Author: openjargon

In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to end the week with a strong gain. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is up 1% to 8,749.8 points.

Four ASX shares that are rising more than most today are listed below. Here’s why they are climbing:

Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE)

The Boss Energy share price is up 4% to $1.45. This may have been driven by a broker note out of Bell Potter this morning. According to the note, the broker has retained its buy rating and $1.80 price target on its shares. It commented: “We maintain our Buy recommendation and target price. The critical catalyst for BOE remains the upcoming results from the wide-spaced wellfield program. BOE has leverage to rising uranium prices which we hold a positive long term view on.”

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)

The Coles Group share price is up 2% to $22.55. Investors have been buying the supermarket giant’s shares following the release of its third-quarter sales update. Coles reported total group sales revenue of $10.7 billion for the 12 weeks to 29 March 2026, representing a 3.1% increase on the prior corresponding period. The Supermarkets division was the key driver of this growth. It delivered sales revenue of $9.8 billion, which was up 4% on the prior corresponding period. Comparable sales increased by 3.6%. Coles Group CEO, Leah Weckert, said: “We delivered another strong sales result reflecting the strength of our customer offer and disciplined execution against our strategic priorities.”

Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN)

The Evolution Mining share price is up 2.5% to $12.20. This morning, this gold miner released its annual mineral resources and ore reserves statement. The company revealed that its group mineral resources have grown to 31 million ounces of gold and 4.2 million tonnes of copper. Evolution Mining’s CEO, Lawrie Conway, said: “Our Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves Statement for December 2025 has seen Group Mineral Resources grow to 31Moz of contained gold. This demonstrates the scale and longevity of our long-life, high-quality portfolio, complemented by our current expansion studies that offer further upside. We also see clear potential to grow copper resources from the current 4.2Mt, with targeted exploration accelerating around Ernest Henry and Northparkes over the next year.”

Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN)

The Mineral Resources share price is up 4% to $66.49. This may have also been driven by a bullish broker note out of Bell Potter. This morning, the broker retained its buy rating on the mining and mining services company’s shares with an improved price target of $75.00. It said: “MIN is positioned to benefit from current lithium market pricing strength, holding around 213ktpa (SC6 attributable, pre-POSCO deal completion) of offline spodumene production capacity. MIN’s mining services platform delivers a stable earnings stream that is expected to expand with internal and third-party volume growth.”

The post Why Boss Energy, Coles, Evolution Mining, and Mineral Resources shares are charging higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX mining stocks Macquarie thinks are worth buying right now
• Why is everyone talking about ANZ, Evolution Mining and Coles shares on Friday?
• Why is this $25 billion ASX mining stock charging higher today?
• Are Mineral Resources shares a buy in May?
• Why are Coles shares falling today?

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.

S&P/ASX All Ords Index (ASX: XAO) shares are in the green on Friday, up 0.9% to 8,965.5 points.

A small group of ASX shares are set to go ex-dividend in May.

In order to receive a dividend, you must own the ASX share before its ex-dividend date.

So, if you’re looking for some income opportunities this month, these ASX shares may be of interest.

Ex-dividend dates also provide another opportunity.

Share prices typically fall on their ex-dividend dates, so you may be able to pick up a stock you’ve been watching for a lower price.

Among the shares going ex-dividend this month are ASX 200 gold share Newmont Corporation CDI (ASX: NEM).

Newmont will trade ex-dividend on 26 May. The miner will pay investors a dividend of 25.4 cents per share on 22 June.

Several of Wilson Asset Management’s listed investment companies (LICs) will also go ex-dividend this month.

These include Wam Capital Ltd (ASX: WAM), which will trade ex-dividend on 18 May.

Wam Capital investors will receive a dividend of 7.75 cents per share on 29 May.

ASX shares with ex-dividend dates this month

ASX share	Ex-dividend date	Dividend amount	Pay day
Djerriwarrh Investments Ltd (ASX: DJW)	5 May	4.3 cents per share	28 May
OM Holdings Ltd (ASX: OHM)	7 May	1 cent per share	29 May
Future Generation Global Ltd (ASX: FGG)	11 May	4 cents per share	27 May
ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX:ANZ)	11 May	83 cents per share	1 July
Naos Small Cap Opportunities Company Ltd (ASX: NSC)	12 May	1.3 cents per share	4 June
Naos Ex-50 Opportunities Company Ltd (ASX: NAC)	12 May	1.6 cents per share	4 June
Wam Research Ltd (ASX: WAX)	13 May	5 cents per share	28 May
Wam Income Maximiser (ASX: WMX)	13 May	0.006 cents per share	27 May
Autosports Group Ltd (ASX: ASG)	14 May	5 cents per share	29 May
Tamawood Ltd (ASX: TWD)	14 May	11 cents per share	5 June
United Overseas Australia Ltd (ASX: UOS)	14 May	2 cents per share	5 June
Wam Active Ltd (ASX: WAA)	15 May	3.2 cents per share	28 May
Wam Microcap Ltd (ASX: WMI)	15 May	5.3 cents per share	29 May
Wam Capital Ltd (ASX: WAM)	18 May	7.75 cents per share	29 May
Newmont Corporation CDI (ASX: NEM)	26 May	25.4 cents per share	22 June
Pengana International Equities Ltd (ASX: PIA)	29 May	1.4 cents per share	16 June

The post 16 ASX shares going ex-dividend in May appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why is everyone talking about ANZ, Evolution Mining and Coles shares on Friday?
• ANZ shares rise after reporting 70% cash profit jump
• ANZ shares: Profit jumps in 2026 half-year earnings
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• Morgans names 3 ASX 200 gold shares to buy

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in Wam Capital. 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.

ASX real estate stock Cedar Woods Properties Ltd (ASX: CWP) is in focus today after the company released its 3Q26 trading update.

Cedar Woods is an Australian property development company. Its principal interests are in urban land subdivisions and built-form development for residential, commercial, and retail purposes.

Its share price shot 3% higher yesterday after its trading update, before correcting 2% lower today. 

This ASX real estate stock is down 15% year to date. 

What did the company report? 

On Thursday, the company reported: 

• On track to meet FY26 guidance at 30%–35% NPAT growth – stages presold & construction complete
• Fully franked interim dividend of 14.0 cps paid on 24 April 2026
• 442 gross sales in 3Q26; the second strongest quarter in the Company’s history
• Record presales of more than $788m ($700m pcp, up 12%) provide confidence in FY27 profit growth
• Over 80% of forecast FY27 revenue presold. 

Managing Director, Nathan Blackburne said: 

Customer enquiry remained exceptionally strong in the quarter, with 9,663 enquiries – the highest quarterly result in our history – and this continued to translate into solid sales outcomes, with 442 gross sales in 3Q, our second strongest quarter on record.

What did Bell Potter have to say about this ASX real estate stock?

Following the results, Bell Potter said FY27 is largely de-risked with fixed price construction contracts in place across various projects, and given the flagged 1H earnings skew, some confidence that the business starts the new year well. 

While the market has become more challenging in recent months since the start of the Middle Eastern conflict, CWP’s balance sheet and record presales should help it to navigate what could be a trickier quarter or two coming. Trading at just 9.4x FY26 PE vs. 14.2x living sector BP coverage avg and 14.8x passive REIT peers we think CWP screens favourably given strong B/S, ability to restock and prospects for medium term growth.

Buy rating unchanged

Based on this guidance, Bell Potter has maintained its buy recommendation. 

However, the broker has lowered its price target to $9.65 (previously $10.20). 

From today’s stock price of $7.23, this indicates an upside potential of 33%. 

As a bonus for potential investors, this ASX real estate stock also boasts a healthy dividend.

It is expected to pay a dividend yield of 5.35% and 5.6% in the next two years. 

The post Bell Potter says this ASX real estate stock could rise 33% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here’s why Morgans just upgraded Woolworths shares
• Top 10 ASX shares bought and sold in April
• 5 ASX mining shares to buy: experts
• 3 ASX dividend shares to build a passive income
• Bell Potter says this beaten-down ASX materials stock can rise 56%

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.

Well, April has been and now gone, and we are, somehow, into the fifth month of 2026. After a bumpy March, April was another wild ride for investors. After ending March at 8,481.8 points, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) ended up closing at 8,665.8 points yesterday afternoon, putting the index’s performance for the month at a gain of 2.2%. However, those bookends mask a volatile month, which saw the ASX 200 go as high as 9,021.5 at one point. But let’s talk about Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) shares.

Telstra is one of the most popular ASX 200 shares on our market, particularly for dividend investors. Australians have long been drawn to this telco for its dominant market share, stable earnings base, and typically high dividend yield (which, until recently, always came fully franked).

So how did the Telstra share price fare over the month just gone?

Well, Telstra’s performance was remarkably unremarkable, especially when compared to the volatility of the broader market. The telco started April at $5.33 a share. Yesterday, those same shares closed at $5.32 each. That works out to be a monthly loss of 0.19%. Telstra did have some high and low points that were a little more varied, though.

Just two days ago, on 29 April, Telstra hit a low of $5.24 a share, the lowest the telco descended to last month. In contrast, the company’s high point came on 8 April, and saw Telstra clock $5.45 a share. That’s a difference worth about 4%.

Given Telstra’s current 52-week high is $5.46, we can say that the telco is still flying high and in demand with investors.

How much have investors made with Telstra shares?

Telstra has truly been a phenomenal investment for anyone who has bought this telco’s shares in recent years. As of today’s price ($5.35 at the time of writing), Tesltra shares are up an impressive 9.75% year to date in 2026. Over the past 12 months, the gains sit at an even more lucrative 17.7%.

Two years ago, Telstra was about $3.50 a share, meaning investors who picked up the stock back then would be sitting on a gain of roughly 50% today.

That’s approximately where investors’ five-year gains stand as well.

At the current Telstra share price, this ASX 200 blue chip stock is trading on a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 26.93, and with a dividend yield of 3.74%.

The post Own Telstra shares? Here’s what happened in April appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Top 10 ASX shares bought and sold in April
• Should I sell my Telstra shares in May?
• $250,000 to invest for passive income? Here’s how I would build a portfolio
• Is it time for investors to turn back to defensive ASX shares?
• Is the Telstra share price a buy for its 5.4% dividend yield?

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

ASX 200 stock Atlas Arteria (ASX: ALX) has eased 0.7% to $4.76 during Friday lunch hour trade. It caps off a volatile week driven by takeover speculation.

The dip comes after a sharp 13% jump on Monday, when markets reacted enthusiastically to an initial approach from IFM Investors. That early bid sparked immediate re-rating of the toll road operator, which owns stakes in major assets including the APRR toll road network in France.

Now, IFM is back and the proposal is getting more serious.

Refined takeover push

Atlas Arteria is one of the world’s largest listed toll road groups, with long-term, inflation-linked cash flows supported by high-quality infrastructure assets. That predictable earnings profile has long made it attractive to infrastructure investors.

IFM Investors, already a major shareholder with a 35% stake, has been steadily increasing its interest in the remaining Atlas Arteria shares. Its latest move is not just a repeat of the initial offer of $4.75 cash per security, which may be increased by 35 cents per share if IFM’s interest rises above 45% before closing.

Today’s bid is a more refined and structured proposal aimed at progressing discussions toward a potential full acquisition. While still non-binding, the updated bid is understood to provide clearer terms and stronger intent, signalling that IFM is willing to pursue control rather than simply test valuation levels.

For Atlas Arteria shareholders, that shift matters. Early-stage takeover interest often attracts speculation, but refinements typically indicate the bidder is moving from “exploring” to “serious pursuit.”

Market excitement, then caution

The market’s reaction has followed a familiar pattern. The initial approach for the ASX transport stock sparked a strong re-rating as investors priced in takeover potential and the likelihood of a premium to market value.

But the latest update has seen some cooling, with the price of Atlas Arteria shares drifting slightly lower after the sharp Monday spike. That’s not unusual. Once initial excitement fades, investors often reassess the probability, timing, and potential price of any deal being completed.

What happens next?

The key question now is whether IFM will escalate further or move toward a binding offer.

As a major existing shareholder, IFM already has deep knowledge of Atlas Arteria’s assets and performance. That can speed up due diligence and improve confidence in valuation, but it doesn’t guarantee a deal will proceed.

Any formal offer would still require board consideration, regulatory approvals, and agreement on price. All of which could take time.

Foolish Takeaway

The ASX 200 stock remains anchored by long-term infrastructure assets and stable cash flows, which is exactly what makes it attractive in the first place.

The latest move from IFM suggests takeover interest is not fading, it’s evolving. But until a binding offer emerges, volatility is likely to continue as investors weigh speculation against fundamentals.

The post Which ASX 200 stock is slipping on a sharpened takeover bid? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Atlas Arteria receives takeover offer from IFM Investors
• Are these ASX shares a buy, hold or sell according to Morgans after key updates?
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Why Atlas Arteria, Forrestania, Megaport, and WA1 shares are charging higher today
• Why the Atlas Arteria share price is rocketing 14% today

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.

Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN), ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) and Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) shares are attracting heightened investor interest on Friday.

Two of the large-cap ASX stocks are outperforming the 0.9% gains posted by the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) as we head into the Friday lunch hour, while one is lagging that performance.

Here’s why these companies are making headlines today.

Coles shares gain on revenue growth

Coles shares are up 1.6% at time of writing, changing hands for $22.47 apiece.

Investors are bidding up the ASX 200 supermarket giant following the release of Cole’s March quarter update (Q3 FY 2026).

Highlights for the 12 weeks to 29 March included a 3.1% year-on-year increase in revenue to $10.70 billion.

The company’s eCommerce division was a standout performer, with eCommerce sales up 24.8% from Q3 FY 2025 to $1.33 billion.

“We delivered another strong sales result reflecting the strength of our customer offer and disciplined execution against our strategic priorities,” CEO Leah Weckert said of the results helping lift Coles shares today.

Evolution Mining shares jump on increased gold reserves

Like Coles shares, Evolution Mining shares are also outperforming today.

Shares in the ASX 200 gold stock are trading for $12.15 each at time of writing, up 2.1%.

This follows the release of the Aussie gold miner’s Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves Statement.

Evolution Mining reported that over the year its Mineral Resources have grown to 31 million ounces of gold and 4.2 million tonnes of copper. The miner’s contained gold increased by 900,000 ounces, or 3%.

“This demonstrates the scale and longevity of our long-life, high-quality portfolio, complemented by our current expansion studies that offer further upside,” Evolution Mining CEO Lawrie Conway.

Which brings us to…

ANZ shares slip despite cash profit surge

Joining Evolution Mining and Coles shares in the financial headlines today we have ANZ.

Shares in the ASX 200 bank stock are down 1.3% at time of writing, trading for $36.16 each.

That fall comes despite ANZ reporting some solid half year results this morning.

Over the six-month period, ANZ achieved a cash profit of $3.78 billion, up 70% from the prior half.

On the passive income front, ANZ declared an interim dividend of 83 cents per share, franked at 75%. That’s in line with last year’s interim dividend.

“Our transformation is running at pace, and we are making good progress in executing our five immediate priorities safely, sustainably, and on time,” ANZ CEO Nuno Matos said.

The post Why is everyone talking about ANZ, Evolution Mining and Coles shares on Friday? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why is this $25 billion ASX mining stock charging higher today?
• Why are Coles shares falling today?
• ANZ shares rise after reporting 70% cash profit jump
• Evolution Mining’s 2025 annual statement details resource and reserves growth
• Coles Group shares in focus after Q3 FY26 sales rise 3.1%

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

There is plenty of interest around IperionX Ltd (ASX: IPX) again on Friday, with the share price rocketing in midday trade.

At the time of writing, the share price is up 13.66% to $4.66. By comparison, the S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO) is up 0.98% to 8,683 points.

That move builds on a strong run, with shares now up about 32% over the past month.

The latest push higher follows fresh disclosures showing company directors have been buying shares on-market.

Here’s what stood out.

Directors step in with on-market buys

A series of Appendix 3Y filings released on Thursday showed multiple IperionX directors increasing their holdings.

Executive Chairman Todd Hannigan picked up 480,000 shares across late April trades. The total consideration came in at just over $2.07 million.

Chief Executive Anastasios Arima also added to his position, buying 110,000 shares worth roughly $494,000.

Non-Executive Director Lorraine Martin joined in as well, acquiring 4,600 ADS, valued at around $145,000. ADS are US-listed shares, with each 1 representing 10 of the company’s shares.

All 3 transactions were completed on-market and not through any issued securities or incentives.

Why investors are paying closer attention

Director buying does not guarantee anything, but it does draw attention.

When multiple insiders step in at the same time, it can shift how investors view the near-term outlook for the stock.

In this case, the purchases come after a period of extreme volatility in the share price.

IperionX pulled back from earlier highs of $8.505 in late January, before rebounding strongly in recent weeks.

Seeing management add exposure to their portfolios can be read as a sign of confidence in where things are heading.

It also means fewer shares are available to trade, which can make it easier for the price to move higher if buying picks up.

Foolish bottom line

IperionX shares have been trending higher for several weeks, with buyers stepping in consistently.

Over the past month, the stock has added more than 30%, with interest returning to critical minerals and US-based supply chains.

From my side, I see room for this to keep moving up in the short term if momentum holds and buying continues.

The insider buying helps support my view, as it shows management is stepping in at these bargain levels.

Looking further out, a lot comes down to how supply chains shift, especially with ongoing tension between the US and China.

If that keeps playing out, IperionX will likely stay on the radar.

The post This ASX 300 stock just jumped 13%. Here’s what’s behind the move appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Why Elsight, IperionX, Predictive Discovery, and Reliance shares are pushing higher today
• Guess which ASX 200 share could rise 90% according to Bell Potter
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

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.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) shares have taken a tumble this week and are down over 8% since last Friday.

The supermarket giant’s shares were sold off following the release of its third-quarter update on Thursday.

Is this a buying opportunity for investors? Let’s see what analysts at Bell Potter are saying.

Broker gives its verdict on Woolworths quarterly update

Woolworths delivered sales growth ahead of Bell Potter’s expectations. However, it notes that increased costs are hitting its margins. It said:

Woolworths reported +4.5% YoY growth in 3Q26 sales to $18,652m (vs. BPe of $17,745m), driven primarily by Australian supermarket sales growth. Key points: Australian Food: Australian Food revenues grew +6.0% YoY to $13,828m (vs. BPe of $13,549m and VA of $13,721m) noting the pcp was cycling the residual impact of supply chain disruptions. Trading has started 4Q26e strong at +5.4% YoY (+6.5% YoY ex-tobacco) over March-April, despite signs of increased customer caution and signs of pantry stocking in March

2026e guidance changes: (1) Australian Food EBIT is expected to grow at mid-high single digit rates, but no longer at the upper end of that range as WOW absorbs some supply chain cost pressures; and (2) 2H26e NZ EBIT is expected to be modestly down YoY in NZD terms.

In light of this, Bell Potter has trimmed its earnings forecasts for Woolworths through to FY 2028. It adds:

EPS changes are -4% in FY26e, -10% in FY27e and -5% in FY28e. Changes reflect lower GM assumptions, a higher AUDNZD and higher base interest rate assumptions.

Woolworths shares downgraded

According to the note, in response to the update, the broker has downgraded Woolworths shares to a hold rating with a reduced price target of $35.50 (from $38.25).

Based on its current share price of $34.59, this implies only modest upside over the next 12 months.

In addition, dividend yields of 2.6% and 2.7% are expected in FY 2026 and FY 2027, respectively, according to its estimates.

Commenting on its downgrade, Bell Potter said:

We downgrade from Buy to Hold. Food inflation looks to be returning which should be beneficial for the topline. This looks largely offset by the margin impact of absorbing supply chain inflation, which is likely to be amplified in 4Q26e as a run rate into FY27e, where outcomes will be dependent on an easing in Middle East tensions.

The post Why this leading broker just downgraded Woolworths shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• Top 10 ASX shares bought and sold in April
• Why Appen, Catalyst Metals, South32, and Woolworths shares are sinking today
• Why Mineral Resources, Woolworths and Boss Energy shares are turning heads on Thursday
• Why did Woolworths shares just crash 10%?

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

ASX materials stock Catalyst Metals Ltd (ASX: CYL) has been making headlines this week. 

It has crashed more than 16% since Monday. 

The company is a mid-tier Australian gold producer and developer with 100% ownership of two key projects:

• Plutonic Gold Operation (PGO) – an operating asset in Western Australia
• Bendigo Gold Project (BGP) – an advanced exploration project in Victoria

This recent fall has been influenced by a combination of a disappointing quarterly update and a softer gold price backdrop.

As James Mickleboro reported earlier this week, although the company posted a 9% increase in revenue to $54.8 million, it is still barely profitable at an EBITDA level. 

In addition, the performance of its Appen Global business may have spooked investors. It reported a 37% decline in revenue to $19.9 million.

Brokers see opportunity 

This ASX materials stock is now down almost 30% year to date, and almost 50% since hitting 52-week highs back in January. 

However, since this drop, brokers have been eyeing this ASX materials stock as a buy-low candidate. 

Earlier this week, I reported that Bell Potter has recently retained its buy recommendation along with a $14.60 price target on Catalyst Metals shares.

According to the broker, earnings per share are now expected to fall in FY26 by 19% and then recover and increase by 11% in FY27 and a further 14% in FY28.

This price target indicates more than 180% upside from today’s stock price of $5.17. 

Now, another broker is reinforcing this stock could be a buy-low candidate. 

Morgans rates Catalyst Metals as a buy

In a recent note out of Morgans, the broker said the reported gold production of 26.1koz at an AISC of A$2,901/oz fell below expectations. 

It noted that although the company generated a solid operating cash flow of A$103m at an average realised price of A$7,014/oz, it continues to strengthen its balance sheet, adding A$39m during the quarter to close with A$277m in cash and bullion while reinvesting heavily across growth and exploration initiatives. 

Growth momentum continues across the Plutonic Belt, with multiple new ore sources advancing (Trident, K2, Old Highway) alongside a high-grade discovery at Cinnamon, supports the pathway to c.200kozpa production. We maintain our BUY rating, with valuation supported by strong cash generation and a clear production growth pipeline, albeit with near-term cost pressures emerging.

At the time of writing, 5 analysts’ forecasts via TradingView have an average 12-month price target of $13.87.

This indicates roughly 170% upside from current levels.

The post Another broker just recommended this ASX materials stock appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Appen, Catalyst Metals, South32, and Woolworths shares are sinking today
• Broker tips this ASX materials stock to rise 139% after yesterday’s crash
• Why Catalyst Metals, G8 Education, Meteoric Resources, and Westgold shares are falling today
• Why are Catalyst Metals shares sinking today?
• Could these ASX stocks double by the end of 2026?

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.

Betr Entertainment Ltd (ASX: BBT) released its quarterly results earlier this week, showing it had had a steady, if unexceptional, three months.

Earnings outlook in place

The company said in its statement to the ASX that revenue had increased 2% to $383 million compared with the same period the previous year, while for the first nine months of the year, revenue was up 16.6% to $1.19 billion.

Betr said it reaffirmed its EBITDA outlook for the second half to $5 to $8 million and for $13 to $19 million in FY27.

The company also said it was attracting new customers, with 35% of customers being new depositors in the quarter, which followed a brand relaunch.

Betr also said it had streamlined its operating model, with $6 million in annualised efficiencies realised during the quarter.

The company added further re the result:

Net cash outflows from operating activities (including corporate costs) were $8.9m. This included the tail of cash outflows associated with the marketing heavy December quarter, together with $2.0m of final costs relating to discontinued US operations, and $0.9m of non-recurring costs associated with initiatives to reduce the Group’s ongoing operating cost base. • Excluding these non-recurring items, underlying operating cash outflows were materially lower than the reported result, reflecting improving operating leverage and benefits from cost actions implemented during the quarter.

The company said it expected to have a “materially improved cash flow profile” as the full effect of cost-saving measures came into play.

Shares looking cheap

Morgans’ analysts ran the ruler over the quarterly result and liked what they saw.

The Morgans team said the quarter marked a “solid sequential improvement”.

Encouragingly, margins have normalised following the customer-friendly Spring Carnival period in Q2, and the business looks well placed to achieve its H2 targets. The one real negative was the cash position at period end, though this was impacted by a number of one-off items that won’t recur in Q4. With the internal focus firmly on value-generating customers, a leaner cost base now in place, and the streamlining of operations largely complete, we remain optimistic about the path ahead.

The Morgans team said they believe that Betr is trading “well below fair value and looks compelling at current levels”.

They said Betr has a proven management team, scalable proprietary technology, and a solid track record of executing value-accretive acquisitions.

Morgans has a price target of 35 cents on Betr shares compared with 18 cents currently, implying potential upside of 94.4%.

Betr is valued at $187.4 million.

The post This exciting ASX small cap could almost double in value according to Morgans appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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.