Category: Stock Market

  • Westpac posts higher profit in 1H26 results

    A man analyses stockmarket graph on his computer.

    The Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) share price is in focus today following the release of its 2026 half-year results, highlighting a statutory net profit of $3.4 billion, up 3% on the prior corresponding period, and an interim fully franked dividend of 77 cents per share.

    What did Westpac report?

    • Statutory net profit: $3.4 billion (up 3% vs 1H25, down 5% vs 2H25)
    • Net profit excluding notable items: $3.5 billion (up 1% vs 1H25)
    • Common equity tier 1 (CET1) capital ratio: 12.4%, above the 11.25% target
    • Interim fully franked dividend: 77 cents per share
    • Total lending and deposit growth: both up 7% year-on-year
    • Return on equity (ROE): 9.6%

    What else do investors need to know?

    Westpac delivered solid results during a period of global uncertainty, with balance sheet growth supported by increases in both lending and deposits. The bank grew Australian mortgages 7% year-on-year (excluding RAMS) and reported a 16% jump in business lending, focusing on agriculture, health, and professional services.

    Credit quality remains sound, with stressed exposures as a percentage of total committed exposures down to 1.16%. The bank’s prudent approach saw credit impairment provisions increase to $5.2 billion, with an overlay added for energy-intensive sectors. Cost management remains in focus, with expenses down from the prior half.

    What did Westpac management say?

    Chief Executive Officer Anthony Miller said:

    Our strong balance sheet and disciplined focus will allow us to support customers through global uncertainty. Growth is solid across lending and deposits, with several highlights. We are managing costs while backing Australians through current challenges.

    What’s next for Westpac?

    Westpac remains cautious amid geopolitical and economic challenges, particularly ongoing conflict and its impact on energy prices. The bank says it is ready to work with government and industry to support business and households through uncertainty, including further investments in a sustainable energy system.

    The UNITE transformation program is in its implementation phase, aimed at simplifying operations and supporting long-term growth. Westpac has reaffirmed its ambition to improve productivity, invest in technology including AI, and maintain its focus on regional Australia with continued branch support and growth in agribusiness lending.

    Westpac share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, Westpac shares have risen 19%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 7% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post Westpac posts higher profit in 1H26 results 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 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.

  • 2 ASX shares with dividend yields above 8%

    Hand holding Australian dollar (AUD) bills, symbolising ex dividend day. Passive income.

    The ASX dividend share space is where Australians can find some of the best options for passive income, in particular, companies with high dividend yields.

    Ideally, I’d want to find dividend options that have a high starting dividend yield, and a good chance of maintaining their payout.

    Of course, those businesses need to be able to sustainably grow their dividends too. I don’t think a high dividend yield is worth much if it’s very likely to be reduced soon. That’s a big reason why I’m highlighting the following ideas.

    WAM Leaders Ltd (ASX: WLE)

    WAM Leaders is a listed investment company (LIC) offered by Wilson Asset Management (WAM).

    It mostly targets large ASX blue-chip shares to generate its returns, though it’s significantly more active than an exchange-traded fund (ETF) like the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS). It’s very willing to buy and sell shares in a position to take advantage when the market is being too pessimistic or optimistic.

    At the end of March 2026, some of its largest positions included Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS), Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO), Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS), Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL), Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) and Nexgen Energy (Canada) CDI (ASX: NXG).

    Between inception in May 2016 and March 2026, its portfolio produced an average return per year of 11.6%, outperforming its benchmark by an average of more than 2.5% per year, before fees, expenses and taxes.

    The LIC’s board is expecting to pay an annual dividend per share of 9.6 cents in FY26. That translates into a grossed-up dividend yield of 10.4%, including franking credits. It has increased its annual dividend each year since FY17.

    Hearts and Minds Investments Ltd (ASX: HM1)

    Hearts & Minds is another LIC, though it operates quite differently.

    It’s invested in a concentrated portfolio if between 25 to 35 global shares based on the best ideas from respected fund managers. There are no management fees involved, which allows it to donate to leading Australian medical research.

    Some of its positions include TSMC, Zillow, Nvidia, Amazon and Brookdale Senior Living.

    Due to how its portfolio is constructed, it has a diversified list of holdings that could perform over the longer-term and generate good investment returns over time.

    In terms of the dividend, the business is looking to increase its payout by 0.5 cents per share every six months for the foreseeable future. That means the next two dividends are likely to be 20.5 cents per share. This translates into a grossed-up dividend yield of 10%, including franking credits.

    The post 2 ASX shares with dividend yields above 8% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Wam Leaders right now?

    Before you buy Wam Leaders 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 Wam Leaders 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 Hearts And Minds Investments. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Amazon, Nvidia, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, Wesfarmers, and Zillow Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Telstra Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Amazon, Nvidia, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Up 206% in a year, why this ASX All Ords gold stock is tipped to keep racing higher

    A few gold nullets sit on an old-fashioned gold scale, representing ASX gold shares.

    The All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) has gained 6.6% over the past 12 months, but this ASX All Ords gold stock has left those gains far behind.

    The outperforming Aussie miner in question is New Murchison Gold Ltd (ASX: NMG).

    New Murchison shares closed on Monday trading for 4.9 cents apiece. If you were able to turn the calendar back one year to 5 May 2025, you could have picked up shares at market close for just 1.6 cents each.

    That sees this ASX All Ords gold stock up a whopping 206.3% in 12 months. Or enough to turn an $8,000 investment into $24,500.

    And according to the team at Taylor Collison, New Murchison is well-positioned to deliver further outperformance.

    Here’s why.

    ASX All Ords gold stock on the growth path

    New Murchison reported its March quarter results on 28 April.

    “We are very pleased to report on our second full quarter of production and to demonstrate continued strong operational performance,” New Murchison CEO Alex Passmore said.

    He noted that over the quarter, the ASX All Ords gold stock consolidated its operations at its Crown Prince gold mine, located in Western Australia.

    Over the three months, the miner generated $63.6 million in cash from sales of 173,174 tonnes of ore containing 16,660 ounces of gold.

    Looking ahead, Passmore said:

    Exploration of NMG’s tenement package accelerated with the initial focus on near-mine opportunities. Exploration is continuing to build a great foundation for NMG’s development pipeline throughout our highly prospective Murchison gold fields tenement package.

    Why Taylor Collison is bullish on New Murchison Gold

    Following New Murchison’s quarterly release, Taylor Collison said:

    The A$63.6m quarterly build takes the balance sheet to A$155.6m, which we forecast to exceed A$200m by EOFY26. This removes equity dilution risk from any of the strategic pathways on the table

    The broker noted that the ASX All Ords gold stock’s cash balance is impressive relative to its current market cap.

    According to Taylor Collison:

    With no debt, no hedging and a cash balance approaching ~$190m vs ~$530m market cap, we think NMG looks undervalued vs it peers as it is now a proven producer that has genuine optionality across UG development, regional satellite pits, a standalone processing solution, or value-accretive M&A, with the late-May resource update and June UG feasibility plan as near-term catalysts to firm up the first two pathways. We continue to view Crown Prince as a platform asset rather than a single-pit story…

    Then there’s the potential of some passive income payouts down the road.

    Taylor Collison added:

    With NMG now paying tax and generating franking credits, capital return via a special dividend or formal dividend policy also emerges as a credible option should management elect to prioritise shareholder returns over reinvestment.

    Connecting the dots, the broker reaffirmed its speculative buy rating on the ASX gold share with a price target of 6.8 cents a share.

    That’s more than 38% above New Murchison Gold’s closing price on Monday.

    The post Up 206% in a year, why this ASX All Ords gold stock is tipped to keep racing higher appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in New Murchison Gold Ltd right now?

    Before you buy New Murchison Gold 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 New Murchison Gold 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 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.

  • Why Coles shares were just downgraded by Bell Potter

    a woman holds her hands to her temples as she sits in front of a computer screen with a concerned look on her face.

    Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) shares could be fully valued now.

    That’s the view of analysts at Bell Potter, who have just downgraded the supermarket giant’s shares.

    What is the broker saying?

    Bell Potter has been looking at Coles’ third-quarter update. While it was pleased with the performance of its Food business, it was disappointed with its Liquor business. It said:

    Supermarkets: Revenue growth of +4.0% YOY to $9,781m, compared to our $9,692m forecast (and VA of $9,770m). Growth in the early part of 4Q26e has continued at rates comparable to 3Q26 and this compares to the +3.7% YoY growth recorded in the first eight weeks of the quarter. Outperformance relative to the sector seen in 4Q25-1Q26 looks to be continuing, albeit at a slower rate than that of WOW. E-commerce sales grew +24.8% YoY, reaching 13.6% of sales.

    Liquor revenue down -3.9% YoY at $781m (BPe $814m and VA $784m), with 13 net store closings in the period. E-commerce sales grew +1.8% YoY and accounted for 7.3% of sales. The category remains competitive.

    This has led to the broker trimming its earnings estimates. It explains:

    EPS changes -3% in FY27e and -2% in FY29e. Changes reflect softer liquor sales growth, modestly lower GM assumptions in supermarkets and higher base interest rates.

    Coles shares downgraded

    In response to the update, the broker has downgraded Coles shares to a hold rating (from buy) but with an improved price target of $22.80 (from $22.35). This is only a touch ahead of where its shares are trading at currently.

    Bell Potter made the move largely on valuation grounds. However, it also notes that competition is increasing for its food business at a time when food inflation is rising.

    And while Coles shares trade at a discount to Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) shares, it sees better value opportunities elsewhere in the consumer staples space. It said:

    We downgrade our rating from Buy to Hold. The shortfall between retail shelf price inflation and underlying food inflation in both WOW and COL has widened in the recent quarter. The competitive backdrop appears to be lifting and liquor remains challenged in a rising cost environment. Trading a discount to WOW, there is a relative value argument to be made, particularly given the more limited exposure to discretionary channels in the near term, however we see more compelling GARP opportunities elsewhere in the consumer staples space at this juncture.

    The post Why Coles shares were just downgraded by Bell Potter appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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

  • 2 ASX shares tipped to grow 50% or more in the next 12 months

    Green arrow going up on stock market chart, symbolising a rising share price.

    I’m always on the lookout for ASX shares that could deliver big returns. Recently, analysts have highlighted some that could be significantly undervalued.

    The ultra-long-term return of the ASX share market has been approximately 10% per year, so anything capable of outperforming that benchmark could be very attractive.

    Brokers have highlighted two businesses that released promising updates this year, and could therefore could deliver significant returns in the year ahead. Let’s look at those ideas.

    Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1)

    Megaport said it’s changing how businesses manage their infrastructure, with one smart and simple platform. The company says it brings “network and compute together seamlessly and deploy[s] secure, scalable infrastructure closer to users, data and clouds.”

    It noted that it’s trusted by leading companies across the world, partnering with service providers, data centres and system integrators.

    The ASX share continues to win sizeable contracts – it recently announced a major new customer contract for compute and storage. That customer signed a 36-month contract with a total value of approximately US$25.1 million, or A$35.4 million. That adds US$8.4 million (A$11.8 million) in annualised recuring revenue (ARR).

    The company said that its subsidiary Latitude.sh is in an ideal position as a critical infrastructure platform to continues to capture the “unprecedented AI-driven demand for CPU, GPU and storage.”

    Megaport’s network ARR continues to grow strongly, with the figure reaching A$272 million as at 31 March 2026, representing 23% year-over-year growth on a constant currency basis. Excluding India, network ARR increased 20% on a constant currency basis.

    According to CMC Invest, there have been nine recent analyst ratings on the business, with eight of those being a buy and one being a hold. The average price target of those ratings is $15.39, implying a possible rise of around 70% from where it is, at the time of writing.

    Austal Ltd (ASX: ASB)

    Austal is another ASX share that experts have tipped to deliver potentially large returns.

    It’s a global shipbuilder and defence contractor that designs, constructs and maintains some of the world’s most advanced commercial and defence vessels. The business is Australia’s largest defence exporter.

    Austal has shipyards in Australia, the USA, the Philippines and Vietnam, with service centres across the world.

    Some of its major clients include the US Department of Defense, the US Coast Guard, the Australian Department of Defence and the Australian Department of Home Affairs.

    Its FY26 half-year result was impressive, with revenue growth of 34% to $1.1 billion operating profit (EBIT) growth of 41% to $60.4 million and net profit after tax (NPAT) growth of 21% to $30.5 million.

    There are a number of positives for the business, including its Australian order book being at record levels, providing “years of growth”. Additionally, it’s expanding its Alabama shipyard which will help its US earnings and capabilities.

    Its HY26 order book reached $17.7 billion, suggesting plenty of future revenue and earnings are locked in.

    According to CMC Invest, of three recent ratings on the business, the average price target is $6.94. That implies a possible rise of around 65% from where it is, at the time of writing.

    The post 2 ASX shares tipped to grow 50% or more in the next 12 months appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Megaport shares, consider this:

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

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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

  • How I’d aim for a 7% dividend yield in a SMSF

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

    Self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs) are a wonderful way to invest for high dividend yields because of how they are offer lower tax rates (perhaps 0% in retirement) for Australians.

    But, in my view, I don’t think every high-yield ASX share is a buy just because it offers a large near-term (or historic) yield. There are other aspects I want to see from an investment that may look appealing on the income side of things.

    Passive income stability

    For me, it’s very important that investors can rely on the passive income that they expect to receive.

    I don’t think there’s much appeal to owning a business for dividends if that payout disappears when an economic downturn comes.

    High yields are only attractive if those payments continue to flow, not just at certain times of the economic cycle.

    For example, if I relied on dividend income to pay for my life expenditure, I wouldn’t expect Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) or Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) dividends to remain as strong as they are now given how volatile mining earnings can be.

    Underlying business and payout growth

    Ideally, I only want to invest in businesses with attractive, long-term futures. Therefore, I only want to choose investments that I foresee delivering long-term capital growth due to profit growth and/or balance sheet growth.

    The longer an SMSF (or anyone) holds an investment, the more time it has to deliver pleasing compounding.

    If a business isn’t improving its underlying value, then it may become harder for that business to maintain/grow its payout.

    Owning businesses with rising payouts allows us to feel progressively wealthier as larger dividends arrive at our bank accounts.

    ASX shares I’d buy in a SMSF with a dividend yield of more than 7%

    There are not too many businesses on the ASX that tick the boxes of what I’m suggesting would suit well for an SMSF.

    I’ll highlight a few names that really stand out to me.

    WCM Global Growth Ltd (ASX: WQG) is a listed investment company (LIC) that invests in a global portfolio of appealing businesses with growing economic moats and a company culture that helps improve the competitive advantages. Its forward grossed-up dividend yield is expected to be 7.25%, including franking credits. It has grown its annual payout each year since 2019.

    Future Generation Australia Ltd (ASX: FGX) is another LIC, which donates 1% of its net assets to youth charities as fund managers work for free to enable that donation. Future Generation Australia’s 2025 annual dividend translates into a grossed-up dividend yield of 7.8%, including franking credits. It has hiked its payout every year since 2016.

    Charter Hall Long WALE REIT (ASX: CLW) is a diversified property owner which leases various types of properties on long-term leases, providing significant rental security. It’s expecting to grow its FY26 distribution by 2% in FY26, translating into a forward distribution yield of 7.2%. At the current valuations, I think each of the above ideas can be a strong SMSF pick for a high dividend yield.

    The post How I’d aim for a 7% dividend yield in a SMSF appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Fortescue 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 Fortescue 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 Future Generation Australia and Wcm Global Growth. 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 50%, why Xero shares look like a rare ASX opportunity to me

    Happy woman working on a laptop.

    I think Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO) is one of the most interesting ASX growth shares to look at right now.

    The share price has been hit hard and is down 50% since this time last year, with investors worrying about valuation, slowing growth, and the potential impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on accounting software.

    Those concerns are worth taking seriously. But I also think the sell-off has created a much more attractive setup for long-term investors.

    At lower prices, Xero starts to look less like an expensive technology stock and more like a high-quality global business going through a reset in expectations.

    A stronger business than the share price suggests

    Xero has built one of the best software platforms on the ASX, in my opinion.

    Its accounting software is used by small businesses, accountants, and bookkeepers across a number of markets, including Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and North America.

    That gives it a large addressable market.

    The important point for me is that Xero is not just a nice-to-have tool. For many small businesses, accounting software sits at the centre of invoicing, payroll, tax, reporting, and cash flow management.

    Once a business and its accountant are using the platform, moving away can be inconvenient and disruptive. That gives Xero a level of stickiness that I think is very valuable over time.

    AI could be a help, not just a threat

    The big fear around Xero is that AI could disrupt accounting software.

    I understand why investors are asking the question. AI is changing software quickly, and it could automate parts of bookkeeping and reporting over time.

    But I think there is another way to look at it.

    Xero already has the customer relationships, workflow data, integrations, and trusted position inside small businesses. That gives it a strong base to add AI features of its own.

    If AI makes the platform easier to use, faster, and more useful, then it could actually increase the value Xero provides to customers.

    In my opinion, the winners in software will not necessarily be the companies with the flashiest AI tools. They will be the companies that can embed AI into real workflows where customers already spend time.

    That is where Xero has a genuine opportunity.

    Profit growth can change the conversation

    For years, Xero was mostly valued on revenue growth.

    That made sense while the company was investing heavily for scale. But the next stage of the story could be more about profitability.

    As Xero grows larger, it should be able to benefit from operating leverage. This essetially means that revenue can rise without costs needing to grow at the same rate.

    That is one of the most attractive parts of the software model.

    If Xero can keep adding subscribers, lift average revenue per user, and control costs, earnings could grow much faster than revenue over the long term.

    This is where I think the market may be too focused on near-term uncertainty.

    Foolish takeaway

    Xero is unlikely to deliver a straight-line recovery. Sentiment toward tech shares remains fragile, and AI fears may continue to weigh on the share price.

    But I think the business itself still has a long runway. It has a sticky product, a global market opportunity, and the potential to use AI to strengthen its platform rather than weaken it.

    For patient investors, I think this pullback could be one of the better chances to buy a high-quality ASX growth share at a much more reasonable price.

    The post Down 50%, why Xero shares look like a rare ASX opportunity to me 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 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 Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Xero. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Austal issues correction for Border Force contract price

    Two male professional analysts discuss share price movements shown on the computer screen in front of them, with one pointing to a screen

    Yesterday evening, Austal Ltd (ASX: ASB) updated the contract value for its latest Australian Border Force order to $150.3 million, increasing from the $136 million previously reported.

    What did Austal report?

    • Correction: Contract price for two Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats updated to approximately $150.3 million (up from $136 million)
    • Contract is for the Australian Border Force
    • Austal continues to expand its defence vessel contracts globally

    What else do investors need to know?

    This correction ensures investors have the accurate contract value for Austal’s recent deal with the Australian Border Force. The contract further strengthens Austal’s position as a leading defence exporter and strategic shipbuilder for the Australian government.

    Austal has a major presence both in Australia and overseas, supplying advanced vessels to defence and commercial customers in over 59 countries. The company has now contracted more than 360 vessels globally during its nearly 40-year history.

    What’s next for Austal?

    Austal will continue delivering on its contract for the two Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats, with the updated value reflecting the scope of work. The company remains focused on its major defence programs and leveraging its role as the Commonwealth’s Strategic Shipbuilder in Western Australia.

    With multi-national shipyards and a sustained pipeline of defence projects, Austal expects to maintain its industry-leading position supplying vessels to governments and agencies worldwide.

    Austal share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, Austal shares have declined 18%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 7% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post Austal issues correction for Border Force contract price appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Austal 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 Austal 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.

  • A rare buying opportunity in 1 of Australia’s top shares?

    Three happy team mates holding the winners trophy.

    I view Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV) as one of Australia’s top shares because of its existing qualities and how much growth it could deliver in the coming years.

    The business is best-known as an affordable jewellery retailer across its global Lovisa store network. It also has a start-up business in the UK called Jewells.

    I think it’s one of the leading retail businesses to watch over the next five years because of how much it could expand its reach.

    Global growth aspirations

    The business has dramatically expanded over the past decade, with its Lovisa network reaching 1,089 locations as reported in its FY26 half-year result.

    Its store new work grew 15.4% on the prior year and 6.3% compared to the previous equivalent half.

    Over the 12 months to December 2025, it added at least one store to the following markets: Australia, New Zealand, China, Vietnam, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, the UK, Ireland, Spain, France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Poland, Italy, Hungary, UAE, USA, Canada, Mexico and its Middle East and Africa franchise.

    Those regions offer the company a huge addressable market and a very long growth runway, making it one of Australia’s most compelling shares.

    If an ASX share can continue growing at a good pace for a very long time, it can generate great shareholder returns thanks to compounding.

    Strong profit growth rate

    Lovisa is aiming to grow its earnings over the long-term with its store network expansion, and that’s coming through in the numbers.

    Excluding the Jewells business, Lovisa reported that in HY26, its revenue soared 22.7% to $498.1 million (with 2.2% comparable store growth) and net profit after tax (NPAT) climbed by 21.5% to $69.6 million.

    I think most businesses on the ASX would be delighted to grow underlying net profit by more than 20%. The profit growth rate is a key reason for my view that it’s one of Australia’s top shares.

    Its increasing scale is helping some of its profit margins rise (despite the significant investing in expanding its store network). The core Lovisa business saw gross profit increase by 23.4% and operating profit (EBITDA) rose 24.4%.

    According to the forecast on Commsec, the business is valued at 27x FY26’s estimated earnings, with expectations that the company’s earnings per share (EPS) could increase by 23.8% in FY27.

    It looks much better value after falling 44% since August 2025, as the chart below shows.

    Dividend cash payments

    Shareholders consistently benefit from owning the business due to its growing dividend payments, which is another factor which makes this one of Australia’s top shares, in my view.

    I think it’s good to see that the business is rewarding shareholders because investors aren’t purely relying on capital growth to see improvements in their financials.

    In the HY26 result, Lovisa decided to hike its payout by 6% to 53 cents per share.

    The projection on Commsec suggests the business could increase its payout to approximately 99 cents per share in FY27 and then $1.13 per share in FY28.

    At the current Lovisa share price, it offers a potential dividend yield of 5.7%, including franking credits, at the time of writing.

    These are some powerful factors combining together that could lead to solid returns in the coming years.

    The post A rare buying opportunity in 1 of Australia’s top shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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

  • 3 incredible ASX ETFs to buy to supercharge your portfolio

    a man looks down at his phone with a look of happy surprise on his face as though he is thrilled with good news.

    Some exchange traded funds (ETFs) are built to track the market broadly. Others are designed to give investors sharper exposure to specific areas of long-term growth.

    For investors who already have a foundation in place, these types of funds can add exposure to themes that are reshaping the global economy.

    Here are three ASX ETFs that could help supercharge returns over the coming years.

    BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

    The first ASX ETF that offers powerful growth exposure is the BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF.

    This fund gives investors access to many of the companies setting the pace in the US economy. These are businesses shaping how people search, stream, shop, work, advertise, and build digital infrastructure.

    Its holdings include companies such as Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX), Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), and Broadcom (NASDAQ: AVGO).

    Broadcom is a useful example of the depth inside the fund. While some Nasdaq names are consumer-facing, Broadcom sits closer to the infrastructure layer, supplying semiconductors and software used across networking, data centres, and enterprise technology.

    That mix of platform companies, software leaders, and infrastructure providers gives the BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF exposure to several engines of digital growth in one trade.

    BetaShares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

    Another ASX ETF that could add growth exposure is the BetaShares Asia Technology Tigers ETF.

    It focuses on technology companies across Asia, where digital adoption is still developing in ways that look different from the US market.

    Its holdings include companies such as Tencent Holdings (SEHK: 700), PDD Holdings (NASDAQ: PDD), and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (NYSE: TSM).

    PDD Holdings shows how quickly new models can scale in the region. Its platforms have gained traction by focusing on value, mobile commerce, and cross-border retail, tapping into large consumer markets both inside and outside China.

    This gives the BetaShares Asia Technology Tigers ETF exposure to a mix of ecommerce, semiconductors, online services, and digital platforms across some of the world’s most important growth markets.

    BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK)

    A third ASX ETF that could appeal to growth-focused investors is the BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF.

    Cybersecurity spending is no longer optional for companies. As more activity moves into cloud systems, remote networks, and digital payments, protecting data and identity has become a core business function.

    This fund provides exposure to companies operating across this expanding security ecosystem.

    Its holdings include companies such as Cloudflare (NYSE: NET), CrowdStrike (NASDAQ: CRWD), and Fortinet (NASDAQ: FTNT).

    Cloudflare highlights how cybersecurity is blending with broader internet infrastructure. Its network helps businesses improve security, performance, and reliability across web applications and online services.

    So, with demand for cybersecurity services expected to grow materially over the next decade, the companies held by the BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF stand to benefit greatly.

    The post 3 incredible ASX ETFs to buy to supercharge your portfolio appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Betashares Capital – Asia Technology Tigers Etf right now?

    Before you buy Betashares Capital – Asia Technology Tigers 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 Capital – Asia Technology Tigers Etf wasn’t one of them.

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF and Betashares Capital – Asia Technology Tigers Etf. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Apple, BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Broadcom, Cloudflare, CrowdStrike, Fortinet, Microsoft, Netflix, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, and Tencent. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Apple, CrowdStrike, Microsoft, and Netflix. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.