ASX shares haven’t been uniformly kind lately. Many high-quality companies have been pulling back and leaving some fundamentally sound businesses trading at valuations that resemble discounts rather than growth premiums.

From tech-enabled marketplaces to global gaming and beaten-down fund managers. Stocks such as REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA), Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL), and GQG Partners Inc (GQG) all lost 25% or more in the past 12 months.

At the current levels, these ‘cheap’ ASX shares offer potential long-term upside, if you’re willing to look past short-term volatility and broader market headwinds.

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

The ASX share pulled back from recent highs and has declined around 28% over the past year, even as the underlying digital real estate business continues to grow. REA Group owns and operates realestate.com.au, Australia’s dominant online listing marketplace.

It’s a business with pricing power and strong cash flow that has historically compounded returns for long-term holders. Recent quarterly results showed revenue and EBITDA growth, driven by yield increases even as property listings softened. 

A key strength is its market leadership and recurring services. However, regulatory scrutiny and high valuation multiples relative to historical averages could cap near-term gains. If Australia’s housing market regains momentum or REA executes on AI-driven tools, sentiment around this ASX share could turn. It would make its current weakness a potential entry point.

Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL)

The valuation and risk profile of Aristocrat Leisure have come under pressure. It has put the ASX share on cheap screens relative to longer-term growth history.

Sales and revenue were mixed, with recent softness prompting share weakness despite record deployments and recurring earnings from digital gaming segments. 

The company operates globally across land-based casino machines and digital/mobile gaming, a diversification that’s a structural strength as consumer preferences shift. But cyclical exposure to gaming spend, regulatory risks in key markets, and FX headwinds can make earnings lumpy.

Aristocrat’s disciplined capital management — including buybacks and debt reduction — supports earnings quality. Mergers and acquisitions, optionality, and online game portfolio expansion could re-rate multiples if growth stabilises.

Investors looking for growth plus some defensive earnings might find the current price range appealing, but patience is key.

GQG Partners Inc (ASX: GQG)

This ASX share has been one of the more beaten-down names. GQG Partners’ share price is down almost 25% over the past year as investor flows fluctuated and performance lagged some benchmarks. 

The global active asset manager reported double-digit revenue and net profit growth, but net inflows declined, which spooked sentiment. GQG’s strengths include a diversified global investment franchise, high margins, and generous dividends, with a payout often cited among sector highs.

Weaknesses include sensitivity to fund flows and periods of underperformance in defensive portfolios, which compresses assets under management and fees. However, brokers like Macquarie see potential catalysts that could drive a recovery from depressed valuations. 

For value-oriented investors willing to tolerate volatility, the ASX share’s current setup may offer compelling risk-reward.

The post These ASX shares look cheap and could reward patient investors appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Although we’re barely one month into 2026, we’ve already seen significant uncertainty in global markets. We’ve witnessed whipsawing precious metal prices, with gold and silver having one of their most volatile months in history over January. We’ve seen market reactions thanks to the seemingly now-abandoned ambitions of the United States to take control of Greenland. As well as huge swings in sentiment following the revelation of the new Chair of the US Federal Reserve, Kevin Warsh.  

And it’s only early February. 

With all that’s been going on in global markets recently, many ASX investors are probably craving stability in their ASX share portfolios. One of the best ways investors can insulate their portfolios from this uncertainty is by buying defensive stocks.

Defensive stocks are usually defined as companies that exhibit relatively high stability in their revenues, earnings, and profits. Most operate in defensive sectors like consumer staples, industrials, utilities, and telecommunications. Demand for goods and services in these sectors tends to be less affected by prevailing economic conditions than in other sectors.

Today, let’s discuss a few ASX defensive stocks that I think can benefit any investor seeking stability and predictability in 2026 and beyond. 

Three defensive ASX stocks to buy in an uncertain world

First up, we have Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS). This ASX telco is a favourite of dividend investors, and for good reason. It has a strong track record of delivering reliable dividend income, thanks to its defensive earnings base. Telstra possesses a wide moat that’s built on both a strong brand and a reputation for offering the best mobile network in the country. Using this moat, this defensive stock has proven that it can both protect and grow its earnings base in all manner of economic conditions. 

Next, Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) is worth consideration as a defensive ASX stock. Coles has an extensive network of supermarket stores and bottle shops around Australia. We all need to eat and stock our households on a regular basis. As long as Coles provides one of the cheapest and most convenient avenues to do so, it should do well. Coles also has a strong dividend track record, which I believe proves its defensive chops. This company has increased its annual dividends every year since 2019.

Another defensive stock that nervous investors might wish to look at is toll road operator Transurban Group (ASX: TCL). Transurban operates the largest network of tolled roads in the country, with a particularly strong presence in Sydney and Melbourne. Managing these vital pieces of infrastructure gives this company a highly predictable stream of cash flow. In most cases, it is indexed to inflation, too. This has benefited Transurban investors in recent years through stable dividends. If you are worried about the health of the global economy in 2026, this is a final stock I would be looking at adding to a portfolio. 

The post Australian defensive stocks to buy now for stability appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Yesterday afternoon, Neuren Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: NEU) shared feedback from recent US FDA meetings on its NNZ-2591 clinical programs. Neuren said it received constructive guidance for its development plans in hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and Pitt Hopkins syndrome (PTHS), with minimal impact on funding or timelines.

What did Neuren Pharmaceuticals report?

• Received written feedback from the US FDA for NNZ-2591 development in both HIE and PTHS.
• FDA generally accepted Neuren’s plans for an IND-opening clinical study in HIE and offered input on study criteria and safety monitoring.
• FDA recommended additional juvenile animal data to support dosing in neonatal HIE studies, with plans to generate this data ahead of next steps.
• For PTHS, FDA supported use of a clinical global impression (CGI) scale as a co-primary endpoint with an observer-reported measure.
• Neuren anticipates providing an update on its Koala Phase 3 Phelan-McDermid syndrome trial soon.

What else do investors need to know?

Neuren described the FDA’s response process as delayed and conducted entirely in writing, rather than face-to-face meetings. However, the company remains confident it has a “clear path forward” for both HIE and PTHS programs.

For HIE, initial clinical studies are targeted to start later in 2026, after extra preclinical data is complete and an IND application is submitted. Meanwhile, Neuren is exploring trial design options for PTHS to suit its rarity and the severity of the condition, flagging a likely need for further FDA engagement before commencing the next study.

What did Neuren Pharmaceuticals management say?

CEO Jon Pilcher said:

We received useful guidance from FDA for our programs in Pitt Hopkins syndrome and HIE and are incorporating the feedback into our plans, although we were disappointed that in both cases the guidance was received as Written Responses Only and was delayed relative to FDA’s goal dates. Overall, we have a clear path forward and remain well positioned to fund the programs, with minimal financial impact from the feedback. We remain committed to advancing NNZ-2591 as a potential treatment option for both the HIE and Pitt Hopkins communities, which have such urgent unmet need. In the meantime, we anticipate being able to provide an update shortly on progress in the ongoing Koala Phase 3 trial in Phelan-McDermid syndrome, our lead program for NNZ-2591.

What’s next for Neuren Pharmaceuticals?

Neuren plans to generate the additional animal study data required by the FDA and then proceed with its IND application for HIE, aiming for clinical trial startup later in 2026. The company also intends to finalise the optimal trial design for a future PTHS study, including consulting the FDA as needed.

Investors can look for upcoming news on Neuren’s Koala Phase 3 trial for Phelan-McDermid syndrome, which is its most advanced NNZ-2591 program. The company says it is well resourced to fund ongoing clinical work.

Neuren Pharmaceuticals share price snapshot

Over the past 12 month, Neuren Pharmaceuticals shares have risen 11%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 7% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Neuren Pharmaceuticals shares FDA meeting feedback on NNZ-2591 clinical programs appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

It hasn’t been a good period to have owned Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares over the past six or seven months. Back in the middle of last year, CBA stock was riding high, having hit a new all-time record of $192 a share in late June. But since then, it has been nothing but bad news for this ASX 200 bank stock.

Since the June 2025 high, CBA shares have fallen by around 18%, going off the $156.96 share price we see on Wednesday (at the time of writing). The falls were even more painful (approaching 25%) when the bank got near $147 a share last month.

With a drop of this magnitude, many investors might be feeling tempted to ‘buy the dip’ on CBA. After all, this is one of the most popular stocks on the ASX, one that delivered a roughly 40% gain in 2024. Further, CBA is unquestionably one of the best-run businesses in Australia, commanding a clear market lead in Australian banking and financial services and enjoying phenomenal brand loyalty.

However, I would posit that investors anxious to get their hands on CBA shares at these lower prices should hold off for a few days. That’s because CBA is scheduled to report its latest earnings next week on 11 February.

Should investors wait until earnings before buying CBA shares?

Most ASX shares are required to report their latest financial results every six months. CBA is no different, and is taking its traditional place as one of the first companies off the line to deliver its results to shareholders for this February’s earnings season.

It’s particularly important for CBA this time around, given the meaningful share price correction it has just suffered. However, as we discussed this week, CBA is still trading at a relatively elevated valuation, whether measured by the price-to-earnings (P/E) or price-to-book (P/B) ratios, compared to both other ASX banks and banks around the world.

It’s common for companies that the market judges as offering above-average quality to trade at lofty valuations. But, at the end of the day, investors will still want to see some decent growth to justify their investments.

This time last year, CBA delivered some numbers that didn’t exactly set the world on fire. For the bank’s half-year to 31 December 2024, CBA reported a 3% rise in operating income, a 2% increase in cash net profits after tax and a 2.3% improvement in cash earnings per share.

If CBA reports numbers that look like that next week, I think investors will start to wonder why they are paying a P/E ratio of almost 26 and a book ratio of over 3.

I’d certainly want to know what CBA managed to bring in over the second half of last year before committing to an investment with those kinds of valuations.

The post Don’t buy CBA shares until this happens appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen 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.

When people talk about retiring early, it often sounds unrealistic or reserved for high earners. I don’t see it that way. For anyone starting in their 20s or 30s, ASX dividend shares offer a very practical path to building a portfolio that can eventually replace a salary.

It doesn’t require perfect timing or risky bets. What it does require is time, consistency, and a willingness to let income compound quietly in the background.

Here are the three reasons I think ASX dividend investing can genuinely support early retirement.

Dividends turn investing into an income engine

One of the most appealing things about ASX dividend shares is how tangible the progress feels.

Instead of waiting decades for a payoff, dividends mean the portfolio starts producing income along the way. In the early years, that income might seem small. But when dividends are reinvested, they buy more shares, which then produce more dividends. Over time, that cycle quietly builds momentum.

Eventually, when the portfolio reaches a sufficient size, those same dividends no longer need to be reinvested. They can be redirected toward covering living expenses. That shift from reinvesting income to living off it is what makes early retirement achievable in a very practical sense.

You’re not forced to sell assets at the right time. The portfolio simply keeps paying you.

Australia’s dividend system works in your favour

One of the biggest advantages Australian investors have is the local dividend system.

Many ASX shares, such as Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) and Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW), pay fully or partially franked dividends. For long-term investors, especially those planning to retire early on a lower taxable income, those credits can materially lift after-tax income.

This means an ASX income portfolio does not need to chase extreme dividend yields to be effective. A well-diversified portfolio yielding 4% to 5%, supported by franking credits and dividend growth over time, can be far more sustainable than higher-yield strategies that carry extra risk.

That tax efficiency is a quiet but important tailwind when the goal is replacing employment income earlier than usual.

Time and consistency are key

The earlier someone starts, the less dramatic their contributions need to be.

Monthly investing spreads risk across market cycles and removes the pressure to time entries. It also turns saving into a habit rather than a decision you need to revisit every few months.

Starting in your 20s or 30s gives compounding decades to work. In the early years, progress feels slow and often unexciting. Most of the portfolio value comes from your own contributions. But over time, the balance shifts. Dividends grow, reinvestment accelerates, and the portfolio begins to snowball.

By the time many people reach their 50s, the income generated by a mature dividend portfolio can be meaningful enough to reduce work hours or exit full-time employment altogether.

For example, $500 invested monthly, compounded at 9% per year, would grow to over $530,000 in 25 years.

Foolish Takeaway

Early retirement doesn’t require a lucky break or a perfect strategy. It requires starting early enough and sticking with a sensible plan.

ASX dividend shares, combined with monthly investing and reinvestment, offer a clear path to building a growing income stream that can eventually replace a salary. For investors willing to think long term and stay consistent, retiring early is not just possible. It’s a very realistic outcome.

The post 3 reasons ASX dividend shares could help you retire early appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Telstra Group and Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Here are three ASX shares that have caught my eye today.

Life360 Inc (ASX: 360)

Life360 shares have dropped another 5.94% on Wednesday, to $26.94 a piece. The latest decline means the shares are now down over 50% from their peak in October last year, and for the year-to-date, Life360 shares have fallen 17.01%.

There hasn’t been any price-sensitive news out of the business today, which suggests the latest daily decline is down to broad tech market weakness, dwindling market sentiment and potentially investors taking gains off the table.

But I think the new share price presents a great opportunity for investors to buy the tech stock at a discount. Its latest quarterly update in late January was well ahead of guidance and forecasts. Life360 said it continues to see strong user acquisition and monetisation in both its core US and fast-growing international markets. The company expects more growth this year, too.

Analysts are mostly bullish on the shares’ outlook this year, with some tipping a target price as high as $49.69 over the next 12 months. That implies an 84.45% upside at the time of writing.

Iperionx Ltd (ASX: IPX)

Iperionix shares closed 0.44% higher on Wednesday afternoon at $6.82 per share. For the year-to-date, the ASX materials share has already climbed 17.79%

The titanium metal and critical materials company was one of the best-performing stocks on the ASX index in January, after it received a prototype purchase order valued at US$300,000 from American Rheinmetall.

Late last month, the company said it would ramp up production in order to become America’s largest and lowest-cost titanium powder producer. And I’m optimistic that this growth will keep building through 2026, and that the company’s share price will follow suit.

Analysts are equally bullish and have a strong buy consensus rating on its shares. The maximum target price is $11.03, which implies a potential 61.67% upside at the time of writing.

Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS)

EOS shares are a compelling option for investors seeking exposure to global defence stocks. The ASX shares have dropped 7.59% to close at $7.56 a piece on Wednesday. The latest decline represents a 24.22% fall for the year-to-date.

The shares have fallen sharply since late January, dropping over 30% within the last two weeks alone. It looks like investors locked in their gains late last month, and then the sell-off has continued into February after speculation that the company might move its headquarters and stock market listing from Australia to Europe to capitalise on rapidly rising defence spending across the region.

But I still think there is plenty of potential left for the Aussie defence stock, and I’m confident it’ll continue to benefit from surging demand for exposure to the defence sector amid ongoing geopolitical volatility. With that in mind, the current share price looks like a bargain.

The shares remain a strong buy among investors, with a maximum target price of $12.72. That implied a potential 68.25% upside at the time of writing. 

The post 3 ASX shares I’d buy with $10,000 today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 positions in and has recommended Electro Optic Systems and Life360. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

There are a growing number of Australians that are operating self-managed super funds (SMSFs).

If you are one of them, or are planning to become one, and are looking for investment ideas, then read on.

Listed below are three super ASX exchange traded funds (ETFs) that could be top picks for an SMSF. Here’s what you need to know about them:

VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF (ASX: QUAL)

The first ASX ETF that could be a strong fit for an SMSF is the VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF.

This ETF focuses on high-quality global companies with strong balance sheets, consistent earnings, and high returns on capital. Rather than chasing short-term growth, it targets businesses that have proven their ability to perform across economic cycles.

Holdings include stocks such as Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA), and Visa (NYSE: V). These businesses operate at global scale and benefit from entrenched positions in their respective markets.

For an SMSF, the VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF can work as a core international holding, offering exposure to global leaders while leaning toward financial strength and durability rather than speculation.

It was recently recommended to investors by the fund manager.

Betashares Global Defence ETF (ASX: ARMR)

Another ASX ETF that may appeal to SMSF investors is the Betashares Global Defence ETF.

This fund provides exposure to global defence companies at a time when government spending in this area is increasing. Geopolitical uncertainty, regional conflicts, and heightened focus on national security have led many countries to commit to higher defence budgets over the long term.

Holdings include companies such as Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC), and RTX Corporation (NYSE: RTX). These businesses often benefit from long-dated government contracts, which can provide revenue visibility.

Overall, the Betashares Global Defence ETF offers exposure to a sector that is less tied to consumer spending and economic cycles, adding diversification to a long-term portfolio.

This fund was recommended by the team at Betashares.

Betashares Global Cash Flow Kings ETF (ASX: CFLO)

A final ASX ETF to consider for an SMSF is the Betashares Global Cash Flow Kings ETF.

This fund invests in global companies with strong and consistent free cash flow generation. This focus can be particularly attractive for retirement-focused investors, as cash flow underpins dividends, reinvestment, and balance sheet strength.

Holdings include stocks such as Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOGL), Costco Wholesale (NASDAQ: COST), and Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ). These businesses generate significant cash while operating in industries with long-term demand.

The Betashares Global Cash Flow Kings ETF could complement growth-oriented holdings by adding exposure to companies that emphasise financial discipline and sustainable returns. It was also recently recommended by the fund manager.

The post 3 super ASX ETFs to add to your SMSF 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 positions in and has recommended Alphabet, Costco Wholesale, Microsoft, Nvidia, RTX, and Visa. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Johnson & Johnson and Lockheed Martin. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alphabet, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Visa. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Many of Australia’s top brokers have been busy adjusting their financial models and recommendations again. This has led to the release of a number of broker notes this week.

Three ASX shares that brokers have named as buys this week are listed below. Here’s why their analysts are feeling bullish on them right now:

Credit Corp Group Ltd (ASX: CCP)

According to a note out of Morgans, its analysts have retained their buy rating on this debt collector’s shares with a trimmed price target of $19.35. The broker notes that Credit Corp delivered a first-half profit result that was 10% short of expectations. It feels the selloff that ensued, which dragged its shares 17% lower, was overdone and created a buying opportunity for investors. It highlights that at just 7x estimated FY 2027 earnings, its valuation is undemanding. Especially with management reiterating its guidance for FY 2026. The Credit Corp share price is currently trading at $11.56.

Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM)

Another note out of Morgans reveals that its analysts have upgraded this gold miner’s shares to a buy rating with an improved price target of $190.00. The broker remains positive on the outlook of the gold price despite recent weakness and has upgraded its forecasts through to FY 2029. Morgans also highlights that Newmont is its favourite large cap gold miner. It likes Newmont due to its production growth, which it expects to support strong and growing cash generation for the near term. The Newmont share price is fetching $171.88 at the time of writing.

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

Analysts at UBS have retained their buy rating and $174.00 price target on this cloud accounting platform provider’s shares. According to the note, the broker appears pleased with Xero’s investor update this week which focused on AI and its US growth opportunity. It highlights that its AI and US-based Melio payments businesses are expected to break even in FY 2028, which is ahead of its expectations. In light of this, the broker believes that the market is undervaluing the Melio business. It was also pleased to see management stress that its moat was resilient against AI disruption. Though, that hasn’t stopped its shares from being sold off for that reason on Wednesday. The Xero share price is trading at $80.82 today.

The post Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Newmont. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Lynas Rare Earths Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

A pair of ASX-listed property trusts is trading lower on Wednesday after releasing their latest half-year results, despite steady performances.

Centuria Office REIT (ASX: COF) shares are down 0.47% to $1.055, while Charter Hall Social Infrastructure REIT (ASX: CQE) is weaker by 3.22% to $2.855.

Here is what investors are reacting to.

Centuria Office REIT delivers mixed half-year results

Centuria Office REIT reported its results for the six months to 31 December 2025, showing a business that remains stable but still faces pressure from higher costs.

The trust delivered funds from operations of $33.4 million, or 5.6 cents per unit. That was slightly lower than the same period last year, largely due to higher interest expenses. Distributions for the half were maintained at 5.05 cents per unit, in line with expectations.

There were some positives in the result. Leasing activity remained solid, with more than 29,000 square metres of space leased across the portfolio during the half. Centuria also reported a $42.8 million uplift in portfolio valuations, with most assets holding their value or improving.

Management also sold an office asset in Chatswood at a premium, helping recycle capital and strengthen the balance sheet.

However, with earnings slightly lower and interest costs still elevated, the result failed to lift sentiment. Centuria reaffirmed its full-year guidance, pointing to funds from operations of between 11.1 and 11.5 cents per unit and full-year distributions of 10.1 cents.

Charter Hall Social Infrastructure REIT fails to excite

Charter Hall Social Infrastructure REIT also released its half-year results today, highlighting the defensive nature of its portfolio.

The trust focuses on social infrastructure assets such as schools, childcare centres, and government-leased properties. These assets typically have long leases and reliable tenants, which supports income stability.

During the half, CQE continued to reshape its portfolio, selling some lower-yielding early learning assets and reinvesting into longer-dated social infrastructure properties. The trust also extended its average debt maturity and reported a stronger balance sheet position.

Management upgraded its full-year guidance, now expecting operating earnings of at least 17.2 cents per unit and distributions of 17 cents per unit for FY26.

Despite the upgrade, investors appear underwhelmed. Much of the good news may have already been priced into the share price, and investors remain wary of the broader REIT sector.

Foolish Takeaway

Both REITs delivered steady results, but neither provided a clear catalyst for higher share prices.

With interest rates still elevated, investors remain focused on balance sheet strength, reliable income, and long-term growth.

The post Why these 2 ASX REITs are in the red after today’s results 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.