PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS) shares have been in strong demand from investors over the past 12 months.

During this time, the lithium miner’s shares have almost doubled in value.

Does this make it too late to invest? Let’s see what analysts at Bell Potter are saying about the high-flying stock.

What is the broker saying?

Bell Potter was relatively pleased with PLS’ performance during the second quarter, especially given its processing of low quality ore. It said:

PLS reported quarterly spodumene concentrate (SC) production of 208kt (BP est. 214kt) and sales of 232kt at 5.2% Li2O (BP est. 221kt). Lithium recoveries were 76% (1Q FY26 78%), a strong result despite processing higher levels of low quality ore. Unit costs were A$585/t FOB (BP est. A$579/t), up 8% QoQ, with lower production volumes; an inventory drawdown supported the higher sales.

At 31 December 2025, PLS had cash of $954m (30 September 2025 $852m), net cash (including leases) of ~$272m and available cash liquidity of ~$1.6b. Quarterly operating cash flow was $131m; capex was -$45m; and PLS received an income tax refund of +$74m. FY26 guidance was re-iterated.

Big news coming

The broker highlights that there is potentially some big news coming in the current quarter. That news relates to the Ngungaju operation, which PLS is looking at restarting. It said:

In the current quarter, PLS’ Board will assess a potential restart of the Ngungaju processing plant (~200ktpa SC capacity), with approval contingent on confidence in sustained lithium market pricing. Associated capital expenditure is included in FY26 guidance; a four month ramp-up period is expected. PLS will also provide updated timelines for completion of a P2000 Feasibility Study and a Colina Development Study and further visibility around growth project sequencing.

Should you buy PLS shares?

Bell Potter thinks that the company’s shares are fair value right now and has put a hold rating and $4.60 price target on them. This implies only modest upside of 2% for investors from its current share price.

Commenting on its hold recommendation, the broker said:

We maintain our Hold recommendation. PLS’ earnings and cash flow will strengthen with around 200ktpa of idled spodumene concentrate capacity that can be rapidly reactivated into improved lithium prices. P2000 and Colina development studies are being progressed, providing organic growth optionality in markets with strong underlying EV and BESS-led long term demand fundamentals.

The post Here’s what Bell Potter is saying about PLS shares in February appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 10 most traded ASX shares among 1 million Aussie investors last year
• Which ASX lithium share is a smarter buy: PLS Group or Liontown?
• Are Graincorp and PLS shares buys, holds, or sells?
• These were the 10 most traded Australian shares last week
• The growing case for critical minerals – Expert

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has 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.

Shares in Island Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: ILA) are trading higher despite the company raising money at a discount, as its US plans begin to take shape.

The company said on Wednesday morning that it had raised $9 million through the issue of new shares at 35 cents apiece, with the placement cornerstoned by a US family office, “with additional commitments from a select group of local and international investors”.

While discounted capital raisings generally result in share price weakness, Island shares were trading 15.4% higher at 45 cents on Wednesday morning.

Pathway to approval laid out

This was likely due to the company providing further detail on the regulatory pathway for its key antiviral compound, Galidesivir, in a separate announcement to the ASX.

The company said in a statement it “advises it has received highly constructive and strategically important guidance from the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA), confirming the validity of Island’s proposed animal model and outlining final steps required to progress Galidesivir toward approval under the Animal Rule”.

The company went on to say:

The FDA’s correspondence, received 30 January 2026 provides clear regulatory alignment on the use of the Angola strain of Marburg, the cynomolgus macaque model and the viral challenge dose – the core elements that underpin Animal Rule development. This confirmation represents a major de-risking milestone for the program. The FDA has now defined a two-stage clinical development pathway for Galidesivir, enabling Island to move rapidly into targeted dose-optimisation and pharmacokinetic (PK) studies, followed by a pivotal confirmatory study required for approval.

The company said it would conduct two trials in “a limited number of non-human primates” with that data to be submitted to the FDA to support further clinical trials.

Island said that approval under the animal rule “represents a transformational opportunity, providing a defined regulatory pathway for medical countermeasures targeting high consequence viral threats”.

The company added:

Animal Rule approval may unlock US Government procurement, including potential inclusion in the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) – a pathway associated with significant, long-term, non-dilutive revenue.

Island Managing Director Dr David Foster said the new funding came at a pivotal time for the company.

Following the FDA’s confirmation of Galidesivir’s Animal Rule development pathway, we now have a clearly defined, executable route to approval, and this funding ensures we are fully resourced to move forward without delay.” “The placement provides the financial strength to complete our two-stage Animal Rule program, progress toward a New Drug Application, and manufacture additional Galidesivir supply to meet clinical development and potential commercial readiness objectives. Importantly, it removes funding risk at a time when regulatory uncertainty has been materially reduced.

The good news follows Island announcing last month that it had won patent protection for Galidesivir.

The post Why are shares in this biotech charging higher after a capital raise? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• This ASX 200 stock is dipping lower despite positive news. Here’s what’s behind it
• 3 ASX dividend stocks which pay their investors every single month
• Which ASX rare earths stock is up 10% on big news?
• What should you do with your CBA shares in 2026?
• Why this ASX travel share is flying high

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

The Worley Ltd (ASX: WOR) share price is trading lower on Tuesday following a positive update from the company.

At the time of writing, Worley shares are down 1.12% to $13.23, with investors appearing cautious as they digest the announcement. By comparison, the broader S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is currently down 0.2%.

Let’s take a closer look.

What Worley announced today

In an ASX release, Worley confirmed it has signed a reimbursable engineering, procurement, and construction contract for Phase 2 of Venture Global’s CP2 project.

CP2 is a large-scale liquefied natural gas development in Louisiana and is regarded as strategically important to global energy supply.

Worley said the Phase 2 scope supports Venture Global’s progression toward final investment decision (FID) and eventual project execution. The work builds on Worley’s existing involvement in CP2 following earlier engineering activities.

Execution will be led out of Worley’s Houston, Baton Rouge, and Reading offices, supported by its global integrated delivery team.

Chief Executive Chris Ashton said the project highlights Worley’s ability to deliver complex, large-scale energy infrastructure and reinforces its long-standing relationship with Venture Global.

Why the share price moved lower

New contract wins are usually a positive, but the market response this time has been more restrained.

That caution likely reflects the nature of the work involved. Reimbursable EPC contracts can add revenue, but margin uplift is usually limited.

There was also no contract value disclosed. Without a dollar figure attached, it is difficult to assess the near-term impact.

Timing may be another factor. With Worley due to report its half-year results on Thursday, 26 February, some investors may be choosing to wait. A broader update on margins, cash flow, and backlog could provide clearer direction.

The bigger picture for Worley

Despite today’s pullback, Worley remains well-positioned across energy, chemicals, and resources markets.

The company continues to secure work across LNG, hydrogen, and decarbonisation, giving it exposure to both traditional energy and the energy transition. Its global delivery model and diversified client base have helped smooth earnings through recent volatility.

Investors will be particularly focused on how backlog converts to cash and whether margins continue to hold up as project activity lifts.

What to watch next

The next key catalyst is Worley’s half-year results later this month. Any update on margin trends, cash flow, or backlog quality could have a bigger influence on the share price than today’s announcement.

Progress at CP2 toward final investment decision will also be closely watched, as that could unlock further work scopes over time.

The post This ASX 200 stock is dipping lower despite positive news. Here’s what’s behind it appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

ASX dividend stocks are a popular choice for investors looking to build a reliable stream of passive income. 

The thing is, it’s pretty easy to pin down good dividend-paying stocks which hand out cash to investors every six or 12 months. But finding one which pays a lot more regularly is more difficult.

The good news is that I’ve done the hard work for you. Here’s a roundup of the top three ASX dividend stocks which pay a monthly dividend. Find out which one might work best for you.

BetaShares Dividend Harvester Active ETF (ASX: HVST) 

HVST is an ASX-listed exchange-traded fund (ETF) that gives its investors exposure to a large portfolio of up to 60 dividend-paying shares. These are drawn from the 100 largest ASX-listed companies and selected based on forecasts of high dividends and franking credits, and expected future gross dividend payments. Its portfolio is weighted towards the financial sector (24.2%), with materials accounting for another 10.7%. 

The fund is created in a way that it allows it to own a dividend share until it trades ex-dividend. At this point, the fund sells the shares and reinvests the proceeds into its next passive income-generating shares.

HVST pays investors a regular, franked dividend income that is around double the annual income yield of the broader ASX. As of the 31st December 2025, its 12-month gross distribution (dividend) yield is 7.4%, and the net yield is 5.8%. The franking level is 66%. The fund’s annual management fee and costs are 0.72%.

The fund paid out $0.06 per share to investors in late January with another $0.06 per share due to be paid later this month. 

At the time of writing on Wednesday morning, HVST shares are $13.50 a piece. For the year to date, the shares have climbed 0.07%.

Plato Income Maximiser Ltd (ASX: PL8)

Plato is a  listed investment company (LIC) which targets income-focused investors like retirees and SMSF investors who need a dependable income stream. 

The ASX dividend stock holds a portfolio of mature ASX-listed equities, cash, and listed futures. It mostly focuses on Australian companies with strong dividend payouts, such as major banks, mining giants, and energy firms. Its goal is to generate a high, franked income stream for investors and to consistently deliver above-market dividends and total returns, including franking credits. 

Plato has consistently paid fully franked dividends of 0.55 cents per share every month since April 2022. That equates to an annual running total of 6.6 cents per share in full franked passive income and gives a dividend yield of around 4%.

At the time of writing on Thursday morning, Plato shares are trading at $1.46 each, down around 1% for the year-to-date.

Metrics Master Income Trust (ASX: MXT)

The Metrics Master Income Trust is a listed investment trust (LIT) which has a portfolio of corporate loans and private credit investments rather than a portfolio of other ASX dividend shares. 

This means it can give its investors direct exposure to the Australian corporate loan market, which is currently dominated by regulated banks. The LIT is able to offer diversity-seeking investors an alternative investment that prioritises income stability and pays out monthly dividends. Metrics Master Income Trust targets a return of the Reserve Bank cash rate plus 3.25% p.a. (net of fees) through the economic cycle. 

Its latest payout was 1.36 cents per share unfranked in January, which is payable next week. That means that over the past 12 months, Metrics Master Income Trust has paid out 12 dividends totalling 15.8 cents per share. At the time of writing, this gives the LIT a dividend yield of 8.16%.

At the time of writing, Metrics Master Income Trust’s shares are $1.98 a piece. This is down 0.25% for the year-to-date.

The post 3 ASX dividend stocks which pay their investors every single month appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has 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.

Brazilian Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: BRE) shares are catching the eye on Wednesday with a strong gain.

In morning trade, the ASX rare earths stock is up by a sizeable 10% to $4.29.

This compares favourably to the performance of the benchmark ASX 200 index today. At the time of writing, it is down 0.15%.

Why is this ASX rare earths stock jumping?

The catalyst for this strong gain has been the release of exceptional results from a sensor-based ore sorting test work program.

According to the release, the test work confirms its suitability for Monte Alto’s beneficiation process flowsheet.

The independent test program successfully demonstrated the enrichment of run-of-mine rare earth mineralisation from Monte Alto to a product that is ready for direct hydrometallurgical rare earth extraction.

Importantly, it believes this can unlock significant economic benefits compared to traditional chemical flotation or bulk processing methods. It notes that by efficiently removing gangue materials, multi-sensor ore sorting has the potential to increase effective run-of-mine grade by a factor of 1.3x–1.7x, lower capital and operating costs, and reduce environmental and permitting risks.

Commenting on the news, the ASX rare earths stock’s managing director and CEO, Bernardo da Veiga, said:

These exceptional ore sorting results from run-of-mine Monte Alto feedstock have exceeded all our expectations. They demonstrate that sensor-based concentration can significantly enhance project economics with +95% yields at lower capital and operating costs, whilst simultaneously reducing environmental footprint through lower energy, minimal water and no reagents.

Our metallurgical programs are designed to maximise the value of Monte Alto’s ultra-high grade rare earth, uranium, scandium, niobium, and tantalum mineralisation. These ore sorting results build on our previous metallurgical programs with the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) and provide a pathway for world-leading mineral-to-product yields.

He then adds:

Rare earth projects are typically characterised by low head grades and complex, high-cost processing flowsheets. Monte Alto’s ultra-high grades can deliver a beneficiated product at grades that are suitable for direct hydrometallurgical processing. BRE will now progress flowsheet design, targeting a multi-sensor system capable of processing 100% of Monte Alto’s run-of-mine material at +95% yields.

Following today’s move higher, the Brazilian Rare Earths share price has now risen by 95% since this time last year and more than doubled in value since mid-August.

The post Which ASX rare earths stock is up 10% on big news? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why are shares in this biotech charging higher after a capital raise?
• This ASX 200 stock is dipping lower despite positive news. Here’s what’s behind it
• 3 ASX dividend stocks which pay their investors every single month
• What should you do with your CBA shares in 2026?
• Why this ASX travel share is flying high

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has 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.

If you own Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares, you’re hardly alone. For many Australian investors, it’s been a cornerstone holding for years, sometimes decades.

The question in 2026 isn’t whether CBA is a great business. That part is largely settled. The real question is what to do next.

Do you hold, buy more, or finally take some money off the table?

Here’s how I’m thinking about it.

Why CBA still deserves respect

Commonwealth Bank of Australia remains the highest-quality bank in the country, in my view. Its scale, brand strength, and technology investment continue to set it apart from peers.

CBA consistently delivers superior returns on equity, benefits from a dominant position in Australian retail banking, and has been ahead of the curve when it comes to digital engagement. Its app is widely regarded as best-in-class, and that matters more than ever as banking becomes increasingly data-driven.

From an income perspective, CBA is also doing what long-term shareholders want. Dividends have been reliable, well-covered, and supported by strong capital levels. For investors who value stability and income, that still counts for a lot in 2026.

The valuation question is hard to ignore

This is where things get more nuanced.

CBA shares now trade on a meaningfully higher valuation than the other major banks. The market is effectively pricing it as a premium franchise with fewer risks, more stable earnings, and better long-term prospects. To an extent, that’s fair.

But the higher the valuation goes, the less room there is for disappointment.

Earnings growth for Australian banks is likely to be modest in 2026. Credit growth is steady rather than spectacular, competition for deposits remains intense, and regulatory capital settings limit how aggressive banks can be. That doesn’t mean CBA will struggle. It just means upside from here may be harder to come by.

At current levels, I don’t think CBA looks cheap. It looks high quality and fully valued.

So what would I do in 2026?

If I already owned CBA shares, I would be very comfortable holding them.

This is not a business I’d rush to sell just because the valuation looks full. The combination of market leadership, dividend income, and defensive characteristics still makes it a strong long-term holding, particularly for conservative investors or those relying on income.

That said, if CBA had grown to an outsized position in my portfolio, I might at least consider trimming. Not because I think the business is deteriorating, but because risk management matters. Locking in some gains and reallocating to areas with better growth or valuation support can make sense.

Would I be buying aggressively at these levels? Probably not. I’d rather direct new money toward ASX shares trading on more modest multiples.

Foolish takeaway

CBA shares don’t need to do anything special in 2026 to remain a good investment. The bank just needs to keep doing what it has always done well.

For me, that makes it a hold rather than a buy. A high-quality, low-stress core holding that continues to pay reliable income, even if the next leg of share price growth is slower than the last.

The post What should you do with your CBA shares in 2026? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX dividend stocks I’m excited to see the payouts of this reporting season
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• What happened with the big four ASX 200 bank stocks like ANZ and CBA shares in January?
• 3 ASX shares I’ll be watching like a hawke this earnings season

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Commonwealth Bank Of Australia. 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 ASX travel share has been flying high in the past 6 months. Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) shares have taken off 32% to $16.45, at the time of writing. 

After years of stop-start recovery and muted investor confidence, the ASX travel share has suddenly emerged as one of the stronger performers on the ASX.

It’s signalling that the travel giant’s turnaround story may finally be gaining traction.

Stronger profitability outlook

The rebound of the ASX travel share reflects more than just improving sentiment. Investors have responded to a clearer earnings recovery path, firmer guidance, and signs that global travel demand is proving more resilient than feared.

With expectations reset low, Flight Centre has benefited from delivering stability where volatility was once expected. A key driver behind the rally has been the company’s improving profitability outlook. Management of the ASX travel share has flagged stronger underlying earnings, supported by tighter cost discipline and steady booking volumes.

Corporate travel continues to recover gradually and remains an important earnings anchor, offering higher margins and more predictable demand than leisure travel alone.

Takeover UK cruise agency

The narrative shifted further with Flight Centre’s acquisition of Iglu, with $200 million upfront and $54 million in performance-based targets. It’s the leading cruise agency in the UK. The takeover significantly expands the ASX share’s exposure to the fast-growing cruise segment, which has shown strong demand and attractive margins.

More importantly, Iglu brings a highly scalable digital platform and a strong European footprint, helping modernise Flight Centre’s leisure offering and accelerate its shift away from a purely store-led model. Investors have welcomed the deal as a strategic move rather than a defensive one.

The acquisition could boost earnings per share (EPS) by around 5% to 6% in FY27 and FY28, assuming the cruise division grows at 7% per annum.

Fierce online competition

However, the risks for the ASX travel share haven’t disappeared. Travel remains cyclical, and any sharp slowdown in consumer spending would quickly test earnings momentum.

Competition from online-only platforms continues to intensify, while Flight Centre still carries a relatively high fixed cost base due to its physical store network. Margins remain thin, leaving little room for execution errors.

What’s next for Flight Centre?

Even after the recent surge, analyst sentiment remains broadly supportive. Consensus expectations point to further earnings growth over the next year, with many analysts arguing the stock still trades below its longer-term potential if management executes well.

Morgan’s retained its buy rating on Flight Centre. The broker has set an average 12-month price target of $18.38, suggesting 12% upside.

For now, Flight Centre is doing something it hasn’t managed in a while — delivering positive surprises. The Iglu acquisition has added a fresh growth angle.

If travel demand holds up, the recent rally of the ASX share may prove to be more than just a short-term bounce.

The post Why this ASX travel share is flying high appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares are charging higher today.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) mining giant closed yesterday trading for $50.13. In morning trade on Wednesday, shares are changing hand for $51.92 apiece, up 3.6%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is down 0.1% at this same time.

Amid surging copper prices (copper is BHP’s number two revenue earner) and resilient iron ore prices (iron ore is its top revenue earner), BHP shares have rallied 31.2% over the past year, charging ahead of the 5.6% one-year gains delivered by the ASX 200.

And since plumbing multi-year closing lows on 9 April, shares in the big Aussie miner have rocketed 51.7%. That rapid rise saw BHP retake the title of biggest stock on the ASX from Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) on 27 January.

Atop those share price gains, BHP stock also trades on a fully-franked trailing dividend yield of 3.3%.

Which brings us back to our headline question…

Are BHP shares still a good buy today?

Clearly, with the benefit of 20/20 hindsight, 9 April would have been an opportune time to snap up BHP shares at a discount.

But what about today?

Morgans’ Damien Nguyen recently analysed the outlook for the Aussie mining giant (courtesy of The Bull).

“BHP remains a high-quality diversified miner,” Nguyen said. “The stock has performed well, with the price increasing from $34.16 on April 9, 2025 to trade at $51.39 on January 29, 2026.”

Still, Nguyen is recommending people add to their BHP share holdings, issuing a hold recommendation for now. He concluded:

While capital discipline and dividend yield remain attractive, there isn’t a compelling catalyst to add to portfolios at current levels, in our view. We suggest investors retain exposure for income and longer-term portfolio balance, and wait for a potentially better entry point before increasing weight.

Catapult Wealth’s Blake Halligan also has a hold recommendation on the ASX 200 mining stock.

“The global miner is benefiting from copper prices increasing more than 30% in calendar year 2025,” he said.

Halligan noted:

The company recently increased fiscal year 2026 copper production guidance, enabling it to capitalise on record copper prices. Demand for copper remains strong and a welcome tailwind for BHP.

The company should benefit further if it can keep wages, energy, infrastructure and other costs under control.

Indeed, for the six months to 31 December (H1 FY 2026), BHP maintained steady copper production of 984,000 tonnes, with its achieved copper price up 32% year on year.

And BHP shares could benefit further with management upgrading full-year FY 2026 copper guidance to 1.90 million tonnes to 2 million tonnes.

“We have increased FY26 group copper production guidance off the back of stronger delivery across our assets,” BHP CEO Mike Henry said in January.

The post Up 52% since April, should you buy the rally in BHP shares today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Buying ASX dividend shares at great value can be a smart move because of the size of the dividend yield.

There are plenty of appealing options that tell investors regularly about the net tangible assets (NTA) or net asset value (NAV) per share. Being able to buy at a large discount to that stated value can be a winning strategy, particularly if we believe that the NTA/NAV will grow in the coming years.

Below are two very compelling options, in my opinion.

Rural Funds Group (ASX: RFF)

The first business I want to talk about is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that owns a portfolio of farms across Australia, including cattle, vineyards, almonds, macadamias and cropping.

In the FY25 result, Rural Funds announced that its adjusted NAV was $3.08 at 30 June 2025. At the time of writing, that means it’s trading at a discount of 34%. That’s one of the largest discounts in the REIT sector.

The ASX dividend share is expecting to pay a distribution of 11.73 cents in FY26. At the time of writing, that translates into a distribution yield of 5.8%.

Rural Funds is benefiting from the organic rental growth the business has built into its contracts with high-quality tenants. Some of its contracts have annual increases linked to inflation while others have fixed annual increases, including market reviews.

As its rental earnings steadily increase, I’m expecting this to help fund larger distributions in the future.

Bailador Technology Investments Ltd (ASX: BTI)

Bailador is a leading technology investment company. It has invested in a number of small, private, promising tech businesses such as Updoc, DASH, Access Telehealth, Expedition Software, PropHer, Rosterfy and Hapana. It also has a stake in Siteminder Ltd (ASX: SDR) which has been a holding since it was a private business.

The ASX dividend share reported that its December 2025 pre-tax NTA was $1.95. At the time of writing, it’s trading at a huge discount of 38%.

The businesses in its portfolio are growing revenue at a strong double-digit rate, which is helping drive their underlying value higher.

Bailador aims to find businesses that are founder-led, have proven business models with attractive unit economics, international revenue generation, have a huge market opportunity and have the ability to generate repeat revenue.

It aims to pay investors a dividend yield of 4% on the pre-tax NTA, excluding the franking credits. With the franking credits, that’s a grossed-up dividend yield target of 5.7%.

But, Bailador trades at a big discount, so the grossed-up dividend yield is actually 9.2% (at the time of writing), including franking credits. That’s a huge level of passive income for investors.

The post These 2 ASX dividend shares are great buys right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

ASX All Ords gold stock Strickland Metals Ltd (ASX: STK) has smashed the returns delivered by the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) this past year. Though the gold miner is trailing the benchmark today.

Strickland shares closed yesterday trading for 19.0 cents. In early morning trade on Wednesday, shares are changing hands for 18.2 cents apiece, down 4.2%. For some context, the All Ords is down 0.2% at this same time.

Despite today’s dip, shares in the ASX All Ords gold stock remain up a very impressive 160% over 12 months.

The miner should be catching some tailwinds today from the overnight rebound in the gold price, with the yellow metal showing signs of a recovery from the past week’s rout. The gold price is up 6.2% since this time yesterday, at US$4,947 per ounce.

After market close on Tuesday, Strickland Metals also reported on promising new exploration results at its Rogozna Project, located in Serbia.

But investors look to be pressuring the stock with the miner also announcing an equity raise at a steep discount to yesterday’s closing price.

Here’s what’s happening.

ASX All Ords gold stock hits high-grade intercepts

Turning to the exploration results first, Strickland reported it has discovered a new body of high-grade gold and copper mineralisation from initial exploration drilling at the Red Creek Prospect, situated within Rogozna.

Among the top results, the ASX All Ords gold stock reported intercepting 4.0 metres at 4 grams of gold equivalent per tonne from 44.0 metres, and 53.0m @ 2.3g/t AuEq from 514.4 metres.

Stickland noted that mineralisation remains totally open for exploration at Red Creek.

“Our world-class team in Serbia have done it again, with exploration drilling at Red Creek, just 1 kilometre from our cornerstone Shanac Deposit, delivering a new high-grade discovery,” Strickland managing director Paul L’ Herpiniere said.

L’Herpiniere added:

This latest discovery comprises both gold-dominant epithermal mineralisation starting from just 44 metres depth and wider zones of extensive skarn-hosted gold and base metal mineralisation – typical of what we see at other deposits at Rogozna.

Looking ahead, he noted:

We are planning to accelerate drilling at Red Creek to further define the scale of the mineralisation and advance it towards resource status. Given its strategic location, this new discovery further enhances the significant development optionality we already have at Rogozna.

Strickland to raise $55 million

Strickland also announced that it intends to conduct an equity raising by way of an institutional placement of approximately $55 million via the issue of around 343.2 million shares.

The ASX All Ords gold stock looks to be under selling pressure today, with those shares being issued for 16.0 cents apiece. That’s 15.8% below Tuesday’s closing price.

The miner intends to use the proceeds to fund an additional 70,000 metres of drilling at Rogozna and support the delivery of a Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS). The PFS is targeted for the first half of 2027.

Commenting on the $55 million capital raise, L’Herpiniere said:

The progress made since the Rogozna acquisition last year has delivered outstanding exploration results. However, this is only the beginning.

We have ambitious plans to continue this extraordinary growth and establishing Rogozna as a pre-eminent development project through further exploration and studies.

The post Up 160% in a year, ASX All Ords gold stock announces $55 million capital raise appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has 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.