Tag: Stock pick

  • Which uranium company has just received approval to build one of the world’s biggest mines?

    Engineer looking at mining trucks at a mine site.

    NexGen Energy Ltd (ASX: NXG) has been granted environmental approval to build its Rook 1 uranium mine in Canada, which is set to be among the world’s largest.

    The company said in a statement to the ASX on Friday that the environmental approval from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission was the final approval necessary for the project, which it owns 100% of.

    The ASX-listed uranium company said it had worked together with local indigenous groups and partners on the permitting process.

    The company went on to say:

    When fully operational, the Rook I Project will be the largest single source and environmentally elite uranium mine globally, incorporating state-of-the-art extraction and safety systems. In production, Rook I is capable of producing up to 30 million pounds annually – representing over 20% of the current global uranium fuel supply and over 50% of western world supply.

    All systems go

    The company said now that approvals were in place, it was set to begin construction.

    The team, procurement, engineering, vendors, contractors and capital are in place to commence construction activities with advanced site and shaft sinking preparation. NexGen has already made its Final Investment Decision with official construction commencing in summer 2026. As per the Rook I Project schedule, construction will take 4 years from commencement.

    NexGen Chief Executive Officer Leigh Curyer said the company had gone through what was “one of the most rigorous and comprehensive regulatory processes undertaken for a resource project globally”.

    He added:

    The world is changing fast, and NexGen’s Rook I is now ready to be a significant contributor to global requirements for nuclear energy and Canada’s role as an energy superpower. As global demand for reliable, clean, baseload nuclear energy continues to accelerate at an unprecedented pace, uranium is the critical fuel for powering industrial electrification and the digital infrastructure of tomorrow. Simply put, energy is the key to our global growth. Nuclear is the chosen energy to supply that economic growth. NexGen is the foundational and necessary key to fuelling that growth.

    The Rook 1 project will be an underground mine in the Athabasca region of Canada.

    NexGen’s feasibility study envisages the project operating for a mine life of 11 years, over which time it would produce 233.6 million pounds of uranium.

    NexGen’s Australian shares were 1 cent higher on the news at $17.87. The company’s shares are also listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Toronto Stock Exchange.

    The company’s ASX-listed shares were valued at $11.79 billion at the close of trade on Thursday.

    The post Which uranium company has just received approval to build one of the world’s biggest mines? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy NexGen Energy 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 NexGen Energy 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 Cameron England 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.

  • 5 ASX shares I’d buy and hold for the next decade

    Woman in celebratory fist move looking at phone.

    Investing gets much simpler when you focus on the long term. Instead of worrying about short-term market swings, the goal becomes owning businesses that can keep expanding, strengthening their competitive positions, and compounding earnings over many years.

    With that mindset, I tend to look for companies operating in large markets with strong brands, scalable platforms, or structural tailwinds behind them.

    Here are five ASX shares I’d be happy to buy and hold for the next decade.

    Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG)

    Sigma has been transformed following its merger with Chemist Warehouse, creating one of the most powerful pharmacy groups in Australia.

    The combined business brings together Chemist Warehouse’s retail strength and brand recognition with Sigma’s wholesale distribution and supply chain expertise. That combination gives the group enormous scale across both pharmacy retail and pharmaceutical distribution.

    Chemist Warehouse already has a dominant position in the Australian pharmacy market and continues expanding internationally. With Sigma now integrated into the group, the merged business has the potential to unlock meaningful efficiencies and growth opportunities over time.

    For long-term investors, I think the scale and brand strength of the Chemist Warehouse network make Sigma a very interesting business to watch over the coming decade.

    REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

    REA Group operates one of the most valuable digital platforms in Australia through realestate.com.au.

    Property listings are a critical part of the real estate industry, and REA has built an incredibly strong position with both agents and buyers. When people search for property online in Australia, realestate.com.au is usually where they start.

    That network effect has allowed REA to steadily increase pricing and expand its product offering for real estate agents over time.

    Even when property volumes fluctuate with the housing cycle, the long-term shift toward digital property marketing continues to support the business. I think that structural advantage gives this ASX share a strong foundation for long-term growth.

    WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

    WiseTech Global has built one of the most ambitious technology platforms on the ASX.

    Its CargoWise software helps logistics companies manage complex global supply chains. Freight forwarders, customs brokers, and logistics providers rely on the platform to coordinate the movement of goods across borders.

    The logistics industry is enormous and still relatively fragmented from a software perspective. WiseTech’s strategy has been to build a global operating system for the industry, integrating logistics processes into a single platform.

    That vision gives the company a very large long-term opportunity. If WiseTech continues expanding its platform and integrating more of the global logistics ecosystem, its revenue and earnings could look dramatically larger over the next decade.

    Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL)

    Aristocrat Leisure is one of the world’s leading gaming companies.

    The business has long dominated the global gaming machine market, supplying slot machines and digital gaming systems to casinos around the world. But in recent years, the company has also built a strong presence in mobile gaming through its social casino and mobile gaming divisions.

    This combination of land-based gaming and digital gaming gives Aristocrat multiple growth drivers.

    Gaming remains a highly profitable industry with strong global demand, and Aristocrat has proven over many years that it can create games that resonate with players. If it continues innovating and expanding across both casino and mobile platforms, I think this ASX share could remain a major global player for many years to come.

    Block Inc. (ASX: XYZ)

    Block is a global financial technology company focused on making financial services more accessible.

    Through its Square ecosystem, the company provides payment solutions, point-of-sale technology, and business tools for merchants. Meanwhile, its Cash App platform offers peer-to-peer payments, banking features, and investing services to consumers.

    What makes Block interesting is the scale of its ecosystem. Millions of businesses and consumers use its products every day, creating a powerful network that can support additional financial services over time.

    Digital payments and fintech adoption continue to expand globally, and Block remains well-positioned to benefit from that shift as it continues building out its ecosystem.

    Foolish Takeaway

    Sigma, REA Group, WiseTech Global, Aristocrat Leisure, and Block all operate in large markets with long-term growth potential.

    If these businesses continue executing well, I think they could reward patient investors over the next decade.

    The post 5 ASX shares I’d buy and hold for the next decade appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Aristocrat Leisure 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 Aristocrat Leisure Limited wasn’t one of them.

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor 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 Block and 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.

  • Oil prices rocket 8%. Here’s where I’d put my money

    Oil industry worker climbing up metal construction and smiling.

    Oil prices have surged sharply this week as escalating conflict in the Middle East rattles global energy markets.

    West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude has jumped 7.47% to US$80.24 per barrel, while Brent crude is up 4.31% to US$84.91.

    The rally comes as tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran threaten to disrupt oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes.

    With supply risks rising, investors have been moving back into oil producers, helping lift Australian energy stocks.

    Let’s take a closer look.

    Oil markets react to rising geopolitical risks

    Oil prices can move very quickly when geopolitical tensions flare up.

    The Strait of Hormuz is a critical choke point for global energy markets. Roughly 20% of the world’s oil supply passes through the narrow waterway linking the Persian Gulf to international markets.

    Recent reports suggest tanker traffic has slowed as security concerns rise in the region. There have also been incidents involving oil tankers and refinery infrastructure, which have further unsettled energy markets.

    Energy stocks are responding

    The rally in crude prices is already flowing through to Australian energy stocks.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) has surged roughly 9% over the past week, making it one of the strongest-performing sectors on the local market.

    Among the biggest beneficiaries has been Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS).

    The Woodside share price has climbed 10% in a week, recently trading around $30.84.

    Higher oil prices are generally positive for large producers because they increase revenue from every barrel sold.

    Woodside is Australia’s largest listed oil and gas producer with major operations across Australia, the Gulf of Mexico, and Africa. The company also has growing exposure to liquefied natural gas (LNG), another market that often tightens during periods of geopolitical tension.

    Why investors are watching oil closely

    Oil prices often act as a key signal for energy stocks.

    When crude moves higher, the earnings outlook for producers usually improves quickly. That is why oil rallies can often drive strong share price gains across the sector.

    However, oil markets are also notoriously volatile.

    Prices can surge during geopolitical crises but fall just as quickly if tensions ease or supply increases.

    That means investors need to balance the short-term momentum with longer-term fundamentals.

    Where I’d put my money

    If oil prices remain elevated, Australia’s large energy producers are likely to benefit.

    Companies such as Woodside have global assets, strong cash flows, and exposure to both oil and LNG markets.

    That combination leaves them well-positioned when energy prices rise.

    While commodity markets are volatile, ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East could keep oil prices elevated in the near term.

    The post Oil prices rocket 8%. Here’s where I’d put my money appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Woodside Petroleum Ltd right now?

    Before you buy Woodside Petroleum Ltd shares, consider this:

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

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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

  • Looking for big returns? This ASX 200 share could rise 70%

    A man clenches his fists in excitement as gold coins fall from the sky.

    Looking for a big return? If you are, then it could be worth checking out the ASX 200 share in this article.

    That’s because if analysts at Bell Potter are on the money with their recommendation, mouth-watering returns could be on offer with this share over the next 12 months.

    Which ASX 200 share?

    The share that Bell Potter is tipping as a buy is agricultural chemicals company Nufarm Ltd (ASX: NUF).

    Bell Potter has been looking at industry data and believe it could be supportive of a recovery in margins. It said:

    Recent peer reporting has highlighted continued margin recovery, with trade flows indicating a solid level of inventory rebuild ahead of major selling windows. Key points: Quarterly reporting: Key highlights from reporting season include: (1) average reported selling prices were down -2% YoY and volumes were up +2% YoY; and (2) gross margins (where reported) were up +120bp YoY.

    Sector trade flows: Sector trade flows globally have continued to demonstrate reasonable levels of demand, with trade flows ex-China down -1% YoY and imports into major NUF markets up +11% YoY, driven by a +23% YoY uplift in the EU+UK and a +8% YoY uplift in North American import activity.

    In addition, the broker highlights that omega-3 pricing indicators have been positive and weather has been favourable, which are good news for the ASX 200 share. It adds:

    Pricing indicators for omega-3 oil have remained firm, with Peruvian omega-3 oil up +5% YoY, feed grade oil up +10% YoY and high-grade fishmeal up +35% YoY. These figures are comparable to pricing indicators reported by Austevoll through 1Q26, with high double-digit uplifts relative to the lows seen through 2Q25-4Q25 (i.e. 24-46% gains).

    Recent rainfall has improved soil moisture profiles in Australia, EU soil moisture looks stronger in western and southern Europe than eastern Europe and three month outlooks are generally supportive. US drought monitors are better than a year ago with generally normal conditions in most belts forecast.

    Big potential returns

    According to the note, Bell Potter has retained its buy rating and $3.60 price target on Nufarm’s shares.

    Based on its current share price of $2.09, this implies potential upside of over 70% for investors over the next 12 months.

    Commenting on its buy recommendation, the broker said:

    We expect 1H26e to demonstrate a continuation of the margin recovery story that became evident in 2H25 in the crop protection business (and reported by peers), with a material turnaround in Omega-3 earnings (reflected in improved pricing indicators). The foundations for 2H26e selling windows look positive with the potential for prolonged Middle East conflict to elevate crop protection pricing. Demonstrating progress on deleveraging of the balance sheet in FY26e is a key catalyst to NUF bridging the gap to sector multiples (Sector at 8.0x FY26e EBITDA vs. NUF at 6.0x).

    The post Looking for big returns? This ASX 200 share could rise 70% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Nufarm 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 Nufarm Limited wasn’t one of them.

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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

  • This small cap ASX biotech could double in under a year, Bell Potter says

    Female pharmacist smiles with a digital tablet.

    Biome Australia Ltd (ASX: BIO) recently reported a record set of first-half results, which caught the attention of the team at Bell Potter, which has put a bullish price target on the ASX biotech.

    So let’s have a look at what they reported.

    Records across the board

    Biome said in late February that its first half net profit had more than doubled, up 172% to $1.18 million, on record half year sales revenue of $12.4 million.

    This was up an impressive 40% on the previous corresponding period and the company said it was sitting on an annualised revenue run rate of about $25.8 million coming out of the second quarter of the year.

    Biome said in its statement to the ASX that its products were the fastest growing probiotic range in Australian community pharmacy, with all of its product range growing.

    It was also the number two ranked brand across all vitamins in the Terry White pharmacy chain.

    As the company said at the time:

    The Australian pharmacy channel continues to be the primary growth engine. Pharmacy scan data confirms Activated Probiotics is the number 1 probiotic brand by revenue in community pharmacy and number 2 overall when including Chemist Warehouse, and the highest growth brand in the category. Biome Daily is on track to become the number 1 probiotic product in Australian pharmacy by units. Every product in the Activated Probiotics range grew through the half, with particularly strong performance from Biome Baby, Biome Dental, Biome Her and Biome Daily Kids.

    Biome was also set to launch its first major above the line advertising campaign coming into the Australia winter season, advertising across digital, outdoor and cobranded activity with key retail partners.

    Looking beyond the first half results, the company also in January announced a distribution deal for its probiotic products in Canada, with a company called FullScript Canada.

    Shares looking cheap at this ASX biotech

    The team at Bell Potter have looked at the recent profit report and like what they see.

    As they said:

    Biome maintained sales momentum in Australian Pharmacy as well as introduced new retail channels with Mecca (beauty vertical) and Go Vita (health food). Same store sales growth continued to be strong across all banner groups and every product in the portfolio grew its sales over the period. Biome continues to progress planning for its long-awaited onshoring initiative. It seems like Biome is close to a decision on its path to build greater efficiency, resilience and margin accretion.

    Bell Potter has maintained its $1 price target on Biome shares, compared with 42 cents currently.   

    The post This small cap ASX biotech could double in under a year, Bell Potter says appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Biome Australia 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 Biome Australia Limited wasn’t one of them.

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Cameron England 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.

  • Bell Potter says this ASX 200 tech stock is a top buy

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

    The tech sector has been a sea of red this year, with many ASX 200 tech stocks crashing deep into the red.

    While this is disappointing, it could have created a buying opportunity for investors.

    This could especially be the case with the tech stock in this article, which Bell Potter remains bullish on.

    Which ASX 200 tech stock?

    The tech stock that Bell Potter is bullish on is Catapult Sports Ltd (ASX: CAT).

    It is a leading global provider of elite athlete wearable tracking solutions. Bell Potter notes that its key target market is elite sporting teams and organisations but the acquisition of SBG now gives the company a presence in motorsports.

    The pro sports technology market was valued at US$36 billion in 2025 and is forecast to double to US$72 billion by 2030.

    What is the broker saying?

    Bell Potter has been reviewing its forecasts for Catapult and has made modest downgrades due to recent currency movements. However, its estimates are still comfortably above consensus expectations. It explains:

    We have downgraded our ACV forecasts in FY26, FY27 and FY28 by 1%, 3% and 3% but we remain well above VA consensus though there appears to be some unusually low forecasts from other analysts. This has driven similar downgrades in our revenue forecasts and we also remain above VA consensus but only modestly. And we have downgraded our management EBITDA forecasts by 2%, 4% and 4% which has been driven by the revenue downgrades as well as some reduction in our margin forecasts. We are now more consistent with VA consensus at management EBITDA.

    Time to buy

    According to the note, the broker has retained its buy rating on the ASX 200 tech stock with a trimmed price target of $4.85 (from $5.50).

    Based on its current share price of $3.64, this implies potential upside of 33% for investors over the next 12 months.

    Bell Potter has named Catapult as one of its preferred mid-cap tech stocks. And while it suspects that it could lose its ASX 200 status soon, the broker feels this is already factored in. It concludes:

    Catapult remains one of our preferred tech stocks amongst the mid caps (along with Gentrack). We note Catapult is likely to come out of the S&P/ASX 200 at the next rebalance later this month but remain in the S&P/ASX 300. This could be viewed as a negative catalyst but in our view is already largely expected so should not come as a surprise.

    We see the release of the FY26 result in May as a potential catalyst given we expect the guidance to be achieved and see little evidence or threat of AI disruption. We also see the outlook for FY27 as positive given the launch of new products – like Vector 8 – and acquisitions – like IMPECT – to help drive strong top line growth. The risk, however, is perhaps an increase in investment if Catapult elects to, for instance, expand IMPECT’s offering to include video. And finally, if tech stocks rally we would expect Catapult to follow suit and be one of the better performers in part due to a lack of other good quality tech stocks in the mid cap space.

    The post Bell Potter says this ASX 200 tech stock is a top buy appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Catapult Group International 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 Catapult Group International 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 Catapult Sports. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Catapult Sports. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Can this ASX energy stock keep the rally going?

    A smiling woman puts fuel into her car at a petrol pump.

    This ASX energy stock has surged recently as investors grow more optimistic about the fuel giant’s outlook.

    The share price of Ampol Limited (ASX: ALD) has surged 15% in the past 5 trading days. Strong refining margins, progress on a major acquisition, and rising oil prices have all helped push the ASX energy stock to $32.06 at the time of writing.

    Let’s have a closer look at what’s driving Ampol’s momentum – and the risks to watch.

    Supportive oil prices

    One key tailwind for the ASX energy stock is the rebound in global oil prices.

    Recent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have lifted crude prices, with Brent crude recently trading around US$80 per barrel after surging in recent weeks.

    Higher oil prices can boost refining margins and support earnings for companies with refining operations like Ampol. The company’s Lytton refinery in Queensland has already benefited from stronger margins in recent periods, helping lift profits.

    If oil markets remain tight, that could continue to underpin Ampol’s earnings and the share price of the ASX energy stock.

    While higher oil prices can help profits, they also add volatility.

    Oil markets are notoriously cyclical. Some analysts expect crude prices to soften over time due to global oversupply, with forecasts suggesting Brent could average around US$60 per barrel in 2026 if supply growth outpaces demand.

    Lower oil prices could reduce refining margins and weigh on earnings.

    Growth from EG Australia acquisition

    Another potential catalyst for the ASX energy stock is Ampol’s planned $1.1 billion acquisition of EG Australia, which operates hundreds of fuel and convenience stores nationwide.

    The deal would significantly expand Ampol’s retail footprint and accelerate growth in its higher-margin convenience business. Analysts expect the acquisition to add meaningful earnings once completed.

    Convenience retail – including shop sales and premium fuels – is becoming a larger driver of profit for Ampol as traditional fuel markets evolve.

    The EG Australia acquisition still requires regulatory approval, and any conditions or delays could impact the expected benefits.

    While many analysts believe the deal will proceed with some site divestments, uncertainty around the outcome remains a key risk for investors. Ampol has already offered to divest 19 retail sites as part of its original remedy proposal and may propose further remedies.

    What next for Ampol shares?

    According to consensus estimates, the ASX energy stock currently carries a buy rating from most analysts. The most bullish 12-month price target is set at $35.00, which points to a 9% upside from current price levels.

    The average price target is $32.63. That implies roughly a potential gain of  2% from recent levels.

    Foolish Takeaway

    Ampol shares have rallied thanks to supportive oil prices, improving refining margins, and optimism about the EG Australia acquisition.

    Broker forecasts suggest the ASX energy stock could still have upside, but investors should remember that the company’s fortunes are closely tied to volatile energy markets.

    If oil prices remain elevated and the acquisition proceeds smoothly, Ampol could continue delivering solid returns. But as with many energy stocks, the path ahead may not be a smooth ride.

    The post Can this ASX energy stock keep the rally going? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Ampol 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 Ampol Limited wasn’t one of them.

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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

  • A recent expansion has Macquarie bullish on this luxury vehicle dealer

    A young woman smiles widely as she holds up the keys while sitting in the driver's seat of her new car.

    The team at Macquarie have run the ruler over the ASX-listed vehicle retailers, and they have an overweight rating on both Eagers Automotive Ltd (ASX: APE) and luxury dealership Autosports Group Ltd (ASX: ASG).

    That said, when choosing between the two, Macquarie prefers Autosports Group.

    As the Macquarie team said:

    We prefer ASG, as it is well placed for organic and inorganic growth underpinned by good trading conditions in luxury brands and active M&A pipeline, which could more than offset any potential softening in new vehicle sales.

    New acquisition to drive growth

    And indeed Autosports Group has been on the acquisition trail recently, agreeing to buy South Australian-based Solitaire Automotive Group for about $50 million, with that deal announced in late February.

    The deal involves Autosports Group acquiring Solitaire’s 15 new vehicle and motorcycle dealerships, selling across 10 brands and generating about $300 million in annual revenue.

    As Autosports Group said at the time:

    The Solitaire Automotive Group has a more than 50 year history and operates Aston Martin, Maserati, Jaguar Land Rover, Cupra, Audi, Ducati, Volkswagen, Polestar, Volvo Cars and Zeekr dealerships in Adelaide. The purchase consideration consists of $50 million for goodwill and approximately $1 million for net tangible assets, plant and equipment. The $50 million goodwill will comprise of $25 million in cash and the remaining $25 million will be in the form of ASG shares to be issued at a price of $3.46.

    Autosports Group Chief Executive Nick Pagent said Solitaire was a good fit for the group.

    The Solitaire Group has meaningful scale, good growth prospects and a unique position as the sole retailer in South Australia for most of its brand portfolio. We are delighted to welcome David Smoker as a shareholder, and would like to thank the Smoker and Holst families for their goodwill through the transaction.

    Autosports Group shares looking cheap

    Macquarie said Solitaire had solid scale and good future growth prospects, “which suggests the acquisition would trade broadly in line with current group margins”.

    They said there was also potential upside from a margin perspective as the newly acquired dealerships were integrated into the Autosports Group network.

    The Solitaire deal is expected to be finalised by April and is subject to approval from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

    Taking all of this into account, Macquarie has a price target of $5.19 for Autosports Group shares, compared with the current price of $2.81.  

    Autosports Group is also paying a trailing dividend yield of 3.38%, and was valued at $578.3 million at the close of trade on Thursday.

    The post A recent expansion has Macquarie bullish on this luxury vehicle dealer appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Autosports Group Ltd shares, consider this:

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

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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

  • 3 buy-rated ASX growth shares tipped to rise 30% to 125%

    A young man pointing up looking amazed, indicating a surging share price movement for an ASX company

    Do you want to buy some ASX growth shares for your portfolio? If you do, then it could be worth checking out the three named below that analysts are bullish on.

    Here’s what they are recommending to clients:

    Life360 Inc. (ASX: 360)

    One company that continues to build momentum is Life360. It is best known for its family safety app, which allows users to track the location of loved ones and receive alerts related to driving behaviour, emergencies, and device safety.

    While the app originally focused on location sharing, Life360 has gradually expanded its platform to include a range of subscription services such as roadside assistance, identity protection, and emergency response features.

    The strength of the business lies in its growing global user base. Millions of families now rely on the platform daily, which gives the company opportunities to increase monetisation through premium subscriptions and additional services.

    With the business moving toward stronger profitability and expanding its product ecosystem, Life360 has the potential to continue growing strongly over time.

    This week, Bell Potter put a buy rating and $40.00 price target on its shares. This implies potential upside of 85% for investors over the next 12 months.

    Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

    Another ASX growth share worth watching is Pro Medicus.

    The healthcare technology company develops advanced medical imaging software used by hospitals and radiology groups around the world.

    Its Visage platform allows radiologists to view complex scans quickly and efficiently, which improves productivity and patient outcomes.

    What makes Pro Medicus particularly interesting is its success in winning long-term contracts with large hospital networks in the United States. These deals often run for several years and can generate significant recurring revenue.

    As global demand for medical imaging continues to grow, Pro Medicus appears well placed to keep expanding its footprint internationally.

    Morgans has a buy rating and $275.00 price target on its shares. This suggests that its shares could rise 125% between now and this time next year.

    REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

    A final ASX growth share that continues to impress is REA Group.

    REA operates realestate.com.au, the dominant online property marketplace in Australia. The platform has become the go-to destination for Australians searching for homes, rental properties, and real estate data.

    Its strong market position allows the company to charge real estate agents premium prices for listings and advertising products. This has helped REA deliver consistently strong earnings growth over many years.

    Beyond Australia, the company also has investments in international property portals, which provide additional growth opportunities.

    With Australia’s property market remaining highly active and digital advertising continuing to evolve, REA Group still appears well positioned for long-term expansion.

    UBS has a buy rating and $218.90 price target on REA Group’s shares. This implies potential upside of over 30% for investors over the next 12 months.

    The post 3 buy-rated ASX growth shares tipped to rise 30% to 125% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Life360 right now?

    Before you buy Life360 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 Life360 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 Life360, Pro Medicus, and REA Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Life360. 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 Life360. 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.

  • Superannuation check up: Here’s how much you should have saved by age 40, 50 and 60

    Australian dollar notes in a nest, symbolising a nest egg.

    All Australians strive for enough money in their superannuation to achieve the ultimate goal of a comfortable retirement.

    That’s one where retirees are able to maintain a good standard of living. It includes top level private health insurance, ownership of a reasonable car brand, regular leisure activities, funds for home repairs and renovations, occasional meals out, and an annual domestic trip.

    Of course, the alternative is a modest retirement, where retirees can cover expenses slightly above what the full Centrelink Age Pension would provide. Think basic health insurance with limited cap payments, a cheaper model of car, infrequent exercise, a limited budget for home repairs, minimal utility expenses, limited dining out, and maybe an annual domestic trip.

    The question is, how do you know if you’re on track?

    Here’s a breakdown of how much superannuation Aussies have saved by age 40, 50 and 60. And then how much you actually need. Because the numbers aren’t the same.

    What is the average superannuation balance at age 40?

    According to Rest Super, the average superannuation balance for a 40 to 44 year old male is $140,680 and for a female it’s $109,209.

    What is the average superannuation balance at age 50?

    The data shows that the average superannuation balance for a 50 to 54 year old male is $254.071, and for a female it’s $190,175.

    What is the average superannuation balance at age 60?

    For the 60 to 64 year olds, the average superannuation balance is $395,852 for men and $313,360 for women.

    Great, but how does it compare to how much I actually need?

    According to ASFA, a comfortable retirement is expected to cost approximately $54,240 per year for individuals and $76,505 per year for couples.

    That equates to a superannuation balance of approximately $690,000 and for a single person this is approximately $595,000.

    ASFA has crunched the numbers and it turns out that in order to reach that figure, you’d need a balance of $178,000 at age 40.

    By age 50 you’d need to have $313,500 in your superannuation.

    And then by age 60 your superannuation balance would need to increase to $496,500.

    My superannuation balance is really far behind. How can I catch up?

    The easiest way to boost your super balance is to add as much to it as you can. Individuals can salary sacrifice at a reduced tax rate of 15%.

    Or you can also add after-tax money to your super, and then claim a tax deduction at tax time. You can make these contributions up to age 67 without extra work testing or exemptions. 

    If you don’t have the funds available to add more cash into your balance, the next best thing you can do is ensure the money that’s already in there is working as best as possible. After all, if a fund even slightly underperforms a benchmark, such as the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), over a long period of time it can seriously dent your end balance.

    The post Superannuation check up: Here’s how much you should have saved by age 40, 50 and 60 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

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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.