Tag: Stock pick

It hasn’t been an easy ride for ASX fintech investors.

Over the past six months, Block Inc. (ASX: XYZ) has dropped 23%, while Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) has plunged a brutal 66% at the time of writing. Both buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) players have been hit by a perfect storm of market volatility, regulatory pressure, and shaky investor sentiment.

But here’s the big question: is this a rare buying opportunity — or a value trap?

Block: Global reach, diversification

This $45 billion ASX financial stock brings serious scale and global reach to the table. Through its Square and Cash App ecosystems, Block has built a powerful payments and financial services platform spanning merchants and consumers.

That diversified model is a major strength, giving Block multiple growth levers beyond BNPL. The company formerly known as Square is also deeply embedded in the US market, which continues to lead in fintech innovation.

However, risks remain. Profitability has been uneven, and exposure to consumer spending makes it sensitive to economic slowdowns. There’s also ongoing scrutiny around BNPL and digital payments.

Despite this, many analysts remain constructive. Several brokers continue to rate the ASX financial stock as a buy, pointing to its long-term growth potential and the possibility of a strong rebound as macro conditions stabilise.

Analysts have set a 12-month average price target of $163.67, implying a 92% upside at current levels of $85.29. The most bullish target is $256, which points to a whopping potential gain of 200%.

Zip: Higher risk, higher reward

Zip tells a more volatile story — but potentially a more explosive one. The ASX financial stocks has built a recognised BNPL brand, particularly in Australia, and is now focused on improving margins and driving profitability.

Its strategy centres on increasing revenue per customer and tightening credit quality, which could lead to a more sustainable business model. That’s the upside.

The downside? Execution risk is high. Zip is still working to convince the market it can consistently deliver profits, and competition in the BNPL space remains intense. Add in regulatory uncertainty and shifting consumer behaviour, and it’s easy to see why investors have been cautious.

Even so, some brokers see deep value at current levels. A number of analysts have maintained buy or even strong buy ratings on the ASX financial stock. They suggest the share price may have fallen too far relative to its long-term potential.

The average price target is $4.21, which suggests a 173% upside, while the most optimistic forecast is a 241% gain at the current share price level of $1.54.

So, where does that leave investors?

Both Block and Zip have been heavily sold off — but they’re not broken businesses. The 2 ASX financial stocks operate in a sector that’s still evolving, with digital payments and flexible finance continuing to gain traction globally.

The key difference comes down to risk tolerance. Block offers scale, diversification, and a more established footprint. Zip, on the other hand, is a higher-risk, higher-reward play that could deliver outsized gains if it executes well.

The bottom line? These ASX financial stocks have been smashed, but that’s often when the biggest opportunities emerge. If sentiment shifts and execution improves, a doubling — or more — isn’t out of the question.

The post 2 ASX financial stocks that could double – or even triple – in value appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• ASX share market sell off: Buy in the dip or stay on the sidelines?
• Down 55%! Can this ASX financial stock stage a major comeback?
• AI may look like a bubble. But what about Block shares?
• 5 most traded ASX 200 shares since the war began
• Are these battered ASX financials stocks finally bouncing back?

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 Block. 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.

Yesterday afternoon, Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) announced that the Métis Nation–Saskatchewan has filed a judicial review challenging the recent approval of its Environmental Impact Statement for the Patterson Lake South Project.

What did Paladin Energy report?

• The Métis Nation–Saskatchewan has commenced legal action over approval of Paladin’s Environmental Impact Statement for Patterson Lake South.
• The application challenges a 19 February 2026 decision by the Saskatchewan Minister of Environment.
• An interim injunction is sought to prevent Paladin from acting on the approval until the judicial review is decided.
• No financial results or operational impacts were reported in this announcement.

What else do investors need to know?

Paladin Energy has acknowledged the unique rights, cultures, and concerns of Indigenous peoples and emphasised its ongoing efforts to engage with the Métis Nation–Saskatchewan. The company highlighted that Paladin Canada Inc. (formerly Fission Uranium Corp.) has consulted with the MN–S over many years as part of the Patterson Lake South Project development.

The judicial review application is directed towards both the Government of Saskatchewan and Paladin. The legal process could affect the project’s timeline, depending on the court’s findings. Paladin states that it intends to defend its position in the matter.

What’s next for Paladin Energy?

Paladin Energy will now respond to the judicial review as it progresses through the Saskatchewan court. The company remains committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders, including Indigenous communities, to address concerns and build lasting relationships throughout its project development.

Further updates on regulatory or legal matters, alongside developments at the Patterson Lake South Project, are expected in due course.

Paladin Energy share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Paladin Energy shares have risen 192%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 7% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Paladin Energy shares: Judicial review challenges EIS approval appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• AGL Energy gives green light to $490m Kwinana gas project
• 3 ASX income stocks trading at attractive prices
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Wall Street just suffered its worst quarter in years. Is the ASX 200 next?
• Challenger shares in focus as APRA unveils new capital rules

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.

Investors may choose to target ASX small-cap shares for upside opportunity. 

This comes with increased risk compared to blue-chip companies.

However these two ASX small-caps have attracted buy recommendations from Bell Potter. 

AML3D Ltd (ASX: AL3)

AL3 is a welding, robotics, and software business, which produces automated 3D printing systems that utilise Wire Additive Manufacturing technology (WAM) to produce metal components and structures. 

It is particularly useful for the printing of large scale complex industrial parts for the defence, oil & gas and aerospace sectors.

As is expected with penny stocks, AL3 shares have experienced significant volatility over the last year. 

However a new report from Bell Potter suggests it could be set for growth. 

The broker said the company’s technology is particularly suited to maritime applications, giving it strong leverage into demand growth from the US Navy’s Maritime Industrial Base and the US SHIPS Act. 

This is already coming to fruition with key contracts being secured in the last week. 

Over FY26-27, we expect AL3 to increase deployment of ARCEMY systems to the US and Europe, increase prototyping activity and ultimately commence commercial scale production of components. There is potential for the Navy LOI to expand beyond the Maritime Industrial Base to land-based assets. AL3 will also look to deploy its technology into non-defence sector industrial manufacturing.

The broker has retained its speculative buy recommendation and $0.40 price target on this ASX small-cap. 

From yesterday’s closing price, this indicates an upside of 100%. 

Minerals 260 Ltd (ASX: MI6)

MI6 is a Perth-based gold exploration and development company. 

This small-cap has rocketed in the past year, rising 470%. 

This includes a 59% rise year to date. 

Recent analysis from Bell Potter indicates there could be further growth ahead after MI6 reported new drilling results from its fully owned Bullabulling Gold Project in Western Australia.

The latest results come from 5,425 meters of drilling, part of a larger 110,000-meter program.

The drilling found several solid gold intersections, confirming the project’s existing resource estimate and discovering additional mineralised areas beyond it.

MI6 offers gold exposure via the 4.5Moz Bullabulling Resource, valuation uplift through discovery success, project advancement and de-risking as the BGP progresses towards production. It holds ~$250m cash, sufficient to fund to Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS), Final Investment Decision (FID), long-lead items and early site works.

The broker has retained its speculative buy recommendation and price target of $0.90. 

This indicates a potential upside of 31% from current levels. 

The post 2 ASX small-cap shares Bell Potter says can race 30-100% higher appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why AMP, Greatland Resources, Minerals 260, and Woodside shares are pushing higher today
• Guess which ASX defence stock is jumping 20% on US Navy contract
• This ASX technology stock could more than double: broker
• What are the 5 emerging ASX gold companies UBS has picked as winners?
• Morgans names 3 ASX mining stocks to buy

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.

It’s been a volatile first three months of 2026 for some of the heavyweight ASX shares.

Between escalating global conflict, rising interest rates, AI disruption fears, and ongoing investor jitters, markets have been anything but steady.

But while some blue chips have struggled, others have thrived — proving it’s not all doom and gloom.

Here’s how five of the top ASX shares are tracking and what could come next.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

Starting with Commonwealth Bank of Australia, the banking giant is up 4.4% year to date but has slipped 5.3% over the past month.

CBA continues to benefit from its dominant market position and strong margins, but pressure is building from slowing credit growth and competition.

Still, its defensive earnings profile and consistent dividends should help it weather ongoing volatility, with analysts generally maintaining hold to modestly positive outlooks.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

Next is BHP Group, which is up 10.7% in 2026 but down 11.5% over the past month. Commodity price swings — particularly in iron ore — have driven recent weakness.

However, BHP’s low-cost operations and exposure to future-facing commodities like copper position it well for the long term.

Many analysts remain constructive, pointing to its strong balance sheet and resilient cash flow.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

This ASX share has had a tougher run, down 8.9% year to date and 10% over the past month. Retail weakness and cautious consumer spending have weighed on sentiment.

Even so, Wesfarmers’ diversified portfolio, including Bunnings and Kmart, provides stability, and its track record of capital management keeps analysts broadly supportive despite near-term headwinds.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

It’s also been a challenging period for CSL Limited. The healthcare giant is down 18.9% in 2026 and 3.6% over the past month.

 Softer earnings and margin pressure have hit the share price, but CSL’s core strengths remain intact.

Demand for its life-saving therapies is resilient, and analysts continue to back a recovery, with many maintaining buy ratings and highlighting long-term growth potential.

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

Finally, Woodside Energy Group has been the standout performer. The energy giant is up a remarkable 48% year to date and 25% over the past month, benefiting from rising oil and gas prices amid global conflict.

Woodside’s strong cash generation and leverage to energy markets have driven gains, and if geopolitical tensions persist, the $66 billion ASX share could continue to outperform — though volatility remains a key risk.

Foolish Takeaway

The bottom line? 2026 has already delivered sharp swings for some heavyweight ASX shares. But while some sectors are under pressure, others are thriving.

For investors, it’s a reminder that even in uncertain markets, opportunity is never far away.

The post How are these 5 ASX share giants really tracking in 2026? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Is it time to get greedy with CSL shares?
• Buy, hold, sell: BHP, CBA, and Pro Medicus shares
• Why I’d buy dirt-cheap ASX shares now and aim to hold them for a decade
• ASX 200 mining shares ride a rollercoaster in March quarter
• BHP shares: 3 reasons to buy and 3 reasons to sell

Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has positions in BHP Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group, CSL, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

ASX dividend shares are a great choice for investors who want a long-term passive income.

When it comes to choosing the best ones for your portfolio, you should be looking for a history of consistent payouts, and ones which are able to steadily increase over time.

Here are three reliable and robust ASX dividend shares which I think should be in every investor’s portfolio.

Washington H Soul Pattinson and Co Ltd (ASX: SOL)

Soul Patts is widely regarded as Australian dividend royalty. The diversified Australian investment house pays its fully-franked dividends twice per year.

For the first half of FY26, the ASX dividend share paid a fully-franked interim dividend of 48 cents per share. That’s a 9.1% increase on the prior corresponding period and represents the 28th consecutive year of increasing dividends. It also implies a trailing dividend yield of 2.69% at the time of writing.

In FY25, it paid a total $1.03 per share, 100% fully franked. All Australian investors should consider having Soul Patts shares in their portfolio.

At the close of the ASX on Tuesday afternoon, the shares were $40.40 a piece.

APA Group (ASX: APA)

APA is one of the most stable ASX dividend shares listed on the ASX. The energy infrastructure business is well-known for paying strong, consistent dividends, with revenue derived from long-term contracted infrastructure assets. 

APA has hiked its payout every year for the last 20 years. Its yield is usually much higher than the wider market, too, which makes it an appealing option for investors seeking an ongoing passive income.

The company paid an interim dividend of 27.5 cents in the first half of FY26 and is guiding a full-year dividend of 58 cents per security. That translates to a forward distribution yield of 6.07%, partially franked.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) 

As a textbook defensive asset, Telstra shares are likely to perform steadily regardless of what part of the economic cycle we’re in. The telco has a predictable cash flow, reliable earnings, and a dividend payout ratio close to 100% of its earnings. That unlocks a great dividend yield for its shareholders. 

Telstra pays investors two dividends every year, in March and September. Last month, investors received an interim 10.5 cent dividend, 90.48% franked.

In FY25 the company paid investors an annual dividend of 19 cents per share, which translates to a 3.9% dividend yield at the time of writing. The telco is expected to pay an even larger 20-cent final dividend for FY26, which represents a 5.25% increase year-on-year. 

At the close of the ASX on Tuesday, Telstra shares were $5.33 a piece.

The post 3 must-own ASX dividend shares which belong in every portfolio appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 2 ASX dividend shares to hold for the next 7 years
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• Telstra just hit a 10-year high. Has this ASX income giant still got more to give?
• Why Soul Patts shares are a retiree’s dream
• 3 reliable ASX dividend shares for set-and-forget investing

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 Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Apa Group, Telstra Group, and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

When I think about dividend investing over a long period like seven years, I am looking for businesses that can grow their distributions over time, supported by reliable cash flow, strong assets, and structural demand.

For me, that often leads back to infrastructure.

These are not flashy businesses. But they are ASX dividend shares that tend to provide exactly what long-term income investors need. Stability, visibility, and the potential for steady growth.

Transurban Group (ASX: TCL)

Transurban is one of those businesses that I think becomes more attractive the longer your time horizon is.

At its core, it owns and operates toll roads across Australia and North America. These are essential assets that people use every day, often without much thought.

Traffic continues to grow steadily, with average daily trips rising and supporting revenue growth across the network. At the same time, toll revenue and EBITDA are also moving higher, reflecting both usage and pricing power.

What I like most is the predictability.

Transurban expects a FY26 distribution of 69 cents per security, representing growth on the prior year and an attractive forward dividend yield of 4.9%. That kind of steady increase is exactly what I want from an income investment.

On top of that, its assets have very long concession lives. In some cases, decades. That gives the company a long runway to generate cash flow and continue returning it to investors.

Overall, I see this as a core income holding that could quietly compound over time.

APA Group (ASX: APA)

APA Group offers a different type of infrastructure exposure, but I think it complements Transurban well.

Instead of toll roads, APA owns and operates energy infrastructure, including gas pipelines, electricity transmission assets, and renewable energy projects.

These are critical assets for the Australian economy.

What stands out to me is how stable the earnings base is. A large portion of APA’s revenue is linked to long-term contracts and inflation-linked tariffs, which helps support consistent cash flow.

That is showing up in the numbers. APA delivered growth in revenue and earnings in its recent half, with underlying EBITDA rising 7.6%. Importantly for income investors, distributions are also moving higher, with FY26 guidance of 58 cents per security. At a current share price of $9.87 per share, this equates to an above-average distribution yield of 5.9%.

Looking ahead, I believe this distribution can continue to grow due to its clear growth pipeline. Management recently increased its organic growth pipeline to around $3 billion, which should help drive future earnings and, in turn, distributions.

Overall, I think APA offers a compelling mix of income today and growth over time.

Foolish takeaway

If I were building an income-focused portfolio for the next seven years, I think Transurban and APA Group would be great picks.

Transurban brings exposure to essential transport infrastructure with long concession lives and steadily rising distributions. APA Group provides access to energy infrastructure with contracted, inflation-linked revenue and a visible growth pipeline.

The post 2 ASX dividend shares to hold for the next 7 years appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 must-own ASX dividend shares which belong in every portfolio
• Why I’d buy these 3 ASX income shares this week
• 3 blue-chip ASX dividend shares to buy and hold
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• ASX chaos? Here’s how to invest smart, stay calm and win

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

ASX financials stocks have shown some resilience in 2026 despite broader market sell-offs.

The S&P/ASX 200 Financials (ASX: XFJ) index remains flat year to date. 

This week, two ASX financial stocks have received positive outlooks from brokers. 

Here’s what’s behind the optimistic view. 

Navigator Global Investments Ltd (ASX: NGI)

Navigator Global Investments is a holding company. 

It is an alternative asset management firm with diverse partnerships across investment styles, product types, and client bases. Navigator Global Investments has around US$73 billion in assets under management and is currently partnered with 11 businesses.

It has fallen 28% year to date, however a key announcement could be good news for the ASX financials stock according to Morgans. 

The company released an announcement on Monday that it has entered into an agreement to acquire a strategic minority ownership interest and a preferred economic interest in Georgian and its affiliates (“Georgian”).

Georgian is a Toronto, Canada based AI-focused growth equity firm with USD $5.9 billion in assets under management. 

Stephen Darke, NGI CEO, commented, 

Our strategic partnership with Georgian is the latest example of NGI executing our strategy to provide growth capital to leading alternative investment firms globally. Artificial intelligence will be one of the dominant investment themes of the next century, and in Georgian we have found an aligned partner that is a true pioneer in the field.

Following the announcement, the team at Morgans updated its outlook on this ASX financials stock. 

Morgans said it expects EPS to increase by 1-3% following the transaction. 

It also rates Navigator Global Investments shares a buy, however reduced its price target to $2.98 (previously $3.35). 

From yesterday’s closing price of $2.12, this indicates an upside of approximately 40%. 

Cuscal Ltd (ASX: CCL)

Cuscal Ltd is a payment and regulated data services provider in Australia. The group offers a comprehensive suite of payment infrastructure solutions to a diversified client base.

In a note out of Bell Potter yesterday, the broker updated its outlook on this ASX financials stock after the Reserve Bank of Australia announced surcharging on debit and credit cards should end from 1 October 2026. 

This could impact Cuscal margins removing a key revenue mechanism tied to merchant card payments.

However, Bell Potter said its buy rating and target price is unchanged. 

We view the outcome today as a mild indirect positive for CCL whose customer base are price takers with low exposure to credit and view subscription-based models are an emerging second leg of growth.

Bell Potter has maintained its price target of $5.10 on this ASX financials stock, which indicates a potential upside of 28% from yesterday’s closing price. 

The post Experts name 2 ASX financials stocks to watch closely 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.

If I had a spare $10,000, here are five ASX shares I’d invest in. And they’re all tipped to climb higher over the next 12 months.

AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP)

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

This week, AMP confirmed it will undertake an on-market buyback of up to $150 million of ordinary shares and Blair Vernon has officially stepped into the CEO role. Sentiment could well follow suit.

Analysts have a strong buy rating on AMP shares and tip a potential 33% upside to $1.75 per share, at the time of writing.

Capstone Copper Corp (ASX: CSC)

Capstone shares have crashed 40% over the past six weeks driven by rising operating costs and production disruptions. But I think rising copper prices could renew some investor confidence in the ASX copper company’s shares.

Capstone has confirmed 2026 production guidance of 200,000 to 230,000 tonnes of copper at C1 cash costs of US$2.45 to US$2.75 per pound. It also expects largely stable production in 2026, with growth anticipated from Mantoverde Optimised from 2027.

Analysts tip the shares to jump 45% higher to $15.10 a piece, at the time of writing.

EVT Ltd (ASX: EVT)

EVT is an Australian provider of entertainment, hospitality, tourism, and leisure-related services in Australia, New Zealand, and Germany. The company announced it has completed $750 million in refinancing this week. 

The refinancing, together with EVT’s non-core asset divestment program, is expected to give the business more financial flexibility and aid a business shift towards the hotel and accommodation sector.

Analysts tip a potential 20% upside to $15.90 a piece, at the time of writing.

Genesis Minerals Ltd (ASX: GMD)

The ASX gold stock’s shares have tumbled nearly 27% over the past month after concerns about rising inflation and more interest rate hikes overshadowed gold’s traditional safe-haven status.

The metal’s price has tumbled from an all-time high on the 1st of March. But Genesis Minerals’ has managed to maintain a strong revenue and earnings performance driven by increased production. I think as soon as gold comes back into favor, this ASX share will fly higher.

Analysts tip a potential 60% share price upside to $9.41, at the time of writing.

Newmont Corp (ASX: NEM)

Newmont is another ASX gold share which was oversold in March.

Declining gold prices have weighed heavily on the world’s largest gold miner, with its share price down 19% over the course of the month. I think the stock could rebound sharply as the gold price recovers.

Analysts tip a potential 26% upside to $192.20 a piece, over the next 12 months. 

The post 5 ASX shares I’d buy with $10,000 this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
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Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Yesterday afternoon, AGL Energy Ltd (ASX: AGL) announced it has made the Final Investment Decision (FID) to proceed with the Kwinana Gas Power Generation 2 Project (K2), a major 220 MW dual-fuel gas power station in Western Australia. The $490 million project is expected to support AGL’s growth in the WA energy market and diversify earnings.

What did AGL Energy report?

• Final Investment Decision to proceed with $490 million Kwinana Gas Power Generation 2 Project
• K2 will be a 220 MW open-cycle, dual-fuel gas turbine plant, co-located with AGL’s existing Kwinana facility
• Construction to start mid-2026, with operations targeted for Q4 2027
• Ten years of revenue secured at $360,700 per MW, escalating with CPI
• Expected asset life of 25 years; targeted project return above 8% post-tax, ungeared
• Growth capex forecast for FY26 now approximately $750 million

What else do investors need to know?

AGL reached this FID just months after agreeing to purchase four gas turbines from Siemens AB, illustrating strong momentum in its portfolio revamp. The company has also secured 176 MW of Peak Certified Reserve Capacity credits from the Australian Energy Market Operator, which begin from October 2027.

Funding for the project will come from AGL’s existing balance sheet, and about one-third of the K2 expenditure will occur in FY26, with the rest spread across the following two years. The deal strengthens AGL’s position in WA, where it has a flexible gas supply portfolio to support the new facility.

What did AGL Energy management say?

AGL Managing Director and CEO Damien Nicks, said:

The Final Investment Decision on the K2 Project, on the back of our recently signed 15-year PPA with Waddi Wind Farm for 105 MW, bolsters AGL’s portfolio in Western Australia and provides further opportunity to continue to scale our Perth Energy business and further diversify our earnings outside the NEM. It marks another important milestone in AGL’s strategy to develop new firming capacity to support the build out of renewables, and further expands the breadth and capacity of the company’s flexible asset portfolio.

What’s next for AGL Energy?

AGL expects construction of the K2 project to commence in mid-2026, with plant operations targeted for late 2027. This investment is part of AGL’s broader strategy to add new firming capacity and support Australia’s renewable transition, especially outside the National Electricity Market.

With a diversified generation and gas portfolio, AGL continues to focus on its Climate Transition Action Plan, positioning itself to be a leader in Australia’s shift toward lower emissions and a smarter energy future.

AGL Energy share price snapshot

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

View Original Announcement

The post AGL Energy gives green light to $490m Kwinana gas project appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Wall Street just suffered its worst quarter in years. Is the ASX 200 next?
• Challenger shares in focus as APRA unveils new capital rules
• Magellan Financial Group shares in focus after $20m share plan hits target

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.

As we head into April, I continue to find myself focusing on what I would be comfortable holding for years.

That usually leads me back to exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

Not because they are exciting, but because they allow you to capture long-term trends, diversify broadly, and stay invested without overthinking every decision.

Right now, there are three Vanguard ETFs that stand out to me ahead of the new month.

Vanguard Diversified High Growth Index ETF (ASX: VDHG)

If I wanted a single ETF to do most of the heavy lifting, this would be high on my list.

The VDHG ETF is essentially a portfolio in itself. It spreads your investment across Australian shares, global shares, emerging markets, and even a small allocation to fixed income.

What I like about it is how it removes decision-making. You do not need to worry about rebalancing between regions or trying to time different markets. The structure handles that for you.

It also leans heavily toward growth assets, which I think makes sense for long-term investors who can ride out volatility.

For someone looking to build wealth steadily without constantly adjusting their portfolio, I think this ETF does a lot of things right.

Vanguard MSCI International Small Companies Index ETF (ASX: VISM)

Large companies tend to dominate headlines, but smaller companies are often where some of the most interesting growth happens.

That is what draws me to the Vanguard MSCI International Small Companies Index ETF.

This ETF gives exposure to international small-cap companies across developed markets. These are businesses that are earlier in their growth journey, often more nimble, and sometimes overlooked by broader indices.

I see this as a way to add depth to a portfolio. While large caps provide stability and scale, small caps can offer a different growth dynamic. Over long periods, that combination can be powerful.

It will not always outperform. In fact, small caps can be more volatile. But for a long-term investor, I think that is part of the opportunity.

Vanguard Global Technology Index ETF (ASX: VTEK)

Technology has been one of the defining forces in markets over the past decade, and I do not think that trend is fading.

The Vanguard Global Technology Index ETF is a new addition to the ETF universe, and what I like about it is its focused exposure.

Instead of owning the entire market, it concentrates on around 300 technology stocks across both developed and emerging markets. That includes many of the global leaders driving innovation today.

What I like in particular is the global approach. It is not just US tech. It includes companies from multiple regions, which I think gives a broader view of how technology is evolving worldwide.

This is a higher-growth, higher-volatility type of ETF. But over a long time horizon, I think having targeted exposure to the technology sector makes a lot of sense.

Foolish takeaway

If I were looking at Vanguard ETFs to buy in April and hold for the long term, I would want a mix of simplicity, diversification, and growth.

The VDHG ETF offers an all-in-one solution that can form the core of a portfolio. The VISM ETF adds exposure to smaller companies that can drive future growth. The VTEK ETF brings a focused tilt toward global technology, one of the most important themes in modern markets.

Together, I think they could form a portfolio that is both simple and forward-looking, which is what I want when investing for the long term.

The post Why I think these Vanguard ETFs could be top buys for next month (and forever) appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• How I’d build a world-class ASX passive income portfolio

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has 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.