3 ASX shares for a winning retirement portfolio

These three ASX shares show stable income growth, strong cash flow and long term retirement potential balance.

APA Group (ASX: APA) 

on 19 February 2026 announced development on Stage 3 of its East Coast Gas Grid expansion. This plan is likely to increase pipeline capacity by about 30% and support meet gas demand in southern markets from 2028.

Stage 3A includes a $260M investment to increase gas flow from north to south before winter 2028. Stage 3B involves $220 million for early work on the Bulloo Interlink and buying long lead materials. Final approval depends on policy outcomes and board decision.

The company stated that pipeline capacity will not limit supply solutions. It pointed to strong gas reserves in northern regions and stressed the need for a domestic gas reservation policy to secure local supply.

For the half year ended 31 December 2025, earnings improved with EBITDA reaching $1092 million and net profit at $95 million. FY26 distribution is expected to be 58 cents per security with guidance unchanged.

Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited (ASX: SOL) 

on 26 March 2026 shared results for the half year ended 31 January 2026. The net cash flow from investments rose 15.4% to $334 million and per share growth was 12.5% after a larger capital base.
The portfolio value reached $13.8 billion pre tax with a 9.7% return and $14.5 billion post tax after the Brickworks merger. Emerging Companies delivered 36.7% return while portfolio turnover reached $4.3 billion with $472 million cash available.

Statutory profit increased 604.3% to $2,303 million due to one off gains from mergers asset sales and investments. Regular profit rose 6.7% to $304 million supported by trading gains and joint venture contribution partly offset by weaker returns from some holdings.

Dividend was lifted 9.1% to 48 cents per share marking 28 straight years of growth. Since 2001 total shareholder return was 12.9% above the ASX200.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) 

on 19 February 2026 announced its first half FY26 presentation. Earnings increased with growth across mobile fixed infrastructure and tower operations. Mobile EBITDA rose by $93 million supported by higher ARPU and more customers using the network. Mobile services revenue increased 5.6%. Cash EBIT grew 14% and operating leverage reached 3.1 percentage points. Operating costs fell by $179 million or 2.4%.

The company declared an interim dividend of 10.5 cents per share with 90.5% franked payment. It also raised its on market buy back limit from $1 billion to $1.25 billion after completing $637 million during the half.

The cash earnings strength supported a dividend uplift and current capital management actions.
FY26 guidance was tightened with underlying EBITDAaL expected between $8.2 billion and $8.4 billion. TLS expects mid single digit cash earnings growth and continued focus on its Connected Future 30 strategy.

(Source: Company Report)