is staying clear of Qantas shares for the time being.

    As a result, it has named the Flying Kangaroo as a sell this week and believes there are better options out there for investors. It said:

    Qantas is a well managed domestic and international airline, holding a 70 per cent market share in Australia. The shares were trading at $10.65 on February 25, a day prior to the company posting its first half year result in fiscal year 2026. The stock was trading at $8.46 on March 19. Qantas announced on March 13, 2026 that it had settled a class action for $105 million regarding flight credits during COVID-19. The company has hedged jet fuel supply prices in the shorter term, but I’m concerned about the impact of possibly higher crude oil prices over the longer term.

    I’m also mindful of the expense involved in Qantas upgrading its airline fleet after years of under investment by previous management as well as COVID-19. Qantas has a high fixed cost base. In my view, it’s a cyclical stock due to its reliance on consumer and business sentiment. Other stocks appeal more at this point.

    The post Buy, hold, sell: CBA, QBE, and Qantas shares 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 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.