• Buy, hold, sell: IPD, Kogan, Rio Tinto shares

    Two ASX share investors sharing a secret.

    S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares fell 1.35% to 8,785.70 points yesterday.

    The market is in the red overall this week, down 0.3% since Monday, amid no progress on a peace deal in the Middle East.

    Tough economic news has also weighed on ASX 200 shares this week.

    Gross domestic product (GDP) lifted just 0.3% in the March quarter, with annual growth now at 2.5%, according to the Bureau of Statistics. 

    Additionally, the Fair Work Commission ordered a 4.75% lift to award wages, which will add to company’s labour costs.

    On top of that, businesses are trying to understand the impact of proposed changes to capital gains tax (CGT) in the Federal Budget.

    The share market sure is volatile this year, and year to date, we have seen a 0.5% decline in the value of the ASX 200 overall.

    Now, let’s take a look at some fresh buy, hold, and sell calls from the experts.

    IPD Group Ltd (ASX: IPG)

    The IPD Group share price fell 0.49% to $6.17 yesterday. The stock is 51% higher over the past six months.

    Shaw and Partners has a buy rating on this ASX 200 industrials share.

    The broker comments:

    IPD Group Ltd (ASX:IPG) provided an FY26 trading update that included circa 19% growth in EBIT, including 10% growth ex the Platinum Cables acquisition.

    Though this was a very solid result, FactSet consensus sat marginally above the top end of guidance and the IPG share price had rallied almost 26% over the past month leading into this trading update.

    IPG remains exposed to strong tailwinds that include expenditure on electrification and data centres. 

    Shaw & Partners increased its price target on the electrical products and services company from $5.35 to $5.85 per share.

    This implies a 5% downside from here.

    Kogan.com Ltd (ASX: KGN)

    The Kogan share price closed at $4.16, down 1.32% yesterday and up 24% over six months.

    Bell Potter has a hold rating on this ASX consumer discretionary share.

    This week, the broker lifted its 12-month price target from $3.80 to $4.20.

    This implies the stock is fully valued already.

    The broker said:

    While KGN has seen beats in both 1H and 2H to-date, we remain cautious on the FY27 period across our overall Consumer Discretionary
    coverage to see some downside risk to the current growth rate in optimising for EBITDA margins within KGN’s target range of 8-12% in a challenging and competitive e-commerce landscape.

    We continue to view EBITDA margins as highly sensitive to the investment into sustaining the GS/customer/subscriber growth.

    Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO)

    The Rio Tinto share price closed Thursday’s session at $194.47, down 3.29% yesterday and up 36% over six months.

    Rio Tinto and other ASX 200 iron ore shares, such as BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG), fell heavily yesterday on news of significantly higher production at Simandou.

    The Simandou project in Africa is the world’s largest untapped, high-grade iron ore deposit.

    It is majority-owned by Chinese interests, but Rio Tinto has a stake.

    Simandou began producing iron ore six months ago and is expected to significantly add to global supply once fully ramped up.

    While higher production bodes well for Rio Tinto, it also increases global supply, which can negatively impact the iron ore price.

    The iron ore price is currently at a 7-week low of US$103.71 per tonne.

    RBC Capital reiterated its sell rating on Rio Tinto shares with a $143 target on Wednesday.

    This suggests a near 25% downside ahead.

    The post Buy, hold, sell: IPD, Kogan, Rio Tinto shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Rio Tinto 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 Rio Tinto 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 Bronwyn Allen 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 Ipd Group and Kogan.com. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Ipd Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Kogan.com. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Monadelphous Group wins $380m energy contract

    A mining worker clenches his fists celebrating success at sunset in the mine.

    The Monadelphous Group Ltd (ASX: MND) share price is in focus today after the company secured a major $380 million construction contract with CS Energy for the Brigalow Peaking Power Plant. The award underscores Monadelphous’ strengthening role in Australia’s energy transition and involves the installation of 12 aeroderivative gas turbine units with a 400 MW combined capacity.

    What did Monadelphous report?

    • Secured a $380 million construction contract with CS Energy
    • Project involves installing 12 gas turbine generator units, totalling 400 MW capacity
    • Contract expected to be completed by early 2029
    • Workforce to peak at around 300 people during construction
    • Focus on local employment and supplier opportunities

    What else do investors need to know?

    The Brigalow Peaking Power Plant, near Chinchilla in Queensland, is designed to deliver power to more than 150,000 homes during periods of peak electricity demand. Monadelphous’ contract covers both construction and minor engineering packages, with operations set to start in the second half of this year.

    The company has highlighted its commitment to supporting local communities by forecasting significant workforce participation and supply engagement from the region. This contract further diversifies Monadelphous’ energy sector exposure, complementing its strong track record in large-scale infrastructure.

    What’s next for Monadelphous?

    Work on the Brigalow plant will commence later this year and is expected to continue through early 2029. As Monadelphous delivers this significant project, the company is positioned to benefit from ongoing demand for new energy infrastructure, especially as Australia transitions towards a more flexible and renewable-powered grid.

    The company’s strategic focus on supporting key sectors like energy and infrastructure could see further contract awards. Ongoing execution and community engagement will be crucial for future growth and shareholder returns.

    Monadelphous share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, Monadelphous shares have risen 76%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 2% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post Monadelphous Group wins $380m energy contract appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Monadelphous 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 Monadelphous 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 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.

  • Meridian Energy: draft approval for Lake Pūkaki hydro storage

    A young man looks like he his thinking holding his hand to his chin and gazing off to the side amid a backdrop of hand drawn lightbulbs that are lit up on a chalkboard.

    The Meridian Energy Ltd (ASX: MEZ) share price is focus today after the company received draft approval to ease access restrictions on Lake Pūkaki hydro storage and to install permanent protective works at Pūkaki Dam.

    What did Meridian Energy report?

    • Received draft approval from the Fast-track Panel to temporarily ease access restrictions on Lake PÅ«kaki hydro storage for three years
    • Approval includes the right to access water stored between 518 and 513 metres above sea level in specific conditions
    • Draft approval granted for the permanent installation of rock armouring at PÅ«kaki Dam to help manage wave erosion risks
    • The panel’s final decision is anticipated by 3 July 2026

    What else do investors need to know?

    Meridian has indicated it will phase in the new access by treating half of the additional storage as only available when there’s an elevated risk to electricity supply, in response to community feedback and the currently positive hydro outlook for winter 2026.

    The company plans to engage further with key electricity industry stakeholders throughout 2026 to ensure storage access aligns with industry and community interests.

    This draft approval aligns with Meridian’s ongoing commitment to both reliable supply and environmental stewardship. The approval to strengthen the PÅ«kaki Dam is intended to safeguard its resilience during periods of lower water levels.

    What’s next for Meridian Energy?

    The Fast-track Panel is expected to release its final decision by 3 July 2026. If confirmed, Meridian will proceed with its plan to cautiously access additional hydro storage while maintaining robust conversations with industry stakeholders.

    Meridian’s ongoing focus remains on reliable and sustainable electricity generation, and the company anticipates further community and industry consultation as the new storage access protocols are developed.

    Meridian Energy share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, Meridian Energy shares have risen 4%, running slightly ahead of the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 2% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post Meridian Energy: draft approval for Lake Pūkaki hydro storage appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Meridian Energy right now?

    Before you buy Meridian Energy 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 Meridian Energy 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.

  • Up 160% in a year, why this ASX All Ords silver share is tipped to keep outperforming

    A business person directs a pointed finger upwards on a rising arrow on a bar graph.

    The All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) has gained a tepid 1.67% over the past 12 months, but don’t blame this rocketing ASX All Ords silver share. 

    The fast-rising miner in question is Unico Silver Ltd (ASX: USL).

    Despite closing down 4.20% on Thursday to 68.5 cents a share as investors fretted over the renewed attacks in the Middle East, the Unico Silver share price remains up 163% since this time last year.

    Part of that stellar performance has been spurred by the surging silver price.

    On Thursday, silver was trading for US$73.42 an ounce. That sees the silver price up a whopping 112.8% since 4 June 2025.

    And Unico Silver has hardly been sitting on its laurels over this time.

    Here’s why Medallion Financial Group’s Philippe Bui expects the Aussie miner to keep outperforming in the months ahead (courtesy of The Bull).

    Should I buy the ASX All Ords silver share today?

    “This silver explorer is advancing high grade deposits in Argentina’s Santa Cruz province,” Bui said.

    Bui sounded a bullish note on Unico Silver’s recent update on its Joaquin project. He said:

    The Joaquin project recently delivered a 143% resource increase to 167 million ounces of silver equivalent since acquiring it in October 2024. The latest update was achieved from just 27,723 metres of drilling at a discovery cost of 11 US cents per ounce.

    Then there’s the outlook for ongoing strength in global silver prices.

    “Silver demand is structurally supported by solar, electrification and green technology, giving USL direct leverage to a rising commodity,” Bui said.

    Summarising his buy recommendation on the ASX All Ords silver share, Bui concluded, “With the resource growing rapidly and development progressing, the investment case is building.”

    What did Unico Silver management say on the Joaquin upgrade?

    Unico Silver shares closed up 9.2% on 7 May following the company’s Joaquin exploration update. Shares gained another 11.5% the following day.

    Commenting on the strong results boosting the ASX All Ords silver share, Unico Silver managing director Todd Williams said:

    We continue to see strong and consistent drilling results across the Joaquin district, with mineralisation now extending beyond the March 2026 Mineral Resource across multiple prospects.

    At Breccia Puntudo, the latest results represent the highest grades recorded to date and reinforce the potential of this structure as a key source of high-grade feed for the upcoming PFS [pre-feasibility study].

    Importantly, mineralisation remains open along the 3.5-kilometre trend, with clear upside through further definition of high-grade shoots.

    The post Up 160% in a year, why this ASX All Ords silver share is tipped to keep outperforming appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Unico Silver Ltd right now?

    Before you buy Unico Silver Ltd 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 Unico Silver Ltd 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 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.

  • 3 excellent ASX ETFs for beginners to buy now

    ETF with different images around it on top of a tablet.

    Getting started in the share market can feel like there are too many decisions to make.

    Which country? Which sector? Which stock?

    The good news is that ASX exchange traded funds (ETFs) can make that first step much easier. They allow beginners to buy a basket of shares in one trade, spread risk across multiple companies, and build exposure to long-term trends without needing to follow every market move.

    Here are three excellent ASX ETFs that could be worth buying now.

    Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

    The first ASX ETF that could be a top option for beginners is the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF.

    This fund provides access to 100 of the most influential companies listed on the Nasdaq. Holdings include Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA), and Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX).

    The interesting part is how many parts of modern life these companies touch. Devices, streaming, cloud infrastructure, artificial intelligence (AI), digital advertising, software, and ecommerce all sit inside the fund in different ways.

    It is also worth noting that SpaceX is expected to join the Nasdaq later this month after completing a blockbuster US$1.75 trillion IPO. It would add another major innovation story to the Nasdaq 100 if and when it joins.

    Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (ASX: RBTZ)

    A second ASX ETF to consider is the Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF.

    This fund is about machines becoming smarter, faster, and more useful. Holdings include Keyence Corp, ABB Ltd (SWX: ABBN), and Intuitive Surgical (NASDAQ: ISRG).

    The theme is broader than humanoid robots or AI chatbots. It includes factory automation, surgical systems, sensors, industrial controls, and the technology helping businesses reduce errors and lift productivity.

    That makes the fund a simple way for beginners to access automation without trying to pick which robotics company will win. It was recently recommended to investors by the team at Betashares.

    VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT)

    A final ASX ETF that could be worth a look for beginners is the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF.

    This fund takes its inspiration from a simple investing idea: some companies are harder to compete with than others.

    It focuses on US companies that have sustainable competitive advantages and are trading at attractive valuations. These advantages can come from brands, switching costs, patents, scale, or network effects.

    For beginners, this fund can provide a useful lesson. Good investing is not just about chasing fast growth. It can also be about owning businesses with staying power at sensible prices.

    The post 3 excellent ASX ETFs for beginners to buy now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF right now?

    Before you buy VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat 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 VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat 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 James Mickleboro has positions in BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF and VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Abb, Apple, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Intuitive Surgical, Netflix, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended the following options: long January 2028 $520 calls on Intuitive Surgical and short January 2028 $530 calls on Intuitive Surgical. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Apple, Netflix, Nvidia, and VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • 3 ASX shares Warren Buffett would probably love right now

    A man looking at his laptop and thinking.

    Warren Buffett is not known to invest regularly in ASX shares.

    But the principles that made him the world’s greatest investor apply just as well to the Australian market as to Wall Street.

    Buy businesses with wide economic moats. Look for exceptional management with a track record of smart capital allocation. Pay a fair price and hold for the long term.

    Apply those principles to the ASX and three names consistently rise to the top.

    Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

    Buffett has long favoured dominant financial franchises with irreplaceable market positions.

    In Australia, no bank comes closer to that description than Commonwealth Bank of Australia.

    CBA holds a large part of Australia’s home loans, and an even larger proportion of retail banking relationships. The bank also runs what is widely regarded as the most sophisticated technology platform in Australian banking.

    Its CBA app has been ranked Australia’s most used financial app for years, with more than 8 million active users. This gives it a consumer engagement moat that its peers have consistently failed to replicate.

    In the first half of FY2026, CBA posted statutory net profit of $5.41 billion, up 5% year-on-year, alongside a fully franked interim dividend of $2.35 per share, up 4.4%.

    CBA shares are not cheap, trading at approximately 26.5 times forward earnings.

    But Buffett has always said he would rather buy a wonderful company at a fair price than a fair company at a wonderful price.

    CBA has been a wonderful company for decades.

    BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

    Buffett is famously wary of commodity businesses, and rightly so.

    But he has also invested in businesses with irreplaceable natural resource assets when the price is right and the management is outstanding.

    BHP Group is the world’s largest listed miner, with a portfolio of copper, iron ore, and potash assets that would take decades and hundreds of billions of dollars to replicate.

    What would attract Buffett today is the copper story specifically.

    For the first time in the company’s 136-year history, copper earnings exceeded iron ore contributions in the first half of FY2026.

    This is being driven by global demand from AI data centres, electric vehicles, and grid infrastructure. Consequently, copper has reached record highs above US$13,000 per tonne.

    BHP’s management has deliberately been building copper exposure for years, allocating capital to Escondida, Olympic Dam, and Carrapateena.

    Management has also been returning cash to shareholders through one of the most reliable fully franked dividend streams on the ASX.

    Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)

    Buffett has always admired businesses that earn fee income on other people’s capital.

    That is precisely what Macquarie Group does.

    Macquarie Asset Management now oversees $959.1 billion in funds under management.

    This has made it one of the world’s largest alternative asset managers specialised in infrastructure, real assets, and private credit.

    The nature of Macquarie’s fee-generating revenues produces stable, recurring earnings that smooth out the volatility of the commodities and markets divisions.

    Macquarie posted a 30% lift in full-year NPAT to $4.85 billion in FY2026, delivering return on equity of 14% and lifting the full-year dividend to $7.00 per share.

    What Buffett would particularly appreciate is the management track record.

    Macquarie has compounded shareholder value at exceptional rates for more than three decades, adapting to new markets and opportunities while maintaining the capital discipline that defines truly great financial businesses.

    Macquarie’s management has built a reputation for adapting quickly to new opportunities while maintaining shareholder discipline, a trait Buffett has cited repeatedly as among the most important he looks for in any business.

    Foolish takeaway

    Buffett will almost certainly never buy CBA, BHP, or Macquarie.

    He has a mandate to invest in the US and he has never shown interest in the ASX.

    But for Australian investors who want to apply his principles to the stocks available to them, these three ASX shares embody everything he has spent six decades looking for: wide moats, exceptional management, and businesses that compound shareholder value year after year.

    The post 3 ASX shares Warren Buffett would probably love right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Commonwealth Bank Of Australia right now?

    Before you buy Commonwealth Bank Of Australia 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 Commonwealth Bank Of Australia 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 Mark Verhoeven 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 Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. 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.

  • Why everyone selling Cochlear shares right now could regret it in 3 years

    A woman leans forward with her hand behind her ear, as if trying to hear information.

    When a stock falls 65% in twelve months, it is natural to question the long-term investment thesis of that stock.

    The headline numbers at Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH) leave a lot to be desired.

    The April guidance downgrade was one of the worst in the company’s history.

    Surgeons are doing fewer implants. Referrals from the hearing aid channel have slowed. The Middle East conflict is disrupting sales in a key region.

    Add it all up and the temptation to sell Cochlear shares is entirely understandable.

    But it might also be one of the most expensive mistakes a long-term investor could make right now.

    Why the selloff has overshot

    The market has priced Cochlear shares as though the structural demand for cochlear implants has permanently declined.

    The evidence does not support that conclusion. Cochlear holds approximately 50% global market share in cochlear implants.

    The addressable market exceeds six million patients in developed markets alone, with current penetration of just 3%.

    Furthermore, the company has, over four decades, invested into of research and development, and has built a product moat that no competitor has come close to replicating.

    CEO Dig Howitt stated the following in his April ASX announcement.

    He said:

    The clinical need for cochlear implants continues to grow, particularly for the adult and seniors segment. Cochlear implants are also associated with a lower incidence of dementia, with dementia rates lower than in hearing aid users and comparable to those with normal hearing.

    Surgeries are being delayed by hospital capacity constraints and cost of living pressures.

    But importantly for investors, they are not being cancelled because cochlear implants no longer work. The market appears to be ignoring this distinction.

    What history tells us about situations like this

    The pattern of a high-quality business experiencing a temporary operational setback, being sold down aggressively, and then recovering strongly over the following two to three years is one of the most consistent in investing history.

    ResMed was sold down aggressively in 2025 on fears that GLP-1 obesity drugs would destroy demand for CPAP devices.

    Those who sold missed a sharp recovery when real-world data showed the fears were significantly overstated.

    Cochlear has already recovered approximately 6% from its decade low of $90 to trade near $95.10 today.

    What the brokers say

    The broker community is divided on Cochlear shares, but the bulls carry price targets that imply extraordinary upside.

    Jarden carries a price target of $169 on Cochlear shares, implying upside of approximately 78% from their current price.

    Wilsons Advisory has a buy recommendation, describing the current valuation as a rare entry point into one of Australia’s finest healthcare businesses.

    The consensus analyst price target sits at approximately $232, implying upside of more than 130% for investors who can hold through the volatility.

    Morgans cut its target to $107.17 and holds a cautious view on the near-term recovery timeline. But even Morgans’ cautious target implies upside from current levels.

    The three-year case

    In three years, one of two things will have happened.

    Either the demand headwinds proved permanent and the selloff was justified, in which case Cochlear shares will have continued to struggle.

    Or, far more likely based on the evidence, the hospital capacity constraints and cost of living pressures eased, surgical volumes recovered, the adult and seniors segment resumed its historical growth rate of approximately 10% per annum.

    Cochlear shareholders who held through the pain will have been rewarded handsomely in this case.

    Demographics support the second scenario. The global population is ageing. Hearing loss incidence rises sharply after 65. Dementia prevention is becoming an increasing priority for healthcare systems globally.

    All three of those trends point in the same direction for Cochlear’s long-term demand trajectory, regardless of what happens in FY2026.

    Foolish takeaway

    Selling Cochlear shares right now might feel like the sensible thing to do.

    The near-term outlook is uncertain. The guidance cut hurts and the recovery will take time.

    But the investors who will look back with regret in three years are more likely to be the ones who sold at $95 than the ones who bought.

    Quality businesses rarely go on sale. When they do, the crowd is usually on the wrong side of the trade.

    The post Why everyone selling Cochlear shares right now could regret it in 3 years appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Cochlear 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 Cochlear 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 Mark Verhoeven 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.

  • 3 ASX 200 shares that could be too good to ignore in June

    Businessman looks with one eye through magnifying glass.

    The three ASX 200 shares in this article have not had an easy run recently.

    That can be enough for many investors to move on and focus elsewhere. But share price weakness does not always mean a company’s long-term opportunity has disappeared.

    In some cases, a pullback can make quality growth businesses much more attractive, particularly when they still have strong market positions and clear paths to expand.

    With June now here, these three ASX 200 shares could be worth another look.

    Life360 Inc (ASX: 360)

    The first ASX 200 share to look at is Life360.

    It has built something many consumer technology companies spend years trying to create: a product that becomes part of everyday family routines.

    Its app helps families stay connected through location sharing, driving safety features, crash detection, emergency support, and other tools designed around peace of mind.

    That regular use is important. A consumer app is far more valuable when it solves a repeated problem rather than relying on occasional engagement.

    Life360 also has several ways to expand its business from here. Subscriptions remain important, but advertising, connected devices, and new safety-focused services could all add to the revenue opportunity.

    The key challenge will be maintaining user trust while improving monetisation. That is especially important for a platform built around families and location data.

    Even so, its large user base, clear use case, and growing revenue options make Life360 one of the more interesting technology shares on the ASX.

    TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE)

    Another ASX 200 share that could be worth watching is TechnologyOne.

    It provides enterprise software to customers such as councils, universities, government agencies, and large organisations.

    That may not sound overly exciting, but these customers run on complex processes. Finance, payroll, asset management, student administration, property, planning, and compliance systems all need to work reliably.

    This gives TechnologyOne a strong position. Once its software is embedded across critical workflows, changing providers can be costly, disruptive, and risky.

    The company is also pushing beyond traditional software delivery with its SaaS+ model and artificial intelligence (AI) products. This could help customers reduce implementation complexity and get more value from their data and processes.

    Some software companies may be challenged by AI. TechnologyOne appears better placed to use it as a product and productivity enhancer, particularly because its systems sit inside important organisational workflows.

    Its valuation can be demanding, but recurring revenue, defensive customers, and sector-specific software give the company a strong long-term profile.

    WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

    A third ASX 200 share to consider is WiseTech Global.

    It builds software for the logistics industry, with its CargoWise platform used by freight forwarders, customs brokers, and supply chain operators around the world.

    Global trade is full of friction. Goods move across countries, transport modes, regulations, documents, tariffs, warehouses, and ports. That creates a need for software that can bring order to a complicated system.

    WiseTech’s opportunity is to become more important as logistics customers try to automate work, reduce errors, and improve visibility across supply chains.

    Its software can become deeply embedded because logistics operators do not want disruption inside mission-critical workflows. That can create sticky relationships and support long-term revenue growth.

    The company has also used acquisitions (large and small) to broaden its product capability and extend its reach across the logistics ecosystem.

    If global supply chains keep becoming more digital, WiseTech could remain one of the ASX’s standout technology compounders.

    The post 3 ASX 200 shares that could be too good to ignore in June appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Life360 right now?

    Before you buy Life360 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 Life360 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 Life360, Technology One, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Life360, Technology One, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360 and 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.

  • With 46% potential upside, this ASX materials stock is a compelling buy

    Two young African mine workers wearing protective wear are discussing coal quality while on site at a coal mine.

    ASX materials stock IperionX Ltd (ASX: IPX) is in focus today after the company announced the results of a Definitive Feasibility Study.

    The study was focused on its 100% owned Titan rare earths project located in Tennessee, USA.

    Company and announcement snapshot

    IperionX’s mission is to be the developer of low carbon titanium for advanced industries. This includes space, aerospace, electric vehicles and 3D printing.

    It is commercialising novel titanium production technologies which have the potential to disrupt the current global titanium supply chain. 

    The technologies: HAMR (Hydrogen Assisted Metallothermic Reduction) converts titanium scrap or minerals into high spec titanium powders; and HSPT (Hydrogen Sintering & Phase Transformation) converts titanium powders to high-end titanium components. 

    These technologies have materially lower production costs than other forms of titanium production through lower energy consumption, reduced waste and lower carbon emissions. 

    Yesterday, the company announced the results of its recent feasibility study (DFS). 

    It said the DFS confirms Titan as a large-scale, technically robust and high-return critical minerals project designed to produce titanium, zircon and a heavy rare earth concentrate from a single domestic resource in the United States.

    The Study underpins an initial 14-year mine plan based entirely on Proved and Probable Ore Reserves, with no Inferred Mineral Resources included in the Production Target.

    Bell Potter weighs in 

    Following the announcement, the team at Bell Potter provided updated guidance on this ASX materials stock. 

    The broker said the company now has a study to anchor partnership and funding discussions. 

    While the DFS outlines a timeline with development commencing in early 2027, we do not expect IPX will commit to the project in the absence of a minimally or non-dilutive funding solution. 

    The main game for IPX remains the build-out of its Titanium Manufacturing Campus, which is targeting 1,400tpa capacity in 2027 and has a longer-term target of +10,000tpa powder capacity by 2030.

    Compelling upside for this ASX materials stock

    Based on this guidance, Bell Potter has retained its speculative buy rating on IperionX. 

    The broker also has a 12 month price target of $8.25, indicating 46% upside from current levels. 

    IPX has the potential to disrupt the incumbent titanium supply chain through materially lowering production costs and manufacturing waste.

    The company will incrementally expand capacity and progress commercial relationships with aerospace, automotive, luxury goods and government end users. IPX will benefit from increased defence sector spending and with its focus on domestic US manufacturing.

    The post With 46% potential upside, this ASX materials stock is a compelling buy appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in IperionX Ltd right now?

    Before you buy IperionX Ltd 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 IperionX Ltd 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 Aaron Bell 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.

  • Here’s what brokers tip for CSL shares over the next 12 months

    A doctor or medical expert in COVID protection adjusts her glasses, indicating growth or strong share price movement in ASX medical, biotech and health companies

    CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) shares closed marginally higher on Thursday afternoon, up 0.38% to $92.59.

    For the year-to-date the shares are down around 46% and 62% lower than 12 months ago.

    Why are CSL shares still falling?

    CSL shares suffered their biggest-ever one-day crash in early-May after the company lowered its FY26 outlook after interim CEO Gordon Naylor completed his 90-day review.

    The biotech company said weakness in China albumin pricing, inventory normalisation in the US immunoglobulin market, and several operational factors had weighed heavily on profitability. The downgrade has only reinforced investor concerns that CSL’s earnings momentum is still weak.

    Management now expects FY26 revenue of around US$15.2 billion on a constant currency basis. It also expects NPATA of about US$3.1 billion, excluding restructuring costs and impairments.

    It’s not the only headwind facing CSL shares though.

    Aside from company-specific headwinds, CSL shares have also been smashed by a broad market rotation away from healthcare-related stocks this year. 

    The huge sector-wide downturn has put ASX healthcare 200 shares under significant pressure this year driven by macroeconomic pressures, a weaker US dollar, rising inflation, higher cost-of-living, and regulatory uncertainty.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Health Care Index (ASX: XHJ) is the worst performing sector by far in 2026 and has significantly underperformed the broader index. The decrease has pushed shares of many major ASX healthcare companies, including CSL, to multi-year lows.

    At the time of writing, the ASX 200 Health Care Index is down around 34% for the year to date and 47% lower than 12 months ago.

    For context, the wider S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is largely flat for the year to date and 3% higher than this time last year.

    What do brokers tip next for CSL shares?

    Sentiment is mixed.

    Market Index data shows that the majority (five out of seven) have a hold rating on CSL shares. But, using an average $143.76 target price, brokers are tipping a 55% upside over the next 12 months, at the time of writing.

    TradingView data shows that 10 out of 18 analysts have a hold rating, the other eight have a buy or strong buy rating. The average $140.60 target price implies a potential 52% upside at the time of writing. Although, some expect the stock to jump 108% higher to $193.04, from the current trading price.

    The team at Morgans reduced its forecasts and target price following CSL’s guidance downgrade. The broker pointed to issues including China albumin price pressure, US immunoglobulin channel inventory normalisation, paused Iran sales, and weaker sales in some areas. Morgans still has a buy recommendation, with a target price of $147.59.

    Macquarie also reduced its target price to reflect earnings uncertainty for the same reasons. But the broker also has concerns about the company’s ongoing management uncertainty. The team now has a much smaller $111 price target on CSL shares. 

    Is it worth buying CSL shares right now?

    Analysts consensus seems to be that we should expect an upside ahead, but as high as the trading levels seen earlier this year.

    I’m expecting more downside ahead before the shares start to rebound next year, or maybe even later, when the financial benefits of the company’s growth initiative start filtering through.

    Patient investors could see the latest share price as an opportunity to buy in the dip. But they would need to readjust expectations about how far the share price can go, and when.

    The post Here’s what brokers tip for CSL shares over the next 12 months 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 Samantha Menzies has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended 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.