Category: Stock Market

  • How I’d invest $20,000 in ASX shares right now to help build long-term wealth

    A smartly-dressed businesswoman walks outside while making a trade on her mobile phone.

    Putting $20,000 to work in the market is a meaningful step. At that size, I’d be thinking about building a portfolio that can grow through different conditions.

    For me, that means combining quality, growth, and a bit of resilience.

    Here’s why I would split the money across these four names.

    Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB)

    Hub24 continues to build momentum in a way that’s hard to ignore.

    It operates a wealth management platform that continues to attract funds from advisers and clients moving toward more sophisticated investment solutions.

    What stands out to me is its ability to consistently grow funds under administration. That kind of growth can compound over time, especially as the shift toward managed platforms continues.

    It’s an ASX share that I think could look significantly larger in a decade than it does today.

    James Hardie Industries Plc (ASX: JHX)

    James Hardie Industries brings exposure to global construction and housing.

    That might sound cyclical, and it is, but James Hardie has built a strong position in fibre cement products, particularly in the United States.

    What I like is its combination of brand strength and long-term demand. Housing cycles will come and go, but over time, population growth and renovation activity tend to support demand for its products.

    That makes it an ASX share I’d be comfortable holding through the ups and downs.

    BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

    BHP adds a different dimension to a portfolio.

    It gives exposure to commodities like iron ore and copper, which play a key role in global infrastructure and electrification.

    Copper in particular is becoming increasingly important, with demand linked to renewable energy, electric vehicles, and data centres.

    BHP also has its Jansen potash project in Canada, which is expected to begin production in the coming years and could become a major contributor over time.

    For me, this is about combining income with long-term thematic growth.

    Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX)

    Telix Pharmaceuticals is a higher-growth, higher-risk part of the portfolio.

    It operates in radiopharmaceuticals, focusing on diagnostic imaging and cancer treatment.

    This is a rapidly evolving area of healthcare, with significant global demand.

    Telix has already made strong progress commercially, and I think it has the potential to continue expanding its product portfolio and geographic reach.

    It won’t be without volatility, but that’s often where the biggest opportunities come from.

    Foolish takeaway

    Building long-term wealth in ASX shares doesn’t require chasing trends or constantly trading.

    For me, it’s about owning a mix of businesses with strong positions and long-term potential. I think Hub24, James Hardie, BHP, and Telix offer exactly this.

    The post How I’d invest $20,000 in ASX shares right now to help build long-term wealth 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 Grace Alvino has positions in Hub24. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Hub24 and Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group, Hub24, and Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • What could $500 a month in ASX 200 shares become in 20 years?

    Young businesswoman sitting in kitchen and working on laptop.

    Investing doesn’t have to start with a large lump sum.

    Putting $500 a month into ASX 200 shares might not feel like much at first, but over time, it can build into something meaningful.

    I’m going to show you how.

    The power of compounding

    The real driver here is compounding. That’s where your returns start generating their own returns, and the effect builds over time.

    If we assume a long-term return of 9% per annum, which is not guaranteed but has been achievable historically over long periods, the numbers start to add up.

    After 10 years, a $500 monthly investment could grow to around $95,000.

    By 20 years, that same approach could see your portfolio reach approximately $320,000.

    What stands out to me is how much the growth accelerates in the second decade. That’s compounding doing the heavy lifting.

    Why consistency matters

    One of the biggest advantages of investing regularly is that it removes the pressure to time the market.

    When you invest every month, you naturally buy more ASX 200 shares when prices are lower and fewer when prices are higher.

    This is known as dollar-cost averaging.

    It’s a simple approach, but I think it’s incredibly effective.

    Instead of trying to predict short-term movements, you’re steadily building your position over time.

    Not every year will look the same

    A 9% average return doesn’t mean you’ll get 9% every year.

    Some years will be strong, with double-digit gains. Other years may be flat or even negative. That’s part of investing in ASX 200 shares.

    Volatility is normal, especially over shorter periods.

    What matters is staying focused on the long term and not getting distracted by short-term fluctuations.

    The role of quality

    If I were following this approach, I’d want to focus on quality ASX 200 shares or broad market exposure.

    This might include ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD), Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG), Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB), and Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES).

    These are businesses that have proven their ability to grow over time, generate profits, and adapt to changing conditions.

    Over long periods, quality tends to win out. And when combined with regular investing, it can create a powerful foundation for wealth building.

    Why starting matters

    The earlier you begin, the more time compounding has to work.

    But I think even starting later can still make a big difference.

    What matters most is getting into the habit of investing consistently and sticking with it.

    Because over time, those monthly contributions can turn into something far larger than they first appear.

    Foolish takeaway

    Investing $500 a month into ASX 200 shares may seem simple, but over 20 years, it could grow into around $320,000 based on a 9% annual return.

    For me, this highlights what really drives long-term results. Consistency, patience, and letting compounding do its work.

    The post What could $500 a month in ASX 200 shares become in 20 years? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in HUB24 Limited right now?

    Before you buy HUB24 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 HUB24 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 Grace Alvino has positions in Hub24 and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Hub24, Macquarie Group, ResMed, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group and ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Hub24 and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • 2 monthly income ETFs with yield reaching as high as 9%

    Man holding out Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.

    Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are a popular choice among investors because they offer instant diversification, traditionally low fees, and they tend to grow steadily over time.

    Another bonus is that if an ETF’s portfolio includes shares that pay a dividend, the ETF will collect it and pass it on to investors. Like any ASX dividend-paying stock, this is usually paid out quarterly or annually. But then there are the rare few ETFs that pay income to investors monthly.

    Here are two of them, and they both have very attractive yields.

    BetaShares Australian Top 20 Equities Yield Maximiser Complex ETF (ASX: YMAX)

    The Betashares YMAX is an ASX-listed ETF that targets the 20 largest Australian shares on the ASX. 

    Since the fund began in April 2023, YMAX has been paying quarterly dividends to its shareholders. But effective from January this year, it has elected to pay out on a monthly basis instead.

    As of the 27th of February 2026, YMAX ETF has a 12-month gross distribution (dividend) yield of 9% and a 12-month distribution yield of 7.6%. The total 12-month franking level is 42.4%. The fund’s annual management fee and costs are 0.64%.

    Its first-ever monthly dividend payment was paid on the 17th of February, where it handed investors $0.035221 per unit and paid $0.050699 per unit last week. 

    Over the past 12 months, YMAX shares have trailed the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) returns. The ETF’s share price is down 1.98% compared with the ASX 200’s 7.4% annual gain.

    BetaShares Dividend Harvester Active ETF (ASX: HVST

    The Betshares HVST ETF is an ASX-listed ETF that invests in 40 to 60 dividend-paying companies. These are selected from the top 100 largest ASX-listed companies based on their dividend forecasts, franking credits, and expected future gross dividend payments.

    The ETF does not track an index; instead, it targets exposure to high-dividend stocks.

    The fund is created in a way that allows it to own a dividend share until it trades ex-dividend. At this point, the fund sells the shares and reinvests the proceeds into its next opportunity.

    HVST ETF pays investors a regular, franked dividend income that is around double the annual income yield of the broader ASX. 

    As of the 27th of February 2026, its 12-month gross distribution (dividend) yield is 7%, and the net yield is 5.5%. The franking level is 64.7%. The fund’s annual management fee and costs are 0.72%.

    The fund paid out $0.06 per share to investors in late February and another $0.06 per share last week.

    HVST shares have trailed the index over the past 12 months. The ETF’s share price is down 0.1% over the past 12 months, compared with the ASX 200’s 7.4% annual gain.

    The post 2 monthly income ETFs with yield reaching as high as 9% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Betashares Australian Dividend Harvester Fund right now?

    Before you buy Betashares Australian Dividend Harvester Fund shares, consider this:

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

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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

  • Buy these 2 top ASX 200 shares and hold until 2036

    A smiling man points upwards with both fingers in an exaggerated sideways pose.

    It hasn’t been an easy six months for these two popular S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares.

    Both NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT) and Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL) have shed close to 30% of their value.

    That’s a sharp pullback. But it could also be an opportunity.

    Both ASX 200 shares are backed by strong long-term growth trends. And brokers are tipping meaningful upside from here.

    So, are these buy-and-hold-for-a-decade stocks?

    Let’s take a closer look.

    NextDC

    NextDC sits right at the centre of the digital economy.

    The company develops and operates data centres across Australia. These facilities power cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and enterprise IT systems.

    As businesses shift online and AI adoption accelerates, the need for secure, high-performance data infrastructure is exploding. That puts this ASX 200 share in a prime position.

    Key strengths are strong long-term demand tailwinds, a growing pipeline of projects and strategic locations in key metro markets.

    The company also benefits from long-term contracts with major customers. That provides visibility on future revenue.

    But there are risks.

    NextDC is capital intensive. Building data centres isn’t cheap. That means ongoing investment and pressure on short-term earnings.

    Valuation has also been a sticking point in the past. Even after the recent drop, some investors remain cautious.

    What do analysts think?

    Morgans is firmly in the bullish camp. It has a buy rating and a $20.50 price target on the ASX 200 share. That implies around 66% upside over the next 12 months.

    The broader consensus is similar, with an average target of $20.84. Even more striking, the most bullish analyst sees upside of up to 150%.

    That’s a big call — and it shows the level of conviction in the long-term story.

    Aristocrat Leisure

    Aristocrat is a global gaming powerhouse.

    The company develops gaming machines and digital games, with a strong presence in both land-based casinos and online platforms.

    Its secret weapon? Content.

    Aristocrat consistently delivers high-performing games that keep players engaged. That drives recurring revenue and strong margins.

    Strengths of the ASX 200 gaming stock include its global footprint, market leadership in slot machines, and fast-growing digital segment. The shift toward online gaming is a major tailwind.

    The company also generates strong cash flow, giving it flexibility to invest and return capital to shareholders.

    But again, there are risks.

    Gaming is a competitive industry. Trends can shift quickly, and success depends on continually producing hit content.

    Regulation is another factor. Changes in gambling laws can impact growth in key markets.

    Still, analysts remain upbeat on the ASX 200 share.

    UBS currently has a buy rating on Aristocrat shares, with a $69.00 price target. That suggests around 50% upside from current levels.

    The bottom line

    NextDC and Aristocrat have both been knocked down in recent months.

    But the long-term growth stories of the two ASX 200 shares remain intact.

    One is riding the data and AI boom. The other is capitalising on global gaming demand.

    Neither is risk-free. Both require patience.

    But for investors thinking long term — and willing to hold through volatility — these two ASX 200 shares could be worth buying and holding all the way to 2036.

    The post Buy these 2 top ASX 200 shares and hold until 2036 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy NEXTDC 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 NEXTDC 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 Marc Van Dinther 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 ASX growth shares that could rebound strongly after the selloff

    Two people jump and high five above a city skyline.

    The recent market selloff has hit growth shares particularly hard.

    Concerns around artificial intelligence (AI) disruption, rising interest rates, and global uncertainty have weighed heavily on valuations. However, for long-term investors, these pullbacks can create opportunities to buy high-quality businesses at more attractive prices.

    Here are three ASX growth shares that analysts think could be worth considering after the recent weakness.

    Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV)

    The first ASX growth share that could rebound strongly is Lovisa.

    The fast-fashion jewellery retailer has built a highly scalable global store network, with a simple and repeatable model that continues to perform across different markets. Its ability to roll out new stores quickly and generate strong returns on capital has been a key driver of its success.

    Despite what the recent share price weakness might suggest, the company’s expansion story remains intact, with significant opportunities to grow its store footprint internationally.

    Morgans is positive on its outlook and has a buy rating on Lovisa shares with a $36.80 price target. This implies potential upside of around 60% from current levels.

    Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1)

    Another ASX growth share that could be worth a look is Megaport.

    The company operates a global software-defined network that enables businesses to connect to cloud providers and data centres with speed and flexibility. As demand for cloud computing and data-intensive applications grows, the need for this type of connectivity continues to increase.

    Megaport also recently announced the major acquisition of Latitude that expands its addressable market significantly. Management highlights that the Latitude deal creates “an industry-leading Compute and Network-as-a-Service platform to power high-performance applications and AI workloads globally.”

    According to Morgans, the company’s outlook remains attractive. The broker has a buy rating on its shares with a $16.00 price target, suggesting potential upside of approximately 100%.

    Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

    A final ASX growth share that could rebound strongly is Xero.

    The accounting software company provides cloud-based financial tools to small and medium-sized businesses globally.

    While sentiment towards software stocks has weakened recently due to AI disruption fears, Xero believes that AI will be supportive and not disruptive to its business. This leaves it well-positioned to continue benefitting from increasing adoption of digital accounting solutions and opportunities to expand its platform with additional services.

    UBS is bullish on the company’s prospects and has a buy rating with a $174.00 price target. This implies potential upside of around 130% from current levels.

    The post 3 ASX growth shares that could rebound strongly after the selloff appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Lovisa Holdings 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 Lovisa Holdings 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 James Mickleboro has positions in Lovisa, Megaport, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Lovisa, Megaport, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Lovisa. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

    A group of happy young people watching sport on a laptop celebrate.

    It was another recovery day for the Australian share market this Wednesday. After turning a corner yesterday, investors piled back in to ASX 200 shares over this hump day session with gusto.

    By the time trading wrapped up, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) had gained a pleasing 1.85%. That lifts the index up to 8,534.3 points.

    This happy Wednesday for the local markets comes despite a far more bearish morning over on Wall Street.

    The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) couldn’t quite stick the landing, dropping 0.18%

    The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) fared even worse, falling by 0.84%.

    But let’s get back to the ASX now and dig into what was going on amongst the various ASX sectors today.

    Winners and losers

    Today’s gains were almost universal, with only a handful of sectors missing out on a rise.

    Leading those red sectors were energy stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) went against the tide this session, plunging 2.33%.

    Consumer staples shares were unlucky too, with the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) sliding 0.12% lower.

    The other losers this Wednesday were utilities stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) slipped by 0.06% by the closign bell.

    That’s it for the loser though, so let’s get to the green sectors. At the top of those sectors were gold shares, evident from the All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD)’s 8.16% rocket higher.

    Broader mining stocks ran hot as well. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) managed to soar 4.41%.

    Then we had industrial shares, with the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) galloping 1.89% higher.

    Healthcare stocks enjoyed strong demand as well. The S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) jumped 1.17% today.

    We could say the same for consumer discretionary shares, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ)’s 1.64% lift.

    Tech stocks didn’t miss out either. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) saw its value spike 1.49%.

    Real estate investment trusts (REITs) were just behind that, with the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) leaping 1.48%.

    Financial shares didn’t miss out. The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) enjoyed a 1.32% advance today.

    Finally, communications stocks received some positive attention, as you can see from the S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ)’s 0.46% bounce.

    Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

    Today’s winner was defence stock DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO). Droneshield shares exploded 19.33% higher this session to close at $4.26 each.

    That was despite no major news or announcements out from the company. Droneshield was heavily sold off earlier this week, so perhaps this is just a routine rebound.

    Here’s how the other winners tied up at the dock this hump day:

    ASX-listed company Share price Price change
    DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO) $4.26 19.33%
    Silex Systems Ltd (ASX: SLX) $5.55 13.50%
    Vulcan Energy Resources Ltd (ASX: VUL) $3.29 11.90%
    Liontown Ltd (ASX: LTR) $1.73 11.61%
    Bellevue Gold Ltd (ASX: BGL) $1.41 11.07%
    Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) $11.48 11.03%
    Greatland Resources Ltd (ASX: GGP) $10.41 10.86%
    Emerald Resources N.L. (ASX: EMR) $5.22 10.83%
    Vault Minerals Ltd (ASX: VAU) $4.02 10.44%
    Imdex Ltd (ASX: IMD) $3.68 10.18%

    Our top 10 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary that shows which companies made big moves on the day. Check in at Fool.com.au after the weekday market closes to see which stocks make the countdown.

    The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today 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 Sebastian Bowen 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 DroneShield and is short shares of DroneShield. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Why Life360 shares could be dirt cheap and set to rise 90%

    Smiling young parents with their daughter dream of success.

    If you are looking for big returns to supercharge your portfolio, then Life360 Inc (ASX: 360) shares could be worth considering.

    That’s the view of analysts at Bell Potter, who believe the ASX tech stock could be destined to rocket from current levels.

    What is the broker saying?

    Bell Potter has been looking ahead to Life360’s quarterly update. And while it isn’t expecting a guidance upgrade, it does see potential for a beat to its earnings margin. It said:

    We provide our quarterly forecasts this year for MAUs, paying circles, revenue and adjusted EBITDA. Life360 has already provided guidance for 1Q2026 of y-o-y MAU growth <20% (vs BPe 19%) and an adjusted EBITDA margin “in the low double digits” (vs BPe 11.6%). We note, however, the company has a good track record of beating guidance and, for instance, upgraded the 2025 guidance at the Q2 and Q3 results last year, then upgraded again in January and beat at adjusted EBITDA in March.

    We therefore believe that, after setting expectations relatively low for Q1, there is some chance of a small beat, perhaps more in the adjusted EBITDA margin rather than MAU growth. We do not, however, see much if any chance of an upgrade to the 2026 guidance given, firstly, it is early in the year and, secondly, the relatively soft Q1. Further, the company did not upgrade the 2025 guidance at the Q1 result last year – just changed the revenue mix – despite the relatively strong start to the year.

    Big potential returns for Life360 shares

    In light of this, the broker remains very bullish and sees a lot of value in Life360 shares.

    According to the note, the broker has retained its buy rating with a trimmed price target of $37.75 (from $40.00).

    Based on its current share price of $19.65, this implies potential upside of 92% for investors over the next 12 months.

    Bell Potter highlights that its valuation for Life360 shares has been trimmed to reflect a change in its model to a focus on earnings and cash flow. It explains:

    We have removed the EV/Revenue valuation from our target price calculation given the market focus is now on earnings and cash flow valuations as well as the reasonable level of forecast earnings. We have also lowered the multiple we apply in the EV/EBITDA valuation from 45x to 37.5x and increased the WACC we apply in the DCF from 8.8% to 9.2%.

    The net result is a 6% decrease in our TP to $37.75 which is still around double the share price so we maintain our BUY recommendation. We see the release of the Q1 result on 12th May as a potential catalyst given the company has already lowered expectations and the potential of a small beat in adjusted EBITDA.

    The post Why Life360 shares could be dirt cheap and set to rise 90% 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 James Mickleboro has positions in Life360. 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.

  • This ASX mining stock just jumped. Here’s what’s driving the move today

    Two workers on site discuss the next stage of this civil engineering job.

    Nickel Industries Ltd (ASX: NIC) shares are trending higher on Wednesday as investors react to developments linked to its Indonesian operations and a company update.

    At the time of writing, the nickel producer’s shares are up 6.78% to 94.5 cents.

    Despite recent volatility, the stock remains a strong performer over a longer period, up roughly 50% over the past 12 months.

    Here’s what’s behind today’s move.

    Approval supports near-term production outlook

    Earlier today, media reports confirmed that Nickel Industries has secured approval for its 2026 nickel ore sales plan in Indonesia.

    The approval, known as the RKAB, essentially sets the company’s permitted production and sales volumes for the year. In this case, it allows for a material increase in output from its Hengjaya Mine.

    Nickel Industries is now targeting around 14.3 million wet metric tonnes (wmt) of ore sales in 2026, up from approximately 9 million wmt previously.

    A large portion of this supply is expected to feed into its downstream processing operations, including the Excelsior Nickel Cobalt (ENC) project.

    This gives the company more certainty over feedstock and supports its mining and processing operations.

    Fatal incident disclosed in ASX release

    Alongside this, Nickel Industries also released an announcement addressing a fatal accident at its Indonesian operations.

    According to the update, the incident involved a contractor engaged in transmission line construction linked to the ENC project.

    The accident occurred on a haul road at the Hengjaya Mine, where infrastructure is currently being developed.

    Management stated that it is working with the relevant contractor and Indonesian authorities as investigations continue.

    While the announcement does not directly impact the company’s production guidance, it remains a significant development for its operations.

    Nickel price backdrop remains mixed

    The nickel market has remained volatile in recent weeks.

    Nickel prices have eased back toward around US$17,000 per tonne, reflecting softer demand expectations and broader macro uncertainty.

    At the same time, supply-side factors in Indonesia continue to play a key role in shaping market dynamics, particularly as production levels increase.

    Higher production is being approved while prices are still weak, so keeping costs low is becoming more important.

    Foolish Takeaway

    Today’s move reflects clearer production expectations and continued progress across its Indonesian projects.

    The RKAB approval provides a set pathway for higher output in 2026, particularly as the company ramps up downstream processing capacity.

    However, this is offset by the fatal incident disclosed in today’s release, along with ongoing pressure on nickel prices.

    With the stock up strongly over the past year, near-term performance will depend on execution and nickel price movements.

    The post This ASX mining stock just jumped. Here’s what’s driving the move today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Nickel Industries 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 Nickel Industries 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…

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

  • Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

    a surprised investor reading about an asx share price in a newspaper

    Many of Australia’s top brokers have been busy adjusting their financial models and recommendations again. This has led to a number of broker notes being released this week.

    Three ASX shares that brokers have named as buys this week are listed below. Here’s why their analysts are feeling bullish on them right now:

    Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH)

    According to a note out of UBS, its analysts have retained their buy rating and $302.00 price target on this hearing solutions company’s shares. The broker believes that recent share price weakness has created an attractive entry point for investors. This is especially the case given how UBS believes the new next-generation cochlear implant platform, Nexa, is expected to underpin a strong earnings recovery. It believes that with limited competition, Cochlear is well-placed to win market share. And while there are concerns over gene therapies, UBS doesn’t believe this is something that will impact its near term performance. The Cochlear share price is trading at $164.17 on Wednesday afternoon.

    Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

    A note out of Morgans reveals that its analysts have upgraded this industrial property company’s shares to a buy rating with a trimmed price target of $32.45. Morgans highlights that Australian REITs have fallen significantly in recent months partly due to rising interest rates. However, it feels that this has been an overreaction and has created an opportunity for investors to buy high-quality shares like Goodman at attractive prices. In addition, Morgans believes that Goodman shares could start to re-rate once inflation expectations begin to moderate. The Goodman share price is fetching $25.85 at the time of writing.

    Life360 Inc (ASX: 360)

    Analysts at Bell Potter have retained their buy rating on this family safety technology company’s shares with a trimmed price target of $37.75. According to the note, the broker has been looking ahead to Life360’s quarterly update. It believes that after setting expectations relatively low for the first quarter, there is some chance of a small beat. However, it suspects this could be with its adjusted EBITDA margin rather than monthly active user growth. Outside this, the broker has lowered its valuation to reflect changes to its model, putting more emphasis on earnings and cash flow. Overall, the broker thinks recent share price weakness is an opportunity for investors to buy shares at a very attractive price. The Life360 share price is trading at $19.46 on Wednesday.

    The post Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today 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…

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Cochlear, Goodman Group, and Life360. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Cochlear, Goodman Group, and Life360. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Cochlear and Goodman Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • This beaten-down ASX stock just jumped nearly 20%. Here’s why it’s suddenly flying

    Happy aeroplane passenger using his phone and listening to music.

    The Alliance Aviation Services Ltd (ASX: AQZ) share price is surging on Wednesday following a market update from the company.

    At the time of writing, shares are up 19.81% to 63.5 cents. By comparison, the S&P/ASX All Ords Index (ASX: XAO) is hovering 1.8% higher.

    Despite today’s strong move, the stock remains under significant pressure over a longer period, down close to 50% in 2026.

    Here’s what the company announced.

    Update addresses fuel price concerns

    Alliance released a market update in response to recent volatility in jet fuel prices and its potential impact on the business.

    According to the company, it has limited direct exposure to fuel price movements.

    Under its wet lease arrangements, customers typically bear fuel costs. Meanwhile, contract flying customers are subject to fuel repricing mechanisms, which reduce Alliance’s exposure to fluctuations.

    As a result, the company said current jet fuel price volatility is expected to have minimal impact on its contracted operations or near-term earnings outlook.

    Operations remain stable

    Alliance also confirmed that it is not experiencing any fuel supply constraints.

    Operational performance remains robust, with the company continuing to meet its contracted service levels. Management noted that on time performance and safety metrics remain a key focus.

    The company added that it is maintaining close engagement with customers to support ongoing operations in the current environment.

    Alliance highlighted that its contracted customer base continues to provide forward revenue visibility, with demand remaining broadly in line with prior periods.

    No change to guidance

    Despite the recent volatility across fuel markets, Alliance confirmed there is no change to its FY26 profit before tax guidance.

    This suggests that at this stage, recent developments have not materially altered expectations for the year ahead.

    Maintaining guidance may provide some reassurance to the market, particularly given the recent uncertainty across fuel markets and broader cost pressures.

    The company is also continuing to progress its operational turnaround program. Management is focused on improving capital allocation, strengthening free cash flow, and better managing sales and customer relationships.

    Foolish Takeaway

    Today’s share price move appears to reflect relief from investors following concerns around rising jet fuel prices.

    Recent volatility in energy markets has raised questions about potential cost pressures for aviation-related businesses.

    However, the market update has effectively addressed those concerns, reinforcing that its business model provides a degree of protection from fuel price swings.

    Given the stock’s sharp decline over recent months, today’s update may also be prompting a short-term reassessment of risk.

    The post This beaten-down ASX stock just jumped nearly 20%. Here’s why it’s suddenly flying appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Alliance Aviation Services Limited right now?

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