Category: Stock Market

  • Here’s the dividend forecast out to 2028 for Westpac shares

    An excited male investor looks at some Australian bank notes held in his hand with an astounded look on his face

    Owning Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) shares has typically been a good move for investors focused on dividends. Aside from 2020, amid the COVID impacts, the ASX bank share has provided solid passive income over the past decade.

    The bank is already such a huge business that it can afford to deliver a good dividend payout ratio and still invest in growing its earnings. The market isn’t expecting a lot of growth from Westpac, so its price/earnings (P/E) ratio is not high – that also helps provide a good dividend yield.

    The recent RBA rate hikes may help increase Westpac’s earnings in the shorter-term because it’s able to lend out transaction account balances (which have a low cost for Westpac) at a higher loan interest rate to borrowers.

    Of course, higher rates are not all positive for ASX bank shares – it can increase the risk that some borrowers may default, so keep that in mind.

    Having said all of that, let’s take a look at the dividend projections for owners of Westpac shares for the next two years.

    FY26

    So far in the 2026 financial year, investors have only seen how the ASX bank share performed in the three months to December 2025, being the first quarter of FY26.

    We shouldn’t necessarily expect how the first quarter went to repeat in each of the remaining quarters of FY26. The rate rises by the RBA alone will have an impact. Even so, it’s good to know how the bank performed in that first quarter.

    Westpac reported that its FY26 first-quarter profit was $1.9 billion. Compared to the quarterly average of the second half of FY25, this represented 5% growth, or 6% growth excluding notable items.

    Pleasingly, the bank said that the proportion of new home lending through its own proprietary channel rose for the second consecutive quarter. To me, this likely means it’s capturing more of the lending margin because it’s not losing some of it to a mortgage broker.

    Westpac also said that it saw strong growth in institutional lending and a higher proprietary lending mix in business.

    The bank is also working on its UNITE initiative to make the bank more efficient and hopefully deliver better profit margins.  

    According to the projection on CMC Invest, Westpac paid an annual dividend per Westpac share of $1.605. If that happens, that translates into a grossed-up dividend yield of 5.4%, including franking credits.

    FY27

    Analysts can only guess what will happen to interest rates between now and the end of FY27, which partly depends on how quickly the inflationary situation in the Middle East is resolved.

    But, for now, analysts are predicting that the company’s 2027 financial year annual dividend can increase a little.

    The projection on CMC Invest suggests the ASX bank share could hike its annual payout to $1.64 per Westpac share.

    FY28

    The last year of this series of projections is the 2028 financial year, which could see more slow-and-steady growth for the dividend payout.

    If I were a shareholder, I wouldn’t expect the bank to deliver significant payout growth because of banking competition pressures, but the bank could be capable of providing rising passive income.

    In the 2028 financial year, the ASX bank share could pay an annual dividend per Westpac share of $1.70. That translates into a potential future grossed-up dividend yield of 5.7%, including franking credits.

    The post Here’s the dividend forecast out to 2028 for Westpac shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Westpac Banking Corporation shares, consider this:

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

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor 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 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.

  • 2 ASX 200 blue-chip shares worth owning in April 2026

    Person holding a blue chip.

    S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) blue-chip shares could be a smart choice during this volatile, uncertain period. Stability and strength may be a winning combination over the rest of 2026.

    There are some businesses that may well see their earnings increase because of the flow-on effects of the inflation. Even excluding these shorter-term effects, both of the businesses I’m going to talk about have an attractive long-term future, according to experts.

    Experts from the fund manager Wilson Asset Management have picked out two leading ASX 200 blue-chip shares worth owning that are in the WAM Leaders Ltd (ASX: WLE) portfolio, which is a listed investment company (LIC) that targets the “highest quality Australian companies”.

    Let’s take a look at what the experts like about the two businesses and what they’re seeing right now.

    Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

    The Woodside share price rose in March as it benefited from the higher oil and LNG prices amid the events in the Middle East and the disruption to the shipping flows in the Strait of Hormuz.

    WAM notes that Woodside has no operations in the affected area, leaving it well positioned to benefit from the supply shock.

    Last month, the ASX energy share also confirmed the permanent appointment of Liz Westcott as managing director and CEO, who reaffirmed the growth strategy, with a focus on project execution and shareholder value creation.

    On top of that, an investor site visit to the Louisiana LNG project affirmed that the development remains “on schedule and on budget”, with de-bottlenecking opportunities identified.

    The fund manager concluded its thoughts on the ASX 200 blue-chip share:

    The company continues to be a key holding in the WAM Leaders investment portfolio with its geographical diversification and pipeline of growth projections positioning the company well in the current environment.

    Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD)

    The other business that WAM Leaders highlighted is Ampol, which also saw its share price rise during March following higher oil prices and “materially stronger refining margins following the disruption to Middle Eastern oil supply”.

    Refining economics are, according to WAM, “highly sensitive to margin movement”, therefore the near-term refining environment is “expected to improve as global supply tightens and as China restricts diesel and gasoline export contracts from major state refiners”.

    The fund manager also noted that the Australian Government has lifted the fuel security services payment thresholds, providing greater downside protection for the ASX 200 blue chip’s refining business through the cycle.

    The ACCC’s phase 2 review of Ampol’s proposed acquisition of EG Australia’s fuel and convenience retail network also progressed, with sites under review narrowing from 115 to 54. A determination is due by 5 June 2026.

    The post 2 ASX 200 blue-chip shares worth owning in April 2026 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 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 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.

  • GQG Partners share price in focus as Q1 FUM update reveals outflows

    A couple sit in their home looking at a phone screen as if discussing a financial matter.

    The GQG Partners Inc (ASX: GQG) share price is in focus after the fund manager reported total funds under management (FUM) of US$162.5 billion as of 31 March 2026, reflecting net outflows of US$8.6 billion in the first quarter, partially offset by positive investment performance of US$7.3 billion.

    What did GQG Partners report?

    • Total FUM at 31 March 2026: US$162.5 billion, down from US$172.9 billion at the start of March
    • Net outflows: US$1.2 billion for March; US$8.6 billion for the quarter
    • Positive investment performance added US$7.3 billion in the quarter
    • Core strategies (International, Emerging, Global, US) all outperformed their respective benchmarks
    • Fees primarily based on assets managed, with little reliance on performance fees

    What else do investors need to know?

    GQG saw a challenging quarter, with heightened market volatility driven by rising geopolitical and macroeconomic risks. The group’s defensive investment positioning, favouring companies with stable earnings and strong fundamentals, helped all major strategies outperform benchmarks.

    Despite the net outflows, GQG’s management emphasised strong alignment with shareholders and clients. The company remains committed to safeguarding client assets in what they described as a period of substantial downside risk.

    What’s next for GQG Partners?

    Looking ahead, GQG Partners will continue focusing on its defensive investment strategy to help protect against ongoing market uncertainty. The company highlighted a strong alignment of interests between management, shareholders, and clients, supporting a forward-looking, resilient approach.

    Upcoming FUM updates are scheduled for 12 May, 10 June, and 13 July 2026, which will give investors further insight into trends across GQG’s suite of global strategies.

    GQG Partners share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, GQG Partners shares have declined 14%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 16% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post GQG Partners share price in focus as Q1 FUM update reveals outflows appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in GQG Partners Inc. right now?

    Before you buy GQG Partners Inc. 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 GQG Partners Inc. 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 recommended Gqg Partners. 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.

  • 5 ASX 200 shares that could be a bargain right now

    Smiling couple looking at a phone at a bargain opportunity.

    It appears sentiment is cautiously optimistic for the ASX 200 as we begin the week. 

    After a tough month in March, Australia’s benchmark index has shown signs of a rebound during April. 

    Last week, the index rose 4.4%, its best weekly gain since October 2022.

    With the tide finally turning for ASX 200 shares, here are 5 that remain significantly below fair value according to broker estimates. 

    CAR Group Ltd (ASX: CAR)

    The CAR Group share price fell 14% in March. However, since late March, it has slowly turned a corner. 

    Investors will be hoping it has reached the bottom of this latest cycle, as investors exited their positions in CAR Group shares largely due to AI replacement fears. 

    It is opening this week at $23.36 per share, which is still 24% lower than the start of 2026. 

    This is significantly below fair price estimates from brokers. 

    Recently, Morgan Stanley reiterated its buy recommendation and placed a $32 price target on the ASX 200 company. 

    This indicates a healthy 37% upside from current levels. 

    CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

    CSL has also generated plenty of headlines recently as the ASX 200 stock appears to have been oversold. 

    The biotechnology company has seen its share price fall 19% year to date and more than 40% over the last 12 months. 

    It has reached a point where it is simply too cheap to ignore for many investors, and Bell Potter recently placed a $155 target on the ASX 200 stock. 

    Despite its hold recommendation, this still indicates an upside of 11.5% from current levels. 

    Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG)

    Breville Group shares are currently hovering around $28.25, significantly below yearly highs. 

    The consumer discretionary stock fell 16% during March and now appears to be priced at a value. 

    Macquarie recently placed an outperform rating and price target of $37.10 on the ASX 200 stock. 

    This indicates an upside of 31%. 

    JB Hi Fi Ltd (ASX: JBH)

    JB Hi Fi shares are down more than 20% year to date, which included an 11% fall during March. 

    Late last month, Bell Potter retained their buy rating on this retail giant’s shares with a price target of $90.00.

    From last week’s closing price of $75.21, this indicates an upside of nearly 20% for this ASX 200 stock. 

    WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

    Finally, WiseTech shares have been heavily sold off this year amidst AI concerns. 

    The ASX 200 company has seen its share price tumble 45% since the start of 2026. 

    However, it also appears too cheap to ignore. 

    Morgan Stanley recently retained its buy rating for Wisetech with a $70 price target. 

    This suggests an upside potential of 86%. 

    The post 5 ASX 200 shares that could be a bargain right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in WiseTech Global right now?

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

  • Pro Medicus locks in 5-year, $37m Northwestern Medicine contract renewal

    Four smiling young medics with arms crossed stand outside a hospital.

    The Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME) share price is in focus today after the company secured a five-year, $37 million contract renewal with Northwestern Medicine, featuring increased minimum spend and higher fees per transaction.

    What did Pro Medicus report?

    • Signed a 5-year, $37 million contract renewal with Northwestern Medicine
    • The renewal is based on transaction volume, with potential upside
    • Increased minimum commitments and higher fee per exam locked in
    • Nearly $80 million in contract renewals agreed in the past month

    What else do investors need to know?

    The renewed agreement is with Northwestern Medicine, a leading academic health system in Chicago, serving over 200 sites. The contract not only increases the minimum transaction volume but also raises the fee paid to Pro Medicus for each exam, reflecting growth since the initial agreement.

    This contract builds on Pro Medicus’s strong client retention track record. The company’s Visage 7 Viewer platform is now firmly established within Northwestern Medicine, supporting both financial and clinical outcomes.

    What did Pro Medicus management say?

    Chief Executive Officer Dr Sam Hupert said:

    We are extremely pleased that in addition to committing to a second five-year term at an increased fee per exam, NM have also committed to an increase in their minimums reflecting the growth in their exam volumes since standardising on our platform five years ago.

    What’s next for Pro Medicus?

    Pro Medicus continues to invest in its core imaging platform and grow its base of recurring contract revenue. Management highlighted almost $80 million in recent renewals, supporting the company’s belief in the lasting value of its technology.

    The group plans to maintain its focus on client retention and further expansion in international markets, as well as ongoing innovation within its medical imaging software suite.

    Pro Medicus share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, Pro Medicus shares have declined 40%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 16% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post Pro Medicus locks in 5-year, $37m Northwestern Medicine contract renewal appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Pro Medicus right now?

    Before you buy Pro Medicus 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 Pro Medicus 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 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. 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.

  • Down 55%, are Xero shares the most overlooked bargain now?

    Man on computer looking at graphs

    Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO) shares have been smashed. The high-growth tech name is down 37% so far in 2026 and a brutal 55% over the past 12 months.

    That’s a dramatic fall for a company that was once a market darling.

    So, is this a warning sign or a rare opportunity? Most brokers seem to think the latter.

    Sticky users, scalable growth

    Let’s start with the fundamentals.

    Xero is a cloud-based accounting platform built for small and medium-sized businesses. It handles invoicing, payroll and financial reporting in one place, making Xero shares a mission-critical tool for its customers.

    And this isn’t some niche player. Xero has built a global footprint across Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and beyond. Its subscription model delivers reliable recurring revenue, while its deep ecosystem of integrations keeps customers locked in. High switching costs. Sticky users. Scalable growth.

    In short, this is still a high-quality business.

    Hit by perfect storm

    So why the heavy sell-off?

    It’s not just Xero shares. The broader tech sector has been under pressure, with names like WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) and Technology One Ltd (ASX: TNE) also pulling back. After a strong run in 2025, valuations looked stretched and the market was primed for a reset.

    Then came a new overhang: artificial intelligence (AI).

    Investors started asking whether AI could disrupt traditional software models. Could smarter, cheaper tools reduce the need for subscription platforms like Xero? That uncertainty has weighed heavily on sentiment.

    Add rising interest rates — which tend to hit growth stocks hardest — and you’ve got a perfect storm.

    Bargain hunters on the move

    But here’s where things get interesting.

    After months of selling, Xero shares are now trading well below their previous highs. And that’s starting to turn heads. Bargain hunters are circling, looking to snap up quality growth names at discounted prices.

    The analysts are already leaning that way.

    According to TradingView data, 13 out of 14 analysts rate Xero as a buy or strong buy. Some price targets suggest massive upside, with the most bullish view pointing to $231.35, implying potential gains of up to 225% over the next year.

    Meanwhile, Morgan Stanley has just reiterated its buy rating with a $130 target. That suggests a possible 82% upside from current levels.

    Competition is heating up

    That’s a big disconnect between price and expectations.

    Of course, risks remain. Competition in accounting software is heating up, and any slowdown in subscriber growth or margins could hit the stock. The AI disruption narrative also hasn’t gone away.

    But zoom out, and the long-term story for Xero shares still stacks up.

    Xero has scale. It has recurring revenue. It has sticky customers. And it operates in a massive global market that’s still shifting to the cloud.

    The post Down 55%, are Xero shares the most overlooked bargain now? 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 Marc Van Dinther has positions in WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Technology One, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Technology One. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Champion Iron finalises acquisition of Norway’s Rana Gruber

    A silhouette shot of two business man shake hands in a boardroom setting with light coming from full length glass windows beyond them.

    The Champion Iron Ltd (ASX: CIA) share price is in focus today as the company announced the successful completion of its voluntary cash tender offer to acquire over 92% of Norway’s Rana Gruber, a high-purity iron ore producer. Champion paid NOK 79 per share, with the total transaction valued at around US$300 million.

    What did Champion Iron report?

    • Acquired 92.48% of Rana Gruber’s issued shares at NOK 79 per share in cash
    • Total purchase price of approximately US$300 million
    • Funded the deal with cash, a US$100 million private placement, and a new US$150 million term loan
    • Expected near-term accretive impact on Champion’s revenue, EBITDA, and cash flows
    • Rana Gruber produced over 1.8 million tonnes of high-purity iron ore in 2025
    • Champion to proceed with compulsory acquisition of remaining shares and delisting Rana Gruber from Euronext Oslo Børs

    What else do investors need to know?

    The Rana Gruber deal broadens Champion Iron’s product portfolio, giving it access to new high-purity hematite and magnetite iron ore concentrate blends. Rana Gruber’s proximity to key European customers complements Champion’s Bloom Lake operations and is set to enhance sales diversification.

    The expanded group will benefit from competitive all-in sustaining costs, access to renewable power, and a strong track record of cash flow generation. Champion has refinanced part of its US$400 million revolving credit facility to support the transaction, with key lenders participating.

    What did Champion Iron management say?

    Champion’s CEO, David Cataford, said:

    The closing of this transaction marks a defining milestone for Champion. Combining our businesses strengthens our leadership as a sustainable supplier of high-purity iron ore produced with a low-carbon footprint, while preserving the culture, expertise, and pride that define both companies. Rana Gruber’s proximity to European customers complements Bloom Lake’s high-purity products and its Direct Reduction Pellet Feed project, currently in the commissioning phase. We look forward to working closely with Rana Gruber’s team to unlock value for our stakeholders and continue to positively impact our host communities.

    What’s next for Champion Iron?

    Champion plans to complete the compulsory acquisition of the remaining shares in Rana Gruber and delist it from the Oslo exchange. Management aims to integrate Rana Gruber, collaborate on sales strategies, and extract synergies from the combined asset base. There’s a shared focus on supporting the green steel sector, further grade improvements, and delivering value to both companies’ communities and employees.

    In the near term, Champion expects the deal to boost its revenue, earnings, and operational cash flow per share while maintaining financial leverage at prior levels.

    Champion Iron share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, Champion Iron shares have risen 23%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 16% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post Champion Iron finalises acquisition of Norway’s Rana Gruber appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Champion Iron Limited shares, consider this:

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

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

  • Why this HALO focused ASX ETF outperformed over the last month

    A corporate team stands together and looks out the window.

    In the last month, many investors have seen significant damage to their portfolios. 

    The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has weighed heavily on global equities. 

    Here in Australia, the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is down approximately 2.6% since the beginning of March. 

    You might be scratching your head, wondering what strategies can help weather the storm. 

    A new report from VanEck has shed light on the resilience of HALO investing this past month. 

    What is HALO investing?

    HALO stands for Heavy Assets, Low Obsolescence. 

    According to VanEck, these are companies that have cash flows tied to essential real-world demand. This is supported by long-lived infrastructure, regulated frameworks, and long-term contracts.

    Applied to the Australian market, the HALO universe spans mining, energy, infrastructure, utilities, transport, telecommunications, staples and logistics. The S&P/ASX 200’s exposure to these names is heavily concentrated in a small number of mega-cap miners.

    Therefore, we think, the problem for many investors is that they are not getting enough meaningful exposure to all the HALO companies via funds that track or are benchmarked to the S&P/ASX 200.

    How to benefit from HALO with this ASX ETF

    According to the VanEck report, an equal-weighted approach could reduce concentration and provide more meaningful exposure to these HALO companies. 

    One ASX ETF that provides this meaningful exposure is the VanEck Vectors Australian Equal Weight ETF (ASX: MVW).

    It utilises an equal weight approach, which provides a larger exposure to these HALO companies.

    HALO companies share a common characteristic: their competitive advantages are rooted in physical assets that are difficult, expensive or impossible to replicate. 

    These include pipelines, toll roads, rail networks, power stations, mine sites, ports, fibre networks and distribution centres. The assets are essential to the functioning of the economy, supported by long-duration contracts or regulatory frameworks. They generate cash flows that are relatively insulated from technological disruption.

    Over the last month, this strategy and focus has resulted in a nearly 3% rise for the MVW ASX ETF, outperforming the ASX 200. 

    The strategic approach

    This ASX ETF uses a HALO-style approach by tilting its holdings toward companies with hard, essential assets and more stable, predictable cash flows. 

    While the S&P/ASX 200 appears to have higher overall exposure to HALO names, much of that exposure is concentrated in large mining companies like BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO). These have earnings heavily tied to volatile commodity prices rather than steady, contracted revenues.

    Because MVW weights companies more evenly, it reduces the dominance of these cyclical miners. Simultaneously it increases its allocation to a broader mix of infrastructure, utilities, energy networks, telecommunications, and consumer staples businesses. 

    As a result, once the large miners are excluded, MVW actually has greater exposure to the types of companies that better reflect the HALO concept.

    According to the report, this ASX ETF provides 1.4x overweight compared to the ASX 200 to the HALO names with contracted revenues, regulated cash flows, and essential demand characteristics.

    The macro environment that supported MVW’s outperformance in March 2026 has not resolved. Oil prices remain elevated on geopolitical risk, the RBA has signalled rates will stay higher for longer and household budgets are under pressure.

    In this environment, companies with contracted, inflation-linked revenues and essential demand characteristics are better positioned to protect margins than those exposed to discretionary spending, credit cycles, or technological disruption, we think.

    The post Why this HALO focused ASX ETF outperformed over the last month appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in VanEck Vectors Australian Equal Weight ETF right now?

    Before you buy VanEck Vectors Australian Equal Weight 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 VanEck Vectors Australian Equal Weight 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 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.

  • Telix Pharmaceuticals announces US$40m Regeneron radiopharma deal

    Rising healthcare ASX share price represented by doctor giving thumbs up

    The Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX) share price is in focus today after the company announced a major collaboration with US-based Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, highlighted by a US$40 million upfront payment and the development of next-generation radiopharmaceuticals for cancer treatment.

    What did Telix Pharmaceuticals report?

    • Entered a 50/50 global cost and profit-sharing agreement with Regeneron to co-develop radiopharmaceutical therapies targeting solid tumours.
    • Receives a US$40 million upfront cash payment for four initial therapeutic programs, with the option for Regeneron to expand to four more programs.
    • Potential to earn up to US$2.1 billion in development and commercial milestone payments plus low double-digit royalties if Telix opts out of co-funding any program.
    • Joint development of diagnostic assets, with Telix leading commercialisation and Regeneron receiving a percentage of profits.
    • Collaboration leverages Telix’s expertise in radiopharmaceuticals and Regeneron’s proprietary antibody platforms.

    What else do investors need to know?

    This collaboration brings together Telix’s strong track record in radiopharmaceutical manufacturing and Regeneron’s experience in antibody discovery and oncology. The combined expertise could help accelerate the development of innovative treatments for cancers with significant unmet needs, such as lung cancer.

    The partnership also includes plans to create radio-diagnostic tools, supporting both targeted therapies and patient selection for optimal outcomes. Telix retains some flexibility to promote products and can choose its level of involvement for each program, potentially switching between co-funding or milestone- and royalty-based compensation.

    What did Telix Pharmaceuticals management say?

    Managing Director and Group CEO Christian Behrenbruch said:

    The collaboration with Regeneron reflects a highly complementary set of capabilities and a unique opportunity to explore what true ‘next gen’ biologics-based radiopharmaceuticals can potentially do for patients.

    What’s next for Telix Pharmaceuticals?

    Telix and Regeneron will begin work on the first four programs under their collaboration, initially focusing on solid tumour targets from Regeneron’s antibody pipeline. Further expansion is possible if milestones are met and both parties exercise their program options.

    Telix’s ability to co-develop diagnostics and therapies with Regeneron could set the stage for new approaches in precision oncology while expanding its global reach and product portfolio. Investors will be watching for progress updates and future milestones as the partnership unfolds.

    Telix Pharmaceuticals share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, Telix shares have declined 44%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 16% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post Telix Pharmaceuticals announces US$40m Regeneron radiopharma deal appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Telix Pharmaceuticals right now?

    Before you buy Telix Pharmaceuticals 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 Telix Pharmaceuticals 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 positions in and has recommended Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Telix Pharmaceuticals. 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.

  • Brambles shares: Class action judgment update

    a judge sitting in a blurred background reaches forward to strike his gavel on the strikeplate on his judge's bench.

    The Brambles Ltd (ASX: BXB) share price is in focus today after the logistics company received a judgment in its long-running shareholder class action. The Federal Court upheld some claims regarding Underlying Profit and revenue growth disclosures for a short period in late 2016 and early 2017, while dismissing others.

    What did Brambles report?

    • The Federal Court handed down its judgment on the class action relating to alleged misleading or deceptive conduct in 2016–2017.
    • Most claims against Brambles were dismissed, with the Court only upholding certain claims for periods between 16 November 2016 and 23 January 2017.
    • The Court dismissed all claims relating to medium-term FY19 targets.
    • The total quantum of potential damages remains uncertain; financial impact is not yet determined.

    What else do investors need to know?

    Brambles is currently reviewing the extensive, 1,200-page Federal Court judgment to consider its legal and financial options. The company has insurance arrangements in place but says that final damages are unclear until further steps — including any appeals — are finalised.

    Brambles has committed to keeping the market informed as it assesses both the financial risk and mitigation options. Management emphasised their ongoing disclosure obligations.

    What’s next for Brambles?

    Brambles stated it is assessing potential grounds for appeal, as well as the process for quantifying any damages. Until appeals or other legal proceedings conclude, the financial impact — if any — remains uncertain.

    Investors can expect further updates as Brambles reviews the judgment and finalises its response. The company is also continuing to focus on its core logistics operations across global markets.

    Brambles share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, Brambles shares have risen 12%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 16% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post Brambles shares: Class action judgment update appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Brambles Limited shares, consider this:

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

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.