Australians have an enduring obsession with home ownership. But with the median dwelling price sitting at 16 times median income in some areas, renovating a ‘fixer upper’ or improving an existing property rather than moving is becoming a more viable option for many.

In fact, as reported by Realestate.com.au in January 2026, Australians spent $53.8 billion on home improvements in FY25, the highest spend since 2022.

So how can investors get in on this trend? Here are the three stocks poised to ride the renovation wave.

Beacon Lighting Group Ltd (ASX: BLX)

Lighting is an important part of any property overhaul and plays a pivotal role in three of the most popular renovation categories – energy efficiency upgrades, kitchens, and bathrooms. And while local lighting and ceiling fan retailer Beacon Lighting has seen some share price volatility of late, it is well placed to capitalise on its trusted brand and broad product range.

Its share price has fallen around 30% in the last year, likely driven by weakening sentiment across the consumer discretionary retail sector. However, at the tail end of 2025, it hit the radar of some analysts, with Bell Potter putting a buy rating on it in December.

And at current prices, I tend to agree. Its FY25 results show solid growth, including record sales of $328.9 million and a gross margin of 69.1%. Also, Beacon Lighting recently highlighted that it remains on track to reach its target of 50% trade sales by FY28 – a strategy that essentially gives it two bites at the home renovations cherry.  

It has shown a disciplined approach thus far, with a healthy cash buffer and a relatively conservative balance sheet. In my opinion, it’s a buy for long-term investors in the current climate.

Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW)

Furniture provides the finishing touch of every renovation, and Temple & Webster is in the box seat to deliver. The online retailer offers access to more than 200,000 items from thousands of suppliers through a scalable drop-shipping model. This agile model allows it to serve a wide market, offering everything from simple flat-pack solutions and on-trend, low-cost décor to premium, artisan, hand-finished furniture.

Its share price is down roughly 25% over the last 12 months. Despite posting strong FY25 results, it saw volatility in November following an update that missed consensus growth expectations. That said, the company says it remains on track to deliver on its mid-term goal of $1 billion in annual revenue.

Despite failing to meet expectations in the short term, I think it’s worth considering at current prices. Its solid performance in market headwinds, strong brand, flexible model, and depth of product offering all create a solid runway for long-term growth.  

GWA Group Ltd (ASX: GWA)

As the owner of some of Australia’s most recognised kitchen and bathroom brands, including Caroma, Methven, Dorf, and Clark, GWA is a pivotal player in the home improvement landscape.

While GWA is also affected by changes in consumer discretionary spending, its share price has fared better than many peers’. Over the last 12 months, it has seen a 4% rise in its share price and is tipped to continue delivering strong dividends to investors.

It reported solid results in FY25, despite a declining market. And its buybacks late last year indicate the company has confidence in its ability to continue delivering and believes its shares to be undervalued.  

GWA’s ongoing success may be buoyed by continued consumer demand for water-efficient products. It is a frontrunner in the space with intelligent bathroom systems that deliver smarter water management solutions to consumers.

At current prices, GWA may still hold reasonable value for investors. It offers some of the go-to brands for consumers looking for quality and water efficiency. And it has shown it can perform and deliver healthy dividends, even in challenging market conditions.

The post 3 ASX stocks poised to ride Australia’s renovation wave appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 2 ASX shares that could be overdue for a new year jump
• 2 excellent ASX All Ords stocks I’d buy today
• 2 strong Australian stocks to buy now with $5,000
• 3 ASX growth shares to buy before they rebound
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Motley Fool contributor Melissa Maddison has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

At the start of each week, I like to look at ASIC’s short position report to find out which shares are being targeted by short sellers.

This is because I believe it is well worth keeping a close eye on short interest levels as high levels can sometimes be a sign that something isn’t quite right with a company.

With that in mind, here are the 10 most shorted shares on the ASX this week according to ASIC:

• Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP) continues to be the most shorted ASX share with short interest of 17%. This is up slightly week on week. Short sellers appear to be betting against the pizza chain operator’s turnaround strategy.
• Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE) has seen its short interest rebound to 16.6%. Short sellers have done well with this one. The uranium producer’s shares are down over 50% since this time last year amid production concerns.
• Guzman Y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG) has short interest of 14.1%, which is up slightly week on week. This may be due to disappointment over the taco and burrito seller’s performance in the United States market.
• Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE) has seen its short interest rise again to 13.8%. This wine giant is facing distributor uncertainty in the United States and unfavourable consumer trends.
• Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) has short interest of 12.2%, which is up week on week. Short sellers appear to have doubts over the travel agent’s revenue margin outlook.
• Polynovo Ltd (ASX: PNV) has short interest of 12.1%, which is flat since last week. Short sellers seem to believe that this medical device company’s shares are overvalued.
• Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX) has short interest of 11.9%, which is up slightly week on week. This radiopharmaceuticals company has been struggling with FDA approvals.
• IDP Education Ltd (ASX: IEL) has 11% of its shares held short, which is down week on week. This student placement and language testing company has been negatively impacted by student visa changes in key markets.
• IPH Ltd (ASX: IPH) has returned to the top ten with short interest of 11%. Softer volumes have been weighing on this IP service provider’s performance.
• PWR Holdings Ltd (ASX: PWH) has also returned to the top ten with short interest of 10.2%. This automotive cooling products company’s shares currently trade at almost 90 times earnings. Short sellers may believe that is too much of a premium.

The post These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 quality ASX dividend shares to buy for passive income in 2026
• How low can this ASX 200 share go after losing 53%?
• Buy, hold, sell: CSL, Pinnacle, and Telix shares
• What the stronger Australian dollar means for your shares
• Why UBS says it’s time to sell Treasury Wine Estates shares

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Domino’s Pizza Enterprises and Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Domino’s Pizza Enterprises, PWR Holdings, PolyNovo, Telix Pharmaceuticals, and Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended PWR Holdings and Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Domino’s Pizza Enterprises, Flight Centre Travel Group, IPH Ltd , PolyNovo, and Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Pepper Money Ltd (ASX: PPM) shares surged after the company announced that it had received an indicative, non-binding proposal to take it private at $2.60 per share.

At the time of writing, Pepper shares were up 25% to $2.20 but still short of the $2.60 offer price.

The deal could see the non-bank lender taken private in a partnership between its current major shareholders and Challenger Ltd (ASX: CGF), the proposed minority partner in the deal.

At the time of writing, Challenger shares are down 3% as investors digest the implications of the deal.

That divergence between the Pepper Money and Challenger share price reactions is typical of takeover situations in which the acquirer pays a premium to make the deal attractive to shareholders of the acquired company.

What is being proposed?

Following media speculation, Pepper Money confirmed it has received a confidential, non-binding proposal to acquire 100% of the company via a scheme of arrangement, jointly backed by Challenger and Pepper Group, Pepper Money’s existing cornerstone shareholder.

Pepper Group itself is a consortium of investors led by US private equity and private credit giant KKR.

Under the proposal:

• Pepper shareholders (excluding Pepper Group) would receive $2.60 per share in cash, less the FY25 final dividend and any special dividends
• Pepper Group would roll its existing stake into the new private vehicle
• Challenger’s ownership would be capped at 25%, with Pepper Group retaining majority control

Pepper Money’s board has formed an Independent Board Committee, which has granted Challenger exclusivity to conduct due diligence and negotiate the transaction.

There’s no certainty that the deal will be completed, which is why the market has not yet fully priced in the $2.60 offer price for Pepper Money shares.

Why Pepper shareholders are cheering

For Pepper shareholders, the logic is simple.

A $2.60 cash offer represents a meaningful premium to where the stock had been trading prior to the speculation. Pepper Money shares had slipped 30% from their recent November 2025 peak, and so a clean cash exit at a premium is compelling.

A counterargument is that some Pepper Money shareholders could see the deal’s timing and the offer price as somewhat opportunistic, because compared with Pepper’s November 2025 share price of $2.49, the offer is only a 4.4% premium.

There could be more to this before this deal is fully approved and finalised.

Why Challenger investors are more cautious

Challenger’s management framed the potential transaction as strategic and EPS-accretive, but investors are typically cautious of sizeable acquisitions made at a premium.

Challenger’s rationale is, however, quite clear: Pepper Money provides long-duration, higher-yielding fixed income assets, which neatly support Challenger’s retirement and annuities business. Strategically, the fit makes sense.

But as always, the execution and implementation are what count most, and Challenger investors are taking a wait-and-see approach.

Foolish bottom line

Pepper Money’s share price surge and Challenger’s pullback aren’t contradictory; they’re exactly what you’d expect.

Takeover targets usually win immediately. Acquirers have to earn it over time.

If this deal completes, Pepper shareholders likely lock in value today, while Challenger investors are being asked to trust that patient, strategic capital deployment will pay off tomorrow. The market’s verdict so far? One cheers certainty. The other waits for proof.

The post Pepper Money shares pop 25%, Challenger slips 3% on take-private deal appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Challenger flags talks on Pepper Money acquisition
• ASX 200 financials flew but tech and mining shares faltered last week
• The top 3 Australian dividend stocks I’d tell anyone to buy

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

Opportunities can be found across a range of industries on the ASX share market, including infrastructure and utilities. In this article, I want to talk about the ASX share GenusPlus Group Ltd (ASX: GNP).

Wilson Asset Management picked out GenusPlus as a compelling business in its listed investment company (LIC) WAM Active Ltd (ASX: WAA) portfolio.This LIC aims to target “mispricing opportunities” in the Australian market.

The LIC has just come off a very strong period. The investment portfolio returned 31.4% over the six months to 31 December 2025, and 41.4% over the full year. Of course, past performance is not a guarantee of future returns.

Let’s get into why the investment team at Wilson Asset Management likes GenusPlus Group.

Why it’s a compelling ASX share

WAM describes GenusPlus Group as a specialist power and communications infrastructure provider, delivering transmission, distribution and related services across Australia.

The fund manager noted that during January, the GenusPlus Group share price strengthened 18% after the company upgraded its FY26 earnings guidance, pointing to approximately 35% growth of normalised operating profit (EBITDA) compared to the FY25 normalised EBITDA of $67.4 million.

This strength was driven by better-than-forecast performance from the energy and engineering and services segments.

WAM pointed out that this positive momentum was further underpinned by contract wins and project progression, including its joint venture with ACCIONA being awarded by AusNet the approximately $1.6 billion Western Renewables Link construction contract, subject to approvals.

On top of that, the market received confirmation that construction will proceed on the Ausgrid Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone sub-transmission line works, with a contract value of approximately $140 million. Construction is planned to commence in February 2026.

The fund manager then said:

We remain positive on the outlook, supported by strong organic growth momentum, with the balance sheet in excellent shape to undertake earnings accretive acquisitions.

What is the valuation of the ASX share?

The business has steadily increased its annual dividend per share each year for the last couple of years and the dividends are being hiked at a fast pace. The company grew its FY25 final dividend per share by 44% to 3.6 cents.

In FY25, the company’s total revenue rose by 36% to $751.3 million, infrastructure revenue climbed 30% to $415.6 million, energy and engineering revenue climbed 54% to $234.5 million and services revenue soared 38% to $123.2 million.

It’s currently trading at 35x FY25’s earnings, but the business is clearly expected to deliver further strong growth in the coming years.

At its AGM, the company said that it’s well-positioned for organic growth and targeted strategic acquisitions with a focus on expanding its delivery capabilities. It also said that the momentum of new energy projects connecting to the national electricity network market continues to build, which bodes well for the ASX share’s foreseeable future.

The post Experts rate this ASX share as a buy! appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Broker says this ASX All Ords stock could rise 15%
• Looking for strong dividend yields? These three managed funds might fit the bill

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

Shares in West African Resources Ltd (ASX: WAF) were trading higher on Monday after the company reported exploration results which could result in a “significant mine life extension” at its Sanbrado gold operations in Burkina Faso.

The company said in a statement to the ASX that significant drilling results beneath the M5 South resource included 28m at 6.1 grams per tonne of gold, 12m at 4.9 grams per tonne, and 8m at 4.7 grams per tonne.

There were also significant results from infill drilling of the inferred resource at M5, which included 22m at 13 grams per tonne of gold and 44m at 5 grams per tonne.

West African Executive Chairman Richard Hyde said the results were encouraging.

WAF’s exploration teams have been very active over the last 6 months managing drilling programs at M5 South underground and beneath the M5 North open-pit. Drilling to 400m below the M5 South underground resource has successfully extended the depth of mineralisation returning 28m at 6.1 g/t gold and 12m at 4.9 g/t gold. Drilling 200 to 400m beneath the M5 North open-pit reserve has confirmed potential for WAF to extend open-pit mining at Sanbrado. Thick zones of gold mineralisation have been returned from the current drilling program including 45m at 0.9 g/t gold supporting the previously released 16m at 11.2 g/t gold.

New resource update in train

Mr Hyde said the company was aiming to incorporate an extension to the M5 South underground and the M5 North open-pit into its upcoming mineral resource and ore reserve update and 10-year production outlook, planned for release in the second quarter of calendar year 2026.

West African Resources also published a presentation on Monday, which included a 10-year production target of 4.8 million ounces of gold.

This was based on its current calculated reserves using a conservative gold price of US$1400 for its open pit operations and US$1800 for its underground operations.

The presentation said the priorities for this year would be completing 20,000m of underground drilling at M5, targeting resource growth, 10,000m of drilling at the M5 North open pit, and 13,500m of drilling at its Toega deposit.

The company produced 300,338 ounces of gold in 2025 and was unhedged, enabling it to benefit from the current high gold price.

The company currently holds US$508 million in cash and bullion, the presentation said.

West African Resources shares were 5% higher on Monday at $3.36. The company was valued at $3.66 billion at the close of trade on Friday.

The post Which gold miner’s shares are surging on good exploration results? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• West African Resources delivers major drilling results at Sanbrado
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Guess which ASX 200 gold stock is surging to an all-time high on strong results
• West African Resources posts strong December quarter cash inflows
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

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.

The All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is up 1.4% today, with plenty of lifting help from this rocketing ASX All Ords gold stock.

The fast-rising stock in question is gold and rare earths explorer Dateline Resources Ltd (ASX: DTR).

Dateline Resources shares closed on Friday trading for 28.5 cents. In early morning trade on Monday, shares are swapping hands for 30.2 apiece, up 6%.

On the back of a surging gold price, increasing Western interest in rare earths sources outside of China, and its own exploration successes, this has seen the Dateline Resources share price up 115.7% over the past six months, racing ahead of the 0.3% six-month losses posted by the benchmark index.

Here’s what’s catching ASX investor interest again today.

ASX All Ords gold stock leaps on survey progress

Investors are piling into Dateline Resources shares today after the miner announced it has completed infill gravity, magnetic, and radiometric surveys at its 100% owned Colosseum Gold and Rare Earth Project, located in the US state of California.

The ASX All Ords gold stock completed an induced polarisation (IP) survey across Colosseum in December.

Dateline said it designed the latest round of surveys to improve resolution over areas where earlier IP and MT data identified “deep chargeability and conductivity features interpreted to be structurally controlled and potentially associated with gold mineralisation and/or REE-bearing [rare earth element bearing] carbonatite intrusions”.

The ASX All Ords gold stock noted that it will integrate the newly acquired geophysical datasets to progressively sharpen drill targeting across the key structural corridors the miner has identified in earlier programs.

The company expects that this work will see it transition from broad-based target definition at the project to highly focused drill testing.

What did management say?

Commenting on the progress lifting the ASX All Ords gold stock today, Dateline managing director Stephen Baghdadi said, “The data continues to support the presence of a large mineral system, with deep structural and sulphide-hosted features interpreted as mineralising plumbing extending beyond the known near surface ore zones.”

Baghdadi added:

The integration of these high-quality geophysical datasets is a deliberate step to sharpen drill targeting and maximise the effectiveness of the forthcoming drilling campaign.

With several targets interpreted at depths of approximately 500 to 1,000 metres, this approach ensures that drilling is highly focused, technically informed and capital efficient as the company advances into deeper, more technically demanding drill testing.

Dateline Resources said that diamond core drilling rigs are scheduled to begin arriving at Colosseum next week.

The post Up 116% in 6 months, guess which ASX All Ords gold stock is rocketing again today on big US news appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Dateline, EOS, Karoon Energy, and Pro Medicus shares are charging higher today
• Up 100% this year. Why this ASX gold stock is back in rally mode
• Why Capstone Copper, Dateline, DroneShield, and Lindian shares are falling today
• Dateline shares halted as investors await key announcement
• Up 9,800% in a year, this ASX gold stock just delivered another major drilling surprise

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.

Passive income investors are spoilt for choice on the Australian share market, with the bourse filled to the brim with ASX dividend shares.

But which ones could be buys in February?

Let’s take a look at three that analysts are currently recommending to their clients. They are as follows:

HomeCo Daily Needs REIT (ASX: HDN)

The first ASX dividend share for income investors to look at is the HomeCo Daily Needs REIT.

It is a real estate investment trust (REIT) with a focus on convenience-based assets. This includes supermarkets, pharmacies, and medical clinics.

At the last count, the HomeCo Daily Needs REIT owned 47 properties with an average weighted lease expiry of 4.9 years and an impressive 99% occupancy.

UBS is a fan of the company and sees value in its shares at current levels. The broker currently has a buy rating and $1.53 price target on its shares.

As for income, it is expecting the company to reward shareholders with dividends of 8.6 cents per share in FY 2026 and then 8.7 cents per share in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $1.26, this would mean dividend yields of 6.8% and 6.9%, respectively.

IPH Ltd (ASX: IPH)

Another ASX dividend share that has been given the thumbs up by analysts is IPH.

It is an international intellectual property services company with businesses operating across 26 jurisdictions. It counts Fortune Global 500 companies, multinationals, public sector research organisations, small businesses, and professional services firms as clients.

Morgans remains positive on IPH and is recommending it to clients. It believes the company is positioned to pay fully franked dividends of 37 cents per share in FY 2026 and FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $3.50, this would mean generous 10.5% dividend yields for both years.

Morgans has a buy rating and $6.05 price target on its shares.

Sonic Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SHL)

Finally, Bell Potter is tipping Sonic Healthcare as an ASX dividend share to buy.

It is a leading pathology and diagnostic imaging provider that has operations across Australia, Europe, and the United States.

Bell Potter believes the company’s performance is about to improve meaningfully and then be sustained. It notes that this is expected to be “driven by right sizing the business, the impact of acquisitions in FY24 and normalising organic operations post COVID.”

The broker expects this to support dividends per share of $1.09 in FY 2026 and then $1.11 in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $22.02, this represents dividend yields of 4.8% and 4.9%, respectively.

Bell Potter currently has a buy rating and $33.30 price target on its shares.

The post 3 quality ASX dividend shares to buy for passive income in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Forget term deposits and buy these ASX dividend shares
• Meet the ASX dividend stocks offering massive 6% to 10% yields
• These excellent ASX dividend shares offer 4% to 6.7% yields
• Aussie income stocks: A once-in-a-decade chance to get richer?
• 3 high-yield ASX dividend shares that smash term deposits

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 recommended HomeCo Daily Needs REIT, IPH Ltd , and Sonic Healthcare. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Scentre Group Ltd (ASX: SCG) share price is in focus today, after the company announced an interim distribution of 8.91 cents per stapled security, payable on 27 February 2026.

What did Scentre Group report?

• Scentre Group declared an interim distribution of AUD 0.08905 per stapled security for the six months to 31 December 2025
• Distribution ex-date: 12 February 2026; record date: 13 February 2026
• Payment will be made on 27 February 2026 via direct credit to eligible holders
• Distribution Reinvestment Plan (DRP) is available, with election deadline on 16 February 2026
• Distributions may be paid in NZD for New Zealand holders with a valid request

What else do investors need to know?

Scentre Group will release its full-year results and Appendix 4E on Tuesday, 24 February 2026, shortly before the payment date. Investors can expect more detailed financial and operational information at that time.

Eligible securityholders must have a registered address in Australia or New Zealand to participate in the DRP or receive payments via direct credit. The company will send tax statements in March 2026 with a breakdown of distribution components.

What’s next for Scentre Group?

Scentre Group’s upcoming results on 24 February 2026 will provide more insight into the group’s performance and outlook for the year ahead. For now, the company is focused on delivering its announced distribution and maintaining direct engagement with investors through its DRP and digital channels.

Investors keen on reinvesting their distributions should review the DRP rules and ensure their preferences are registered by the deadline. Management has indicated ongoing commitment to transparent communications and regular returns to securityholders.

Scentre Group share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Scentre Group shares have risen 5%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 3% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Scentre Group announces February 2026 distribution appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Argo Investments reports record profit and dividend
• 2 ASX 200 shares that could be top buys for growth
• West African Resources delivers major drilling results at Sanbrado
• Challenger flags talks on Pepper Money acquisition
• CAR Group delivers strong H1 FY26 earnings and reaffirms outlook

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.

The Argo Investments Ltd (ASX: ARG) share price is in focus after the company reported a half-year profit of $130.8 million and a record high fully franked interim dividend of 18.5 cents per share.

What did Argo Investments Limited report?

• Half-year profit: $130.8 million, up from $121.2 million last year
• Earnings per share: 17.2 cents, up from 15.9 cents
• Interim dividend: 18.5 cents per share (fully franked), up 8.8%
• Management expense ratio: 0.14%, improved from 0.15%
• Grossed-up annual yield: 6.1% based on the last closing share price

What else do investors need to know?

Argo’s investment revenue from its portfolio was flat over the half, but profit was lifted by trading and options income. The company has boosted its fully franked dividend by 37.5% over the past five years, maintaining 100% franking even throughout volatile market conditions.

During the period, Argo made some notable investment changes, adding CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL), Amcor (ASX: AMC), Worley Ltd (ASX: WOR), Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO), BHP Group Ltd (ASX:BHP) , Generation Development Group Ltd (ASX: GDG), and Clarity Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: CU6), while selling all shares in Healius Ltd (ASX: HLS) and GPT Group (ASX: GPT). The total number of portfolio stocks decreased slightly from 85 to 83.

What did Argo Investments management say?

Managing Director Jason Beddow said:

We considered it appropriate to meaningfully increase the interim dividend. The Board is committed to sustainably growing Argo’s fully franked dividends.

What’s next for Argo Investments?

Looking ahead, Argo noted the outlook remains highly uncertain given ongoing geopolitical risks and shifting monetary policy, including higher Australian interest rates. The team highlighted Australia’s structural advantages, particularly in resources and critical minerals.

Argo plans to keep its diversified approach, spanning more than 80 ASX-listed companies. The company says it aims to provide shareholders with reliable income and long-term capital growth, even through volatile markets.

Argo Investments share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Argo Investments shares have risen 1%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 3% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Argo Investments reports record profit and dividend appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Scentre Group announces February 2026 distribution
• 2 ASX 200 shares that could be top buys for growth
• West African Resources delivers major drilling results at Sanbrado
• Challenger flags talks on Pepper Money acquisition
• CAR Group delivers strong H1 FY26 earnings and reaffirms outlook

Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has positions in CSL. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Amcor Plc. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group and CSL. 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.

Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) shares have quietly found a second wind in recent weeks, riding a rebound in oil prices and a renewed appetite for energy stocks.

Investors are warming to the idea that Santos is moving past its heavy spending phase just as key projects edge closer to delivering cash flow.

Santos shares have surged this year by 11% to $6.89 at the time of writing. The ASX energy company could also be interesting for income-hungry investors with a current dividend yield of 5.3% that stands well above the broader market.

Let’s take a closer look at the outlook for Santos shares.

Major makeover

At its heart, Santos is a high-quality energy producer with long-life assets spread across Australia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and the US. LNG is the engine room, backed by long-term contracts that help smooth out short-term commodity price noise.

The next few years could be a turning point for Santos shares. Flagship growth projects like Barossa LNG and Alaska’s Pikka oil project are edging closer to first production.

Once online, these assets should materially lift output, cash flow, and earnings power. If management executes well, Santos could look like a very different — and far more valuable — business a few years from now.

Disciplined dividend story

Income is another big drawcard. Santos has tightened up its capital return framework, committing to return a meaningful slice of free cash flow to shareholders.

What’s changed is discipline. Dividends are now explicitly tied to free cash flow rather than balance-sheet stretch. That makes the current yield appealing, though still not bulletproof. This year, the company is expected to pay a 4.7% unfranked dividend yield.

That said, dividends haven’t always been smooth. Payouts were cut in weaker cycles and rebuilt as conditions improved.

Risks are not be ignored

Oil and gas prices remain Santos’ biggest wildcard. A prolonged downturn would squeeze earnings and could put pressure on dividends and Santos shares.

Santos is also a capital-heavy business. Big projects can drive big returns, but delays or cost blowouts would quickly dent investor confidence.

Then there’s the long-term backdrop. As the global energy system shifts toward cleaner alternatives, fossil fuel producers face rising regulatory, political, and ESG headwinds.

That doesn’t kill the investment case. However, it will likely limit how generously the market will value Santos’ earnings.

Are Santos shares a buy?

If energy prices hold up and new projects deliver as planned, Santos shares could offer an appealing mix of strong income and meaningful upside from here.

Analysts seem to agree. TradingView data show most brokers rate the $22 billion energy producer a buy, with an average 12-month price target of $7.24. That implies 5% upside from the current share price of $6.89 — before dividends.

The post Up 11% and yielding 5.3%: Are Santos shares a serious buy now? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• Which company does Macquarie prefer, Woodside or Santos?
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday

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