The Insurance Australia Group (ASX: IAG) share price is in focus after the company announced it has successfully integrated RACQ Insurance into its group reinsurance programs, expanding its whole of account quota share (WAQS) coverage to 35% of the consolidated business.

What did Insurance Australia Group report?

• RACQ Insurance (RACQI) now included in IAG’s main catastrophe reinsurance cover and WAQS arrangements
• WAQS coverage expanded to 35% of IAG’s consolidated business, up by 2.5%
• Catastrophe reinsurance program for 2026 placed, providing cover for two events up to $10 billion, with attachment at $500 million
• Aggregate stop-loss protection now covers RACQI, providing about $1 billion in natural peril downside protection per year through to FY29

What else do investors need to know?

Previously, after acquiring RACQI on 1 September 2025, IAG had maintained RACQI’s own separate, standalone reinsurance program. Today’s integration brings RACQI fully into the group’s broader reinsurance protections, aiming for cost savings and risk reduction.

IAG’s move comes as global reinsurance markets have improved in 2025, enabling the company to renew protection on more favourable terms. With broad support from reinsurance partners, IAG has further reduced the volatility of its earnings outlook.

The company will release its half-year results for the six months to 31 December 2025 on 12 February 2026.

What did Insurance Australia Group management say?

Chief Financial Officer William McDonnell said:

We are pleased to have integrated the RACQI business into the overall reinsurance program which will achieve the targeted synergies. Global reinsurance markets have improved during 2025, allowing us to renew reinsurance protection favourably relative to expectations. In addition, IAG received strong support from reinsurance partners in expanding the overall program, resulting in a further reduction in the volatility of our earnings.

What’s next for Insurance Australia Group?

With RACQI now fully part of IAG’s overall reinsurance structure, management expects significant operational synergies and greater resilience against large insurance events. The expanded WAQS and aggregate stop-loss protection are designed to reduce earnings volatility and better manage risk exposure from catastrophes into FY29.

Investors can look forward to a further update when IAG releases its financial results in February 2026, providing more colour on the benefits and financial impacts of this integration.

Insurance Australia Group share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, IAG shares have declined 8%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 6% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post IAG integrates RACQ Insurance into reinsurance appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Monadelphous awarded $175 million BHP contract: Key details for investors
• SGH confirms $13.2 billion acquisition offer for BlueScope Steel
• BlueScope fields $30-per-share takeover bid from SGH, Steel Dynamics
• 2 incredible ASX 200 shares I’d buy with $2,000 right now
• Top 5 ASX 200 tech shares for growth in 2025

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.

The Monadelphous Group Ltd (ASX: MND) share price is in focus after the company announced it has secured a $175 million construction contract with BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) at Finucane Island, Port Hedland. The contract covers major civil, structural, mechanical, piping, and electrical works during a planned shutdown.

What did Monadelphous report?

• Awarded a $175 million construction contract with BHP for a car dumper project
• Scope includes civil, structural, mechanical, piping, and electrical works
• Project to be delivered during a planned major shutdown at Finucane Island
• Builds on the previous successful delivery of the Car Dumper 3 Project at Nelson Point
• Reinforces Monadelphous’ strong relationship with BHP

What else do investors need to know?

This new contract highlights Monadelphous’ reputation and experience in major resources projects across Australia. The company continues to grow its footprint with BHP and other tier-one mining customers through repeat project awards.

The works will be delivered by Monadelphous’ Engineering Construction division, leveraging the company’s multidisciplinary capabilities. Monadelphous also has operations across the maintenance, infrastructure, and energy sectors, with more than 50 years of industry experience.

What’s next for Monadelphous?

Monadelphous will focus on delivering this contract safely and efficiently, supporting BHP’s infrastructure program. The company’s ongoing pipeline includes a mix of construction, maintenance, and industrial services across multiple sectors.

Investors will be watching for updates on project progress, as well as further contract wins, particularly with major clients in the resources and energy industries.

Monadelphous share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Monadelphous shares have soared 87%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 6% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Monadelphous awarded $175 million BHP contract: Key details for investors appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• SGH confirms $13.2 billion acquisition offer for BlueScope Steel
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• Top 5 ASX 200 tech shares for growth in 2025

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 BHP Group. 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.

The SGH Ltd (ASX: SGH) share price is in focus today after the company confirmed a joint proposal with Steel Dynamics Inc (NASDAQ: STLD) to acquire BlueScope Steel Ltd (ASX: BSL) for an all-cash offer of $30 per share, representing a 27% premium to BlueScope’s last close and valuing the deal at $13.2 billion.

What did SGH report?

• Confirmed a Non-Binding Indicative Offer (NBIO) to acquire 100% of BlueScope Steel Ltd for $30.00 per share in cash
• The offer represents a 27% premium to BlueScope’s last close and a 33% premium to its 3-month and 52-week average prices
• Total equity value of the deal is $13.2 billion (AUD)
• Following the proposed transaction, SGH would retain BlueScope’s Australian, Asian, and Pacific businesses while Steel Dynamics acquires North American operations
• No new equity required; funding to be sourced from existing cash reserves and debt

What else do investors need to know?

The SGH and Steel Dynamics proposal would see BlueScope’s North American operations on-sold to Steel Dynamics, while SGH retains the Australia and Rest of World businesses. The exclusive partnership between SGH and Steel Dynamics is subject to due diligence and regulatory approvals typical of deals of this size.

SGH intends to offer current BlueScope directors board positions for continuity and plans to keep key management in place for the ongoing Australian business. The companies emphasise that there is no certainty the proposal will lead to a binding agreement, and the offer price will adjust down for any BlueScope dividends paid after 12 December 2025.

What did SGH management say?

Ryan Stokes, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of SGH, said:

We believe BlueScope’s Australian business is a strong strategic fit for SGH and we have a proven track record of driving performance improvement in domestic industrial businesses. We intend to leverage our disciplined operating model and capital allocation approach to deliver better outcomes for stakeholders.

What’s next for SGH?

SGH and Steel Dynamics will commence confirmatory due diligence, having committed substantial resources to progress the transaction. SGH will update investors as developments arise and has already lined up financial and legal advisors to support the process.

There is no guarantee the proposal advances to a definitive agreement, but both companies are confident in their ability to secure regulatory and shareholder approvals. Investors should watch for further updates as negotiations proceed.

SGH share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, SGH shares have declined 1%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 6% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post SGH confirms $13.2 billion acquisition offer for BlueScope Steel appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Monadelphous awarded $175 million BHP contract: Key details for investors
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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.

Silver prices have surged back toward record levels, putting the precious metal firmly back on investors’ radar in early 2026. After pulling back late last year, silver has rebounded strongly and is now trading above US$78 per ounce, close to its all-time high.

Over the past 12 months, silver has delivered gains of more than 150%, comfortably outperforming gold and most base metals. The move has been fuelled by strong demand across key sectors, renewed safe-haven interest, and limited supply growth.

Let’s take a closer look at what is fuelling this rally.

What is driving silver higher?

Silver sits in a unique position among commodities. It is both a precious metal and a key material used across a range of industries, which means demand can rise in multiple economic environments.

On one side, silver is essential for solar panels, electric vehicles, electronics, and energy storage technologies. Global investment in renewable energy continues to grow, and silver demand linked to solar manufacturing remains a major structural tailwind.

At the same time, geopolitical uncertainty, inflation concerns, and expectations around interest rate cuts have increased investor demand. That has driven renewed interest in precious metals, with silver benefitting alongside gold.

Supply has also played a role. Physical silver markets remain tight, and mine supply growth has struggled to keep up with growing use across key sectors. This has helped support prices even during periods of broader market volatility.

ASX silver stocks in the spotlight

Silver’s sharp rebound has flowed through to some big moves across the ASX, particularly among companies with the closest link to the silver price.

One company that stands out is Silver Mines Ltd (ASX: SVL). Unlike most miners on the ASX, Silver Mines is a pure-play silver company. Its future is closely tied to silver prices, rather than a mix of other commodities.

The company’s main asset is the Bowdens Project in New South Wales, which is one of the largest undeveloped silver deposits in Australia. Because Silver Mines is so heavily exposed to silver, its share price tends to move sharply when silver prices fluctuate.

Other ASX-listed miners also benefit from higher silver prices, but silver plays a much smaller role in their overall businesses. Companies like BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and South32 Ltd (ASX: S32) produce silver alongside metals such as copper, zinc, and lead.

There are also a number of smaller miners with meaningful exposure to silver, including Sandfire Resources Ltd (ASX: SFR) and Zimplats Holdings Ltd (ASX: ZIM). While these companies are not focused solely on silver, higher prices can still help support revenues and cash flow.

Foolish bottom line

With silver trading near record highs again, investor interest has picked up across the ASX, particularly in silver-exposed stocks.

Pure-play companies like Silver Mines move more closely with the silver price, which can lead to larger share price swings. Diversified miners tend to be less affected, with silver contributing alongside other metals.

If demand remains strong and supply stays tight, silver is likely to stay in the spotlight through 2026.

The post Silver rebounds putting ASX silver stocks back in focus 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 recommended BHP Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Turning small amounts of money into something genuinely meaningful with ASX shares doesn’t require secret strategies or perfect timing.

More often than not, it comes down to patience, consistency, and letting compounding do its thing.

The good news is that the Australian share market has quietly helped everyday investors do exactly that for decades. And it will undoubtedly continue to do this for many years to come.

Start small, but start early

One of the biggest misconceptions about investing is that you need a large lump sum to make it worthwhile. In reality, starting early matters far more than starting big. Regular investments of $50 or $100 a week can feel insignificant at first, but time is what transforms those contributions into something powerful.

When money is invested early, it benefits from years, or even decades, of growth. Returns build on top of returns, and eventually the compounding effect becomes the main driver of portfolio growth rather than the size of your contributions.

For example, if you were to achieve an average total return of 10% per annum, you could build a $500,000 portfolio by investing $100 a week into ASX shares for 25 years.

Consistency

Trying to pick the perfect ASX share or waiting for the right time to invest often leads to inaction. A far more reliable approach is simply investing consistently, regardless of what markets are doing.

By investing regularly, you naturally buy more shares when prices are low and fewer when prices are high. Over time, this smooths out volatility and reduces the risk of putting all your money into the market at an unlucky moment. This is called dollar-cost averaging.

Focus on quality ASX shares

Life-changing wealth is rarely built overnight. It usually comes from owning high-quality ASX shares or diversified funds that can grow steadily over many years. These are companies with strong balance sheets, competitive advantages, and products or services people continue to rely on through economic cycles.

This might mean companies such as Goodman Group (ASX: GMG), ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD), and Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO).

Short-term market noise can be unsettling, but investors who stay focused on long-term fundamentals are often rewarded for their patience.

Reinvest

One simple habit that can make an enormous difference over time is reinvesting returns instead of spending them. Whether returns come from price growth or dividends, keeping money invested allows compounding to accelerate.

In the early years, progress may feel slow. But as balances grow, each additional percentage gain represents a larger dollar amount. Eventually, growth can become exponential rather than incremental.

Foolish takeaway

The key to turning small amounts into significant wealth is to stay invested, avoiding unnecessary tinkering, and allowing time to do what it does best.

Life-changing money isn’t built through large moves, but through small decisions repeated consistently over many years.

The post How to turn small ASX share investments into life-changing money appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Goodman Group, ResMed, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Goodman Group, ResMed, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended ResMed and Xero. 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.

There are roughly 2000 companies listed on the ASX as well as 390 ETFs. 

Now, on one hand, that’s great for investors as there is almost certainly something for everyone. 

However on the flip side, it’s simply impossible to stay across every single company. 

Exchange traded funds (ETFs) can be a great answer for this, as you can capture a market or sector with just one trade. 

Increasingly, new ASX ETFs are becoming available with more niche focuses. 

This is referred to as thematic investing.

With that in mind, here are three examples of niche ASX ETFs you might not have considered. 

Betashares Nasdaq Next Gen 100 Etf (ASX: JNDQ)

The NASDAQ-100 Index (NASDAQ: NDX) is a stock market index made up of equity securities issued by 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange.

Generally, this index is referred to as the companies that represent the new economy. 

This ASX ETF from Betashares aims to target the 100 largest Nasdaq-listed non-financial companies by market capitalisation outside of the Nasdaq-100 Index. 

Ultimately, it provides exposure to a collection of innovative companies with the potential to become tomorrow’s leaders in sectors including technology, healthcare and industrials.

Examples of leading companies that graduated from the Nasdaq Next Generation 100 Index to the Nasdaq-100 include Tesla, Netflix. 

According to Betashares, many of the companies in JNDQ’s Index are at a relatively early stage of their development. JNDQ provides exposure with meaningful weightings to companies having potential for significant growth.

This fund could be ideal for investors who want to target the next generation of blue-chip US stocks.

Additionally, it rose almost 9% last year. 

BetaShares Electric Vehicles and Future Mobility ETF (ASX: DRIV)

First available in late 2021, this fund provides exposure to up to 50 of the world’s leading automotive technology companies. 

These are companies at the forefront of innovation in automotive technology. 

Within the fund, it has its largest exposure to:

• Automobile Manufacturers (32.1%)
• Construction & Transport Machinery (22.4%)
• Automotive Parts & Equipment (16.1%)
• Semiconductors (14.8%)

Furthermore, this was a winning formula in 2025, with the fund rising by almost 18%. 

BetaShares Cloud Computing ETF (ASX: CLDD)

As the name suggests, this fund provides exposure to leading companies in the global cloud computing industry, and it has been available on the ASX since 2021.

It is currently made up of 37 holdings, with approximately 87% of the fund being US based companies.

These companies are involved in the delivery of computing services, servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics and other services on the internet. 

Finally, it is worth noting this fund has faced considerable volatility since first listing.

The post 3 niche ASX ETFs you didn’t know existed appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Investing in artificial intelligence (AI) stocks can give you an opportunity to capture growth in a market that is expected to compound considerably in the coming years. 

However, there aren’t as many pure-play AI stocks listed on the ASX as you might think. 

With that being said, many ASX-listed companies use AI to improve efficiency, decision-making, or customer experience, even though AI is not the core focus of their business.

If you are looking to gain AI exposure in 2026, here are three stocks to consider. 

Black Pearl Group Ltd (ASX: BPG)

Black Pearl Group is a newly listed ASX company (listed November 2025). 

It is a data technology platform that develops and operates a lead prospecting and marketing product suite via its proprietary Pearl Engine platform and augmented large language model. 

The company aims to reach $50 million in annual recurring revenue over the next three to five years from September 2025. 

This growth is expected to come from acquiring B2B Rocket to serve smaller businesses, launching Bebop for larger sales teams, and expanding Pearl Diver into higher-value data services that are more deeply integrated into customer operations.

At the time of writing, shares in this AI company are trading at $0.82. 

However, Bell Potter is optimistic the company can deliver on its aimed growth over the coming years. 

The broker has a speculative buy rating on these AI shares along with a price target of $1.45. 

This indicates more than 76% upside.

Weebit Nano Ltd (ASX: WBT)

Weebit Nano is a developer of advanced semiconductor memory technology.

It develops advanced storage and computing technologies, particularly its ReRAM (Resistive Random-Access Memory) technology. 

This technology is used in Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, smartphones, robotics, autonomous vehicles, 5G communications, advanced AI systems, and cloud computing.

It has risen an impressive 61% in the last 12 months. 

This has been fuelled by key wins throughout the year, including a major licensing agreement less than two weeks ago. 

Its unique technology is very hard to replicate, giving it a strong market position moving forward. 

NEXTDC Ltd (ASX: NXT)

NextDC is an AI stock that may be undervalued after a difficult 12 months. 

The company operates data centres in Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia.

From these facilities, it delivers the critical infrastructure that underpins cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and hyperscale operations.

Every major AI trend, like large language models – depends on vast data storage, processing capacity, and high-speed connectivity. That demand ultimately feeds through to data-centre operators like NextDC. 

While this isn’t a groundbreaking cloud computing or AI solution, it is set to play a fundamental role in the growth of the sector. 

Ord Minnett sees the current stock price as a value play. 

The broker has a $20.50 price target on these AI shares. This indicates an upside of 66% from yesterday’s closing price of $12.30. 

The post 3 No-Brainer Artificial Intelligence (AI) Stocks to Buy for 2026 With $200 Right Now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

For income investors, the start of a new year can be a great time to reassess a portfolio and look for reliable dividend payers that can deliver cash flow through the months and years ahead.

While interest rates and bond yields can move around, high-quality ASX dividend shares remain one of the most effective ways to generate growing income over time.

With that in mind, here are two ASX dividend shares that could be among the best to buy in January.

HomeCo Daily Needs REIT (ASX: HDN)

For investors seeking defensive income, HomeCo Daily Needs REIT could be an ASX dividend share to consider buying.

This real estate investment trust (REIT) owns a diversified portfolio of convenience-based retail assets, including neighbourhood centres, large-format retail, and health and services properties. Many of these assets are leased to essential retailers such as supermarkets, hardware chains, and service providers, which tend to be more resilient across economic cycles.

HomeCo’s long lease durations, 99% occupancy rate, and exposure to tenants with strong operating profiles provide good visibility over rental income. This, in turn, has supported consistent distributions to shareholders over the years.

UBS expects this trend to continue and is forecasting dividends per share of 8.6 cents in FY 2026 and then 8.7 cents in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $1.35, this would mean dividend yields of 6.4% and 6.45%, respectively.

UBS currently has a buy rating and $1.53 price target on the company’s shares.

Universal Store Holdings Ltd (ASX: UNI)

Universal Store may not be the first name that comes to mind for income investors, but it has quietly built an impressive dividend track record.

The youth fashion retailer operates the Universal Store, Thrills, and Perfect Stranger brands and has demonstrated an ability to grow earnings even in challenging retail conditions. Its focus on private-label products has supported margins, while disciplined cost control has helped protect profitability.

Importantly for dividend investors, Universal Store generates strong cash flow and carries a relatively clean balance sheet. This has allowed it to return a meaningful portion of its profits to shareholders through attractive fully franked dividends.

Bell Potter is a big fan of the company and recently put a buy rating and $10.50 price target on its shares.

As for income, it is expecting fully franked dividends of 37.3 cents per share in FY 2026 and then 41.4 cents per share in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $7.99, this would mean dividend yields of 4.7% and 5.2%, respectively.

The post The best ASX dividend shares to buy in January appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Universal Store. 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 HomeCo Daily Needs REIT and Universal Store. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

If I were a retiree, I would want to own investments that can provide both resilience and a reliable dividend. As a bonus, I’d like to see a steadily-rising payout. I think the ASX dividend share APA Group (ASX: APA) ticks a lot of boxes.

APA is an impressive business with a huge portfolio of energy infrastructure. It has 15,000km of gas pipelines that it owns, operates and maintains.

The business also has investments in electricity transmission assets, connecting Victoria with South Australia, Tasmania with Victoria and New South Wales with Queensland.

Additionally, APA owns power generation assets, including gas-powered, wind and solar assets across Australia, as well as gas storage and gas processing facilities.

Why APA shares are resilient

APA plays an important role in moving gas around the country, which is seen as a key source of energy for the coming decades with coal usage expected to reduce in the coming years with planned closures of Australia’s big coal power stations.

The Australian (Labor) government itself has indicated that it sees gas being an important source of baseload power to 2050 (and beyond). As part of its gas strategy, the government said:

The role of gas will change as we reach net zero in Australia by 2050. Even in net zero scenarios, Australia and the world will need gas at lower levels through to 2050 and beyond. Australian gas will play an important role in an orderly global and domestic energy transformation.

APA says that it transports half of the country’s gas usage, making it an integral player for Australia’s energy sector. Households and businesses will continue to need energy (including gas), whether the economy is weak or booming.

A large majority of APA’s revenue is linked to inflation, giving the business steady and growing revenue. This is a useful inflation protection for retirees, in my view.

It is enhancing its ability to generate larger profits by regularly expanding its portfolio of assets. The latest announcement by the business is to develop and own the proposed Brigalow Peaking Power Plant in Queensland, which is expected to be operational in 2028. APA will own 80% of the project.

A consistently growing dividend

APA has grown its distribution for 20 years in a row, which is an incredibly long record of increases compared to many other ASX shares. It has the second-best record for consecutive annual increases on the ASX.

APA shares are a retiree’s dream because of how reliable it has been with its payouts – it grew through the GFC, COVID-19 and the supercharged inflation periods. Payout growth can’t be expected forever, but I think it’s likely to continue its hikes for the foreseeable future.

It’s expecting to increase its annual payout to 58 cents per security in FY26, which translates into a forward distribution yield of 6.3%. That’s a solid starting yield for retirees, in my view.

The post Why APA shares are a retiree’s dream appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison 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 positions in and has recommended Apa Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The BlueScope Steel Ltd (ASX: BSL) share price is in focus today after the company confirmed it has received a $30-per-share cash takeover proposal from an Australian and US consortium, including SGH Ltd (ASX: SGH) and Steel Dynamics (NASDAQ: STLD). The non-binding bid is subject to a range of conditions and follows several earlier bids that BlueScope previously rejected.

What did BlueScope report?

• Received an unsolicited, indicative takeover offer at $30.00 per share in cash
• The proposal comes from a consortium comprising SGH and Steel Dynamics
• The arrangement would see SGH acquire BlueScope, then on-sell its North American businesses to Steel Dynamics
• Bid is subject to due diligence, Board recommendation, shareholder and regulatory approval, and other conditions
• BlueScope has previously rejected three similar unsolicited approaches valuing shares up to $29.00 each

What else do investors need to know?

BlueScope’s Board and advisers are carefully reviewing the latest proposal, weighing it against the company’s underlying value and long-term strategy. The Board points to BlueScope’s portfolio of quality assets, expected cash flow increases, and $2.3 billion committed to sustainable earnings growth as key factors in their evaluation.

Previous bids were knocked back for undervaluing BlueScope and coming with significant execution risks, including uncertainties around regulatory outcomes. The company has made it clear that shareholders need not take any action for now.

What’s next for BlueScope?

BlueScope’s Board says it is committed to optimising shareholder value and regularly reviewing all options to accelerate value realisation. The company is continuing to deliver on its capital pipeline, pursue productivity improvements, and realise value from major landholdings.

Any future developments regarding the takeover proposal will be shared as required under BlueScope’s disclosure obligations. For now, the Board is focused on thorough due diligence and protecting shareholders’ interests.

BlueScope share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, BlueScope shares have risen 29%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 6% over the same period.

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The post BlueScope fields $30-per-share takeover bid from SGH, Steel Dynamics appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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.