Category: Stock Market

  • This $1 billion ASX lithium stock is in the spotlight today. Here’s why

    A wide-smiling businessman in suit and tie rips open his shirt to reveal a green t-shirt underneath.

    Another announcement has put Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO) back on traders’ screens on Thursday.

    While the share price was seesawing in the morning, it is holding steady during mid-afternoon trade.

    At the time of writing, Core Lithium shares are up 4.69% to 33.5 cents.

    That comes after a strong run. The stock has lifted about 42% over the past month and is up roughly 380% over the past year.

    Let’s take a closer look at what just landed.

    Core Lithium locks in lithium fines sale

    Core Lithium has entered a deal to sell 20,000 tonnes of lithium fines from its Finniss operation in the Northern Territory.

    The company signed a binding agreement with Glencore International AG, with pricing set at around US$290 per tonne, or roughly $405 per tonne.

    That puts total proceeds near US$5.8 million, or about $8 million, with funds expected to come through this quarter.

    The material is coming from an existing fines stockpile at Finniss, meaning this is not tied to new production.

    The shipment will go through Darwin Port using the project’s established logistics chain.

    Core also noted it is still working through options for the remaining 55,000 tonnes of fines sitting in stockpiles.

    Another step in rebuilding cash flow

    This follows an earlier spodumene concentrate sale announced in February, as the company looks to generate cash while broader operations remain paused.

    Management has been focused on keeping Finniss ready while waiting for stronger lithium market conditions.

    Selling stockpiled material gives Core a way to bring in cash without ramping up full mining operations.

    It also helps support liquidity alongside its funded restart plan.

    The pricing is based on current lithium fines conditions, with final adjustments to come after the assay results.

    Foolish bottom line

    Core is gradually clearing inventory and pulling in cash while it waits for better pricing conditions across the lithium market.

    Lithium carbonate prices have been trending higher in recent months, which has helped lift sentiment across the sector.

    From here, attention turns to how much of the remaining stockpile can be sold, and at what price.

    But the bigger question revolves around timing for a full restart at Finniss, and whether current lithium prices are enough to support that move.

    Core is effectively turning stockpiles into funding while keeping the operation ready.

    I would be watching two things closely. How quickly the remaining fines are sold, and whether conditions are strong enough to bring Finniss back online.

    The post This $1 billion ASX lithium stock is in the spotlight today. Here’s why appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Core Lithium right now?

    Before you buy Core Lithium 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 Core Lithium wasn’t one of them.

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras 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.

  • Sell alert! Why this expert is calling time on Westpac shares

    Red sell button on an Apple keyboard.

    Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) shares are outperforming today.

    Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) bank stock closed yesterday trading for $38.22. In early afternoon trade on Thursday, shares are changing hands for $38.44 apiece, up 0.6%.

    For some context, the ASX 200 is down 0.2% at this same time.

    Taking a step back, Westpac shares have gained 17.1% over the past 12 months, outpacing the 6.6% one-year gains posted by the benchmark index.

    Atop those capital gains, Westpac paid out two fully franked dividends totalling $1.53 a share over the full year. The ASX 200 bank stock trades on a fully franked trailing dividend yield of 4.0%.

    While you’re unlikely to hear investors who bought the stock 12 months ago complaining, Westpac has had a more difficult run in 2026.

    Year to date, the Westpac share price is down 1.3%, trailing the 0.7% losses posted by the ASX 200 over this same period.

    And looking ahead, Morgans’ Damien Nguyen foresees more potential headwinds for the big four Aussie bank (courtesy of The Bull).

    Westpac shares facing growth challenge

    “Westpac has made progress simplifying its business, but returns continue to lag peers,” said Nguyen, who has a sell recommendation on Westpac shares.

    According to Nguyen:

    Growing revenue is a challenge in a competitive and mature banking market, while execution risk persists. Cost control and balance sheet strength offer some support, but growth drivers are limited in a slowing credit environment. The valuation doesn’t offer a clear margin of safety given these challenges.

    With a nod to Westpac’s solid dividend record, Nguyen concluded, “Income may appeal to some investors.”

    What’s the latest from the ASX 200 bank stock?

    Westpac released its first quarter (Q1 FY 2026) results on 13 February.

    Highlights included a statutory net profit of $1.9 billion, up 5% on second half FY 2025 average.

    The quarter also saw Westpac reported deposit growth of $12 billion and lending growth of $22 billion.

    Commenting on the bank’s performance and outlook, CEO Anthony Miller said:

    We are optimistic on the outlook for the economy and expect demand for both business and household credit to remain resilient. Our strong financial foundations provide us with the stability and capacity to support our people, customers, shareholders and the broader economy.

    Westpac shares closed down 1.2% on the day of the Q1 results release.

    The bank is scheduled to report its half year results on 5 May.

    The post Sell alert! Why this expert is calling time on Westpac shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Westpac Banking Corporation right now?

    Before you buy Westpac Banking Corporation 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 Westpac Banking Corporation 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.

  • Liontown shares climb to 2.5-year high on record cash flow

    Two miners dressed in hard hats and high vis gear standing at an outdoor mining site discussing a mineral find with one holding a rock and the other looking at a tablet.

    Liontown Ltd (ASX: LTR) shares are climbing higher in Thursday afternoon trade, following the ASX 200 lithium miner’s latest quarterly update, posted ahead of the market open this morning.

    At the time of writing, the shares are up 1.64% to a 2.5-year high of $2.47 a piece.

    It hasn’t been a smooth ride for the miner’s shares today, though. Shortly following the ASX open this morning, Liontown shares dropped 3.7%. They didn’t move into the green until around lunchtime.

    Liontown shares are now up an impressive 52% for the year to date and are a huge 365% higher than this time 12 months ago.

    What did Liontown report?

    Liontown posted its strongest financial quarter since it commenced production.

    For the quarter ending 31st March, the lithium miner achieved its first-ever positive net cash flow of $33 million. The company said the bumper result was mostly driven by strong spodumene sales. It was also boosted by its transition to a 100% fully underground operation at its Kathleen Valley lithium site for the first time.

    The transition helped the miner reach targeted production rates earlier than expected.

    Liontown also posted a 51% quarter-on-quarter increase in its revenue, to $197 million, and confirmed an operating cash flow of $55 million.

    The lithium miner expects to maintain strong operational momentum through FY26. It expects this will be supported by stable underground production and sustained improvements in recoveries. 

    Just yesterday, Liontown announced an update on its planned expansion of its Kathleen Valley Lithium Operation, located in Western Australia. 

    The company said it has committed $12 million to long-lead items with up to $77 million likely to be spent before the final investment decision (FID) in the first quarter of FY 2027.

    What do analysts think of the lithium miner’s shares?

    At the time of writing, analysts are relatively divided about the outlook for Liontown shares over the next 12 months.

    TradingView data shows that five out of 12 analysts currently have a strong buy rating on the stock. Another five rate the shares as a hold, and two have a sell or strong sell position.

    The average target price of $1.935 represents a potential 21.5% downside at the time of writing. But others think the shares could jump another 16% to $2.85 over the next year.

    I expect that some analysts could confirm or revise their ratings on the lithium miner’s shares in the coming days, following the latest updates.

    The post Liontown shares climb to 2.5-year high on record cash flow appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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

  • Buy, hold, sell: Minerals 260, 4DMedical, Karoon Energy shares

    A woman wearing a black and white striped t-shirt looks to the sky with her hand to her chin, contemplating buying ASX shares.

    S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares are down 0.1% to 8,676.8 points on Thursday.

    Today marks the eighth consecutive day of falls for the Australian share market amid no signs of progress in the Middle East.

    Investors are also still digesting yesterday’s news that annual inflation increased up from 3.7% in February to 4.6% in March.

    The spike was largely due to the war in Iran and a 33% monthly increase in automotive fuel prices. 

    Meanwhile on the The Bull this week, two experts have shared their latest ratings and opinions on three ASX shares.

    Let’s check them out.

    Minerals 260 Ltd (ASX: MI6)

    The Minerals 260 share price is 72 cents, down 3.7% today but up a staggering 455% over 12 months.

    Jonathan Tacadena from MPC Markets thinks there is more growth ahead for this ASX mining share. 

    Tacadena said:

    This miner recently signed a $220 million strategic funding agreement with gold royalty company Franco-Nevada Corporation to accelerate and de-risk the development of its 4.5 million ounce Bullabulling Gold project in Western Australia.

    The agreement puts MI6 firmly in the developer category of gold companies.

    With a maiden ore reserve and an updated mineral resource estimate due in mid 2026, we like the chances of a re-rating for MI6.

    4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX)

    The 4DMedical share price is $4.19, down 1.2% today.

    This ASX 200 healthcare share has leapfrogged 1,210% over 12 months.

    Stuart Bromley from Medallion Financial Group says it’s best to simply sit on this stock for now.

    Bromley said:

    4DX is a respiratory imaging technology company, with a strong regulatory moat in the United States.

    In a relatively short time since the US Food and Drug Administration approved its CT:VQ product, US hospitals are adopting it, including the highly renowned Mayo Clinic.

    Also, 4DX has been included in the S&P/ASX200 Index, which should generate more interest in the company.

    Being in the ASX 200 means fundies managing popular index-tracking exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are consistently buying the stock.

    Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR)

    The Karoon Energy share price is $2.15, up 0.2% today and up 38% in the year to date (YTD).

    Soaring oil and gas prices due to the Iran war have led to significant recent share price growth for this oil and gas explorer.

    Karoon Energy shares have ripped from $1.54 on 27 February, just before the war began, to $2.15 today — an increase of 40%.

    Bromley says ordinary investors should follow Medallion’s lead and take profits on this ASX energy share

    He said:

    In our view, Karoon has benefited from increasing crude oil prices since the conflict in the Middle East started on February 28.

    We believe these sorts of opportunities should be taken and we have locked in profits on Karoon.

    Bromley pointed out that Karoon Energy reported a 19% fall in revenue, along with a 2% decline in net profit after tax (NPAT), for FY25.

    The analyst also recommends that investors take profits on another ASX energy share — find out which one here.

    The post Buy, hold, sell: Minerals 260, 4DMedical, Karoon Energy shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Karoon Energy 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 Karoon Energy 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 Bronwyn Allen 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.

  • Down 67%, is this ASX 300 share a bargain buy?

    Young businesswoman sitting in kitchen and working on laptop.

    Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW) shares have been among the biggest fallers on the ASX 300 this year.

    At the time of writing, the online furniture retailer is trading at $5.77, down 67% since this time last year.

    That kind of decline usually tells you one thing. Expectations were high, and reality did not quite keep up.

    But don’t think the story is broken. I think it has simply reset.

    A large market with a long runway

    What stands out to me is how early the ASX 300 share still is in its growth journey.

    Temple & Webster is operating in an addressable market of more than $40 billion across furniture, homewares, and home improvement.

    Despite that, its Australian furniture and homewares market share is still only around 2.9% based on a recent investor presentation.

    That is a small slice of a very large pie. It suggests that most of the opportunity still sits ahead, not behind.

    There is also a structural tailwind here. Online penetration in this category is still relatively low compared to markets like the US and UK, which implies there is a long runway as more spending shifts online over time.

    Growth is still happening

    Another thing I think is getting overlooked is that the business is still growing.

    Revenue increased 20% in the first half, with momentum continuing into the second half of the year.

    Customer numbers are rising, repeat orders now make up a larger share of sales, and new growth areas like home improvement and trade are expanding quickly.

    To me, that does not look like a business in decline. It looks like one that is still scaling, just without the same market enthusiasm it once had.

    Valuation has come back to earth

    At $5.77, the valuation is no longer stretched in the same way it used to be.

    According to CommSec consensus estimates, Temple & Webster is expected to generate earnings per share of 8.2 cents in FY26, 12.2 cents in FY27, and 18 cents in FY28.

    That places the ASX 300 share on roughly 32x FY28 earnings.

    I would not call that cheap in absolute terms. But I also do not think it needs to be.

    This is still a business with the potential to grow into a much larger company over time. If it can continue taking market share and scale its margins, that multiple could look more reasonable in hindsight.

    The model is built for scale

    One of the things I like about Temple & Webster is its business model.

    It is asset-light, which means it does not need to invest heavily in physical stores or large inventories to grow.

    Instead, it relies on a drop-shipping model and a large supplier network, which allows it to expand its range and scale efficiently.

    As the business grows, there is also the potential for margins to improve. Management has outlined a long-term goal of significantly higher EBITDA margins as scale builds and costs are leveraged.

    That combination of growth and margin expansion is what drives long-term returns.

    So, is it a bargain?

    I do not think this is a clear-cut bargain in the traditional sense.

    It is not trading on a low multiple or offering a margin of safety based on current earnings.

    But I do think it is more interesting than it was a year ago.

    The share price has come down sharply, expectations have reset, and the long-term growth opportunity still appears to be intact.

    Foolish takeaway

    Temple & Webster is still a growth story.

    The difference now is that you are paying a much lower price to be part of it.

    If the ASX 300 share can keep growing, continue taking market share, and move toward its longer-term margin targets, then today’s valuation could turn out to be reasonable.

    It will not happen overnight, but for patient investors, this could be one to watch closely.

    The post Down 67%, is this ASX 300 share a bargain buy? 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…

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    Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino 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 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.

  • Why Lotus Resources shares just fell 22% and how I’m thinking about it

    Woman with a concerned look on her face holding a credit card and smartphone.

    Lotus Resources Ltd (ASX: LOT) shares have dropped 22% to $1.11 on Thursday after the uranium company released its latest quarterly update.

    At first glance, that kind of move suggests something has gone seriously wrong.

    But after going through the update, I do not think the situation is quite that simple.

    The market is reacting to short-term execution issues

    If I had to sum up the update in one line, it would be this: progress is being made, but it is not as smooth as the market hoped.

    Production is improving, but not consistently. During the March quarter, Lotus milled 119.8kt of ore and produced 78.3klb of uranium. That shows operations are underway, but performance has been impacted by a range of issues.

    These include reagent shortages, plant maintenance, and lower-than-expected recoveries. The company also flagged challenges around measuring grade and recovery accurately, even going as far as retracting previously reported figures while it works through reconciliation processes.

    I think this is the key reason for the sell-off.

    Not because production has stopped, but because confidence has taken a hit.

    But there are still signs of progress

    At the same time, I do not think this was all negative.

    There are a number of things in the update that I think are easy to overlook.

    Mining activity is ramping up, with operations now across multiple fronts and a growing ore stockpile that represents more than two months of throughput.

    Supply chain issues, particularly around sulphuric acid, appear to be stabilising, with additional suppliers secured and inventories building.

    The ASX uranium share is also making progress on key infrastructure, including its acid plant and grid connection, which are both important for achieving steady-state production.

    And importantly, management continues to guide toward improving throughput and production over the current quarter.

    To me, that suggests the direction of travel is still forward, even if the path has been uneven.

    This is what a restart often looks like

    I think it is worth stepping back for a moment. Kayelekera is not a brand-new mine. It is a restart.

    That is important, because bringing an operation back online after years in care and maintenance is rarely straightforward.

    There are always going to be issues that only become visible once operations begin again. Systems need to be tested, processes refined, and teams brought up to speed.

    That does not mean the project is broken. It means it is in the messy middle phase.

    The bigger picture has not really changed

    For me, the long-term case still comes down to a few simple things.

    Lotus is moving toward becoming a uranium producer at a time when the global backdrop for uranium remains supportive.

    It has an operating asset that is already producing, even if not yet at steady-state levels. And it has a balance sheet that still looks relatively solid, with around $85 million in cash at the end of the quarter.

    None of those points have changed because of this update. What has changed is how confident the market feels about the timing.

    How I see the sell-off

    A 22% drop is a strong reaction, but I can understand why it happened.

    When a company retracts previously reported metrics and highlights operational inconsistencies, investors tend to step back quickly.

    But I also think this is where things can get interesting. If the issues are operational and fixable, then this becomes a question of timing rather than viability.

    And in that scenario, sharp share price moves can sometimes overshoot, potentially creating a buying opportunity for investors.

    The post Why Lotus Resources shares just fell 22% and how I’m thinking about it appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Lotus 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 Lotus 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 Grace Alvino 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.

  • Why this ASX defence stock is falling today despite a massive 660% run

    Soldier in military uniform using laptop for drone controlling.

    After one of the biggest runs on the ASX, this defence stock is slipping again today.

    Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS) shares are under pressure on Thursday following the release of the company’s quarterly report.

    At the time of writing, the EOS share price is down 3.99% to $9.15.

    That pullback comes even as the stock remains one of the market’s strongest performers over the past year, up around 660%.

    Here’s what the company just told investors.

    What came through in the quarter

    EOS reported a steady flow of new orders across the March quarter, mainly within its defence systems business.

    Wins included contracts for remote weapon systems (RWS) and counter-drone capabilities, with several deals landing across key regions.

    Many of these orders are scheduled for delivery through 2026 and 2027, giving some visibility on future revenue as production ramps.

    The company also flagged the South Korean conditional opportunity worth about US$80 million. Management expects a decision on that contract around mid-2026, though there is no certainty it proceeds.

    At the same time, EOS is continuing to expand its global footprint, with discussions underway across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the United States.

    Order book keeps moving higher

    One of the more closely watched metrics for the quarter was the contract backlog.

    EOS reported a backlog of $518 million at the end of March, up from $459 million in December. That is a lift of roughly 13% over the prior period.

    The increase reflects both recent contract wins and ongoing demand from its core defence platforms.

    The company noted that activity levels remained high across manufacturing and delivery, with operations in Australia, the United States, and Singapore all contributing through the quarter.

    Cash flow dips despite customer receipts

    On the financial side, the numbers were a bit mixed.

    Operating cash inflow came in at $9.5 million for the quarter, down from $19.3 million in the December period.

    The drop was linked to the timing of milestone payments and increased manufacturing activity as production ramps up.

    Customer receipts were solid at $72.6 million, but this was offset by higher operating outflows tied to scaling production and delivery.

    EOS ended the quarter with $95.1 million in cash, down from $106.9 million at the end of December.

    It also secured a $100 million two-year debt facility earlier this year, giving it more flexibility to manage working capital.

    What the market is watching now

    The focus now is on timing, especially around the South Korean laser contract.

    EOS had expected the US$80 million deal to turn unconditional by the end of March, but that has slipped into the second quarter.

    That change likely didn’t go unnoticed, given how much attention was on that March milestone.

    From here, it comes back to whether EOS can deliver and start turning its backlog into real revenue.

    The post Why this ASX defence stock is falling today despite a massive 660% run appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Electro Optic Systems right now?

    Before you buy Electro Optic Systems 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 Electro Optic Systems wasn’t one of them.

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras 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 Electro Optic Systems. 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.

  • Morgans tips 1 ASX mining share to rip — and 1 to avoid — in 2026

    Two mining workers in orange high vis vests walk and talk at a mining site.

    ASX mining shares are significantly lower on Thursday, with the S&P/ASX 300 Metal & Mining Index (ASX: XMM) down 1.9%.

    Experts say Australia is already in its next great mining boom due to rising demand for commodities amid the green energy transition.

    The war in Iran and the ensuing global fuel crisis are headwinds for mining, but the long-term earnings growth drivers remain in place.

    With this in mind, here is one ASX mining share that Morgans expects to rip, and one it expects to dip, in 2026.

    Regis Resources Ltd (ASX: RRL)

    The Regis Resources share price is $6.95, down 2.7% today.

    Over the past 12 months, this ASX 200 gold mining share has increased its valuation by 54.5%.

    In the year to date, Regis Resources has lost 9%, but over the past month, it has lifted 4.7%.

    Morgans upgraded Regis Resources shares from a hold to buy rating after the miner released its 3Q FY26 report.

    Morgans said:

    Gold sales of 89.1koz at an AISC of A$2,807 beat our expectations whilst performing in line with company guidance, delivering revenue of A$622m at an average realised price of A$6,977/oz.

    RRL continues to build a substantial cash balance, adding an additional A$198m bringing the total to A$1.12bn. Replenished ounces with group MRE exceeding 10% yoy resource growth underpinning future production.

    We upgrade to BUY (from HOLD) following recent weakness across the gold sector which we believe has uncovered value in RRL underpinned by attractive immediate term cash generation paired with a structured capital management framework.

    Morgans increased its 12-month price target slightly from $10.03 to $10.07 after the report.

    This implies an impressive potential 45% upside ahead.

    PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS)

    The PLS Group share price is $6.01, up 0.4% today.

    Over the past 12 months, this ASX 200 lithium mining share has ripped 300% alongside a sharp rebound in lithium commodity prices.

    The PLS Group share price reached an all-time high of $6.17 on Tuesday.

    Morgans downgraded PLS shares from a hold to a trim rating after the miner’s 3Q FY26 update.

    The broker considers PLS Group the best lithium mining share on the market, but it’s concerned about valuation right now.

    Morgans said:

    Record production +8% ahead of consensus expectations and costs -13% ahead of consensus expectations highlights PLS’ strong operating leverage. Strong cash build supports growth and potential shareholder returns.

    PLS is our preferred lithium exposure, but we see much of the near-term upside priced in and suggest selectively trimming positions.

    Morgans kept its 12-month target at $5.40, demonstrating its belief that PLS Group shares are significantly overvalued for the moment.

    The post Morgans tips 1 ASX mining share to rip — and 1 to avoid — in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Pls 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 Pls 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 Bronwyn Allen 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.

  • Why Capstone Copper, Gentrack, Mineral Resources, and WiseTech shares are racing higher today

    A young woman holding her phone smiles broadly and looks excited, after receiving good news.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is having another subdued session on Thursday. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is down 0.2% to 8,671.1 points.

    Four ASX shares that are not letting that hold them back are listed below. Here’s why they are rising:

    Capstone Copper Corp (ASX: CSC)

    The Capstone Copper share price is up 1.5% to $11.58. This morning, this copper miner released its first-quarter update and reported revenue of US$652.5 million. This is up 22% from US$533.3 million a year earlier. Adjusted net income came in at a record of US$94.8 million and adjusted EBITDA was a record of US$329.1 million. This marks the sixth consecutive quarter of record adjusted EBITDA, driven largely by higher realised copper prices and supportive gold and silver prices.

    Gentrack Group Ltd (ASX: GTK)

    The Gentrack Group share price is up 2.5% to $4.91. This follows news that the utilities software provider has entered into an agreement to acquire Dubai Technology Partners (DTP). It is a premier airport technology and services provider based in Dubai. Gentrack’s CEO, Gary Miles, said: “DTP is a highly complementary acquisition—technologically, commercially, and culturally. By adding DTP’s technologies to Veovo’s AI-enabled portfolio and leveraging their prestigious expertise, we can deliver smarter, more automated solutions to our 150+ airports worldwide while establishing a powerful growth engine in the Middle East.”

    Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN)

    The Mineral Resources share price is up 6% to $65.76. The catalyst for this has been the release of the mining and mining services company’s third-quarter update. That update saw Mineral Resources upgrade its full-year shipments guidance for both Onslow Iron and its lithium operations. In addition, it revealed that costs are tracking to the lower end of its guidance range for Onslow Iron. The company has also lifted its mining services production volume for the financial year.

    WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

    The WiseTech Global share price is up 6.5% to $44.03. This is despite there being no news out of the logistics solutions technology company on Thursday. However, a bullish broker note out of Morgan Stanley appears to be lifting a number of tech stocks today. It has reaffirmed its overweight rating and $70.00 price target on the company’s shares. The broker believes WiseTech is well-placed to leverage AI to strengthen its market position.

    The post Why Capstone Copper, Gentrack, Mineral Resources, and WiseTech shares are racing higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Capstone Copper right now?

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

  • What is Morgans saying about Stanmore Resources and Suncorp shares after results?

    Woman and man calculating a dividend yield.

    With many S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) companies in the midst of releasing quarterly results and updates, the team at Morgans are quickly adjusting their outlooks. 

    Two of the most recent shares to receive updated guidance from the broker are Stanmore Resources Ltd (ASX: SMR) and Suncorp Group Ltd (ASX: SUN). 

    Let’s find out how Morgans views Stanmore and Suncorp shares today. 

    Stanmore Resources

    This ASX 200 company is an Australian coal producer with operations and exploration projects in the Bowen and Surat Basins in central and southern Queensland.

    Its stock price has fallen 6% so far in 2026. 

    Yesterday, it released its Q1 2026 Quarterly Activities Report.

    As Laura Stewart reported yesterday, it reported saleable coal production steady at 3.2 million tonnes and closing cash of US$166 million, giving the miner a strong foundation for the year.

    Morgans said two of three headline metrics narrowly miss consensus, though without material impact. 

    As a result, FY26 production guidance is unchanged, and the year remains back-end weighted. 

    FOB cash cost guidance increased to US$98-103/t from US$93-97/t due to inflationary pressures on fuel costs. Our forecast FOB costs have been increased to ~US$99/t to reflect this guidance update. We have made material changes to forecasts that reduces our DCF valuation to A$2.80ps (previously A$2.95ps). Following recent share price weakness, we upgrade our recommendation to BUY (previously HOLD).

    Today, Stanmore Resources shares are trading at approximately $2.25 each. 

    From this price, the updated target from Morgans indicates an upside potential of 24%. 

    Suncorp

    In a fresh note out of Morgans, the broker has increased its price target on Suncorp shares. 

    The broker said the company has provided an update on its aggregate reinsurance cover and its FY26 outlook.

    Overall, in our view, SUN securing an aggregate reinsurance cover will reduce future earnings volatility, whilst 2H26 claims are tracking below our expectations. We raise our SUN FY26F/FY27F EPS estimates by +3% and +1% respectively, reflecting lower-than-expected current year hazard claims relative to our prior forecasts, a mark-to-market and a modest adjustment to our forward UITR assumptions.

    As a result, Morgans’ price target has increased to $17.79 (previously $17), driven by these earnings revisions. 

    We believe SUN’s management has executed well in recent years, successfully steering the company’s strategy as a pure play general insurer. However, with the upside to our price target now more limited, we move to a HOLD recommendation.

    At the time of writing, Suncorp shares are trading for $16.95. 

    From this level, the revised price target from Morgans indicates just 5% upside for Suncorp shares. 

    The post What is Morgans saying about Stanmore Resources and Suncorp shares after results? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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