Author: openjargon

If I told you there was an ASX dividend stock on our market right now that trades with a fully-franked dividend yield close to 4% and has grown its dividends per share by an average of 27% per annum over the past five years, you might not even believe it.

That combination is a rare occurrence on the ASX. Most blue-chip ASX stocks only tend to grow their dividends at single-digit rates at best.

But that is indeed the case with MFF Capital Investments Ltd (ASX: MFF). So let’s dive into whether this is a dividend stock worth buying today.

MFF Capital Investments is a listed investment company (LIC). That means it is a company that owns and manages an underlying portfolio of investments on behalf of its shareholders. In MFF’s case, this company tends to own a concentrated portfolio of US stocks, selected in a manner that mirrors Warren Buffett’s classic investing style. Buffett is famous for his long-term investing approach: buying shares of high-quality companies at prices that make sense and holding them for long periods. Sometimes indefinitely.

Some of the stocks that have been part of MFF’s portfolio for many years include Alphabet, American Express, Amazon, Mastercard, Visa, and Bank of America.

But let’s talk dividends.

An exceptional ASX dividend stock?

As we’ve already touched on, MFF is an enthusiastic dividend payer. The company has delivered an annual dividend increase every single year since 2018. That year saw the company fork out an annual total of 3 cents per share in dividends. By 2021, that had grown to 6.5 cents per share. By 2023, MFF was up to 9.5 cents per share, and hit 17 cents per share last year.

MFF has already paid its 2026 interim dividend, which was worth 10 cents per share. The company has told investors to expect a final dividend of 11 cents per share later this year. If MFF does hit 21 cents per share in 2026 dividends, it will mean it has grown its dividends by a compounded average growth rate of 27% per annum since 2021. All payouts came with full franking credits attached, too.

Most companies that sport those kinds of dividend growth rates trade on very low yields. However, MFF shares are currently (at the time of writing) on a trailing dividend yield of 3.86% and a forward yield of 4.28%.

Let’s assume, for a moment, that MFF keeps up its blistering dividend growth rate over the next five years (which is by no means assured). If that’s the case, investors could receive a substantial upfront yield with a purchase today and would still see their dividend cash flow double in under five years. An alluring prospect.

The post This ASX dividend stock has a 4% yield and a 27% growth rate appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Bank of America is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. American Express is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Alphabet, Amazon, American Express, Mastercard, Mff Capital Investments, and Visa. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Alphabet, Amazon, American Express, Mastercard, and Visa. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alphabet, Amazon, Mastercard, Mff Capital Investments, and Visa. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) shares are leaping higher today.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) buy now, pay later (BNPL) stock closed yesterday trading for $2.20. In late morning trade on Thursday, shares are changing hands for $2.29 apiece, up 4.1%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is up 1.5% amid renewed Middle East peace hopes spurred by United States President Donald Trump.

Here’s why Zip is racing ahead of the benchmark’s gains today.

Zip shares leap on Australian branding news

As you may know, on 13 May, Zip reported that the High Court of Australia ruled against it in a judgement involving privately owned, non-bank financial institution, Firstmac Limited.

Firstmac lodged the proceeding against Zip, noting that it had a trademark for the financial services term dating back to 2004.

Zip shares closed down 0.8% on the day, with the court ruling the company had to stop calling itself Zip in Australia. Although the ruling didn’t affect the company’s United States and New Zealand businesses, branding changes can lead to short-term costs and other headwinds for any stock.

Today, investors are bidding up Zip shares after the ASX 200 BNPL stock announced that it had reached an undisclosed settlement with Firstmac. This means Zip will still be called Zip in Australia.

Management noted that the settlement with Firstmac will not have any significant impact on its FY 2026 guidance.

According to the company:

While the terms of the settlement agreement are otherwise confidential, Zip has no further liability for damages or costs in relation to Firstmac’s proceedings and Zip confirms that the amount payable under this settlement is not material to the Zip Group and does not affect Zip’s FY26 guidance.

What’s the latest from the ASX 200 BNPL stock?

Aside from its recent, and now resolved Australian branding issues, Zip shares last made headlines on 7 May after the company presented at the annual Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) Conference.

Highlights included news of strong, ongoing growth in April.

In its key US growth market, the ASX 200 BNPL stock reported a year-on-year total transaction volume (TTV) increase in April of more than 40% (in US dollar terms).

Management also used the occasion to reaffirm Zip’s full-year FY 2026 guidance.

The company expects to deliver full-year cash earnings before taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBTDA) of $260 million. That will be driven by expectations of 40% or more TTV growth in the US (in US dollar terms).

Zip forecasts a full-year operating margin of 18% and a revenue margin of 8%.

The post Buying Zip shares? Here’s why the ASX BNPL stock is rocketing higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Zip shares sink after court loss. Is this ASX comeback stock in trouble?
• These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares

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

GR Engineering Services Ltd (ASX: GNG) shares are pushing higher on Thursday after the engineering group locked in a major new contract.

At the time of writing, the GR Engineering share price is up 4.15% to $5.02. By comparison, the S&P/ASX All Ords Index (ASX: XAO) is 1.70% higher to 8,862 points.

It has already been a strong year for shareholders, with the GR Engineering stock up around 12% in 2026.

When looking further out, the gain is closer to 75% over the past 12 months.

Here’s what investors are looking at today.

A $229 million deal is now locked in

According to the release, GR Engineering has executed an EPC contract with Genesis Minerals (Leonora) Pty Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Genesis Minerals Ltd (ASX: GMD).

The $229 million contract relates to the Tower Hill Gold Project in Western Australia. EPC stands for engineering, procurement and construction, which means GR Engineering will help take the project from design through to construction.

GR Engineering was appointed the preferred contractor in February, so the award was already on the market’s radar.

The company did not provide an earnings upgrade with the update. But a $229 million contract is still significant for a company with a market capitalisation of about $845 million.

Why the deal adds confidence

New project awards are a key driver for GR Engineering because its work is tied closely to the resources sector.

The company provides engineering, design, construction, operations, maintenance, and advisory services. When miners approve new projects or expand existing sites, GR Engineering can pick up the work attached to that spending.

Managing Director Tony Patrizi said the company has a long track record of delivery in Australia’s minerals sector.

He said GR Engineering looks forward to continuing its work with Genesis at Tower Hill.

Can the share price run continue?

Today’s gain adds to a strong run for GR Engineering shares, which are now trading near the top of their 52-week range of $2.76 to $5.28.

The stock also has a dividend yield of about 4.8%, which may help explain some of the interest from income-focused investors.

The contract win gives GR Engineering another sizeable project and adds more visibility to its work pipeline.

But with the stock up 75% over the past year, expectations are higher now.

From here, attention will turn to project margins, delivery costs, and whether more contract wins can keep the run going.

The post Up 75% in a year, this ASX stock just landed a $229 million contract appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Buying Zip shares? Here’s why the ASX BNPL stock is rocketing higher 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.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is climbing higher in Thursday lunchtime trade. At the time of writing, the index is up 1.28%, reversing its 1.3% loss on Wednesday.

The index has been supported by a positive night on Wall Street. A drop in oil prices has dragged down the energy index today, but elsewhere, most ASX sectors are gaining ground.

Here are two ASX 200 shares I think can drive the ASX 200 Index higher this year, with potential upside of over 100%. They look super cheap to me right now.

Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH)

Cochlear shares are climbing higher on Thursday. At the time of writing, the shares are up 1.02% to $95.74 a piece. It’s a relief for investors after the medical device company suffered two brutal sell-offs in February and April this year.

The ASX healthcare company’s latest crash in April followed downgraded FY26 guidance. Cochlear cited weaker conditions across developed markets and softer demand. 

The guidance downgrade followed the ASX 200 company’s softer-than-expected half-year result earlier this year, and a sector-wide rotation away from ASX healthcare shares. 

But I think the shares are now oversold, and that there is potential for the company to rebound. 

Analysts seem to agree. Market Index data shows that brokers rate the stock as a buy and are tipping a potential 104% upside to $196.95, at the time of writing.

Resolute Mining Ltd (ASX: RSG)

Resolute Mining shares are jumping higher on Thursday. At the time of writing, the shares are up 3.11% to $1.23 a piece. The shares are now down just 1.5% year to date, but are 97% higher than this time last year.

As an ASX 200 gold stock, Resolute’s shares have benefited from an uptick in gold over the past year. 

And today’s uptick is likely for the same reason. Gold is trading above US$4,500 an ounce at the time of writing, after rising more than 1% in the previous session. 

According to Trading Economics, the increase is supported by growing optimism around an imminent peace agreement between the US and Iran. A deal could help to ease inflationary pressures and reduce concerns about further interest rate hikes. 

The miner also announced that it recently reached several impressive feasibility milestones and posted a significant increase in its gold production figures. 

The miner expects production to keep climbing this year, too, to around 250,000 to 275,000 ounces at an all-in sustaining cost of $2,000 to $2,200. 

Brokers are very bullish on the shares and have a strong buy rating. They tip a potential 102% upside to $2.46 a piece, at the time of writing.

The post 2 super-cheap ASX 200 shares tipped to bounce back appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Catapult Sports Ltd (ASX: CAT) shares have been in fine form this week.

So much so, the ASX tech stock is up 23% since Tuesday’s close, including an 18% gain on Wednesday.

Is it too late to invest? Let’s see what Bell Potter is saying about the sports technology company.

What is the broker saying about this ASX tech stock?

Bell Potter was pleased with Catapult’s performance in FY 2026. It highlights that the company’s results were ahead of expectations for everything except its annualised contract value (ACV). It said:

FY26 management EBITDA – the key earnings metric – of US$24.7m was 8% above our forecast of US$23.0m and 10% above consensus of US$22.4m. Notably, the guidance was 50% growth and it came in at 67%. The beat was driven by a 2% beat at revenue (US$140.7m vs BPe US$137.9m) and a 90bp beat at the margin (17.6% vs BPe 16.7%).

ACV of US$133.8m was close to in line with our forecast of US$133.6m and consistent with the guidance of b/w US$133-134m. Free cash flow before transaction costs of US$6.6m was also ahead of our forecast of US$5.6m and the guidance of US$5-6m. Catapult almost achieved the Rule of 40 with a result of 36% which excludes the impact of the IMPECT and Perch acquisitions (46% including).

The broker also highlights that the ASX tech stock’s guidance for the year ahead was slightly ahead of expectations. This has seen Bell Potter lift its estimates slightly. It adds:

Catapult provided its usual guidance for the year ahead of strong ACV growth, continued improvement in margins, and higher free cash flow. We have upgraded our FY27 and FY28 management EBITDA forecasts by 6% and 3% which has mostly been driven by increases in our margin estimates. We have also upgraded our FY27 and FY28 ACV forecasts by 2% and 1% and this equates to ACV growth of 17% and 16% which is below the traditional 18-22% target but is obviously getting more difficult as the number gets larger. We now forecast free cash flow of US$10m in FY27 and US$14m in FY28 which is consistent with the guidance.

More upside to come

According to the note, the broker has retained its buy rating on the ASX tech stock with an improved price target of $4.65 (from $4.50).

Based on its current share price of $3.58, this implies potential upside of 30% for investors over the next 12 months.

Commenting on its buy recommendation, the broker said:

There is perhaps a lack of short term catalysts for the company but the stock does look reasonable value on an FY27 EV/EBITDA multiple of c.20x (based on management EBITDA) and we do expect another year of strong growth. The company also has a strong Balance Sheet with cash forecast to rise to c.US$60m at year end and so while we do not expect any acquisitions in the near term we do see potential for further M&A in the short to medium term.

The post Is this ASX tech stock a buy after rocketing 18% yesterday? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Some of the best buying opportunities appear while the market is still unconvinced.

That is why I think Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE) shares are worth a closer look today.

The ASX 200 share has been through a difficult period and is down almost 50% over the past 12 months. 

Consumer demand has been uneven, China has taken time to rebuild after wine tariffs were removed, and investors have become more cautious.

But I think that is exactly what makes the share interesting.

Treasury Wine does not need everything to look perfect today. It needs its best brands, distribution, and key markets to improve over time. If that happens, I think the current share price could look attractive in hindsight.

A global wine business with valuable brands

Treasury Wine is not just a volume wine producer.

Its strongest asset is its portfolio of premium and luxury brands, led by Penfolds. This gives the company exposure to a part of the wine market where brand, scarcity, reputation, and distribution can all support stronger margins.

That is what interests me.

Penfolds is one of the few Australian wine brands with genuine global recognition. It has a long history, a strong luxury position, and appeal across markets such as Australia, Asia, and the United States.

Premium wine can still be cyclical. Consumers and distributors can pull back when conditions are tougher. But I think strong luxury brands can recover well when confidence returns.

China could still be an important swing factor

One of the biggest moving parts for Treasury Wine is China.

The removal of tariffs on Australian wine was an important step, but rebuilding a market is not instant. Distribution, inventory, consumer demand, and brand momentum all take time to normalise.

I think investors may need patience here.

China does not have to return to its previous peak immediately for Treasury Wine to benefit. A gradual recovery in demand for Penfolds and other premium wines could still improve earnings and investor confidence over the next few years.

For me, this is a key reason the stock looks interesting before the turnaround is obvious.

Once the market has clear evidence that China is firing again, the share price may already have moved.

A portfolio with more than one lever

Treasury Wine also has exposure beyond China.

The company has been building its presence in the United States, including through premium wine assets and a broader focus on luxury and premiumisation.

That gives the business more than one way to grow.

I also like the fact that this is a company with tangible assets, established brands, global distribution, and a product category that has existed for centuries. It is not trying to invent demand from scratch.

The challenge is execution. Management needs to manage inventory carefully, protect brand equity, improve returns, and show that the portfolio can deliver better growth.

That may take time, but I think the ingredients are still there.

Foolish Takeaway

Treasury Wine is not a clean momentum story today.

Investor confidence is low, and the business still has work to do in key markets.

But that is the point of the opportunity. If Penfolds keeps its luxury position, China continues to rebuild, and the US business improves over time, Treasury Wine could look like a very different investment in a few years.

I would not expect a smooth ride. But for patient investors willing to weather potential volatility, this could be the kind of ASX 200 share worth buying before confidence returns.

The post Down 50%: Why this ASX 200 share could be a smart buy before confidence returns appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) shares have dipped further into the red on Thursday morning.

At the time of writing, the shares have slumped 0.36% to $5.47 a piece. The decline follows a 1% drop on Wednesday.

The telecoms provider’s shares have had a good rally so far in 2026, however. The shares are up 12% year to date and 17% higher than this time last year.

Many are questioning whether the shares are now cooling or if there is still an upside ahead.

So, should I invest $5k in Telstra shares before the end of the month?

Market Index data shows brokers still rate the telco’s shares as a buy, but they tip an average 3% downside to $5.33 over the next 12 months, at the time of writing. 

TradingView data shows a similar analyst view. Of 15 ratings, only 4 have a strong buy stance, and another 11 have a hold rating. They have an average target price of $5.26, which implies a 4% downside over the next 12 months.

Either way, it doesn’t look like we’ll continue to see the same level of gains in Telstra shares that we’ve seen recently.

In fact, if these forecasts are correct, investors who buy $5,000 of Telstra shares today could soon be looking at a loss.

Here’s why.

What’s the latest from Telstra shares?

It looks like after this year’s share price rally, analysts view Telstra shares as fully valued. Or even perhaps a little overvalued.

Analysts at Catapult Wealth also recently highlighted that while mobile price rises are expected to support Telstra’s revenue growth this year, there is uncertainty around spectrum license fees, which could remain a medium-term headwind for the company.

But upsides and potential target prices aren’t the only reasons investors should consider holding Telstra shares.

What about the telco’s passive income play?

Telstra is a dominant Australian telecommunications company. It owns and operates the nation’s largest mobile network and is a major fixed-line internet provider. And this makes it a classic passive income play.

The necessity of the internet and mobile phones means the company is well-positioned to perform well, regardless of the stage of the economic cycle or how the ASX is faring overall.

Telstra’s defensive nature also means it can pay shareholders a consistent, reliable passive income. 

The telco most recently paid its interim dividend of 10.5 cents per share, 90.48% franked, in March. The telco is forecast to pay a total dividend of 21 cents for FY26 (up from 19 cents in FY25). This translates to a forward dividend yield of around 3.9% excluding franking credits, at the time of writing. 

The post Should I invest $5,000 in Telstra shares before the end of May? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 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.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is racing ahead today.

In morning trade on Thursday, the benchmark Aussie index is up 1.7% at 8,639.8 points. That will come as welcome news to investors after the index dropped 1.3% yesterday to plumb a new seven-week closing low.

So, who do investors have to thank for today’s rebound?

ASX 200 lifts on Middle East peace hopes

Well, like it or not, today’s strong performance on the ASX 200 comes largely thanks to United States President Donald Trump.

Yesterday (overnight Aussie time), Trump lifted investor sentiment when he said that the conflict with Iran is in its “final stages”.

That’s important because, as you’re likely aware, the outbreak of the Middle East conflict at the end of February has sent global energy prices surging. That in turn has stoked inflation and pressured central banks, like our own RBA, to increase interest rates.

The Brent crude oil price fell around 5% on the news to US$105 per barrel. Gold, which tends to perform better in lower interest rate environments, gained 1.5% to US$4,545 per ounce.

In US stock markets, the S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX) closed up 1.1% on renewed hopes of a peace deal. The tech-heavy (and more interest rate sensitive) Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) closed up 1.5%.

Sounding a note of caution to US and ASX 200 investors about potentially premature euphoria over a lasting peace deal with Iran, strategist Louis Navellier said (quoted by Bloomberg):

Everyone wants to see this end, but negotiations so far have been far apart on key issues, with both sides expecting each other to blink first. Even if a deal is struck, it may take some time to be sure it won’t be violated for things to fully return to normal.

Now, here’s how some of the biggest names on the ASX are performing on hopes that the end of the war may be near.

What’s happening with the likes of CBA, BHP, Newmont, and Woodside shares?

Starting with today’s underperformers, the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) is down 1.6% following the overnight slide in the oil price.

Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) shares are down 1.3% at $7.99, and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) shares are down 2.3% at $31.74 each.

The gold miners, on the other hand, are enjoying the brighter outlook for the yellow metal, with the S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) up 2.1% at the time of writing.

Newmont Corp (ASX: NEM) shares are up 2.1% at $149.63, and Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) shares are up 3.7% at $11.79.

Many ASX tech stocks are also enjoying the prospect of potentially easing inflation, with the S&P/ASX All Technology Index (ASX: XTX) – which also contains some smaller tech companies outside of ASX 200 tech stocks – up 0.8%.

Shares in data centre operator NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT) are up 3.1%, trading for $14.66 each, while shares in location sharing software developer Life360 Inc (ASX: 360) are up 3.3%, trading for $18.49 apiece.

Turning to the ASX 200 banks, Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares are up 0.6% at $163.56, while Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) has gained 1.6% at $36.09 each.

And finally, the S&P/ASX 200 Resource Index (ASX: XJR) is also leaping higher today, up 1.8%.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares are up 2.7% at the time of writing at $58.90, while Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) shares are up 1% at $21.83 each.

The post Why is the ASX 200 going gangbusters on Thursday? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 positions in and has recommended Life360. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Shares in both Hillgrove Resources Ltd (ASX: HGO) and Havilah Resources Ltd (ASX: HAV) are trading higher after the two companies struck a deal over a South Australian copper deposit.

The companies said in a joint statement to the ASX on Thursday morning that they had signed an agreement under which Hillgrove could earn an 80% interest in the Mutooroo Copper Project.

Hillgrove currently operates the Kanmantoo underground copper mine in the Adelaide Hills.

Hillgrove to earn in

Under the deal, Hillgrove can complete a prefeasibility study looking at the viability of processing Mutooroo ore through the Kanmantoo processing facility.

The companies said:

Hillgrove’s Kanmantoo processing facility provides a potential lower capital intensity and lower execution risk pathway to develop Mutooroo’s 192 thousand tonne of copper from the JORC Sulphide Mineral Resource Estimate. Subject to further test work and the outcomes of the PFS, Hillgrove believes Mutooroo has the potential to lift Hillgrove’s Cu production beyond 20kt per annum.

Hillgrove said the prefeasibility expenditure would be phased to mitigate risk and would be fully funded from cash flow.

Under the agreement, Hillgrove will initially issue $5 million in shares to Havilah and then invest up to $10 million in new drilling over a period of up to 24 months.

Hillgrove will earn its full 80% interest on a final investment decision to go ahead with the project, at which time it will pay Havilah a further $35 million, of which between 30% and 70% will be cash.

Project ticks the boxes

Hillgrove Chief Executive Officer Bob Fulker said:

Mutooroo’s high‑grade sulphide mineralisation, proximity to rail, and favourable logistics align strongly with Hillgrove’s centralised processing hub model. Importantly, the capital intensity could be potentially lower compared to a standalone development, and execution risk could potentially be materially reduced by leveraging infrastructure, approvals and operational capability we already have in place. This transaction provides Hillgrove shareholders with a lower risk, capital efficient growth option at a time when new copper discoveries are scarce, and development costs globally continue to rise. The staged PFS approach to be funded out of Hillgrove cashflow ensures disciplined capital deployment with limited cash drain, with expenditure ramping up only as key technical assumptions are validated.

Havilah Technical Director Chris Giles said the deal had the potential to substantially reduce execution risk for Havilah shareholders.

The Mutooroo project is in South Australia, about 60km southwest of Broken Hill.

It is about 16km from the Transcontinental railway line and Barrier Highway, providing direct access to established freight routes across South Australia, the companies said.

In early trade, Havilah shares were 7.4% higher at 65 cents, while Hillgrove shares were 4.7% higher at 4.4 cents.

The post Shares in these 2 ASX copper companies are charging higher after a new deal was announced appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• Down 50%: Why this ASX 200 share could be a smart buy before confidence returns
• Should I invest $5,000 in Telstra shares before the end of May?
• Why is the ASX 200 going gangbusters on Thursday?
• Buy, hold, sell: James Hardie, TechnologyOne, and Webjet shares

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.

A number of updates have hit the wires this week and Morgans has been quick to run the rule over them.

Let’s see if the broker has responded positively to them. Here’s what the broker is saying:

James Hardie Industries plc (ASX: JHX)

Morgans was pleased with this building materials company’s FY 2026 result, highlighting that it was in line with consensus expectations.

And while market conditions remain weak, the broker is cautiously positive on its outlook and has named James Hardie shares as a buy with a $39.00 price target. It said:

FY26 result was in line with Consensus (and a slight beat vs prior guidance), while Consensus for FY27 was at the top end of guidance. To this end, the company is forecasting FY27 pro forma growth of 4-8%, with siding back to organic growth. Market conditions remain subdued, citing lower builder activity and affordability pressures – looking forward management assumes no market recovery in FY27.

As such, FY26 can be chalked up as a transformational but financially dilutive year, while FY27 is about margin and cash-recovery driven by synergies rather than any improvement in the housing market. Buy retained, with a A$39.00/sh price target.

TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE)

This enterprise software provider’s performance in the first half of FY 2026 was in line with Morgans’ expectations.

In light of this and its strong sales pipeline, the broker has upgraded TechnologyOne’s shares to an accumulate rating with a $32.30 price target. It explains:

TNE’s 1H26 result came in largely as expected, albeit with some FX headwinds, which otherwise would have seen its underlying result land ahead of consensus. The group enters 2H26, with a strong pipeline of ‘Plus’ leads, which sees TNE well positioned to achieve the top end of its re-affirmed FY26 ARR/PBT Guidance. The pullback in TNE’s share price sees our TSR lift to 18% and we therefore move to an Accumulate rating with a $32.30 price target.

Webjet Group Ltd (ASX: WJL)

Morgans wasn’t overly impressed with this online travel agent’s FY 2026 results.

And with trading conditions set to remain challenging in FY 2027, the broker has reduced its estimates meaningfully.

As a result, the broker has retained its hold rating on Webjet’s shares with a heavily reduced price target of 40 cents. It said:

WJL’s FY26 result was weak but in line with guidance. FY26 was impacted by subdued trading conditions and material investment in the business. FY27 is going to be a particularly challenging year for WJL given the Middle East conflict, cost of living pressures, Virgin Australia materially reducing its commission and overrides and the RBA surcharging regulation changes.

We have made significant revisions to our already well below consensus forecasts. In the absence of corporate activity, shareholders will need to be patient given the current challenges WJL needs to overcome while investing in its business for longer term success. We retain a Hold rating with a new price target of A$0.40.

The post Buy, hold, sell: James Hardie, TechnologyOne, and Webjet shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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