• How much superannuation does a 40-year-old actually need to retire comfortably?

    A young woman sits with her hand to her chin staring off to the side thinking about her investments.

    Most 40-year-olds think about superannuation the same way they think about the dentist.

    They know they should be paying more attention. But they keep putting it off.

    For a 40-year-old Australian today, retirement at age 67 is just 27 years away.

    The decisions made in the next five years will determine more of the final outcome than those made in the five years before retirement.

    Here is the honest picture of what you need and how to get there.

    The superannuation number a 40-year-old needs to retire comfortably

    According to ASFA’s February 2026 Retirement Standard, a comfortable retirement now costs $51,278 per year for a single person and $77,375 per year for a couple.

    To fund that lifestyle from age 67, ASFA estimates homeowners need $630,000 in superannuation for singles and $730,000 for couples.

    Those figures are at all-time highs, driven by inflation pushing up the cost of healthcare, energy, food, and services.

    A comfortable retirement includes private health insurance, a reliable car, regular dining out, domestic holidays, and an overseas trip every few years.

    It is the retirement most Australians believe they deserve. Unfortunately, many will not have enough to fund it.

    Where does a typical 40-year-old stand?

    According to APRA’s most recent superannuation statistics, the average superannuation balance for a person in their early 40s is approximately $130,000 for women and $180,000 for men.

    Those figures are well below what is needed.

    A 40-year-old with $150,000 in super today, contributing 12% of an $85,000 salary and earning 8% per annum, would accumulate approximately $870,000 by age 67.

    Now that is above the ASFA benchmark for a single person. But earning 8% per annum is not guaranteed.

    In a balanced fund earning 5% per annum, the same person would accumulate approximately $490,000, falling $140,000 short of a comfortable retirement.

    That gap is the difference between private health insurance and the public system.

    Between flying interstate once a year and staying home.

    Why what you invest in inside superannuation matters

    Reaching that 8% target is as important as ever.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has returned approximately 8.5% per annum including dividends since inception. Inside a 15% superannuation tax environment, this figure is among the most powerful compounding returns available to Australian investors.

    For investors wanting broad exposure to Australian shares inside their SMSF, the Betashares Australia 200 ETF (ASX: A200) offers a simple and effective solution.

    A200 ETF charges a management fee of just 0.04% per annum, the lowest of any Australian shares ETF on the market. Furthermore, the ETF pays quarterly franked distributions.

    On the flipside, for investors who prefer individual stocks, Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) is the most widely held stock inside Australian superannuation funds for good reason.

    CMC Invest forecasts CBA will pay a fully franked dividend of approximately $5.15 per share in FY2026. The franking credit refunds that inside a super fund are taxed at 15% boost the effective after-tax yield above what a term deposit can offer.

    The 30 June deadline for a 40-year-old

    There’s action that Aussies can take now.

    The concessional contributions cap for FY2026 sits at $30,000, including employer contributions.

    A 40-year-old earning $85,000 with $10,200 in employer contributions already made has room for a further $19,800 in salary sacrifice before 30 June.

    Making those contributions at the 15% concessional rate rather than at a marginal rate of 32.5% saves approximately $3,465 in income tax immediately.

    Compounded inside superannuation for 27 years at 8% per annum, that single year’s additional contribution grows to approximately $29,000.

    But be quick! The window closes on 30 June 2026.

    Foolish takeaway

    A 40-year-old Australian needs approximately $630,000 in superannuation to retire comfortably as a single person.

    Most are not on track to reach that number on employer contributions alone.

    The gap can be closed with additional contributions, smart investment choices inside superannuation, and the compounding power of time.

    But time is the one resource that only gets scarcer.

    The post How much superannuation does a 40-year-old actually need to retire comfortably? 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 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 reasons to buy Cochlear shares in June

    Young girl shows hearing aid while smiling.

    After one of the most dramatic sell-offs in recent ASX healthcare history, Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH) shares may finally be showing signs of life.

    The hearing implant leader remains down around 60% year to date, but it has quietly staged a comeback in recent weeks, climbing 8.5% over the past month. At the time of writing, Cochlear shares trade at $104.45.

    So, is this modest recovery the start of something bigger?

    Here are three reasons investors may want to consider buying the healthcare stock in June.

    The bad news may already be priced in

    It’s worth remembering just how brutal April was for shareholders.

    Most of the pain arrived on 22 April following the release of a decidedly unwelcome trading update.

    Cochlear shares closed down 40.7% in a single session after the company reported falling demand for its implants in developed markets. Management also flagged cancellations and delivery delays in the Middle East due to the ongoing conflict.

    The update forced the company to slash its FY2026 underlying net profit guidance to between $290 million and $330 million, down from its prior guidance range of $435 million to $460 million.

    The downgrade shocked investors. But after such a severe reset in expectations, the market may have already priced in much of the near-term weakness.

    Cochlear remains the industry leader

    While earnings expectations have changed, Cochlear’s competitive position has not.

    The company still commands roughly 50% of the global cochlear implant market, making it the clear industry leader.

    Even more importantly, the long-term growth opportunity for Cochlear shares remains enormous. The addressable market exceeds six million patients in developed markets alone, yet penetration sits at only around 3%.

    Over more than four decades, Cochlear has invested heavily in research and development, building a product moat that competitors have struggled to replicate.

    With ageing populations, growing awareness of hearing loss, and continued adoption of implantable hearing technology, the long-term demand outlook remains compelling.

    Analysts and management see a brighter future

    Broker sentiment has become increasingly constructive following the sell-off.

    Both Jarden and Wilsons Advisory believe the market reaction has been excessive, with each seeing upside of more than 60% in Cochlear shares over the next 12 months.

    Management also continues to argue that the recent volume weakness is temporary rather than structural.

    CEO Dig Howitt stated the following in the company’s April trading update:

    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.

    Those comments highlight an important point. The factors that drove Cochlear’s long-term growth story before April’s shock downgrade remain firmly in place today.

    If demand stabilises and delivery disruptions ease, investors buying Cochlear shares after the sell-off could be well positioned to benefit from a recovery in both earnings expectations and market sentiment.

    The post 3 reasons to buy Cochlear shares in June 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 Marc Van Dinther has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended 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.

  • CSL shares trade at just 12 times forecast earnings. Here’s why they could be the buy of the decade

    patient with doctor, medical company, medical insurance

    CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) has crashed 60% from its all-time high. It now trades at just 12 times forecast FY2026 earnings.

    That is a multiple more commonly associated with slow-growth industrial companies than with the world’s second-largest plasma-derived therapies business.

    For long-term investors looking to buy quality businesses at basement prices, this could be the opportunity of the decade.

    Why CSL shares crashed

    The selling has been brutal and perhaps partially overdone.

    Three forces converged on CSL shares in 2025 and 2026.

    First, the broader ASX healthcare sector was sold aggressively as investors rotated into resources and energy stocks during the Middle East conflict.

    Second, CSL delivered a series of earnings downgrades as plasma collection volumes normalised more slowly than expected following the COVID-19 disruption, and China albumin pricing weakened.

    Third, the appointment of interim CEO Gordon Naylor following Paul McKenzie’s departure created leadership uncertainty at perhaps the wrong moment.

    Management cited weakness in China albumin pricing, with revenue down $200 million from market value decline.

    What’s more, US immunoglobulin inventory normalisation is expected to have a $300 million impact as the primary revenue headwinds.
    The company  also flagged approximately US$5 billion in additional non-cash pre-tax impairments to be recognised across FY2026 and FY2027, largely relating to the CSL Vifor acquisition.

    Interim CEO Gordon Naylor said:

    Our growth initiatives are working, but the financial benefits will take longer than previously anticipated to materialise.

    The sell-off was so severe that insiders began buying CSL shares on market in May 2026, with interim CEO Gordon Naylor purchasing 1,100 shares as a direct signal of his confidence in the business at current prices.

    The sell-off looks overdone

    CSL is the world’s second-largest plasma-derived therapies company, with an irreplaceable position in a market that has taken decades to build.

    The barriers to entry in plasma collection, fractionation, and biopharmaceutical manufacturing are among the highest of any industry.

    No competitor has meaningfully eroded CSL’s market position in the past 30 years.

    The issues that drove the earnings downgrades, (plasma collection normalisation and China pricing) are both temporary.

    Furthermore, the gross profit margin at CSL Behring, the core plasma business, is on a clear recovery path. UBS expects the margin to recover toward pre-COVID levels of approximately 57% by FY2028, with the biggest improvement occurring in FY2026.

    That margin recovery, combined with volume growth as plasma collection catches up, has created an earnings recovery trajectory over the next two to three years.

    What the brokers are saying about CSL shares

    The broker community has remained largely constructive through the selloff.

    Morgans carries a buy rating on CSL shares with a price target of $293.83, noting the restructuring augments rather than masks the underlying business. The broker added that streamlining operations and cost savings could support double-digit earnings growth over the medium term.

    Macquarie retained its outperform rating on CSL shares following the most recent guidance update.

    On the more cautious side, Sanlam Private Wealth holds a hold rating. The broker noted that while CSL appears good value over the longer term, other stocks could potentially deliver faster returns in the short to medium term.

    Foolish takeaway

    CSL shares at 12 times forecast earnings is not something that comes along often.

    The plasma collection recovery and margin improvement narrative is underway.

    Insiders are buying and Morgans sees upside to $293.83.

    For patient investors who can look past the near-term noise and focus on where CSL’s earnings will be in three years, the current entry point could prove to be one of the great buying opportunities this stock has ever offered.

    The post CSL shares trade at just 12 times forecast earnings. Here’s why they could be the buy of the decade 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 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 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.

  • Which top ASX tech shares would I buy for FY27?

    A smiling woman points with her pen at a computer where a colleague sits as though they are collaborating on a project.

    I’m still positive on ASX tech shares over the long term.

    The sector can be volatile, and expectations can shift quickly. But I think the best technology businesses are still finding ways to become more important to their customers.

    With FY27 approaching, I would be looking for companies that are not just attached to a popular theme but are building products and infrastructure that customers actually rely on. Here are three I would buy.

    WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

    WiseTech is the first ASX tech share I would buy.

    The company is best known for CargoWise, its software platform for the global logistics industry.

    I think the interesting thing about WiseTech is that logistics is full of friction. Freight forwarders, customs brokers, carriers, warehouses, importers, exporters, and regulators all need information to move accurately across borders, systems, documents, and time zones.

    That creates a natural role for specialist software. CargoWise helps customers manage more of that workflow in one place. The deeper it becomes inside a logistics business, the harder it can be to replace. That embedded position is what I like most.

    I also think logistics software could become more valuable as global trade becomes more demanding. Customers want better visibility, faster document handling, fewer manual errors, and more automation. Artificial intelligence (AI) could help with parts of that over time, but the platform still needs deep industry knowledge, data, and customer workflows behind it.

    WiseTech is not without risk. Expectations can be high, acquisitions need to be integrated well, and investors will keep a close eye on management execution. But I think the company has built a rare global software position from Australia.

    Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL)

    Wealth management platform provider Netwealth is another ASX tech share I would buy for FY27.

    A good investment platform can sit at the centre of an advice business. It can help advisers manage portfolios, reporting, administration, managed accounts, tax information, and client workflows.

    That may sound behind-the-scenes, but I think it is extremely important.

    Advisers do not want clunky systems when client needs are becoming more detailed. Retirees may need income strategies, younger investors may want transparency, and families may have several layers of financial goals. Platforms that make advice practices more efficient can become very valuable.

    Netwealth has built a strong position in that market. I like its brand, its independent platform model, and its ability to benefit as more money moves through modern wealth systems.

    It may have been growing strongly over the last decade, but I think Netwealth still has a long runway if it keeps winning adviser support and improving its technology.

    NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT)

    NextDC gives investors a very different type of technology exposure.

    Rather than selling software to customers, it provides the physical data centre infrastructure needed for the digital economy to function.

    That includes cloud computing, AI, cybersecurity, streaming, enterprise software, data storage, and online services. All of those activities need secure, reliable, power-hungry facilities behind them.

    I think this is one of the most important technology themes on the ASX.

    The digital world can look weightless from the outside, but the infrastructure behind it is very real. Companies need capacity, power, cooling, connectivity, security, and locations that support large-scale computing.

    NextDC is positioned in that infrastructure layer. And if the demand outlook continues to strengthen, I think the company could have many years of growth ahead.

    Foolish Takeaway

    The ASX tech shares I like most are not just selling into a fashionable theme. They are becoming part of the systems, workflows, and infrastructure that customers need to operate.

    That is what makes this group appealing to me. Each business has a different risk profile, and FY27 could still bring plenty of volatility. But I think specialist software, platform technology, and digital infrastructure remain powerful areas of long-term growth.

    The post Which top ASX tech shares would I buy for FY27? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Netwealth 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 Netwealth Group wasn’t one of them.

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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

  • Qube Holdings scheme update: Dividend and key dates revealed

    Man holding a calculator with Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.

    The Qube Holdings Ltd (ASX: QUB) share price is in focus after the company announced an update on its proposed scheme of arrangement. Key highlights include confirmation of the Special Dividend and changes to the indicative timetable for the scheme.

    What did Qube report?

    • The Board intends to declare a fully franked Special Dividend of $0.3465 per share if the scheme becomes effective
    • Scheme Meeting is scheduled for 16 June 2026
    • Second Court Hearing postponed to 7 July 2026
    • Proposed implementation date for the scheme is 14 August 2026
    • All dates are indicative and subject to regulatory and court approvals

    What else do investors need to know?

    The scheme still requires key regulatory approvals, including from the ACCC, FIRB, and New Zealand’s OIO. The ACCC’s Phase 1 determination deadline is 19 June 2026, with the OIO’s decision expected in early July.

    Qube will proceed with its Scheme Meetings as planned, first for general shareholders (excluding UniSuper) and then for UniSuper. The revised schedule allows time for the remaining conditions precedent to be completed or waived.

    What’s next for Qube?

    Looking ahead, Qube shareholders will vote on the scheme at the upcoming meetings. If approvals are secured, shareholders could receive the proposed fully franked Special Dividend, and the transaction could complete by August.

    The Board continues to unanimously recommend the scheme in the absence of a superior proposal and provided the independent expert maintains a positive opinion.

    Qube share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, Qube share have risen 18%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 4% over the sae period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post Qube Holdings scheme update: Dividend and key dates revealed appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Qube 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 Qube 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.

  • Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

    Two friends giving each other a high five at the top pf a hill.

    It was a very happy return to trading indeed for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) and most ASX shares this Monday. After a stellar end to last week’s trading on Friday, investors came back from the weekend having lost none of their pizazz.

    Perhaps reacting to some positive global geopolitical events over the weekend, the ASX 200 spent the entire session comfortably in the green and closed a happy 1.25% higher. That leaves the index at a flat 8.914 points – a near-two-month high.

    This celebratory session on the local markets followed a similarly joyous day that closed the American trading week last Friday night (our time).

    The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was in a great mood, rising 0.7%.

    The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) wasn’t quite as enthusiastic, but still gained 0.31%.

    But let’s get back to this week and ASX shares now and dive a little deeper into how the various ASX sectors fared this Monday.

    Winners and losers

    Despite the unbridled optimism in the broader market, there were a few sectors that were left out in the cold.

    The most conspicuous of those were, naturally, energy stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) was smashed today, crashing 5.58% lower.

    Utilities shares had a rough one too, with the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) diving 1.79%.

    Communications stocks also missed out. The S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) saw its value tank 1.19% today.

    Consumer staple shares were no safe haven either, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ)’s 0.78% dip.

    Our final losers were healthcare stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) drifted 0.01% lower today.

    Let’s turn to the winners now. Leading the team were gold shares, with the All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) rocketing 9.12%.

    Broader mining stocks were in favour too. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) shot up 4.06% by the closing bell.

    We could say the same for real estate investment trusts (REITs), as you can see by the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ)’s 1.52% spike.

    Financial shares found themselves on the right side of the fence, too. The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) galloped up 1.12%.

    Then came tech shares, with the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) seeing a 1.05% improvement this Monday.

    Industrial stocks followed. The S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) ended up cruising 0.39% higher.

    Finally, consumer discretionary shares squeaked over the line, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ)’s 0.13% bump.

    Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

    Today’s top stocks were almost all gold miners, with Ora Banda Mining Ltd (ASX: OBM) coming in at the top spot.

    Ora Banda shares polevaulted 16.29% today, finishing at $1.29 a share. Today’s big move up for the gold price, combined with a new contract announcement, seems to be the catalyst for this leap.

    Here’s the rest of today’s best:

    ASX-listed company Share price Price change
    Ora Banda Mining Ltd (ASX: OBM) $1.29 16.29%
    Vault Minerals Ltd (ASX: VAU) $4.60 14.71%
    Regis Resources Ltd (ASX: RRL) $6.63 13.33%
    Bellevue Gold Ltd (ASX: BGL) $1.52 13.01%
    Deep Yellow Ltd (ASX: DYL) $1.60 12.72%
    Catalyst Metals Ltd (ASX: CYL) $5.63 12.15%
    Greatland Resources Ltd (ASX: GGP) $13.70 11.93%
    IDP Education Ltd (ASX: IEL) $2.37 11.27%
    Capricorn Metals Ltd (ASX: CMM) $13.36 11.15%
    Capstone Copper Corp (ASX: CSC) $15.72 10.47%

    Our top 10 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary that shows which companies made big moves on the day. Check in at Fool.com.au after the weekday market closes to see which stocks make the countdown.

    The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Ora Banda Mining right now?

    Before you buy Ora Banda Mining 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 Ora Banda Mining 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 Sebastian Bowen 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.

  • Buying Coles shares? Here’s the dividend yield you’ll get today

    A man holding a paper bag full of food items looks in shocked dismay at his supermarket docket as if high prices have taken him by surprise.

    Since its spin-off from Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) back in late 2018, Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) shares have been a popular choice for investors seeking large, stable, and fully franked dividends.

    Coles ticks many, if not most, of the boxes that income investors look out for in a dividend stock. It is a mature company with an established market presence across Australia, and has carved out a defensible position as the clear second player in the grocery and supermarket sector.

    That in itself is also a drawcard. As an established consumer staples stock, Coles specialises in products like food, drinks, and household essentials that we tend to need to buy. This means that Coles is inherently resistant to economic maladies like inflation and recessions.

    So Coles offers up what most ASX dividend investors are looking for in an investment. But let’s get down to what kinds of income one might actually expect from buying Coles shares today.

    At the time of writing, Coles is trading at $23.52 a share, down a rather potent 2.06% for the day thus far. At this price, the company is trading on a trailing dividend yield of 3.1%.

    That yield comes from the last two dividends that this company has doled out. The first of those was the final dividend from September last year, worth 32 cents per share. The second, the interim dividend that shareholders bagged in March, worth 41 cents per share. As we’ve already established, both payments came with full franking credits attached.

    That 12-month total of 73 cents per share gives us that 3.1% yield at the present share price.

    Will Coles shares keep dividend investors happy?

    But this yield is just a trailing one, and tells us only what Coles has paid out in the past, not what it might yield if one buys the shares today.

    Of course, no one can predict a company’s future payouts with certainty until the company itself tells us what to expect. Coles does have a strong track record, having delivered an annual dividend pay rise every year since its ASX float. But again, that does not guarantee future rises.

    Fortunately for investors, analysts are optimistic when it comes to how much the company might pay out in the years ahead.

    As my Fool colleague Tristan covered earlier this month, analysts at CMC Invest are pencilling in a 12-month total of 77.7 cents per share for FY2026. That rises to 85.2 cents per share for FY2027, and then all the way to 91 cents per share in FY2028.

    That would indicate forward yields of 3.3%, 3.62%, and 3.87% respectively. If accurate, this would be very good news for Coles investors indeed. Let’s see if the company measures up to these optimistic expectations.

    The post Buying Coles shares? Here’s the dividend yield you’ll get today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Coles 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 Coles 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 Sebastian Bowen has positions in Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Abacus Storage King announces June 2026 distribution

    Man holding out Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.

    The Abacus Storage King (ASX: ASK) share price is in focus after the company declared a 3.1 cent per security distribution for the six months ending 30 June 2026. The upcoming payout includes a partially franked component, offering value for investors.

    What did Abacus Storage King report?

    • Distribution declared: 3.1 cents per security for the half-year ending 30 June 2026
    • Franked amount: 25% (0.775 cents per security)
    • Unfranked amount: 75% (2.325 cents per security)
    • Ex date: 30 June 2026; Record date: 1 July 2026
    • Payment date: 31 August 2026
    • Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRP) not active for this distribution

    What else do investors need to know?

    The dividend relates to the six-month reporting period ending 30 June 2026, with 25% franked at a 30% corporate tax rate. This means shareholders will receive franking credits on a quarter of the payment, which could benefit those in lower tax brackets.

    There is no conduit foreign income component in this distribution, so only Australian-sourced franking credits and income will be received. The distribution will be paid in Australian dollars.

    What’s next for Abacus Storage King?

    Investors may look forward to confirmation of the ordinary dividend’s final amount, which is expected to be announced closer to the 17 August 2026 date. The company’s steady distribution policy aims to balance rewarding investors with reinvesting in its self-storage asset portfolio.

    Abacus Storage King’s upcoming distribution continues its focus on supporting unitholder returns. As market conditions unfold, management’s disciplined approach should help maintain future payouts in line with company guidance.

    Abacus Storage King share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, Abacus Storage King shares have declined 8%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 4% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post Abacus Storage King announces June 2026 distribution appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Abacus Storage King right now?

    Before you buy Abacus Storage King 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 Abacus Storage King 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.

  • Down 50%: Is this ASX stock a buy?

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

    Monash IVF Group Ltd (ASX: MVF) shares have had a tough couple of years.

    Since this time in 2024, the ASX fertility stock has lost almost 50% of its value.

    Does this make its shares good value today? Let’s see what Bell Potter is saying about the company and its shares.

    What is the broker saying about this ASX stock?

    Bell Potter notes that trading conditions remain challenging for the fertility treatment company. As a result, it was not surprised with its recent guidance downgrade. It said:

    MVF’s lower guidance is not really surprising given the Medicare data that has led the way through the 10 months to April, with no sign of material improvement in May or June. MVF has lowered guidance for U.NPAT to $17m – $18m from a range of $20m to $23m previously. BP was at $20m. The c.15% downgrade reflects an environment where Australian Stimulated Cycles on a R12M basis are c.-1.9% with market conditions being quite difficult over the past two years. The fact that R3M data indicated a decline of c.-4.7% only emphasises the point.

    One positive is that the ASX stock has reported improvements in its market share. It adds:

    Countering this is the improvement MVF is starting to see in its market share. It is early days in the tenure of the new CEO but the 100bp improvement in market share to c.20.1% on a R3M basis indicates stabilisation of a business that has been challenged by a combination of brand issues and cost of living pressures. Indeed, the lower guidance we suggest is more about the macro settings than previous brand issues. Another bright spot is the international business that is continuing to grow and is expected to print materially higher volumes in 2H26 over pcp.

    Should you invest?

    According to the note, the broker thinks investors should keep their powder dry for the time being.

    In response to the guidance update, Bell Potter has retained its hold rating and 75 cents price target. Based on its current share price of 71 cents, this implies only modest upside of 5.5% over the next 12 months.

    Commenting on its recommendation, the broker said:

    We have adjusted our earnings estimates for FY26 only at this stage to reflect the bottom of the lower guidance range, although revenue for FY27e / FY28e is rebased. MVF advise that its cost out and efficiency initiatives are underway, but implementation comes too late to impact the FY26 result.

    We assume that earnings shall remain flat compared with prior estimates which implies MVF need to deliver material efficiencies and cost savings, as we expect the top line to remain challenging. A material cost out programme would be well received by the market, given undemanding multiples. We retain our $0.75 TP and HOLD recommendation.

    The post Down 50%: Is this ASX stock a buy? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Monash IVF 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 Monash IVF 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 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.

  • Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

    Man presses green buy button and red sell button on a graph.

    With lots of ASX shares to choose from on the Australian market, it can be difficult to decide which ones to buy. The good news is that brokers across the country are doing a lot of the hard work for you.

    Three top ASX shares that leading brokers have named as buys this week are outlined below. Here’s why they are bullish on them:

    Bannerman Energy Ltd (ASX: BMN)

    According to a note out of UBS, its analysts have initiated coverage on this uranium developer’s shares with a buy rating and $5.15 price target. The broker is positive on the long-term uranium outlook and is forecasting a price of US$100 per pound. This is due to an increasing focus on energy security and growing demand from AI and data centres. UBS highlights that this enhances the project economics of Bannerman’s Etango operation in Namibia, which it views as a relatively stable jurisdiction with a track record of successful and stable uranium assets with international ownership. In light of this, the broker sees significant value in the company’s shares at current levels. The Bannerman Energy share price is trading at $3.52 on Monday afternoon.

    DigiCo Infrastructure REIT (ASX: DGT)

    A note out of Bell Potter reveals that its analysts have retained their buy rating and $3.40 price target on this data centre operator’s shares. The broker highlights a seemingly exponential acceleration in data centre construction in recent years. In fact, it points out that this construction boom is now contributing 1.9% of Australia’s GDP. While there are many winners from this trend, the broker believes DigiCo Infrastructure REIT likely presents the most upside opportunity via acceleration of its SYD1 DC expansion. It believes this expansion will be able to capture current demand and boost EBITDA above consensus expectations. The DigiCo Infrastructure REIT share price is fetching $2.58 at the time of writing.

    Seek Ltd (ASX: SEK)

    Another note out of Bell Potter reveals that its analysts have retained their buy rating on this job listings company’s shares with a reduced price target of $18.60. The broker remains positive on Seek and has named the company as its preferred rate-sensitive classifieds exposure. It also highlights its belief that Seek is well-placed to avoid disruption from artificial intelligence (AI), pointing out that its underlying proprietary data (~750m points per day) partially consists of traffic meta data which is unable to be scraped by third parties. It thinks this is valuable for targeted job placements and should support yield through soft volume environments. The Seek share price is trading at $13.91 on Monday afternoon.

    The post Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Bannerman 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 Bannerman 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 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.