Category: Stock Market

  • Lendlease half-year results: $318m loss, construction steady, capital recycling on track

    Business people discussing project on digital tablet.

    The Lendlease Corporation Ltd (ASX: LLC) share price is focus today after the property and infrastructure group reported a statutory loss after tax of $318 million for the half year ended 31 December 2025, driven by non-cash negative investment property revaluations and impairments.

    The company’s Investments, Development and Construction segment delivered EBITDA of $204 million, with a strong showing from its Australian construction pipeline and $4.7 billion in new development projects secured.

    What did Lendlease report?

    • Statutory loss after tax of $(318) million (HY25: $48 million profit)
    • Operating profit after tax (OPAT) of $(200) million, including $87 million from Investments, Development and Construction (IDC) and $(287) million from Capital Release Unit (CRU)
    • IDC segment EBITDA: $204 million; IDC earnings per stapled security of 12.6 cents
    • CRU segment EBITDA: $(284) million, reflecting write downs and transaction timing
    • Interim distribution of 6.2 cents per security
    • Net debt reduced to $3.3 billion; statutory gearing of 25.8%

    What else do investors need to know?

    Lendlease’s CRU continues its capital recycling program, with $2.8 billion of asset sales announced or completed since May 2024 and a further $1.5 billion targeted in FY26. The company’s Australian construction business performed strongly, securing $4.0 billion of new work and lifting backlog revenue to $8.0 billion, up 36% on the prior period.

    In the Investments segment, funds under management remained stable at $48.7 billion, with $1.8 billion raised for new vehicles and mandates. The Group highlighted improved project performance and a reduction in corporate costs, with overheads 14% lower on the prior period as efficiency and cost-out programs continue.

    What did Lendlease management say?

    Group Chief Executive Officer, Tony Lombardo, said:

    FY26 is a transitional year, with our core operating segments performing in line with expectation. We anticipate stronger Investments, Development and Construction earnings in the second half and into FY27. The Group continues to make considerable progress on its strategy with momentum building across its core operations. Our Development and Construction pipelines remain strong, and we are seeing continued growth in investor partnering and mandate activity. Our focus remains on driving long-term value creation for our securityholders, with enhanced earnings visibility from FY27, and a material reduction of net debt through further capital recycling.

    What’s next for Lendlease?

    Lendlease maintains its FY26 guidance for IDC segment earnings per security at 28–34 cents, with second half earnings and transactional profits expected to be higher. No FY26 EPS guidance is provided for the CRU segment. The Group continues to prioritise strengthening its balance sheet, executing on capital recycling initiatives and further reducing net debt.

    Key medium-term priorities include growing the Investments platform, restocking the Australian development pipeline, and targeting high-quality construction work. With $3.0 billion in announced or in-progress transactions, Lendlease expects enhanced earnings visibility, especially from major project completions in FY27 and FY28.

    Lendlease share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, Lendlease shares have declined 27%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 9% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post Lendlease half-year results: $318m loss, construction steady, capital recycling on track appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Lendlease 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 Lendlease 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 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.

  • nib Group lifts 1H26 profit, keeps dividend steady

    woman talking on the phone and giving financial advice whilst analysing the stock market on the computer with a pen

    The NIB Holdings Ltd (ASX: NHF) share price is in focus after the company reported first-half FY26 revenue of $1.9 billion, up 7.7%, and a 22% uplift in underlying operating profit to $129.1 million.

    What did nib Group report?

    • Revenue: $1.9 billion, up 7.7% from 1H25
    • Underlying operating profit (UOP): $129.1 million, up 22%
    • Net profit after tax (NPAT): $82.9 million, in line with 1H25
    • Earnings per share: 17.0 cents
    • Operating expense ratio: 16.5%, down 1 percentage point
    • Interim dividend: 13.0 cents per share, fully franked

    What else do investors need to know?

    nib’s customer base grew to a record 1.95 million people in 1H26, supporting both revenue growth and a sustainable net margin in its core Australian residents business. Adjacent business lines like international health insurance and New Zealand operations contributed strongly, delivering their best first-half results since FY19.

    The group’s digital transformation is delivering real benefits, with 86% of Australian residents’ claims now processed automatically and more than 70% of customers digitally connected. AI tools are helping drive greater productivity and enhance customer service.

    What did nib Group management say?

    Managing Director and CEO Ed Close said:

    Customer experience remains a key focus. This is reflected in strong NPS outcomes and a continued shift to digital self-service, with the majority of customer interactions now occurring digitally. Delivering on customer expectations and providing value throughout the healthcare journey remains a core capability. Today, 94% of Australian residents health insurance claims are processed within 24 hours.

    What’s next for nib Group?

    nib has guided for FY26 underlying operating profit between $257 million and $267 million, with much depending on continued improvements in its travel business and ongoing cost management. The company highlighted ongoing investment in digital experiences and AI to further boost efficiency and deliver better customer outcomes.

    A strategic review of the nib Travel business is underway, and the group says its ongoing focus remains on improving health outcomes, customer value, and sustainable growth.

    nib Group share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 month, the nib Group share price has declined 2%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 9% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post nib Group lifts 1H26 profit, keeps dividend steady appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in NIB Holdings right now?

    Before you buy NIB Holdings 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 NIB Holdings 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 positions in and has recommended NIB Holdings. 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.

  • 3 excellent ASX 200 shares to accumulate right now

    Two smiling work colleagues discuss an investment at their office.

    The team at Morgans has been busy running the rule over a number of ASX 200 shares during earnings season.

    Three shares that the broker is telling investors to accumulate are named below. Here’s what it is saying about them:

    Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

    Morgans notes that this industrial property giant has been building a significant presence in the data centre market.

    While it is positive on the move, it notes that its success now hinges on converting customer negotiations into commitments for these centres. The broker said:

    GMG is leaning hard into data centre (DC) development across scarce, power-enabled metro locations, backed by long-dated capital partners and a conservative balance sheet. FY26 guidance is unchanged, with near-term results reflecting longer development timeframes and a larger share of balance-sheet originated developments. Execution now hinges on converting customer negotiations into commitments across key DC campuses while holding returns.

    Whilst the company has flagged the longer development timeframe for DCs, recent share price weakness points to impatience as the market discounts the uncertainty around hyperscale demand, investor appetite and potentially the lower likelihood of an FY26 EPS upgrade. Combining improving margins against a higher cost of capital and increased balance sheet investment, our valuation remains broadly unchanged at $36.05/sh and sees us reiterate our Accumulate recommendation.

    Morgans has an accumulate rating and $36.05 price target on the ASX 200 share.

    Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL)

    Another ASX 200 share that caught the eye of Morgans is investment platform provider Netwealth.

    It delivered a strong half-year result, which was ahead of expectations. The broker commented:

    NWL reported 1H26 Revenue +24.7%; EBITDA +24.0%; and Underlying NPAT +19.8% on pcp, delivering strong momentum across the group, which was ahead of expectations. FY26 EBITDA margin guidance was reiterated for, implying 2H26 is expected to see a step-up in investment vs 1H26 ahead of the formal launch of its Broker/iHIN offering in 3Q26. Netflow guidance was also reaffirmed, with the group confident of momentum into FY27 as it looks to further scale its offering. We make minor changes to our NPAT forecasts of +3%/-1%/-3%, overall, this sees our price target move to A$29.00/sh, and we retain our ACCUMULATE rating.

    Morgans has an accumulate rating and $29.00 price target on Netwealth’s shares.

    Suncorp Group Ltd (ASX: SUN)

    Finally, Morgans sees insurance giant Suncorp as an ASX 200 share to accumulate.

    It notes that Suncorp delivered a result a touch short of expectations despite significant weather disruption. It said:

    SUN’s 1H26 NPAT (A$263m) was well down on the pcp ($1.1bn) due to bad weather, but it was only -2% below consensus ($268m). Overall, we saw this as a reasonable result, albeit similar to key peer IAG, SUN did deliver a mild downgrade to FY26 top-line growth guidance. We make relatively nominal changes to our SUN FY26F/FY27F EPS of -2%/+1% on a review of our earnings assumptions.

    Morgans has retained its accumulate rating with a trimmed price target of $17.01.

    The post 3 excellent ASX 200 shares to accumulate right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Goodman 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 Goodman Group wasn’t one of them.

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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

  • Reece HY26 results: Profit falls despite higher sales revenue

    a happy plumber smiles while repairing bathroom fittings in a home.

    The Reece Ltd (ASX: REH) share price is in focus after the company reported a 6% rise in sales revenue to $4.65 billion, but saw net profit after tax fall 20% for the half year ended 31 December 2025.

    What did Reece report?

    • Sales revenue up 6% to $4,648 million
    • EBITDA down 6% to $448 million
    • Net profit after tax (NPAT) down 20% to $144 million
    • EPS down 19% to 22.7 cents
    • Interim dividend of 5.44 cents per share, fully franked
    • Capex to sales ratio of 1.8%

    What else do investors need to know?

    Reece’s results reflect ongoing subdued conditions in the housing and construction markets across both Australia/New Zealand and the United States. Like‑for‑like sales were flat, with the company’s network expansion contributing to overall revenue growth.

    The business remains focused on three key strategic priorities: operational excellence, accelerating innovation, and investing for profitable growth. During the half, Reece added 23 net new branches across its ANZ and US networks, introduced new products, and enhanced digital capabilities for both team members and customers.

    Net debt increased to $1.0 billion due to lower operating cash flow and partially funding the share buyback. A total of $401 million was returned to shareholders through these buybacks.

    What did Reece management say?

    Chair & CEO Peter Wilson said:

    Our half year result reflects the challenges we outlined last year, with subdued housing markets continuing to impact demand resulting in flat sales on a like for like basis. In our ANZ business, we have seen signs of a gradual recovery emerging, but performance remains mixed across states. In the US, the residential new construction market is still being impacted by affordability pressures.

    While it’s a challenging environment, we want to do better. We’re focused on actions that position us well when conditions improve – showing up for customers, delivering on our 2030 strategy and building a stronger business for the long-term.

    What’s next for Reece?

    Reece expects subdued trading conditions to persist for the rest of FY26 and does not anticipate a material shift in demand in the short term. The business remains cautious about the pace of any recovery, but continues to invest strategically to position itself for long-term growth.

    Management forecasts group EBIT for FY26 in the range of $520–$540 million. The board has declared a fully franked 5.44 cent interim dividend to be paid on 1 April 2026.

    Reece share price snapshot

    Over the pat 12 months, Reece shares have declined 27%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 9% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post Reece HY26 results: Profit falls despite higher sales revenue appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Reece 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 Reece 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 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.

  • 3 of the best Aussie stocks I would buy

    A woman faces away from the camera as she stand on the beach with an Australian flag around her shoulders and making a heart shape with her hands.

    When I look for the best Aussie stocks to buy, I’m looking for businesses with strong management teams, robust business models, and clear growth drivers that can play out over many years.

    Right now, three Aussie stocks stand out to me for different reasons.

    Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG)

    Sigma has re-emerged as a serious player in Australian healthcare distribution following its merger with Chemist Warehouse.

    With its expanding pharmacy network and scale advantages, the company is positioning itself as a key supplier to community pharmacies across the country. Healthcare demand is not cyclical in the same way as retail or housing. People need medication regardless of the economic backdrop.

    What I like about Sigma is the defensive nature of its earnings combined with the potential for operational leverage as volumes grow. As scale improves, efficiencies tend to follow. That can drive margin expansion over time.

    In my view, Sigma offers exposure to a critical part of the healthcare supply chain, with structural demand and improving fundamentals.

    Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

    Wesfarmers is one of those businesses I’m always comfortable owning.

    Bunnings alone is a powerhouse brand with deep customer loyalty and strong pricing power. Add to that Kmart’s scale and efficiency, and you have a portfolio generating substantial cash flow.

    What I believe sets Wesfarmers apart is capital allocation discipline. Management has consistently shown a willingness to make deals, exit underperforming divisions, and reinvest where long-term returns look more attractive.

    It’s not the fastest-growing company on the ASX, but it has proven it can compound steadily over time. For me, that combination of resilience and disciplined growth makes it one of the best Aussie stocks to own for the long haul.

    HUB24 Ltd (ASX: HUB)

    HUB24 is a very different kind of opportunity. It represents structural growth in the wealth management sector.

    The shift towards independent financial advice and modern platform technology is ongoing. HUB24 continues to capture strong net inflows, grow funds under administration, and expand margins as it scales.

    What I find compelling is the combination of growth and profitability. This is not just a revenue story. Earnings and cash flow are rising strongly, which gives management flexibility to invest and reward shareholders.

    Over the next decade, I believe the wealth platform space will continue consolidating around leading providers. HUB24 looks well positioned to be one of them.

    Foolish takeaway

    Sigma offers defensive healthcare exposure, Wesfarmers provides high-quality retail and capital discipline, and HUB24 delivers structural growth in wealth management.

    They operate in very different industries, but each has qualities I look for in long-term investments. If I were putting money to work today, these are three of the best Aussie stocks I would seriously consider buying.

    The post 3 of the best Aussie stocks I would buy appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy HUB24 Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and HUB24 Limited wasn’t one of them.

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Hub24 and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Hub24 and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Hub24 and Wesfarmers. 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 Telstra shares, how much passive income will I receive in 2027?

    A woman looks excited as she fans out a wad of Aussie $100 notes.

    Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) shares are one of the best examples of blue-chip passive income producing shares within the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), in my view.

    The telecommunications business has a leading position in Australia thanks to its mobile network. It has the most subscribers, the widest network coverage and high-quality spectrum assets.

    It has invested significantly in its 5G network over the last few years, which has put it ahead of its rivals. That’s one of the reasons why Telstra is the network of choice for a number of smaller telcos.

    Now the business is capitalising on its network strength and this is playing out in its financials.

    More passive income growth

    Telstra recently reported its result for the six months to 31 December 2025.

    It reported that its key mobile division delivered 4% revenue growth to $5.8 billion and 4% operating profit (EBITDA) growth to $2.7 billion. It saw a 5.1% year-over-year increase of the average revenue per user (ARPU) to $45.47 and a 135,000 increase in mobile handheld users compared to the second half of FY25.

    That helped Telstra’s overall financials – total income increased 0.2%, EBITDA grew 4.7%, earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) climbed 9.2% and earnings per share (EPS) rose 11.2% to 9.9 cents. Cash EPS jumped 19.7% to 14 cents.

    This solid level of EPS growth allowed the board of directors to increase its dividend per share by 10.5% to 10.5 cents per share.

    That dividend growth led analysts to increase their forecasts for Telstra’s passive income payout in FY26. Let’s take a look at how that could play out with a $5,000 investment.

    Potential dividends for owners of Telstra shares

    The broker UBS forecasts that the business could increase its FY26 annual payout to 21 cents per share, which would be a year-over-year increase of 10.5% – a very pleasing dividend growth rate for a business that’s so large already.

    The projected dividend payout would translate into a dividend yield of 4.1% (excluding franking credits). Time will tell what level of franking comes with the final FY26 dividend – the interim dividend was only approximately 90% franked.

    If someone were to invest $5,000 into Telstra shares (or already own that much), in terms of the passive income dollar amount, that would translate into a cash payment of $205, plus whatever franking credits are attached with the FY26 annual dividend.

    The business has a goal of a “sustainable and growing dividend (prefer fully-franked)”, which bodes well for future dividend payouts and makes it an exciting option for passive income.

    The post If I invest $5,000 in Telstra shares, how much passive income will I receive in 2027? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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

  • Broker says these ASX dividend shares are buys

    Man holding out Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.

    Are you looking for new additions to your income portfolio? If you are, then take a look at the two ASX dividend shares that Morgans rates as buys.

    Here’s what the broker is recommending to clients:

    Eagers Automotive Ltd (ASX: APE)

    Morgans notes that automotive retailer Eagers Automotive delivered a result that was in line with expectations in FY 2025.

    So, with this ASX dividend share trading at 20x earnings, the broker thinks that now is a good time to buy. This is especially the case given its positive earnings growth outlook. Morgans has put a buy rating and $31.80 price target on its shares. It said:

    FY25 revenue of A$13.05bn (+16.5% pcp) was in line with expectations, as record cost discipline (12.1% opex/sales) helped drive a strong ROS outcome of 3.3%. APE is poised for a fourth consecutive year of material ANZ revenue growth (MorgansF A$0.9bn) and CanadaOne is tracking positively (PBT +12.2% LTM Dec-25 vs Jun-25) with completion expected imminently. EA123 remains a key medium-term driver, with profitability improving (ROS 4.4% vs 3.6% pcp) and clear intent to scale the network and the broader ecosystem. Industry margins appear to have passed the trough, and APE continues to drive outperformance through operational excellence.

    We view ~20x PE as an attractive entry point for strong near-term earnings growth (~20% EPS FY26-27F); growing earnings visibility; expected upside through M&A; and various strategic initiatives to support the medium term. Move to BUY (from ACCUMULATE). A$31.80ps PT.

    Morgans expects fully franked dividends of 88 cents per share in FY 2026 and then 97 cents per share in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $25.57, this would mean dividend yields of 3.4% and 3.8%, respectively.

    Universal Store Holdings Ltd (ASX: UNI)

    Another ASX dividend share that gets the thumbs up from Morgans is youth fashion retailer Universal Store.

    In response to its half-year results, the broker has retained its buy rating with a slightly improved price target of $10.60. It said:

    UNI reported a strong 1H26 result which was ahead of expectations. Sales were up 14.2% to $209.6m and EBIT grew by 23.2% to $43.6m, EBIT margin up 150bps. The strong sales momentum has continued into the first 7 weeks of the 2H, despite the challenging comps (+20%). UNI has consistently delivered through a challenging retail environment, +7.9% LFL sales CAGR over the last 6 years. We have a $10.60 target price (was $10.50). BUY maintained.

    Morgans expects fully franked dividends of 41 cents per share in FY 2026 and then 46 cents per share in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $8.92, this equates to dividend yields of 4.6% and 5.15%, respectively.

    The post Broker says these ASX dividend shares are buys appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Eagers Automotive 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 Eagers Automotive 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 James Mickleboro has positions in Universal Store. 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 Eagers Automotive Ltd and Universal Store. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Chorus half-year earnings: Profit growth and higher fibre uptake

    many investing in stocks online

    The Chorus Ltd (ASX: CNU) share price is in focus today after the company posted half-year results to 31 December 2025 showing operating revenue of $506 million and net profit after tax of $15 million, both up on the prior period.

    What did Chorus report?

    • Operating revenue: $506 million, up 1% year-on-year
    • EBITDA: $357 million, up 3% from HY25
    • Net profit after tax: $15 million (HY25: net loss of $5 million)
    • Operating expenses: $149 million, reduced by $5 million
    • Interim dividend: 24 cents per share, up 4% from HY25
    • Total fibre connections increased by 31,000 to 1.13 million

    What else do investors need to know?

    Chorus continued its transition toward being a fully fibre-based network operator, with copper connections now reduced to just 3,000 in Chorus fibre areas and a full withdrawal expected by mid-2026. Fibre uptake rose to 72.4% in serviceable areas, with strong customer demand driving higher data consumption, now averaging 722GB per connection per month.

    The company also reported ongoing cost savings, including lower labour costs and reduced maintenance, as fibre proves more resilient and efficient than copper. Capital expenditure declined to $158 million, reflecting tighter investment discipline and project timing.

    Chorus has initiated its Equity Fibre product, designed to improve digital inclusion for households facing affordability barriers, highlighting its broader social focus alongside financial performance.

    What did Chorus management say?

    Chief Executive Officer Mark Aue said:

    Our purpose is anchored in enabling better futures for Aotearoa at an intergenerational level. In many cases, a driving role we play is through connectivity. We know we have a role to play in helping address this, and so we are very proud to be launching our Equity Fibre product, designed to provide affordable and accessible connectivity. We’re highly committed to driving progress in this space.

    What’s next for Chorus?

    Chorus reaffirmed its full-year FY26 EBITDA guidance range of $710 million to $730 million, noting progress is tracking towards the upper half. The company plans to pay a total dividend of 60 cents per share, subject to no material adverse changes.

    Looking ahead, Chorus is focused on achieving 80% fibre uptake by 2030, further streamlining operations, and delivering value by supporting New Zealand’s increasing need for high-speed connectivity. The company will continue to reduce copper infrastructure and ramp up copper recycling and property optimisation initiatives.

    Chorus share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, Chorus shares have risen 5%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which haas risen 9% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post Chorus half-year earnings: Profit growth and higher fibre uptake appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Chorus 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 Chorus 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 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.

  • Fisher & Paykel Healthcare upgrades FY26 earnings outlook

    Happy shareholders clap and smile as they listen to a company earnings report.

    The Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Ltd (ASX: FPH) share price is in focus after the company upgraded its FY26 revenue guidance to approximately $2.30 billion and lifted its net profit outlook.

    What did Fisher & Paykel Healthcare report?

    • Full-year FY26 operating revenue now expected to be around $2.30 billion (previously $2.17–$2.27 billion)
    • Net profit after tax (NPAT) raised to between $450 million and $470 million (previously $410 million–$460 million)
    • Guidance assumes NZ:US exchange rate of 60 cents as at 31 January 2026
    • Updated figures do not include any potential US tariff refunds

    What else do investors need to know?

    Fisher & Paykel Healthcare reported strong growth across its full range of Hospital products, contributing to the upgraded guidance. The company noted ongoing improvements in gross margin and operating margin, supported by efficiency gains and continuous improvement activities.

    A major regulatory update came as the United States Supreme Court overturned tariffs imposed under the IEEPA, but Fisher & Paykel Healthcare continues to work through the refund process and potential implications. Management expects to provide a further update on any tariff impacts with the full-year results in May.

    What did Fisher & Paykel Healthcare management say?

    Managing Director and CEO Lewis Gradon said:

    We have continued to see good growth across the full range of our Hospital products so far during our second half.

    Continuous improvement activities and other efficiency gains are also contributing to improvements in our gross margin and operating margin.

    What’s next for Fisher & Paykel Healthcare?

    Looking ahead, management will provide more detail on tariff developments and possible refunds when announcing its full-year results. The company remains confident that cost increases from tariffs will be mitigated over time by ongoing efficiency efforts.

    Fisher & Paykel Healthcare continues to focus on innovation, expanding its footprint in respiratory care, and driving sustainable, profitable growth. The company maintains that the long-term strategy and direction are unchanged.

    Fisher & Paykel Healthcare share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, Fisher & Paykel shares have risen 2%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 9% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post Fisher & Paykel Healthcare upgrades FY26 earnings outlook appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Limited right now?

    Before you buy Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation 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 Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation 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 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.

  • These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares

    A man sitting at his dining table looks at his laptop and ponders the CSL balance sheet and the value of CSL shares today

    At the start of each week, I like to look at ASIC’s short position report to find out which shares are being targeted by short sellers.

    This is because I believe it is well worth keeping a close eye on short interest levels as high levels can sometimes be a sign that something isn’t quite right with a company.

    With that in mind, here are the 10 most shorted shares on the ASX this week according to ASIC:

    • Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE) stays at the top of the list with short interest of 17.2%, which is down slightly since last week. Production concerns have been weighing on this uranium producer’s shares.
    • Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP) has seen its short interest ease to 15.7%. Short sellers are betting against this struggling pizza chain operator’s turnaround strategy.
    • Guzman Y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG) has short interest of 13.8%, which is flat week on week. This burrito seller’s shares crashed last week following the release of a disappointing half-year result.
    • Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE) has seen its short interest ease to 13.7%. Short sellers seem to believe the wine giant’s turnaround will take longer than expected.
    • Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX) has short interest of 12.4%, which is down week on week. This radiopharmaceuticals company has been facing delays with FDA approvals.
    • Polynovo Ltd (ASX: PNV) has short interest of 12.3%, which is up since last week. Short sellers may believe this medical device company’s shares are overvalued at current levels.
    • IPH Ltd (ASX: IPH) has short interest of 11.7%, which is up week on week. This intellectual property services company has been battling weaker volumes and market share losses.
    • IDP Education Ltd (ASX: IEL) has 11% of its shares held short, which is down week on week. Changes to visa rules in key markets have weighed on this student placement and language testing company’s performance.
    • Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) has short interest of 10.6%, which is down week on week. This may be due to concerns that the travel agent won’t deliver on its revenue margin targets.
    • PWR Holdings Ltd (ASX: PWH) has short interest of 10.1%, which is flat week on week. This automotive cooling products company’s shares jumped last week following a strong half-year result.

    The post These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Boss Energy 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 Boss Energy 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 James Mickleboro has positions in Domino’s Pizza Enterprises and Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Domino’s Pizza Enterprises, PWR Holdings, PolyNovo, Telix Pharmaceuticals, and Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended PWR Holdings and Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Domino’s Pizza Enterprises, Flight Centre Travel Group, IPH Ltd , PolyNovo, and Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.