Category: Stock Market

  • These ASX dividend shares keep giving investors a pay rise

    A businesswoman in a suit and holding a briefcase marches higher as she steps from one stack of coins to the next.

    The ASX share market does not have many ASX dividend shares that have increased their payout every year for more than a decade.

    It’s extremely rare to find stocks that have increased their payout every year for more than two decades.

    Let’s look at the two ASX dividend shares with the longest dividend growth streaks.

    APA Group (ASX: APA)

    APA is one of the largest energy infrastructure businesses in Australia. Energy is one of the most important aspects of the Australian economy, so APA plays a significant role in society.

    Its key asset is a huge gas pipeline network around Australia, transporting gas from supply to demand. Impressively, it transports half of Australia’s gas usage.

    APA also has a number of other energy assets including gas-powered energy generation, wind farms, solar farms, gas storage, gas processing and electricity transmission.

    The business has grown its annual distribution every year since 2004, meaning it has delivered more than two decades of continuous distribution growth.

    Its FY26 annual distribution has been hiked to 58 cents per security, which translates into a distribution yield of 5.8%, at the time of writing.

    I think the company’s passive income payments can continue to grow thanks to regular additions to its energy portfolio and the fact that most of its revenue is linked to inflation.

    Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co. Ltd (ASX: SOL)

    The other ASX dividend share I want to highlight is investment house Soul Patts, which I’d call the leader of dividend growth in Australia.

    This 120-year-old business has increased its annual payout every year since 1998, meaning it’s getting close to 30 years of continuous growth.

    Soul Patts has built up a very diversified portfolio of businesses and sectors in its portfolio, which I think makes it an excellent investment to consider as a cornerstone dividend investment for Aussies.

    It’s invested in areas like energy, resources, building products, telecommunications, industrial property, swimming schools, agriculture, electrification, financial services, credit and plenty more.

    Its portfolio is designed to be able to perform in all economic conditions, including downturns, with a strong focus on cash flow. This can help fund the dividend in all conditions, which is why it has been able to grow its dividend so consistently.

    Growth comes from a couple of key aspects. Firstly, most of the ASX dividend share’s investments are in businesses, which can grow themselves. Additionally, Soul Patts does not pay out all of its portfolio’s net cash flow each year to shareholders – it retains some of that money and puts it into additional opportunities.

    Its latest two dividends come to a grossed-up dividend yield of 3.4%, including franking credits, at the time of writing.

    The post These ASX dividend shares keep giving investors a pay rise appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Apa 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 Apa 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 16 June 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Apa Group and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • 3 incredible ASX growth shares tipped to rise 20% to 70%

    A young man pointing up looking amazed, indicating a surging share price movement for an ASX company

    If you are looking for some ASX growth share to buy with major upside potential, then read on.

    Listed below are three that brokers currently rate as buys and have price target meaningfully higher than where they currently trade.

    Here’s what they are bullish on:

    Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG)

    The first ASX growth share to look at is Breville.

    It has built a global appliances business around premium design, strong branding, and products that sit in everyday kitchen categories. Its range includes coffee machines, food preparation products, cooking appliances, and other home-focused products.

    The company’s opportunity is not limited to Australia. Breville has been expanding internationally for years, giving it exposure to large overseas markets where its brand can keep building recognition.

    This gives the business a long growth runway if it can continue launching popular products, expanding distribution, and protecting margins.

    Morgans is positive on the company and has a buy rating and $36.75 price target on its shares. Based on the current Breville share price, this implies potential upside of approximately 20%.

    Catapult Group International Ltd (ASX: CAT)

    Another ASX growth share that brokers rate as a buy is Catapult.

    It provides performance technology for sporting teams and athletes. Its products help clubs measure movement, workload, training intensity, match output, and other performance data.

    This places Catapult in a niche but global market. Professional sport is increasingly data-driven, with teams looking for small advantages in preparation, recovery, injury prevention, and tactical analysis.

    The company has a very large growth runway if it can become more deeply embedded in the daily operations of teams, leagues, and performance departments. That can make its software and data increasingly valuable over time. It also gives Catapult room to improve the quality of its revenue as more customers use its platform across multiple products.

    Morgans has a buy rating and $5.40 price target on Catapult shares. Compared with the current share price of $3.15, this suggests potential upside of approximately 71%.

    Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

    A third ASX growth share to consider is Pro Medicus.

    The medical imaging software provider has become one of the ASX’s standout technology success stories. Its Visage platform is used by hospitals and radiology networks to view, manage, and interpret large medical imaging files.

    This is a demanding area of healthcare technology. Speed, reliability, image quality, and integration all matter because clinicians need systems they can trust.

    Its shares are often priced for high expectations, so volatility should be expected. But the company’s margins, execution record, and global opportunity make it worthy of holding tightly to for the long term.

    Bell Potter has a buy rating and $226.00 price target on Pro Medicus shares. Based on its current share price of $164.55, this implies potential upside of approximately 37%.

    The post 3 incredible ASX growth shares tipped to rise 20% to 70% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Breville 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 Breville 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 16 June 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Catapult Sports. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Catapult Sports. 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.

  • 3 high-quality ASX ETFs at 52-week highs I’d still buy

    A little girl stands on a chair and reaches really, really high with her hand, in front of a yellow background.

    Buying an ASX exchange-traded fund (ETF) at a 52-week high can feel unnerving.

    It is natural to wonder whether the easy gains have already been made, especially when markets have been strong.

    But I do not think a 52-week high is automatically a reason to stay away. Some ETFs reach new highs because the businesses inside them are continuing to grow, innovate, and generate value.

    With that in mind, here are three high-quality ASX ETFs I would still buy after they hit 52-week highs on Monday.

    Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

    The Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF is the kind of fund I think many investors could hold for decades.

    It gives exposure to a broad range of developed-market shares outside Australia. That includes many of the world’s largest companies across technology, healthcare, financials, industrials, consumer goods, and communication services.

    What I like about this ETF is that it does not require investors to predict which single country, sector, or company will lead the next stage of global growth. It spreads the money across a large group of businesses that operate in many different parts of the world.

    That can be valuable for Australian investors. The local market has some excellent companies, but it cannot offer the same depth in global software, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, luxury goods, payments, consumer platforms, and industrial leaders. This ETF helps fill that gap in one trade.

    iShares S&P 500 AUD ETF (ASX: IVV)

    The iShares S&P 500 AUD ETF is another fund I would still buy.

    It tracks the popular S&P 500 Index, which gives investors access to many of America’s biggest and best companies.

    This ETF owns companies involved in cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), smartphones, digital advertising, healthcare, payments, retail, food, logistics, and financial services.

    That mix is what makes it so attractive in my view. The fund is not just a bet on the US consumer. Many of the companies inside the S&P 500 earn revenue around the world. They are global businesses listed in the United States.

    The index has also been a strong long-term wealth creator. Past returns are not a guarantee of future performance, but I think the quality and scale of the companies inside the S&P 500 give it a good chance of continuing to reward patient investors over long periods.

    There will be downturns. Valuations can become stretched, and the largest technology companies now have a major influence on index returns. Even so, I think this remains one of the best funds available to investors.

    Global X Semiconductor ETF (ASX: SEMI)

    The Global X Semiconductor ETF is a more focused option. That means it comes with more risk, but I think the long-term theme is compelling.

    Semiconductors sit behind many of the most important parts of the modern economy. They are used in data centres, AI, cars, smartphones, industrial equipment, defence systems, medical devices, cloud computing, and consumer electronics.

    I like the SEMI ETF because it gives exposure to the companies enabling that demand, rather than trying to pick a single winner.

    The semiconductor industry can be cyclical. Demand can move sharply, inventories can shift, and capital spending can rise and fall. Investors should expect more volatility than they would from a broad global ETF.

    But I think chips are becoming more important. If artificial intelligence, automation, electrification, and connected devices keep growing, demand for advanced semiconductors should remain a major investment theme.

    Foolish takeaway

    I do not think investors need to avoid an ETF just because it has reached a 52-week high.

    The better question is whether the fund still gives exposure to assets that can become more valuable over time.

    For me, these three ETFs do that in different ways. One offers broad developed-market exposure, another owns many of America’s largest companies, and the third focuses on one of the most important industries in the digital economy.

    If I were investing with a long-term mindset, I would still be happy buying all three.

    The post 3 high-quality ASX ETFs at 52-week highs I’d still buy appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in iShares S&P 500 ETF right now?

    Before you buy iShares S&P 500 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 iShares S&P 500 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 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 iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Wesfarmers shares: Buy, hold or sell?

    Buy, hold, and sell ratings written on signs on a wooden pole.

    Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) shares are outperforming the benchmark so far in 2026

    Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) conglomerate – whose retail subsidiaries include Bunnings Warehouse, Kmart Australia, Officeworks and Priceline – closed on Monday trading for $86.83.

    That sees the Wesfarmers share price up 6.2% this calendar year, outpacing the 2.2% year-to-date gains posted by the ASX 200.

    Atop that outperformance, Wesfarmers also paid out a $1.02 a share fully franked dividend to eligible stockholders on 31 March. The ASX 200 stock trades on a 2.9% fully franked trailing dividend yield.

    On 19 February, the company reported increased revenue and profits in the first half of the 2026 financial year (H1 FY 2026).

    First half revenue of $24.21 billion was up 3.1% from H1 FY 2025. Net profit after tax (NPAT) of $1.6 billion was up 9.3% year-on-year.

    “Wesfarmers’ increase in profit was supported by strong earnings contributions from our largest divisions – Bunnings, Kmart Group and WesCEF,” Wesfarmers managing director Rob Scott said on the day.

    Which brings us back to our headline question.

    Are Wesfarmers shares a good buy right now?

    DP Wealth Advisory’s Andrew Wielandt recently analysed the outlook for ASX 200 conglomerate (courtesy of The Bull).

    “The company’s operations span across a diversified industrial portfolio, including retail, fertilisers, chemicals and more recently healthcare,” he noted.

    Explaining his hold recommendation on Wesfarmers shares, Wielandt said:

    However, the market is cautious about a slowing domestic economy under pressure from rising interest rates. A proposed change in taxation treatment for capital gains may slow the property market.

    And Wesfarmers is also looking at shelling out significantly higher salaries.

    “Wesfarmers is one of the biggest employers in Australia, so a minimum 4.75% wage increase for employees from July 1, 2026 may also weigh on the minds of investors,” Wielandt concluded.

    Consider this ASX ETF instead

    Wielandt isn’t ready to pull the buy trigger on Wesfarmers shares at current levels.

    But he sounded a bullish note on an exchange traded fund (ETF) that holds ASX giants like BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) and National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) shares.

    Namely, the Milford Australian Absolute Growth Complex ETF (ASX: MFOA).

    According to Wielandt:

    This exchange traded fund invests in a diversified portfolio of predominately Australian equities, complemented by selective exposure to international equities, fixed interest securities and cash. The fund aims to generate returns of 5% above the Reserve Bank of Australia’s cash rate. The fund also aims to preserve capital in times of uncertainty.

    Summarising his buy recommendation on the ASX ETF, Wielandt said:

    This ETF proved its resilience during market volatility in March 2026. The ETF has risen from $10.87 on June 12, 2025 to trade at $11.31 on June 11, 2026. We like MFOA’s outlook in volatile and stable times.

    The post Wesfarmers shares: Buy, hold or sell? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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

  • Are Rio Tinto or BHP shares a better buy right now?

    Two young African mine workers wearing protective wear are discussing coal quality while on site at a coal mine.

    Rio Tinto Group (ASX: RIO) and BHP Group (ASX: BHP) have been two of the best performing blue-chip companies shares in 2026.

    While much of the ASX 200 has been flat this year, these two mining giants have soared 28% and 42% respectively. 

    This trend continued yesterday when both Rio Tinto and BHP shares climbed significantly. 

    Why are Rio Tinto and BHP shares rising?

    Rio Tinto and BHP have long been held by investors due to their market dominance in production of iron ore and coal. 

    However the main reason both BHP and Rio Tinto have been strong performers in 2026 is that investors are increasingly valuing them as copper growth companies, not just iron ore miners.

    Copper has been one of the best-performing major commodities in 2026, supported by demand from AI infrastructure, data centres, electric vehicles, power grids and the energy transition. 

    Copper prices are near record levels and have risen roughly 40% over the past year.

    This has pushed BHP and Rio Tinto shares to new record highs. 

    Holders will be pleased with positive returns, however those watching the stocks closely may be concerned about how much further they can grow. 

    Here is the latest analysis from experts on Rio Tinto and BHP shares. 

    Rio Tinto outlook 

    Rio Tinto shares closed yesterday trading just under $190 each. 

    The miner recently posted solid results for the three months to March 2026.

    Experts’ opinions on the blue-chip stock appear to be mixed. 

    The team at WAM Leaders Ltd (ASX: WLE) are optimistic about Rio Tinto shares.

    Meanwhile, JP Morgan renewed its buy rating on Rio Tinto shares earlier this month. 

    The broker lifted its 12-month price target from $203 to $207.

    This indicates roughly 9% upside. 

    However, the team at Morgans see the stock as a hold. 

    The broker said the near term earnings outlook appears “balanced” rather than clearly positive. 

    BHP shares outlook 

    Meanwhile, BHP shares closed trading yesterday at just over $65 per share, close to an all-time high. 

    Some experts are leaning towards taking profits after this year’s gains. 

    Alto Capital’s Tony Locantro (via The Bull) believes investors would do well to take profits

    Elsewhere, EnviroInvest’s Elio D’Amato has a hold rating on the BHP shares. 

    Meanwhile, Morgan’s most recent analysis also included a hold rating, seeing the mining giant’s shares as close to fully valued. 

    The broker said:

    The global miner offers broad diversification across iron ore, copper and potash, underpinned by a fortress balance sheet and a disciplined approach to capital returns. Copper provides meaningful long term exposure to the global electrification and energy transition theme, while iron ore remains the dominant near term earnings driver.

    However, the macro backdrop remains uncertain, with Chinese steel demand facing structural headwinds and global growth indicators sending mixed signals. The valuation at current levels appears broadly fair, with commodity price assumptions already reflecting a reasonable medium term outlook. BHP remains a core holding for resource oriented portfolios, but with limited near term re-rating catalysts, we retain a hold recommendation.

    The post Are Rio Tinto or BHP shares a better buy right now? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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

  • Oil retreats as Iran tensions ease. Here’s what that means for ASX energy shares

    A woman sits on sofa pondering a question.

    The oil market has rarely moved this fast in either direction.

    Crude oil fell to US$79 per barrel on Tuesday. This comes as officials from the US and Iran said they have reached a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, potentially in time for the upcoming G7 meeting.

    That is a fall of approximately 37% from Brent’s intraday peak of above US$126 earlier in the conflict.

    For Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS), Santos Ltd (ASX: STO), and Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT), that move has immediate and significant implications.

    What the oil price retreat means for ASX energy shares

    The link between oil prices and ASX energy shares is quite clear and direct.

    When oil fell 20% in May on the first ceasefire talks, energy shares led the ASX 200 sectors down.

    Woodside, Santos, and Beach all gave back significant portions of their earlier gains.

    The EIA’s June 2026 Short-Term Energy Outlook forecasts Brent prices averaging $105 per barrel in June and July, based on the assumption that the Strait of Hormuz remains closed.

    Should the Strait reopen, that forecast would be revised sharply downward.

    However, traders remain cautious. Prices briefly recovered after President Trump cast doubt on the reported draft agreement, saying the published terms did not reflect the agreement discussed.

    Woodside Energy

    Woodside has been the biggest beneficiary of elevated oil prices in 2026, rising 25% year to date.

    A sustained fall to US$80 per barrel would reverse a significant portion of that gain.

    However, Woodside’s longer-term investment case is not solely dependent on the oil price.

    The company’s breakthrough Scarborough LNG project is now 94% complete with first cargo targeted for Q4 2026. Furthermore, Woodside’s decade-long LNG contracts provide a significant floor for cash generation even in a softer oil price environment.

    Santos Ltd

    Santos is up approximately 20% year to date, making it one of the best-performing energy stocks on the ASX in 2026.

    A deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz would partially reverse those gains, with an 8% decline on Monday.

    However, like Woodside, the investment case for Santos is also not just about the oil price.

    The company’s Barossa LNG project is already producing at 75% of its planned 2026 production rates, with plateau production targeted before year end. First oil from Pikka Phase 1 in Alaska provides an additional production stream.

    These operational milestones should provide the company with greater protection and diversification against external oil price movements.

    Beach Energy

    Beach Energy is the most leveraged of the three to oil price movements, given its smaller size and higher sensitivity to oil and gas price changes.

    Shares have fallen in recent weeks even as the broader energy sector surged, reflecting ongoing concerns about its production guidance downgrade in Q3 FY2026.

    A sustained fall in oil prices to US$80 per barrel would add further near-term pressure to Beach’s earnings outlook.

    However, Beach has strengthened its balance sheet significantly, with available liquidity rising to $974 million and net gearing falling to just 11%.

    This financial resilience means it can navigate the oil price volatility without the balance sheet stress that may concern investors in a more leveraged company.

    Foolish takeaway

    Oil at US$80 per barrel is materially lower than the levels that drove ASX energy shares to their recent highs.

    If a sustained peace deal materialises and the Strait reopens, Woodside, Santos, and Beach may face further near-term price pressure.

    But all three are operating businesses with diversified cash flows and long-term contracts that do not disappear when the oil price falls.

    For long-term investors, the near-term volatility may be creating a more attractive entry point than was available a fortnight ago.

    The post Oil retreats as Iran tensions ease. Here’s what that means for ASX energy shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Woodside Energy Group 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 Woodside Energy Group 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 Mark Verhoeven 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.

  • 3 excellent ASX dividend shares for income investors to buy now

    Man holding Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.

    ortunately for income investors, there are lots of options to build a passive income with on the Australian share market.

    But which ones are buys?

    Here are three ASX dividend shares that brokers are recommending to their clients.

    ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ)

    The first ASX dividend share to look at is ANZ.

    The banking giant gives investors exposure to home loans, business banking, institutional banking, and customer deposits across Australia and New Zealand.

    Banks are not without risks. Credit growth can slow, bad debts can rise, and margins can come under pressure when competition is intense.

    But ANZ remains a major player in the Australian financial system and continues to generate large profits and dividends.

    Citi is positive on the bank and currently has a buy rating and $39.25 price target on its shares. Based on the current share price of $34.51, that implies potential upside of almost 14%.

    The broker expects dividends per share of 166 cents in FY 2026 and 175 cents in FY 2027. This equates to dividend yields of 4.8% and 5.1%, respectively.

    Centuria Industrial REIT (ASX: CIP)

    Another ASX dividend share that brokers think could be a top pick for income investors is Centuria Industrial REIT.

    This property trust owns industrial assets across Australia. These properties can include warehouses, logistics facilities, and other industrial sites that support supply chains, storage, and distribution.

    Industrial property has become an important part of the real estate market as businesses look for efficient logistics networks and well-located facilities.

    Like all property trusts, Centuria Industrial is exposed to interest rates, borrowing costs, and asset valuations. But its focus on industrial property gives it exposure to a sector with solid long-term demand drivers.

    Bell Potter is bullish and has a buy rating and $3.60 price target on its shares. Based on the current share price of $3.05, this suggests potential upside of approximately 18%.

    As for income, the broker expects dividends per share of 16.8 cents in FY 2026 and 17.3 cents in FY 2027. This represents yields of 5.5% and 5.7%, respectively.

    Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN)

    A third ASX dividend share brokers are tipping as a buy is Harvey Norman.

    The retailer is best known for furniture, electronics, appliances, bedding, and home-related products. It also has a substantial property portfolio, which adds another element to the investment case.

    Retail conditions can be uneven when households are under pressure. But Harvey Norman has been through many consumer cycles before and remains one of Australia’s most recognisable retail brands.

    Bell Potter currently has a buy rating and $6.70 price target on the shares. Based on the current Harvey Norman share price of $4.82, this implies potential upside of approximately 39%.

    The broker is forecasting fully franked dividends of 29.8 cents per share in FY 2026 and 33.5 cents per share in FY 2027. This equates to dividend yields of 6.2% and 7%, respectively.

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

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

    Before you buy Anz 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 Anz 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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    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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Harvey Norman. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • 2 ASX shares highly recommended to buy: Experts

    Buy and sell keys on an Apple keyboard.

    The ASX share market is a great place to find ideas and experts can help identify those opportunities.

    When one expert is excited about a business, that’s interesting. When there are numerous buy ratings on a business, it implies there could be a compelling opportunity.

    Let’s look at two of the most appealing opportunities according to analysts.

    Eagers Automotive Ltd (ASX: APE)

    Eagers describes itself as the leading automotive group in Australia and New Zealand with its ownership and operation of car dealerships with new and used vehicles, service, parts and the facilitation of allied consumer finance. It has been operating for more than 110 years.

    Its operations are usually provided through strategically clustered dealerships, many of which are situated on properties owned by Eagers Automotive in high-profile, main road locations.

    In May, the business reported how it had performed in the four months to April 2026 – its financial year follows the calendar year.

    Across Australia and New Zealand in 2026 to April, turnover was up 5% year over year, with order intake at record levels. Order intake was at record levels, with orders taken exceeding deliveries by more than 29% because of supply restraints impacting and deferring delivery timing. Its order book climbed by 70% since December 2025.

    The company also noted that its independent used segment, comprising easyauto123 and Carlins, continues to grow and delivered a record start to the year, with profit before tax up 40% year over year.

    Another growth avenue for the business is CanadaOne Auto, which it recently acquired. This gives the ASX share earnings diversification and geographic growth potential.

    According to CMC Invest, there have been eight buy ratings on Eagers Automotive shares within the last three months.

    Cleanaway Waste Management Ltd (ASX: CWY)

    Cleanaway describes itself as Australia’s largest provider of total waste and resource recovery solutions.

    It has a national footprint of more than 330 sites. Cleanaway provides end-to-end waste solutions, including collection, processing, recycling, treatment and safe disposal. Impressively, it has more than 6,400 vehicles in the fleet.

    Customers include commercial, industrial and government customers across Australia.

    The company points to a number of areas of potential growth, including GDP and favourable trends (namely recycling) trends. It’s also targeting expanding profit margins by more than 260 basis points and growing its cash flow by utilising its branch network, leveraging the scale and utilising its assets.

    According to CMC Invest, there have also been eight buy ratings on Cleanaway shares within the last three months. It’s now valued at 24x FY26’s estimated earnings, according to the CMC Invest forecast.

    The post 2 ASX shares highly recommended to buy: Experts appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Eagers Automotive Ltd shares, consider this:

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

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Eagers Automotive Ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Down 60%: Is this beaten-down ASX growth share too cheap to ignore?

    Smiling couple looking at a phone at a bargain opportunity.

    Life360 Inc. (ASX: 360) has been one of the more frustrating ASX growth shares to own recently.

    The share price is trading around $22.12, which is roughly 60% below its 52-week high of $55.87.

    That kind of fall can create opportunity if the business underneath is still moving in the right direction.

    But is that the case? Here’s my take.

    The valuation looks interesting

    According to CommSec, consensus earnings per share estimates are 90.4 cents in FY26, $1.23 in FY27, and $2.13 in FY28.

    Based on the current share price, that puts the stock on roughly 24 times FY26 earnings, 18 times FY27 earnings, and just over 10 times FY28 earnings.

    For a slow-growth business, that would not be enough to excite me. But Life360 is still expected to grow earnings strongly over the next few years.

    If those forecasts prove close to the mark, the FY28 multiple looks very undemanding for a global consumer technology company with a large user base and several ways to monetise it.

    There are no guarantees, of course. Management still has to deliver, but I am comfortable with the direction of travel.

    A bigger opportunity than location sharing

    The reason I like Life360 is that it has already earned a place in the daily routine of many households.

    The app helps families stay connected, check locations, receive safety alerts, and feel more comfortable about where loved ones are. That practical, emotional use case is hard to replicate.

    But the bigger opportunity is what Life360 can build around that relationship. The company recently reported monthly active users of approximately 97.8 million, up 17% year-on-year. Paying Circles increased 27% year-on-year to 3.0 million, while total revenue rose 38% to US$143.1 million.

    Those numbers suggest the business is still growing across both scale and monetisation. In fact, management is forecasting MAU growth of 17% to 20% in 2026.

    But it isn’t just user growth driving higher revenue. Another thing I find especially interesting is the advertising opportunity. Life360 reported advertising revenue of US$19.7 million for the quarter, up 329% year-on-year. That could become a meaningful second growth engine alongside subscriptions.

    A large, engaged user base can be valuable in several ways. Subscriptions, advertising, driving features, roadside support, Tile integration, and future AI tools could all add layers to the platform over time.

    Why the fall may be overdone

    A 60% fall from the high tells me the market has become far more cautious.

    Some of that caution is understandable. ASX growth shares can be punished quickly when expectations change, and Life360 still needs to prove it can keep expanding while also growing earnings.

    The threat of artificial intelligence (AI) disruption has also caused concerns. But I think Life360 has advantages that are not easy for an AI tool to copy, including a large installed user base, trusted family circles, location history, safety features, and habits built around daily use.

    Foolish takeaway

    Life360 shares are not risk-free, and I would expect volatility to continue. But I think the current setup is attractive.

    The company has a large global audience, growing paid users, improving revenue streams, and a valuation that becomes far more appealing when looking out to FY27 and FY28.

    If management can deliver on the earnings growth now expected by the market, I think this beaten-down ASX growth share could prove too cheap to ignore.

    The post Down 60%: Is this beaten-down ASX growth share too cheap to ignore? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Life360 right now?

    Before you buy Life360 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 Life360 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 positions in and has recommended Life360. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday

    A man looking at his laptop and thinking.

    On Monday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) started the week with the smallest of declines. The benchmark index edged a fraction lower to 8,729.4 points.

    Will the market be able to bounce back from this on Tuesday? Here are five things to watch:

    ASX 200 to sink

    The Australian share market looks set to tumble on Tuesday despite a strong night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 123 points or 1.4% lower. In the United States, the Dow Jones rose 0.9%, the S&P 500 climbed 1.65%, and the Nasdaq stormed 3.1% higher.

    PLS shares given hold rating

    PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS) shares are fully valued according to analysts at Bell Potter. This morning, the broker has retained its hold rating with an improved price target of $6.15 (from $5.50). It said: “We maintain our Hold recommendation. At current lithium market prices, PLS will generate substantial earnings and cash flow with the restart of the 200ktpa Ngungaju processing plant. P2000 and Colina development studies are being progressed, providing substantial organic growth optionality in markets with strong underlying EV and BESS-led long term demand fundamentals.”

    Oil prices sink

    ASX 200 energy shares Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) could have a tough session after oil prices sank overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 4.1% to US$81.42 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 4.1% to US$83.73 a barrel. This follows news that the US and Iran have signed a peace deal.

    Gold price storms higher

    ASX 200 gold shares Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a good session after the gold price stormed higher overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is up 2.3% to US$4,337.7 an ounce. Traders were buying gold amid easing interest rate hike fears after oil prices pulled back.

    Buy Mineral Resources shares

    Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN) shares are good value according to Bell Potter. This morning, the broker has retained its buy rating with an improved price target of $83.00. This implies potential upside of approximately 16% from current levels. It said: “Completion of the US$765m MIN-POSCO lithium transaction will accelerate balance sheet deleveraging paired with cash flows from persistent iron ore and lithium market prices. MIN’s mining services platform delivers a stable earnings stream that is expected to expand with internal and third-party volume growth. The company is well positioned to execute its next phase of growth with potential to reinstate fully franked dividends.”

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

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

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