This ASX stock has been through a rough patch after a sharp pullback from earlier highs. Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW) shares have fallen 43% in the past 6 months to $13.62 at the time of writing.

But beneath the short-term volatility, the long-term growth story remains intact.

For investors willing to look beyond the next quarter, here are 3 reasons this ASX retail stock could still be worth buying.

A long runway for online furniture growth

Temple & Webster sits in a part of retail that is still in the early stages of moving online. Australians continue to shift more of their furniture and homewares spending to e-commerce, and penetration levels remain well below those seen in offshore markets.

That gives the ASX stock plenty of room to grow even without stealing share from traditional retailers.

The business also leans heavily on private-label and exclusive products, which helps differentiate it from generic online marketplaces. That not only supports customer loyalty but also gives Temple & Webster more control over pricing and margins.

A scalable, capital-light business model

One of Temple & Webster’s biggest strengths is its drop-ship model. By avoiding large inventory holdings, the ASX 200 share reduces capital requirements and limits the risk of being stuck with unsold stock. As sales volumes rise, this structure allows operating leverage to kick in.

Management has also invested heavily in automation and artificial intelligence across customer service, marketing, and product listings. These tools help keep costs under control as the business scales, supporting margin improvement over time.

If revenue growth re-accelerates, earnings can grow much faster than sales.

Reset expectations and improving risk-reward

The recent price pullback of the ASX stock has cooled some of the valuation concerns that followed Temple & Webster’s strong rally. Growth expectations are now more realistic, and the market appears to be pricing in a slower near-term environment for discretionary spending.

Most analysts see attractive upside of up to a whopping 105% over the medium to long term. They point to the company’s strong balance sheet, high repeat customer rates, and exposure to structural e-commerce growth. With expectations for the ASX growth stock reset, the risk-reward balance looks more appealing for patient investors.

Most brokers see the online retail share as a strong buy. The average 12-month price target is set at $20.37, a potential gain of 49.5% at current price levels. Bell Potter currently has a buy rating and $19.50 price target on its shares.

Weaknesses to watch

However, risks remain for the ASX stock. Temple & Webster will always be exposed to consumer spending cycles. And furniture demand can soften quickly when interest rates or cost-of-living pressures rise. The company also spends heavily on marketing to drive growth, which can weigh on profitability if sales momentum slows.

In short, Temple & Webster is a classic ASX growth stock, not a defensive one. Short-term volatility is likely to continue, but for investors focused on long-term structural growth in online retail, the company offers a compelling growth opportunity.

The post 3 reasons to buy this ASX growth stock now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Where I’d invest $20,000 into ASX shares right now
• Why these ASX growth stocks could be much bigger in 5 years
• If a 25-year-old invests $1,250 a month in ASX stocks, here’s what they could have by retirement
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Looking for double-digit returns? Check out RBC Capital Markets’ picks ahead of reporting season

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

What an extraordinary run it has been for silver.

The sharp price surge has pushed the white metal back into the global spotlight.

Prices are trading near US$104 per ounce, after jumping more than 50% in the past month and 260% over the past year. A rare combination of geopolitical risk, industrial demand, and speculative momentum is driving silver sharply higher.

A perfect storm for precious metals

Silver’s surge is closely tied to the broader rally across precious metals. Gold has pushed to fresh all-time highs, and silver has followed, amplified by its smaller and less liquid market.

A major driver has been rising geopolitical risk. Escalating global tensions, renewed trade war fears, and ongoing instability across multiple regions have pushed investors back toward hard assets. At the same time, concerns about government debt levels and long-term currency weakness have strengthened the appeal of precious metals as a store of value.

Silver has also benefited from growing expectations that global central banks will eventually be forced to ease monetary policy, as markets look ahead to slower growth and softer inflation.

Industrial demand is adding fuel to the rally

Unlike gold, silver is not just a financial asset. It plays a key role in industrial applications, particularly in solar panels, electric vehicles, electronics, and data centres linked to artificial intelligence. Demand from these sectors continues to rise, even as mine supply struggles to keep up.

Supply has also been tight. The silver market has run in deficit for several years, with limited inventories and little new production coming online. As investment demand has picked up, that imbalance has become harder for the market to ignore.

Momentum and speculation take over

Speculative momentum has been another key driver behind silver’s sharp rise. Retail investors have piled into silver through coins, bars, and ETFs, driven by fear of missing out.

Technical signals also point to stretched positioning, with silver trading well above key averages. Some analysts warn a pullback could occur, but momentum remains firmly in control for now.

ASX silver stocks back in focus

With prices surging, ASX-listed silver explorers and producers are attracting renewed investor interest.

Silver Mines Ltd (ASX: SVL) is one of the better-known names in the ASX silver space. The company focuses on acquiring and developing quality silver projects, and its share price has rallied strongly in recent months alongside the broader silver price boom. Over the past year, Silver Mines’ stock performance has significantly outpaced key sectors, reflecting strong sentiment around silver’s outlook.

Another company worth watching is Andean Silver Ltd (ASX: ASL). This explorer and developer also benefits from elevated silver prices. Andean Silver’s share price has shown strong moves as the silver rally gathered pace, although, like many junior miners, it can be volatile and sensitive to silver price swings.

What happens next?

While silver’s run has been extraordinary, analysts remain divided on what happens next. Some see continued upside as supply deficits deepen and industrial demand expands. Others warn that the rapid rise could lead to technical corrections, especially if speculative enthusiasm fades.

Despite differing views on where silver heads next, its surge above US$104 per ounce is making 2026 a standout year.

The post Silver shoots for the stars! What’s driving the white metal’s stunning 260% rally appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Up 167% in a year, why this ASX silver stock is surging again today

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.

These 2 ASX dividend shares have been under some pressure in the past 6 months. Energy giant Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) has lost 18% of its value, while Metcash Ltd (ASX: MTS) has tumbled more than 15%.

At current lower prices, these reliable ASX dividend shares may deserve a closer look.

Santos Ltd (ASX: STO)

Let’s start with the biggest name of the two. The price of this ASX dividend share has been volatile, sentiment has swung back and forth, and energy markets have kept everyone guessing.

But look past the noise, and a different picture emerges.

Santos is entering a critical growth and cash-flow phase. After years of heavy capital spending, the company is finally on the verge of reaping the rewards. Last Thursday, the ASX dividend stock revealed sales revenue for the fourth quarter was $1.2 billion. That’s a gain of 9% on the prior quarter, bringing the full-year result to more than $4.9 billion.

Santos’ real edge lies in its scale and high-quality asset base. The $20 billion ASX share owns long-life LNG and gas assets across Australia and Papua New Guinea, giving it a durable production platform.

Even better, major growth projects — including Barossa and Pikka — are nearing completion and are expected to materially lift output over the coming years. As these projects transition from construction to production, Santos should see a sharp uplift in free cash flow.

On Thursday, Santos showed early signs of that, with cash flow being up 30% on the prior quarter to about $380 million. This also brought cash flow for the full year to about $1.8 billion.

That’s a big deal. Stronger cash generation gives management more flexibility to repair the balance sheet, reduce debt, and return more capital to shareholders.

That’s great news for income investors. The ASX dividend share runs a flexible, cash-flow-linked dividend policy. It returns a significant portion of free cash flow when conditions allow rather than locking itself into an unsustainable payout. That can mean dividends fluctuate year to year, but at current prices, the forecast yield of 5.67% looks compelling.

Brokers appear to agree. Most analysts rate Santos a buy, with an average 12-month price target of $7.24. From the current share price of $6.46, that implies around 12% upside — before dividends are even counted.

Metcash Ltd (ASX: MTS)

This ASX dividend share isn’t the kind of stock that sets your group chat on fire. But what it does offer is something many investors quietly crave: reliable income from a rock-solid business .

Metcash is the backbone behind IGA supermarkets, Mitre 10, Home Timber & Hardware, plus a huge network of independent liquor and foodservice retailers. In other words, this ASX dividend share sits right in the middle of everyday essentials — food, hardware, and booze. The kind of stuff people keep buying even when budgets tighten.

Sure, competition is fierce, and margins are always under pressure. And no, this isn’t a dividend stock you buy expecting explosive growth.

Metcash has earned a reputation as a dependable dividend payer, and with the share price still sitting at fairly modest levels, the 5.4% yield looks especially attractive right now.

Better still, UBS expects the company to lift its dividend every year from FY25 through to FY29. For passive income investors, that’s exactly the kind of forecast you want to see. In early December, Metcash confirmed its latest dividend will be 8.5 cents per share and will be fully franked.

Most analysts see moderate to strong upside for the ASX dividend share, with the average 12-month price target sitting at $3.97. That implies a potential 19.5% share price gain from current levels.

Add dividends to the mix, and total returns could approach 25% over the next year.

The post Snap up these 2 ASX dividend shares for income and growth appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday
• Buy, hold, sell: Netwealth, Santos, and South32 shares
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Santos shares increase on strong quarterly cash flows

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.

With February reporting season approaching, I think Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN) shares are shaping up as one of the more compelling opportunities on the ASX. The airline has already enjoyed a strong recovery from its lows, but I don’t think the investment case is finished yet.

While buying shares ahead of results always carries risk, there are several reasons why I would be comfortable owning Qantas going into February.

Earnings momentum still looks supportive

Qantas has spent the past few years rebuilding profitability after a turbulent period for global aviation. What stands out to me now is that earnings are no longer driven solely by the post-COVID recovery, but by structural improvements in the business.

Capacity discipline across the industry, robust demand for international travel, and a more rational competitive environment have all helped support margins. At the same time, Qantas has been more selective with routes and fleet utilisation, which has improved overall efficiency.

Heading into earnings season, the market is not expecting perfection, but it is expecting consistency. If Qantas can show that recent earnings strength is sustainable rather than cyclical, I think that would go a long way toward supporting the share price.

A stronger balance sheet provides flexibility

Another reason I like Qantas at this point in the cycle is its balance sheet position. After aggressively reducing debt and rebuilding liquidity, the company now has far more flexibility than it did in previous cycles.

That matters heading into reporting season because it lowers risk. Qantas is no longer in a position where a modest earnings miss would threaten dividends, capital investment, or long-term strategy. Instead, management has options, such as returning capital to shareholders, investing in fleet upgrades, or absorbing short-term volatility in fuel costs or demand.

For me, that balance sheet strength makes Qantas a more attractive pre-results hold than it would have been a few years ago.

Qantas share price valuation still leaves room for upside

Despite the recovery in its share price, I don’t think Qantas looks stretched when viewed against its earnings outlook. Consensus expectations still point to solid profitability over the next couple of years, and at a P/E ratio of 9.9, the market does not appear to be pricing in a return to peak conditions.

That creates an interesting setup for February. If results meet or modestly exceed expectations, I think there is scope for sentiment to continue improving. On the flip side, even a conservative outlook may already be reflected in the current valuation, which helps limit downside risk.

I also think the market remains cautious on airlines generally, which means positive surprises tend to be rewarded more than punished.

Foolish Takeaway

Buying shares ahead of reporting season is never risk-free, and Qantas is definitely no exception. Jet fuel prices, demand volatility, and execution all matter.

That said, heading into February, I see a business with improving earnings quality, a much stronger balance sheet, and a valuation that still allows for upside if management delivers. For those reasons, Qantas is one of the shares I would seriously consider owning as reporting season begins.

The post 3 reasons I would buy Qantas shares in February appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• 5 ASX shares I’d buy with $5,000 this week
• 5 ASX 200 shares I think could beat the market in 2026
• ASX income stocks: A once-in-a-decade chance to get rich

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has 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.

One of the best ways to build your wealth is by investing in ASX 200 shares that can grow strongly over long periods.

But not all shares are capable of doing this. So, let’s take a look at three unstoppable shares that have incredible track records and positive long-term growth outlooks.

They are as follows:

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

REA Group is an unstoppable ASX 200 share that has made investors rich. Over the past 15 years, the realestate.com.au operator’s shares have delivered an average total return of 20.8% per annum.

Its property platforms are embedded in how Australians buy and sell homes. That network effect has been built over decades and is incredibly difficult to replicate.

What drives REA’s compounding is not just property market activity, but its ability to increase revenue per customer. Premium listings, data tools, and value-added services allow the company to grow even when transaction volumes are not booming.

Given its domination of the local market and its growing Indian business, the future looks bright for this ASX share.

ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD)

Another ASX 200 share that has delivered strong returns for investors is ResMed. It has achieved an average total return of 16.95% per annum since 2016.

This medical device company operates in sleep apnoea and respiratory care, which are areas driven by long-term health trends rather than discretionary spending. Diagnosis rates continue to rise, and once patients are on therapy, they tend to stay there.

What makes ResMed particularly effective at compounding is how it blends hardware with software and data. Devices, masks, cloud platforms, and analytics all work together to create recurring revenue and long-term customer relationships.

Management estimates that the total addressable market for sleep apnoea is over 1 billion people. This gives ResMed a significant growth runway for the next decade and beyond.

TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE)

Finally, TechnologyOne is a classic example of quiet compounding. Over the past decade, this ASX 200 share has delivered an average total return of 20.2% per annum.

The company provides mission-critical software to governments, universities, and large organisations. These customers do not switch systems lightly, which gives TechnologyOne a sticky client base and highly predictable revenue.

In addition, its shift to a software-as-a-service model has been highly successful and fundamentally changed the business. Revenue visibility has improved, cash generation has strengthened, and recurring income has become a much larger part of the mix.

And with management confident that it can double in size every five years, this ASX share could be destined to outperform long into the future.

The post 3 unstoppable ASX 200 shares to buy and hold forever appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in REA Group, ResMed, and Technology One. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended ResMed and Technology One. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended ResMed. 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.

I don’t base investment decisions purely on broker recommendations, but I do pay close attention when analysts turn more positive after a period of share price weakness. Quite often, that combination of falling prices and improving fundamentals is where the most interesting opportunities start to appear.

Right now, several well-known ASX shares have buy recommendations from brokers who believe the outlook is improving. These are three where I can see the logic behind the optimism.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

WiseTech’s share price has been under significant pressure, and in my view, much of that negativity has already been well aired. Bell Potter notes that the pullback has been driven by company-specific issues such as “slowing growth in the core business, management and board upheaval and insider trading allegations against CEO and founder Richard White.”

Importantly, the broker believes that “these issues, however, are starting to subside and focus is returning to the outlook for the core business.” That resonates with me. When sentiment becomes this negative, it does not take perfection to drive a recovery, just stabilisation and improving execution.

Bell Potter points to “the launch of new products, a new commercial model and the integration of a large acquisition (e2open)” as key drivers of a stronger second half. It expects “a much stronger 2HFY26 result relative to 1HFY26,” with FY27 being the first year to fully reflect the benefits.

There are still risks, including the possibility of a soft downgrade to FY26 guidance, but I think Bell Potter’s view that “the 12-month outlook is positive” is reasonable. The broker has a buy recommendation and a $100 price target on the shares.

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

Xero is an ASX share I have long admired for its execution, and I find Macquarie’s commentary particularly encouraging.

The broker says management is “walking the walk, making data-driven decisions that invariably lead to better capital allocation outcomes.” That aligns with how I see the business. Xero has become far more disciplined as it has scaled, and that matters as it tackles a market as large as the United States.

Macquarie highlights that it has “high conviction in >12mo story, driven by the US opportunity,” with Gusto and Melio described as “the platform for US growth.” I agree with that assessment. The US remains the key swing factor for Xero’s long-term valuation, and management appears to be moving with care and urgency.

Macquarie has an outperform recommendation and a $230.30 price target. While the journey will not be linear, I think the broker’s confidence in Xero’s medium-term story is well placed.

Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL)

Aristocrat’s latest result was not without its softer points, but I think Morgans makes a fair argument that the market reaction has been too harsh.

The broker described the FY25 result as “solid,” with “healthy yoy growth following the sale of Plarium and full inclusion of NeoGames.” It acknowledged weaker performance in Interactive and softer trends in North American Gaming Operations, but also noted that management expects the business to “return to its normalised growth range moving forward.”

What stood out to me was Morgans’ view that it sees “no structural shift in market dynamics.” That is important. Short-term execution issues are one thing, but structural change is what really breaks investment cases.

Despite trimming earnings forecasts slightly, Morgans believes recent share price weakness has created “a more compelling valuation.” That was enough for the broker to upgrade the shares from accumulate to buy, with a 12-month price target of $73.

Foolish Takeaway

I don’t think broker buy ratings on ASX shares should ever be followed blindly, but when expert views line up with improving fundamentals and depressed share prices, I do think they are worth paying attention to.

In all three cases, I can see why analysts are becoming more constructive. The risks are still there, but the balance between downside and long-term opportunity looks more attractive than it did a year ago.

The post Why experts have put buy recommendations on these ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• Why Wisetech could be worth watching after a rough year
•  Why are WiseTech shares still falling?

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

The DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO) share price is in focus today after the company posted its second highest quarterly revenue ever, up 94% to $51.3 million, and a strong leap in positive operating cashflow for the December quarter.

What did DroneShield report?

• Revenue of $51.3 million for Q4 2025, rising 94% from the prior corresponding period
• Cash receipts from customers at $63.5 million, up 142% year-on-year
• SaaS revenues grew to $4.6 million, a 475% increase over Q4 2024
• Operating cashflow reached $7.7 million, swinging positive from $(8.9) million last year
• Committed revenues for 2026 stand at $95.6 million, compared to negligible levels at the start of 2025
• Closing cash balance of $210.4 million at period end

What else do investors need to know?

DroneShield capped off a record-breaking year with substantial contract wins, including a $25.3 million Latin American deal and two European military contracts totalling over $54 million. The company also launched a new South Australian R&D facility and released a significant AI software update during the quarter.

Importantly, management highlighted growing demand for its SaaS solutions, anticipating software to become a larger part of future revenues, especially as civilian sector interest increases. Payments to related parties and key management totalled $543,000 during the quarter.

What’s next for DroneShield?

Looking ahead, DroneShield is targeting ongoing profitability and positive operating cashflow, with a record $95.6 million in committed revenues already secured for 2026. The company expects SaaS and recurring revenue streams to drive growth, aiming for commercial and civilian customers to contribute up to 50% of revenue in the next five years.

Management plans to release its full audited FY2025 results in February 2026, with further details on performance and strategic initiatives.

DroneShield share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Droneshield shares have risen 621%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 5% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post DroneShield posts record Q4 revenue and positive cashflow appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• Shares vs. property: Which delivered the best capital growth in 2025?

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 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. 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 Stanmore Resources Ltd (ASX: SMR) share price is in focus today after the company delivered record quarterly production and strong cash generation in its December 2025 report.

What did Stanmore Resources report?

• Record quarterly run-of-mine (ROM) coal production of 6.0 million tonnes (Mt), saleable production of 3.9Mt, and sales of 4.0Mt
• Full-year saleable coal production reached 14.0Mt, at the mid-point of revised guidance
• Net debt reduced sharply by US$57 million in Q4, finishing the year at US$33 million
• Total liquidity climbed to US$482 million at 31 December 2025
• Serious Accident Frequency Rate for the year was 0.33, significantly below industry benchmarks
• Average sales price achieved was US$133 per tonne, with a late-quarter rally in coal markets

What else do investors need to know?

Stanmore Resources overcame early-year weather disruptions to deliver operational records across all key sites, including South Walker Creek, Poitrel, and Isaac Plains Complex. The company maintained a healthy ROM inventory of 1.5Mt entering the wet season, aiming to enhance resilience against further supply interruptions.

The revolving credit facility was upsized to US$200 million, supporting liquidity and reflecting continued confidence from lenders. Exploration and project development progressed as planned, with approvals for the Isaac Downs Extension and Eagle Downs infrastructure advancing.

What did Stanmore Resources management say?

Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director Marcelo Matos said:

The December quarter marked an exceptional close to the year, with operations delivering record performances across all production metrics. Most impressively, this was achieved safely and despite the first-half challenges from adverse weather, which demonstrated operational agility and flexibility.

What’s next for Stanmore Resources?

The company starts 2026 with some challenges after ex-tropical cyclone Koji impacted the Bowen Basin, though management is closely monitoring operational impacts and inventories. Stanmore plans further cost and production optimisations, particularly at the Isaac Plains Complex ahead of its planned transition to the Isaac Downs Extension project.

Shareholders can expect updated full-year financials and 2026 guidance in late February, with a continued focus on maintaining operational safety and disciplined capital management.

Stanmore Resources share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Stanmore Resources shares have risen 15%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 5% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Stanmore Resources delivers record December quarter coal production and strong cash generation appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• DroneShield posts record Q4 revenue and positive cashflow
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday
• ASX 200 utilities shares led the market last week
• DroneShield hits $200m milestone as 9.2m options vest and 2025 expense revealed
• Shares vs. property: Which delivered the best capital growth in 2025?

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.

For Australian income investors, dividends remain one of the biggest attractions of the share market.

But which ones could be buys right now?

Listed below are five ASX dividend shares that could be worth a closer look for income-focused investors.

APA Group (ASX: APA)

The first ASX dividend share that could be a buy for income investors is APA Group.

It is Australia’s leading energy infrastructure company, owning and operating a diverse $27 billion portfolio of gas, electricity, and renewable energy assets. These assets are essential to the economy and are typically supported by long-term contracts.

This provides visibility over cash flows, which in turn supports regular distributions. For income investors, APA’s focus on infrastructure can make its dividends feel more predictable than many alternatives.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

Another strong ASX dividend share to look at is BHP.

As one of the world’s largest mining companies, the Big Australian benefits from exposure to commodities that are essential for global growth and electrification. While earnings can move up and down along with commodity prices, the company’s low-cost operations and strong balance sheet position it to make significant shareholder returns.

For income investors willing to accept some variability, BHP can provide attractive dividends during periods of strong commodity markets.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

A third ASX dividend share that could suit income investors is Telstra.

It operates Australia’s largest telecommunications network, providing mobile, broadband, and enterprise services to millions of consumers and businesses. Connectivity has become an essential service, which supports recurring revenue across economic cycles.

Together with its new 2030 strategy and streamlined business, Telstra appears well-placed for steady earnings and dividend growth over the remainder of the decade.

Transurban Group (ASX: TCL)

Another ASX dividend share for income investors to consider is Transurban.

It is one of the world’s leading toll-road developers and operators, with 22 toll roads across Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane in Australia, the Greater Washington area in the United States, and Montreal in Canada. This includes CityLink in Melbourne, Cross City Tunnel in Sydney, AirportlinkM7 in Brisbane, and 95 Express Lanes in the United States.

Transurban’s long concession lives and inflation-linked toll increases help support growing cash flows, which historically have underpinned big dividends and reliable income for long-term investors.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

A final ASX dividend share to consider is Woolworths.

As one of Australia’s largest supermarket operators, Woolworths sits at the centre of everyday household spending. This is a very defensive part of the economy to operate in.

And while the company went through a tough period in 2025, its most recent quarterly update revealed a big improvement in its performance, which bodes well for its earnings and dividends in 2026 and beyond.

The post BHP and 4 strong ASX dividend shares for Aussie income investors to buy appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday
• One ASX 200 giant to buy, one to hold, and one to sell
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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 positions in and has recommended Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Apa Group, Telstra Group, Transurban Group, and Woolworths Group. 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.

The CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) share price has fallen by a third over the past year, as the chart below shows. After such a difficult period for the ASX healthcare share, it’s good to look at what the company’s prospects are.

The blood plasma product and vaccine business has seen a sell-off amid lower growth prospects, including a less positive market in the US with healthcare changes by the administration.

We’re going to look at the expectations for the CSL share price. This is called the share price target, which is where analysts expect the share price to trade in 12 months from the time of the investment call.

The projections may surprise you.

Analyst views on the CSL share price

According to a CMC Markets collation of analyst views on the ASX healthcare share, there are currently eight buy ratings, three hold ratings and no sell ratings.

Of those 11 ratings that have come within the last three months, the average price target on CSL shares is $234.08, according to CMC Markets. That suggests a possible rise of around 30% within the next year from where it is at the time of writing.

However, that’s just the average price target.

The most pessimistic of those price targets is $189.41, implying a rise of more than 5%. That’s not bad.

At the other end, the most optimistic CSL share price target is $285.12, suggesting a possible increase of close to 60% within the next year.

Why are experts still positive?

Despite the difficult trading environment, brokers such as UBS still think the business can deliver growth for shareholders.

UBS currently estimates that in FY26 the business could achieve US$3.46 billion of net profit, US$7.13 of earnings per share (EPS) and US$3.27 of an annual dividend per share.

The broker thinks the ASX healthcare share can achieve a net profit margin expansion of at least 1.00% in FY27/FY28, meaning net profit growth in the high single digits (in percentage terms).

UBS also points out that CSL is targeting cost savings in the hundreds of millions of dollars, as well as reducing addressable manufacturing costs.

The broker still sees global demand for CSL’s products and there’s potential upside if US flu doses recover towards a similar rate seen in other large markets. In the short-term, there has been a significant drop in UBS vaccination rates, which has been partly offset by market share gains in the age bracket of 65+ in Europe.

UBS is expecting the business to steadily grow its net profit in the coming years after FY26, which is a positive outlook for the CSL share price.

The post Here are the latest growth forecasts for the CSL share price appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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