• 2 ASX shares highly recommended to buy: Experts

    Buy and sell keys on an Apple keyboard.

    Analysts are always on the lookout for opportunities on the ASX share market. By responding to share price volatility and regular business updates, investors have a great chance to grab an undervalued stock.

    We’re going to look at two ASX shares that are highly rated by analysts. These businesses haven’t received just one buy rating, but multiple positive ratings.

    When numerous experts think an ASX share is a buy, it could suggest there’s good potential returns on offer.

    Let’s look at two of the most heavily-backed businesses on the ASX.

    Santos Ltd (ASX: STO)

    Santos is an ASX oil and gas share with a market capitalisation of $27 billion.

    According to CMC Invest, there have been eight ratings on the business within the last three months, with nearly all of those coming after the company released its FY26 half-year result. Six of the eight ratings were a buy and two were a hold.

    The ASX share reported first-half production of 45.6 million barrels of oil equivalent (mmboe), which was 3% higher year-over-year.

    It delivered revenue of US$2.6 billion, operating profit (EBITDAX) of $1.6 billion, underlying net profit of $397 million and net profit after tax (NPAT) of $355 million.

    Santos also managed to generate free cash flow from operations from its strong base business performance.

    The Santos board of directors decided to pay an unfranked annual dividend per share of US 11.6 cents per share for a total of $377 million.

    The ASX oil and gas share has been making progress with its projects. Santos said Pikka’s first oil was achieved in May, with continuous production from June and the first crude oil cargo was lifted in August.

    Santos also said that Barossa delivered seven cargoes by the end of June, with another five cargoes delivered since 1 July.

    The company is primed to increase its production in the coming reporting periods, which could help boost earnings.

    Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

    Goodman is another ASX share that is heavily backed by analysts. It describes itself as a provider of essential infrastructure – the business owns, develops and manages high quality, sustainable logistics properties and data centres in major global cities that are important for the digital economy.

    According to CMC Invest, there have been nine ratings on the business within the last three months, with seven of those being a buy.

    The business had a solid FY26, with its total portfolio reaching $89 billion, which benefited from revaluation gains of $3.1 billion across Goodman.

    It reported portfolio occupancy of 95.6% and like-for-like net property income (NPI) growth of 4%. This helped the business deliver 15.7% operating profit growth of 15.7% to $2.67 billion and 10.1% growth in per-security terms to 129.9 cents.

    The ASX share ended FY26 with work in progress (WIP) of $19.7 billion across 50 projects in 12 countries, with a forecast yield on cost of 8.2%. Data centres currently make up 78% of the development WIP. This could help drive earnings for the foreseeable future.

    Goodman is aiming for operating EPS growth of 9% in FY27, which is a solid growth rate for a real estate business.

    The post 2 ASX shares highly recommended to buy: Experts 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 1 August 2026

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

    More reading

    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 Goodman 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.

  • Data#3 posts double-digit profit growth in FY26 earnings

    A woman presenting company news to investors looks back at the camera and smiles.

    The Data#3 Ltd (ASX: DTL) share price is in focus after the company reported a 6.3% rise in revenue to $917.4 million and a 13.1% jump in net profit to $54.5 million for FY26.

    What did Data#3 Ltd report?

    • Revenue up 6.3% to $917.4 million
    • Net profit after tax (NPAT) up 13.1% to $54.5 million
    • Gross sales and other revenue up 12.7% to $3.39 billion
    • Basic earnings per share up 13.0% to 35.16 cents
    • Total fully franked dividends up 13.0% to 31.75 cents per share
    • Final dividend of 18.25 cents per share declared

    What else do investors need to know?

    Data#3 delivered another record performance in FY26, building on its long history of consistent growth in both sales and earnings. The company improved its financial position thanks to strong cash flow and a disciplined approach to managing costs.

    Demand remained resilient, particularly in public sector and infrastructure solutions, despite some customers delaying technology spending decisions. Recurring gross sales, especially through Software Solutions and Managed Services, now account for 70% of total gross sales.

    The company completed a board renewal process at the start of the financial year, adding new directors Diana Eilert and Laurence Baynham. The business also received multiple partner and industry awards, including recognition as Microsoft Country Partner of the Year and HP Amplify Impact Partner of the Year.

    What did Data#3 Ltd management say?

    Brad Colledge, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer said:

    Data#3 is pleased to report another strong financial result for FY26, with record gross sales of $3.4 billion and earnings before tax up 14% to $78.8 million. This performance reinforces our agility and the continued strength of our people, strategy and business model. Our disciplined focus on cost management and ongoing alignment of our cost base to market demand also saw improved operating leverage and net profit margins this financial year.

    What’s next for Data#3 Ltd?

    Looking forward, Data#3 aims to accelerate growth in AI, cyber security, cloud, data, and managed services. The company will continue investing in its AI Practice, modernising infrastructure offerings, and expanding managed security services, including launching a new Sovereign Security Operations Centre.

    With its strong customer base, vendor partnerships, and solid balance sheet, management remains confident Data#3 can deliver sustainable earnings growth. The FY27 plan places further focus on advisory and managed services, improving operational efficiency, and responding to the changing landscape in digital transformation and compliance needs.

    Data#3 Limited share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, the Data#3 share price has outperformed the S&P/ASX 200 index (ASX: XJO) with a 14% gain, reflecting the company’s robust financial performance and ongoing demand for technology solutions in the Australian market.

    View Original Announcement

    The post Data#3 posts double-digit profit growth in FY26 earnings appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Data#3 right now?

    Before you buy Data#3 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 Data#3 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 1 August 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 recommended Data#3. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

  • Regis Healthcare reports higher FY26 profits and dividend

    Three healthcare workers standing together and smiling.

    The Regis Healthcare Ltd (ASX: REG) share price is in focus after the company reported FY26 revenue up 16% to $1,350.6 million and underlying EBITDA up 10% to $138.0 million, both exceeding earlier guidance.

    What did Regis Healthcare report?

    • Revenue from services: $1,350.6 million, up 16% year-on-year
    • Underlying EBITDA: $138.0 million, up 10%
    • Statutory NPAT: $55.7 million, up 14%
    • Net operating cash flow: $336.3 million, up 10%
    • Final dividend: 9.40 cents per share (100% franked), full year up 13% to 18.40 cents per share
    • Net cash position at 30 June 2026: $173.8 million

    What else do investors need to know?

    Regis achieved mature home average occupancy of 96%, with Camberwell and Oxley facilities successfully ramping up to 99% occupancy by year-end. FY26 also featured the completion and integration of two acquisitions adding 830 beds—Rockpool in Queensland and OC Health in Victoria—and the divestment of two regional homes in Far North Queensland, generating a one-off pre-tax gain of $25.4 million.

    The company lifted average advertised room prices by 10% across 70% of its portfolio, aimed at boosting future Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD) inflows. New-aged care sector funding reforms, including the reintroduction of RAD retention and higher maximum RAD limits, are expected to provide longer-term cashflow and margin improvements.

    What did Regis Healthcare management say?

    Regis CEO and Managing Director Andrew Kinkade said:

    The FY26 results reflect solid operational performance, underpinned by mature home occupancy at 96%, the ramp-up of Camberwell and Oxley homes, and net RAD cash inflow of $250 million. During the year, the Rockpool and OC Health acquisitions were completed and integrated, adding high-quality homes to the portfolio. Continued investment in people, quality and technology, has strengthened the organisation’s position to meet the evolving needs of residents and clients.

    What’s next for Regis Healthcare?

    Regis expects to benefit from favourable demographic trends, ongoing high occupancy, and sector funding reforms under the new Aged Care Act. The business will continue its growth strategy—with expansion through a greenfield development pipeline of around 1,300 beds and further acquisitions being evaluated.

    Management says the phased repricing of RADs and recurring RAD retention earnings will help support sustainable earnings growth and provide added funding for capital renewal and shareholder returns. Regis is focused on operational excellence, delivering quality outcomes, and leveraging recent technology investments to improve resident experience and productivity.

    Regis Healthcare share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, Regis Healthcare shares have declined 24%, trailing the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO), which is flat over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post Regis Healthcare reports higher FY26 profits and dividend appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Regis Healthcare right now?

    Before you buy Regis Healthcare 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 Regis Healthcare 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 1 August 2026

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

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.