DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO) shares are currently trading at $3.22. After a volatile year, it’s fair to ask whether this is a sensible entry point.

If I had $1,000 to allocate today, my answer would be yes, but only as part of a diversified portfolio.

A clear structural tailwind

DroneShield operates in the counter-drone space, providing radio frequency (RF) detection and defeat solutions designed to protect against rogue or hostile drones.

This is not a niche issue anymore. Drones are being used in military conflicts, at major events, around critical infrastructure, and even in everyday commercial settings. As drone usage expands globally, so does the need to monitor and neutralise them.

I believe this creates a long runway for growth. Defence budgets across multiple countries are rising, and counter-unmanned aerial systems (UAS) capability is increasingly seen as essential rather than optional.

Proven technology and real-world experience

What sets DroneShield apart in my view is that its products have been tested in real-world environments. Years of battlefield exposure have helped refine its technology and build credibility with defence customers.

This is not just a concept company hoping for a breakthrough. It has developed a recognised RF detect-and-defeat offering and continues to invest heavily in research and development to strengthen its competitive position.

When I look at higher-risk growth stocks, I want to see genuine intellectual property and evidence of execution. DroneShield appears to tick those boxes.

A large sales pipeline

The company has highlighted a potential sales pipeline of approximately $2.1 billion. Of course, not all of that will convert into revenue. But even a fraction would materially shift the earnings profile.

Broker Bell Potter believes 2026 could be an inflection point for the global counter-drone industry, with defence budgets rolling into new spending cycles. It has a buy recommendation and a $5.00 price target on the stock, implying significant upside from current levels.

The broker argues that DroneShield has a market-leading RF detect and defeat offering and trades at a discount to global peers despite strong growth prospects. It also sees upside risk to revenue forecasts over the next two years if contracts flow as expected.

DroneShield shares are high risk, high potential

That said, this is not a defensive blue chip. At its current valuation multiple, the market is clearly expecting strong growth. Contracts can be lumpy, defence procurement cycles can shift, and competition is real.

For me, that means position sizing matters. A $1,000 allocation within a broader, diversified portfolio feels reasonable. It provides exposure to a powerful thematic without overcommitting capital.

Foolish takeaway

Would I invest $1,000 in DroneShield shares at $3.22? Yes, I would, but as part of a diversified portfolio.

The company operates in a rapidly growing industry, has proven technology, and carries a substantial sales pipeline. While the risks are higher than average, so too is the potential reward if execution continues and defence spending accelerates.

The post Should I invest $1,000 in DroneShield shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 beaten down ASX shares I’d load up on at these prices
• What to do if your ASX investments just crashed
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• ASX recap: 5 most traded shares last week
• Are Austal shares a buy, hold or sell after soaring 20% on Monday?

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 DroneShield. 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.

Silver has been one of the standout performers in the commodities market over the past few months.

After trading as low as about US$67 per ounce earlier this year, silver has climbed back above US$80. Even after that pullback, the white metal remains more than 150% higher over the past 12 months.

A volatile start to 2026

The renewed interest in silver comes after a volatile few weeks in global markets.

Earlier in 2026, silver surged to record highs above US$120 before pulling back as investors locked in profits and momentum cooled. The rapid rise pushed technical indicators into overbought territory, which often leads to short term corrections.

Despite that setback, the price has now stabilised above key technical levels. Holding above US$80 is significant, as that area is beginning to act as support rather than resistance. This indicates buyers are stepping in on dips and that the broader uptrend remains strong.

Why is silver climbing again?

A number of factors are supporting higher silver prices.

One major driver has been strong investment demand amid continued geopolitical and economic uncertainty. With inflation concerns and debates over central bank policy still lingering, many investors are turning to precious metals to help protect their wealth.

Another key factor is the tight balance between supply and demand.

According to the Silver Institute, the global silver market is expected to remain in deficit for a 6th consecutive year. That means that demand is outstripping supply, which is keeping upward pressure on prices.

The report also noted that physical investment demand remains solid, even as higher prices begin to influence how some industries use the metal.

Rising costs are prompting adjustments in certain sectors. Solar manufacturers are working to reduce the amount of silver used in panels and explore lower cost alternatives.

That may slow demand growth in parts of the market. Even so, silver continues to play a critical role across electronics, medical devices, renewable energy infrastructure, and many other industrial applications.

ASX option for silver bulls

On the investment side, Global X Metal Securities Australia Ltd (ASX: ETPMAG) provides a way for investors to gain exposure to silver.

ETPMAG is designed to track movements in the silver spot price and is backed by segregated physical silver holdings.

The ETF reached a high of about $155.89 on 29 January, before falling to around $85.36 on 6 February as markets corrected. It has since recovered to about $102.30, reflecting renewed optimism around silver prices.

Foolish takeaway

Looking ahead, silver’s path remains closely tied to broader economic conditions.

If inflation pressures persist or geopolitical risks increase, safe haven demand could stay elevated. At the same time, ongoing technical support and supply constraints suggest the metal may continue to find buyers at higher levels than a year ago.

The post Silver surges past US$80. Is there a recovery in play? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• What were the best performing ASX ETFs in January?
• Gold vs silver. Here’s where I’d put my money in 2026
• Silver’s record run hits turbulence as prices slide 13%
• Silver rebounds 5%. Is this a dead cat bounce or a recovery?
• These were the 10 most traded Australian shares last week

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.

The ASX dividend stock Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV) has dropped 39% from its all-time high in August 2025, as the chart below shows.

The jewellery business delivered sizeable growth during the first six months of FY26. Excluding the Jewells business, revenue rose 22.7% and net profit after tax (NPAT) jumped 21.5% to $58.4 million. It also hiked its interim dividend per share by 6% to 53 cents.

Its global Lovisa store network grew by 65 over the six months and 146 over the 12 months to the end of the HY26 period.

The Jewells business could become a possible second global brand, but this contributed a $10.8 million operating profit (EBIT) loss and $11.2 million NPAT loss. Despite that, the business was still able to deliver that 6% dividend growth and 2.6% net profit growth to $58.4 million.

ASX dividend stock credentials

The business has delivered plenty of dividend growth over the past decade, and analysts are expecting ongoing dividend growth in the coming years. With a high dividend payout ratio and a lower valuation, the business is on track to provide a pleasing payout in FY26 and beyond.

Broker UBS projects that the business could pay an annual dividend per share of 79 cents in FY26, 93 cents per share in FY27 and $1.11 per share in FY28.

At the current Lovisa share price at the time of writing, those projections suggest a potential dividend yield (excluding franking credits) of 3% in FY26, 3.5% in FY27 and 4.2% in FY28.

Analysts suggest further dividend growth to $1.22 per share in FY29 and $1.33 per share in FY30.

Why I think Lovisa shares are a good buy

The fall in the Lovisa share price means that the business is now substantially cheaper than it was several months ago.

It continues to see solid revenue growth numbers. It reported comparable sales growth of 2.2% for the most recent half, reflecting the ongoing success of the existing store network.

While ANZ sales fell 4.9% to $109.5 million, its other two important regions did very well. European sales increased 39.4% to $191 million and Americas sales increased 37.6% to $140.6 million. I’m not expecting those regions to continue performing that strongly forever, but it bodes well for the foreseeable future.

Even if net profit only grows at the same pace as revenue, the business is growing at a very strong rate.

UBS projects the ASX dividend stock could make $88 million of net profit in FY26 and this could rise to $155 million by FY30.

As long as comparable store sales growth stays positive over time, I think the business could add hundreds of stores globally over the coming years.

If Lovisa is able to deliver operating leverage and grow profit margins, it could deliver a significantly stronger bottom line than some investors are expecting. I think the ASX dividend stock is on course for pleasing growth, including payout progress.  

The post 1 ASX dividend stock down 39% I’d buy right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week
• Buy, hold, sell: Lovisa, Wesfarmers, and Rio Tinto shares
• Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• These ASX 200 shares look stronger than their share prices suggest
• Lovisa shares are getting hammered on a profit miss, but is the stock still a buy?

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

Tech stocks can fall hard when sentiment turns. We have seen that again recently, with a number of ASX technology names pulling back sharply on AI disruption concerns despite continuing to grow.

When I see quality businesses sold down by up to 50% from their highs, I start paying close attention. Right now, three ASX tech stocks stand out to me as compelling long-term opportunities after their sell-offs.

Catapult Sports Ltd (ASX: CAT)

Catapult is a global sports performance technology company that provides analytics, athlete monitoring, and video solutions to professional and collegiate teams.

What I like about Catapult is that it is no longer a speculative concept. It has built a global footprint across thousands of teams and continues to expand its all-in-one platform. That platform approach increases switching costs and deepens customer relationships.

Recent updates have shown strong annual contract value growth and improving operating leverage. The company is targeting membership of the so-called Rule of 40 club, balancing high revenue growth with rising margins.

In my view, the sell-off has more to do with broader tech weakness than a deterioration in the underlying business or outlook. If Catapult can continue scaling its SaaS model, I believe today’s prices could look attractive in hindsight.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

WiseTech has endured a difficult 12 months. Slowing growth in parts of its core business, management upheaval, product launch delays, and market concerns have weighed heavily on the share price.

But stepping back, the fundamentals of its CargoWise platform remain intact. It is deeply embedded in global logistics workflows, connecting freight forwarders, customs brokers, and supply chain participants in a way that would be extremely difficult to replicate.

The company is rolling out new products, adjusting its commercial model, and integrating major acquisitions. These initiatives are designed to reaccelerate growth and improve operating leverage over time.

I believe the market has focused heavily on short-term uncertainty. For long-term investors, the question is whether global trade will continue to digitise and consolidate onto integrated platforms. If the answer is yes, WiseTech remains a powerful structural growth story.

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

Xero is another ASX tech stock that has been caught in the broader tech valuation reset. Concerns about artificial intelligence disruption and the integration of major acquisitions have added to the pressure.

However, the core business continues to grow subscribers, expand internationally, and deepen its ecosystem of integrations. Its accounting platform is mission-critical for small and medium-sized businesses. That makes it sticky.

While AI will undoubtedly change parts of the software landscape, I believe Xero is more likely to harness AI to enhance its product rather than be displaced by it. Automation, insights, and workflow improvements can strengthen the platform’s value proposition.

After a heavy pullback, I see a business that is still scaling globally, improving margins, and investing for the next phase of growth.

Foolish takeaway

Tech sell-offs can be uncomfortable, but they also create opportunity.

Catapult, WiseTech, and Xero are not without risk. But in my view, their recent declines look more like a reset in sentiment than a collapse in fundamentals.

For investors with a long-term mindset, these ASX tech stocks could be cheap today relative to where they may be in five or ten years.

The post 3 cheap ASX tech stocks to buy after being sold-off appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 1 ASX growth stock down 50% to buy right now
• ASX 200 tech shares lead market sectors with a 7% bounce back
• How to build an ASX share portfolio you can stick with long term
• Why I think these quality ASX 200 shares are trading at a discount
• Are these 3 popular ASX 200 stocks a buy, hold or sell ahead of earnings results next week?

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

On Friday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) finished the week with the smallest of declines. The benchmark index edged slightly lower to 9,081.4 points.

Will the market be able to bounce back from this on Monday? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 expected to rise

The Australian share market looks set for a decent start to the week following a good finish on Wall Street on Friday. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 16 points or 0.2% higher. In the United States, the Dow Jones was up 0.45%, the S&P 500 rose 0.7%, and the Nasdaq stormed 0.9% higher. However, the announcement of US tariffs over the weekend could add some volatility to today’s session.

Oil prices edge higher

It could be a positive start to the week for ASX 200 energy shares such as Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) after oil prices edged higher on Friday night. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price was up 0.1% to US$66.48 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price was up 0.15% to US$71.76 a barrel. Oil prices have been rising after the US weighed up military strikes on Iran.

Half-year results

A number of ASX 200 shares will be on watch today when they release their half-year results. Among them are NIB Holdings Limited (ASX: NHF), Perpetual Ltd (ASX: PPT), and Reece Ltd (ASX: REH). With respect to the latter, Morgans expects the plumbing parts company to report a 22.9% decline in net profit to $139.5 million. It said: “Management noted that the macroeconomic environment remains challenging across ANZ and the US and expects activity in both regions to stay subdued in the near term.”

Gold price jumps

ASX 200 gold shares Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a good start to the week after the gold price jumped on Friday night. According to CNBC, the gold futures price was up 1.7% to US$5,080.9 an ounce. This was driven by the release of soft US economic data which supported interest rate cut hopes.

Buy Telix shares

Bell Potter thinks investors should buy Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX) shares following the release of its half-year results. It has retained its buy rating with a trimmed price target of $19.00. It said: “FY25 was a challenging period by virtue to the two CRLs from the FDA and a stream of negative news flow – most recently the sudden resignation of the Chairperson. Nevertheless, the clinical programs are ongoing, and the company is well funded to continue these.”

The post 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• ASX 200 tech shares lead market sectors with a 7% bounce back
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week
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• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• 3 ASX 200 shares powering higher in 2026

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Woodside Energy Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended NIB Holdings. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

I think exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are one of the most useful financial innovations of the past decade.

They offer an efficient way to access entire markets and regions in a single trade, without needing to constantly monitor individual company news. This means they can be a powerful way to compound wealth over time.

Right now, a few Vanguard ETFs stand out to me as particularly compelling long-term buys.

Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

If I had to choose one ETF to anchor a portfolio, the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF would be high on my list.

It gives exposure to around 1,300 stocks across developed markets, excluding Australia. That means access to sectors that are underrepresented on the ASX, particularly global technology and healthcare.

Its top holdings include global leaders such as Apple, Microsoft, NVIDIA, and Amazon. These companies dominate their industries and generate enormous cash flows. But what I really like is that the VGS ETF spreads risk well beyond the mega caps, with exposure across the US, Japan, the UK, Europe, and Canada.

Over the long term, I believe global diversification is essential. Australia represents only a small portion of global economic output. This ETF allows investors to participate in the broader world economy in a simple, low-cost way.

Vanguard FTSE Asia Ex-Japan Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAE)

If I want to complement developed market exposure, the Vanguard FTSE Asia Ex-Japan Shares Index ETF is a natural addition.

This ETF focuses on Asian markets excluding Japan, with significant allocations to China, Taiwan, India, and South Korea. These regions are home to some of the fastest-growing economies and most dynamic companies in the world.

Major holdings include Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co, Tencent, Samsung Electronics, and Alibaba. That means exposure to semiconductor manufacturing, digital platforms, consumer growth, and financial expansion across emerging and developed Asian markets.

I like the VAE ETF because it gives targeted exposure to long-term structural growth drivers such as rising middle-classes, technology manufacturing, and regional trade integration. It also reduces reliance on the US, adding geographic balance to a portfolio.

Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS)

While global exposure is critical, I still believe Australian shares deserve a core allocation.

The Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF tracks the S&P/ASX 300 Index and provides broad exposure to the local market. That includes the major banks, large miners, healthcare leaders, and industrial businesses.

One of the attractions here is income. Australian stocks tend to pay relatively strong dividends, often with franking credits attached. For investors who value passive income alongside growth, that can be a meaningful advantage.

The VAS ETF also removes the need to decide which individual bank or resource company will outperform. You simply own the broader market at low cost.

Foolish takeaway

I regularly invest in individual ASX shares, but I also see enormous value in simple, diversified ETFs.

The VGS ETF for developed market exposure, the VAE ETF for Asian growth, and the VAS ETF for Australian income and stability together create a well-balanced foundation. For long-term investors, that combination looks very compelling to me right now.

The post I think these Vanguard ETFs are standout buys today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How to build an ASX share portfolio you can stick with long term
• 3 ASX ETFs to buy with $30,000 in February
• 5 ASX ETFs for new investors to buy and hold
• What happens if you invest $10,000 in ASX shares and leave it alone for 20 years?
• 2 Vanguard ETFs to buy and hold forever

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, and Tencent. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Alibaba Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

ASX industrials stock Ventia Services Group Ltd (ASX: VNT) has been charging ahead over the last 12 months. 

The company is a leading infrastructure maintenance services provider in Australia and New Zealand. Its capabilities span the full asset lifecycle including operations and maintenance, facilities management, minor capital works, environmental services, and other solutions.

In the last year, its share price has risen almost 33%.

For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials (ASX: XNJ) index is up 6.8% in that same span. 

Its rise has been driven by key contract wins and positive sentiment in defence shares over the past year. 

However, the stock has had a slower start to 2026, down 5.3% year to date, which could be an opportunity for investors to gain exposure at an attractive price.

The company released its FY25 result last week. 

Here is what the company reported. 

Record order book

Last Thursday, this ASX industrials stock reported:

• Revenue: $6.1 billion, up 0.6% from FY24
• NPATA: $257.6 million, up 13.0%
• EBITDA: $532.1 million, up 6.6% (margin of 8.7%)
• Work in Hand: $22.1 billion, up 14.4%
• Operating cash flow conversion: 93.6%, up 2.2pp
• Final dividend: 12.54 cps, 90% franked (full year: 23.25 cps)

Its share price shot 5% higher on Thursday following the results, before retreating slightly on Friday. 

Updated outlook

Following the result, the team at Morgans provided fresh guidance on this ASX industrials stock. 

It said the company reported an in-line FY25 with NPATA +13% YoY as revenue growth faded to just +1%. 

We find it noteworthy that VNT, a headcount business, was able to deliver earnings growth almost entirely through margin expansion. Indeed, FY25 was the first period when revenue costs growth and operating costs growth decoupled materially.

Morgans said while the company sounded a confident tone around continued margin expansion, this may be difficult to replicate following a heavy re-contracting cycle, which would ordinarily see margin pressure. 

The broker highlighted the bright spot from earnings results was a record order book of $22.1bn (+14% YoY). 

Morgans increases price target 

Based on this guidance, the team at Morgans increased its share price target to $5.85. 

From yesterday’s closing price of $5.69, this indicates an upside of 2.81%. 

However, Morgans isn’t the only broker with a positive view of this ASX industrials stock. 

Earlier this month, UBS placed a buy recommendation and share price target of $6.23 on Ventia Services Group shares. 

That indicates an upside of 9.49%. 

UBS believes that rising infrastructure investment is creating an expanding market opportunity for the company. 

Together with ongoing balance sheet deleveraging, this supports its expectation that earnings per share could increase at a compound annual growth rate of 9% over the next three years.

The post Should you buy the dip on this growing ASX industrials stock? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Ventia Services Group posts FY25 result: NPATA up, record Work in Hand
• Ventia extends NZ$160m Transpower contract: What it means for investors
• Ventia scores $107m defence contract boost: What investors need to know
• Brokers rate these 3 top ASX shares as buys for February

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

Uranium is back in the global energy mix and ASX uranium stocks certainly have taken advantage.

Over the past 12 months, Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) and Nexgen Energy Ltd (ASX: NXG) shares have surged 77% and 89% respectively.

Investors are once again asking: which ASX uranium stock offers the most upside from here?

Paladin Energy

This ASX uranium stock is the here-and-now story. The company has restarted its Langer Heinrich mine in Namibia and is ramping production into a strengthening price environment.

On Friday the ASX uranium stock confirmed in a release that it has received Ministerial approval for its Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the PLS Project in Saskatchewan, Canada.

The EIS approval is required before the company can secure provincial permits and licences needed for construction and operation. Management of the ASX uranium stock described the decision as an important step forward for the project.

That matters. Paladin is not pitching a feasibility study or a distant dream. It is shipping pounds into a tightening market. If uranium prices stay elevated or push higher, revenue flows directly through the business. Operating leverage is real and immediate.

There is risk, of course. Ramp-ups can disappoint, operational hiccups can sting, and uranium prices remain volatile. Paladin has also carried a complicated history of capital raises and strategic shifts.

But for investors who want exposure to uranium’s resurgence without waiting years for first production, Paladin offers torque today.

Bell Potter has just retained their buy rating. The broker has a 12-month price target of $15.30 on this ASX uranium stock, which suggest a 10% upside from current levels.

The team at Bell Potter was pleased with Paladin Energy’s half-year result, highlighting that revenue and costs were slightly better than expected. 

Nexgen Energy

This $11 billion ASX uranium stock sits at the opposite end of the spectrum. Its Rook I project in Canada’s Athabasca Basin is widely regarded as one of the most exciting undeveloped uranium deposits in the world.

The grades are exceptional. The scale is enormous. On paper, it could become a globally significant supplier. But it is still a development story. Permitting, financing and construction must all fall into place before production begins, and that is a multi-year journey.

That long runway cuts both ways. If uranium demand explodes and long-term contract prices keep climbing, Nexgen’s asset could be worth dramatically more by the time it enters production.

Investors today are effectively buying future optionality on a structurally tighter uranium market. But they are also accepting timeline risk, regulatory risk and the ever-present challenge of funding a large-scale build in a cyclical industry.

Bell Potter has a buy rating on this ASX mining stock. Last month, the broker raised its 12-month share price target for Nexgen to $19.30.

This suggests a near 10% potential upside at the time of writing.

Foolish Takeaway

Uranium’s momentum is building. The right pick comes down to your time horizon and appetite for risk.

If you expect uranium prices to stay firm in the near term and want direct leverage to cash flow, Paladin stands out.

If you’re backing a decade-long nuclear resurgence and can stomach volatility and delays, Nexgen offers higher risk — and potentially higher reward.

The post Which ASX uranium stock is the smarter buy: Nexgen Energy or Paladin Energy? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Paladin share price jumps after major Canadian project approval
• Paladin share price on ice pending major announcement
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• These two uranium stocks are worth a look, this broker says

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.

Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC) shares fell significantly last week after the company released half-year FY26 results. 

The softer result was largely due to lower coal prices, which weighed on earnings.

The company reported an average coal price of $189 per tonne, down 19%. 

It also reported a $69 million statutory profit for H1 FY26, with a fully franked interim dividend of 4 cents per share declared.

Whitehaven Coal shares fell 7.3% late last week following the release. 

Its share price is now down 18% since the start of February. 

Following the release, Bell Potter released updated guidance on Whitehaven Coal shares. 

Here’s what the broker had to say. 

QLD costs revised higher

Whitehaven Coal is a large Australian based coal producer. 

The company produces metallurgical coal (~50% of group production) from two assets located in the Queensland Bowen Basin (Blackwater and Daunia), and thermal coal (~50% of group production) from four assets located in the New South Wales Gunnedah Basin (Maules Creek, Narrabri, Tarrawonga and Vickery Early Mining).

Bell Potter said that Whitehaven has increased its expected average mining costs for FY24–FY28 at Blackwater and Daunia to about A$140–145 per tonne. 

That’s roughly $20–25 higher than what it expected when it bought the assets. The increase is mainly due to inflation and operational factors.

However, the company has identified ways to improve costs, such as:

• Better use of draglines at Blackwater
• Improved autonomous haulage system (AHS) productivity at Daunia

The broker also warned permanent cost impacts include higher labour (i.e. same job same pay laws) and demurrage costs.

EPS changes in this report are: -1% in FY26; -2% in FY27; and -3% in FY28.

Hold recommendation from Bell Potter

Based on this guidance, Bell Potter has upgraded its recommendation to a hold (previously sell). 

However, the broker has lowered its price target to $8.10 (previously $8.40). 

Yesterday, Whitehaven Coal shares closed at $7.81. 

Bell Potter’s updated price target indicates 3.7% upside. 

In the medium term, WHC are positioned to capitalise when coal markets sustainably improve with a diversified portfolio of assets in Queensland and New South Wales and strong organic growth optionality. We have a positive long term met coal outlook, driven by constrained supply and increased demand from steel producers reliant on seaborne met coal (i.e. India).

Elsewhere, Ord Minnett recently put a share price target of $9.90 on Whitehaven Coal shares.

It’s worth noting this target was released before the recent half-year earnings.

The post How does Bell Potter view Whitehaven Coal shares after its earnings result? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Whitehaven shares tumble 5% after results. Here’s what investors need to know about its dividend
• Whitehaven Coal posts H1 FY26 profit, declares 4c dividend as guidance maintained
• Mining Mammoths: Are Whitehaven Coal, Rio Tinto or BHP shares a buy ahead of earnings results?
• Is there any more upside for Whitehaven Coal shares according to Ord Minnett?
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

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

If you’ve got $10,000 ready to invest and want to stick with established businesses, ASX 200 blue chip shares are a sensible place to start.

These companies tend to have strong balance sheets, recognisable brands, and proven business models. While no share is immune to volatility, blue chips often have the scale and resilience to navigate different economic environments.

Here are three ASX 200 names to consider for a $10,000 investment today.

Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG)

The first ASX 200 blue chip share to consider is Breville Group.

Breville has quietly transformed itself into a global premium appliance brand. While many investors still think of it as a domestic appliance company, the bulk of its growth now comes from overseas markets, particularly North America and Europe.

What stands out is its positioning at the higher end of the market. Rather than competing on price, Breville focuses on product innovation and design, especially in the coffee category. As at-home coffee culture continues to expand globally, Breville’s premium machines give it exposure to a lifestyle trend rather than just discretionary spending.

For investors seeking a blue chip with international growth potential, Breville offers a blend of brand strength and expanding global footprint. Morgans currently rates this blue chip as a buy with a $40.65 price target.

Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

Another ASX 200 blue chip share worth considering is Goodman Group.

Goodman operates in industrial property and logistics, but its strategy goes far beyond owning warehouses. The company specialises in high-demand urban infill sites, positioning itself close to population centres and major transport infrastructure.

This location strategy supports tenants involved in e-commerce, supply chain optimisation, and increasingly, data centres. As digital infrastructure and automation expand, the need for well-located industrial property is unlikely to disappear.

Goodman’s development pipeline and global partnerships give it exposure to long-term structural trends rather than short-term property cycles alone.

Bell Potter is a fan and has a buy rating and $36.45 price target on its shares.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

A final ASX 200 blue chip share to consider is Woolworths.

Woolworths is deeply embedded in the daily lives of Australian consumers. Grocery spending may fluctuate slightly with economic conditions, but food remains a necessity.

Beyond supermarkets, Woolworths has been investing in supply chain technology and digital capabilities, strengthening its online and fulfilment networks. That ongoing evolution helps it defend market share and improve efficiency.

Overall, Woolworths offers steady cash generation and exposure to defensive consumer demand, making it a reliable counterbalance to more cyclical sectors.

Ord Minnett currently has a buy rating and $33.00 price target on the blue chip.

The post Where to invest $10,000 in ASX 200 blue chip shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Goodman Group and Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Goodman Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Goodman Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.