Once you reach your late-60s, your superannuation should be at the forefront of your mind. After all, retirement is only around the corner.

By this point in your life, you should know exactly how much superannuation you have and what you need to be able to have the type of retirement you want.

Here’s a breakdown of the average superannuation balance of Aussies aged 66. How does yours compare?

What is the average superannuation balance at age 66 in Australia?

According to Rest Super, the average superannuation balance for Australian men aged 65-69 is $448,518, and for women it is $392,274.

If your superannuation balance is on track with the rest of the population, that’s great news. But it doesn’t mean you have enough to live the retirement lifestyle you want. 

But, how much superannuation do I need to have at age 66?

According to the latest ASFA Retirement Standard, the benchmark for a comfortable retirement has just climbed higher.

Australians now need $54,840 a year, or $77,375 a year for a couple.

To support that level of spending, ASFA estimates you’ll need a super balance of roughly $630,000 as a single and $730,000 as a couple by the age of 67. 

The figures also assume you own your home outright and that you’re receiving the age pension.

In fact, in order to reach that number, ASFA calculates that at the age of 66, for a comfortable retirement, Australians should have a current superannuation balance close to $618,500.

That’s significantly higher than the average balances for Australians aged 65-69.

Why is the average Australian so far behind on their super?

Unfortunately, there are a multitude of reasons.

It’s possible to access your super early in very limited circumstances, including to pay certain expenses on compassionate grounds, as well as terminal illness, incapacity, and severe financial hardship.

For example, there was an uptick in Aussies accessing their super early in the COVID-19 pandemic, driven by soaring living costs, sky-high inflation, and widespread lockdowns that caused significant income losses.

Between 20 April 2020 and 31 December 2020 alone, the ATO received 4.78 million applications for early-release of superannuation, totalling $39.2 billion.

Whatever the reason for accessing your superannuation early, removing funds severely affects long-term compounding growth and lowers balances in the long term. 

At the same time, economic uncertainty and high cost-of-living also mean that individuals have severely curbed the amount of voluntary contributions going into super fund accounts. 

High fees and poor performance also eat into retirement savings. Meanwhile, sticking with an underperforming fund or default option is a mistake that can cost your super balance over time.

Default superannuation investment options are generally designed to benefit a range of investors, but what is considered balanced for one person might not apply to the next.

Growth assets on the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) might be more appropriate for Aussies with time to ride out any market fluctuations, but those closer to retirement might be more suited to stable assets that can weather a last-minute share market crash. 

The post Here’s the average superannuation balance at age 66 in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• No savings at 50? I’d follow Warren Buffett’s method to build retirement wealth
• What are analysts saying about ResMed, Downer, and Nuix shares?
• Virgin Australia shares slide again as global turmoil rattles key partnership
• How many Westpac shares do I need to buy for a $10,000 annual passive income?
• 2 ASX 200 shares I’m never selling

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.

Reaching your 50s without much in savings can feel confronting.

Retirement suddenly doesn’t seem as far away as it once did, and it’s easy to start worrying that you may have left things too late to build meaningful wealth.

But one thing I’ve learned from studying long-term investors like Warren Buffett is that wealth isn’t always built quickly. In fact, Buffett himself has often pointed out that most of his wealth was accumulated later in life thanks to the power of compounding.

So even if you feel behind financially at 50, there can still be time to turn things around. The key is focusing on the right strategy.

Focus on buying quality ASX shares

One of Buffett’s most famous principles is his preference for buying wonderful companies at fair prices rather than average companies at cheap prices.

In simple terms, that means looking for businesses with strong competitive advantages, reliable earnings, and products or services that are likely to remain relevant for decades. Think Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) or Goodman Group (ASX: GMG).

Companies with these characteristics often have the ability to grow steadily over time, which can lead to rising profits, increasing dividends, and higher share prices.

For someone starting later in life, owning businesses like this can be especially important. Instead of constantly trading in and out of shares, the goal is to buy quality companies and give them time to work for you.

Think long term, not short term

Another key part of Warren Buffett’s philosophy is patience.

The share market moves up and down all the time, and short-term volatility can be uncomfortable. But historically, markets have trended higher over long periods as businesses grow and economies expand.

Even starting at 50, an investor could still have a time horizon of 15 to 20 years before retirement. That is a long enough period for compounding to make a meaningful difference.

The important thing is staying invested and allowing strong businesses to grow over time rather than reacting to every market swing.

Let compounding work for you

Compounding is often called the eighth wonder of the world for a reason.

When investments generate returns and those returns are reinvested, the growth begins to accelerate over time. Earnings lead to more earnings, dividends lead to more shares, and the overall portfolio gradually becomes larger.

Even modest annual returns can produce surprisingly large outcomes when given enough time.

For example, an investor who consistently adds to their portfolio and earns long-term share market returns could still build a meaningful nest egg over the next couple of decades.

An investment of $500 a month into ASX shares with an average annual return of 9% (not guaranteed but achievable) would become approximately $320,000 after 20 years.

If you can afford to put $1,000 into the market each month, your investment portfolio would be worth $640,000 in two decades with the same annual return.

Foolish takeaway

Starting to invest at 50 may feel late, but it doesn’t mean the opportunity to build wealth has passed.

Warren Buffett’s approach shows that long-term investing in quality businesses at fair prices can still produce powerful results over time.

By focusing on strong companies, remaining patient, and allowing compounding to work, it is still possible to build meaningful retirement wealth even if you feel like you are starting behind.

The post No savings at 50? I’d follow Warren Buffett’s method to build retirement wealth appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• If the ASX crashes tomorrow, here’s exactly what I’d do

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Commonwealth Bank Of Australia. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Goodman Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Goodman Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Analysts have been busy running the rule over a number of popular ASX shares.

But what are they saying about them? Let’s find out if analysts are bullish or bearish, courtesy of The Bull. Here’s what you need to know:

Downer EDI Ltd (ASX: DOW)

Baker Young reckons that investors should be selling this integrated services provider’s shares this week.

The broker highlights that its current valuation leaves little margin for error and poses meaningful downside risk should trading conditions soften. It said:

Downer provides integrated services that maintains infrastructure across Australia and New Zealand. It’s benefited from highly supportive macroeconomic conditions and favourable government infrastructure spending during the past two years. The company’s first half result in fiscal year 2026 highlighted statutory net profit after tax of $98 million, up 29.8 per cent on the prior corresponding period.

Management expects further margin expansion through fiscal years 2026 and 2027. However, the share price increase has far outpaced underlying earnings growth. At current valuation levels, we see limited margin for error and little valuation support should conditions soften. Consequently, we believe it’s prudent to take profits.

Nuix Ltd (ASX: NXL)

Another ASX share that has been named as a sell is investigative and analytics software provider Nuix.

Peak Asset Management thinks that its shares are fully valued now and that investors should be taking profit. Talking about the tech stock, it said:

Nuix is an investigative analytics software provider. It enables customers to process and search large data sets of unstructured information, including emails, documents and communications records. The company earns most of its revenue from licence and maintenance fees. Revenue of $121.2 million in the first half of fiscal year 2026 was up 15.2 per cent on the prior corresponding period.

Annualised contract value of $234.4 million was up 8.4 per cent. Investors may want to consider taking a profit as we believe gains are priced in following the half year result. We see limited scope for upside amid increasing competition.

ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD)

Over at Securities Vault, its analysts think this sleep disorder treatment company’s shares are a hold.

It is a big fan of ResMed but feels its shares are fully valued at current levels and recommends waiting for a better entry point. It said:

ResMed remains a global leader in sleep apnoea devices and digital health monitoring. Structural demand drivers, including ageing populations, increasing diagnosis rates and broader awareness of sleep health, continue to support long term growth. However, a strong share price recovery following concerns about the impact of weight loss drugs on sleep apnoea treatment appears to leave much of the near-term optimism priced into the stock.

While the company’s fundamentals remain robust, the valuation reflects its market leadership and growth outlook. Investors may prefer to retain existing positions, while awaiting further earnings expansion, or more attractive entry points.

The post What are analysts saying about ResMed, Downer, and Nuix shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Shares in Virgin Australia Holdings Ltd (ASX: VGN) are heading south on Monday. This comes as the airline faces fresh pressure linked to the ongoing war across the Middle East.

At the time of writing, the Virgin Australia share price is down 2.56% to $2.66. The stock has had a difficult run recently and is now down about 24% since the start of 2026.

Here’s what investors need to know.

Middle East conflict disrupts flights

According to The Australian, Virgin Australia’s partnership with Qatar Airways is being tested as the conflict in the Middle East continues to affect aviation routes.

Qatar Airways currently owns 25% of Virgin Australia and provides aircraft and crew for several services under a wet lease arrangement.

However, the Gulf carrier has reportedly cancelled all of the wet lease flights it operates on behalf of Virgin while the conflict continues.

As a result, daily services from Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, and Melbourne to Doha have not been operating since fighting escalated in the region. Virgin has extended cancellations through to at least Thursday.

These routes form a key part of Virgin’s strategy to expand its international network following its return to the ASX in 2025.

Qatar Airways hit hardest by cancellations

Data from aviation analytics firm Cirium show that Qatar Airways has been the airline most affected in the Gulf region since the conflict intensified.

The data shows 2,479 flight cancellations out of 2,669 scheduled services, impacting an estimated 741,000 travellers.

The situation has also affected airline operations across the wider region.

Between February 28 and March 13, more than 52,000 flights were cancelled, affecting an estimated 6 million passengers.

Several airlines are now operating under restricted schedules while governments review airspace safety conditions.

Virgin Australia share price under pressure

The latest developments appear to be weighing on investor sentiment toward Virgin Australia shares.

The airline’s stock has fallen roughly 19% since early March, leaving it well below the levels seen shortly after its relisting last year.

Virgin Australia returned to the ASX in June 2025, when private equity owner Bain Capital sold a 30% stake to investors at $2.90 per share.

Today’s price of $2.66 puts the stock below that listing level.

By comparison, rival Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN) has also declined recently, although the pullback has been smaller.

Travel demand shifting

Despite the disruption to Middle East travel routes, broader demand for flights appears to remain resilient.

Online travel group Webjet Group Ltd (ASX: WJL) said booking data shows travellers are increasingly shifting toward destinations closer to home.

Bookings to locations such as Ho Chi Minh City, Bali, Tokyo, and Manila have been rising, while domestic destinations, including the Gold Coast, are also seeing increased interest.

This suggests that while geopolitical tensions may temporarily affect certain routes, overall travel demand remains relatively strong.

However, the near-term focus will likely remain on managing operational issues linked to its international partnership network.

The post Virgin Australia shares slide again as global turmoil rattles key partnership 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.

If it’s an extra $10,000 a year in passive income you’re after, then Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) shares are worth a closer look.

Atop potential further share price gains, Westpac has historically paid out two fully franked dividends a year.

As for the share price, in early afternoon trade today, shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) bank stock are up a slender 0.1%, changing hands for $41.01 apiece.

For some context, the ASX 200 is down 0.4% at this same time.

Taking a step back, Westpac shares have strongly outperformed over the past year, now up 37.2% and handily outpacing the 9.3% 12-month gains delivered by the benchmark index.

We’ll take a look at just how many Westpac shares you’d need to buy for a $10,000 annual passive income below.

But first…

Important reminders on your passive income goals

Before digging into the passive income potential from Westpac, remember that a properly diversified ASX dividend portfolio will contain a lot more than just a single stock.

There’s no magic number. But somewhere in the range of 10 to 20 dividend stocks is a decent ballpark figure. Ideally these will operate in various segments and geographic locations. That will reduce the risk of your income stream taking a big hit if any one company or sector runs into a rough patch.

Also, remember that the yields you generally see quoted are trailing yields. Future yields may be higher or lower depending on a range of company specific and macroeconomic factors.

In Westpac’s case those include the performance of the Aussie economy, with banks generally more profitable during times of economic growth. And interest rates also play a factor. Banks are often able to improve their net interest margin (NIM) amid higher interest rate environments.

Now, returning to our headline question…

Banking on Westpac shares for $10,000 a year in passive income

Over the past 12 months, Westpac paid two fully franked dividend.

The ASX 200 bank paid an interim dividend of 76 cents per share on 27 June. And Westpac paid out its final dividend of 77 cents per share on 19 December.

That equates to a full year passive income payout of $1.53 a share.

So, to secure your $10,000 yearly passive income stream (based on the trailing yield), you’d need to buy 6,536 Westpac shares today, with potential tax benefits from those franked credits.

How much would that cost?

At the current Westpac share price of $41.01, you’d need to invest $268,041 now to aim for that $10,000 yearly passive income.

You could also invest smaller amounts on a monthly basis to reach that income goal over time.

Westpac shares trade on a fully franked trailing dividend yield of 3.7%.

The post How many Westpac shares do I need to buy for a $10,000 annual passive income? 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.

When I invest in ASX shares, I’m usually thinking in decades rather than months.

Markets move up and down all the time, but the businesses that consistently create value tend to do so over very long periods. That’s why I like owning companies with strong competitive advantages, dependable earnings, and long runways for growth.

While there are plenty of quality companies on the ASX 200, a handful stand out to me as businesses I would be very reluctant to ever sell.

Here are two ASX 200 shares that I personally view as long-term hold forever investments.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

It’s almost impossible to talk about high-quality ASX 200 shares without mentioning Commonwealth Bank.

The bank has spent decades building one of the most dominant financial franchises in the country. Its scale, brand strength, and customer relationships make it incredibly difficult for competitors to challenge its position.

What stands out to me most is how consistently the business performs. Even through economic cycles, Commonwealth Bank has continued to generate strong profits and deliver reliable dividends for shareholders.

The company has also invested heavily in technology over the years, which has helped it maintain a leadership position in digital banking.

Personally, I think that combination of scale, profitability, and technological capability is a big reason the market continues to place a premium valuation on its shares.

While the share price will inevitably have periods of volatility, I see Commonwealth Bank as the type of business that can continue compounding value over very long periods of time.

HUB24 Ltd (ASX: HUB)

Another ASX 200 share that I would struggle to part with is HUB24.

The company operates a rapidly growing investment platform used by financial advisers to manage client portfolios. Over the past decade, it has been one of the biggest beneficiaries of the shift toward modern wealth management platforms.

What I like most about HUB24 is the structural growth story behind the business.

The Australian wealth management industry continues to expand as more Australians accumulate savings and seek professional financial advice. At the same time, advisers are increasingly moving away from older platforms and consolidating onto newer, more capable systems.

HUB24 has been winning market share as part of this transition, and its funds under administration have grown rapidly as a result. Combined with operating leverage, this has driven exceptionally strong earnings growth over the past decade.

In my view, that combination of structural industry growth and increasing scale makes HUB24 one of the most compelling long-term growth shares on the ASX.

Foolish takeaway

Investing is rarely about finding the next stock that might double in a year.

More often, long-term wealth is built by owning exceptional businesses and giving them time to grow.

For me, Commonwealth Bank and HUB24 are two companies that fit that description. Both have strong competitive positions, proven management teams, and long-term growth opportunities.

The post 2 ASX 200 shares I’m never selling appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Commonwealth Bank Of Australia and Hub24. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Hub24. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Hub24. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Metallium Ltd (ASX: MTM) shares are under pressure on Monday after the company released its half-year update to the market.

At the time of writing, the Metallium share price is down 7.25% to 64 cents.

The weakness adds to a difficult run for the stock, which is now down about 40% since the start of 2026.

Here is what happened over the 6 months ended 31 December 2025.

Metallium reports half-year results

The company released its half-year results alongside a CEO letter to shareholders outlining progress across its technology and processing platform.

During the period, Metallium generated revenue of $451,003, up significantly from $14,809 in the prior corresponding period.

However, it also recorded a net loss after tax of $24.07 million, compared with a loss of $3.59 million a year earlier.

According to the update, much of the loss relates to non-cash share-based payment expenses, largely tied to equity incentives granted in earlier periods.

Metallium said it finished the half with a strengthened balance sheet following a $75 million placement completed after the reporting period.

The company had cash and cash equivalents of $29.8 million at the end of December.

Progress at the Gator Point facility

A key focus for the company during the half-year was advancing its Gator Point Technology Campus in Texas.

The company said major progress was made across construction, infrastructure, and operational readiness at the site.

This includes upgrades to utilities, water systems, laboratory facilities, and dry and wet lab environments designed to support processing activities.

The facility is intended to support the commercial development of Metallium’s Flash Joule Heating (FJH) technology, which recovers metals from electronic waste.

Engineering and design work has also continued across the processing flowsheet, including systems to handle electronic scrap materials.

Scaling Flash Joule Heating technology

The company plans to run 3 FJH reactors at the same time during the June quarter of 2026. This is intended to demonstrate that the technology can operate at a larger scale.

The original design for the facility aimed to process about 1 tonne of material per day.

However, improvements to the processing system have lifted this target to around 5 tonnes per day. This would allow the facility to handle about 20 tonnes per day of printed circuit board material once upstream systems are fully integrated.

The company said this increase in capacity supports its plans to move toward commercial production.

Expanding commercial opportunities

The company previously announced a binding electronic scrap supply agreement with Glencore. Management says it provides an important source of material for its processing operations.

In addition, Metallium said it is working to finalise further supply agreements for printed circuit board material as it prepares to increase processing capacity.

The company also confirmed it is in discussions with Indium Corporation about potential supply and offtake arrangements for gallium and germanium recovered from industrial scrap.

Management said its near-term focus remains on commissioning activities at the Gator Point facility and expanding processing capacity as additional reactor units are rolled out.

The post Why this ASX stock just dropped 7% after today’s announcement 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.

The All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) has declined 2.5% in 2026 despite the best lifting efforts of this ASX All Ords defence stock.

The outperforming company in question is engineering, construction, and remediation contractor Duratec Ltd (ASX: DUR).

During the Monday lunch hour, Duratec shares are up 1.3%, changing hands for $2.38 apiece.

That sees the Duratec share price up 29.4% since the opening bell sounded on 2 January.

Taking a step back, shares in the ASX All Ords defence stock are up an impressive 45.1% since this time last year. And that doesn’t include the 4.3 cents a share in fully franked dividends the company has paid (or shortly will pay) eligible stockholders over the year.

The stock currently trades on a fully franked dividend yield of 1.8%.

And according to the team at Taylor Collison, the company is well positioned to deliver another year of o strong performance and dividends in the year ahead.

What’s the latest from Duratec?

Duratec’s main operating segments are defence, mining, and energy.

The ASX All Ords defence stock reported its half year results (H1 FY 2026) on 25 February.

The company earned the most revenue from its defence segment, with half year revenue coming in at $82.2 million. H1 mining revenue was reported to be $57.7 million while the company’s energy segment achieved revenue of $27.3 million for the six-month period.

Total revenue of $273.3 million was down 4.9% year-on-year. However, the company posted a 2% lift in normalised earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) to $27.5 million.

And on the bottom line, Duratec reported a net profit after tax (NPAT) for the half year of $13.4 million, up 3.5% year on year.

Commenting on the results on the day, Duratec managing director Chris Oates said:

It has been encouraging to see an uplift in recent wins, and although revenue remained flat in the first half, we delivered a record EBITDA margin [of 10%]. This performance has positioned the business extremely well for the second half and for the years ahead.

Why Taylor Collison is bullish on the ASX All Ords defence stock

Commenting on its buy recommendation and outperform rating on Duratec shares, Taylor Collison said, “We believe the investment case for DUR is supported by a combination of favourable macro settings and the company’s clearly differentiated value proposition.”

The broker pointed to Duratec’s remediation expertise as one reason its bullish on the stock, noting:

Through its MEnD business, DUR integrates engineering capability with contracting execution, enabling delivery of full-service solutions for asset owners – spanning defect identification, cost estimation and end-to-end project delivery. This vertically integrated model differentiates DUR from most peers and is consistently valued by customers.

Then there’s the ASX All Ords defence stock’s strong track record in the defence space.

According to Taylor Collison:

DUR’s construction exposure is heavily weighted toward defence, underpinned by a long-standing presence at HMAS Stirling and a strong execution track record. This ensures the company is well positioned for the upcoming upgrade cycle, particularly opportunities linked to the planned AUKUS nuclear submarine program.

The broker has a $2.45 price target on Duratec shares.

That represents a potential upside of around 3% from the current price. And it doesn’t include those upcoming dividends.

The post Why it’s not too late to buy this surging ASX All Ords defence stock 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.

The Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS) share price has been on an extraordinary run.

Even after falling about 4% today (at the time of writing), the defence technology company’s shares remain near all-time highs. The stock has surged almost 80% over the past month and an astonishing 800% over the past year.

So after such a dramatic rally, the obvious question for investors is: Should they buy, hold, or sell?

What’s driving the momentum?

Part of the recent surge followed last week’s announcement that EOS had secured US$45 million in new counter-drone orders, including a major order from a Middle Eastern customer for its Slinger Remote Weapon System.

More broadly, the company said the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has sparked growing interest from governments in counter-drone systems, including its cannon-based Slinger platform and APOLLO laser technology.

Importantly, EOS’ order book has also expanded rapidly. At the last count, the company had more than $400 million in orders, up 238% from 2024.

Given that EOS generated $128 million in revenue in 2025, that backlog suggests the company has multiple years of potential revenue already contracted.

But does the valuation make sense?

EOS now has a market capitalisation north of $2 billion, despite reporting a 2025 NPAT of $17.5 million, and even that profit figure includes a $91 million gain from the sale of discontinued operations, meaning the underlying business is not yet meaningfully profitable.

In other words, the market is clearly pricing in significant growth expectations to materialise, and investors are valuing EOS based on its expected future growth rather than current earnings.

If the company successfully converts its rapidly expanding order book into sustained revenue growth (and ultimately strong cash flow with healthy margins), then today’s valuation may prove justified.

But if contract execution or margins disappoint, expectations could reset quickly.

Expect volatility

Investors should, however, expect volatility, even if EOS’ operations continue to improve. A shift in sentiment (perhaps as a result of headlines of a peace deal in the Middle East) could result in the share price cooling off, and investors have already experienced this before.

The stock has fallen around 40% twice during previous pullbacks, including in October 2025 and earlier this year, and so that’s a risk that investors need to be mindful of.

Buy, hold, or sell?

On balance, for new investors, chasing a stock after a 1-year 800% rally carries obvious risks. For that reason, I think there are better risk-adjusted opportunities out there at the moment.

For existing shareholders sitting on large gains, however, the decision does not have to be all or nothing.

If EOS has grown into a large part of a portfolio, trimming some shares could allow investors to lock in profits while still keeping exposure to the company’s long-term growth potential.

Sometimes the best move with a big winner is simply to take some chips off the table while letting the rest run.

The post Up 80% over the last month, EOS shares are near all-time highs. Should investors buy, hold or sell? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Kevin Gandiya has no positions in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Electro Optic Systems. 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 S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is out of form on Monday. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is down 0.5% to 8,573.9 points.

Four ASX shares that are falling more than most today are listed below. Here’s why they are dropping:

Regis Resources Ltd (ASX: RRL)

The Regis Resources share price is down 9% to $7.00. Investors have been selling this gold miner’s shares following a pullback in the gold price. Traders have been selling gold amid concerns that sky-high oil prices could lead to higher inflation and force central banks to hike interest rates. It isn’t just Regis Resources shares that are falling today. The S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Gold index is down 4.2% at the time of writing.

Strike Energy Ltd (ASX: STX)

The Strike Energy share price is down 3% to 10.7 cents. This morning, the energy company advised that the Western Australian Economic Regulation Authority (ERA) has finalised its Determination for the Benchmark Reserve Capacity Price (BRCP) for the 2028/29 Capacity Year at $488,500 per MW per annum. While this is a 35% increase on the 2027/28 benchmark of $360,700 per MW per year, it seems that some investors were expecting an even larger increase.

Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX)

The Telix Pharmaceuticals share price is down 3% to $10.96. This is despite the radiopharmaceuticals company revealing that it was optimistic that the resubmission of a new drug application (NDA) for its brain cancer imaging candidate TLX101-Px would be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Telix’s chief medical officer, Dr David N. Cade, said: “We appreciate the FDA’s recognition of the critical unmet need to improve the diagnosis and management of glioma, particularly in the posttreatment setting. Our resubmission is supported by an extensive and compelling data set – particularly so for an orphan indication. We are grateful to our global clinical collaborators, who share our commitment to ensuring patients in the U.S. can benefit from this important patient management tool.”

Virgin Australia Holdings Ltd (ASX: VGN)

The Virgin Australia share price is down 2.5% to $2.66. This may have been driven by concerns that rising oil prices could weigh on the profitability of the airline. Virgin Australia has also been struggling with its flights through to the Middle East with Qatar Airways experiencing consistent cancellations. The company’s shares are now down almost 20% since this time last month.

The post Why Regis Resources, Strike Energy, Telix, and Virgin Australia shares are falling today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Telix shares drop despite promising US FDA update
• Telix Pharmaceuticals resubmits FDA application for brain cancer imaging agent
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• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Why Telix shares could smash the market in 2026 with an 80% return

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 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.