The stock market is a great place to find high-yield ASX shares that can provide a large dividend yield.

Investments like cash, term deposits, bonds and residential property typically do not offer as large of a dividend yield as the ASX shares I’m highlight in this article.

While high yields can sometimes be riskier, I believe both of the below names can continue paying a large yield for the foreseeable future.

Bailador Technology Investments Ltd (ASX: BTI)

Bailador is an ASX-listed company that invests in early-stage technology businesses that have global addressable markets and strong unit economics. Bailador also prefers to invest in companies that can generate recurring revenue.

The business likes to look in certain areas of the tech space such as software as a service (SaaS) and other subscription-based internet businesses, online marketplaces, e-commerce, high value data, online education and tech-enabled services.

Its investments are growing in size at a strong speed. In the FY26 first-half result, it revealed its portfolio businesses grew revenue by 42% year-over-year, with 85% of portfolio revenue in high-quality recurring revenue.

If its revenue continues growing at that speed, I’d expect the businesses to be worth substantially more in three to five years. It’s a good idea to think about investing for the long-term because sometimes there can be volatility along the way.

In terms of the dividend, the high-yield ASX share just declined an interim dividend of 3.9 cents per share. If it were to declare the same level of dividend in another six months, that would be an annualised grossed-up dividend yield of 9.3%, including franking credits.

At the time of writing, it’s trading at a 37% discount to its January 2026 pre-tax net tangible assets (NTA).

Charter Hall Long WALE REIT (ASX: CLW)

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) can provide a great level of passive income investors because they usually have a stronger rental yield than residential properties.

Additionally, this business aims to pay out all of its rental profit each year as a distribution, maximising the yield investors can get.

State and federal tenants are the biggest contributor of rental income, meaning that investors have very stable rent. Other tenants include Endeavour Group Ltd (ASX: EDV), Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS), BP, Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL), Metcash Ltd (ASX: MTS) and Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC).

Not only are these blue-chip tenants, but they’re also signed on for long-term contracts. It had a weighted average lease expiry (WALE) of 9.2 years at 31 December 2025. Its portfolio occupancy is virtually at 100%, meaning it’s getting almost as much rental income as it can.

It’s expecting to pay a distribution of 25.5 cents per security in FY26, which would be a distribution yield of 6.8%, at the time of writing. That’s a great starting yield and I’m expecting further long-term growth as the high yield ASX share’s rental income organically grows with contracted increases.

The post 2 high yield ASX shares I’d buy after their results appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Bailador Technology Investments. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Bailador Technology Investments. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended BP. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Telstra Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Bailador Technology Investments. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Webjet Group Ltd (ASX: WJL) shares have fallen sharply after the company announced that a potential takeover bid from fellow travel company Helloworld Travel Ltd (ASX: HLO) had fallen over.

Webjet shares jumped significantly when the potential takeover was first announced in mid-November, increasing from 76 cents to 88 cents in one session.

At the time Helloworld said that it had submitted a non-binding, indicative proposal to the board of Webjet, to acquire the company for 90 cents per share.

The company went on to say:

Helloworld believes the proposal represents a compelling offer for all Webjet’s shareholders, with the opportunity to realise a premium valuation and 100% cash consideration. Further we believe that Helloworld and Webjet are logical partners and that a combination provides a strong platform for both companies to achieve their long-term strategic objectives.

The proposal was conditional on the satisfactory completion of due diligence by Helloworld, required regulatory approvals, and a unanimous recommendation in favour by the Webjet board.

A competing takeover offer from BGH Capital at 91 cents per share was also pitched in November.

Talks called off

Webjet said on Friday morning in a statement to the ASX that neither party had put forward a proposal which they could take to shareholders.

The company said:

Over the last 12 weeks, Webjet has engaged constructively with Helloworld and BGH, providing both parties with due diligence access. The Webjet Board has not however received a proposal from either party that is consistent with the respective indicative proposals or capable of being put to shareholders. The Webjet Board does not believe there is sufficient certainty that a binding proposal that is capable of being recommended by the Webjet Board will be received from either party within an acceptable timeframe. As a result, the Webjet Board has determined that management’s time, focus and resources should return wholly to executing the Company’s existing strategy. Accordingly, discussions with both Helloworld and BGH have now ceased.

The company said its board remained open to engaging with parties on any change of ownership proposal in the future about a “proposal that represents compelling value for shareholders and offers sufficient certainty of execution within an acceptable timeframe”.

The company also updated the market as to trading conditions, saying it had been a challenging period, and underlying EBITDA for FY26 was expected to be in the range of $28-$29 million, excluding Webjet Business Travel, “which is delivering in line with plan and as foreshadowed is expected to reduce underlying EBITDA by circa $600-900 thousand in 2H26”.

Webjet also said it would restart its $25 million share buyback, which was put on hold while the takeover talks were on foot.

Webjet shares were changing hands for 60 cents on Friday morning, down 22.6%.

The post Webjet Group shares plunge as Helloworld takeover plans fall through 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 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.

Nick Scali Ltd (ASX: NCK) shares are taking a beating today.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) furniture retailer closed yesterday trading for $23.79. In early morning trade on Friday, shares are changing hands for $21.30 apiece, down 10.5%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is down 0.7% at this same time.

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

Here’s what we know.

Nick Scali shares sink amid UK business losses

For the six-month period, Nick Scali reported a 7.2% year-on-year increase in revenue to $269.3 million.

And Nick Scali shares could catch some longer-term tailwinds, with the company achieving a 14.1% improvement in gross margin to 59.2%.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of $96.6 million was up 18.8% from H1 FY 2025.

On the bottom line, the ASX 200 furniture retailer reported statutory net profit after tax (NPAT) of $41 million, up 36.4% year on year.

Breaking that down by regions, the company’s UK statutory net loss after tax of $5.6 million was in line with management forecasts but still looks to be pressuring the stock today.

Nick Scali noted the UK segment loss reflected “lengthy store closures during the half associated with the refurbishment and rebranding program”. UK half-year revenue of $17.6 million was down 39.5% from H1 FY 2025.

The ANZ business performed strongly, with a 36.7% year-on-year lift in statutory NPAT to $46.6 million. While H1 FY 2026 revenue was up 13.1% to $251.7 million.

In light of this performance, management declared a fully-franked interim dividend of 39 cents per share, up 30% from last year’s interim payout.

If you’re looking to bank the Nick Scali dividend, you’ll need to own the stock at market close on 27 February. Shares trade ex-dividend on 2 March.

What did management say?

Commenting on the results that have yet to lift Nick Scali shares today, CEO Anthony Scali said:

The first half delivered solid sales and profit growth in ANZ with good progress made in the UK as the completion of store refurbishments and rebranding contributed to improvement in written sales orders.

Statutory net profit after tax for the group was up 36% on the prior year, reflecting 13% growth in sales revenue in ANZ and the improvement in gross profit margin in both the UK and ANZ.

Looking ahead, Scali added, “We continue to grow our store network across ANZ with six new stores to be opened in FY26, and several new store opportunities currently under negotiation in the UK.”

Nick Scali share price snapshot

With today’s intraday fall factored in, Nick Scali shares remain up 24.3% over the past 12 months, not including dividends.

The post Nick Scali shares plunging 11% today despite big dividend boost 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 Nick Scali. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

ASX small-cap shares can be some of the most exciting investments to own for the long-term because of how much they may grow over the next five or ten years.

A business growing from $2 billion to $3 billion is an increase of 50%. A business growing from $500 million to $2 billion is a quadrupling in size. The earlier we invest in a business, the more of its growth journey we can ride along for.

I’m going to talk about two investments that I think could deliver significant returns over the next five years.

Siteminder Ltd (ASX: SDR)

Siteminder provides software to hotel operators around the world, to help their operations and bookings. It generates A$85 billion in hotel revenue across 150 countries, with 130 million transactions for more than 50,000 hotel customers globally.

It is able to give its hotel subscribers an extensive view of data and trends, with some modules giving clients the ability for Siteminder to automatically change hotel room prices to maximise revenue and occupancy throughout the year.

The Siteminder share price has dropped around 50% since October 2025, so it’s significantly cheaper – I think it’s a great time to invest. The fall has happened despite the company generating more annualised recurring revenue (ARR) than ever – it’s targeting 30% organic annual revenue growth in the medium-term, which would be an excellent expansion rate.

The ASX small-cap share has recently reached positive profitability and cash flow, so additional revenue growth from here should be very helpful because of the operating leverage of a software business.

Broker UBS forecasts Siteminder’s revenue could grow from $284 million in FY26 and reach $589 million by FY30 – that’d be an increase of more than 100%.

VanEck MSCI International Small Cos Quality ETF (ASX: QSML)

This exchange-traded fund (ETF) is a leading option to invest in global small-cap shares. These are typically bigger businesses than ASX small-cap shares, but they have just as much potential.

I also like this option because of the diversification that comes with owning a portfolio of shares, not just a singular name.

It aims to invest in a portfolio of 150 names that come from a variety of countries. Markets with an allocation of at least 0.6% include the US, the UK, Japan, Switzerland, Sweden, Canada, Thailand, Israel, Denmark, France, Mexico and Finland.

This isn’t a tech fund though – tech is not even one of the two largest sectors! Industrials has a 40% weighting in the fund and financials is the next biggest at 18.3%. The IT sector is the third and last industry with a double-digit weighting, at 12.1%.

There are three factors that a business must have – a high return on equity (ROE), earnings stability and low financial leverage. Each of those elements are appealing on their own, but together they are a powerful combination when found in the same business.

The fund has delivered an average return of 14.9% per year over the last three years, showing its potential to perform over time, though the next three years may not be as strong.

The post 2 top small cap ASX shares to buy right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

If I had $50,000 ready to invest today and wanted broad exposure without overcomplicating things, I’d consider exchange-traded funds (ETFs). 

For me, that means combining structural growth themes, international diversification, and quality businesses.

Right now, three ASX ETFs stand out as a combination I’d feel comfortable allocating serious capital to.

Vanguard FTSE Asia Ex-Japan Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAE)

If you believe the next few decades won’t be dominated solely by Western economies, exposure to Asia makes sense.

The VAE ETF gives access to around 1,800 companies across major Asian markets, including China, Taiwan, India, and South Korea. That’s meaningful diversification away from Australia’s banks and miners, and even away from the US-heavy global indices.

What I like most about this ETF is its exposure to structural growth stories. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, Tencent, Samsung Electronics, and Alibaba are not small, speculative names. They’re large, influential companies embedded in global supply chains and digital ecosystems.

India’s growing middle class, Taiwan’s semiconductor dominance, and South Korea’s advanced manufacturing capabilities all sit inside this one ETF. For a long-term investor, I think that’s a powerful mix.

Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK)

Cybersecurity is one of those areas where demand doesn’t disappear when the economy slows.

The HACK ETF gives exposure to global stocks focused on protecting data, networks, and digital infrastructure. As governments, corporations, and even households become more connected, the need for security only increases.

I see cybersecurity less as a trend and more as a necessity. It doesn’t matter whether we’re talking about cloud computing, artificial intelligence, or digital payments. All of it requires protection.

Allocating part of a $50,000 investment to the HACK ETF gives exposure to that long-term theme without trying to pick individual winners. For me, it’s a way to add growth potential with a clear structural tailwind.

VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF (ASX: QUAL)

If the VAE ETF gives me regional diversification and the HACK ETF gives me thematic growth, this ETF gives me discipline.

The QUAL ETF screens global stocks based on quality metrics such as high return on equity, stable earnings, and low financial leverage. That means it tilts toward businesses with strong balance sheets and consistent profitability.

Its holdings include global leaders like Nvidia, Apple, Microsoft, and Eli Lilly, but what matters to me isn’t just the names. It’s the process. The VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF is designed to emphasise companies with durable competitive advantages and financial strength.

Over time, I believe quality tends to outperform, particularly during periods of volatility. That makes the QUAL ETF, in my view, a strong core holding for long-term capital growth.

Foolish Takeaway

If I were investing $50,000 today, I’d want diversification, structural growth exposure, and high-quality businesses all working together.

For me, the Vanguard FTSE Asia Ex-Japan Shares Index ETF, the Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF, and the VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF tick those boxes. I’d be comfortable building a long-term portfolio around them.

The post Why I would buy these ASX ETFs with $50,000 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 positions in and has recommended Apple, BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF, Microsoft, Nvidia, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, and Tencent. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Alibaba Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Apple, Microsoft, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The WAM Leaders Ltd (ASX: WLE) share price is in focus today following the company’s announcement of a fully franked interim dividend of 4.8 cents per share for the six months to 31 December 2025.

What did WAM Leaders report?

• Interim fully franked dividend of 4.8 cents per share
• Dividend relates to the period ending 31 December 2025
• Record date: 16 April 2026; Ex-dividend date: 15 April 2026
• Payment date: 30 April 2026
• Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRP) available with no discount

What else do investors need to know?

The declared dividend will be paid entirely in Australian dollars, with a franking credit of 30% attached. Shareholders who wish to participate in the company’s DRP must submit their election by 5pm on 20 April 2026. Those who do not elect to reinvest will receive their dividend as a cash payment.

The DRP price will be based on the volume weighted average market price (VWAP) of WAM Leaders shares traded on the ASX over the four trading days commencing on the ex-dividend date.

What’s next for WAM Leaders?

Shareholders can look forward to receiving their dividend at the end of April 2026. Eligible investors may choose between cash dividends or reinvesting via the DRP, depending on their individual investment strategies and goals.

WAM Leaders Limited’s continued commitment to fully franked dividends may appeal to income-focused investors, particularly those seeking reliable distributions in the listed investment company sector.

WAM Leaders share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, WAM Leaders shares have risen 6%, which is in line with the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).

View Original Announcement

The post WAM Leaders announces fully franked interim dividend for 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has positions in Wam Leaders. 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.

Three of Australia’s largest mining companies will report important earnings results next week. 

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) will release its HY26 results on Tuesday, 17 February. 

Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC) will release HY26 results on Thursday, 19 February.

Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) will also release FY25 results on Thursday, 19 February.

How are these mining shares performing?

ASX materials and energy sectors have surged in the last month as these industries have benefited from commodity price tailwinds. 

The S&P/ASX 200 Energy (ASX: XEJ) index is up 8.8% in that span. 

The S&P/ASX 200 Materials (ASX: XMJ) index is up 8.66%. 

All three of these mining giants are coming into earnings results red hot, enjoying big gains over the past month: 

• BHP shares are up 12%
• Rio Tinto shares have risen 18.51%
• Whitehaven Coal shares are up 4.25%

What are experts saying ahead of earnings results?

Both Rio Tinto and BHP shares hit multi year highs yesterday. 

BHP shares reached $52.64 per share during Thursday’s trade, its highest share price since April 2022. 

Rio Tinto reached a record $168.78, representing an all-time high. 

With valuations looking full, investors may be cautious to jump in ahead of earnings results. 

However both are experiencing a combination of tailwinds, including commodity price surges and a strong Aussie dollar.

Analysis from Canaccord Genuity and Wilsons Advisory said the materials sector has historically exhibited the best performance during periods of AUD appreciation.

This is good news for BHP and Rio Tinto shares. 

BHP is also benefiting from shifting global demand for copper.

Copper demand is being driven by electrification, renewable energy, data centres, and electric vehicles.

This looks to be good news long-term for the mining giant. 

Is there further upside?

Out of the three mining shares, brokers seem to view BHP and Rio Tinto shares as close to fully valued. 

However based on the tailwinds discussed earlier, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a re-rating should the companies post strong earnings results. 

Meanwhile, a recent note out of Ord Minnett indicated that Whitehaven Coal shares have yet to peak. 

The broker has a target price of $9.90 on the ASX energy stock. 

Yesterday, the share price closed at $8.58. 

If it was to reach the estimate from Ord Minnett, that would mean a rise of more than 15%. 

Foolish takeaway 

For these blue-chip stocks, sentiment seems to point towards recent momentum continuing thanks to a combination of tailwinds. 

Despite valuations seeming full, long term upside remains for BHP and Rio Tinto shares. 

Any share price pull back following earnings results could offer a more attractive entry point. 

The post Mining Mammoths: Are Whitehaven Coal, Rio Tinto or BHP shares a buy ahead of earnings results? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell has positions in BHP Group. 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 BHP Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The GQG Partners Inc (ASX: GQG) share price is in focus today after the investment manager reported higher full-year net income and record funds under management. Net income rose 7.3% to USD 463.3 million for 2025, while FUM reached USD 163.9 billion, up 7.1% from 2024. The company also declared a fourth-quarter dividend of USD 0.0365 per share.

What did GQG Partners report?

• Funds under management (FUM) ended at USD 163.9 billion, up 7.1% from the previous year
• Average FUM rose 10.8% to USD 164.3 billion
• Net revenue increased 6.3% to USD 808.3 million
• Net income attributable to shareholders climbed 7.3% to USD 463.3 million
• Diluted earnings per share grew 6.7% to USD 0.16
• Full-year dividends declared were USD 0.1469 per share, a 7.5% lift

What else do investors need to know?

GQG also announced net outflows of USD 3.9 billion for the year, compared to net inflows of USD 20.2 billion in 2024. Despite this, the company achieved positive investment performance, adding USD 14.8 billion to its FUM.

The business remains well diversified across strategies and geographies, with significant exposure to international, emerging markets, global, and US equities. Around 98% of revenue continues to come from asset-based fees, with management noting that their average fee remains competitive within the industry.

What did GQG Partners management say?

Chief Executive Officer Tim Carver said:

While we faced some headwinds in 2025, our team achieved several important milestones this year. On the back of a very strong 2024, GQG steadily grew funds under management (FUM) in the first half of 2025, reaching a month-end record high of USD 172.4 billion as of 30 June 2025. We ended 2025 with USD 163.9 billion in FUM, a USD 10.9 billion and 7.1% increase over FUM as of 31 December 2024. FUM increased as a result of positive investment performance of USD 14.8 billion, which was partially offset by net outflows of USD 3.9 billion for the year. Since our IPO in October 2021, we have grown FUM by more than 81%.

What’s next for GQG Partners?

GQG Partners is maintaining its focus on active equity management and diversified strategies. Management highlighted strong investment performance since inception across key asset classes, and reiterated that competitive fee structures position the company well against peers.

Looking ahead, GQG plans to continue offering a wide range of investment options across global markets, aiming to balance growth and resilience even in more challenging flow environments.

GQG Partners share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, GQG Partners shares have declined 32%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 6% over the same period.

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The post GQG Partners posts strong FY25 earnings and record FUM 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 recommended Gqg Partners. 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 BWP Trust (ASX: BWP) share price is in focus today after the company announced a 41.2% jump in statutory profit to $221.8 million for the half-year ended 31 December 2025, with revenue up 3% and an interim distribution per security increasing 4.1% to 9.58 cents.

What did BWP Group report?

• Revenue rose 3.0% to $103.6 million (HY24: $100.6 million)
• Statutory profit after fair value adjustments and tax surged 41.2% to $221.8 million (HY24: $157.1 million)
• Interim distribution per security lifted 4.1% to 9.58 cents
• Net tangible assets per security climbed 2.0% to $4.00
• Weighted average capitalisation rate of 5.27% across the property portfolio
• Portfolio value increased by $195.9 million to $3.9 billion, including significant unrealised gains

What else do investors need to know?

BWP completed its management internalisation in August 2025, focusing on strengthening systems and employment arrangements as it transitions to an internal model. The company advanced key leasing milestones, amending 62 Bunnings leases and making progress on development approvals for property expansions in Western Australia and New South Wales.

The Group’s occupancy rate remained solid at 96.7%, with a long weighted average lease expiry of 7.5 years. Divestments included several properties sold at strong premiums, while new debt facilities have improved funding flexibility and reduced risk.

What did BWP Group management say?

Managing Director Mark Scatena said:

The half saw a continued focus on asset repurposing, occupancy improvement and asset recycling whilst transitioning to an internalised management structure, with funding diversified and the balance sheet expanded to support the lower cost of capital post internalisation.

What’s next for BWP Group?

BWP expects to maintain its strategic direction, balancing portfolio optimisation, growth and renewal through the remainder of FY26. Priorities include embedding the internal management model, deploying capital efficiently for site repurposing and tenant-led expansions, and capitalising on further leasing opportunities.

The company guides to a full-year distribution per security of 19.41 cents, about 4.1% higher than FY25. Ongoing rent reviews, site developments, and tenant mix enhancements should underpin future growth, supported by a low supply pipeline in the large format retail sector.

BWP Group share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, BWP Group shares have risen 8%, slightly outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 6% over the same period.

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The post BWP Group posts strong half-year profit and higher distributions 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.

The Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH) share price is in focus today after the hearing implant leader posted a modest 1% lift in sales revenue to $1,176 million for the half year ended December 2025, but underlying net profit fell 9% to $195 million. The board declared an interim dividend of $2.15 per share, steady on last year and representing a 72% payout ratio.

What did Cochlear report?

• Sales revenue up 1% to $1,176 million (down 2% in constant currency)
• Underlying net profit dropped 9% to $194.8 million
• Statutory net profit down 21% to $161.5 million
• Underlying earnings per share declined 9% to $2.98
• Interim dividend steady at $2.15 per share, 72% payout and 85% franked
• Operating cash flow increased to $136.8 million, free cash flow rose to $82.7 million

What else do investors need to know?

Cochlear launched the Nucleus Nexa System, the world’s first upgradeable smart cochlear implant, following 20 years of R&D. Uptake was strong, with the new system making up 80% of December implant sales, but the registration and contract renewal process delayed momentum in the first half.

Growth in emerging markets saw cochlear implant units lift 6%, although revenue was flat due to a greater proportion of lower-priced devices, particularly in China. Services revenue climbed 2% while Acoustics revenue remained steady. The company increased investment in R&D by 9% and continued to build inventory, lifting working capital.

What did Cochlear management say?

CEO & President Dig Howitt said:

We remain confident of the opportunity to grow our markets. There remains a significant, unmet and addressable clinical need for cochlear and acoustic implants that is expected to continue to underpin the long-term sustainable growth of the business.

What’s next for Cochlear?

Management expects a stronger second half, buoyed by the Nexa System’s availability, more services uptake, and improved Acoustics performance. FY26 underlying net profit is forecast to be at the lower end of the $435–460 million range, reflecting the slower than expected contracting for Nexa. The dividend policy remains at a 70% payout of underlying net profit, and Cochlear will keep investing in R&D and capacity expansion. Foreign exchange movements may influence profit levels in the coming months.

Cochlear share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Cochlear shares have declined 19%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 6% over the same period.

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The post Cochlear posts modest sales growth but lower profit as Nexa launch continues 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 positions in and has recommended Cochlear. 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. 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.