Category: Stock Market

The Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN) share price is in focus today as the company reported a $1,456 million underlying profit before tax for the first half of FY26, with revenue rising to $12.9 billion. The airline also boosted its fully franked interim dividend and announced plans for further shareholder returns, reflecting continued strong performance across its portfolio.

What did Qantas Airways report?

• Revenue of $12.9 billion, up 6% from 1H25
• Underlying Profit Before Tax of $1,456 million, up $71 million
• Statutory Profit After Tax of $925 million
• Underlying earnings per share of 68 cents
• Net Debt of $5.6 billion, in line with target range
• Interim fully franked dividend of 19.8 cents per share, plus up to $150 million share buy-back announced

What else do investors need to know?

Qantas reported growth across its domestic, international, and loyalty divisions. Domestic operations delivered a margin of 18%, while Qantas Loyalty membership and points activity both set new records. The company distributed $400 million to shareholders during the half and will increase its interim payout to $450 million, including an on-market share buy-back.

Fleet renewal and customer investment continued at pace, with delivery of nine new aircraft—supporting network flexibility, sustainability, and a lift in customer satisfaction scores. Qantas also expanded its frontline workforce and further invested in digital and sustainability initiatives, including carbon reduction programs and upgrades to the digital customer experience.

What’s next for Qantas Airways?

The company is targeting further growth supported by strong travel demand and continued transformation benefits, aiming for a $400 million savings target in FY26. Qantas expects Group Domestic revenue per seat (RASK) to increase about 3% in 2H26, with additional international capacity coming online.

Looking further ahead, capital expenditure is planned to rise, supporting new technology aircraft deliveries and the long-haul “Project Sunrise” initiative. Qantas Loyalty is set to grow EBIT by 10–12% this year. Management says net debt will remain within the targeted range and sustainable, fully franked dividends are a focus.

Qantas Airways share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Qantas shares have risen 20%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 11% over the same period.

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The post Qantas earnings: Profit up, higher dividends, and bigger fleet for FY26 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• DroneShield wins $21.7m in western military contracts
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• Sigma Healthcare shares: 1H26 profit and sales leap
• Westgold Resources posts record profit and revenue for H1 FY26
• Vault Minerals posts half-year earnings; declares maiden dividend

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.

The Westgold Resources Ltd (ASX: WGX) share price is in focus today after the ASX 200 gold miner reported a record half-year profit of $190.7 million and nearly doubled its revenue to $1.24 billion for the six months ended 31 December 2025.

What did Westgold Resources report?

• Revenue surged 98% to $1,237.6 million (H1 FY25: $624 million)
• Net profit after tax was $190.7 million (H1 FY25: $27.6 million loss)
• EBITDA reached $435.5 million
• Unfranked dividend of 3 cents per share paid during the period
• Gold production rose 23% to 195,355 ounces
• Operating cash flow increased to $531.7 million

What else do investors need to know?

Westgold Resources became debt free after repaying its outstanding $50 million facility, finishing the period with $520.6 million in cash and cash equivalents—a 117% lift from June 2025. The bumper results were driven by a sharp increase in the gold price achieved ($5,877/oz vs $3,910/oz a year ago) and higher gold sales volumes.

During the half, Westgold completed the divestment of its Mt Henry–Selene Gold Project to Alicanto Minerals, booking a one-off, non-cash loss of $177.9 million but gaining a 19.9% strategic stake in Alicanto and further cash proceeds. The company also progressed a proposed demerger of its non-core Reedy’s and Comet assets via the planned spin-out of Valiant Gold Limited.

What’s next for Westgold Resources?

Westgold has reiterated its FY26 production guidance of 345,000 to 385,000 ounces of gold, supported by investments in mine development and a healthy resource base. Following the sale of non-core assets and the planned Valiant Gold demerger, the company will sharpen its focus on its major mining hubs in the Murchison and Southern Goldfields regions, aiming to sustain safe, profitable growth while advancing its refreshed ESG strategy.

Westgold Resources share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Westgold Resources shares have risen 221%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has 11% over the same period.

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The post Westgold Resources posts record profit and revenue for H1 FY26 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• DroneShield wins $21.7m in western military contracts
• Atlas Arteria results: 2025 toll revenue climbs, 40c distribution on track
• Sigma Healthcare shares: 1H26 profit and sales leap
• Qantas earnings: Profit up, higher dividends, and bigger fleet for FY26
• Vault Minerals posts half-year earnings; declares maiden dividend

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.

The Vault Minerals Ltd (ASX: VAU) share price is in focus today after the company unveiled a strong set of half-year results, highlighted by a robust 44% lift in group EBITDA to $384.5 million and the declaration of a maiden 7 cents per share dividend.

What did Vault Minerals report?

• Group gold sales: 169,274 ounces for revenue of $817.3 million, up 20% on the previous corresponding period (pcp)
• Group EBITDA: $384.5 million, up 44% on pcp, with a margin of 47%
• Underlying net profit before tax: $211.7 million, up 93% on pcp
• Statutory net loss after tax: $35.2 million, reflecting the accounting treatment of early hedge settlements
• Cash and bullion at period end: $537.3 million, with no debt
• Maiden interim dividend: 7 cents per share (unfranked), plus ongoing share buy-back

What else do investors need to know?

Vault’s early settlement of H2 FY26 gold hedges for $172.7 million means it is now almost entirely unhedged, with only 10,233 ounces remaining for delivery in early FY27. This provides full exposure to current high gold prices, positioning Vault for increased free cash flow in the coming half. Capital investment continued across its portfolio, including processing plant upgrades at King of the Hills (KoTH) and the Deflector mine transition, aiming for a step-change in production capacity.

The company also maintained a robust balance sheet with $537.3 million in cash and bullion and no debt. Its ongoing share buy-back program reflects a continued focus on shareholder returns, alongside the inaugural dividend.

What did Vault Minerals management say?

Managing Director Luke Tonkin said:

Our solid operating cash flow and disciplined investment have brought Vault to an inflection point earlier than expected, enabling us to reward shareholders with a maiden dividend.

What’s next for Vault Minerals?

Vault’s guidance for FY26 remains at 332,000 to 360,000 ounces of gold production, with portfolio upgrades aiming to drive a 34% lift in Leonora gold output by the end of FY27. Upcoming completion of the KoTH processing facility upgrades is set to deliver increased throughput and operational flexibility.

Management anticipates the company will enter a cash tax-paying position in FY27, paving the way for future franked dividends. Ongoing capital investments and aggressive exploration are intended to support further growth and mine life extension, helping Vault maintain its position as one of the highest-yielding ASX gold companies.

Vault Minerals share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Vault Minerals shares have risen 126%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 11% over the same period.

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The post Vault Minerals posts half-year earnings; declares maiden dividend appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• DroneShield wins $21.7m in western military contracts
• Atlas Arteria results: 2025 toll revenue climbs, 40c distribution on track
• Sigma Healthcare shares: 1H26 profit and sales leap
• Qantas earnings: Profit up, higher dividends, and bigger fleet for FY26
• Westgold Resources posts record profit and revenue for H1 FY26

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.

Today, Corporate Travel Management Ltd (ASX: CTD) reported unaudited first-half (1H26) revenue of $348.5 million and underlying EBITDA of $77.7 million, alongside further progress on its UK remediation plan.

What did Corporate Travel Management report?

• Revenue and other income of $348.5 million for 1H26 (unaudited)
• Underlying EBITDA of $77.7 million, representing an EBITDA margin of 22.3%
• Cash balance at 31 December 2025 of $121.2 million, down from $124.0 million at June 2025
• Capex of $19 million aligned to technology and strategic commitments
• Client retention remained strong at or above 97% across all main regions
• Payments of $15 million made to key UK customers in December 2025 as part of remediation

What else do investors need to know?

The company continues to work through the UK forensic accounting review, targeting completion in March 2026. This process includes a remediation plan, involving staged payments to impacted UK clients, to enable release of the overdue FY25 audited accounts.

Outside the UK, reviews found no evidence of similar issues in other regions. Trading conditions remain challenging, with new client sales slightly lower in December reflecting seasonality and some client caution. Nevertheless, client retention and service delivery remain strong, with no major losses reported.

A revised IATA agreement and remediation payments impacted working capital and cash flow during the half-year. The company has amended its debt facility, maintaining sufficient liquidity with a $140 million facility and an undrawn revolving credit component.

What did Corporate Travel Management management say?

Acting CEO Ana Pedersen said:

Our trading performance reflects both the resilience of the business and the quality of our client offering in the face of challenging circumstances.

Our focus on superior customer service, relationship management and enhancing client outcomes coupled with our proprietary technology continues to support customer retention and strong new client wins during the half. We do expect some moderation through the remainder of the financial year, as the uncertainty associated with the audit process has influenced the timing of both renewals and new business conversion.

The finalisation of a remediation plan is well progressed, including constructive discussions on the timing of staged payments. Importantly, we are making progress with KPMG and certain impacted UK customers, which is giving us a much clearer path toward resolving and finalising the outstanding matters.

As these key steps are completed, they will provide enhanced confidence to customers and our team. More broadly, we continue to improve governance, controls and systems across the business, and we recognise there is still more work to do as we complete the review and embed these improvements.

What’s next for Corporate Travel Management?

CTM expects the finalisation of its UK review and remediation plan to enable the release of its delayed FY25 audited results, as well as the 1H26 reviewed financials. The company is targeting reinstatement of ASX share trading in the second quarter of calendar 2026, subject to approvals.

Looking ahead, CTM foresees some softness in trading over 2H26 as audit-related uncertainty continues to influence client decision-making. The business remains focused on customer retention and technology investment to drive long-term growth.

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The post Corporate Travel Management posts $348.5m 1H26 revenue and UK remediation update appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 Corporate Travel Management. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Corporate Travel Management. 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.

The Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) share price was on fire on Wednesday.

The supermarket giant’s shares ended the session 13% higher at $35.63.

Investors were buying the company’s shares after it released a solid half-year result.

But does this mean it is now too late to invest? Let’s see what analysts at Bell Potter are saying.

What did the broker say?

Bell Potter wasn’t overly surprised to see the Woolworths share price shoot higher yesterday.

It highlights that the company’s results were comfortably ahead of expectations. This includes an acceleration in revenue growth after a tricky period. The broker said:

Revenue of $37,135m was up +3% YoY (vs. BPe $37,200m and VA $37,223m). EBITDA of $3,206m was up +9% YOY (vs. BPe of $3,127m and VA $3,173m). Underlying NPAT of $859m was up 16% YOY (vs. BPe of $845m and VA $816m).

1H26 was cycling 1H25 results wore the impact of 1H25 industrial action in the Australian Food business ($95m in EBIT) and the impact of supply chain commissioning and dual running costs. Significant items after tax of $485m are largely linked to legal provisions related to historical staff underpayments. Group gross margin was up +18bps YoY and CODB was down 25bps YoY.

Bell Potter was also pleased with management’s outlook commentary. It adds:

Key outlook comments included: (1) Australian Food first 7wks trading showing +5.8% YoY (vs. +2.6% YoY underlying in 1H26) and FY26e EBIT is expected to be at the upper end of the mid-to-high single digit YoY growth range provided in Aug’25; (2) NZ Food first 7wks trading showing +1.7% YOY (vs. +2.8% YoY in 1H26); (3) Big W first 7wks trading is broadly flat YoY and FY26e EBIT is projected to be positive (and significantly weighted to 1H26); and (4) Other LBIT is forecast at $240-260m a modest increase from previous guidance of $240m.

Has the Woolworths share price peaked?

The good news is that Bell Potter believes the Woolworths share price can continue to rise.

According to the note, the broker has retained its buy rating with an improved price target of $38.25 (from $30.70).

Based on its current share price of $35.63, this implies potential upside of 7.3% for investors over the next 12 months.

In addition, the broker is forecasting a 2.7% dividend yield, which boosts the total potential return to 10%.

Commenting on its buy recommendation, Bell Potter said:

The clear highlight is the pick-up in top line growth in the Australian food business, which adjusting for supply chain disruptions in the pcp returned to +3.2% YoY in 2Q26 (from +2.1% in 1Q26) and the maintenance of GM despite investing in price. While the stock has closed the gap on its historical trading multiple, we see execution against medium term targets in the Australian and NZ Food businesses as likely to sustain a reasonable level of growth to FY28e.

The post Buy, hold, or sell: Has the Woolworths share price peaked? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

When you are investing for 20 years, you are no longer trying to predict next quarter’s earnings. You are backing structural trends, strong businesses, and broad market growth that can compound over decades.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at five ASX exchange traded funds (ETFs) that could be strong long-term holdings for Aussie investors.

iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)

The S&P 500 index has been one of the most powerful wealth-building engines in modern financial history. The iShares S&P 500 ETF gives investors exposure to this index with a click of the button.

It provides investors with a slice of 500 leading US stocks across a range of sectors including healthcare, technology, consumer goods, and financials. Holdings include Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), McDonald’s (NYSE: MCD), and Starbucks (NASDAQ: SBUX).

Over a 20-year timeframe, backing America’s largest and most innovative companies has historically rewarded patient investors. And while there will inevitably be corrections along the way, the long-term trend has been upward.

Vanguard MSCI International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

Diversification is crucial when investing for decades. The Vanguard MSCI International Shares ETF helps achieve this by providing exposure to over a thousand stocks across developed markets outside Australia. That includes businesses such as Nestlé (SWX: NESN), Visa (NYSE: V), and Roche Holding (SWX: ROG).

By investing across the US, Europe, and parts of Asia, this ASX ETF reduces reliance on any single economy. Over 20 years, global diversification can help smooth returns while still capturing international growth.

VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat AUD ETF (ASX: MOAT)

Another buy and hold candidate is the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF. It focuses on US companies with sustainable competitive advantages.

Rather than simply tracking market size, it screens for businesses that have wide moats and are trading at attractive valuations. Current holdings include Estee Lauder (NYSE: EL), Microsoft, Adobe (NASDAQ: ADBE), and Nike (NYSE: NKE).

Quality at a reasonable price is a strategy that has worked for decades, and it remains a sensible approach for long-term investors.

Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (ASX: RBTZ)

Technology will likely look very different in 2046 than it does today.

The Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF provides investors with exposure to companies involved in robotics and artificial intelligence, including Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA), Intuitive Surgical (NASDAQ: ISRG), and ABB Ltd (SWX: ABBN).

Automation and AI are expected to reshape industries ranging from healthcare to manufacturing. Over a 20-year horizon, these technologies could be far more deeply embedded in the global economy than they are today.

The team at Betashares recently recommended this fund.

Betashares India Quality ETF (ASX: IIND)

A final ASX ETF to consider as a buy and hold investment is the Betashares India Quality ETF. It provides access to a group of high-quality Indian stocks.

India’s growing population, expanding middle class, and ongoing economic reforms create a backdrop for long-term expansion. And while emerging markets can be volatile, a 20-year horizon allows investors to ride out short-term swings and potentially benefit from structural growth.

It was also recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.

The post 5 amazing ASX ETFs to buy and hold for 20 years appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Nike and VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Abb, Adobe, Apple, Intuitive Surgical, Microsoft, Nike, Nvidia, Starbucks, Visa, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Nestlé and Roche Holding AG and has recommended the following options: long January 2028 $330 calls on Adobe, long January 2028 $520 calls on Intuitive Surgical, short January 2028 $340 calls on Adobe, and short January 2028 $530 calls on Intuitive Surgical. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Adobe, Apple, Microsoft, Nike, Nvidia, Starbucks, VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF, Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF, Visa, 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.

The Air New Zealand Ltd (ASX: AIZ) share price is in focus today as the company posted a half-year loss of $40 million after tax and announced no interim dividend, impacted by engine maintenance delays and rising costs.

What did Air New Zealand report?

• Operating revenue up 1.2% to $3.44 billion for 1H FY26
• EBITDA of $347 million
• Loss before taxation of $59 million (compared to prior period profit of $144 million)
• Net loss after taxation: $40 million
• Liquidity at $1.3 billion; net debt to EBITDA of 2.6x
• No interim dividend declared

What else do investors need to know?

The half-year loss was mainly driven by global engine maintenance issues, slower-than-hoped domestic demand recovery, higher aviation system costs, and a weaker New Zealand dollar. Up to eight aircraft were grounded at times, reducing capacity and contributing to $90 million in lost earnings despite partial compensation from engine makers.

A strategic review is underway, with the airline focusing on returning to sustained profitability amid ongoing cost pressures. Air New Zealand is also progressing operational improvements, such as upgrading its Boeing 777 interiors and refreshing its loyalty program.

What did Air New Zealand management say?

Chief Executive Officer Nikhil Ravishankar said:

With the support of the Board we are undertaking a comprehensive review of all aspects of the business, with the objective of returning the airline to sustained profitability through enhanced operational performance, growth and further cost transformation initiatives… While we are disappointed that the engine availability issues have taken longer than anticipated to resolve, we are pleased with recent progress and now expect a total of four grounded Airbus neo and Boeing 787 aircraft to return to service throughout the 2026 calendar year. We will also take delivery of two of ten new 787 aircraft later in the financial year, providing widebody capacity growth of around 20 percent to 25 percent over the next two years.

What’s next for Air New Zealand?

The airline expects second half capacity to rise as grounded aircraft return and new planes arrive, but cautions that earnings may not immediately benefit. Air New Zealand forecasts 2H26 earnings broadly in line with or modestly below the first half, assuming jet fuel averages US$85 per barrel.

Key risks remain, including the timing of aircraft returns, the outcome of further compensation talks, and ongoing volatility in costs and demand. The strategic review will target operational improvements and a renewed focus on sustainable growth and connectivity.

Air New Zealand share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Air New Zealand shares have declined 10%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 11% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Air New Zealand reports half-year loss appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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.

If I had $50,000 to deploy into ASX 200 blue chips today, I would try and focus on quality. 

This means market leaders and businesses with competitive advantages and the ability to grow earnings over time. 

They may not necessarily be the cheapest stocks on the board, but companies I’d feel comfortable holding through multiple market cycles.

Here’s where I’d start.

Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH)

Cochlear is a global leader in implantable hearing solutions, operating in a niche that requires deep expertise, regulatory approval, and long-term relationships with surgeons and hospitals.

This is not a business that can be easily disrupted. The barriers to entry are high, the product is life-changing, and switching providers is not straightforward.

While earnings can fluctuate depending on procedure volumes and currency movements, I believe the long-term growth drivers remain intact. Ageing populations and improving access to healthcare globally should support demand for decades.

For me, Cochlear represents high-quality healthcare exposure with global reach.

Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

Goodman is one of the world’s leading industrial property groups, focused on logistics facilities, warehouses, and increasingly data centre-related infrastructure.

What I like most is its development capability and capital-light model. It partners with institutional capital, earns management fees, and captures development profits, rather than simply owning static assets.

The long-term tailwinds from ecommerce, supply chain reconfiguration, and digital infrastructure demand continue to support its strategy.

Even though the property sector can be cyclical, I think Goodman’s positioning in high-demand assets makes it one of the strongest ASX 200 blue chip stocks out there.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

Woolworths gives exposure to essential spending. Supermarkets tend to be resilient across economic cycles. People might cut back on discretionary items, but they still buy groceries. That gives Woolworths relatively defensive earnings characteristics.

While the company has faced operational challenges and leadership upheaval in recent periods, I think its dominant market position and scale advantages remain powerful over the long run.

As part of a $50,000 ASX 200 blue chip stock allocation, I’d want at least one defensive consumer staple in the mix and Woolworths ticks all the boxes.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

Wesfarmers is more than just a retailer. With assets including Bunnings, Kmart, and other industrial and chemical operations, it combines strong retail cash flows with disciplined capital allocation.

What stands out to me is management’s willingness to transform its portfolio when the time comes. That capital discipline is a big reason the company has compounded value over time.

As a core blue chip holding, I think Wesfarmers provides both resilience and growth optionality.

Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG)

Over the last 12 months, Sigma has transformed itself through its merger with Chemist Warehouse, creating a vertically integrated pharmacy and wholesale powerhouse.

That deal gives Sigma exposure not just to distribution margins but also to one of Australia’s most recognisable retail pharmacy brands. The combined entity benefits from scale, procurement power, and strong brand recognition.

Healthcare spending is generally non-discretionary, and I see long-term demand supported by population growth and ageing demographics.

For a blue chip with exposure to both retail and healthcare, Sigma adds a different growth and income dynamic to the portfolio.

Foolish takeaway

If I were investing $50,000 into ASX 200 blue chip stocks today, I’d consider spreading it across quality businesses with different drivers.

Cochlear, Goodman, Woolworths, Wesfarmers, and Sigma Healthcare each bring something different to the table. Together, I believe they form a balanced foundation built for long-term compounding.

The post 5 ASX 200 blue chip stocks I would buy with $50,000 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• 3 ASX dividend stocks built to pay you year after year
• How high could Woolworths shares rise in 2026?
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Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Cochlear, Goodman Group, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Cochlear, Goodman Group, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

I think it is fair to say that ASX tech shares have had a rough ride lately.

Concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) disruption, stretched valuations, and shifting competitive dynamics have led to sharp selloffs across the sector. Some investors are wondering whether the golden era of tech investing is over.

I would argue the opposite. The easy gains may be gone. But the long-term opportunity is far from finished.

Tech is infrastructure now

Technology is no longer a niche sector. It is the backbone of modern business.

Companies rely on cloud software, data analytics, cybersecurity, and automation to operate efficiently. Governments depend on digital systems. Consumers live increasingly online.

Take WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC). Its CargoWise platform underpins global logistics operations. Switching costs are high, integration is complex, and customers depend on it to manage trade flows. That kind of embedded software is not easily replaced.

Or look at TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE). It provides mission-critical software to governments and universities. These are long-term contracts with high retention rates, not speculative consumer apps.

These businesses are not optional add-ons. They are operational foundations.

AI disruption cuts both ways

There is no denying that artificial intelligence is changing the landscape.

Some fear it could lower barriers to entry and compress margins. But AI can also strengthen leading platforms, improve productivity, and create entirely new revenue streams.

Companies with scale, data, and established customer bases are often better positioned to harness AI than smaller competitors.

When releasing its half-year results this week, WiseTech CEO, Zubin Appoo, said:

We continue on our deliberate AI transformation journey. AI is strengthening our advantage, enabling significantly more automation and value for our customers, embedding our products more deeply into their daily operations, and unlocking levels of efficiency gains across WiseTech that were previously out of reach.

The winners are likely to be those that integrate AI into existing ecosystems rather than those starting from scratch.

Volatility creates opportunity

ASX tech shares tend to trade on long-term growth expectations. When sentiment shifts, valuations can fall quickly.

For patient investors, that can create entry points.

Consider Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO). While its share price has been volatile, the business continues to expand internationally and deepen its product suite. If subscriber growth and monetisation remain strong, earnings power over the next decade could look very different from today.

Foolish takeaway

Digital transformation is not complete. Nor are automation and cloud adoption.

Technology will likely play an even larger role in the global economy in five to ten years than it does today.

As a result, I think there’s still a strong case for holding ASX tech shares in a portfolio right now.

The post Why ASX tech shares still deserve a place in your portfolio in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
• Are WiseTech shares a buy, hold or sell after announcing 2,000 job cuts?
• The easiest way to get rich and retire a millionaire with ASX shares
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• 3 beaten-down ASX 200 stocks tipped to rocket over 100% higher 

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Technology One, WiseTech Global, and Xero. 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.

If I were buying ASX dividend stocks, I would not be chasing the biggest yield on the board.

I’d be looking for businesses with robust cash flows, strong competitive positions, and the ability to keep generating income through different economic cycles. The kind of companies that can realistically pay, and potentially grow, dividends year after year.

These three stand out to me.

Transurban Group (ASX: TCL)

Transurban owns and operates major toll roads across Australia and North America.

What appeals to me about this ASX dividend stock is the visibility of earnings. Traffic volumes tend to rise over time with population growth, and many of its concession agreements include inflation-linked toll increases.

That structure creates recurring, relatively predictable cash flows. Infrastructure assets like these are hard to replicate and require enormous capital, which strengthens Transurban’s competitive position.

For investors who want income backed by essential assets, I think Transurban fits the bill.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

Woolworths is deeply embedded in the daily lives of Australians.

Supermarkets are defensive by nature. Regardless of economic conditions, people still need groceries. That gives Woolworths a level of earnings resilience that many other retailers simply don’t have.

The company has faced challenges recently, including margin pressure and operational headwinds. But from a long-term perspective, I see a dominant market position, strong supply chain capabilities, and significant scale advantages.

As an ASX dividend stock, Woolworths has a long history of paying distributions. While dividend growth may ebb and flow with trading conditions, I believe the underlying business is built to keep generating the cash needed to reward shareholders over time.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

Telstra operates critical telecommunications infrastructure that underpins the modern economy.

Mobile connectivity, broadband, and enterprise services are not discretionary purchases. That recurring demand translates into stable revenue streams.

In recent years, Telstra has streamlined operations, strengthened its balance sheet, and focused on disciplined capital management. The result is a business that can generate consistent cash flow and pay fully franked dividends.

For income-focused investors, I think Telstra represents a straightforward, dependable ASX dividend stock designed to keep paying year after year.

Foolish takeaway

When thinking about ASX dividend stocks built for the long term, I’d focus on durability.

Transurban’s toll roads, Woolworths’ supermarket dominance, and Telstra’s telecom infrastructure all generate recurring cash flows from essential services. For me, that’s the foundation of an income portfolio designed to pay you reliably, year after year.

The post 3 ASX dividend stocks built to pay you year after year appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, or sell: Has the Woolworths share price peaked?
• 5 ASX 200 blue chip stocks I would buy with $50,000
• How high could Woolworths shares rise in 2026?
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• An Australian dividend stock I’d hold through anything

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Telstra Group, Transurban Group, and Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.