Category: Stock Market

Are you looking for some new ASX dividend shares to buy? If you are, then it could be worth checking out the three below which have been named as buys by brokers.

Here’s what they are recommending to income investors:

Charter Hall Retail REIT (ASX: CQR)

The first ASX dividend share that has been given the thumbs up by analysts is Charter Hall Retail REIT.

It is a property company that owns a diversified portfolio of convenience-based retail centres that are anchored by supermarkets, service stations, and essential services. These assets tend to be defensive because shoppers continue to spend on groceries and everyday essentials regardless of economic conditions.

The team at Citi is positive on the company due to its successful capital deployment, improving margins, and retail property trends. The broker believes this will support dividends per share of 25.5 cents in FY 2026 and then 26 cents in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $3.94, this would mean dividend yields of 6.5% and 6.6%, respectively.

Citi has a buy rating and $4.50 price target on its shares.

Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN)

Over at Bell Potter, its analysts think Harvey Norman could be an ASX dividend share to buy.

It highlights that the retail giant benefits from a unique franchise model that generates robust cash flows and provides flexibility during challenging retail environments. In addition to its core electronics and furniture operations, Harvey Norman owns a substantial property portfolio. This adds another layer of income stability and supports its dividend payments.

Bell Potter expects fully franked dividends per share of 30.9 cents in FY 2026 and 35.3 cents in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $6.51, this represents dividend yields of 4.75% and 5.4%, respectively.

The broker has a buy rating and $8.30 price target on its shares.

IPH Ltd (ASX: IPH)

A third ASX dividend share that analysts are recommending to income investors is IPH.

It is a global intellectual property services group that helps clients across the world protect their patents, trademarks, and intellectual property.

The company’s defensive business, strong cash conversion, and disciplined capital management have allowed it to pay generous dividends over the past decade.

Macquarie is positive on the company and believes that its cost cutting will offset weaker operating environment. As a result, the broker feels it is positioned to pay fully franked dividends of 39 cents per share in both FY 2026 and FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $3.58, this would mean dividend yields of almost 11% for both years.

Macquarie has a buy rating and $4.04 price target on its shares.

The post 3 top ASX dividend shares for income investors to buy now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Brokers name 3 ASX dividend shares for income investors to buy
• These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares
• 3 quality ASX dividend shares to buy for passive income in 2026
• Charter Hall Retail REIT posts higher earnings and distributions in 1H FY26
• Why these ASX dividend shares could be top picks for income investors in February

Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Charter Hall Retail REIT, Harvey Norman, and Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended IPH Ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS) shares dropped another 7.81% at the close of the ASX on Thursday afternoon, to $6.14 a piece.

The latest decline means the shares have now crashed 44.28% from their all-time high of $11.02 per share recorded in mid-January.

But it’s not all bad news, thanks to some price surges in 2025, the shares are still 365.15% higher than the trading price this time last year.

What happened to EOS shares this year?

The Aussie defence company, which develops and produces advanced electro-optic technologies, faced a couple of headwinds this month.

The ASX stock benefited from surging demand for exposure to the defence sector amid ongoing geopolitical volatility throughout 2025. And it’s a trend which continues to translate, or potentially exacerbate, in 2026 so far. The company has had several major contract wins recently.

But its share price has fallen sharply since late January, now dropping over 44% over the past month alone.

It looks like investors locked in their gains late last month, and then the sell-off continued into February after speculation that the company might move its headquarters and stock market listing from Australia to Europe to capitalise on rapidly rising defence spending across the region.

This was shortly followed by a scathing short seller report from Grizzly Research which said that it finds “statements that EOS made in the investor call dedicated to the new Korean contract announcements aggressively misleading, and sometimes bordering on outright lies”. 

The report also raised doubts over a recent acquisition.

It said:

Our research in the acquisition of MARSS by EOS in January 2026 uncovers a multitude of issues. We believe management has lied about past revenues and is misrepresenting the economic opportunity of this acquisition.

The following week, the US-based short seller disclosed that it holds a short position in EOS shares, meaning it stands to benefit financially if the share price falls.

In response, EOS requested a trading halt and released a detailed statement. It said it rejects what it describes as the report’s “misleading, manipulatory and pejorative” conclusions. The company also revealed it has instructed legal advisers in Australia and Germany to consider potential legal action.

But the damage to investor confidence has already been made.

But analysts are still bullish

Investor confidence may have been slashed this month, but analyst sentiment remains bullish on the outlook for EOS shares.

TradingView data shows a consensus strong buy rating on EOS shares, and a maximum target price of $12.72. That implies a potential 107.17% upside at the time of writing.

The post EOS shares crashed 44% from their all-time high last month. Is it time to sell? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• Is now the time to invest in EOS shares?
• EOS shares crash 16% on scathing short seller report
• Why EOS shares are halted today after a sharp sell-off
• Why EOS, Lotus Resources, REA, and Web Travel shares are dropping today

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 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.</p>

On Thursday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was on form again and pushed higher. The benchmark index rose 0.3% to 9,043.5 points.

Will the market be able to build on this on Friday and end the week on a high? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 expected to fall

The Australian share market looks set to tumble on Friday following a poor night in the United States. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open 54 points or 0.6% lower this morning. In late trade on Wall Street, the Dow Jones is down 0.7%, the S&P 500 is down 1%, and the Nasdaq is down 1.6%.

Oil prices sink

It could be a poor finish to the week for ASX 200 energy shares Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) after oil prices sank overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 2.5% to US$63.03 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 2.4% to US$67.73 a barrel. This was driven by news that the IEA has reduced its demand forecast.

Cochlear half-year results

Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH) shares will be on watch on Friday when the hearing solutions company releases its half-year results. According to a note out of Morgans, its analysts are expecting Cochlear to report underlying net profit after tax of $202.6 million. It said: “Cochlear is seen as a key result to watch given its stretched valuation and the launch of the new Nucleus Nexa system, but we view the outcome as more likely to confirm or be slightly below consensus than surprising it.”

Gold price tumbles

ASX 200 gold shares including Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) could have a poor finish to the week after the gold price tumbled overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is down 2.6% to US$4,964 an ounce. Gold fell in response to strong US economic data, which reduced rate cut bets.

Buy Temple & Webster shares

Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW) shares are undervalued after a heavy decline on Thursday according to analysts at Bell Potter. This morning, the broker has reaffirmed its buy rating with a reduced price target of $13.00 (from $19.50). It said: “Key metrics, active customers (1.35m) and repeat rates (62%) were in line with BPe, however revenue per customer tracking below. TPW reaffirmed FY26 EBITDA margin guidance of 3-5% post the entry investment into New Zealand (launched in Oct-25). 2H26 has commenced on +20% check-out revenue growth.”

The post 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Are Temple & Webster shares a buy after falling 32% yesterday following earnings results?
• What’s going on with ASX bank stocks this week?
• ASX gold stocks never pay high dividends, but Evolution just changed the game
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• 2 great ASX shares I’m planning to buy next week

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

Gold and silver prices tumbled sharply overnight after reports emerged that Russia is considering a return to the US dollar as part of a broader economic partnership.

According to reports, the proposal could involve Russia pivoting back toward the US dollar settlement system in exchange for closer economic cooperation with the United States.

Markets reacted swiftly.

Silver prices fell nearly 10% in around 30 minutes, dropping back below US$76 per ounce. Gold also slid heavily, shedding roughly 3.5% in 15 minutes and falling back under US$5,000 per ounce.

Across global markets, as much as US$3.2 trillion in value was wiped out within an hour as investors rapidly repositioned portfolios.

What is being proposed?

While details remain limited, the suggested framework includes:

• Cooperation between the US and Russia on fossil fuel production
• Joint investment in natural gas infrastructure
• Partnerships in offshore oil and critical raw materials
• Preferential treatment for US commercial interests
• Russia’s return to US dollar-based trade settlement

In simple terms, the proposal centres on Russia moving away from efforts to reduce reliance on the US dollar and instead re-engaging with the American financial system.

That potential shift is what appears to have rattled precious metals markets.

Why would this hit gold and silver?

Gold and silver are often viewed as hedges against uncertainty.

Investors typically buy precious metals when they are worried about geopolitical instability, currency debasement, or fractures in the global financial system. In recent years, one of the dominant narratives has been “de-dollarisation” – the idea that major economies, including Russia and members of the BRICS bloc, were gradually shifting away from the US dollar in trade and reserves.

That narrative has helped underpin demand for gold in particular, as central banks increased bullion purchases and investors sought alternatives to the US dollar.

If Russia were to pivot back to the US dollar system, it would signal a potential reversal of that trend.

In that scenario, fears of a fragmented global currency system may ease. A stronger US dollar outlook can also weigh on gold and silver prices, as both metals are priced in US dollars and tend to move inversely to it.

In short, if confidence in the US dollar rises, the immediate need for alternative stores of value can diminish. That dynamic helps explain the sharp and rapid selling in precious metals following the reports.

A market moving in real time

The speed of the move highlights how sensitive markets are to shifts in global power structures and currency alliances.

Gold falling more than 3% in minutes and silver plunging close to 10% in half an hour underscores just how crowded some of these thematic trades may have become.

For now, what we have are reports of discussions and a potential framework. No formal agreement has been announced.

But the reaction shows that sentiment weighs heavily towards any signs that the global financial architecture could be shifting again.

Whether this proposal advances or fades, the world will be watching closely. The implications stretch far beyond gold and silver prices and into energy markets, currency dynamics, and the broader balance of economic power.

The post Why did the silver and gold price just fall so sharply? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Pro Medicus shares could rebound over 100%
• $2,000 invested in AMP shares at the start of 2026 is now worth…
• Broker weighs in on two ASX healthcare shares that crashed yesterday
• What’s going on with ASX bank stocks this week?
• Are Light & Wonder shares a buy after tumbling 7% yesterday?

Motley Fool contributor Leigh Gant 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.

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME) shares had a terrible day at the office on Thursday and crashed deep into the red.

The health imaging technology company’s shares ended the day 24% lower at a multi-year low of $129.00.

What happened?

Investors were selling the company’s shares following the release of its half-year results.

Unfortunately, it was a case of strong but not strong enough for this one, with its record results falling short of expectations.

But while an earnings miss as software stocks are being sold off due to artificial intelligence (AI) disruption concerns is bad timing, the level of the selling has many analysts believing it was a severe overreaction from investors.

One of those is Morgans, which is urging investors to pick up Pro Medicus shares while they are down in the dumps.

Let’s see what the broker is saying about this ASX tech stock after digesting Thursday’s results.

What is the broker saying?

Morgans notes that Pro Medicus delivered a record result with revenue and underlying earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) rising by approximately 30% over the prior corresponding period.

However, this missed consensus expectations due to higher staff costs and a smaller contribution from the mammoth Trinity contract.

The broker thinks investors should overlook this, especially with its longer-term growth outlook being strengthened from significant contract wins.

Commenting on the result, the broker said:

PME delivered record revenue and underlying EBIT up ~30% YoY, yet the result fell short of expectations on operating leverage with a jump in staff costs driving an EBITDA miss as Trinity contributed less than anticipated. The longer-term outlook strengthened with more than A$280m of new contracts signed and five-year contracted revenue now around A$1.1bn, though the market remains wary of a heavy 2H execution load and cost base increase.

It is not ideal to deliver a miss in this market, but the reaction feels overcooked and the setup into 2H is far better than the share price implies. Our valuation is reduced to A$275 (from A$290) and we retain our Buy recommendation.

As you can see above, in response to the results, Morgans has reaffirmed its buy rating on Pro Medicus shares with a trimmed price target of $275.00 (from $290.00).

Based on its current share price of $129.00, this suggests that its shares could more than double in value between now and this time next year.

The post Why Pro Medicus shares could rebound over 100% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Broker weighs in on two ASX healthcare shares that crashed yesterday
• Pro Medicus shares crash 22% despite record results. Is this a rare buying opportunity?
• Why AMP, CSL, Pro Medicus, and Temple & Webster shares are crashing today
• Pro Medicus shares crash 20% on results day
• Pro Medicus interim earnings surge on record profits

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

AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP) shares crashed 26.65% over the course of the day on Thursday. When the ASX closed on Thursday afternoon the share price had dropped to $1.28 a piece. The crash means the shares are now 27.27% lower for the year.

The decline came straight off the back of the financial services company’s FY25 results announcement posted on the ASX ahead of market open on Thursday morning.

According to The Australian, Thursday was the biggest one-day fall in the AMP share price since 2003, when its value tanked 36%. 

The wealth manager reported a 20.8% lift in underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) to $285 million. It also reported a 9% increase in total assets under management (AUM) and a 11.3% decline in statutory NPAT over the year. AMP said this decline was due to legacy legal settlements.

The result was far below market expectations across the board.

So if I bought $2,000 worth of AMP shares in early 2026, what is it worth now?

The decline means $2,000 invested in AMP shares when the ASX first opened for the year on the 2nd of January would be worth just $1,467 at the close of the market on Thursday.

$2,000 invested in AMP shares this time last year would be worth even less, totalling $1,454 at the time of writing.

It remains to be seen whether AMP’s shares can recover today, or whether the investor sell-off will continue through the end of the week.

It’s not the first headwind to hit AMP shares this year

The disappointing results follow a dent in confidence last month after news that a new CEO will take over the business spooked investors. 

The company announced that Blair Vernon will take the reins as the company’s new CEO and sitting CEO, while Alexis George will retire from her executive roles on the 30th of March. George has served as AMP’s CEO since August 2021, overseeing a period of significant transformation and growth for the company.

The move stirred up concerns about business uncertainty among investors even ahead of its FY25 results announcement. AMP has spent the past year or so reshaping its business after selling off its advice and insurance in August 2024. It looks like the latest financial results have done nothing to instil any confidence. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see more downside from here.

The post $2,000 invested in AMP shares at the start of 2026 is now worth… appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• AMP share price nosedives 31% on earnings miss and disappointing guidance
• Why AMP, CSL, Pro Medicus, and Temple & Webster shares are crashing today
• AMP FY25 result: 21% profit lift and higher AUM
• ASX 200 financials flew but tech and mining shares faltered last week
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

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.

ASX 200 healthcare stock Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME) made headlines yesterday after tumbling 24% following the release of its latest earnings result.

Investors were running for the exit despite some positive results.

For the six months ended 31 December, Pro Medicus reported:

• Revenue up 28.4% to $124.8 million
• Underlying profit before tax up 29.7% to a record $90.7 million
• Underlying EBIT margin expanding to 72.6%
• Interim dividend of 32 cents per share, fully franked. 

On the surface these look like solid results, but investors weren’t convinced. 

The ASX healthcare stock has now fallen 42% since the start of 2026. 

Brokers response

Following the brutal sell-off, Bell Potter updated its guidance on the ASX 200 healthcare stock. 

The broker said the outlook statements continue to support expectations of robust growth in the years ahead. 

Despite these positives, the stock has been “priced for perfection” and the 5% miss at the top line was sufficient to trigger a brutal share price reaction.

The earnings miss could not have been more poorly timed in an environment of hyper-sensitivity to the perceived threat to long term earnings posed by the evolution of advanced AI tools. 

In addition the company disclosed that it had been unsuccessful on more than one contract during the period, on the basis of price – not what the market needed on the back of an earnings miss.

Where to from here?

In yesterday’s report, Bell Potter reinforced it remains confident on ongoing outlook for revenue and earnings growth. 

However, it significantly reduced its share price target. 

The broker retained its buy recommendation on the basis the current price is an attractive entry point.

The broker now has a price target of $240.00 (previously $320.00) on this ASX 200 healthcare stock. 

This indicates an upside of 86% from yesterday’s closing price of $129.00.

Another ASX healthcare stock gets an update

Pro Medicus wasn’t the only healthcare stock that endured a tough day of trading yesterday. 

Oneview Healthcare PLC (ASX: ONE) shares dropped more than 7% on Thursday after releasing earnings results.

The company provides patient engagement and clinical workflow technology solutions to healthcare facilities. It serves hospitals and healthcare systems, academic medical centers, and pediatric hospitals.

Following yesterday’s results, Bell Potter improved its forecast operating losses (R. EBITDA) over the FY26-FY28 period by 20%/22%/48%. 

The broker retained its speculative buy recommendation and $0.50 price target. 

This indicates an upside of roughly 66%. 

Although the thematics appear to be improving, we remain cautious about the long-term trajectory and therefore moderated our long-term growth assumptions to leave our TP unchanged at $0.50/sh.

The post Broker weighs in on two ASX healthcare shares that crashed yesterday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Pro Medicus shares could rebound over 100%
• Pro Medicus shares crash 22% despite record results. Is this a rare buying opportunity?
• Why AMP, CSL, Pro Medicus, and Temple & Webster shares are crashing today
• Pro Medicus shares crash 20% on results day
• Pro Medicus interim earnings surge on record profits

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 recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

ASX bank stocks are charging higher this week. 

ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) shares closed 8.47% higher on Thursday at $40.35. For the year the shares are 29.2% higher.

It was the same story for Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA). Its share price climbed 5.41% over the course of the day to close at $178.74 a piece on Thursday. The shares are now 7.69% higher over the year.

Westpac Banking Corporation (ASX: WBC) and National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) shares also climbed higher on Thursday. Westpac shares increased 1.81% to $41 and NAB shares increased 2.31% to $46.54. Over the year the shares are now 18.33 and 13.21% higher respectively. 

It’s a welcome recovery for the banking majors after overall banking sector weakness late last year caused share price declines across most of the sector. Somber sentiment means many investors were not expecting any type of recovery this year.

Why are the ASX bank stocks climbing higher?

Banking majors ANZ and CBA reported strong-than-expected profits this week.

CBA posted its half-year results yesterday where it revealed a 6% increase in cash net profit to $5,445 million. The bank also lifted its interim dividend by 4% to $2.35 per share. CBA’s CEO, Matt Comyn said that economic growth strengthened during the half, “driven by increases in consumer demand and rising investment in AI and energy infrastructure”.

ANZ announced its latest quarterly update ahead of the ASX open this morning. The bank reported a first-quarter cash profit of $1.94 billion, which was up a whopping 75% on the second-half average of FY25.

ANZ’s CEO, Nuno Matos, said:

The quarterly result highlights the early progress we are making in executing our ANZ 2030 strategy. Our productivity program aimed at removing duplication and simplifying the bank is well underway, delivering a significant reduction in expenses while growing revenue.

ANZ and CBA’s strong financial results have pushed the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) close to an all-time high. At the close of the ASX on Thursday, the index was 0.32% higher.

There was no price sensitive news out of NAB or Westpac yesterday, but it’s likely that their share prices have been boosted by overall improved confidence in the banking sector following ANZ and CBA’s impressive results.

Westpac is due to announce its first-quarter results today.

NAB will post its first-quarter trading update for FY26 on 18 February.  

The post What’s going on with ASX bank stocks this week? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: Telstra, TechnologyOne, NAB shares
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• 7 ASX 200 large-cap shares hitting multi-year highs today
• Why ANZ, CBA, Northern Star, and Origin Energy shares are charging higher today
• The ASX 200 is back over 9,000 points! It’s thanks to just 2 ASX shares

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.

Light & Wonder Inc (ASX: LNW) shares fell 7.46% yesterday in what was largely a positive day of trading for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).

Australia’s benchmark index crawled 0.32% higher on Thursday. 

However investors were jumping ship from Light & Wonder shares despite no price sensitive news out of the company. 

Light & Wonder is a global gaming and entertainment company that develops and distributes gaming machines, gaming content, and digital gaming platforms.

Its products and services include electronic gaming machines sold to casinos and clubs, digital games, and casual/social gaming through its SciPlay division.

So is yesterday’s sharp sell-off an opportunity for investors to buy the dip? 

Let’s find out. 

Litigation in the rear view mirror

Light & Wonder shares were on a steady decline through most of 2025.

This was in line with much of the consumer discretionary sector.

However the share price started climbing late in the year and flew 40% higher throughout November and December. 

Light & Wonder shares then spiked again following the announcement from Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL), that the two gaming companies had agreed to settle an ongoing legal dispute.

For context, Aristocrat took legal action after alleging that Light & Wonder used its trade secrets and copyrighted materials to develop two games. 

Light & Wonder agreed to compensate Aristocrat US$127.5 million (approximately AU$190 million) for misappropriation and infringement of its intellectual property.

Investors gobbled up Light & Wonder shares following this announcement, seemingly optimistic with the legal troubles settled. 

This included a rise of 17% in one day of trading alone. 

Where to now?

More recently, the stock price has been on a steady decline. 

Including yesterday’s 7% fall, the share price has dropped more than 16% in the last month. 

The core business still looks rock solid, generating consistent revenue through its Gaming, SciPlay, and iGaming segments. 

Light & Wonder is set to report fourth quarter and full year 2025 results on Tuesday, 24 February. 

It’s unlikely this will generate a sharp rally. 

Consensus seems to point towards upside through steady execution rather than any surprising news. 

Strong upside

Based on recent guidance out of brokers, it seems now could be a buying opportunity for Light & Wonder shares. 

It she price closed yesterday at $151.95. 

Analysts at Morgan Stanley have an overweight rating and $220.00 price target due to the company’s growth prospects in the medium term. 

This target indicates a potential upside of 44.79%. 

Elsewhere, TradingView has an average 1 year price target of $194.89, which indicates 28% upside. 

The post Are Light & Wonder shares a buy after tumbling 7% yesterday? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX 200 shares tipped to storm 50% to 60% higher this year
• 3 quality ASX shares to buy with $10,000
• These beaten down ASX growth shares could rise 50% to 75%
• Why these battered ASX shares deserve a second look
• What the stronger Australian dollar means for your shares

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 positions in and has recommended Light & Wonder Inc. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Light & Wonder Inc. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Generating $1,000 a year in passive income might not sound life changing, but it can be a meaningful step toward financial independence.

At a 5% average dividend yield, a $20,000 portfolio can produce roughly $1,000 in annual income.

The key is selecting a mix of ASX shares that together deliver that yield while still offering business quality and the potential for future growth.

Here’s how that could look using four ASX dividend shares.

Dicker Data Ltd (ASX: DDR)

The first ASX dividend share to include is Dicker Data.

Dicker Data is one of Australia’s leading technology hardware and software distributors. While tech distributors are not always viewed as classic income stocks, Dicker Data has built a strong position supplying vendors and resellers across Australia and New Zealand.

The company currently offers a trailing dividend yield of around 4.3%. Its earnings can fluctuate with IT spending cycles, but long-term demand for technology infrastructure continues to underpin its business.

HomeCo Daily Needs REIT (ASX: HDN)

To lift the overall portfolio yield closer to 5%, adding a higher-yielding REIT can help.

HomeCo Daily Needs REIT focuses on neighbourhood retail centres anchored by essential services such as supermarkets, healthcare providers, and everyday convenience outlets. These tenants tend to generate stable foot traffic regardless of broader economic conditions.

This ASX share currently offers a trailing yield of approximately 6.6%, making it one of the stronger income contributors in this mix.

Transurban Group (ASX: TCL)

Another income anchor is Transurban. It owns and operates major toll roads across Australia and North America. These assets generate long-term, inflation-linked revenue streams based on traffic volumes.

The company’s shares currently provide a trailing dividend yield of around 4.8%. While traffic can fluctuate with economic conditions, long concession lives and population growth in key cities support the long-term case.

Universal Store Holdings Ltd (ASX: UNI)

The final ASX dividend share in this portfolio is Universal Store.

Universal Store operates youth-focused fashion brands and has continued to generate solid cash flow despite a challenging retail environment. With a trailing dividend yield of roughly 4.3%, it adds both income and potential growth exposure from its store rollout and private label strategy.

Retail earnings can be cyclical, but strong brand positioning and disciplined store expansion support the long-term outlook.

Bringing it together

By spreading $20,000 evenly across these ASX shares, the blended yield comes in at roughly 5%. That translates to about $1,000 per year in passive income, assuming dividends remain stable.

Importantly, this mix combines infrastructure, property, retail, and technology distribution, reducing reliance on a single sector.

The post Invest $20,000 in these 4 ASX shares and get $1,000 passive income appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 positions in and has recommended Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Dicker Data and Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended HomeCo Daily Needs REIT and Universal Store. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.