• 16 ASX shares going ex-dividend next week

    A businessman in a suit adds a coin to a pink piggy bank sitting on his desk next to a pile of coins and a clock, indicating the power of compound interest over time.

    S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) shares are 0.24% lower at 9,294 points at the time of writing on Friday.

    ASX All Ords shares have risen 1.7% over the week as more companies revealed strong earnings results and dividends.

    Next week, a large group of ASX shares go ex-dividend. We provide a sample of these stocks below.

    To pick up a dividend payment, you must own the share before the ex-dividend date.

    ASX shares about to go ex-dividend

    Here are 16 ASX shares going ex-dividend next week.

    ASX share Ex-dividend date Dividend amount Payment date
    Ansell Ltd (ASX: ANN) 23 February 37.5 cents per share 13 March
    Suncorp Group Ltd (ASX: SUN) 23 February 17 cents per share 31 March
    Hansen Technologies Ltd (ASX: HSN) 23 February 5 cents per share 27 March
    Vicinity Centres Ltd (ASX: VCX) 23 February 6.2 cents per share 12 March
    Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG) 23 February 39.5 cents per share 10 March
    Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) 23 February 14.6 cents per share 25 March
    Amcor Plc (ASX: AMC) 24 February 93 cents per share 17 March
    AGL Energy Ltd (ASX: AGL) 24 February 24 cents per share 26 March
    Challenger Ltd (ASX: CGF) 24 February 15.5 cents per share 24 March
    Deterra Royalties Ltd (ASX: DRR) 24 February 12.4 cents per share 24 March
    The Lottery Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLC) 25 February 8 cents per share 26 March
    Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) 26 February 1 cent per share 31 March
    Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME) 26 February 32 cents per share 20 March
    JB Hi-Fi Ltd (ASX: JBH) 26 February $2.10 per share 13 March
    Orora Ltd (ASX: ORA) 27 February 5 cents per share 2 April
    AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP) 27 February 2 cents per share 2 April

    Which companies are reporting next week?

    According to the calendar, we will hear from Adairs Ltd (ASX: ADH), Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD), and Nib Holdings Ltd (ASX: NHF) on Monday.

    On Tuesday, ARB Corporation Ltd (ASX: ARB), Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS), and Monadelphous Group Ltd (ASX: MND) are up.

    On Wednesday, we’ll get reports from Bapcor Ltd (ASX: BAP), Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP), and Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG).

    Light & Wonder Inc (ASX: LNW), Wisetech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC), and Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) will also report on Wednesday.

    On Thursday, Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR), Monash IVF Group Ltd (ASX: MVF), and Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN) will release their earnings.

    Ramsay Health Care Ltd (ASX: RHC), Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL), and Worley Ltd (ASX: WOR) will also be in the spotlight.

    On Friday, we’ll see reports from Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL), Star Entertainment Group Ltd (ASX: SGR), and TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPG).

    The post 16 ASX shares going ex-dividend next week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy AGL Energy 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 AGL Energy 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 Bronwyn Allen has positions in Domino’s Pizza Enterprises and Magellan Financial Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended ARB Corporation, Adairs, Domino’s Pizza Enterprises, Light & Wonder Inc, Super Retail Group, The Lottery Corporation, and WiseTech Global. 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 Adairs, Amcor Plc, NIB Holdings, Super Retail Group, WiseTech Global, and Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended ARB Corporation, Ansell, Challenger, Domino’s Pizza Enterprises, Light & Wonder Inc, Orora, Pro Medicus, and The Lottery Corporation. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Buy, hold, sell: NAB, Santos, and Suncorp shares

    A man looking at his laptop and thinking.

    A number of big names released updates this week and Morgans has been busy running the rule over them.

    In response, let’s see whether the broker now rates these ASX 200 shares as buys, holds, or sells.

    National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB)

    Morgans was pleased with this big four bank’s performance during the first quarter and has upgraded its forecasts to reflect this and its positive outlook.

    However, due to its current valuation, the broker has reaffirmed its sell rating with a $37.27 price target. It said:

    Like its peers that reported in February, NAB’s 1Q26 trading update showed it is benefitting from a supportive interest rate, credit growth, and asset quality environment. We make upgrades to our forecasts to reflect performance and outlook. 12 month target price set at $37.27/sh. With more aggressive assumptions than previously we estimate a higher fundamental value for NAB. However, the share price is still trading far ahead of this revised estimate. SELL retained, with potential TSR of -17% (including 3.6% cash yield).

    Santos Ltd (ASX: STO)

    Another big name that Morgans has been looking at is energy giant Santos. Morgans thought the company delivered a solid result given the difficult trading conditions.

    However, with its shares trading at fair value, the broker has retained its hold rating and $6.80 price target. It explains:

    A solid CY25 earnings result from STO under difficult conditions, with lower commodity prices partly offset by solid cost controls and operating performances. Surprisingly large final dividend versus our estimate, with full year dividend payout equivalent to 86% of earnings and funded majority through debt. FCF was back in positive territory at US$208m, with a FCF breakeven of US$58.90/bbl. Strategic review on non-core assets could see some changes to the portfolio (Cooper, WA, Narrabri all being reviewed). We maintain a HOLD rating and A$6.80 target price.

    Suncorp Group Ltd (ASX: SUN)

    This insurance giant posted a sharp decline in profits during the first half due to unfavourable weather conditions. And while Suncorp also downgraded its guidance for FY 2026 slightly, Morgans remains positive.

    It has retained its accumulate rating with a $17.01 price target. It said:

    SUN’s 1H26 NPAT (A$263m) was well down on the pcp ($1.1bn) due to bad weather, but it was only -2% below consensus ($268m). Overall, we saw this as a reasonable result, albeit similar to key peer IAG, SUN did deliver a mild downgrade to FY26 top-line growth guidance. We make relatively nominal changes to our SUN FY26F/FY27F EPS of -2%/+1% on a review of our earnings assumptions. Our PT is reduced to A$17.01 (previously A$19.28). With >10% upside to our valuation, we maintain our Accumulate rating on SUN.

    The post Buy, hold, sell: NAB, Santos, and Suncorp shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in National Australia Bank Limited right now?

    Before you buy National Australia Bank 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 National Australia Bank 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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • 2 ASX 200 gold stocks outperforming on big news on Friday

    gold, gold miner, gold discovery, gold nugget, gold price,

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is down 0.3% today, despite the best lifting efforts of two ASX 200 gold stocks.

    Ramelius Resources Ltd (ASX: RMS) shares are up 0.2% in late morning trade at $4.52 each. That sees the Ramelius Resources share price up 71.9% over 12 months, smashing the 9% one-year gains posted by the ASX 200.

    Perseus Mining Ltd (ASX: PRU) shares are enjoying an even stronger run today. Perseus Mining shares are changing hands for $5.91 apiece, up 4.4%. Perseus Mining shares have gained 104.1% in 12 months.

    Here’s what’s happening with the ASX 200 gold stocks today.

    Ramelius Resources shares in the green on earnings boost

    Ramelius shares are outperforming today following the release of the miner’s half-year results for the six months to 31 December (H1 FY 2026).

    The ASX 200 gold stock reported record first-half underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of $347.7 million, up 13% year on year.

    Operating cash flow of $311.6 million was down 3% from H1 FY 2025.

    And on the bottom line, the miner’s underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) slipped 6% year on year to $160 million.

    On the passive income front, management declared a fully-franked interim dividend of 3 cents per share, in line with last year’s interim payout.

    As at 31 December, Ramelius held cash and bullion of $694.3 million, down 14% since the end of June.

    Commenting on the results, Ramelius managing director Mark Zeptner said:

    It is pleasing to be able to report such strong financial results in what remains a transitional period for Ramelius following the combination with Spartan last year. Operationally, performance was in line with our expectations highlighted in the 5-Year Growth Pathway released in October 2025…

    The company’s current growth projects, including the development of the Never Never underground at Dalgaranga and the Mt Magnet processing plant upgrades, are progressing well with first ore from Never Never delivered to Mt Magnet this week and engineering / early site works underway for the plant upgrade.

    Which brings us to…

    ASX 200 gold stock lifts on doubled dividend

    Perseus Mining also reported its half-year results this morning.

    Revenue for the six months came in at US$608.5 million, up 5% year on year.

    But the ASX 200 gold stock saw earnings and profits slip from H1 FY 2025.

    EBITDA of US$315.5 million was down 10.5%, while profit after tax of $185.5 million declined by 7.8%.

    Perseus reported operating cash flow of US$193.4 million for the half year, and held net cash and bullion of US$755 million as at 31 December.

    Management declared an unfranked interim dividend of 5 Aussie cents per share. That’s up 100% from last year’s interim payout.

    Looking at what could impact the ASX 200 gold stock ahead, the Aussie gold miner reaffirmed its full-year FY 2026 market guidance of 400,000 to 440,000 ounces of gold production at an all-in sustaining cost (AISC) of US$1,600 to US$1,760 per ounce.

    “As we have flagged, the first half of 2026 reflected a period where our mine sites transitioned into new mining areas along with significant advancement of our capital growth projects,” Perseus CEO Craig Jones said.

    Jones added:

    With a strong balance sheet, high-margin operations, and a clear growth path, we believe we are well-positioned to continue delivering long-term value for our shareholders.

    The post 2 ASX 200 gold stocks outperforming on big news on Friday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Perseus Mining 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 Perseus Mining 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 Bernd Struben 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 I think these quality ASX 200 shares are trading at a discount

    A young girl child empties coins out of her piggy bank with mum smiling over her shoulder.

    When I talk about shares trading at a discount, I’m not always referring to low price-to-earnings (PE) ratios.

    Sometimes the discount is relative to long-term growth potential. Sometimes it reflects temporary uncertainty. And sometimes it’s simply the result of sentiment getting ahead of fundamentals.

    Right now, I believe three quality ASX 200 names fit that description: Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO), Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE), and Catapult Sports Ltd (ASX: CAT).

    Xero shares

    Xero isn’t conventionally cheap. It still trades on a premium multiple compared to the broader market. But I think the market may be underestimating its long-term growth engine.

    The accounting software company has been caught up in global tech weakness and concerns around AI disruption. There are also ongoing debates around its US expansion and the integration of major acquisitions.

    But when I look at the core business, I see strong subscriber growth, improving margins, and increasing operating leverage as scale builds.

    Xero’s ecosystem is deeply embedded in small and medium-sized businesses and accounting firms. Switching costs are meaningful. Integrations with payroll, payments, and other tools reinforce stickiness.

    In my view, this is not a fragile growth story. It’s a global platform still expanding into a large addressable market. If execution remains solid, I think today’s valuation could look conservative over a five- to ten-year horizon.

    That’s why I see it as trading at a discount to its long-term potential, even if the headline multiple doesn’t scream cheap.

    Treasury Wine Estates shares

    Treasury Wine Estates is a more obvious discount candidate.

    The share price has been hit hard over the past year, reflecting softer demand, inventory challenges, and uncertainty in key markets. Investor confidence has clearly taken a knock.

    But I believe the market may be pricing in too much pessimism.

    This ASX 200 share owns a portfolio of premium wine brands with strong global recognition. While earnings can be cyclical and sensitive to consumer demand, brand strength and distribution scale provide long-term value.

    In my view, this looks less like a permanently impaired business and more like a cyclical downturn that has been heavily punished. If its new management team executes on its strategy and demand normalises, the re-rating potential could be meaningful.

    Catapult Sports shares

    Catapult is another stock that isn’t cheap on traditional valuation metrics. But I think it may be undervalued relative to what it could become.

    The company provides performance analytics and wearable technology to professional and collegiate sports teams globally. Its platform spans coaching, scouting, athlete monitoring, and analytics.

    What I find compelling is the scalability of the model. Recurring software revenue is growing, margins are expanding, and the company has been pushing toward the coveted Rule of 40 profile, where growth plus profitability exceed 40%.

    Catapult operates in a niche with limited direct competition at scale. As more teams adopt data-driven decision-making, the addressable market remains significant.

    If revenue continues compounding at strong double-digit rates and margins expand as expected, today’s valuation may understate the earnings power of the business three to five years from now.

    Foolish takeaway

    Discounts don’t always show up in a simple multiple. Sometimes they appear when sentiment is weak. Sometimes when growth is misunderstood. And sometimes when the market focuses on short-term noise instead of long-term opportunity.

    I believe Xero, Treasury Wine Estates, and Catapult Sports each fit that description right now. None are without risk. But for investors willing to think beyond the next quarter, I think these quality ASX 200 shares are trading below what they could ultimately be worth.

    The post Why I think these quality ASX 200 shares are trading at a discount appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Catapult Group International right now?

    Before you buy Catapult Group International 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 Catapult Group International wasn’t one of them.

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has 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 Catapult Sports, Treasury Wine Estates, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Catapult Sports, Treasury Wine Estates, and Xero. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Paladin share price on ice pending major announcement

    A miner stands in front of an excavator at a mine site.

    Shares in Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) are in a trading halt on Friday after the uranium producer requested a pause just before market open.

    The company’s shares last traded at $13.23 on Thursday’s close. Even amid recent volatility in the uranium sector, Paladin shares are up almost 40% year to date.

    According to the ASX notice, trading will remain halted pending the release of an announcement. The update relates to an approval in relation to the Patterson Lake South (PLS) Project in Canada.

    Unless released earlier, trading is expected to resume by Tuesday, 24 February.

    Here’s what we know.

    Halt linked to Canadian project approval

    Paladin has not provided additional details on the nature of the approval. However, the reference to the PLS project in Saskatchewan suggests the announcement could relate to a regulatory or development milestone.

    The PLS asset is seen as a potential long-term growth project for the company. Any material approval could influence development timelines, funding requirements, or future production expectations.

    The halt will remain in place until the announcement is released or normal trading resumes next week.

    Recent results showed strong momentum

    Earlier this month, Paladin released its December 2025 half-year results to the market.

    For the 6 months ended 31 December 2025, the company reported:

    • U3O8 sold: 1.96 million pounds

    • Average realised price: US$70.5 per pound of uranium

    • Sales revenue: US$138.3 million

    • Gross profit: US$26.0 million

    • Loss after tax: US$6.6 million

    The result shows production at the Langer Heinrich Mine in Namibia is continuing to increase after its restart. Although the company is still reporting a net loss, higher revenue and gross profit suggest sales volumes are improving, helped by firm uranium prices.

    Paladin finished the period with US$121 million in cash and total liquidity of US$278 million. This position was strengthened by a recent equity raising and share purchase plan.

    What investors will be watching

    The Patterson Lake South project is viewed as a key growth asset for Paladin over the long term.

    Uranium prices remain well above levels seen in recent years. At the same time, governments are backing nuclear energy as part of their decarbonisation plans, so any project approval could lift Paladin’s future production outlook.

    Investors will want details on exactly what has been approved and how it affects development timing, funding needs, and expected output.

    Foolish Takeaway

    Paladin shares have rallied strongly in 2026, supported by improving uranium fundamentals and better operational performance.

    With trading suspended, attention now turns to what the PLS decision means for Paladin’s next stage of development.

    The post Paladin share price on ice pending major announcement appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Paladin Energy right now?

    Before you buy Paladin Energy 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 Paladin Energy 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.

  • Inghams shares plunge 13% as earnings slump and FY26 guidance cut

    An egg with an unhappy face drawn on it lying on a bed of straw.

    Shares in Inghams Group Ltd (ASX: ING) have tumbled 13% on Friday (at the time of writing) after the poultry producer reported sharply lower interim earnings and downgraded its full-year guidance.

    While management flagged a stronger second half, investors appeared focused on the scale of the first-half earnings decline and elevated leverage.

    What did Inghams report?

    Inghams delivered revenue of $1.61 billion for the 26 weeks to 27 December 2025, broadly flat year on year.

    However, profitability deteriorated significantly. EBITDA fell 33.8% to $139.2 million, while net profit after tax (NPAT) slumped 64.9% to $18.1 million.

    On an underlying pre-AASB 16 basis, EBITDA was $80.6 million, down 35% on the prior corresponding period. Underlying NPAT pre AASB 16 fell 60.4% to $21.3 million.

    Core poultry volumes declined 0.7% year on year, although net selling prices increased 1.4%, partly offsetting the volume weakness.

    The board declared a fully-franked interim dividend of 4 cents per share, down from 11 cents in the prior period.

    What else do investors need to know?

    The earnings decline was driven primarily by higher operating costs in Australia.

    Key cost headwinds included excess inventory management ($19 million), incremental supply chain and logistics costs ($6.7 million), lower farming performance ($3.8 million), and transition inefficiencies at Ingleburn ($1.8 million).

    Total costs rose 5% versus the prior period, reflecting both these operational pressures and broader inflation across labour, ingredients, utilities, and packaging.

    Encouragingly, inventory levels declined by $24.3 million during the half, supporting a return to normalised production settings into the third quarter.

    Cash conversion improved to 113.1%, driven by working capital improvements, but net debt increased to $466.1 million. Leverage rose to 2.4x underlying EBITDA pre AASB 16, above the company’s target range of 1 to 2 times.

    What did management say?

    CEO Ed Alexander described the first-half result as “disappointing,” citing higher operational costs and inefficiencies associated with supply chain changes and customer onboarding.

    He said inventory levels had returned to desired levels and that measures were in place to restore unit cost performance through the second half, including supply chain stabilisation and improved planning.

    What’s next for Inghams?

    Inghams reduced its FY26 underlying EBITDA pre AASB 16 guidance to $180 to $200 million, down from $215 to $230 million previously.

    Management expects earnings to be weighted to the second half, with improved production settings, stabilised supply chains, and stronger wholesale pricing supporting a rebound into FY27.

    Share price snapshot

    After today’s result, Ingham shares are now down 16% so far in 2026 and down 35% over the last 12 months.

    The post Inghams shares plunge 13% as earnings slump and FY26 guidance cut appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Inghams Group 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 Inghams Group 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 Kevin Gandiya has no positions 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 copper company’s shares are looking cheap brokers say

    Pile of copper pipes.

    AIC Mines Ltd (ASX: A1M) reported its first-half results this week, and analysts from two broking houses were impressed, assigning bullish price targets on the company’s shares.

    So let’s have a look at the results first.

    Profit surging

    AIC reported revenue of $110.6 million, up 19% on the previous corresponding period, and a net profit of $17.4 million, up 114%.

    The company’s Eloise mine produced 6526 tonnes of copper in the first half at an all-in sustaining cost of $4.92 per pound.

    The company said the result met its production and cost guidance and “was underpinned by disciplined cost control and strong gold and silver credits”.

    The increase in revenue was underpinned by improved copper and gold prices during the half, with the company receiving $15,845 per tonne of copper, up from $13,576 in the previous corresponding period and $5839 per ounce of gold, up from $4506.

    The company also said regarding an ongoing expansion project:

    The Eloise expansion project is progressing well and although it is still early in the construction period, it remains on schedule at the end of the period. Earthworks and concrete works were well advanced during the period, with structural and mechanical construction to commence shortly in the March 2026 quarter. Detailed engineering design continues to progress well and was 70% complete at the end of the period. Engineering design work has also commenced for the stage two expansion to 1.5Mtpa.

    The company is also developing the Jericho deposit, 4km south of the Eloise processing plant and said that during the half, the Jericho access drive continued, with that drive to connect the deposit directly to the Eloise decline.

    The company said its financial position remained strong with $44.9 million in cash on hand at the end of the half-year period.

    Shares looking cheap

    Analysts from both Shaw and Partners and Bell Potter had a look at this week’s results, and they all like what they see.

    Shaw said in a note to clients that Eloise has had an “outstanding couple of years” and reiterated its price target of $1.10 per share for AIC, compared with 58.5 cents currently.

    The Shaw team said the demand thematic for copper would remain strong.

    As they said:

    Coupled with supply fragility throughout 2025 as mudslides at Grasberg and labour strikes in Chile vaporised the global supply surplus, copper market deficits appear likely in 2026 according to the International Energy Agency following decades of chronic underinvestment. In fact, we recently posited in our Copper price upgrade note … that the sheer scale of the energy transition and AI-demand all but ensures long-term structural deficits.

    The Bell Potter team also likes AIC shares, increasing their price target from 67 cents to 80 cents.

    They also said the company had more growth options.

    AIC’s regional exploration shows high potential for success across a large scale, strategic tenement package. The current share price, in our view, represents attractive value for a well-managed, Australian-based copper producer.

    The post This copper company’s shares are looking cheap brokers say appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy AIC Mines 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 AIC Mines 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 Cameron England 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.

  • Latitude shares jump on surging profit

    Several BNPL cards.

    Shares in Latitude Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: LFS) are trading higher after the company announced a significant jump in full year profit.

    In a statement to the ASX on Friday morning the company said net profit was up 208% year-on-year to $94.4 million, and it had boosted its final dividend, from 3 cents per share to 5 cents per share.

    Good growth across the board

    The company said it had booked record new credit card spend and loan originations of $9.1 billion, up 10% year-on-year, with total application volumes up 13%, with 307,000 new customers acquired.

    Latitude said it had also expanded its retail partner network across core categories, “including home furniture, personal electronics and whitegoods, adding new partners such as E&S Trading and Adairs Retail Group (Focus on Furniture and Mocka), and renewing key partnerships including Harvey Norman”.

    Managing director Bob Belan said:

    This is a solid result for the company, with FY25 cash NPAT of $105.1 million reflecting the strategic work undertaken over the past two and a half years to simplify and sharpen our focus on what we do best across our core markets. Record volumes of $9.1 billion drove receivables to $7.2 billion, their highest levels in five years. Importantly, net interest margins continued to improve, up 104bps YoY, reflecting targeted pricing initiatives and the benefit of lower funding costs. In the Money Division, new lending of $1.6 billion drove a 10% increase in receivables to a record $3.3 billion, while net interest margin expanded to 11.1% (+109bps YoY), supported by product enhancements, variable rate loan growth outperformance and broker distribution network expansion.

    Mr Belan said the company’s balance sheet was further strengthened during the year, with $1.5 billion in new term funding locked in, and $1.5 billion in private facilities refinanced at better terms.

    He added:

    The group’s performance demonstrates the ability to achieve strong growth while maintaining margins, disciplined credit outcomes and operating efficiency, supporting sustainable long-term value creation.

    Future looking bright

    On the outlook the company said it expected to benefit from “strategic initiatives” implemented over the past year to focus on its core consumer segments.

    The company said:

    Latitude expects credit performance to remain within targeted ranges, underpinned by disciplined underwriting and active portfolio management, while continuing to reflect macro-economic conditions within its core markets. Strong and sustained profit performance and disciplined balance sheet management are expected to create the capacity to prudently return capital to shareholders.

    Latitude shares were 6.6% higher in early trade at 93 cents.

    The company was valued at $907.2 million at the close of trade on Thursday.

    The post Latitude shares jump on surging profit appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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

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    Motley Fool contributor Cameron England 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.

  • Mineral Resources shares leaping higher on record smashing $3.1 billion revenue

    A female athlete in green spandex leaps from one cliff edge to another representing 3 ASX shares that are destined to rise and be great

    Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN) shares are charging higher today.

    Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) lithium miner and diversified resources producer closed yesterday trading for $54.09. In morning trade on Friday, shares are changing hands for $56.36 apiece, up 4.2%.

    For some context, the ASX 200 is down 0.2% at this same time.

    This outperformance follows the release of the miner’s half-year results for the six months to 31 December (H1 FY 2026).

    Here’s what we know.

    Mineral Resources shares jump on record results

    Mineral Resources shares are catching plenty of investor interest after the miner reported record half year earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of $1.2 billion. That’s up 286% from H1 FY 2025.

    Revenue of $3.1 billion, up 33% year-on-year, also marked a new all-time half year high.

    The ASX 200 mining stock credited the strong result to an “outstanding operational performance”.

    The company cited improved lithium recoveries, record earnings from its Mining Services division, and Onslow Iron sustaining its 35 million tonne per annum (Mtpa) nameplate capacity since August as driving the record results.

    Mining Services hit record production of 166 million tonnes with EBITDA of $488 million, up 29% year-on-year.

    Over the six months, the miner generated free cash flow of $293 million after capital expenditure of $587 million.

    On the bottom line, Mineral Resources shares are catching tailwinds today with underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) of $343 million, up 275% year on year. Reported NPAT for H1 FY 2026 came in at $573 million, up 171%.

    On the balance sheet, the company held cash of $638 million as at 31 December, up 55%. The six months saw liquidity strengthening to $1.4 billion and net debt cut by $471 million to $4.9 billion.

    Looking ahead, the ASX 200 miners reaffirmed its full year FY 2026 volume and cost guidance.

    What did management say?

    Commenting on the results helping boost Mineral Resources shares today, managing director Chris Ellison said, “I’m pleased to report that MinRes has delivered the strongest six-month period in the company’s history.”

    According to Ellison:

    The result – which was driven by operational performance rather than extraordinary commodity prices – validates the strategic decisions we’ve made over recent years and demonstrates the quality and resilience of our asset base.

    The transformation of this business is now evident with Onslow Iron at nameplate capacity. This would not have been possible without our world-class Mining Services business.

    Turning to the miner’s lithium division, Ellison said:

    Our lithium operations have proven their quality through a challenging market cycle, generating EBITDA of $167 million. Wodgina achieved a milestone 70% processing recovery rate in the December quarter, with further improvements expected as we access more fresh ore towards the end of the calendar year.

    With lithium prices having recovered strongly, we are well positioned to capture the upside as market fundamentals continue to improve.

    Factoring in today’s intraday moves, Mineral Resources shares are up 118.2% in 12 months, smashing the 8.9% one-year gains posted by the ASX 200.

    The post Mineral Resources shares leaping higher on record smashing $3.1 billion revenue appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Mineral Resources 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 Mineral Resources 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.*

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    Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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.

  • Megaport shares tumble despite record results

    A young man stands facing the camera and scratching his head with the other hand held upwards wondering if he should buy Whitehaven Coal shares

    Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1) shares are under pressure on Friday.

    In morning trade, the network-as-a-service provider’s shares are down 4% to $10.51.

    This follows the release of its half-year results.

    Megaport shares fall on results day

    For the six months ended 31 December, Megaport reported a 26% increase in revenue to a record of $134.9 million. This comprises Megaport network revenue of $129.1 million and Latitude.sh revenue of $5.8 million (from 26 November 2025).

    Annual recurring revenue (ARR) was up 16% over the prior corresponding period to $263.4 million.

    This growth was driven by a 15% increase in large customers, a 17% lift in total services, and net revenue retention of 110%.

    Also growing strongly was Megaport’s EBITDA. It delivered EBITDA growth of 28% to a record of $35.3 million.

    However, on the bottom line, the company posted an underlying net loss of $3.3 million. This excludes acquisition costs of $15.8 million that were incurred during the half.

    Nevertheless, at the end of the period, Megaport had a cash balance of $177 million.

    Commenting on its performance, the ASX 200 tech stock’s CEO, Michael Reid, said:

    Our global business continues to scale, with the United States delivering exceptional momentum, pushing the Americas to 24% YoY ARR growth. This performance was driven by rising NRR and consistent new logo acquisition.

    We are also seeing strong adoption of our newer products, alongside a clear shift toward larger bandwidth commitments, more complex global routes, and longer-term contracts. Together, these trends demonstrate expanding wallet share and Megaport’s growing strategic importance within our customers’ infrastructure stack.

    Reid also spoke positively about the recently acquired Latitude business. He said:

    With Latitude.sh now part of Megaport, we’re accelerating our vision of a global platform where network and compute converge. This is the logical extension of what we’ve always done: automating infrastructure to power the cloud, AI, and data centre ecosystems. By combining private, on-demand connectivity with high-performance, optimised compute, we’re enabling customers to deploy and scale critical workloads anywhere in the world, instantly. This is a new chapter for Megaport, and we’re just getting started.

    Outlook

    Megaport has updated its guidance to reflect the acquisitions of Latitude.sh and Extreme IX, as well as a weaker US dollar.

    It is guiding to revenue of $302 million to $317 million, an EBITDA margin of 21% to 24%, and capex of $90 million to $100 million.

    Michael Reid said:

    Our updated guidance reflects the strategic expansion of the Group through the acquisitions of Latitude.sh and Extreme IX, as well as the impact of foreign exchange movements. Importantly, we have raised the lower end and tightened the range of our core Megaport Network revenue guidance in constant currency, underscoring the continued strength of the underlying business.

    The post Megaport shares tumble despite record results appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Megaport right now?

    Before you buy Megaport 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 Megaport 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 Megaport. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Megaport. 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.