• Dyno Nobel posts higher earnings as explosives transformation accelerates

    A young woman wearing glasses and a red top looks at her laptop smiling

    The Dyno Nobel Ltd (ASX: DNL) share price was in focus on Monday after the company reaffirmed its full-year earnings guidance, highlighting robust underlying growth in its global explosives business and a sharp lift in first-half earnings.

    What did Dyno Nobel report?

    • Statutory net profit after tax (NPAT): $20 million (1H25: $7 million)
    • NPAT excluding individually material items (IMIs): $161 million, up 83% (1H25: $88 million)
    • EBIT excluding IMIs: $243 million, up 39% (1H25: $174 million)
    • EBITDA excluding IMIs: $378 million, up 17% (1H25: $323 million)
    • Interim dividend: 4.6 cents per share (unfranked), 50% payout ratio
    • Return on Invested Capital: 9.5% (1H25: 6.1%)

    What else do investors need to know?

    Dyno Nobel completed the strategic separation of its Fertilisers business during the first half, signing a binding agreement for the sale of the Phosphate Hill facility. This move positions the company clearly as a standalone explosives business, aligning with its long-term growth and sustainability strategy.

    In terms of capital management, $558 million of the $900 million on-market share buyback program has been completed, and the buyback is set to resume following the trading blackout ending. The company also reported improved financial metrics, including stronger interest cover (12.5x) and a net debt to EBITDA ratio of 1.3x, comfortably within policy limits.

    What did Dyno Nobel management say?

    CEO and Managing Director Mauro Neves commented:

    “1H26 marks the beginning of a new era for Dyno Nobel as we concluded our separation from the Fertilisers business and move forward as a pureplay global explosives leader. We continued the successful execution of our transformation program, and our explosives business delivered robust underlying earnings growth, driven by the strong operating performance of our privileged assets.

    Safety always remains our number one priority, and while I’m disappointed to record an increase in our total recordable injury frequency rate, no incidents were classified as serious harm and we saw an overall reduction in injury severity. We will continue our focus on field leadership and proactive hazard identification, with targeted explosives risk reviews at our key manufacturing facilities.

    Highlighting the resilience of our business in the volatile global landscape, I am pleased to report we remain on track to deliver both our FY26 EBIT guidance of $460m – $500m and our FY28 EBIT ambition of $600m as our transformation program continues to yield results.

    Looking ahead, our gas backed manufacturing facilities, high vertical integration and consistent earnings growth with low volatility position Dyno Nobel as an increasingly compelling investment proposition.”

    What’s next for Dyno Nobel?

    Dyno Nobel has reaffirmed its FY26 EBIT guidance for the explosives business at $460 million to $500 million, with its transformation program progressing as planned. The group now expects lower capital expenditure in the $250 million to $300 million range for FY26, as some growth investment shifts into FY27.

    The successful sale of the Fertilisers business reduces operational and environmental commitments, reinforcing Dyno Nobel’s focus on global explosives and blasting services. Management expects to benefit from stable, vertically integrated operations and continued momentum from its transformation program.

    Dyno Nobel share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, Dyno Nobel shares have risen 27%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 6% over the same period.

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    Should you invest $1,000 in Dyno Nobel right now?

    Before you buy Dyno Nobel 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 Dyno Nobel 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…

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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.

  • Inghams Group boosts FY26 guidance as poultry volumes and prices rise

    A female sharemarket analyst with red hair and wearing glasses looks at her computer screen watching share price movements.

    The Inghams Group Ltd (ASX: ING) share price is in focus today after the company reaffirmed its FY26 EBITDA guidance and reported higher group poultry volumes and selling prices for the first nine months of the year.

    What did Inghams Group report?

    • Reaffirmed FY26 guidance for Underlying EBITDA (pre AASB 16) of $180 million to $200 million
    • For the first nine months of FY26, group core poultry volumes rose 1.1% versus prior comparable period (PCP)
    • Group core poultry net selling prices increased 1.1% versus PCP
    • Annualised cost savings initiatives expected to deliver $60–80 million
    • Revised capital expenditure guidance of approximately $80 million for FY26

    What else do investors need to know?

    Inghams continues to make operational improvements, with stronger performance reported in areas such as yield, labour, and inventory management. The company reduced its frozen inventory by $25 million, which has helped restore system balance and improve cash flows.

    Cost pressures remain a focus, particularly feed, diesel fuel, and packaging. The company noted a net $7–10 million impact expected from higher fuel costs in FY26, partially offset by pricing actions and efficiency gains. Feed costs are presently well covered for the year, though higher costs are expected in FY27.

    What did Inghams Group management say?

    Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director said Ed Alexander said:

    We are seeing improved operational performance and positive momentum from initiatives already delivered, while reaffirming our FY26 guidance in a challenging environment.

    What’s next for Inghams Group?

    Inghams says it will maintain its focus on stabilising the business, optimising assets, and growing value per bird. The company’s ongoing operational improvements and cost controls are expected to support further earnings and return growth, even as it navigates uncertainties in input costs.

    Growth priorities include expanding ingredients and higher value product segments, leveraging recent investments, and scaling new business initiatives like launching the Bostocks brand in Australia.

    Inghams Group share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, Inghams Group shares have declined 55%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 6% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

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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.

  • Metcash shares: FY26 earnings highlight portfolio resilience and cost discipline

    A couple sit in front of a laptop reading ASX shares news articles and learning about ASX 200 bargain buys

    The Metcash Ltd (ASX: MTS) share price is in focus today after the company announced an underlying profit after tax of $268–270 million for FY26, supported by revenue growth of 0.7% and resilient performances across Food, Liquor, and Hardware.

    What did Metcash report?

    • Underlying NPAT expected at $268–270 million
    • Group revenue up 0.7% year-on-year (+3.8% excluding tobacco)
    • Liquor EBIT margin recovered in the second half
    • Hardware & Tools revenue rose 4.3%, with improved sales momentum
    • Strong cashflow and disciplined capital expenditure, at ~$170 million (about $30 million below guidance)
    • Ongoing cost initiatives targeting at least ~$25 million annualised savings in FY27

    What else do investors need to know?

    Metcash’s Food segment saw supermarkets remain competitive, helped by promotional programs like Extra Specials, while Foodservice & Convenience grew strongly on the back of new customer wins. The group’s Liquor division continued to gain market share, fuelled by a multi-channel approach and a return to long-term EBIT margins in the second half.

    Despite challenging conditions in the Trade market, the Hardware & Tools business improved its sales momentum in the latter half, benefiting from pricing and range initiatives. Cash realisation outperformed targets, helping keep the company’s debt leverage at the lower end of its guided range.

    What did Metcash management say?

    Metcash Group CEO Doug Jones said:

    We have delivered a solid result supported by the resilience of our Food and Liquor businesses, our diversified portfolio and disciplined execution.

    Hardware & Tools maintained share in a soft Trade market, with improved second half sales momentum. We have taken further action to strengthen the business and position the Group for sustained performance.

    Cashflow remained strong, with cash realisation above guidance and leverage at the low end of our target range.

    What’s next for Metcash?

    Looking ahead, Metcash is focusing on structural cost reductions, with new programs projected to yield at least $25 million in annual savings by FY27. These efforts target labour and non-trade procurement savings and are set to further support profit margins, particularly in Hardware & Tools.

    The company is also closely monitoring global uncertainties—like those affecting freight and product supply—by maintaining higher inventory levels as a precaution. Management continues to proactively support customers and prioritise efficient operations in a changing market.

    Metcash share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, Metcash shares have declined 18%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 6% over the same period.

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    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…

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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.

  • CSL cuts FY26 guidance, flags $5bn in impairments

    a woman sits with a concerned look on her face at her computer a home office environment.

    The CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) share price is in focus today after the company delivered a 90-day interim CEO review and financial update, revealing revised, lower FY26 earnings guidance and plans for around $5 billion in additional asset impairments.

    What did CSL report?

    • FY26 revenue expected to be around $15.2 billion (constant currency).
    • FY26 NPATA (excluding restructuring costs and impairments) forecast at approximately $3.1 billion.
    • Additional non-cash, pre-tax asset impairments of around $5 billion expected across FY26 and FY27, mostly relating to CSL Vifor intangibles and under-used assets.
    • US Immunoglobulin revenue to take a $300 million impact due to inventory normalisation.
    • Albumin in China revenue down by $200 million from market value decline, despite increases in volume and market share.
    • Other headwinds, including Middle East conflict and product competition, expected to weigh by about $150 million.

    What else do investors need to know?

    CSL says its core business in plasma collection and influenza vaccines remains strong, with ongoing demand growth in key markets. The transformation and efficiency program continues, targeting $500–$550 million in annual savings by FY28 as the business works to simplify operations and focus capital on value-adding growth.

    While US Immunoglobulin and Albumin product segments are both seeing stable or rising demand, short-term revenue has been impacted by price pressure and changes in market dynamics. CSL Seqirus is tracking moderately ahead of earlier forecasts for the year.

    Leadership changes are also underway, with a global search for a permanent CEO progressing and commercial leadership transitioning to Diego Sacristan from 1 July 2026.

    What did CSL management say?

    Interim Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Gordon Naylor said:

    Our growth initiatives are working, but the financial benefits will take longer than previously anticipated to materialise. As a result, we have now revised down our 2026 financial year guidance. CSL’s culture and people continue to be first class, the industry is stable and growing and the company has evident strengths in plasma collections and influenza vaccines. I am confident that the company can be returned to profitable growth and my work is to position the business and the next CEO for success.

    What’s next for CSL?

    CSL expects to see revenue growth in its CSL Behring division in the second half of FY26, underpinned by commercial execution and its cost transformation initiatives. Seqirus is also anticipated to outperform previous forecasts.

    Management is focused on driving sustainable value through portfolio growth, operational efficiencies, and disciplined capital allocation. The company is streamlining the organisation and accelerating its transformation program. A further update will be provided with CSL’s full-year results in August 2026.

    CSL share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, CSL shares have declined 49%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which had risen 6% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

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    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…

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    Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has positions in CSL. 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. 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.

  • 3 ASX healthcare shares to buy while they’re on sale

    a concerned medical doctor examines an Xray from an imaging machine in a hospital setting.

    ASX healthcare shares have endured a brutal run in 2026, making the sector one of the market’s weakest performers this year.

    At the time of writing, shares in ResMed Inc (ASX: RMD) are down 21% this year, while Mesoblast Ltd (ASX: MSB) has fallen 26%. Meanwhile, Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME) has slumped an even steeper 41%.

    The sector is facing several major headwinds. Currency pressures, rising labour costs, and uncertainty around potential US tariffs have all weighed on investor sentiment, particularly for companies with large offshore operations.

    The weakness has become so widespread that the S&P/ASX 200 Health Care Index (ASX: XHJ) is at an 8-year low, with many ASX healthcare shares trading near 52-week lows.

    But while sentiment remains fragile, some brokers believe the sector-wide sell-off has created compelling buying opportunities for long-term investors.

    ResMed: Steady earnings growth

    ResMed remains one of the ASX’s largest and most established healthcare companies, specialising in sleep apnoea treatment and respiratory care devices.

    The company benefits from strong recurring revenue streams, global market leadership, and growing long-term demand driven by ageing populations and increasing awareness of sleep disorders.

    However, ResMed still faces challenges. Currency movements can impact earnings translation, while ongoing cost pressures and uncertainty around US healthcare policy remain key risks.

    Despite this, analysts still see meaningful upside ahead. Morgans currently has an add rating and a $41.72 price target on the ASX healthcare share. That implies potential upside of around 46% from current levels.

    If ResMed can continue delivering steady earnings growth while healthcare sentiment improves, the recent share price weakness could prove temporary.

    Mesoblast: Elevated risks

    Mesoblast is one of the ASX’s most speculative healthcare shares, but it also offers potentially enormous upside if its cell therapy treatments continue progressing commercially.

    Investor interest in Mesoblast has largely centred around its regenerative medicine pipeline and opportunities in inflammatory disease treatment.

    Biotech investing always carries elevated risks, particularly around regulatory approvals, commercial execution, and funding requirements. Share price volatility can also be extreme.

    Even so, some brokers remain highly optimistic. Bell Potter recently reaffirmed its speculative buy rating on Mesoblast shares and maintained a $4.45 price target on the company. That target suggests the stock could more than double over the next year if momentum improves and clinical progress continues.

    For investors comfortable with higher risk, Mesoblast may offer significant upside leverage to positive developments.

    Pro Medicus: Valuation concerns

    Pro Medicus has long been considered one of the ASX’s premier healthcare technology companies thanks to its globally respected medical imaging software platform.

    The company has built a strong reputation for securing major hospital contracts in the US and delivering high-margin recurring revenue growth.

    However, the Pro Medicus share price has deteriorated sharply in recent months as broader healthcare weakness and valuation concerns hit investor confidence.

    Despite the sell-off, some analysts still remain bullish on the company’s long-term outlook. Morgan Stanley currently maintains a buy rating on Pro Medicus shares with a 12-month price target of $200. That valuation implies potential upside of roughly 55% from current levels.

    For investors seeking exposure to healthcare technology and long-term structural growth, Pro Medicus may now look far more attractive after its substantial decline.

    The post 3 ASX healthcare shares to buy while they’re on sale appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy ResMed 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 ResMed 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…

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

  • How much could the Xero share price rise in the next year?

    A man leaps from a stack of gold coins to the next, each one higher than the last.

    The Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO) share price has been one of the hardest hit on the ASX within the past year. It’s down 57% from 24 June 2025, as the chart below shows.

    Xero is one of the largest cloud accounting software businesses in the world, with a sizeable market position in a number of countries including Australia, New Zealand, the UK, South Africa, the USA, Singapore and plenty more.

    The ASX tech share has suffered due to market concern about what impact AI could have on software companies. But, some experts believe the Xero share price could be ready to recover significant ground in the months ahead. Let’s take a look at the predictions.

    Expert projections about the Xero share price

    According to CMC Invest, there are multiple analysts that currently think the ASX tech share is an attractive buy.

    Of the analysts that CMC Invest tracks, there have been six buy ratings and one hold rating in the last three months.

    The average price target across those seven ratings is $121.78, which implies a possible rise of around 45% in the year ahead.

    The most optimistic price target on the Xero share price is $165. If that happened over the next year, it’d be a rise of 97%. However, the most pessimistic price target is $86.80, suggesting a small rise over the next year.

    Price targets are not guarantees of what’s going to happen, of course.

    The main thing that could help justify a higher Xero share price is delivering ongoing earnings growth.

    Strong earnings growth

    The latest result from the business was the FY26 half-year result.

    Subscribers increased by 10% to 4.6 million, showing the ongoing global success of attracting more customers who want its efficiency and time-saving tools. The company also achieved a 15% increase in the average revenue per user (ARPU) to $49.63, which was significantly assisted by price increases.

    The above factors helped the business achieve 20% operating revenue growth to NZ$1.19 billion, operating profit (EBITDA) rose 21% to NZ$378 million, net profit after tax (NPAT) jumped 42% to NZ$135 million and free cash flow soared 54% to NZ$321 million.

    We can’t know for sure what Xero’s FY27 profit growth will be, but if it continues growing at a strong double-digit rate, then it will help give investors confidence that it will be unaffected in this AI era.

    The post How much could the Xero share price rise in the next year? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Wondering where you should invest $1,000 right now?

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for over ten years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    Scott just revealed what he believes could be the ‘five best ASX stocks’ for investors to buy right now. We believe these stocks are trading at attractive prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now…

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

  • This speculative ASX share is being tipped to rocket 80%

    A female ASX investor looks through a magnifying glass that enlarges her eye and holds her hand to her face with her mouth open as if looking at something of great interest or surprise.

    If you have a high tolerance for risk, then it could be worth checking out the speculative ASX share in this article.

    It has been recommended by analysts at Bell Potter, who believe it has the potential to rocket 80% from current levels.

    Which ASX share?

    The small cap share that Bell Potter is bullish on is ImpediMed Ltd (ASX: IPD).

    It manufactures and sells a medical device employing a technology known as bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS). This is used in a non-invasive clinical assessment and monitoring of fluid status and tissue composition of patients.

    Bell Potter notes that ImpediMed has undertaken a major capital raising and announced a cost reduction plan. The broker feels the cost reductions are credible and leaves the ASX share positioned for break-even if revenue picks up. It said:

    As part of the capital raising, IPD advise it is implementing a $5m cost out programme, which reflects a combination of headcount, relocating some roles from the US to Australia, and general cost reductions. While encouraging, the gap to breakeven remains with the revenue side of the ledger. IPD requires c.$12m in additional annual revenue, c.80% of which is expected to be sourced from BCRL [breast cancer-related lymphoedema] in the US, implying that Heart Failure and Body Composition require a longer gestation period. Approx. 40% of the BCRL 350-unit target is expected to come from existing customers.

    The BCRL target infers a simple average of 50 units / qtr over the next seven quarters, although IPD is more likely to escalate sales volume from the current 30 units incrementally and one would expect IPD to achieving more than 50 units / qtr by 2Q28. Given IPD’s current sales profile and investment in building SOZO’s value proposition, the assumptions seem credible, but execution is the risk, given past performance.

    Big potential returns

    If everything goes to plan, Bell Potter believes this ASX share could deliver very big returns.

    According to the note, the broker has retained its speculative buy rating with a reduced price target of 1.5 cents. Based on its current share price, this implies potential upside of 87% for investors.

    Commenting on the speculative stock, Bell Potter said:

    Assuming all options are exercised, the dilution to the share count is material with a potential tripling of the SOI to c.6.6b. This swamps any benefit from the cost reductions, and results in our DCF valuation halving to $0.015/sh. Our WACC is a conservative 17%. Should IPD achieve breakeven and the current risk profile unwinds, a lower and normalised WACC of c.10.5% could be justified which would provide upside potential to $0.045/sh fully diluted.

    The post This speculative ASX share is being tipped to rocket 80% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and ImpediMed 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…

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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.

  • These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares

    A male investor wearing a blue shirt looks off to the side with a miffed look on his face as the share price declines.

    At the start of each week, I like to look at ASIC’s short position report to find out which shares are being targeted by short sellers.

    This is because I believe it is well worth keeping a close eye on short interest levels as high levels can sometimes be a sign that something isn’t quite right with a company.

    With that in mind, here are the 10 most shorted shares on the ASX this week according to ASIC:

    • Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP) has become the most shorted ASX share again after its short interest rose to 15.9%. A poor update from the Domino’s US business has cast further doubt on this pizza chain operator’s turnaround.
    • Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX) has seen its short interest ease to 15.6%. Short sellers have been targeting this radiopharmaceuticals company this year amid US FDA approval challenges.
    • Lotus Resources Ltd (ASX: LOT) has short interest of 15.1%, which is up sharply week on week. Short sellers have been loading up on this uranium producer’s shares following a disastrous March quarter which saw weak production and a sizeable cash burn. This has many in the market expecting another capital raising later this year.
    • Polynovo Ltd (ASX: PNV) has 14.3% of its shares held short, which is flat week on week. It is possible that short sellers think this medical device company’s shares are overvalued due to their premium valuation.
    • Guzman Y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG) has short interest of 14%, which is up week on week. Short sellers appear to be targeting the quick service restaurant operator due to the underperformance of its US operations.
    • Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE) has short interest of 13.3%, which is up since last week. The market is concerned about this uranium miner’s production outlook beyond 2026.
    • Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE) has 12.5% of its shares held short, which is down week on week. Short sellers have been closing positions after the struggling wine giant released an encouraging trading update.
    • Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) has 11.9% of its shares held short. This is up slightly since last week. This is despite the buy now pay later provider delivering both a strong quarterly update last month and an equally strong trading update last week.
    • DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO) has 10.8% of its shares held short, which is down since last week. This may be due to valuation concerns.
    • Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) has short interest of 10.7%, which is down week on week. A stronger than expected trading update from the travel agent appears to have discouraged short sellers.

    The post These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy DroneShield 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 DroneShield 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 positions in Domino’s Pizza Enterprises and Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Domino’s Pizza Enterprises, DroneShield, PolyNovo, Telix Pharmaceuticals, and Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Domino’s Pizza Enterprises, Flight Centre Travel Group, PolyNovo, and Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • 1 ASX dividend stock down 25% I’d buy right now

    Happy man in a holiday shirt holding out Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.

    The Australian Foundation Investment Co Ltd (ASX: AFI) is a leading ASX dividend stock that I’d call a leading opportunity right now because it’s down around 25% from its peak in 2022 and down around 15% from July 2025, as the below chart shows.

    It’s the largest and one of the oldest listed investment companies (LICs) around, but it’s the dividend record and valuation that I’m particularly attracted to, rather than its size or age.

    In terms of a good time to buy AFIC, this is arguably close to the best time to invest in the business.

    Great valuation

    I’ve already highlighted that the business has fallen materially from its 52-week high and all-time high.

    But, even more importantly (in my view), is where the AFIC share price is sitting compared to its underlying value – the net tangible assets (NTA). That’s how much the company’s portfolio (and other assets and liabilities) is worth.

    At 30 April 2026, it had pre-tax NTA of $7.69. The AFIC share price is trading at close to a 15% discount to that valuation. That’s around the biggest discount it’s traded at for the last decade, which makes this great to buy today.

    Compelling payouts from the ASX dividend stock

    The business aims to provide shareholders with attractive investment returns through access to a “growing stream of fully franked dividends and enhancement of capital invested over the medium to long term”.

    Excluding special dividends, the last two half-year ordinary dividends have amounted to 26.5 cents per share. At the current valuation (at the time of writing), the ASX dividend has a grossed-up dividend yield of 5.8%, including franking credits.

    Its regular dividend (excluding special dividends) has been extremely reliable this century, and it has been regularly increasing its payout this decade. For many investors, consistency is a very powerful tool.

    Diversified portfolio

    Unlike many ASX dividend stocks, instead of relying on one business for dividends, AFIC owns a portfolio of resilient ASX blue-chip shares.

    It owns dozens of holdings spread across a number of sectors, including BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG), Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) and National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB).

    I think this business looks attractively priced for an investment today, offering a combination of dividends, resilience and great value.  

    The post 1 ASX dividend stock down 25% I’d buy right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Australian Foundation Investment Company right now?

    Before you buy Australian Foundation Investment Company 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 Australian Foundation Investment Company 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 Tristan Harrison 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 Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. 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.

  • 3 ASX ETFs to buy with $10,000 this week

    A young man punches the air in delight as he reacts to great news on his mobile phone.

    If you have $10,000 ready to invest this week, ASX exchange traded funds (ETFs) could be worth considering.

    But which ones could be top picks for investors focused on growth?

    Here are three ASX ETFs that could be worth looking at this week.

    Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK)

    The first ASX ETF to look at is the Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF.

    Cybersecurity has become a permanent spending priority for businesses, governments, and critical infrastructure providers. As more operations shift into cloud systems and digital platforms, the cost of a breach can be significant.

    This fund gives investors exposure to global companies involved in cybersecurity hardware, software, and services. Its holdings include names such as Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW), CrowdStrike (NASDAQ: CRWD), and Fortinet (NASDAQ: FTNT).

    Cybersecurity demand is not tied to one product cycle. It is being driven by the ongoing need to protect data, identities, networks, and applications. This bodes well for the long-term outlook of the Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF.

    Betashares Crypto Innovators ETF (ASX: CRYP)

    Another ASX ETF that could be a top pick for growth investors is the Betashares Crypto Innovators ETF.

    This fund provides exposure to companies connected to the cryptocurrency and blockchain ecosystem.

    Rather than holding cryptocurrencies directly, the Betashares Crypto Innovators ETF invests in businesses that support or benefit from activity in digital assets. These can include crypto exchanges, miners, blockchain infrastructure companies, and firms with meaningful exposure to the sector.

    Its holdings include Coinbase Global (NASDAQ: COIN), MicroStrategy (NASDAQ: MSTR), and Marathon Digital (NASDAQ: MARA).

    This is a higher-risk ETF. Its performance can move sharply with crypto prices, regulation, and investor sentiment toward digital assets. But for investors comfortable with volatility, it provides a simple ASX-listed way to gain exposure to one of the market’s more speculative growth themes.

    Global X Fang+ ETF (ASX: FANG)

    A third ASX ETF worth considering is the Global X Fang+ ETF.

    This fund targets a concentrated group of major global technology and growth companies.

    Rather than spreading exposure across hundreds of shares, it focuses on a smaller basket of companies that have been central to the digital economy. These businesses operate across areas such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, social media, electric vehicles, ecommerce, and digital advertising.

    Its holdings include NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA), Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: META), and Palantir (NASDAQ: PLTR).

    This concentration can be powerful when large technology leaders are performing well, but it also means the ETF can be more volatile than broader global share funds.

    For investors looking to add focused exposure to some of the world’s most influential growth companies, the Global X Fang+ ETF could be an ETF to watch this week. It was recently recommended by analysts at Global X.

    The post 3 ASX ETFs to buy with $10,000 this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Betashares Crypto Innovators ETF right now?

    Before you buy Betashares Crypto Innovators ETF 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 Betashares Crypto Innovators ETF 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 BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF, CrowdStrike, Fortinet, Meta Platforms, Nvidia, and Tesla. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Coinbase Global and Palo Alto Networks. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CrowdStrike, Meta Platforms, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.