Tag: Stock pick

  • 3 excellent ASX dividend shares with 5% to 7% yields to buy

    Middle age caucasian man smiling confident drinking coffee at home.

    Do you have room in your income portfolio for some more ASX dividend shares?

    If you do, then it could be worth checking out the three shares in this article that have recently been recommended as buys by analysts.

    Here’s what they are recommending to clients:

    Cedar Woods Properties Limited (ASX: CWP)

    The team at Bell Potter thinks Cedar Woods could be an ASX dividend share to buy now.

    It is one of Australia’s leading property companies, owning a high-quality portfolio that is diversified by geography, price point, and product type.

    Bell Potter believes that this leaves it well-positioned to be a big winner from Australia’s chronic housing shortage.

    It also expects this to support fully franked dividends per share of 39 cents in FY 2026 and then 41 cents in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $7.27, this equates to 5.35% and 5.6% dividend yields, respectively.

    The broker has a buy rating and $10.20 price target on its shares.

    Charter Hall Retail REIT (ASX: CQR)

    Another ASX dividend share that analysts are tipping as a buy is Charter Hall Retail REIT.

    It is a property company that owns a diversified portfolio of convenience-based retail centres that are anchored by supermarkets, service stations, and essential services.

    These assets tend to be highly defensive. That’s because shoppers continue to spend on groceries and everyday essentials regardless of economic conditions. In addition, it boasts long leases and high-quality tenants, which provide visibility over rental income.

    The team at Citi is positive on the company and has a buy rating and $4.50 price target on its shares.

    As for dividends, the broker is forecasting dividends per share of 25.5 cents in FY 2026 and then 26 cents in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $3.86, this would mean dividend yields of 6.75% and 6.7%, respectively.

    Premier Investments Ltd (ASX: PMV)

    A final ASX dividend share to consider for an income portfolio is Premier Investments.

    It is the owner of popular retail brands Smiggle and Peter Alexander, as well as a sizeable stake in appliance manufacturer Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG). These assets are consistently generating strong free cash flows, which is usually returned to shareholders in the form of dividends.

    Bell Potter is also positive on this one. It expects Premier Investments to pay fully franked dividends of 79.7 cents per share in FY 2026 and then 93.4 cents per share in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $12.93, this equates to dividend yields of 6.15% and 7.2%, respectively.

    The broker currently has a buy rating and $18.00 price target on its shares.

    The post 3 excellent ASX dividend shares with 5% to 7% yields to buy appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Charter Hall Retail REIT right now?

    Before you buy Charter Hall Retail REIT 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 Charter Hall Retail REIT 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

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

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

  • Forget BHP shares! Buy these ASX dividend shares instead for passive income

    Person holding Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.

    BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares are usually a solid choice for passive income and I expect that to continue to be the case. However, it’s not one of the ASX dividend shares that I’d choose to buy today if I were picking a handful.

    Part of the reasoning for that caution about the ASX mining share is that, at the time of writing, it has risen more than 50% in the last year. Normally, I like to consider investing in ASX mining shares when there’s weakness surrounding resource demand. That’s not looking like the case with the BHP share price today.

    Instead, there are other ASX dividend shares that could be a more consistent and potentially provide more passive income.

    L1 Long Short Fund Ltd (ASX: LSF)

    This business is a listed investment company (LIC) which usually invests in businesses that have relatively low price/earnings (P/E) ratios. Of all the sectors it has generated returns from, mining shares has been the sector that has generated the most return for the strategy, of around 200%. Industrials and communication services are the other two areas that have generated a return of more than 100%.

    The ASX dividend share also has the ability to short-sell shares that it thinks are overvalued, so it can outperform the market even if a lot of shares are going down.

    The LIC has a goal to deliver regular dividend growth for shareholders and it pays a dividend each quarter.

    At the rate it’s increasing its dividend, it seems likely that the FY26 annual dividend will be approximately 14.6 cents per share, which translates into a grossed-up dividend yield of around 5% at the time of writing, including franking credits.

    I think the LIC is more likely than BHP to deliver regular dividend growth each year, compared to the cyclical nature of resource prices.

    APA Group (ASX: APA)

    APA is a large energy infrastructure business that has a number of compelling assets including a huge national gas pipeline network that supplies half of the country’s gas usage.

    The business also owns gas storage, gas processing, gas-powered energy generation, solar farms, wind farms and electricity transmission.

    By having a diversified portfolio, it can search for the best opportunities in the energy sector to generate the strongest returns.

    The ASX dividend share pays for its distribution from the cash flow of its energy portfolio, with underlying earnings steadily growing over the long-term.

    APA has increased its annual distribution every year for the past 20 years, making it one of the most reliable ASX dividend shares around.

    With how the business is regularly expanding its portfolio, I think the business still has plenty of growth years of ahead. Energy is an important aspect of Australian life, of course.

    It’s expecting to hike its FY26 annual distribution to 58 cents per security, translating into a distribution yield of 5.8%, at the time of writing.

    The post Forget BHP shares! Buy these ASX dividend shares instead for passive income appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy BHP Group shares, consider this:

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

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in L1 Long Short Fund. 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 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.

  • Where I’d invest on the ASX for passive income right now

    Happy young woman saving money in a piggy bank.

    If I’m looking for passive income from the share market, I would focus on businesses that can generate steady cash flow and return it to shareholders consistently over time.

    That would likely lead me toward companies with strong positions in their industries and earnings that can support reliable dividends.

    Here are four ASX shares I would look at right now.

    BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

    BHP is one of the first names that comes to mind for passive income.

    It generates significant cash flow from its large-scale mining operations and that flows through to dividends when conditions are supportive.

    I also like the direction the business is heading. Copper is becoming a bigger part of the story, which ties into long-term demand from electrification and infrastructure.

    There is also future growth from potash, which could add another layer to earnings over time.

    Overall, I think this makes the mining giant a great option for an income portfolio.

    Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

    Telstra is another ASX share that could be a good candidate for a passive income portfolio.

    The telco leader operates in an essential industry, with customers relying on its network every day. That creates recurring revenue, which helps support its dividend.

    In addition, the business continues to invest in its network, which supports its position and earnings over time.

    As a result, I see this as one of the steadier income options on the ASX.

    Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)

    Macquarie adds something different to the mix.

    Its earnings come from a range of activities, including asset management, infrastructure, and financial services. That diversification can support income over time, even as different parts of the business move through cycles.

    I also like how the company allocates capital. It has a long history of identifying opportunities and building new earnings streams, which can support both growth and dividends.

    Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)

    Coles is a business I associate with consistency.

    People continue to spend on groceries regardless of the broader environment, and that helps support steady revenue and earnings.

    The company is also busy investing in its supply chain and operations, which can improve efficiency over time.

    I think that combination makes it a reliable and defensive option when I’m thinking about income.

    Foolish takeaway

    If I were building a passive income portfolio, I would focus on businesses that can keep generating cash and returning it to shareholders over time.

    These companies each bring something different, but they all have the ability to support income through a range of conditions, which is what I would look for in this part of the market.

    The post Where I’d invest on the ASX for passive income right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy BHP Group shares, consider this:

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

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group and Telstra 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.

  • WiseTech shares are surging again, is it too late to buy now?

    A woman looks quizzical as she looks at a graph of the share market.

    WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) shares have been back in the spotlight.

    After a strong run, the rally hit a speed bump on Monday, with shares slipping 1.5% to $45.49. But zoom out and the momentum is clear. The tech stock is up 14% over the past five trading days and 9% over the past month, as renewed interest in tech names lifts sentiment.

    That said, the bigger picture is more mixed. WiseTech shares remain down 34% year to date and 46% over the past six months.

    It’s been a volatile stretch, raising the key question: is this a recovery just getting started, or a bounce that fades?

    Mission-critical software

    Start with the fundamentals. WiseTech sits at the centre of global trade through its CargoWise platform, used by freight forwarders, customs brokers, and logistics operators around the world. This is not plug-and-play software. Once it’s embedded, it becomes mission-critical to daily operations.

    That creates a powerful business model. Customers are unlikely to switch, driving high retention, recurring revenue, and strong pricing power. In software terms, it’s about as “sticky” as it gets.

    The broader industry tailwinds only strengthen the case for WiseTech shares. Global supply chains are becoming more complex, more regulated, and increasingly digital. That trend plays directly into WiseTech’s hands, reinforcing its long-term growth runway.

    So why have WiseTech shares been under pressure?

    The short answer: macro, not micro. The recent decline has largely been driven by external factors rather than any fundamental deterioration in the business. Higher interest rates have weighed on tech valuations, while broader uncertainty has led investors to rotate away from growth stocks like WiseTech shares.

    There have also been concerns around artificial intelligence and rising competition, which have impacted sentiment across the sector. Add in geopolitical tensions – particularly around global shipping routes – and anything tied to international trade has faced extra scrutiny.

    But none of these factors change how WiseTech’s platform is used or the role it plays in global logistics.

    That said, WiseTech shares are not risk-free. Like many high-growth tech companies, WiseTech trades on elevated expectations. Any slowdown in growth or execution misstep could quickly impact the share price. There have also been periods of management-related noise, which can unsettle investors.

    What do experts think?

    Still, the analyst community remains firmly in the bullish camp.

    According to TradingView data, 15 out of 17 analysts rate WiseTech shares as a buy or strong buy, with just two sitting on hold. The average price target is around $78.00, implying potential upside of roughly 72% from current levels.

    At the extreme end, the most bullish forecast sits at $121.16, suggesting upside of as much as 166%.

    So, is it still a buy?

    For long-term investors, the case remains intact. WiseTech is a high-quality, globally relevant software business with strong structural tailwinds. The recent volatility says more about the market than the company itself.

    But after a sharp rebound, expect the ride to remain anything but smooth.

    The post WiseTech shares are surging again, is it too late to buy now? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in WiseTech Global right now?

    Before you buy WiseTech Global 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 WiseTech Global 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

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

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

  • 2 ASX healthcare shares I think can beat the market

    Two lab workers fist pump each other.

    Healthcare is one area of the market I think could be a great place to focus when investing for the long term.

    The combination of ageing populations, rising healthcare spending, and ongoing innovation creates a supportive backdrop that can play out over many years. 

    With that in mind, here are two ASX healthcare shares that stand out to me right now after falling heavily from their highs.

    CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

    CSL has been through a difficult period, and that has shown up clearly in the biotech giant’s share price.

    Although this has been disappointing, I think it is worth sticking with the ASX healthcare share.

    Its CSL Behring division remains a global leader in plasma therapies, with demand supported by chronic and rare diseases that require ongoing treatment. That creates a recurring revenue base that can grow over time as patient numbers increase.

    There is also a pipeline of products and innovation that can support future growth, alongside the company’s vaccine and specialty pharmaceuticals divisions.

    The recent CSL share price weakness has brought valuation multiples back toward levels that look cheap compared to its history. When combined with its positive long-term growth profile, I think that creates a more favourable risk-reward setup.

    Over a 5 to 10 year period, I think CSL has the potential to rebuild momentum as execution improves and its growth drivers continue to play out. This could make it a great buy and hold option.

    ResMed Inc (ASX: RMD)

    ResMed operates in an area that continues to expand globally.

    Sleep apnoea remains significantly underdiagnosed, with management estimating that there are over 1 billion sufferers across the world.

    But with awareness growing thanks to education and technology, demand for ResMed’s devices and software solutions has been increasing and looks set to continue increasing over the next decade.

    ResMed isn’t just selling masks. What stands out to me in is how the company is building an ecosystem.

    It combines its hardware with cloud-based software and data insights, which allows it to support patients and healthcare providers across the full treatment journey. That creates a more connected model and strengthens its competitive position.

    So, with the ResMed share price well below previous highs, I think the setup looks more compelling from a long-term perspective. This is especially with the combination of structural demand and a strong market position giving it a clear pathway to continue growing.

    Foolish takeaway

    Looking ahead, I see both of these ASX healthcare shares benefiting from long-term demand and continued innovation.

    Their recent share price declines may be disappointing for shareholders, but I think they have created an entry point that looks appealing for buy and hold investors.

    Over a five to 10 year timeframe, I think CSL and ResMed shares have the quality and positioning to deliver strong returns and outperform the market.

    The post 2 ASX healthcare shares I think can beat the market appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy CSL shares, consider this:

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

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in CSL. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL and ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended ResMed. 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.

  • Where I’d invest $3,000 in ASX growth shares now

    Two smiling work colleagues discuss an investment at their office.

    When I’m looking for ASX growth shares, I focus on businesses that are still expanding their opportunity and building momentum over time.

    That usually leads me toward companies with scalable models, growing markets, and clear pathways to increase revenue. 

    With that in mind, here are three ASX growth shares I would look at right now if I had $3,000 to invest.

    Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL)

    Netwealth is benefiting from a structural shift in how Australians invest.

    More advisers are moving client funds onto platform-based solutions, and Netwealth has been capturing a growing share of that flow. As funds are added to the platform, revenue grows alongside it, creating a base that can continue to expand.

    Those funds also tend to stay invested, which supports a more stable and predictable growth profile. Over time, that can create a compounding effect as new inflows build on top of an already growing base.

    The business is also continuing to invest in its platform, adding new features and improving functionality for advisers. That helps it remain competitive and positions it well to keep attracting new clients.

    DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO)

    DroneShield is an ASX growth share operating in a market that is still in its early stages.

    The increasing use of drones across defence, security, and civilian applications is driving demand for detection and countermeasure technology. As adoption grows, the need for protection systems becomes more important.

    DroneShield has been expanding its product offering to meet that demand, with solutions that can be used across a range of environments. This allows it to target multiple markets rather than relying on a single use case.

    There is also growing investment from governments and organisations in this area, which can support long-term demand. As awareness and adoption increase, the company has an opportunity to continue scaling its operations.

    Block Inc (ASX: XYZ)

    Block provides exposure to digital payments and financial services through two interconnected ecosystems.

    Square supports businesses with payments and operational tools, while Cash App focuses on consumers. As both sides continue to grow, they reinforce each other, creating a broader and more valuable network.

    This structure opens up multiple avenues for growth.

    As more merchants use Square, more transactions flow through the system. As Cash App continues to grow its user base, engagement and monetisation opportunities increase. Together, they create a platform that can continue to expand over time.

    Block is also moving into additional financial services, including lending and other tools (like Afterpay) that can deepen relationships with users and support further growth.

    Foolish takeaway

    Over time, growth often comes from businesses that can keep building as their markets expand.

    I think these ASX growth shares are positioned in areas where demand is increasing and adoption continues to grow, which makes them interesting when thinking about long-term growth investing.

    The post Where I’d invest $3,000 in ASX growth shares now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy DroneShield Limited shares, consider this:

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

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in DroneShield. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Block, DroneShield, and Netwealth Group and is short shares of DroneShield. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Netwealth Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • RBA’s ‘worst nightmare’: What exactly is stagflation?

    Five stacked building blocks with green arrows, indicating rising inflation or share prices

    I’d wager that if you have come across the term ‘stagflation’, it was sometime in the past seven weeks or so. Before the onset of the Iran war, stagflation was a term that was last bandied about in mainstream economic reporting back in the 1970s. As such, if one isn’t a student of history, or studied economics at high school or university, the term might be completely unfamiliar.

    Yet since the beginning of March, you can’t open the business section of a news article without coming across a mention of stagflation.

    So today, let’s go over what this rather strange term means.

    What is stagflation?

    To understand the concept of stagflation we first need to recognise that this term is actually a portmanteau. Put simply, it is a word that has been created by merging two other words. Those two other words are ‘stagnation’ and ‘inflation‘.

    When an economy experiences stagflation, it is suffering from high inflation and low, or stagnant, growth, at the same time.

    This is actually a rather uncommon economic phenomenon. Under conventional economics, inflation occurs when the economy is running too hot for its own good. There is more money sloshing around than the economy can handle. As such, in lieu of increasing output beyond capability, an economy’s producers begin increasing prices. This cascades through the economy until prices are rising at a dangerous rate.

    This inflation is known as ‘demand driven‘. It is easily countered, according to traditional economics anyway, by governments pumping the breaks. This can come in the form of higher taxes, or more commonly higher interest rates from central banks like the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA).

    These higher rates (or taxes) pull money out of the economy and break the cycle of rising prices. The trade-off is cooler economic growth, of course. Under traditional economic models, the trade-off between interest rates and inflation is akin to a see-saw. If one gets to high, all a central bank needs to do is jump on the other side. Balancing this see-saw is what most central banks, including the RBA, have spent the past 50 years doing.

    What causes stagflation?

    However, this model only works to manage demand-driven inflation. When it comes to supply-side inflation, the rulebook slides into impotence.

    The last time the world saw a bout of stagflation was back in the 1970s. It was sparked by, you guessed it, an oil shock.

    Back in the ’70s, the OPEC cartel decided to punish the United States and its allies for supporting Israel in the 1973 Yom Kippur War by restricting oil supplies. Oil skyrocketed, sparking rampant inflation throughout much of the world. This inflation was driven by a supply limit of oil, one of the fundamental inputs into most forms of economic activity.

    Unlike the inflation we’ve become used to, it was not caused by excessive demand int eh economy. As such, central banks couldn’t just pull the interest rate lever and hike inflation away. Instead, they had to try and manage inflation as best they could, at the real cost of ongoing economic growth. As such, high inflation, held up by increased oil prices, persisted, while economic growth languished. Stagflation, in other words.

    Stagflation is often cited as a central bank’s ‘worst nightmare’, because of the lack of easy solutions. Reducing rates will only stoke inflation, while increasing rates will prolong the downturn and increase unemployment.

    This problem bedevilled the major economies of the world for years. It was only when OPEC split due to geopolitical tensions and the global oil price came back down in the early 1980s that this supply shock faded. By then, the world had responded to higher oil prices by, for example, diversifying their sources of oil, building more efficient cars and expanding the use of gas and nuclear power. Sure, inflation remained high over that decade. But growth picked up to match it.

    Foolish takeaway

    Stagflation is an unusual economic phenomenon only experienced a few times in recorded economic history. However, with inflation already uncomfortably in Australia before the Iran war, and a 21st century oil shock a distinct possibility (if it’s not already occurring), it may be a malady that we will once again have to navigate.

    Tomorrow, we’ll look at how to position an investing portfolio to account for the possibility of stagflation, so stay tuned for that.

    The post RBA’s ‘worst nightmare’: What exactly is stagflation? 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…

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

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

  • Brokers name 2 skyrocketing ASX energy shares to buy today

    A business person directs a pointed finger upwards on a rising arrow on a bar graph.

    Below, we’ll look at two buy-rated ASX energy shares that leading brokers expect could hand investors some outsized gains over the coming months.

    If these bullish expectations prove out, those potential future gains will come atop the benchmark-smashing returns both stocks have already delivered over the past year.

    The promising ASX energy shares in question are Elixir Energy Ltd (ASX: EXR) and Omega Oil & Gas Ltd (ASX: OMA).

    So, just how well have they performed over the last 12 months?

    Well, at Monday’s closing price of 86 cents, the Omega share price is up 258% in a year. While that’s impressive, Elixir Energy has charged ahead of that performance. At Monday’s closing price of 14 cents, the Elixir share price has gained 383% in a year.

    For some context, the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is up 14.4% over this same period.

    Now, here’s why both stocks look well-positioned to keep outperforming.

    Elixir Energy stock tipped to surge on Taroom Trough assets

    Last week, the analysts at Euroz Hartleys released a bullish note on Elixir Energy.

    That came after the ASX energy share announced it had commenced feasibility work with APA Group (ASX: APA) on a pipeline linking potential Taroom Trough gas production to the Wallumbilla Gas Hub. This will connect Elixir’s gas project to east coast domestic and LNG markets.

    Located onshore in Queensland, the broker said that interest in the Taroom Trough is rising “due to its scale and proximity to existing infrastructure servicing domestic gas (Wallumbilla) and LNG (Gladstone plants) markets”.

    As for Elixir Energy, Euroz Hartleys noted:

    EXR’s Lorelle-3H well recently achieved the longest horizontal well drilled in the basin to date with apparent high case reservoir properties in a deeper reservoir on the western flank, materially de-risking the upcoming flow test.

    The broker added:

    EXR holds the largest net acreage position and discovered resources in the Taroom with acreage neighbouring/directly on-trend to Shell and aligned to their appraisal strategy of gas-bearing (with associated oil) reservoirs in the Dunk sandstone.

    Connecting the dots, Euroz Hartleys reaffirmed its speculative buy rating on the ASX energy share and increased its price target to 28 cents a share, up from the prior 19 cents.

    That represents a potential upside of 100% from Elixir Energy’s closing price on Monday.

    Which brings us to…

    ASX energy share riding positive political shifts

    Last week also saw the team at Canaccord Genuity up its price target for Omega Oil & Gas shares. Omega owns roughly 19.4% of Elixir Energy.

    Commenting on the changing political landscape that could favour the ASX energy share, Canaccord noted:

    Queensland Premier David Crissafulli’s visit to the Taroom Trough and subsequent press releases calling for the acceleration of permitting represents, in our view, a key turning point in the political narrative regarding oil and gas development.

    The broker added, “Energy security will be a key focus in the coming years and Australia’s stability and prospectivity should, we believe, result in improved capital allocation.”

    Canaccord reaffirmed its speculative buy rating and upgraded its price target for the ASX energy share to $1.30 a share, up from the prior 85 cents.

    That’s 51% above the Omega Oil & Gas closing share price on Monday.

    The post Brokers name 2 skyrocketing ASX energy shares to buy today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Elixir Energy Limited shares, consider this:

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

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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.

  • Up 22%, are Telstra shares still worth a buy?

    Man holding phone to ear shouts while hjolding out hand in stop motion

    Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) shares have been hovering near record highs since the start of April. At the time of writing they’re trading around $5.34, just shy of a nine-year peak.

    Telstra shares have experienced a solid run. The telco is up almost 10% year to date and 22% over the past 12 months. That comfortably outpaces the broader S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has gained 3% in 2026 and 15% over the same period.

    So, has Telstra already done the heavy lifting, or is there still more upside ahead?

    Unmatched mobile scale

    Start with the positives. Telstra remains Australia’s dominant telecommunications provider, with unmatched scale across mobile networks and infrastructure. That leadership translates into real pricing power and the company is actively using it.

    Recent price increases on mobile plans are a key driver. Thanks to relatively sticky customers, those higher prices are expected to flow through to both revenue and margins. In a high-cost environment, that ability to pass on increases is a major advantage.

    Telstra also benefits from operating in a defensive sector. Connectivity is no longer discretionary. Whether economic conditions are strong or weak, consumers and businesses continue to pay for mobile and internet services. That makes the company a reliable option during periods of market volatility.

    Longtime dividend favourite

    Income is another major part of the appeal. Telstra shares have long been a favourite among dividend investors, supported by consistent cash flow and a mature operating model. Its payout ratio sits close to 100% of earnings, highlighting its focus on returning capital to shareholders.

    The company pays two dividends annually. Its most recent interim dividend came in at 10.5 cents per share, largely franked, and management is guiding for a full-year dividend of 20 cents for FY26. That combination of yield and reliability continues to attract income-focused investors.

    Slow steady expansion

    But there are limits to the story of Telstra shares.

    Telstra is not a high-growth business. As a mature operator, its earnings expansion tends to be gradual rather than explosive. Investors shouldn’t expect rapid capital appreciation, this is more about steady compounding.

    Competition also remains a constant pressure. Rivals continue to target market share across both mobile and broadband. While Telstra’s network advantage is significant, it isn’t unassailable. Any misstep could give competitors an opening.

    There’s also a ceiling to pricing power. Push prices too aggressively, and even loyal customers may start to reassess their options. Managing that balance will be critical.

    So, what’s the verdict?

    Telstra shares have already delivered strong gains, and while the outlook remains stable, upside from here could be more modest. Most brokers currently sit on a hold rating, with an average price target of $5.26, slightly below the current share price.

    That said, Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) analysts take a more optimistic view. They rate Telstra as an outperform, expecting recent price increases to support both earnings and dividends. Their 12-month price target of $5.64 implies modest upside of around 5.5% and could bring the total earning, including a yield of roughly 3.7, to over 9%.

    In short, Telstra remains what it has always been: a dependable, income-generating stock with defensive qualities. Just don’t expect it to turn into a rocket ship anytime soon.

    The post Up 22%, are Telstra shares still worth a buy? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Telstra Corporation Limited shares, consider this:

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

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

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

  • 3 ASX shares I’d feel comfortable holding for the next decade

    Young businesswoman sitting in kitchen and working on laptop.

    Time can be one of the most powerful advantages an investor has. The longer you stay invested, the longer you can benefit from compounding.

    I focus on ASX shares that have strong foundations and the ability to grow alongside the markets they serve. These are the kinds of businesses that can justify a long-term place in a portfolio.

    Here are three ASX shares I’d feel comfortable holding for the next decade.

    Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

    Goodman Group is a property company that sits at the centre of a powerful structural trend.

    Its portfolio is closely tied to logistics, warehousing, and increasingly data centres, which are essential to how goods and data move around the world.

    What stands out to me is how its assets connect to long-term demand.

    E-commerce continues to reshape supply chains, while the growth of cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) is driving demand for data infrastructure. Goodman has positioned itself to support both.

    The company’s integrated model also adds another layer.

    It develops, owns, and manages assets, which allows it to capture value across multiple parts of the lifecycle. Over time, that can support both earnings growth and asset expansion.

    TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE)

    TechnologyOne is a business built on consistency.

    It provides enterprise software to government, education, and large organisations, with a model that centres on recurring revenue and long-term customer relationships.

    What I find attractive is the predictability of that model. As more customers move onto its platform and remain there, revenue builds steadily. That creates a strong foundation for growth.

    There is also a clear pathway for expansion.

    The company continues to deepen its presence with existing customers while growing internationally. Over a long period, that combination can support compounding earnings.

    Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)

    Macquarie brings a different type of exposure. It operates across asset management, infrastructure, renewable energy, and financial services, with a global footprint that continues to evolve.

    What I think stands out is its ability to allocate capital. The company has a long history of identifying emerging opportunities and building businesses around them. That adaptability allows it to grow across different cycles.

    Macquarie also provides exposure to real assets and long-term investment themes, which can add a different dimension to a portfolio.

    Foolish takeaway

    When I think about holding ASX shares for a long time, I look for businesses that can keep progressing without needing constant reinvention.

    I think Goodman, TechnologyOne, and Macquarie fit that mindset.

    The post 3 ASX shares I’d feel comfortable holding for the next decade appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Goodman Group shares, consider this:

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

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

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