Author: openjargon

Yesterday, mortgage holders and ASX share investors received a mixed message on Australia’s inflation rate.

On the positive side of the scale, the ABS reported that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by 4.0% in the 12 months to May. That’s down from the 4.2% increase in the inflation rate for the 12 months to April.

On the negative side of that scale, the ABS revealed that trimmed mean inflation, which takes out certain volatile items (like fuel), increased to 3.6%. That’s up from 3.4% in the 12 months to April and well above the RBA’s 2% to 3% target range.

That’s important for ASX share investors and mortgage holders hoping for interest rate relief, as the trimmed mean number is the RBA’s preferred gauge.

As you’re likely aware, Aussies have already had to contend with three interest rate increases from the central bank in 2026. While the RBA kept rates on hold at 4.35% at its last meeting on 16 June, this still sees the official interest rate back at their 2024 peak, and matching the highest level since 2011.

So, what can we expect from interest rates now?

What the experts are saying on the inflation rate and the RBA

Commenting on the latest inflation rate numbers, Ebury economist Anthony Malouf said, “May CPI data was weaker than expected at the headline level… However, the headline figure is heavily distorted by the ongoing unwind of automotive fuel prices, which have fallen over the past two months.”

As for what this might mean for Australia’s interest rates, Malouf said:

More concerning for the RBA, trimmed mean inflation surprised to the upside, rising 0.4% MoM with the annual rate lifting to 3.6% from 3.4% in April, suggesting underlying inflation continues to firm…

We maintain our view that the cash rate remains on hold at 4.35% through 2026 and into 2027.

CreditorWatch chief economist Ivan Colhoun has a more hawkish view on what we might expect from the RBA’s rate-setting path.

According to Colhoun:

There was some good news in today’s CPI release with the first reports of some price falls as fuel surcharges were reduced…

However, that still leaves Australia with a labour market inflation problem, with the recent 4.75% national wage case decision likely to sustain price rises at rates nowhere near consistent with the RBA’s 2.5% aims. That suggests the Bank isn’t finished tightening as yet.

Connecting the dots, Colhoun advised mortgage holders and ASX investors to brace for another rate hike towards the end of the year.

He concluded:

My base case remains of a continuing slow, elongated tightening cycle in Australia, underpinned by the global AI, defence and renewables investment boom, with mining also benefiting. Further tightening remains a significant risk. My expectation is the RBA will continue to observe inflation and the economy for a while longer and next tighten in November.

And we’ll leave off with BNY APAC macro strategist, Wee Khoon Chong, who said the latest inflation rate data leaves the door open for another RBA rate hike in 2026.

Chong noted (quoted by the Australian Financial Review):

Markets appear too complacent in assuming the current tightening cycle has peaked. The data is unlikely to shift the RBA from its current wait-and-see stance in the near term.

However, the firmer core inflation reading reinforces our view that further policy tightening remains possible before year end.

Stay tuned!

The post Buying ASX shares or paying off a mortgage? Here’s what the inflation rate means for RBA interest rate hikes appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• Morgans says these ASX shares could rise 5%, 20%, and 55%
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• Buy, hold, sell: Karoon Energy, Brambles, REA shares
• Why Judo Capital, Minerals 260, Santos, and Worley shares are dropping today

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.

Looking for some investment options? Well, Morgans has just given its verdict on these ASX shares.

Is it bullish or bearish? Let’s see what the broker is saying about them:

Astron Ltd (ASX: ATR)

Morgans is a fan of this mineral sands and rare earths company and has named it as a (speculative) buy with a 90 cents price target. This implies potential upside of 55% for investors from current levels. It commented:

ATR’s flagship Donald Project is shovel-ready and on track for a Phase 1 FID in the Sept-Q 2026, with project financing and HMC offtake the final gating items. A newly released Phase 2 study and JV partner Energy Fuels’ rapid US rare earth processing build-out reinforce the long-term upside of this high-quality, ex-China critical minerals developer. Maintain SPECULATIVE BUY rating with a A$0.90ps target price.

Baby Bunting Group Ltd (ASX: BBN)

The broker thinks a compelling entry point has arrived for investors to accumulate this baby products retailer’s shares. It has a price target of $1.70 on its shares, which implies potential upside of 20% for investors from current levels.

Morgans believes at under 9x earnings, this ASX share looks good value. It said:

BBN reported a weaker than expected trading update, downgrading its pro-forma NPAT by ~11% at the midpoint of guidance. The downgrade was driven by softer sales, particularly in the 4Q, and increased supply chain costs. Our price target lowers to $1.70 (from $1.79), and we maintain our ACCUMULATE rating. Despite a softer consumer environment, we see the strength of the refurbished store program likely to underpin earnings growth in FY27. Trading at <9x PE, we see the current price as a compelling entry point to accumulate.

Tasmea Ltd (ASX: TEA)

Morgans has downgraded this specialist maintenance services provider’s shares to an accumulate rating with a $9.80 price target (offering 5% upside). It made the move after the ASX share recorded very strong gains over the past month. The broker adds:

Hot-on-the-heels of the Maxim acquisition announced earlier this month, TEA has entered into an agreement to acquire JPS Group, a specialist integrated services provider to [the] energy sector, for $50m upfront (5x FY26 EBIT) or up to $75 million inclusive of all earn-outs (7.5x FY26 EBIT or just 6.2x $12m maintainable EBIT).

This adds scale and an important growth lever to the underperforming Mechanical division, with JPS expected to double revenue by FY29. For the base business, FY26 guidance of $117m EBIT and $72.5m NPAT has been reiterated. We increase our EPS forecasts by +5-6% in FY27 and FY28. Our target price rises in line with our earnings forecasts to $9.80 (from $9.15).

The post Morgans says these ASX shares could rise 5%, 20%, and 55% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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.

Lendlease Group (ASX: LLC) shares are in demand on Thursday after the ASX-listed property group announced another major divestment.

At the time of writing, the Lendlease share price is up 5.84% to $3.08.

That adds to a better recent run for the ASX real estate stock, which has now climbed almost 10% over the past month.

However, shareholders are still sitting on some heavy losses in 2026. Lendlease shares remain down about 40% since the start of the year, showing just how much pressure the stock has been under.

Here’s what the company told the market today.

Lendlease sells Keyton stake

According to the release, Lendlease is selling its remaining interest in the Keyton Retirement Living Trust.

Current co-investor Aware Super will acquire Lendlease’s 25.1% interest for $525 million, with the net proceeds to be used to reduce group debt.

The deal is in line with the company’s half-year 2026 book value and remains subject to conditions, including regulatory approvals.

Lendlease is targeting completion in the first half of FY27.

Keyton is a retirement living business, and the sale adds another piece to Lendlease’s plan to simplify the group and recycle capital out of its non-core assets.

That has been a major focus for Lendlease as it works through its turnaround. Over the past year, sentiment has been weighed down by debt concerns, asset sales, and earnings pressure.

More capital recycling

The latest deal adds to a growing list of moves from Lendlease’s Capital Release Unit (CRU).

The company said it has now announced or completed more than $3.4 billion of capital recycling transactions since its May 2024 strategy update.

That includes asset sales across Australian communities, US military housing, international land and inventory, retail and office interests, and other holdings.

Management said the “focus remains on balancing value realisation with speed of execution.”

Can the recovery continue?

Today’s gain is a welcome change for Lendlease shareholders, but it doesn’t erase what has been a brutal year.

The stock is still down around 40% since the start of 2026, so the market is unlikely to get carried away on one deal.

The $525 million Keyton sale gives Lendlease more cash to reduce debt and keeps its capital recycling plan moving.

But there’s still a lot of work to do. The company needs to keep completing asset sales, bring debt down further, and avoid selling assets too cheaply.

Until that happens, the Lendlease share price could move sideways from here.

The post Lendlease shares jump 6% after $525 million deal. Is the worst over? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why A2 Milk, EchoIQ, Lendlease, and Qantas shares are racing higher today
• Lendlease offloads Keyton stake in $525m deal
• Lendlease Group shares paused pending further announcement
• 3 ASX 200 stocks leaping higher this week on big announcements
• ASX 200 slips as oil shock puts investors on edge

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.

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares are down 0.3% to 8,780.1 points on Thursday.

Meanwhile, three experts have revealed their views on three ASX 200 shares.

Let’s see what they think. 

Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR)

The Karoon Energy share price is $1.29, down 5.8% today and down 17% in the calendar year to date (YTD). 

Karoon Energy shares tumbled 11% last Tuesday when the company issued production downgrades.

Calendar year 2026 total production guidance was revised to a range of 7.2 MMboe to 8.2 MMboe.

That’s down from 8.1 MMboe to 9.2 MMboe previously.

Citi reiterated its buy rating on this ASX 200 energy share but cut its 12-month target from $2.50 to $1.75.

Last week, oil prices slumped back to pre-war levels after the US and Iran signed an interim deal and began new talks in Switzerland.

Brambles Ltd (ASX: BXB)

The Brambles share price is $19.57, up 2.6% today, and down 14% YTD.

Christopher Watt from Bell Potter has a hold rating on this ASX 200 industrials share. 

On The Bull, Watt explained: 

The underlying franchise remains high quality, but a recent trading update introduced uncertainty around supply constraints, freight costs, plant inefficiencies and softer conditions in parts of Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Management has presented a credible plan to improve capacity through new pallets and service centres, but the financial recovery may take longer than the operational fix.

With earnings expectations still at risk, the outlook is balanced.

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

The REA share price is $133.43, up 1.4% today and down 28% YTD. 

Michael Ardrey from Bell Potter has a sell rating on this ASX 200 communications share. 

REA expects no growth in home values across the combined capital cities in CY26, and a rebound to 5.5% growth in CY27.

Ardrey explained the broker’s reiterated sell recommendation: 

Our thesis rests on REA’s share price declining from a reduction in EPS forecasts in-line with market pricing, driven by: (1) Elevated near-term RBA cash rate forecast driving softening in demand for lending, (2) Recent budget measures adversely impacting investment in property as an asset class, largely in the investor book partially offset by owner-occupied; (3) Both factors combining to negatively impact average national dwelling values and listing volumes more than offsetting Buy yield for REA; and (4) REA’s history of EPS declines in a falling 12-mth average dwelling price environment.

The analyst gave REA shares a 12-month target of $133, down from $137.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Karoon Energy, Brambles, REA shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. 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 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.

In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is out of form and in the red. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is down 0.4% to 8,773.8 points.

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

Judo Capital Holdings Ltd (ASX: JDO)

The Judo Capital share price is down 40% to 92.5 cents. Investors have been selling the small business lender’s shares after it increased its cost of risk and downgraded its earnings guidance. Judo Capital now expects its FY 2026 cost of risk to be in the range of $116 million to $122 million. This has been driven by three exposures across different sectors that have recently emerged. As a result, Judo Capital now expects its profit before tax in FY 2026 to be between $163 million and $169 million. This is down meaningfully from its previous guidance of between $180 million and $190 million. The company’s CEO, Chris Bayliss, said: “While today’s update is partly a result of the macro environment, it is nevertheless disappointing.”

Minerals 260 Ltd (ASX: MI6)

The Minerals 260 share price is down almost 12% to 83.5 cents. The gold industry is a sea of red on Thursday following another pullback in the gold price. This has seen the S&P/ASX All Ords Gold Index drop 5% today. In other news, this morning, Minerals 260 released results from the ongoing drilling program at its 100% owned 4.5Moz Bullabulling Gold Project. It is possible that some investors were expecting stronger results than those that were released.

Santos Ltd (ASX: STO)

The Santos share price is down 3% to $7.03. Investors have been selling energy shares today following another pullback in oil prices overnight. Traders were selling oil after tankers continued to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index is down 2.5% this afternoon.

Worley Ltd (ASX: WOR)

The Worley share price is down almost 9% to $11.20. This morning, this professional services company revealed that the Middle East conflict has continued to impact its earnings. Worley now estimates the impact to FY 2026 underlying EBITA to be up to $60 million. This is up materially from its previous estimate of $30 million to $40 million. It explains: “The extended duration and ongoing impact of the Middle East conflict continues to cause disruption to the progress of existing projects. While there have been no project cancellations, customers continue to delay the commencement and award of new projects.”

The post Why Judo Capital, Minerals 260, Santos, and Worley shares are dropping today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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.

Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN), A2 Milk Co Ltd (ASX: A2M), and Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME) shares are turning heads today.

As we head into the Thursday lunch hour, two of the ASX 200 heavyweights are charging ahead of the 0.2% losses posted by the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) at this time, while one is trailing that performance.

Here’s what’s grabbing ASX investor interest on Thursday.

Pro Medicus shares leap on AI news

Pro Medicus shares are up 2.5% at the time of writing, swapping hands for $183.40 each.

This outperformance follows an announcement from the ASX 200 health imaging company on how it is expanding its AI-driven cardiology solutions.

In the latest move, Pro Medicus has signed binding heads of agreement with AI and medical technology company Echo IQ Ltd (ASX: EIQ).

The deal would see Pro Medicus take an initial $10 million stake in Echo IQ. A further $10 million investment is contingent on Echo securing US FDA approval for its EchoSolv HF product.

Commenting on the deal that’s helping boost Pro Medicus shares today, CEO Sam Hupert said:

In addition to providing financial backing, we are looking to offer our Visage 7 Cardiology customers the option of Echo IQ’s technology.

This is in line with our AI strategy of offering a curated suite of algorithms that will be a mixture of algorithms created by us, those created in conjunction with our clinical partners and third party algorithms such as Echo-IQ.

A2 Milk shares surge on NZ$300 million special dividend

A2 Milk shares are also catching investor attention today, and outperforming, after the board declared a NZ$300 million fully-franked special dividend.

The welcome passive income boost follows the recent Chinese approval to transition product registrations to A2 Milk-branded infant formula.

And it sees shares in the infant formula company up 4.1% today, trading for $7.13 each.

Breaking that NZ$300 million dividend payout down, it equates to 41.36 New Zealand cents per share (33.90 Aussie cents at current exchange rates).

If you want to bag the special A2 Milk dividend, you’ll need to own shares by market close on 7 July. A2 Milk shares trade ex-dividend on 8 July.

Commenting on the special dividend payout boosting A2 Milk shares today, chair Pip Greenwood, said:

With the necessary China regulatory approvals now in place, the board is pleased to declare a $300 million special dividend. This reflects our commitment to delivering shareholder returns while maintaining disciplined capital management.

Which brings us to…

Mineral Resources shares sink on mine closure

Joining A2 Milk and Pro Medicus shares in grabbing headlines today is lithium miner and diversified resources producer Mineral Resources.

However, Mineral Resources shares are underperforming today, down 2.9% at $63.93 apiece.

This comes amid news that the ASX 200 mining stock is placing its Western Australia-based Lucky Bay Garnet Project into care and maintenance at the end of the month.

Mineral Resource noted:

The mine’s financial performance has been materially impacted by ongoing conflict in the Middle East, a region representing a significant proportion of Lucky Bay’s sales.

Combined with materially higher diesel and shipping costs, a strategic review of Lucky Bay has determined it is in the best interests of the company and its shareholders to cease operations and transition the project into care and maintenance, effective 1 July 2026.

The post Why is everyone talking about Mineral Resources, A2 Milk and Pro Medicus shares on Thursday? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why A2 Milk, EchoIQ, Lendlease, and Qantas shares are racing higher today
• Up 218% in a year, Mineral Resources shares sinking today amid mine closure news
• A deal with Pro Medicus has turned this ASX biotech into a 10-bagger, up more than 30% today
• A2 Milk shares jump amid $300 million special dividend
• Pro Medicus shares jump again as AI deal adds fuel to 40% rally

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

Worley Ltd (ASX: WOR) shares are tumbling on Thursday after the engineering services group released a disappointing update.

At the time of writing, the Worley share price is down a sizeable 9.13% to $11.15. By comparison, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is currently down 0.38% to 8,775 points.

That leaves the ASX industrial stock down around 11% over the past month and 15% lower than this time last year.

The latest update clearly hasn’t landed well with investors, with the company pointing to a larger-than-expected hit to FY26 earnings.

Let’s take a closer look at what was announced.

Worley warns on earnings

According to the release, Worley now expects the adverse impact on FY26 underlying EBITA to be up to $60 million.

Back in April, the company thought the impact would be closer to $30 million to $40 million.

Worley said the extended duration and ongoing impact of the Middle East conflict continue to disrupt the progress of existing projects.

No projects have been cancelled, which is at least some good news. But customers are still pushing back the start of new work and delaying project awards.

Worley noted that recent developments in the region have been positive, including talks around ending the conflict and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

However, the uncertainty around contract timing still appears to be making investors nervous today.

Currency adds another headwind

In addition to the disappointing update, Worley said the stronger Australian dollar in the second half of FY26 is expected to create another headwind.

Management estimates this will have an impact of about $50 million on FY26 reported underlying EBITA.

That adds another challenge at a time when the company is already dealing with project delays in the Middle East.

For context, Worley reported FY25 underlying EBITA of $823 million.

Full-year result now in focus

The next big test will be Worley’s full-year result on 26 August.

Even after today’s fall, Worley still has a market capitalisation of around $5.9 billion.

That’s not a small business, but the latest update has clearly taken the shine off it.

The result should give the market a better look at how much work has simply been pushed back, and whether margins are being squeezed as well.

Investors will also be watching for any signs that customer activity is starting to improve in the affected regions.

Until then, the stock could remain under close watch. I’d be inclined to sit on the sidelines for now.

The post Worley shares crash 9% as Middle East earnings hit gets worse appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Worley flags FY26 earnings hit from Middle East delays and currency impact
• Bell Potter names the best ASX 200 shares to buy in June

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.

In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to record a decline. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is down 0.35% to 8,776.8 points.

Four ASX shares that are not letting that hold them back are listed below. Here’s why they are rising:

A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M)

The A2 Milk share price is up 4% to $7.12. This follows news that the infant formula company is rewarding shareholders with a NZ$300 million special dividend. The company estimates this will equate to 41.36 New Zealand cents per share (33.9 Australian cents per share). Based on its last close price of $6.85, this represented a dividend yield of just under 5%. A2 Milk’s chair, Pip Greenwood, said: “With the necessary China regulatory approvals now in place, the Board is pleased to declare a $300 million special dividend. This reflects our commitment to delivering shareholder returns while maintaining disciplined capital management.”

EchoIQ Ltd (ASX: EIQ)

The EchoIQ share price is up 33% to $1.65. Investors have been bidding the medical technology company’s shares higher after Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME) made an investment. Pro Medicus’ CEO, Dr Sam Hupert, said: “In addition to providing financial backing, we are looking to offer our Visage 7 Cardiology customers the option of Echo IQ’s technology. This is in line with our AI strategy of offering a curated suite of algorithms that will be a mixture of algorithms created by us, those created in conjunction with our clinical partners and 3rd party algorithms such as Echo-IQ.”

Lendlease Group (ASX: LLC)

The Lendlease share price is up 5% to $3.06. This has been driven by the announcement of a major divestment. Lendlease will divest its remaining 25.1% interest in the Keyton Retirement Living Trust to existing co-investor, Aware Super, for a consideration of $525 million. It advised that net proceeds will be used to reduce group debt. Management notes that this transaction brings the total of announced and completed capital recycling initiatives from the Capital Release Unit (CRU) to $3.4 billion.

Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN)

The Qantas Airways share price is up 4% to $10.73. This may have been driven by a pullback in oil prices overnight. As fuel is the airline operator’s largest cost, any reduction in oil prices is good news for margins. Qantas shares are now up almost 20% over the past two weeks.

The post Why A2 Milk, EchoIQ, Lendlease, and Qantas shares are racing higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why is everyone talking about Mineral Resources, A2 Milk and Pro Medicus shares on Thursday?
• A deal with Pro Medicus has turned this ASX biotech into a 10-bagger, up more than 30% today
• Lendlease offloads Keyton stake in $525m deal
• A2 Milk shares jump amid $300 million special dividend
• Pro Medicus shares jump again as AI deal adds fuel to 40% rally

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

DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO) shares are falling again in Thursday’s trade. 

At the time of writing, the counter-drone technology company’s shares are down around 1% and trading at $2.52 each.

Today’s decrease is just one of many in a long line of consecutive share price falls. 

DroneShield shares are down 24% year to date and 62% from an all-time high recorded in October last year.

What has happened to the share price?

There has been a significant shift in sentiment around DroneShield shares recently.

After a strong start to the year, when governments around the world hiked their defence budgets, and geopolitical volatility worsened, investors seem to have turned their backs on the stock.

There is now some concern that the company’s future growth may not be large enough to justify its share price. 

Even a flurry of contract wins hasn’t been enough to convince investors. 

At the same time, a combination of recent governance and regulatory issues and the cooling of conflict in the Middle East has dragged DroneShield’s shares down further.

The stock climbed higher during the first week of May, but then turned again after the company announced that the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) had requested DroneShield to provide reasonable assistance in connection with an investigation under the Corporations Act. The investigation relates to market announcements and share trading in November 2025. 

All this has happened amid a background of signs of easing conflict in the Middle East. While heightened conflict can increase interest in defence technology, particularly counter-drone systems, signs of easing will do the opposite.

So, is it time to buy in the dip or has the market now lost interest in DroneShield shares? 

Here’s what the experts think.

Is it time to invest in DroneShield shares? Or should I look elsewhere?

If analyst forecasts are anything to go by, I wouldn’t jump at buying $5,000 of DroneShield shares just yet.

TradingView data shows that analysts are sharply divided in their outlook for the counter-drone technology stock over the next 12 months, though they mostly agree there will be some upside ahead.

Out of four analysts, two have a strong buy rating, and two have a sell or strong sell rating.

The average $3.41 target price still implies a potential 35% upside at the time of writing. The maximum $4.80 target price implies that DroneShield shares could jump another 91%, while some are even more bearish, tipping the shares to fall around 9% to $2.28.

Canaccord Genuity is one analyst with a more bullish view on the shares. It renewed its buy rating on Droneshield shares earlier this month, with a 12-month price target of $3.75.

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

More reading

• Own DroneShield shares? Here’s some news you might have missed
• DroneShield shares lifting off on Monday amid big leadership news
• Here are the 10 most shorted ASX shares
• 8 ASX shares with 30% to 220% upside ahead: Experts
• Own DroneShield shares? Here’s some big news

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 DroneShield. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Industrial conglomerate Tasmea Ltd (ASX: TEA) is forecasting net profit to grow by 70% next financial year on the back of a record order book and the contribution from a number of acquisitions.  

Strong order book driving growth

The company said in a statement to the ASX that it expected underlying EBITA to be $202 to $208 million and underlying net profit to be $128 to $132 million.

Both figures would be a 70% uplift from the expected results for the current financial year.

The company said:

Guidance assumes a full 12 months’ contribution from the Maxim Group acquisition which is now unconditional and is expected to settle on 1 July 2026 and includes 11 months earnings from JPS Group, expected to settle on or around 1 August 2026.

Tasmea said it had consistently delivered compounding earnings growth since its initial public offer, “with a multi-year EBIT and NPAT CAGR of more than 50% from FY24 to forecast FY27″.

The company said there were a number of factors which had contributed to this, including growth in high-quality, recurring revenues “with an increasing number of master service agreements, facilities management agreements and long term contract with now more than 120 on foot following recent acquisitions and organic customer growth”.

There were also increasing synergies across the company’s portfolio, and the company said the underlying growth from the Tasmea base business was forecast to grow organically at 10% to 15%.

Tasmea also said there were:

Strong industry tailwinds across Australia’s key industries including mining and resources, data centres and infrastructure, oil and gas, electrification, power and renewables, waste and water, telecommunications, defence and retail.

The company added:

Tasmea’s contracted order book has reached record levels, providing strong forward earnings visibility and reinforcing the Company’s ability to deliver sustained organic earnings growth. Demand is underpinned by structural tailwinds across the Group’s core markets.

Of the company’s expected revenues, 62% would come from recurring revenues and another 17% from secured contracts. Another 12% was expected to come from tendered business.

Management have skin in the game

Tasmea Managing Director Stephen Young said:

We are proud to be providing FY27 earnings guidance that reflects the continued strength and momentum of our business. These results are only possible thanks to the outstanding efforts of our people across the country. I want to sincerely thank all Tasmea employees for their unwavering commitment to safety and operational excellence — the foundation of everything we do. Tasmea’s Executive Directors, Mark, Jason, Trent and I have together reinvested over $50 million in Tasmea since IPO—reflecting our continued confidence in the Company’s outlook, our strategy, and the strength of the team that’s driving it with our core purpose, to Deliver Value. Always!

Tasmea shares have more than tripled from $3.20 to $9.62 over the past 12 months.

The company is now valued at $2.52 billion.

The post This company’s shares have more than tripled. It’s now predicting 70% earnings growth 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.