Author: openjargon

ASX consumer discretionary stock Universal Store Holdings Ltd (ASX: UNI) just soared 17% on the back of earnings results. 

Investors were gobbling up shares in the company following a result that included double-digit revenue growth and ongoing store expansion. 

A new report from Bell Potter suggests this could be a sign of what’s to come over the next 12 months. 

What did the company report?

As reported by Laura Stewart yesterday, the company reported a 12.9% rise in revenue to $376.1 million for FY26, with underlying NPAT up 16.3% to $40.5 million.

Other results included: 

• Underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) of $40.5 million, up 16.3%
• Statutory NPAT of $18.2 million, down 21.6% due to non-cash impairments
• Gross margin of 62.5%, up 1.4 percentage points
• Underlying EBIT of $64.0 million, up 17.2%
• Final fully franked dividend of 17 cents per share (FY total dividends: 43.0 cps). 

Prior to yesterday, this ASX consumer discretionary stock had faced several sector-related headwinds. 

However, it seems the tide could be turning. 

Bell Potter renewed confidence

Following the release, Bell Potter provided updated guidance on this ASX consumer discretionary stock. 

The broker saw the FY26 result as a clear beat, with revenue above guidance and EBIT at the top end, while FY27 trading has started positively despite tough comparables. 

Group retail sales were up 9%, with particularly strong like-for-like growth. 

The biggest positive was the FY27 store-opening guidance of 16-20 stores, well above Bell Potter’s prior estimate. 

They have lifted their forecast to 17 net new stores, putting the core Universal Store network on track to reach around 100 stores by FY28.

Upgraded target price for this ASX consumer discretionary stock

Based on this guidance, Bell Potter retained its buy recommendation. 

It also lifted its price target to $9.70 (previously $9.30). 

From yesterday’s closing price, this indicates a further 17% upside. 

Our TP increases by ~4% to $9.70/share given our modest earnings revisions and time creep. We remain supportive of UNI’s continued ability to gain market share in a niche streetwear/womenswear category as the overall retail sector goes through a cyclical low point in FY27. We see this backed by UNI’s continued execution to attract the selective youth customer spend.

At 15x FY27e P/E and continuing to offer ~9% EBIT growth over FY27-29e (BPe), we retain our optimistic views on UNI as a high quality retailer with a healthy balance sheet and maintain our BUY rating.

The post Why this ASX consumer discretionary stock could be the pick of the sector  appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: Bega Cheese, Temple & Webster and Whitehaven Coal shares after results
• This retailer’s dividend yield could top 8% in coming years: Broker
• Universal Store FY26 results: Sales, profit up as store rollout continues
• Why this ASX 200 stock is a buy after posting record results
• Healthcare results wrap: Are Cogstate and Pro Medicus shares a buy, hold or sell?

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 recommended Universal Store. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Yesterday, Medallion Metals Ltd (ASX: MM8) announced a $60 million placement to support the development of the Ravensthorpe Gold Project and boost growth drilling across its Western Australian portfolio.

What did Medallion Metals report?

• Raised $60 million via a single-tranche placement at $0.48 per share
• 125 million new ordinary shares to be issued to institutional and sophisticated investors
• Total available liquidity post-raise reaches approximately $175 million
• Funding underpins ramp-up to commercial gold-copper production at Ravensthorpe, plus processing at Forrestania
• Proceeds support mine development and accelerated extensional drilling at Kundip and Lounge Lizard

What else do investors need to know?

The fundraise was cornerstoned by respected institutional investors, showing significant confidence in Medallion’s strategy and assets. Proceeds will be used to advance development at Ravensthorpe and Forrestania, allowing the company to meet liquidity requirements for its financing facilities.

With this capital boost, Medallion Metals plans to ramp up exploration, particularly at priority targets such as Kundip and Lounge Lizard. This could enhance the company’s production profile and long-term sustainability.

What did Medallion Metals management say?

Managing Director Paul Bennett said:

Medallion emerges from this capital raising in an extremely strong position to progress to commercial production of gold and copper. Project development activities are advancing rapidly at both Ravensthorpe and Forrestania, with toll treatment expected to commence in October and commissioning of the expanded and modified process plant on Ravensthorpe feed targeted for mid-2027.

With the company’s funding position in excess of the project requirements, we have the ability to accelerate drilling programs at our most prospective targets, with the objective of growing the production profile across our projects. We welcome our new shareholders and appreciate the continued support of our existing shareholders. The backing of this high-quality group of resources investors is a significant endorsement of our team, assets and near-term gold-copper production strategy.

What’s next for Medallion Metals?

The company expects to commence toll treatment at Forrestania in October and aims to commission the upgraded Ravensthorpe plant by mid-2027. With strong financial backing, Medallion can accelerate drilling and advance projects with fewer funding constraints.

Investors can look forward to steady progress reports, including potential resource growth and milestone achievements across the portfolio throughout 2026 and into 2027.

Medallion Metals share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Medallion Metals shares have risen 77%, outperforming the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO), which is flat over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Medallion Metals bolsters liquidity with $60m placement for production and growth appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Medallion Metals announces Macmahon as preferred contractor for Ravensthorpe Gold Project
• Medallion Metals secures final regulatory approvals for gold project
• Medallion Metals reports drilling success in June 2026 quarter
• Medallion Metals extends high-grade mineralisation at Kundip

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.

Yesterday, PWR Holdings Ltd (ASX: PWH) reported record group revenue of $170.7 million, up 31%, and statutory NPAT of $17.9 million, up 83.2% for FY26.

What did PWR Holdings report?

• Revenue: $170.7 million, up 31.2% on the prior year
• Statutory NPAT: $17.9 million, up 83.2%
• EBITDA: $40.7 million, up 59.6%
• NPAT margin: 10.5%, up by 3 percentage points
• Final dividend: 5.0 cents per share, up from 2.0 cps
• Cash conversion: 104.9%, with free cash flow of $10.6 million

What else do investors need to know?

PWR delivered strong top-line growth, driven mainly by Motorsports (up 45%) and Aerospace & Defence (up 31%). Operating leverage improved, with margin expansion as the newly completed Stapylton facility enabled greater volumes and efficiency.

The company finalised its Australian factory move and invested in capability upgrades, including entry into the European market with a new Poland facility due to open in FY27. The Aerospace & Defence order book surged to $40 million, with PWR securing a follow-on US Government contract.

PWR continues to scale its engineering and production teams, now employing over 700 people globally. Investment in research and development grew to $14.9 million, supporting next-generation cooling technologies.

What did PWR Holdings management say?

Chief Executive Officer Sharyn Williams said:

Our record results reflect the strength of our technology and the dedication of our people. The momentum in Aerospace & Defence demonstrates the success of our strategic investments, and our new European base positions us well for further international growth.

What’s next for PWR Holdings?

Looking ahead, PWR expects its higher revenue baseline to be maintained in FY27, with Aerospace & Defence as the main growth driver. A phased start-up of the new Poland facility will support the company’s ambitions in the expanding European defence market, with FY27 investment and start-up costs expected to reduce NPAT by less than $1 million.

The board expects margin recovery to continue, aiming for a 2% statutory NPAT margin improvement in FY27. Growth is likely to be supported by greater automation, improved product mix, and expansion in both global motorsports and aerospace sectors.

PWR Holdings share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, PWR Holdings shares have risen 26%, outperforming the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO), which is flat over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post PWR Holdings reports record FY26 earnings and European expansion appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Medallion Metals bolsters liquidity with $60m placement for production and growth
• Service Stream Limited wins two $144m Transport for Victoria contracts
• How much is needed in superannuation for $1500 in weekly passive income?
• Vault Minerals share price in focus after record FY26 earnings
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

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 positions in and has recommended PWR Holdings. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended PWR Holdings. 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.

Yesterday, Service Stream Ltd (ASX: SSM) announced it has secured two contracts with Transport for Victoria worth $144 million over their initial five-year terms.

What did Service Stream report?

• Secured two Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) maintenance contracts with Transport for Victoria
• Total contract value is $144 million over initial terms
• Each contract has a five-year initial term, with two possible two-year extensions
• Contracts cover maintenance, program management, and network operations support

What else do investors need to know?

The new contracts—the Victoria West ITS Maintenance Contract and the Motorway Communications Network Contract—expand Service Stream’s work in the Victorian transport sector. Work under both contracts is expected to commence in the fourth quarter of 2026.

The agreements further strengthen Service Stream’s annuity-style revenue base, boosting the company’s maintenance portfolio and providing improved visibility on future cash flows. This builds on Service Stream’s long-term customer relationships and capabilities in critical network management.

What did Service Stream management say?

Managing Director Leigh Mackender said:

The award of these two long-term maintenance agreements reinforces Service Stream’s position as a leading provider of transport technology and network maintenance services. The award further strengthens the Group’s maintenance portfolio and bolsters annuity-style work-in-hand revenues.

What’s next for Service Stream?

Service Stream expects work on these new contracts to commence in late 2026. The company will focus on seamless delivery and operational excellence while seeking additional growth opportunities in transport and network services.

Investors may watch for further contract wins or updates on integration and performance, as Service Stream aims to solidify its role in supporting Victoria’s critical infrastructure.

Service Stream share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Service Stream shares have risen 22%, outperforming the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO), which is flat over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Service Stream Limited wins two $144m Transport for Victoria contracts appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX stocks UBS rates as a buy after recent results
• Service Stream: Profit jumps and dividend lifted in FY26 results

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.

When it comes to superannuation, it pays to have a target in mind when you’re putting money away for the future.

As the old adage says, failing to plan is planning to fail.

The good news is that even if you start relatively late, there are strategies you can use to boost your super to a level where it will afford you a comfortable retirement.

How much superannuation do you need for $1500 per week in passive income?

Today we’re looking at the scenario where you are aiming to generate $1500 per week in passive income from your superannuation.

So to start with, is this considered a comfortable retirement? The short answer is yes.

The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia has calculated how much is needed for singles and couples to have a comfortable retirement, and the figures come out at $55,923 for singles and $78,566 per year for couples.

These figures assume you own your own home and will draw a part pension, but they are well under the $1500 per week, or $78,000 per year level we are looking at.

So, how much superannuation would you need to generate this amount?

Let’s assume you can generate a 10% return on your investments. In this case, you’d need a $780,000 superannuation balance.

If you were generating just 5% you would need a balance of $1.56 million.

I’d argue that somewhere in the middle is achievable over time. So if you were generating a 7.5% return, you’d need a balance of $1.04 million.

What shares might help you achieve your passive income goal?

In terms of the shares you might want to have in your portfolio, you could look at listed investment trusts such as Charter Hall Retail REIT (ASX: CQR), which brokers expect to pay a return of better than 6% through to 2030, or Dexus Industria REIT (ASX: DXI), which is currently paying a healthy 6.97% yield.

Alternatively, financial services company Regal Partners Ltd (ASX: RPL) is paying a fully franked 7.42%.

Among the Wilson Asset Management funds, WAM Strategic Value Ltd (ASX: WAR) is paying a yield of 5.65%, while WAM Active Ltd (ASX: WAA), recently increased its dividend and is paying out 6.94%.

Among the banks, Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) is paying 4.35% fully franked, while Bank of Queensland Ltd (ASX: BOQ) is paying 6.19% also fully franked.

Among Australian blue-chip stocks, Telstra Ltd (ASX: TLS) is paying 4.39%, and miner BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) is paying 3.19%.

How to increase your superannuation balance

If you’re keen to increase your superannuation balance, investigate the viability of making extra concessional contributions up to the $32,500 cap, with these contributions taxed at just 15%.

The $32,500 cap includes any contributions from your employer and amounts contributed through salary sacrifice.

If your superannuation balance was under $500,000 in the last financial year, you can also carry forward up to five years’ worth of unused concessional contribution amounts. You can find out how much you can contribute under this rule by logging in to your myGov account.

Non-concessional contributions of up to a further $130,000 can be made each year also.

The post How much is needed in superannuation for $1500 in weekly passive income? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• 7 ASX 200 shares with reaffirmed buy ratings this week
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• My top 5 ASX 200 shares to buy and hold

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 positions in and has recommended Charter Hall Retail REIT and Telstra Group. 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.

The Vault Minerals Ltd (ASX: VAU) share price will be in focus on Friday after the company delivered a record 54% jump in underlying EBITDA to $953.3 million, with gold production reaching 336,540 ounces for FY26.

What did Vault Minerals report?

• Group gold production: 336,540 ounces; gold sales: 334,904 ounces
• Revenue from metal sales: $1,880.2 million (up 31% on prior year)
• Underlying EBITDA: $953.3 million (up 54%)
• Statutory net profit after tax: $278.4 million
• Free cash flow: $487.8 million
• Maiden interim dividend: 7 cents per share declared in February 2026 and paid in April 2026

What else do investors need to know?

Vault Minerals ended FY26 with cash and bullion of $841.6 million and no debt, an increase of $155.7 million over the year. The company internally funded the early settlement of all remaining gold hedges, removing fixed price exposure and giving full upside to the prevailing gold price going forward.

Investment in strategic growth continued, including the King of the Hills (KoTH) processing plant upgrade, which remains on budget and ahead of schedule. Vault also returned $126.8 million to shareholders via share buybacks and the maiden interim dividend. No final dividend was declared due to the proposed merger with Genesis Minerals, with eligible shareholders to receive a cash component as part of the merger consideration.

What’s next for Vault Minerals?

Vault has provided standalone FY27 guidance for gold production of 355,000 to 375,000 ounces at an AISC of A$3,150 to A$3,350 per ounce, with further growth targeted for FY28. The KoTH processing plant upgrade is expected to support a 50% increase in throughput and a 34% uplift in Leonora gold production by September 2026.

Meanwhile, the proposed merger with Genesis Minerals remains on track for completion in November 2026, aimed at creating a leading Australian gold company poised to benefit from operational synergies and scale.

Vault Minerals share price snapshot

The Vault Minerals share price has been among the best performers on the S&P/ASX 200 index (ASX: XJO) over the past 12 months with a gain of around 140%.

View Original Announcement

The post Vault Minerals share price in focus after record FY26 earnings appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
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• Vault Minerals posts June quarter results
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares 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. 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.

It was a happy Thursday session for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) and many ASX shares this Thursday. A welcome development for investors, no doubt, after six straight days of selling.

After opening in the green this morning, the ASX 200 spent the entire day in positive territory. Despite some bumpiness, the index ended up closing 0.33% higher at 9,083.8 points.

This happy session for ASX shares followed a similarly optimistic night over on Wall Street.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was in a good mood, managing to rise 0.22%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) fared similarly, gaining 0.16%.

But let’s get back to today and our local markets for a closer look at what was going on amongst the various ASX sectors this session.

Winners and losers

Despite today’s good mood across the broader market, there were still a few sectors that went backwards.

Leading those losers were financial stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) was hit hard today, tanking by 1.93%.

Consumer staples shares were left out in the cold as well, with the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) sinking 1.17%.

Industrial stocks were also unlucky. The S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) slumped 1.05% this session.

Communications shares didn’t find many buyers either, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ)’s 0.71% dive.

Next came consumer discretionary stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) copped a 0.27% slide this Thursday.

Our last losers this session were utilities shares, with the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) getting a 0.05% reduction.

Let’s get to the winners now, though. Leading the green sectors today were gold stocks. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) had an absolute blowout, rocketing up a huge 8.39%.

Broader mining shares were also on fire, as you can see by the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ)’s 3.52% surge.

Tech stocks had a day to remember, too. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) had roared 2.54% higher by the closing bell.

Healthcare shares lived up to their name as well, with the S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) lifting 1.39%.

Energy stocks enjoyed another positive session. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) put on another 0.45%.

Finally, real estate investment trusts (REITs) got over the line, evident by the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ)’s 0.13% jump.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

It’s very rare that we see ten ASX 200 shares all gain more than 10% in one day, but here we are. Today’s winner did much better than 10%, though. Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) shares exploded 18.22% higher this session to finish at $3.05 each.

This followed the financial stock’s latest earnings, which clearly made an impression.

Here’s how the other top stocks tied up at the dock:

ASX-listed company	Share price	Price change
Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP)	$3.05	18.22%
Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL)	$14.45	15.05%
Ora Banda Mining Ltd (ASX: OBM)	$1.59	14.03%
Codan Ltd (ASX: CDA)	$48.88	12.42%
Alkane Resources Ltd (ASX: ALK)	$1.77	10.97%
Regis Resources Ltd (ASX: RRL)	$8.23	10.92%
Bega Cheese Ltd (ASX: BGA)	$6.66	10.82%
Genesis Minerals Ltd (ASX: GMD)	$8.01	10.33%
Capricorn Metals Ltd (ASX: CMM)	$17.59	10.28%
Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN)	$15.07	10.16%

Our top 10 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary that shows which companies made big moves on the day. Check in at Fool.com.au after the weekday market closes to see which stocks make the countdown.

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 7 ASX 200 shares with reaffirmed buy ratings this week
• Buy, sell, hold: Dexus, APA, Zip shares
• Why Megaport, Northern Star and Zip shares are turning heads on Thursday
• Codan FY26: Profit surges 69% with higher dividend
• Bega Cheese defies headwinds with strong FY26 results and upbeat outlook

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

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares are 0.2% higher at 9,073.3 points on Thursday.

As earnings season continues, Morgans has updated its ratings and 12-month price targets following company reports.

Let’s take a look at the broker’s assessment of these ASX shares post-results.

SRG Global Ltd (ASX: SRG)

The SRG Global share price is $3.99, down 2.8% today and up 115% over 12 months. 

Over the past month, this ASX 200 industrial share has risen 13%.

Morgans kept a buy rating on this ASX 200 industrial share after reviewing the company’s FY26 report.

SRG delivered a strong FY26 with EPSA growth of +30%, largely consistent with its 5-year EPSA CAGR of +32%.

FY27 guidance was upgraded, and the momentum looks set to continue.

Organic growth is strong (2H EBITA +19%) and the order book has risen sharply (+20% in 6 months), providing robust visibility into FY27 and beyond.

Although SRG has re-rated, earnings momentum via organic and inorganic growth could see the company continue to compound +30% EPS growth over the next 3 years.

The broker raised its share price target from $4.20 to $4.70.

This implies a potential 15% upside from here.

Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH)

The Cochlear share price is $137.26, down 0.1% today and down 55% over 12 months. 

Over the past month, this ASX 200 healthcare share has increased 15%.

Morgans retained a hold rating on this healthcare heavyweight share after its FY26 report.

FY26 result was mixed, with underlying NPAT of A$322m, 6% above our forecast, despite revenue of A$2,348m being broadly in line.

The result benefited from a stronger 2H, particularly Services and cochlear implant (CI) volumes, although margins remained under pressure.

Notably, Nexa adoption has been solid, capturing >95% of developed-market (DM) implants, but has yet to translate into an acceleration in underlying market growth.

FY27 NPAT guidance of A$330-350m implies only modest growth and not yet a material earnings inflection.

Morgans has a share price target of $138.42, which implies just 1% growth ahead.

National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB)

The NAB share price is $38.33, down 1.5% today and down 9% over 12 months. 

Over the past month, this ASX 200 bank share has fallen 3%.

Morgans maintained a trim rating on the ASX 200 bank share after NAB’s 3Q FY26 update.

The broker said:

3Q26 cash profit growth trailed 2H26 consensus expectations, driven by slower revenue growth (particularly the relatively higher quality net interest income).

No change to FY26F EPS, but FY27/28F moderated on lower net interest income growth outlook.

DCF valuation declines -3% to $35.19/sh.

TRIM retained. Potential TSR c.-5% at current prices (including c.4.4% yield).

Morgans has a 12-month target of $35.19 on NAB shares.

This implies a potential 8% downside ahead.

The post Buy, hold, sell: SRG Global, Cochlear, NAB shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why I’d buy CSL, Cochlear, and Pro Medicus shares
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Buy $5,000 of Cochlear shares today and it could be worth this much in 12 months
• This high flying industrials stock just rocketed 9% on results and is expected to keep rising
• Is the NAB share price a buy for its 6% dividend yield?

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen 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 and Srg Global. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares are 0.2% higher at 9,075.1 points on Thursday.

As earnings season continues, three experts give us their views on three ASX shares.

Let’s check them out. 

Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB)

The Hub24 share price is $76.47, down 4.1% today and down 27% over 12 months. 

Morgans has an accumulate rating on this ASX 200 financial share after reviewing the company’s FY26 report.

The broker said: 

HUB’s FY26 Group result was largely in line with expectations with underlying EBITDA of A$211.4m, up 30% on pcp, consistent with MorgansF/Consensus A$212m, and underlying NPAT of A$137.3m slightly ahead of MorgansF A$131.9m.

Platform EBITDA however fell short of expectations due to slower revenue momentum in 2H26, which was outpaced by 2H26 Platform Opex growth.

HUB’s FY28 FUA target of A$186-200bn points to FY28 net flows of ~A$18-19bn, however momentum through to Aug’26 appears to be running behind this due to elevated discretionary gross outflows.

Whilst the timing of this roll-off remains uncertain, we see this as a near-term headwind and likely to abate, although it does suggest FY27 flows will track lower than FY26 (particularly vs. 1H26).

Car Group Ltd (ASX: CAR)

The Car share price is $28.40, down 2.1% today and down 31% over 12 months. 

On The Bull this week, Tom Fairchild from Lazarus Capital Partners gives Car shares a hold rating.

After reviewing Car Group’s FY26 report, Fairchild said: 

This global digital car market business enjoys first mover advantage.

Investors reacted positively to the company’s full year results. Reported revenue of $A1.253 billion was up 6 per cent on the prior corresponding period. Reported net profit after tax of $A314 million was up 14 per cent.

The company expects to generate high single digit revenue growth in Australia in fiscal year 2027 and double digit revenue growth in constant currency in North America and Latin America.

The company is resilient through economic cycles and offers excellent brand value.

Baby Bunting Group Ltd (ASX: BBN)

The Baby Bunting share price is $1.30, up 3.4% today and down 47% over 12 months. 

Andrew Wielandt from DP Wealth Advisory has a sell rating on this ASX consumer discretionary share. 

Wielandt said: 

In June 2026, the specialty baby retailer downgraded full year guidance, citing softer trading in the fourth quarter of 2026.

Three interest rate rises in the second half of 2026 and higher fuel prices weighed on consumer spending and lifted distribution costs.

Also, the company is up against fierce competition.

Given industry and retail trends, I expect BBN to face challenging times moving forward, at least in the short term.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Car Group, Baby Bunting, Hub24 shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen 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 Hub24. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CAR Group Ltd and Hub24. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

IDP Education Ltd (ASX: IEL) shares have crashed 24% to an all-time low of $1.64 in Thursday afternoon trade.

At one point earlier this morning, the shares dropped as low as $1.55 a piece.

The global education company’s shares are now down 71% for the year-to-date and 65% lower than 12 months ago.

What happened today?

It looks like the catalyst for today’s sell-off is IDP’s FY26 results update, which the company posted to the ASX ahead of the market open this morning.

The company posted a steep decline in NPAT, down 74% from last year. It also announced a 11% decline in revenue and an 18% decline in adjusted NPAT.

IDP said its earnings decline was caused by weaker international student demand. This is mostly a result of ongoing policy changes and tighter migration settings in key markets. 

Student Placement volumes tumbled by 27% and IELTS English Language Testing volumes dropped by 8%. 

But it’s not all bad news. Despite the headwinds, IDP still delivered a $32 million underlying reduction in overhead costs, exceeding its transformation target. It also continued to generate strong cash flow, bringing net debt down by 29% to $118.6 million.

IDP also launched a share buy-back program of up to $50 million, suggesting confidence in its transformation strategy. 

But looking ahead to FY27, the company said it expects challenging market conditions to persist, with tighter migration and student visa policies continuing to weigh on volumes.

The company’s shares also crashed in late 2025. And its dismal performance led to the stock being removed from the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) amid a reshuffle in September last year. IDP Education is now among the worst-performing shares in the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) over the past 12 months. 

Investors are clearly disappointed with the update, and many have decided to sell up their shares ahead of a further downturn.

So, what can we expect next from IDP shares?

Is it time to buy in the dip? Or is more downside coming?

Some analysts said they think visa caps and declines in student volume may have bottomed out, particularly in key markets like Canada and Australia. 

This suggests student placement volume could start rebounding, and it could lift revenue and the company’s share price.

But there isn’t much evidence of this translating to higher revenue just yet. I think we could see some adjustments to analysts and broker forecasts in the coming days as they digest the latest update.

But at the time of writing, Market Index data shows the majority of brokers have a buy rating on the ASX education shares. The $4 average target price is unchanged, which implies the shares have the potential to jump 140% higher, at the time of writing.

The post IDP shares crash 24% to historic low on Thursday: What happened? 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 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.