• 2 ASX 300 shares I’m close to buying next!

    Woman in business suit holds both hands out with a question mark above each hand.

    I’m always on the lookout for S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO) shares that I could buy for my portfolio.

    I’ve talked a lot about names like Tuas Ltd (ASX: TUA), Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW), and Pinnacle Investment Management Group Ltd (ASX: PNI) as being a great buying opportunity.

    But there are also names in other sectors I’m heavily eyeing off that look like they’re trading at great value. It’s the current conditions and valuations that make these businesses look particularly compelling.

    Soon enough, I’ll likely invest in one of the following ASX 300 shares.

    Centuria Industrial REIT (ASX: CIP)

    Of the two names I’m going to talk about in this article, I think I’m more likely to invest in this real estate investment trust (REIT).

    It owns a portfolio of industrial property across Australia, which is exposed to strong rental growth tailwinds. At the time of writing, the Centuria Industrial REIT unit price has dropped by 18% from October 2025, making it much better value and close to the lowest point of the past five years.

    The ASX 300 share is now trading at a 26% discount to the net tangible assets (NTA) of $3.95 as at 31 December 2025. While higher interest rates do justify a weakening of the unit price, I think the decline has been overdone, considering the tailwinds it has.

    There are a number of areas that are driving higher demand for industrial space, including a growing population, online shopping adoption, more data centres, logistics requirements, and refrigerated space needs (for food and medical products).

    The business reported in the first half of FY26 that its like-for-like net operating income (NOI) grew by 5.1%. I’m expecting further solid growth as more of its portfolio comes up for lease renewal – it noted that its portfolio is under-rented by roughly 20%, meaning there’s a lot of future operating earnings growth potential there.

    Centuria Industrial REIT believes that growing tenant demand and constrained supply are expected to drive the national vacancy to less than 2% by 2030, providing further strong market rental growth.

    As a bonus, it has a FY26 distribution yield of 5.7%.

    Rural Funds Group (ASX: RFF)

    Rural Funds is a farmland REIT that owns a variety of properties, including cattle, almonds, macadamias, vineyards, and cropping.

    While farmland demand isn’t growing as strongly as industrial property, there is still growing demand for food as the national and global population grows.

    The ASX 300 share benefits from rising rental income, with farms having contracts with annual indexation that’s either at a fixed rate or linked to inflation.

    Farmland is an important asset for humanity, and I think that will continue to be the case for many years to come. Rural Funds looks very undervalued to me, as it’s trading at a 35% discount to its adjusted net asset value (NAV) of $3.10 as of 31 December 2025.

    As a bonus, its FY26 distribution translates into a distribution yield of 5.8%.

    The post 2 ASX 300 shares I’m close to buying next! appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Rural Funds 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 Rural Funds 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 Tristan Harrison has positions in Pinnacle Investment Management Group, Rural Funds Group, Temple & Webster Group, and Tuas. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Pinnacle Investment Management Group and Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Pinnacle Investment Management Group and Rural Funds 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.

  • 2 ASX shares that could rise 100% according to Bell Potter

    A bearded man holds both arms up diagonally and points with his index fingers to the sky with a thrilled look on his face.

    If you have a high tolerance for risk, then it could be worth listening to what Bell Potter is saying about the ASX shares named below.

    Here’s what the broker is recommending to clients this week:

    Adveritas Ltd (ASX: AV1)

    Adveritas is a technology company that develops software solutions for enterprise customers which help maximise the return on digital ad spend.

    Bell Potter is expecting the ASX share to deliver another strong update this month. In fact, it is expecting its annual recurring revenue (ARR) to double on the prior corresponding period. It said:

    We expect another solid quarter when Adveritas releases its Quarterly Activities Report & Appendix 4C towards the end of this month though we do see some potential headwinds from both contract delays – due to macro uncertainty – and/or unfavourable currency movements. We forecast ARR of c.$16m at 31 March which is up 11% q-o-q and >100% y-o-y.

    Bell Potter has retained its buy rating and 20 cents price target on its shares. This is more than double its current share price. Commenting on its buy recommendation, it said:

    There are no changes in the key assumptions we apply in the two valuations used to determine our target price (5x multiple in the EV/Revenue and 10.1% WACC in the DCF). With no change in our forecasts there is, therefore, no change in our target price of $0.20 and we retain our BUY recommendation.

    We continue to see multiple growth levers for the company including the cross-sell of Meta and Affiliate products to existing customers, the expansion into new verticals (such as eCommerce) and the recent launch of the self-serve platform (which better addresses the SME market). The negative perhaps is the modest cash balance of c.$6m though the company is near or around cash flow breakeven so in our view is not necessarily cum an equity raise.

    EMvision Medical Devices Ltd (ASX: EMV)

    Another ASX share that could have major upside potential is EMvision.

    It is a medical device company focused on the development of a portable, cost-effective, non-ionising and safe brain scanner which is capable of rapidly determining the presence of suspected stroke and stroke type to provide game-changing insights for clinicians.

    Bell Potter has been pleased with its operational progress and highlights positive developments with its ongoing trial. It explains:

    Eight leading hospitals are now actively recruiting, even on an after-hours basis. To date there have been no device-related adverse events. A full trial progress update is expected later this quarter. In a positive sign, one of the trial participants, Memorial Hermann recently presented EMV’s technology at the NABI-Con. Addressing the unique and compelling way EMV’s technology utilises AI for PoC stroke diagnosis.

    Bell Potter has retained its speculative buy rating and $3.15 price target on its shares. This is approximately double its current share price. The broker commented:

    CY26 is a pivotal year for EMV with an expected successful completion of the current validation trial, leading to potential FDA De Novo clearance by CY27. This will be a critical value inflection point for EMV and is expected to be supported by the various First Responder feasibility studies, with updates during CY26.

    The post 2 ASX shares that could rise 100% according to Bell Potter appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Adveritas 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 Adveritas 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 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 EMVision Medical Devices. 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 high-quality ASX shares to buy while they are cheap

    Smiling couple looking at a phone at a bargain opportunity.

    While markets continue to swing on headlines and macro uncertainty, experienced investors are often doing something very different behind the scenes. They are focusing on quality.

    Not just companies with strong recent performance, but businesses with durable advantages, long growth runways, and the ability to keep compounding over time.

    Here are three ASX shares that fit that description and could be worth a closer look following recent share price weakness.

    Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH)

    The first ASX share that stands out is Cochlear. It is a medical device company that operates a highly specialised global ecosystem built around hearing implants.

    What makes it a quality business is not just its technology leadership, but the longevity of its customer relationships. Once a patient enters the system, they often remain within it for decades through upgrades, servicing, and support.

    This creates a steady and growing revenue base that is less dependent on constant new customer acquisition.

    With hearing loss becoming more prevalent globally and access to treatment still expanding, Cochlear has a long runway ahead. For investors focused on quality, that combination of recurring revenue and structural demand is hard to ignore.

    Life360 Inc (ASX: 360)

    Another ASX share that could appeal to quality-focused investors is Life360.

    This family safety technology company has been growing at a rapid rate for many years and has around 100 million monthly active users (MAUs) now.

    From these users, the company is generating significant subscription revenues and a growing stream of advertising income.

    And with management confident that its strong growth can continue in 2026, the future is looking bright for this one. This is especially the case given its plans to expand its offering into pet tracking and other areas.

    The company is essentially building a product that integrates into everyday life. And that kind of engagement can be a powerful foundation for long-term value creation.

    Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

    A third ASX share that fits firmly in the quality category is Pro Medicus.

    Pro Medicus operates in medical imaging software, but what sets it apart is its business model.

    The company focuses on winning large, long-term contracts with leading hospitals and healthcare providers. Once embedded, its solutions become critical to operations, creating high switching costs and strong customer retention.

    What is particularly compelling is its ability to scale without a corresponding increase in costs. This has led to exceptional margins and strong cash generation.

    Despite already delivering significant growth, Pro Medicus continues to win new contracts globally, particularly in the United States.

    And with its shares down heavily from their highs, now could be an opportune time to invest for the long term.

    The post 3 high-quality ASX shares to buy while they are cheap 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 Cochlear, Life360, and Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Cochlear and Life360. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Cochlear and Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Morgans just slapped a buy rating on this small-cap ASX share

    A man raises his reading glasses in a look of surprise.

    If you have a high tolerance for risk and want to add some small-cap ASX shares to your balanced portfolio, then it could be worth considering the one in this article.

    That’s the view of the team at Morgans, which has just put a buy rating on the growing company’s shares.

    Which small-cap ASX share?

    The small cap that Morgans is tipping as a buy is WRKR Ltd (ASX: WRK).

    Wrkr is an Australian financial technology company that provides compliance and payment software solutions to create efficiencies for superfunds, payroll service providers, and both large and small Australian employers.

    The small-cap ASX share highlights that it has three core offerings.

    The first is Wrkr PLATFORM, which is a modern cloud-based compliance platform for handling messaging with the ATO and orchestrating payment processing for worker pay and super contributions for Fund Administrators.

    It also offers Wrkr PAY, which is a superannuation gateway and clearinghouse and payment handling solution for processing of employee pay and super contributions for payrolls and superfunds. This includes Wrkr SMSF Hub, which provides ATO messaging and contributions compliance for SMSFs.

    Lastly, it offers Wrkr READY, which is a white-label employee onboarding solution to manage the compliant onboarding of full-time and casual workers.

    What did the broker say?

    Morgans believes that this small-cap ASX share is on the brink of turning a profit following a critical transition year.

    And with a strong balance sheet and tailwinds in its sails, the broker believes it is positioned for sustainable growth. It said:

    Wrkr (WRK) is an Australian regtech company that helps employers simplify workforce compliance across the hire to retire lifecycle. FY26 is a critical transition year for WRK, with the onboarding of large client wins setting it up to turn a profit in FY27. With a strong balance sheet (A$16m of cash at 1H26) and playing in markets supported by regulatory tailwinds, we think WRK is well positioned to deliver sustainable growth. We initiate coverage on WRK with a BUY recommendation, with the stock trading at a ~25% discount to our blended valuation of A$0.14 per share.

    As mentioned above, Morgans has initiated coverage on the small-cap ASX share with a buy rating and 14 cents price target.

    Based on its current share price, this implies potential upside of 25% for investors over the next 12 months.

    The post Morgans just slapped a buy rating on this small-cap ASX share appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy WRKR Ltd shares, consider this:

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

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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

  • This ASX lithium giant just hit a record high again. Here’s why investors keep chasing it

    A wide-smiling businessman in suit and tie rips open his shirt to reveal a green t-shirt underneath.

    PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS) shares climbed to a new all-time high today as investors kept backing the lithium sector’s recovery.

    In afternoon trade, the PLS share price is up 1.87% to $5.44, after touching a fresh record of $5.49 earlier in the session.

    The move extends an already powerful run in 2026, with the lithium giant now up around 30% since the start of the year.

    Over 12 months, the move is even more impressive, with the shares up more than 280%.

    That leaves PLS sitting at the very top of its 52-week range and once again among the ASX’s strongest large-cap resources performers.

    So, what is pushing the shares to another record?

    Lithium prices keep improving

    The biggest support remains the commodity backdrop.

    Lithium carbonate prices in China have continued rising through April, recently pushing to around CNY 161,500 per tonne. Overall, that marks a strong recovery from last year’s lows and has helped lift sentiment across the lithium sector.

    With Pilgangoora already producing at scale, firmer lithium prices can flow through earnings expectations quickly. This is helping keep buying interest strong as the commodity trend continues to improve.

    The market is also looking ahead to what this could mean for FY27 profits if current pricing levels hold.

    Scale and cost position still stand out

    PLS remains one of the ASX’s largest and most established lithium producers.

    Its size, existing production base, and relatively low-cost position leave it well placed if spodumene and lithium carbonate prices continue improving.

    At the current share price, the company’s market capitalisation sits around $17.5 billion, which keeps it in large-cap territory and among the most influential lithium names on the ASX.

    The company’s expansion work and downstream partnerships also continue to support the longer-term outlook.

    With fixed infrastructure already in place, any further lift in realised prices should help margins improve.

    Foolish Takeaway

    Today’s fresh record high reflects how quickly sentiment has turned across the lithium sector as prices continue to rebound.

    I still think the commodity price backdrop will be the main driver from here. If the recovery in China pricing continues, PLS looks well placed to keep benefiting, given the strength of Pilgangoora and its established market position.

    After a 30% gain already this year, I would not expect the same pace of gains from here. The next move higher may need another leg up in lithium pricing or another strong quarterly update from the company.

    The post This ASX lithium giant just hit a record high again. Here’s why investors keep chasing it appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Pilbara Minerals 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 Pilbara Minerals 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.

  • Why ASX investors dumped IVV ETF last month

    Red arrow going down on a chart, symbolising a falling share price.

    iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV) is up 1.03% to $64.65 per unit on Tuesday.

    IVV ETF has been a popular choice among investors seeking exposure to the roaring US stock market over the past three years.

    IVV is now the third largest ASX ETF out of more than 400 on the market, with more than $11.67 billion invested in it.

    However, last month, IVV ETF recorded the highest investment outflows, indicating an exodus amid the Iran war.

    Aussie investors took $461 million out of the exchange-traded fund (ETF) in March, based on ASX data analysed by Betashares.

    However, investors have not given up on US shares, with $232 million flowing into IVV ETF’s currency-hedged counterpart in March.

    That’s the iShares S&P 500 AUD Hedged ETF (ASX: IHVV), which is up 1.62% to $62.68 per unit today.

    This indicates investors still want US exposure but are mindful of the weaker USD against the stronger AUD today.

    Stronger Aussie dollar weakens IVV ETF returns

    The Australian dollar has risen almost 20% from just over 60 US cents 12 months ago to a three-year high of 70.8 US cents today.

    As James Gruber, Equity Market Strategist at CommSec, explains:

    When the Australian dollar strengthens, your international ETF returns shrink, and if the Australian dollar weakens, your returns improve.

    To put that into perspective: last year, the S&P 500 delivered total returns of 17.88%, but IVV ETF investors received just 10.75%.

    The US dollar has weakened due to expectations of interest rate cuts, concerns over the impact of tariffs, and geopolitical uncertainty.

    Meanwhile, the AUD has strengthened given Australia has entered a tightening rate cycle, with two rate hikes so far in 2026.

    There is also strong demand for our commodities, which foreign buyers purchase with Australian dollars, amid a new mining boom.

    Investors prefer IHVV over IVV today because hedged ETFs reduce the impact of currency movements on investments. 

    Gruber explained:

    For example, you may invest in an ETF that tracks the S&P 500 index. If it is unhedged and if the Australian dollar strengthens after you buy it, your returns in AUD may drop, even if the underlying investments do well in their home currency. 

    Conversely, if the Australian dollar declines, the value of an unhedged ETF may rise in AUD terms, assuming the underlying asset holds or increases in value.

    Gruber points out that currency-hedged ETFs typically cost more than unhedged ETFs.

    Case in point: IHVV has management fee of 0.1% while IVV has a fee of 0.03%.

    US shares vs. ASX 200 in 2026

    The S&P 500 has substantially outperformed the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) over the past three years.

    But change is afoot this year.

    So far in 2026, the S&P 500 has lifted 0.6% while ASX 200 shares have increased 2.9%.

    Gruber points out that a key difference between the two benchmark indices is their exposure to technology companies.

    That’s significant because a global tech wreck is underway, as investors fret over the impact of artificial intelligence (AI).

    Illustrating the difference, the IVV ETF is 34% tech stocks, while the ASX 200 has just a 3% exposure to technology.

    Gruber said:

    … the S&P 500 leans heavily on technology stocks. 

    If you add the likes of Amazon and Tesla – classified as consumer discretionary stocks in the S&P – and Meta and Alphabet – included in the communications sector – to the technology sector, then tech accounts for more than 40% of the S&P 500 index. 

    The post Why ASX investors dumped IVV ETF last month appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy iShares S&P 500 ETF shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and iShares S&P 500 ETF wasn’t one of them.

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in iShares S&p;P 500 Aud Hedged ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Alphabet, Amazon, Meta Platforms, Tesla, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alphabet, Amazon, Meta Platforms, 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.

  • Why is everyone buying Deep Yellow shares today?

    Excited couple celebrating success while looking at smartphone.

    The Deep Yellow Ltd (ASX: DYL) share price is jumping higher in afternoon trade on Tuesday. At the time of writing, the shares are 8.47% higher at $1.92 a piece. 

    The shares are still down 1.54% for the year to date, however, after the uranium miner lost over 35% of its share price value in March alone. 

    Deep Yellow posted weak half-year results in early March, revealing that its consolidated loss for the six months to 31st December had jumped to $7.8 million, up from $2.5 million in the prior year.

    It looks like some investors also started selling up their shares after the stock rallied earlier in the year, taking their gains off the table.

    Meanwhile, there was broad weakness across in the uranium industry. This was potentially exacerbated after speculation that the company would launch a capital raising. The company has denied this will happen.

    Despite the latest volatility, the shares are still 102% higher than 12 months ago.

    So why are Deep Yellow shares climbing higher again today?

    The uranium miner’s shares are climbing higher again today as investors buy back into the company. There hasn’t been any price-sensitive news out of Deep Yellow recently to explain the increase, but after the latest sell-off, it’s likely that investors are snapping up the shares in the dip.

    The increase may also come off the back of some recent stabilisation of uranium prices. Trading Economics data shows that uranium futures in the US are steady around US$85 per pound, trading in a narrow range since dropping to a two-month low in mid-March.  

    Are the shares a buy, sell, or hold?

    Despite weaker than expected half-year results, Deep Yellow confirmed it is positioning itself as a future uranium producer and is actively pursuing a “dual pillar” growth strategy. 

    The company plans to build a uranium production platform capable of producing more than 10 million pounds per year. Its two main assets are the Tumas Project in Namibia and the Mulga Rock Project in Western Australia. They’re both projects located in established uranium regions and are expected to underpin the company’s long-term development plans.

    Management also flagged that mergers and acquisitions could form part of its growth strategy if opportunities arise to acquire high-quality uranium assets.

    Market Index data shows that brokers are positive on the outlook for Deep Yellow shares. They rate the stock as a buy, and its average $2.44 target price implies a potential 26.25% upside at the time of writing. 

    The post Why is everyone buying Deep Yellow shares today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Deep Yellow 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 Deep Yellow 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 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.

  • Consumer discretionary shares to target for a long-term rebound

    A family sits on their couch, eyes glued to the television.

    Since late March, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has rebounded roughly 7%. 

    Despite this recovery, the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) has remained flat. 

    The consumer discretionary index remains down more than 12% year to date. 

    There are several factors that could be keeping investors away from the sector: 

    • Interest rates – higher rates reduce spending
    • Inflation – high inflation reduces discretionary income
    • Consumer confidence – low confidence leads to cutbacks

    Despite these headwinds, there remains long-term value in the sector, as these economic conditions ebb and flow over the long term. 

    For investors willing to deal with short-term volatility but looking for long-term opportunities, here are three consumer discretionary shares to consider. 

    Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL)

    Aristocrat is an Australian gaming technology company licensed in around 340 gaming jurisdictions in more than 100 countries. Aristocrat offers a range of products and solutions in the gaming space, including poker machines and casino management systems.

    Its share price has fallen 18% year to date and 25% over the last year. 

    It currently sits close to 52-week lows. 

    However, it could be a buy-low opportunity for the long term. 

    Recently, Macquarie retained its outperform rating and $63 price target on this consumer discretionary stock. 

    From today’s price of close to $46.92, that indicates an upside of 34%. 

    The team at Morgans are also optimistic that the share price will recover. 

    The broker believes its shares are attractively priced right now, given its strong growth track record.

    Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN)

    Harvey Norman is a leading Australian-based retailer selling electrical, computer, furniture, and entertainment goods.

    Its share price is down almost 34% year to date after a tough February and March. 

    Negative sentiment appears to be continuing this month, although it now appears to have been oversold. 

    It simply might now be too cheap to ignore.

    Bell Potter seems to agree. The broker currently has a buy rating with a price target of $6.70. 

    From today’s share price of $4.64, that indicates an upside potential of 44%. 

    JB Hi-Fi Ltd (ASX: JBH)

    Finally, JB Hi-Fi is also sitting well below yearly highs. 

    The retailer of home entertainment and home appliance products has seen its share price fall more than 23% year to date. 

    Analysts at Bell Potter recently retained their buy rating on this retail giant’s shares with a reduced price target of $90.

    That target sits right around the average of 15 analyst forecasts via TradingView. 

    If this consumer discretionary stock reaches this target in the next 12 months, it would represent a 23% rise. 

    The post Consumer discretionary shares to target for a long-term rebound appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in JB Hi-Fi Limited right now?

    Before you buy JB Hi-Fi 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 JB Hi-Fi 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 Bell 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. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Harvey Norman and Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Why is this temperamental ASX stock surging 11% today?

    Three business people running a race against each other

    This $1.5 billion ASX stock is roaring back to life on Tuesday.

    IperionX Ltd (ASX: IPX) stock jumped 11% to $4.86 during afternoon trade, a sharp reversal that’s sure to catch investors’ attention.

    And it’s a welcome change. Over the past month, the ASX stock is still down 18%. Stretch that to six months, and it’s off a brutal 46%. Yet zoom out further, and the longer-term story is still impressive, with shares up 106% over the past year.

    So what’s behind today’s surge?

    Sentiment shift

    There’s no single headline driving the move. No major contract win. No fresh earnings upgrade. Instead, this looks like a classic sentiment shift and a reminder of just how quickly momentum can turn in high-growth ASX stocks.

    Start with the broader market. Risk appetite has improved, and that tends to flow straight into more speculative, high-beta stocks like IperionX. When confidence returns, these ASX stocks are often the first to bounce and they don’t move quietly. That’s exactly what we’re seeing today.

    Brokers see upside ahead

    Then there’s the setup. After weeks of selling pressure, IperionX had been trading at heavily discounted levels. The recent pullback had taken some of the heat out of the ASX stock, resetting expectations and clearing out weaker hands.

    Now, with no new negative news weighing on sentiment, buyers are stepping back in. And when they do, the moves can be sharp.

    Trading View data show that all four analysts that follow the ASX stock rate it as a strong buy. They have set the average 12-month price target of $7.77, which suggests a 60% upside at current levels.

    Powerful long-term themes

    But there’s also a bigger story underpinning the rebound. IperionX sits at the centre of several powerful long-term themes. The company is focused on titanium production and supply chains, positioning itself as a key player in critical minerals.

    That puts it firmly in the conversation around defence demand, advanced manufacturing, and the push to secure domestic supply chains, particularly in the US.

    That narrative hasn’t changed. If anything, it continues to strengthen as governments and industries prioritise supply chain resilience and strategic materials. So when sentiment improves, investors are quick to revisit ASX stocks like IperionX that offer exposure to those themes.

    Of course, it’s not without risk. This is still a volatile, early-stage growth story. Price swings can be dramatic, and moves like today’s can just as easily reverse if sentiment turns again. The company’s long-term success depends on execution, scaling production, and turning potential into consistent revenue.

    The Foolish bottom line?

    Today’s rally looks less like a fundamental shift and more like a sentiment-driven rebound after a heavy sell-off of the ASX stock.

    But it also highlights something important. IperionX remains a high-conviction story for many investors. And when confidence returns, even briefly, the share price can move fast.

    The question now is whether this is the start of a sustained recovery or just another bounce in a volatile ride.

    The post Why is this temperamental ASX stock surging 11% today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy IperionX Ltd shares, consider this:

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

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor 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.

  • 2 ASX dividend shares yielding 7% or more

    Two people climb to the summit and raise their arms in success as the sun rises brightly over the mountains.

    When it comes to buying ASX dividend shares, there is a huge range for Australian investors to choose from. 

    ASX dividend shares are a great way to earn a reliable passive income, but the tricky part is working out which ones are best suited for your risk profile.

    Here are two of my favourite high-yield ASX dividend shares, and both pay around 7%.

    Dexus Industria REIT (ASX: DXI)

    Dexus Industria REIT is a listed investment trust (LIT) that holds a diversified portfolio of over 90 workplace-focused properties. These include established industrial properties, technology parks, and business park assets located across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide. 

    Its $1.6 billion portfolio is managed internally by Dexus and is one of the Dexus group’s three ASX-listed entities.

    Its portfolio of assets and investment plan enable it to provide resilient growth, income, and long-term risk-adjusted returns to investors. It benefits from a diversified tenant base, high occupancy, and stable rental income. 

    The ASX dividend company has paid a quarterly unfranked or partially franked dividend since 2017. Its investors will be paid an unfranked quarterly dividend of 4.1 cents in May.

    Dexus Industria REIT is forecast to pay dividends per share of 16.6 cents in FY26, which implies a forward yield of 7% at the time of writing. And then 16.8 cents in FY27. 

    Betashares Dividend Harvester Active ETF (ASX: HVST)

    Betashares HVST is another option for investors looking for an ASX dividend share yielding around 7%. The bonus of this ASX ETF is that it pays its investors monthly dividends, rather than quarterly or even annually.

    The fund invests in 40 to 60 dividend-paying companies selected from the top 100 largest companies listed on the ASX. It selects these companies based on their dividend forecasts, franking credits, and expected future gross dividend payments.

    Not only does Betashares HVST pay its investors on a monthly basis, it boasts that its annual dividend yield is around double that of the broader ASX.

    As of the 31st of March this year, the HVST ETF pays a 12-month gross distribution (dividend) yield of 7.6%, and a net yield of 5.9%. Its franking level is 63.9%, and it has an annual management fee of 0.72%.

    Its most recent dividend payment was in mid-March when it paid out 6 cents per share to investors. The fund also paid out $0.06 per share to investors in late February and in January. Another $0.06 per share is due to be paid to investors next week.

    The post 2 ASX dividend shares yielding 7% or more appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Dexus Industria REIT right now?

    Before you buy Dexus Industria REIT 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 Dexus Industria REIT 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.