• Buy this ASX 200 share benefiting from ‘cyclical tailwinds’: Top broker

    Two smiling work colleagues discuss an investment at their office.

    If you are looking to make a new addition or two to your portfolio this week, then it could be worth listening to what Bell Potter is saying.

    That’s because the broker has just put a buy rating on one ASX 200 share.

    Which ASX 200 share?

    The company that Bell Potter is bullish on is Orica Ltd (ASX: ORI).

    It is a leading solution provider to the global mining and infrastructure markets. Its solutions include the manufacture and supply of explosives, blasting systems, and speciality mining chemicals. In addition, it offers the provision of orebody intelligence, geotechnical, and structural monitoring products and services.

    Bell Potter highlights that the ASX 200 share released a business update this week, which was largely in line with expectations. It said:

    ORI has provided a 1H FY26 business update, outlining positive group momentum continuing into FY26TD, with 1H FY26 group uEBIT expected to be “slightly higher” than the PcP (BPe +3.0%). Key points: Blasting Solutions: uEBIT to be slightly below the PcP (BPe -1.3%), due to a higher AUD:USD and lower Indonesian coal production quotas. These headwinds were partially offset by strong demand for premium products and advanced blasting technologies, continued commercial discipline and robust network performance.

    Digital Solutions: uEBIT is forecast to increase by ~20% vs the PcP (BPe +24.0%), underpinned by increasing adoption of digital offerings and recurring revenue growth, strong metals exploration activity and increased cross-selling across the portfolio. Speciality Mining Chemicals: uEBIT is anticipated to lift ~15% vs the PcP (BPe +27.2%), supported by strong demand for sodium cyanide from gold customers

    Should you invest?

    In response to the update, Bell Potter has retained its buy rating and $28.50 price target on the ASX 200 share.

    Based on its current share price of $20.92, this implies potential upside of 36% for investors over the next 12 months.

    In addition, a 3.1% dividend yield is expected in 2026, which takes the total potential return to over 39%.

    Bell Potter likes the company due to its belief that it is well-placed to benefit from cyclical tailwinds across its target markets. The broker explains:

    ORI is well positioned to capitalise on improving short-to-medium term cyclical tailwinds across mining production, exploration and gold processing markets. Notwithstanding these tailwinds, we express caution regarding input cost and supply.

    The post Buy this ASX 200 share benefiting from ‘cyclical tailwinds’: Top broker appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Orica Limited shares, consider this:

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

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor 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.

  • GQG Partners lifts FUM to US$172.9bn in February 2026

    Man online with computers discussing the ASX 200

    The GQG Partners Inc (ASX: GQG) share price is in focus after the fund manager reported its total funds under management (FUM) rose to US$172.9 billion at February’s end, up from US$165.7 billion the previous month, thanks to strong investment performance.

    What did GQG Partners report?

    • Total FUM increased from US$165.7 billion to US$172.9 billion in February 2026
    • Net flows saw an outflow of US$3.2 billion for the month
    • Investment performance added US$10.5 billion to FUM
    • International and Global strategies contributed most to growth
    • Figures are unaudited and exclude private capital solutions

    What else do investors need to know?

    GQG Partners’ funds grew primarily due to positive investment returns, despite experiencing net outflows. International and Global strategies led the way, with International up US$4.0 billion and Global up US$2.0 billion after accounting for flows and performance.

    The reported figures are unaudited and based on current estimates. The FUM data does not include activity from GQG Private Capital Solutions.

    What’s next for GQG Partners?

    GQG has flagged its next FUM updates for 13 April, 12 May, and 10 June 2026, which will give investors a closer look at ongoing trends. Management remains focused on delivering strong long-term returns for clients and managing net flows during challenging market conditions.

    Investors will be watching upcoming announcements closely to see whether recent investment performance can offset continued net outflows.

    GQG Partners share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, GQG Partners shares have declined 9%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: GQG) which has risen 10% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post GQG Partners lifts FUM to US$172.9bn in February 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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

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

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor 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 recommended Gqg Partners. 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.

  • Guess which ASX 200 stock was just upgraded by a leading broker

    A smiling woman holds a Facebook like sign above her head.

    Now could be the time to pounce on the ASX 200 stock in this article.

    That’s the view of analysts at Bell Potter, who have just upgraded the stock to a buy rating.

    Which ASX 200 stock?

    The stock that Bell Potter has become bullish on this week is Eagers Automotive Ltd (ASX: APE).

    It is the leading automotive retailer in Australia with a 14% share of the new vehicle sales market. It has 224 new car dealerships across 33 brands and 68 truck and bus dealerships across 12 brands in Australia.

    Bell Potter believes that the ASX 200 stock is positioned to deliver a profit result slightly ahead of consensus estimates in FY 2026. Despite a soft start to the year, the broker believes things will pick up. This is especially the case given how it believes the soft start has been triggered by supply issues. It said:

    There is no change in our forecasts which we only recently updated with the release of the 2025 result last month. We continue to forecast underlying operating PBT of $657m in 2026 which is only slightly above VA consensus of $655m. We acknowledge there has been a relatively flat or soft start to the year – deliveries flat in January and down 3% in February on pcps – but this appears mostly due to Toyota supply issues which we expect to be resolved over the course of the year.

    We also believe the market dynamic this year will be more push than pull with the large increase in OEMs now selling into the Australian market and this will also drive volume. So we expect volumes to rebound over the coming months and deliveries for the year to be generally consistent with last year around 1.2m.

    Upgraded to buy

    Due to recent share price weakness, Bell Potter has upgraded the ASX 200 stock to a buy rating (from hold) with a slightly trimmed price target of $28.50 (from $28.75).

    Based on its current share price of $21.11, this implies potential upside of 36% for investors over the next 12 months.

    But the returns won’t stop there. Bell Potter also expects an attractive 3.8% fully franked dividend yield this year, which boosts the total potential return to approximately 40%.

    Commenting on its upgrade, the broker said:

    Our updated TP of $28.50 is >15% premium to the share price so we upgrade our recommendation from Hold to Buy. Yes, we acknowledge Eagers is consumer facing but we see resilience in the both the new and used vehicle market in Australia as well as Canada. In our view the biggest risk to our upgrade is a protracted war in Iran and, while we cannot rule this out, the risk appears to have already had a negative impact on the share price.

    We note the forward PE ratio is now back below 20x so the stock is looking value again and supporting this the yield has increased back up to around 4%. In terms of catalysts we expect the CanadaOne Auto acquisition to be completed by the end of the month and then we see potential for resumption of M&A activity in Australia and/or Canada without the need for a fresh equity raise (unless they are particularly big). And, as mentioned, we expect new vehicle deliveries to rebound and be stronger in the coming months as the Toyota supply issues are resolved.

    The post Guess which ASX 200 stock was just upgraded by a leading broker appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Eagers Automotive Ltd shares, consider this:

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

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor 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 recommended Eagers Automotive Ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • How much could $10,000 in these ASX 200 shares be worth by the end of the year?

    A woman gives two fist pumps with a big smile as she learns of her windfall, sitting at her desk.

    The tough part about volatility is we ride the ups and downs of market swings. 

    So far, in less than two weeks of the month of March, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has dropped more than 5%. 

    Yesterday provided some relief as the ASX 200 recovered slightly after a brutal Monday. 

    One positive that investors can focus on is that some stocks are now priced at a relative value. 

    Here are two ASX 200 stocks that investors might consider buying low. 

    These have drawn positive forecasts from brokers moving forward. 

    Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1)

    Megaport is a software-defined network (SDN) service provider that allows customers to connect between around 860 data centres globally.

    The majority of its customer connections are to major cloud service providers, including AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform.

    It has been caught up in the heavy tech sell-off. 

    The key consideration investors need to make is whether AI disruption is going to help or hinder the company’s core product moving forward. 

    A recent report from Vanguard is worth a read for those interested in this fork in the road for Aussie tech. 

    Nevertheless, this ASX 200 stock has drawn some positive targets from brokers after falling 35% year to date. 

    Recently, Morgans retained a buy rating with a $16.00 price target on this ASX 200 stock. 

    Following earnings season, Macquarie placed a price target of $23.30 on Megaport shares. 

    From yesterday’s closing price of $8.01, these targets indicate an upside between 99% and 190%. 

    That means, a hypothetical investment of $10,000 at the current price would reach $19,000 to $29,000 in a year’s time should Megaport reach those figures. 

    Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL)

    Aristocrat Leisure is an Australian gaming technology company licensed in around 340 gaming jurisdictions in more than 100 countries. 

    It offers a range of products and solutions in the gaming space including poker machines and casino management systems.

    Its share price has tumbled almost 19% year to date. 

    However analysts are suggesting it has been oversold and now could be priced at a strong value. 

    During earnings season, the team at Bell Potter placed a buy rating on the ASX 200 share with a $70.00 price target. 

    Similarly, analysts forecasts via TradingView have a one year price target of $66.94 on the ASX 200 company. 

    From yesterday’s closing price of $46.47, that indicates an increase between 44% and 50%. 

    If a $10,000 investment was made at the current price, and Aristocrat Leisure shares reached these targets, the initial investment would be worth up to $15,000. 

    The post How much could $10,000 in these ASX 200 shares be worth by the end of the year? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Megaport shares, consider this:

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

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Megaport. 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.

  • Macquarie Technology Group secures $200m NRFC investment for digital infrastructure

    two men shake hands on a deal.

    The Macquarie Technology Group Ltd (ASX: MAQ) share price is in focus after the company secured a $200 million hybrid investment from the government-backed National Reconstruction Fund Corporation. The funding will support Macquarie’s development of sovereign cyber security and cloud services for critical industries and government.

    What did Macquarie Technology Group report?

    • Secured $200 million hybrid investment from National Reconstruction Fund Corporation (NRFC)
    • Funds to be issued in two series of $100 million each, before June 2026 and March 2027
    • Hybrid Securities are perpetual, subordinated, unsecured, and callable
    • Distributions fixed at 6.00% p.a. (effective ~8.57%) until first call date, then floating rate
    • Funds targeted to expand sovereign digital infrastructure and cyber security services

    What else do investors need to know?

    Macquarie Technology Group will use the proceeds to accelerate the rollout of secure cloud and cyber security solutions, with a focus on servicing Australian government agencies, defence, and businesses handling critical infrastructure.

    The NRFC’s strategic, non-dilutive investment adds flexibility to Macquarie’s balance sheet without issuing new shares. This partnership with a major government investor underscores confidence in Macquarie’s key role in Australia’s digital and national security infrastructure.

    What did Macquarie Technology Group management say?

    Chief Executive David Tudehope said:

    We are delighted to partner with NRFC and secure this investment, which provides long-term capital to support our growth initiatives while providing additional financial flexibility and diversification of our funding sources.

    This new source of capital enables us to expand our role as a provider of secure digital infrastructure and cyber security, delivering significant benefit to the Australian economy over time.

    What’s next for Macquarie Technology Group?

    Macquarie plans to draw down the first $100 million by June 2026 and the second by March 2027, using these funds to scale up its Cloud Services and Government (CS&G) business. The extra capital is expected to boost product innovation in sovereign cloud and AI, catering to sensitive sectors like defence and critical infrastructure.

    The Group’s management highlighted that the capital structure remains robust, with no new equity dilution. Macquarie aims to further strengthen its leadership in secure, sovereign digital infrastructure and cyber security solutions across Australia.

    Macquarie Technology Group share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, Macquarie Technology Group shares have declined 8%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 10% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post Macquarie Technology Group secures $200m NRFC investment for digital infrastructure appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Macquarie Telecom 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 Macquarie Telecom Group wasn’t one of them.

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

  • Lynas Rare Earths inks 12-year supply deal with Japanese industry

    A silhouette shot of two business man shake hands in a boardroom setting with light coming from full length glass windows beyond them.

    Yesterday afternoon, Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC) announced a revised long-term supply agreement with Japanese industry, extending to 2038 and establishing a firm offtake for 5,000 tonnes of NdPr per year at a US$110/kg price floor.

    What did Lynas Rare Earths report?

    • Updated agreement with JARE extends rare earths supply to Japanese industry until 2038
    • New floor price of US$110/kg for NdPr oxide sales
    • Firm annual offtake: 5,000 tonnes of NdPr and 50% of all Heavy Rare Earth (HRE) oxides produced
    • Upside sharing arrangement for prices achieved above US$150/kg NdPr
    • Annual review process ensures sustainability and funding effectiveness

    What else do investors need to know?

    The updated agreement gives Lynas both price certainty and market access, with a minimum floor for NdPr sales and the potential for extra upside if prices rise. Importantly, it cements Lynas’ position as a cornerstone supplier of key materials for Japanese industry at a time when rare earth security remains a global focus.

    The partnership covers both Light and Heavy Rare Earth oxides, reflecting Lynas’ successful production of separated HRE oxides in 2025. Under the deal, JARE will commit to buy half of all HRE output, while Lynas and Sojitz continue to collaborate on downstream customer contracts.

    What did Lynas Rare Earths management say?

    CEO and Managing Director Amanda Lacaze said:

    Lynas’ partnership with JARE has served both organisations well over the past 15 years. It has created a strong foundation for the development of Lynas’ business, supported investments in new processing capacity and new products, and delivered reliable supply of quality product to support Japanese industry growth.

    We are delighted that the revised 12-year availability and supply agreement with JARE will support both Japanese industry and the continued growth and development of Lynas. This new agreement will ensure continued reliable supply of rare earth products that are strategically important to Japanese industry and its global market, and at the same time, the implementation of fair market pricing will reduce price volatility for Lynas and enable continued growth and investment in our operations.

    We thank our JARE partners, JOGMEC and Sojitz, and our Japanese customers for their support over the past 15 years. We are confident this new agreement, alongside other policy initiatives from governments around the world, will contribute to improved rare earths market dynamics,” added Ms Lacaze.

    What’s next for Lynas Rare Earths?

    Lynas expects the revised agreement to provide stability in revenues and support ongoing investments in processing and product development. The 12-year horizon gives management confidence to pursue growth opportunities and strengthens relationships with Japanese customers.

    The company will continue to work closely with JARE and Sojitz to ensure the sustainability of the agreement, monitor rare earth market trends, and review terms annually. This collaborative framework should help Lynas manage market volatility and remain a critical player in global supply chains.

    Lynas Rare Earths share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, the Lynas Rare Earths shares have risen 153%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 10% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post Lynas Rare Earths inks 12-year supply deal with Japanese industry appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Lynas Rare Earths Ltd right now?

    Before you buy Lynas Rare Earths Ltd shares, consider this:

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

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Lynas Rare Earths Ltd. 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.

  • Bell Potter says this cheap ASX stock can rocket 100%

    Man with rocket wings which have flames coming out of them.

    Wouldn’t it be nice to double your money with an investment?

    Well, that’s what could happen with the cheap ASX stock in this article, according to analysts at Bell Potter.

    Which ASX stock?

    The stock that could be seriously undervalued, according to the broker, is AMA Group Ltd (ASX: AMA).

    It is the largest accident repair group in Australia with approximately 140 vehicle panel repair shops.

    Bell Potter highlights that the market doesn’t appear to believe the stock will achieve its earnings guidance in FY 2026. It said:

    The current AMA share price suggests the market has some doubt whether the FY26 guidance of normalised EBITDA pre-AASB 16 of $70-75m is achievable after the company reported $30.5m in H1. We, however, believe the guidance is well achievable as, firstly, Q3 and Q4 are typically seasonally strong quarters and, secondly, the guidance only implies a similar underlying 2HFY26 result relative to 2HFY25.

    There is actually some prospect of a better 2HFY26 result relative to 2HFY25 after CEO Ray Smith-Roberts suggested on the recent 1HFY26 result call that a margin approaching the medium term target of 10% may be achievable in 4QFY26. Our Q3 and Q4 margin forecasts are 6.7% and 8.3% – which put us comfortably within the guidance range – so a margin closer to 10% in Q4 could see a full year result towards the top end of the range.

    Huge potential returns

    In light of this, Bell Potter believes the ASX stock deserves to trade on higher multiples and is tipping huge potential returns over the next 12 months.

    According to the note, the broker has put a buy rating and $1.25 price target on its shares. Based on its current share price of 62 cents, this implies potential upside of 100% for investors.

    Commenting on its buy recommendation, Bell Potter said:

    There is also no change in our target price of $1.25 which we only recently updated with the release of the H1 result last month. We note that, at the current share price, the EV/EBITDA multiple – using our pre-AASB 16 forecasts – is only 4.4x in FY26 and 3.8x in FY27. We also note even the PE ratio looks reasonable on 29x in FY26 and 15x in FY27.

    And we remind that the Balance Sheet is in good shape with net debt of $21m at 31 December and is expected to be lower at 30 June with the seasonally stronger H2. We also highlight there is the prospect of a resumption of dividends this year with a forecast final dividend of 1.0c depending on M&A activity.

    The post Bell Potter says this cheap ASX stock can rocket 100% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy AMA 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 AMA 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.

  • AMP share price crashes 35% in 2026. What’s next?

    A group of people gather around a computer screen in rapt attention, one man holds his hands to cover his mouth as if in nervous anticipation of what news may come.

    The AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP) share price ended the day flat on Tuesday. It fluctuated slightly between $1.20 and $1.22 throughout the course of the day. Then, at the close of the ASX on Tuesday afternoon, the stock was unchanged at $1.20 a piece. 

    At the time of writing, the financial services company’s shares are down a huge 34.43% for the year-to-date. AMP shares are now down 7.69% over the past year.

    What caused the AMP share price crash?

    The majority of the decline came when the stock crashed over 26% after it released its FY25 results in mid-February. It was the largest one-day fall the wealth manager has suffered since 2003, when its value tanked 36%.

    AMP reported a 20.8% lift in underlying net profit after tax (NPAT), a 9% increase in total assets under management (AUM), and a 11.3% decline in statutory NPAT over the year. The result was far below market expectations across the board and investors were disgruntled.

    It’s not the first headwind to hit AMP this year either. The business announced that Blair Vernon will take the reins as the company’s new CEO and sitting CEO in January. Investors were spooked by the news.

    Alexis George will retire from her executive roles on the 30th of March. George has served as AMP’s CEO since August 2021, overseeing a period of significant transformation and growth for the company.

    The move created a flurry of concerns about business uncertainty after AMP spent the past couple of years reshaping and repositioning its business. AMP sold off its advice and insurance segments in August 2024.

    The recent conflict in the Middle East hasn’t helped either. Ongoing geopolitical tensions and concerns that surging oil prices will push Australia’s inflation data higher has weighed heavily on financial stocks like AMP.

    But there is some good news…

    While 2026 so far has been a series of bad news events for the AMP share price, it looks like analysts are confident that the stock will shift course and begin soaring again over the next 12 months.

    TradingView data shows that eight out of 11 analysts have a buy or strong buy rating on AMP. The average target price is $1.705, which implies a 42.08% upside at the time of writing. But others are even more bullish and think the stock could soar 58.33% to $1.90 in the next 12 months.

    Brokers have reviewed, and some revised their rating, on AMP shares after the company’s financial results. 

    The team at Morgan Stanley has a buy rating and $1.90 target price on the stock, Citi also has a buy rating and $1.80 target price.

    Meanwhile, Jefferies has a buy rating with a price target of $1.75. And the teams at Jarden and Ord Minnett have a buy rating and a $1.65 target price on the AMP share price.

    The post AMP share price crashes 35% in 2026. What’s next? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy AMP Limited shares, consider this:

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

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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    Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended JPMorgan Chase and Jefferies Financial Group. 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.

  • 5 ASX dividend stocks to buy with $25,000 in March

    a hand reaches out with australian banknotes of various denominations fanned out.

    The Australian share market is home to a large number of companies that reward shareholders with reliable dividends.

    For investors with $25,000 ready to invest this month, there are plenty of income-focused opportunities to consider across a range of sectors. From infrastructure and telecommunications to retail and intellectual property, several ASX dividend stocks are currently offering attractive yields.

    Here are five dividend stocks that could be worth considering in March.

    APA Group (ASX: APA)

    The first ASX dividend stock to consider is APA Group.

    APA owns and operates one of Australia’s largest energy infrastructure networks. Its assets include gas pipelines, storage facilities, and electricity transmission infrastructure that supply energy across the country.

    These assets typically operate under long-term contracts, which helps provide the company with predictable cash flows. This reliability has allowed APA to build a long track record of paying dividends to shareholders.

    The company is guiding to a dividend of 58 cents per share in FY 2026, which equates to a dividend yield of around 6.3% at current levels.

    Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT)

    Another ASX dividend stock that could be worth a look is Flight Centre.

    This travel company experienced a difficult period during the pandemic but has staged a strong recovery as global travel demand returned. As airlines restore capacity and holidaymakers return to international destinations, Flight Centre’s business has been rebuilding momentum.

    With trading conditions improving and profitability recovering, the company has made bolt-on acquisitions and resumed returning capital to shareholders.

    If the travel recovery continues in the years ahead, Flight Centre could provide investors with both income and growth potential.

    For now, a 4.1% dividend yield is forecast in FY 2026.

    IPH Ltd (ASX: IPH)

    IPH is another ASX dividend stock that may appeal to income investors.

    The company provides intellectual property services, helping businesses protect and manage patents, trademarks, and other rights across multiple jurisdictions.

    Demand for intellectual property services tends to remain relatively resilient because companies continue to innovate regardless of economic cycles. IPH also benefits from operating across several major Asian markets.

    Its consistent cash generation has supported a reliable dividend stream in recent years. This is expected to continue in FY 2026, with analysts forecasting a massive 10% dividend yield.

    Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

    Australia’s largest telecommunications company could also be worth considering.

    Telstra generates recurring revenue from mobile, broadband, and enterprise communication services. Because connectivity has become an essential service for households and businesses, demand tends to remain relatively steady even during economic downturns.

    Telstra has also been improving its earnings outlook through cost reductions and network investments. These initiatives have helped underpin its dividend payments.

    The company is expected to pay fully franked dividends of around 20 cents per share in FY 2026. This represents a 3.9% dividend yield.

    Transurban Group (ASX: TCL)

    A final ASX dividend stock to consider is Transurban.

    Transurban is the toll road operator behind major roads such as CityLink in Melbourne and WestConnex in Sydney. These infrastructure assets generate revenue from daily traffic volumes across Australia and North America.

    Toll roads typically benefit from long concession agreements and inflation-linked toll increases, which can support steady cash flows over time.

    Transurban is currently guiding to a distribution of approximately 69 cents per share in FY 2026, which equates to an attractive 4.9% dividend yield at current levels.

    The post 5 ASX dividend stocks to buy with $25,000 in March appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy APA 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 APA 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 positions in and has recommended Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Apa Group, Telstra Group, and Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Flight Centre Travel Group and IPH Ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Are these ASX energy shares still a buy after jumping 20% (or more)?

    an oil refinery worker checks her laptop computer in front of a backdrop of oil refinery infrastructure. The woman has a serious look on her face.

    Certain ASX energy shares have climbed strongly in 2026.

    Shares in Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) have risen roughly 19% and 27% year to date respectively.

    The gains were fuelled by a sharp spike in global oil prices as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East threatened supply.

    However, the rally hit a speed bump on Tuesday. Oil prices retreated sharply after comments from US President Donald Trump suggested the conflict with Iran may be nearing its end. It sent crude prices back below US$90 per barrel and dragged ASX energy shares lower.

    So, after such a strong run, where do these ASX energy shares go from here?

    Santos: Low cost production

    This ASX energy share has been one of the standout performers in the sector this year, helped by rising oil and LNG prices and growing production.

    A key driver is the company’s expanding project pipeline. The Barossa gas project recently began shipping LNG, and together with the Pikka project in Alaska, Santos expects production growth of around 30% by 2027.

    Higher output combined with strong commodity prices could translate into stronger cash flow and earnings in the coming years.

    The company also benefits from relatively low production costs. When oil prices spike, much of that price increase can flow straight through to profits.

    However, the risks are just as clear. Santos’ recent share price gains are closely tied to the surge in oil prices, and history shows geopolitical price spikes can fade quickly once tensions ease. If crude prices retreat, the earnings tailwind could weaken just as quickly.

    According to TradingView data, analysts remain positive on the ASX energy share price. Of 14 analysts covering the stock, 11 rate it a buy or strong buy.

    The average 12-month price target sits at $7.76, implying about 5% upside from current levels, while the most bullish forecasts suggest the shares could climb to around $8.41.

    Woodside Energy: Major LNG investments

    Woodside has also benefited from the energy price surge. As one of the world’s largest independent LNG producers, the company is highly leveraged to oil and gas prices.

    Large projects such as Pluto LNG in Western Australia give Woodside significant exposure to global energy demand, particularly from Asia. When LNG and oil prices rise, Woodside’s earnings outlook typically improves quickly.

    But the company faces longer-term uncertainties as well. Global energy markets are becoming increasingly volatile, and the shift toward cleaner energy sources raises questions about long-term fossil fuel demand.

    At the same time, Woodside is investing heavily in major new LNG developments, which require significant capital and long timeframes to generate returns.

    Broker sentiment currently sits somewhere in the middle. Analyst consensus suggests an average 12-month price target of about $29.03, with ratings ranging from buy to hold depending on expectations for oil prices.

    In a favourable energy cycle, some bullish forecasts suggest Woodside shares could eventually challenge $35.00. That points to a potential 16% upside over 12 months at the current share price of $30.18.

    The post Are these ASX energy shares still a buy after jumping 20% (or more)? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Santos Limited shares, consider this:

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

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor 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 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.