January is always a great month to pause and take stock of our investing portfolios. It’s relatively quiet on the markets, most of us have some time off, and symbolically, what better time for some reflection? That’s certainly how I spent the first few days of 2026.

So now that we are pressing through January, here are some ideas for where to invest $7,000 (or whatever amount you can afford) into the stock market.

First up, I don’t think investors can go wrong investing in an index fund. Index funds are passive investments that tend to work best for investors when a dollar-cost averaging strategy is used. This involves investing a certain amount at a regular interval (say $500 a month), and sticking to that schedule, regardless of what the market is doing.

The Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS) is always a popular choice. This fund represents the largest 300 shares on the Australian share market. That’s everything from Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) to JB Hi-FI Ltd (ASX: JBH).

ASX shares have historically delivered meaningful returns and tend to pay out generous dividend income too.

An American index fund like the iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV) is another option to consider if you’d prefer to have your money in companies like Netflix, Ford, Amazon or Pepsico. Warren Buffett himself has often recommended the S&P 500 for investors who want a hands-off investment, and likens the S&P 500 to investing in America itself.

Another top stock to invest in this January

If you’re after an individual company, though, you can’t go wrong (at least in my view) with Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co Ltd (ASX: SOL). Soul Patts, as it is more easily known, is an investment company with a huge portfolio of underlying assets. These assets include property, other ASX shares, venture capital, and private credit investments, amongst others. That means that, unlike most other individual ASX stocks, you get a high degree of inherent diversification from buying Soul Patts shares.

Soul Patts has been around for more than a century. Over the past two to three decades, it has delivered market-beating returns compared to the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO). That’s in addition to the ASX’s best dividend growth streak. This company has increased its annual dividend every single year since 1998.

This inherent diversification, combined with its past performance, makes Soul Patts, in my view, another top pick for investors in January 2026.

The post Where to invest $7,000 in Janaury appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Amazon, Netflix, PepsiCo, Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF, and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Amazon, Netflix, Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Amazon, Netflix, 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.

I’m optimistic that the benchmark ASX 200 index will continue its ascent in 2026 and reach new highs.

And while a rising tide lifts all boats, I think there are a couple of ASX 200 shares that could benefit more than most from a booming share market.

I’m not alone with this view. The two ASX shares named below have been rated as buys and tipped to rise materially over the next 12 months by analysts. Here’s what they are recommending:

NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT)

NextDC is an ASX 200 share that could rise strongly from current levels according to analysts.

It develops and operates data centres across Australia and is expanding into international markets. As cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and data-intensive applications continue to scale, demand for secure, high-quality data centre capacity is rising rapidly.

What makes NextDC particularly attractive is its positioning. Its facilities are typically located in premium, high-connectivity locations and are designed to support hyperscale customers as well as enterprises. Once customers commit workloads to a data centre, switching providers can be costly and complex, which supports long-term utilisation and pricing power.

Morgans is very positive on the company and its outlook. It recently put a buy rating and $18.00 price target on its shares. Based on its current share price of $12.81, this implies potential upside of 40% for investors over the next 12 months.

Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW)

Another ASX 200 share that could be destined to outperform the benchmark this year if the market booms is Temple & Webster.

It is Australia’s leading online-only furniture and homewares retailer. While discretionary spending has been under pressure as interest rates increase, Temple & Webster has continued to grow while investing in its platform, logistics, and customer experience.

The long-term opportunity remains compelling for the company and investors. Online penetration in furniture retail is still relatively low compared to other categories and Western markets. This leaves plenty of room for growth over the next decade.

The team at Macquarie thinks that recent share price weakness has created a buying opportunity for Aussie investors.

It recently put an outperform rating and lofty $24.15 price target on Temple & Webster’s shares. Based on its latest share price of $12.66, this suggests that upside of approximately 90% is possible for investors between now and this time next year.

The post 2 shares to buy hand over fist before the ASX 200 soars higher in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Nextdc and Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group and Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie 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.

Shares in Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO) have delivered an eye-catching rally this week.

The ASX lithium miner’s share price is up 17.24% to 34 cents, marking its highest level in two years.

The move comes as lithium prices rebound and investor interest returns to the beaten-down battery metals sector.

Core Lithium shares hit a five-year low of just 5.7 cents in April 2025. Since then, the stock has staged a sharp recovery as sentiment toward lithium improves and investors reassess the outlook for lithium producers.

So, what is driving today’s surge, and can it continue?

Lithium prices jump sharply

A major tailwind for Core Lithium is the sudden strength in lithium prices.

Lithium carbonate prices in China surged strongly overnight, jumping more than 4% in a single session and pushing prices to their highest level in around 19 months. Prices are now back above CNY 130,000 per tonne, according to Trading Economics.

This matters because lithium prices collapsed through 2024 and early 2025, forcing many producers to pause operations or reconsider expansion plans. The recent price rebound has sparked fresh optimism that the worst of the lithium downturn may be over.

A long way back from the lows

The scale of Core Lithium’s recent rally becomes clearer when viewed in context.

After hitting 5.7 cents in April last year, the stock has now risen more than 480%. Much of that move has come over the past two months as lithium prices stabilised and risk appetite returned to the sector.

Today’s move also coincides with rising trading volumes, indicating renewed interest from both retail and speculative investors.

What the company last said

At its November 2025 AGM, Core Lithium outlined a cautious but disciplined approach to the Finniss Lithium Project in the Northern Territory.

Management highlighted its focus on capital discipline, cost control, and maintaining balance sheet strength while waiting for better lithium market conditions. Rather than rushing back into full production, the company signalled it would align any restart with sustainable pricing.

What brokers are saying

Broker views on Core Lithium are still divided.

While some analysts remain wary due to ongoing lithium price volatility, others believe the stock offers strong upside if the lithium price recovery continues. Reduced costs and an improved balance sheet are also being seen as key positives.

Can the rally continue?

Much will depend on lithium prices from here.

If prices hold above recent levels or continue climbing, stocks like Core Lithium could remain in focus. However, investors should remember that lithium markets can turn quickly, and sharp pullbacks are common.

For now, momentum is firmly on Core Lithium’s side, but the ride is unlikely to be smooth.

The post Core Lithium shares rocket 17% to a 2-year high. Can the rally keep going? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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.

Owning Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares typically means receiving a good dividend each year. But, the size of the dividend over the next few years could be influential for investors who are deciding whether to make an investment.

CBA is still capable of producing loan growth and profit growth. However, it’s now a huge bank, so future growth may not be as compelling as the last 10 to 15 years. With that in mind, the dividends could play an important role in its appeal and overall returns for Australians.

Let’s look at the forecasts of where experts think the dividends for owners of CBA shares could go over the next few years.

First, FY26

The 2026 financial year is the one we’re currently in and is just over halfway. In February, we’ll learn how much profit CBA made in the six months to December 2025 and the size of the interim dividend.

For the annual FY26 result, the projection on CMC Markets suggests that the ASX bank share‘s earnings per share (EPS) could rise slightly and this could fund a 2% hike of the dividend payout to $4.95 per CBA share.

This projection translates into a potential grossed-up dividend yield of 4.6%, including the franking credits.

Then, FY27

In the next financial year, the estimate on CMC Markets suggests that net profit could increase at a pace that’s a little faster.

Pleasingly, stronger profit growth is expected to translate into a bigger dividend increase. In the 2027 financial year, the expert projection suggests the bank could deliver a 3% rise in its payout to $5.10 per share.

At the time of writing, the projected potential payout would equate to a grossed-up dividend yield of 4.75%, including franking credits.

Finally, FY28

Steady progression is expected to continue for owners of CBA shares in FY28.

While rapid growth isn’t forecast, that may not be what investors are looking for from the ASX bank share. Steady and dependable may be what some Australian investors are after.

The profit projection on CMC Markets suggests EPS could rise approximately 5% to $6.73. This could pay for a measly 1% rise in the payout to $5.155 per share. This forecast dividend would translate into a grossed-up dividend yield of 4.8%, including franking credits.

Is the CBA share price a buy?

All nine of the recent analyst recommendations on the ASX bank share are a sell, according to CMC Markets. There is consensus among experts that CBA shares are overvalued, with an average price target suggesting it could fall by more than 20% over the next year. While existing shareholders don’t have to sell, it could be wise to invest new money in other available opportunities.

The post Here’s the dividend forecast out to 2028 for CBA shares 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 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.

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) healthcare stock Ansell Limited (ASX: ANN) is taking a tumble today.

Shares in the health and safety products company closed yesterday trading for $35.58. In morning trade on Thursday, shares are swapping hands for $34 apiece, down 4%. That gives Ansell a market cap of just under $4.9 billion.

For some context, the ASX 200 is up 0.1% at this same time.

Today’s underperformance of Anell shares looks to be driven by news of a top leadership changeover.

Here’s what’s happening.

ASX 200 healthcare stock under new leadership

Before market open today, Ansell announced that Neil Salmon has decided to retire from his role as managing director and CEO.

Salmon has been with the company for 13 years and has served as CEO since 2021.

The ASX 200 healthcare stock reported that Nathalie Ahlstrom will succeed Salmon as CEO and managing director. She will join Ansell on 26 January for a transition period, before taking over the reins on 16 February.

Salmon will then continue as a special advisor to the board and to Ahlstrom until 30 June, helping to provide a smooth transition.

The Ansell board noted that Ahlstrom brings strong global experience. Until recently, she served as CEO and president of the Fiskars Group, with the board expressing confidence that she is the right leader to steer Ansell through its “next chapter of innovation and growth”.

Ahlstrom will be based out of Ansell’s Brussels hub in Belgium.

What did management say?

Commenting on the CEO transition that’s throwing up headwinds for the ASX 200 healthcare stock today, Ansell chair Nigel Garrard said, “We are delighted to appoint Nathalie as Ansell’s next managing director and CEO.”

Garrard continued:

Nathalie brings exceptional leadership experience, a track record of delivering results in complex global markets, and a deep understanding of innovation and operational excellence. These qualities, combined with her strategic vision, will help ensure that Ansell continues to strengthen its market position and deliver long-term value for our stakeholders.

Addressing the outgoing CEO, Garrard said, “Neil has played a pivotal role over his 13 years with Ansell and, as CEO, in creating the foundations of the company’s recent success.”

Garrard added, “Results can be seen in strong organic growth in difficult market conditions, improved productivity and success implementing the company’s long term sustainability strategy.”

“Ansell is a wonderful organisation to lead,” outgoing CEO Salmon said.

Salmon concluded:

It has been very rewarding to see the company flourish and deliver on our ambitious goals during my time as CEO…

As I prepare to conclude my executive career, I look forward to supporting a smooth transition and to assist Nathalie in any way I can.

With today’s intraday fall in the Ansell share price factored in, shares in the ASX 200 healthcare stock are up 0.8% over 12 months, and up 11.5% over the past six months.

The post $5 billion ASX 200 healthcare stock tumbling on CEO exit appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Ramelius Resources Ltd (ASX: RMS) shares are on the slide on Thursday morning.

At the time of writing, the ASX 200 gold stock is down 3% to $4.12.

Why is this ASX 200 gold stock dropping?

Investors have been selling the gold miner’s shares for a couple of reasons.

One is a pullback in the gold price, which is putting pressure on most ASX 200 gold stocks today.

The other reason is the release of Ramelius’ quarterly update.

What did it announce?

For the three months ended 31 December, the company achieved gold production of 45,610 ounces. This was down 17% from 55,013 ounces in the previous quarter.

This means that year to date gold production is now 100,623 ounces. Management believes this leaves it positioned to meet its FY 2026 guidance of 185,000 ounces to 205,000 ounces.

The ASX 200 gold stock also revealed that it delivered underlying free cash flow of $67 million for the three months, which is down from $129 million in the first quarter. This was before an FY 2025 income tax payment of $118.2 million and a return of $60.3 million through dividend payments to shareholders.

At the end of the period, its cash and gold balance of $694.3 million.

What else?

Outside this, the company provided an update on its developments.

It advised that the Dalgaranga mine development remains on time and on budget with first Never Never ore targeted to be delivered to the Mt Magnet hub in the March 2026 quarter.

In addition, Mt Magnet plant expansion activities were focused on plant engineering works, preliminary site works and establishment of the execution team.

A significant milestone was achieved on the Rebecca-Roe project with the signing of the Native Title Mining Agreement with Kakarra Part B Native Title Holders.

Commenting on its performance, the ASX 200 gold stock’s chief operating officer, Tim Hewitt, said:

We continue to build on the strong momentum from our first quarter and remain on track to deliver our FY26 guidance with production year-to-date of 100,623 ounces. Mt Magnet produced 45,610 ounces in the quarter, in line with our plan with strong contribution from Penny and Cue mines.

Importantly, the development of the Dalgaranga mine is on time and on budget with first ore from Never Never to be delivered to the Mt Magnet processing plant in the March 2026 quarter. We look forward to sharing an update from the recently accelerated drilling program at priority targets within our exploration portfolio in coming weeks demonstrating the significant potential upside at the Mt Magnet production hub.

The post Why is this popular ASX 200 gold stock tumbling today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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.

Shares in Alcidion Group Ltd (ASX: ALC) are more than 20% higher after the company said it had been selected as the preferred supplier for a UK hospital group.

The technology company said University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (UHSx) had selected Alcidion as its preferred supplier for its new electronic patient record system.

The company said UHSx was a substantial healthcare provider in the UK.

UHSx is located in the south of the UK and forms part of the Sussex Integrated Care System (ICS). They provide hospital and community health care for approximately a million people in Sussex. It is one of the largest acute trusts in the UK, with seven hospitals hosting more than 1.5 million outpatient appointments, A&E visits and surgery cases annually, employing nearly 20,000 staff.

Alcidion said it would deploy its flagship Miya Precision platform, “including Miya Observations and Assessments (Patientrack), which is already live at the Trust”.

The company went on to say:

The EPR solution will provide clinicians real-time access to patient records whilst streamlining patient flow and improving clinical decision making processes. Following a competitive tender process, we will now finalise the contract prior to commencing deployment of Miya Precision which is expected to commence in Q4 FY26.

ASX technology share gaining momentum 

Alcidion Managing Director Kate Quirke said the company was “excited” to provide the expanded platform to UHSx.

This builds on a long-standing relationship Alcidion have with UHSx where they have been using Miya Observations and Assessments (Patientrack) for many years. UHSx’s purpose for the EPR procurement is to implement a single, integrated digital platform that improves patient care, supports regional integration, drives operational efficiency, and delivers long-term social and research benefits. Miya Precision is ideally placed to deliver on this vision working alongside the implementation teams and clinical staff at UHSx to ensure there is long term benefit to the people of this region.

Alcidion shares traded as high as 12 cents on the news, up 20.2% before settling back to be 11.1% higher at 11 cents.

The contract win follows another in November, involving a contract expansion with Leidos Australia to further expand its use of Miya Precision.

That contract is worth $12.3 million out to 2028, adding $2.5 million to the company’s annual recurring revenue. The company is expecting to recognise $5.5 to $6.5 million of the new revenue in FY26.

Alcidion was valued at $132.9 million at the close of trade on Wednesday.

The post This ASX technology company’s shares are surging more than 20% on a new contract win appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Shares in Elsight Ltd (ASX: ELS) are in the spotlight today after the company released an update to the market.

At the time of writing, the ASX drone technology stock is down 0.83% to $3.55, after touching a record high yesterday. In comparison, the S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is up 0.1%.

Despite the pullback, the recent run in Elsight shares has been very strong, including a sharp rally over the past month.

So, what did the company announce?

A meaningful US order

According to the release, Elsight revealed it has secured a US$460,000 purchase order from a US public safety customer.

This is an important step for the company because it is the first commercial order announced for 2026. It also shows that customers outside the defence sector are now buying its technology.

The order relates to drones that can fly beyond the operator’s line of sight, which allows them to cover much larger areas. This type of operation is becoming increasingly useful for emergency services, search and rescue, and monitoring large infrastructure.

Why this matters for the future

At the moment, many drone flights in the US are restricted by regulation. However, the US aviation regulator is in the process of updating its rules to allow more routine long-distance drone flights.

Elsight said these changes are moving forward and could be finalised next year. Clearer rules would make it easier for organisations to use drones more widely and with greater confidence.

When that happens, demand for reliable communication systems that keep drones connected at all times is expected to increase.

What does Elsight actually sell?

Elsight’s core product is called Halo. It keeps drones connected by using several networks at once to create a more reliable signal.

This is especially important for drones used in emergency situations, where losing connection is not an option. That makes Elsight’s technology attractive for public safety and other critical services.

The company believes public safety could be one of the first big commercial markets to adopt long-distance drone flights.

What the market is signalling

With shares up almost 1,000% over the past year, expectations are clearly much higher.

Today’s order adds to signs that Elsight’s technology is moving beyond trials and into real customer use. The market appears to be responding to steady progress toward regular commercial sales.

For me, this ASX defence stock remains firmly on the watchlist, along with Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS).

The post This ASX tech stock is in focus after fresh US news appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras has positions in Electro Optic Systems. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Electro Optic Systems. 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.

When investing with retirement in mind, the goal is to own businesses that can remain relevant, profitable, and resilient over many years.

The types of companies that suit this approach tend to share a few traits. They operate in markets with long-term demand, they reinvest to stay ahead of competitors, and they have business models that can adapt as technology and customer needs evolve.

With that in mind, here are three ASX 200 stocks I would be comfortable holding through market cycles and all the way through to retirement.

Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH)

Cochlear is one of the most respected healthcare shares listed on the Australian stock exchange.

It is the world leader in implantable hearing solutions, operating in a market supported by powerful demographic tailwinds. As populations age and access to healthcare improves globally, demand for hearing implants is expected to grow steadily over time.

What makes Cochlear particularly attractive for long-term investors is its competitive position. The company benefits from deep intellectual property, strong clinician relationships, and very high switching costs. Once a patient enters the Cochlear ecosystem, they often remain within it for life, supporting recurring revenue through upgrades and accessories.

This combination of essential healthcare, innovation, and long-term customer relationships makes Cochlear a classic buy and hold candidate.

Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1)

Another ASX 200 stock I would be happy to hold until retirement is Megaport.

It is a very different type of retirement-style investment, but its long-term potential is compelling.

The company operates a global network-as-a-service platform, which allows businesses to connect quickly and securely to cloud providers and data centres. As more workloads move to the cloud and hybrid IT environments become the norm, demand for flexible, on-demand connectivity continues to grow.

Megaport’s business model is highly scalable. Once its network infrastructure is in place, incremental customers can be added at relatively low cost, creating the potential for strong operating leverage as revenue grows. It also recently completed the acquisition of Latitude, which has increased its total addressable market materially. This bodes well for its long-term growth outlook.

ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD)

Lastly, I think ResMed would be a great long term pick. It combines defensive healthcare characteristics with genuine growth optionality.

ResMed is a global leader in sleep apnoea and respiratory care devices, operating in a market that remains significantly underdiagnosed. In fact, the sleep apnoea treatment market is estimated to be over 1 billion sufferers.

Beyond hardware, ResMed has been expanding its software and digital health offerings, building deeper relationships with patients and healthcare providers. This shift toward connected devices and data-driven care adds a layer of recurring revenue and enhances the durability of the business.

In light of this, I think this ASX 200 stock could be a great buy and hold option for Aussie investors.

The post The ASX 200 stocks I’d be happy to hold until retirement appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

The All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is up 0.1% in morning trade on Thursday, with ASX All Ords stock Duratec Ltd (ASX: DUR) racing ahead of those gains.

Shares in the engineering, construction, and remediation contractor closed yesterday trading for $1.865. At the time of writing, shares are changing hands for $2.030 apiece, up 8.9%.

This outperformance follows an update on the Duratec Ertech Joint Venture (DEJV), Duratec’s 50:50 joint venture with Ertech.

Here’s what’s piquing ASX investor interest.

ASX All Ords stock lifts off on contract news

Duratec shares are leaping higher after the company reported DEJV has been instructed to proceed with early procurement of some $5 million worth of long lead items.

These items will assist the program and project timing as part of the Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) for the planning phase of infrastructure upgrades to support future submarine capability at the HMAS Stirling naval base, located in Western Australia.

The ASX All Ords stock noted that additional early on-site contract works could occur as the contract design nears 100% completion and design approval is granted.

Duratec expects the award and commencement of the project in the third quarter of FY 2026.

The company said that it now expects the second contract award for the delivery of the “fit-for-purpose, nuclear regulatory compliant facilities” in the fourth quarter of FY 2026. This will help support the expansion and enhancement requirements of the Department of Defence’s infrastructure upgrade at HMAS Stirling. The ASX All Ords stock added that there is the potential to undertake early works via the current planning phase contract.

The infrastructure upgrades and projects are being carried out ahead of the expected arrival of the rotational force from the United States and the United Kingdom under the AUKUS partnership. Those forces are anticipated to arrive in late calendar year 2027.

What did management say?

Commenting on the early procurement news that’s sending the ASX All Ords stock flying higher today, Duratec managing director Chris Oates said, “Duratec is proud to play a key role in supporting Australia’s future submarine capability through these critical infrastructure upgrades at HMAS Stirling.”

Oates added:

The early procurement of long lead items is strong validation of Duratec’s critical involvement at HMAS Stirling and its broader partnership with the Department of Defence. We look forward to continuing our long-standing relationship with Defence to ensure the timely and compliant delivery of these strategically important facilities.

With today’s intraday boost factored in, the Duratec share price is up more than 49% since this time last year.

The post Guess which ASX All Ords stock is rocketing today on AUKUS partnership development news appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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.