• Guzman y Gomez posts 20% Q3 FY26 sales growth

    A smiling man take a big bite out of a burrito

    The Guzman y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG) share price is in focus today after the Mexican-inspired restaurant chain posted Q3 FY26 sales growth, with network sales up 19.5% to $345.9 million and five new Australian restaurants opening in the quarter.

    What did Guzman y Gomez report?

    • Network sales rose 19.5% to $345.9 million, up from $289.5 million in Q3 FY25
    • Australia Segment delivered $320.4 million in sales, up from $267.6 million
    • Comparable sales growth: 6.6% in Australia and 2.2% in the US
    • Five new Australian restaurants opened; global total now at 278 locations
    • New strategic partnership with Uber Eats launched, strengthening delivery sales

    What else do investors need to know?

    GYG’s growth in Australia was supported by ongoing demand for clean, fresh food and strong operational performance. The company expanded a pilot of its proprietary order management system in Australian drive-thru restaurants, with positive results leading to plans for a full rollout.

    In the US, network sales increased compared to last year, driven by two new restaurant openings. While comparable sales improved over the previous quarter, the end of DoorDash deliveries in March slightly tempered growth. Brand awareness and execution also saw ongoing improvements overseas.

    What’s next for Guzman y Gomez?

    GYG has reaffirmed its full-year guidance, expecting Australia Segment underlying EBITDA as a percentage of network sales to climb to 6.0–6.2% in FY26, versus 5.7% the prior year. The group remains on track to open 32 new Australian restaurants in FY26, with a focus on drive-thrus making up the bulk of planned launches.

    Management is also planning a full rollout of its new order management system and will continue building brand awareness and operational excellence, especially in the growing US market.

    Guzman y Gomez share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, Guzman Y Gomez shares have declined 49%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 17% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post Guzman y Gomez posts 20% Q3 FY26 sales growth appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Guzman Y Gomez right now?

    Before you buy Guzman Y Gomez shares, consider this:

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

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor 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.

  • Are ASX tech stocks setting up for their next big run?

    Young happy athletic woman listening to music on earphones while jogging in the park, symbolising passive income.

    ASX tech stocks have had a rough period.

    Valuations have reset, sentiment has cooled, and concerns around interest rates and artificial intelligence (AI) disruption have weighed on the sector.

    But when I look at it now, I do not see a sector to avoid.

    I see a sector that is becoming very interesting again.

    The pullback has changed the conversation

    Not that long ago, many ASX tech stocks were trading at very demanding valuations.

    That made it harder to justify new investments, even in high-quality businesses.

    Today, that backdrop looks different.

    A number of leading companies have pulled back significantly, in some cases by 30% to 50% or more. That does not automatically make them cheap, but it does change the starting point for future returns.

    For me, that is the key shift.

    The businesses are still growing

    What stands out is that, in many cases, the underlying businesses have not stopped progressing.

    Companies like WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) continue to expand their platforms and grow revenue, even as the share price has come under pressure.

    TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE) keeps delivering steady earnings growth through its SaaS model, with high levels of annual recurring revenue and strong customer retention.

    And Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1) is building out critical digital infrastructure that supports cloud computing and, increasingly, AI workloads.

    These are not businesses standing still.

    They are still investing, still expanding, and still positioning for long-term growth.

    AI is a risk, but also an opportunity

    A big part of the recent weakness has been tied to artificial intelligence.

    There is a concern that new technologies could disrupt existing software providers or compress margins over time.

    I think that risk is real. But I also think it is only part of the story.

    Many of these companies are actively incorporating AI into their platforms. They are not passive observers. They are participants.

    In some cases, AI could enhance their products, improve efficiency, and strengthen their competitive position.

    That is why I find it difficult to take a purely negative view.

    Volatility is part of the journey

    Tech stocks are rarely smooth investments.

    They tend to move in cycles. Periods of strong performance are often followed by sharp pullbacks, especially when expectations become stretched.

    We are now in one of those reset phases.

    That can feel uncomfortable, but it is also where long-term investors can start building positions.

    The key, in my view, is focusing on quality.

    Strong balance sheets, recurring revenue, and clear competitive advantages matter a lot in this space.

    Foolish takeaway

    ASX tech stocks are not without risk, and they are unlikely to move in a straight line from here.

    But after a significant pullback, I think the sector is becoming more attractive for long-term investors.

    The businesses are still growing, the themes are still intact, and valuations are no longer as stretched as they once were.

    For me, this looks like a period where patience and selectivity could be rewarded over time.

    The post Are ASX tech stocks setting up for their next big run? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Megaport shares, consider this:

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

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor 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 Megaport, Technology One, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Technology One. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • NEXTDC announces $1 billion hybrid securities offer and La Caisse backing

    woman working on tablet

    NEXTDC Ltd (ASX: NXT) share price is in focus after the company announced a $1.0 billion hybrid securities offer, backed by a binding $1.0 billion commitment from Canadian investment group La Caisse, to support ongoing growth.

    What did NEXTDC report?

    • Launched a $1.0 billion wholesale offer of subordinated hybrid securities to fund growth initiatives
    • Secured a binding $1.0 billion commitment from La Caisse, a global institutional investor
    • Pro-forma liquidity expected to reach approximately $5.2 billion as at 31 December 2025
    • Hybrid securities to offer a 7.50% fixed coupon for the first five years, stepping up to 9.20% thereafter
    • Hybrid securities are unsecured, deeply subordinated, and carry a 100-year maturity
    • No equity conversion features attached to the hybrid securities

    What else do investors need to know?

    The hybrid securities will help fund NEXTDC’s strategy, including developing new data centres and expanding capacity. The structure offers flexible, long-term capital while maintaining the company’s financial agility, with the notes ranking junior to all existing and future debt but senior to ordinary shares.

    NEXTDC also reaffirmed its plan to issue subordinated wholesale notes after this offer, aiming to further diversify its long-term capital structure. The hybrid securities do not impact the company’s existing senior debt covenants.

    What did NEXTDC management say?

    CEO and Managing Director Craig Scroggie said:

    The announcement of the Hybrid Securities Offer and the La Caisse commitment represent another step toward NEXTDC delivering on a material step-change in the scale of our business as we deliver on the Company’s contracted forward order book across the period to FY29 and make further investments across the portfolio of new projects. We are delighted with this binding commitment from La Caisse, a long‑term investor with deep experience in infrastructure, as further validation of our growth strategy.

    What’s next for NEXTDC?

    Following this offer, NEXTDC expects to close the hybrid securities transaction around 23 April 2026, pending standard settlement conditions. Management will then evaluate options for a future subordinated wholesale notes issue, subject to market conditions, to further strengthen its funding mix.

    The company remains focused on scaling up to meet contracted demand through FY29 and investing in new projects, supported by this enhanced capital flexibility.

    NEXTDC share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, NEXTDC shares have risen 12%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 17% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post NEXTDC announces $1 billion hybrid securities offer and La Caisse backing appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy NEXTDC Limited shares, consider this:

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

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor 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.

  • Telix Pharmaceuticals Q1 2026: Revenue growth, guidance reaffirmed

    medical asx share price represented by doctor giving thumbs up

    The Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX) share price is in focus after the company reported group revenue of US$230 million, up 11% quarter-over-quarter, and reaffirmed its FY 2026 revenue guidance.

    What did Telix Pharmaceuticals report?

    • Unaudited group revenue of US$230 million, up 11% from the previous quarter
    • Precision Medicine revenue of US$186 million, a 16% quarter-over-quarter increase
    • FY 2026 revenue guidance reaffirmed at US$950 million to US$970 million
    • Successful early results from Phase 3 ProstACT® study of TLX591-Tx for prostate cancer
    • Key regulatory submissions: Pixclara® NDA resubmitted to the US FDA and Pixlumi® MAA filed in Europe

    What else do investors need to know?

    Telix continues to advance its therapeutics pipeline, hitting milestones in global studies across prostate, brain, and kidney cancer. Notably, the company observed no new safety signals in the first part of the ProstACT study, supporting the safety profile of its lead prostate cancer candidate.

    The company maintains strong momentum in its global expansion, now offering Illuccix in 21 countries, including 16 European nations. Its commercial presence is poised to support future product launches in both diagnostics and therapeutics.

    Board renewal is underway, with David Gill set to join as Non-Executive Director in May and be appointed Chair in the future, bringing recognised governance and industry experience.

    What did Telix Pharmaceuticals management say?

    Managing Director and Group CEO Dr. Christian Behrenbruch said:

    Growth accelerated across our Precision Medicine business in the first quarter, with U.S. dose volumes increasing 5% quarter-over-quarter. This performance reflects the growing uptake of Gozellix alongside Illuccix, contributing to market share gains underpinned by disciplined sales execution and pricing, and high-quality service delivery despite extreme North American weather conditions, an advantage of the pharmacy distribution model. With our two-product PSMA imaging strategy, differentiated clinical positioning and expanding commercial presence globally, we are seeing a solid foundation for continued growth through 2026. Importantly, we are delivering on our strategic priorities to advance our high-value clinical programs, demonstrated by the momentum in our therapeutics pipeline this quarter.

    What’s next for Telix Pharmaceuticals?

    Telix reaffirmed its FY 2026 revenue guidance, expecting further revenue growth driven by global uptake of its products and a full-year contribution from RLS Radiopharmacies. The company is targeting increased scale through new product launches and expanding its clinical program footprint across many markets.

    R&D spend for the full year is forecast between US$200 million and US$240 million, subject to commercial progress. Telix is also moving forward with additional regulatory filings and study site activations in new countries, supporting a positive outlook for its pipeline.

    Telix Pharmaceuticals share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, Telix shares have declined 44%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 17% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post Telix Pharmaceuticals Q1 2026: Revenue growth, guidance reaffirmed appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Telix Pharmaceuticals right now?

    Before you buy Telix Pharmaceuticals shares, consider this:

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

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor 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 Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Telix Pharmaceuticals. 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.

  • Buy, hold, sell: CSL, QBE, and Pro Medicus shares

    A man casually dressed looks to the side in a pensive, thoughtful manner with one hand under his chin, and holding a mobile phone in his other hand.

    Are you looking for ASX shares to buy after recent market weakness?

    Well, if you are, let’s see what analysts are saying about the popular shares in this article, courtesy of The Bull.

    Are they buys, holds, or sells? Let’s find out:

    CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

    This biotechnology giant’s shares have fallen heavily over the past 12 months, but Morgans isn’t in a rush to buy them.

    This week, the broker has put a hold rating on CSL shares. It appears to be waiting for its performance to improve before recommending it as a buy. It said:

    This biotechnology giant has a strong research and development pipeline and a successful track record in launching new products. Its first half result in fiscal year 2026 was softer than expected, with net profit after tax and amortisation declining 7 per cent.

    However, the company’s outlook appears supported through a combination of cost-outs, marketing initiatives and diminishing headwinds, which are all reinforced by the board’s urgency around operational delivery. This provides long term appeal for investors already holding the stock.

    Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

    The team at Fairmont Equities has named this health imaging technology provider’s shares as a sell this week.

    It believes that the rotation out of technology has not finished, which could mean further declines are on the cards. It said:

    The company provides medical imaging software and services to hospitals and healthcare groups across the world. We remain negative on the technology sector as higher interest rates, continuing market volatility and increasing uncertainty leaves investors questioning the high multiples that companies, such as Pro Medicus, trade on. As we saw in the early 2000s, technology stocks can lose a significant amount of value before they become attractive again.

    This rotation out of technology stocks often sees investors flocking to hard assets, such as mining company shares. This is what we’re seeing in sharemarkets at the moment, and this dynamic has further to go, in my view. PME shares have fallen from $330.48 on July 17, 2025 to trade at $120.17 on April 2, 2026.

    QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE)

    Over at Investor Pulse, it has named this insurance giant’s shares as a buy this week.

    It has been pleased with QBE’s strong premium rates and higher interest yields. Looking ahead, it appears to believe the positive form can continue. It said:

    Elevated premium rates and higher interest yields combine to drive earnings momentum. Improvement was clear in its full year 2025 results released in February. Net profit after tax of $US2.157 billion was up from $US1.779 billion in the prior corresponding period. Premium growth remained solid, with gross written premiums increasing 7 per cent to $US23.9 billion, driven by rate increases across North America and international markets.

    At the same time, catastrophe costs were well below expectations. This combination of underwriting strength and cost control supported a 25 per cent increase in the full year dividend to $A1.09 a share. Improved quality of earnings and reduced volatility adds to QBE’s appeal.

    The post Buy, hold, sell: CSL, QBE, and Pro Medicus shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy CSL shares, consider this:

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

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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

  • Bell Potter names the best ASX shares to buy in April

    Excited couple celebrating success while looking at smartphone.

    If you are looking for new investment ideas this month, then it could pay to listen to what Bell Potter is saying.

    That’s because the broker has just released its latest top Australian picks from the small-cap side of the market. These are its panel of favoured ASX shares that it believes offer attractive returns over the long term.

    Two that make the list in April are named below. Here’s why it is bullish on them:

    Catapult Sports Ltd (ASX: CAT)

    This sports technology company has been named as an ASX share to buy in April by the broker.

    It likes Catapult due to its strong position in a market that is expected to double in value to US$72 billion by 2030.

    Commenting on its recommendation, Bell Potter said:

    Catapult Sports is a leading global provider of elite athlete wearing tracking solutions and analytics for athlete tracking. The key target market of Catapult is elite sporting teams and organisations and the acquisition of SBG also now gives the company a presence in motorsports. The pro sports technology market is currently valued at US$36bn in 2025 and is forecast to double to US$72bn by 2030.

    We view CAT as a market leader entering a stronger phase of cash generation and operating leverage, with an underpenetrated global customer base and expanding analytics suite providing a long runway for subscription growth and valuation upside.

    Region Re Ltd (ASX: RGN)

    Bell Potter has added Region Group to its best ideas list in April. It is a neighbourhood shopping centre landlord which counts the likes of Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) and Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) as major tenants.

    The broker believes the company is well-placed for both growth and to pay a generous dividend in the near term. It also highlights its attractive valuation, with the ASX share trading at a discount to its net tangible assets (NTA). Bell Potter explains:

    We add Region Group (RGN), Australia’s largest landlord of neighbourhood shopping centres – a portfolio of highly resilient income streams heavily weighted to non-discretionary retail tenants (Woolworths and Coles). The business delivered a solid 1H26 result with a pickup in NOI and an upgrade to full year FY26 guidance, which doesn’t account for any potential acquisitions, buyback activity, and growth in its funds management platform.

    RGN also ranks amongst the most hedged in its peer group, with interest costs largely locked in for the next two years (100% hedged for FY26, 87% hedged in FY27), providing strong earnings visibility and a buffer to rising funding costs. The stock trades at a -9% discount to NTA, 6.0% 1yr forward DPS yield, and is an internally managed REIT with a largely open register in one of the most attractive risk-adjusted sub-sectors of real estate.

    The post Bell Potter names the best ASX shares to buy in April appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Catapult Group International shares, consider this:

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

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Catapult Sports. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Catapult Sports, Region 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.

  • 3 high-quality ASX shares I’d buy and hold for the long term

    Modern accountant woman in a light business suit in modern green office with documents and laptop.

    When I am thinking about long-term investing, I tend to focus on a simple idea.

    Find businesses that can keep growing over time, supported by strong demand and durable competitive advantages.

    They do not need to be the fastest-growing companies every year. What matters more is consistency and the ability to compound over many years.

    Three ASX shares that I think fit that description are in this article.

    ResMed (ASX: RMD)

    Healthcare is an area where I like to look for long-term winners, and ResMed stands out to me.

    The company focuses on sleep apnoea and respiratory care, which I believe are supported by long-term demographic and health trends.

    An ageing population and increasing awareness of sleep disorders could continue to drive demand for its products and services.

    I also like that ResMed has been building out its digital health ecosystem, which could enhance patient outcomes and strengthen its competitive position over time.

    For me, it is a combination of defensive characteristics and growth potential, which is not always easy to find.

    TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE)

    TechnologyOne is probably one of the quieter achievers on the ASX, but I think that is part of what makes it interesting.

    It provides enterprise software, particularly to government and education sectors, and has successfully transitioned to a software-as-a-service model.

    What stands out to me is the consistency.

    Recurring revenue, high margins, and long-term customer relationships all point to a business that can compound earnings over time.

    It may not grab headlines in the same way as some other tech names, but I believe that reliability can be a real advantage for long-term investors.

    REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

    REA Group adds a different type of quality.

    It operates one of the most dominant digital platforms in Australia through realestate.com.au, which gives it a very strong competitive position.

    What I like here is the combination of pricing power and network effects. Agents need to list where buyers are, and buyers go where the listings are. That creates a reinforcing cycle that is difficult for competitors to break.

    The business is also highly profitable, with strong margins and the ability to grow earnings over time as the property market evolves and digital penetration increases.

    For me, REA Group is an example of a platform business that can continue compounding over many years.

    Foolish takeaway

    I think long-term investing is about owning businesses that you can hold through different market cycles without constantly second-guessing the decision.

    ResMed offers exposure to global healthcare demand with a growing digital component, TechnologyOne provides a steady, recurring revenue model that continues to scale over time, and REA Group brings a dominant platform with strong pricing power and long-term growth potential.

    Overall, the three have the kind of characteristics I think can support long-term compounding.

    The post 3 high-quality ASX shares I’d buy and hold for the long term appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy REA Group shares, consider this:

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

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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

  • Is now the time to load up on CSL shares?

    a woman with lots of shopping bags looks upwards towards the sky as if she is pondering something.

    It’s been a quiet fall from grace for CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) shares.

    Once a market darling, the ASX biotech giant has slipped around 45% over the past 12 months and is now drifting near 52-week lows. Short-term issues have started to dominate headlines, and investor confidence has taken a hit.

    But here’s the big question: is this the kind of setup long-term investors wait for?

    Softer performance, weak sentiment

    CSL’s latest half-year result helps explain the weak sentiment.

    The company reported softer performance, with underlying profit declining and revenue slightly lower. A mix of policy changes, restructuring costs, and impairments weighed on the numbers — not exactly what investors wanted to see.

    That’s been enough to keep pressure on CSL shares.

    But look a little deeper, and the story starts to shift. This doesn’t look like a business in decline. It looks like a business in transition.

    CSL remains a global leader in plasma therapies and vaccines, supplying critical treatments for chronic and rare diseases. These are not optional products. Demand is consistent, recurring, and largely immune to economic cycles.

    That gives CSL a powerful defensive edge.

    Foundations still strong

    At the same time, momentum is quietly building again for CSL shares. Plasma collections are improving, margins in its core CSL Behring division are stabilising, and its vaccine arm, Seqirus, continues to add diversification and growth potential.

    In other words, the foundations are still strong.

    What we’re seeing now is more of a reset — both in earnings and valuation — after a period of elevated expectations.

    And that reset could be creating opportunity.

    Margin pressure, integration risks

    Of course, there are risks to consider.

    CSL has faced ongoing margin pressure, integration challenges, and currency headwinds. If the earnings recovery takes longer than expected, or if costs remain elevated, the price of CSL shares could stay under pressure.

    There’s also the broader issue of market sentiment. Even high-quality healthcare stocks can fall out of favour when investors rotate into other sectors.

    But the long-term thesis remains intact.

    What next for CSL shares?

    Encouragingly, analysts are backing a recovery.

    Broker sentiment on CSL shares is broadly positive, with most maintaining buy or outperform ratings. The average 12-month price target sits around $214.00, suggesting potential upside of roughly 54% from current levels.

    And some are even more bullish.

    UBS has a buy rating and a $235 price target on CSL shares, implying a possible 69% upside over the next year. Some forecasts go further, tipping gains of up to 98%.

    Foolish Takeaway

    The bottom line? CSL shares may have lost their shine in the short term, but the underlying business hasn’t.

    For investors willing to look beyond the noise, this could be a rare chance to buy a world-class healthcare company at a significant discount.

    The post Is now the time to load up on CSL shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy CSL shares, consider this:

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

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther 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 CSL. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • 2 of the best ASX dividend shares to buy in April

    A bland looking man in a brown suit opens his jacket to reveal a red and gold superhero dollar symbol on his chest.

    There are a lot of options on the Australian share market for income investors to choose from.

    To narrow things down, let’s take a look at two ASX dividend shares that brokers think could be among the best to buy now.

    Here’s what they are recommending:

    GQG Partners Inc (ASX: GQG)

    Morgans thinks this investment management company’s shares could be undervalued at current levels.

    In response to its improving investment performance, the broker recently put a buy rating and $2.03 price target on its shares.

    But more importantly, Morgans is expecting double-digit dividend yields over its forecast period. It said:

    GQG has provided a February FUM update.  Whilst monthly net flows remained negative (-US$3.2bn), strong February investment performance (+US$10.5bn), which drove +4.5% FUM growth, made this a positive update in our view. We lift our GQG FY26F/FY27F EPS by +1%-+2%, driven by increased FUM forecasts based on better investment performance than we expected. Our PT rises to A$2.03 (previously A$1.89).

    We acknowledge it remains early, but the improved January and February investment performance for GQG might mark the start of a business turnaround. We continue to see the stock as undervalued trading on 8x FY1 PE and an ~11% dividend yield. With >20% TSR upside, we move to a BUY rating, previously Accumulate.

    Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN)

    The team at Bell Potter thinks that retail giant Harvey Norman could be a top ASX dividend share to buy.

    Last week, it put a buy rating and $6.70 price target on its shares.

    As for income, it is forecasting fully franked dividend yields of 6.2% in FY 2026 and then 7% in FY 2027.

    Commenting on the retailer, the broker said:

    Our PT is based on a sum-of-the-parts valuation with a DCF methodology (WACC ~9%, TGR 3.5%, FY26-30e) for retail operations (exProperty) and the property bank on a fair value basis (as BPe for FY26e) assuming a broadly stable capitalisation rate for the remainder of FY26e.

    While our preference skews to category specialists with balance sheet strength, we see HVN’s well balanced geographical diversification somewhat offsetting the multi-category risks. Following the sharp sell-off in the name since Oct-25, HVN’s 1-year forward P/E of ~13x (as per BPe) appears attractive considering the new store driven growth in international retailing (UK, Malaysia, Croatia), refit program in Australia and opportunities to grow their real estate portfolio as Australia’s single largest owner in large format retail with a global portfolio of ~$4.6b.

    The post 2 of the best ASX dividend shares to buy in April appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in GQG Partners Inc. right now?

    Before you buy GQG Partners Inc. shares, consider this:

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

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Gqg Partners. 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 Harvey Norman. 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.

  • 3 simple ASX ETFs to start investing with $5,000

    a woman wearing a flower garland sits atop the shoulders of a man celebrating a happy time in the outdoors with people talking in groups in the background, perhaps at an outdoor markets or music festival, in an image portraying young people enjoying freedom.

    Getting started in the share market does not need to be complicated.

    In fact, I think the simpler the approach, the better. Especially in the early stages.

    With $5,000 and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), it is easy to get exposure to quality assets, build a diversified portfolio, and begin the habit of investing.

    Here are three ASX ETFs I think are a great place to start.

    Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS)

    If I were starting out with ETFs, I would want exposure to the local market. The Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF provides that.

    It gives you access to a broad range of Australian companies, from the largest names like BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), and Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS), through to mid and smaller companies such as Elders Ltd (ASX: ELD) and DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO).

    That diversification matters. It means you are not relying on a single company or sector. You are participating in the overall performance of the Australian economy.

    There is also the benefit of dividends, with Australian shares typically offering income supported by franking credits. For a beginner, I think this is a very straightforward foundation.

    Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

    Australia is only a small part of the global market. That is why I would want international exposure as well.

    The Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF gives access to around 1,300 large and mid-cap companies across developed markets. This includes global leaders like Apple, Microsoft, NVIDIA, and Johnson & Johnson.

    What I like is how it complements Australian exposure. The ASX is heavily weighted toward banks and miners. The VGS ETF brings in sectors like global technology, healthcare, and consumer brands, which helps balance a portfolio.

    For me, this is about broadening the opportunity set.

    BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

    The final ETF I would consider has a growth tilt.

    The BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF focuses on the Nasdaq 100 index, which includes many of the companies driving innovation globally.

    Top holdings include Alphabet, Amazon.com, Meta Platforms, and Tesla Inc.

    This ETF gives exposure to areas like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, electric vehicles, and digital platforms.

    It is more concentrated and can be more volatile than a broad market ETF. But I think having a portion of your portfolio exposed to these kinds of businesses makes sense, especially over a long time horizon.

    It adds a different growth dynamic alongside the broader exposure of the VAS and the VGS ETFs.

    Foolish takeaway

    Starting with ETFs is one of the easiest ways to begin investing. The VAS ETF gives you broad exposure to the Australian market, the VGS ETF opens the door to global developed markets, and the NDQ ETF adds a focused growth component tied to innovation.

    Together, they create a simple, diversified starting point. And from my perspective, that is what a beginner investor needs.

    The post 3 simple ASX ETFs to start investing with $5,000 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in BetaShares NASDAQ 100 ETF right now?

    Before you buy BetaShares NASDAQ 100 ETF shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and BetaShares NASDAQ 100 ETF wasn’t one of them.

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Commonwealth Bank Of Australia, DroneShield, and Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, DroneShield, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Tesla and is short shares of Apple, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, and DroneShield. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Johnson & Johnson. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF and Telstra Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, BHP Group, Elders, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.