Author: openjargon

A new month is here, so what better time to look at making some new portfolio additions.

But which ASX shares could be buys?

Three that Morgans is bullish on are named below. Here’s what it is recommending to clients:

Catalyst Metals Ltd (ASX: CYL)

Morgans thinks that this gold miner could be a good option for investors looking for exposure to this side of the market.

In response to its half-year results, the broker has retained its buy rating and $14.56 price target. It said:

1H26 result was broadly in line with expectations, with FY26 shaping as a foundation year ahead of a step-change in ounce growth from FY27 and beyond, underpinned by ~10 years of reserves. Key positive: Continued uplift in the price of gold has delivered a material uplift in revenue (+50% pcp) and underlying EBITDA (+92%) despite ounce production effectively being flat pcp. Key negative: legal settlement fees regarding Plutonic’s K2 prospect (A$49m) eroded NPAT which was not fully captured in our forecasts. We maintain our BUY rating and A$14.56ps price target.

Light & Wonder Inc. (ASX: LNW)

Another ASX share that has been given a buy rating (with a $195.00 price target) by Morgans is gaming technology company Light & Wonder.

The broker was pleased with management commentary relating to AI disruption and agrees that it will strengthen its competitive edge. As a result, it thinks recent share price weakness has created an opportunity. It explains:

We were encouraged by management’s articulation of AI as both an offensive growth lever and a defensive moat. Net/net, we view AI as enhancing LNW’s competitive edge rather than eroding it, and the recent share price weakness appears disconnected from the durability of its land-based earnings base.

In our view, LNW trades on an undemanding valuation given: (1) supportive NA EGM demand; (2) litigation overhang behind it; (3) a balance sheet set to delever through 2026 (MorgansF: ~2.9x); and (4) Grover providing a high-return, recurring revenue vertical growing ahead of expectations. We upgrade to BUY, however lower our price target to A$195 (previously A$200).

Objective Corporation Ltd (ASX: OCL)

Finally, Morgans has named information technology software and services provider Object Corp as a buy with a $16.70 price target.

The broker believes there are tailwinds that will be supportive of its long-term growth momentum. It explains:

OCL’s FY26 ARR guidance has been reset to 10-14% (CC basis). Our EBITDA forecasts reduce by -4% across FY26-FY28F, driven by adjustments for ARR guidance and our expectations around timing of investment/margins and currency movements. Our blended DCF/EV/EBITDA based price target revises to $16.70/sh (from $20.00/sh). We see tailwinds remaining supportive of OCL’s long-term growth momentum. Following the recent pullback in OCL’s share price we move to a Buy rating (from Accumulate).

The post Morgans names 3 ASX shares to buy in March appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Can this beaten-down ASX 200 stock bounce back in 2026?
• Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• Why this growing ASX 200 stock could rise 60%+
• 3 Australian growth stocks to buy in 2026

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 positions in and has recommended Light & Wonder Inc and Objective. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Objective. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Light & Wonder Inc. 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 some of the most appealing to own for Australians because of how they can provide both stability and growth.

The tech space has been through a rough period as the market digests the potential impacts of AI competition in the coming years. Plus, the prospect of higher inflation and interest rates is adding to the pressure on valuations.

So, following the uncertainty, it could be a good call to look at both the sold-off tech shares and non-tech businesses. Here are two that I’m bullish about – I already own these ASX 200 shares, and I’m planning to buy more.

Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG)

Breville is best known for its coffee machines, though it also sells other small appliances. It has a few different bands like Beville, Sage, Lelit, and Baratza. It also has a coffee bean business called Beanz.

I think the business showcased its quality in the FY26 half-year result by delivering 10.1% revenue growth and 0.7% net profit growth despite the impact of US tariffs on one of its key markets. Its healthy dividend payout ratio meant it was able to lift its dividend per share by 5.6% to 19 cents.

The business has put in significant effort to shift its manufacturing so that 80% of its US gross profit products are now produced outside of China. This was achieved by December 2025.

For me, what’s most pleasing is seeing revenue growth across the board. Americas revenue grew 11.6% to $549.5 million, Asia Pacific (APAC) revenue grew 5.9% to $190.3 million, and Europe, the Middle East and Asia (EMEA) revenue climbed 13.7% to $233.8 million. Over time, scale benefits should help increase profit margins.

With the Breville share price down more than 13% since 12 February 2026, this looks like an opportunistic time to buy a growing business.

Pinnacle Investment Management Group Ltd (ASX: PNI)

Pinnacle is an ASX 200 share heavily involved in the funds management world. It takes a minor stake in funds management businesses and helps them grow by offering various services (including client distribution, legal, compliance, and so on), allowing the fund manager to focus on investing.

The business has a portfolio of a number of well-recognised fund managers, including Hyperion, Plato, Palisade, Resolution Capital, Solaris, Antipodes, Firetrail, Metrics, Coolabah, Life Cycle, and Pacific Asset Management.

Pinnacle’s HY26 net profit may have dropped 11% to $67.3 million, but excluding the reduction of performance fees, net profit increased 37% year over year. It experienced net inflows of $17.2 billion during the period, with FUM rising 13% over six months to $202.5 billion at 31 December 2025.

I believe this ASX 200 share will continue expanding and diversifying its fund manager portfolio. I’m eager to see the business increase the number of northern hemisphere fund managers it’s invested in.

I think this is a buy-the-dip opportunity after declining around 20% since 11 February 2026.

The post 2 ASX 200 shares I rate as top buys for growth appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Experts rate these 2 ASX growth shares as buys this month!
• I’d listen to Warren Buffett and buy quality ASX shares at fair prices today
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• Buy, hold, sell: Breville, CSL, and EOS shares
• Where to invest $5,000 in ASX mid-cap shares

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Breville Group and Pinnacle Investment Management Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Pinnacle Investment Management Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Pinnacle Investment Management Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

It’s been a difficult week for Australian shares, with continued conflict in the Middle East sending the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) tumbling. At the time of writing on Wednesday afternoon, the index is down 1.82% for the day, and down 3.1% since the geopolitical uncertainty kicked off at the weekend.

At times like these, scared investors flock to safe-haven assets or to ASX 200 shares with a proven track record of reliability. 

If you need a reminder of the power of investing in the right stock, here’s a look at two of the tried and tested ASX 200 stocks that have given some of their investors millionaire status.

Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG)

Fortescue shares have been caught up in the latest sharemarket downturn. At the time of writing, the stock is down 2.48% for the day to $19.10. For the year to date, the ASX 200 shares have dropped 13.82%.

Some investors may be fretting. But if you’d invested $5,000 in Fortescue between July 1999 and May 2003, when the stock was just a tiny 1 cent per share, you’d be sitting on an absolute fortune today. 

With a gigantic 190,700% all-time increase, committed investors who contributed $5,000 would have $9.54 million today. It’s a smidge below the $10 million mark thanks to this week’s decline. Earlier in the week, it would have been well above.

And that doesn’t include the income from dividends either. At its latest FY26 half-year result, the miner announced an interim dividend per share of 62 cents.

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

The real estate advertising company’s share price suffered a gradual but consistent decline after it appointed a new CEO in late August. And by the end of the year, it had shed 30% of its value. And the declines continued in 2026. 

Thankfully, there has been an uptick over the past five days. At the time of writing, the ASX 200 shares are 0.88% higher at $163 a piece.

Like Fortescue, REA Group has been trading on the ASX since 1999 at $1.09 per share. But if you’d waited until August 2001 (when the shares had dropped to just 8 cents each) and invested your $5,000, you’d be looking at a 203,687% increase in value. That translates to $10.18 million today. 

Again, this doesn’t include any income from dividends. REA Group’s latest interim dividend for the FY26 half year is $1.24 per share.

The post 2 ASX 200 shares that turned a $5,000 investment into $10 million appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Did you catch what happened with the Fortescue share price in February?
• Why did the REA share price fall today?
• 2 strong Australian stocks to buy now with $6,000
• Here’s the dividend forecast out to 2030 for Fortescue shares
• ASX 200 shares to buy on the cheap right now

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.

Many of Australia’s top brokers have been busy adjusting their financial models and recommendations again. This has led to the release of a number of broker notes this week.

Three ASX shares that brokers have named as buys this week are listed below. Here’s why their analysts are feeling bullish on them right now:

Capstone Copper Corp (ASX: CSC)

According to a note out of Morgans, its analysts have retained their buy rating on this copper miner’s shares with a trimmed price target of $16.00. This follows the release of a fourth quarter update which was a touch short of expectations, as well as soft production guidance for 2026. However, the broker isn’t concerned by this. Instead, it is urging investors to focus on the medium term and believes strong production growth is still coming through to the end of the decade. As a result, it feels that the company’s shares are undervalued at current levels based on its copper price forecasts. The Capstone Copper share price is trading at $13.05 this afternoon.

Life360 Inc (ASX: 360)

A note out of Bell Potter reveals that its analysts have retained their buy rating on this family safety technology company’s shares with a trimmed price target of $40.00. This follows the release of FY 2025 results that were a touch ahead of forecasts. In addition, the broker was pleased with Life360’s guidance for FY 2026, highlighting that it was in line with both the broker’s and consensus estimates. In light of this and the significant share price weakness recently, Bell Potter appears to see now as an opportune time for investors to pick up this rapidly growing company’s shares. The Life360 share price is fetching $20.54 at the time of writing.

Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM)

Another note out of Morgans reveals that its analysts have upgraded this gold miner’s shares to a buy rating with an improved price target of $214.00. With the spot gold price trading near record highs, it highlights that gold miners are generating significant cash, which is strengthening their balance sheets. And with the broker upgrading its gold price assumptions for the coming years, it sees potential for a further re-rating of gold miners like Newmont in the near term. The Newmont share price is trading at $172.60 on Wednesday afternoon.

The post Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Three stocks to buy for double-digit returns, according to Macquarie
• Why EOS, GenusPlus, Life360, and WIA Gold shares are rising today
• 3 ASX growth shares you’ll wish you’d bought at these cheap prices
• Why Life360 shares could rise 100%
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Life360. 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 has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Having some exposure to the small side of the Australian share market can be a good thing for a balanced investment portfolio.

After all, if you can identify a small-cap ASX share with the potential to become a mid-cap or even a blue-chip one day, the returns can be significant.

But which small caps could be in the buy zone right now? Let’s take a look at two that analysts at Morgans are recommending to clients with a higher than average tolerance for risk. They are as follows:

Camplify Holdings Ltd (ASX: CHL)

Morgans thinks that Camplify could be a small-cap ASX share to buy.

It operates one of the world’s leading peer-to-peer digital marketplace platforms, connecting recreational vehicle (RV) owners to hirers. The company has operations in Australia, New Zealand, Spain, the UK, Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands.

Morgans was pleased with Camplify’s performance during the first half, highlighting its lower operating costs and stronger unit economics. It said:

CHL’s 1H26 result highlighted the ongoing transition underway within the business, with lower opex and stronger unit economics from the MyWay mutual and membership-led strategy. Whilst GTV decline (-17%) was a result negative, we acknowledge some of the contraction was due to CHL deliberately pulling back low-margin volume. CHL Revenue of ~A$19m was ~5% down on the pcp, With the seasonally stronger period now underway, a deeper ANZ partnership funnel (JB Group) and future bookings of ~A$32m at period-end, we expect the business to have an improved half-on-half performance.

In response, the broker has retained its buy rating with a reduced price target of 78 cents. This implies potential upside of over 100% for investors.

Readytech Holdings Ltd (ASX: RDY)

Another small-cap ASX share that has caught the broker’s eye is Readytech.

It is a leading provider of mission-critical SaaS for the education, employment services, workforce management, government and justice sectors.

Morgans remains positive despite Readytech’s half-year results coming in softer than expected. It said:

RDY’s 1H26 result and revised outlook came in softer than expected, with Underlying EBITDA of $17.5m / Cash EBITDA of $7.5m ~6% behind MorgF. Whilst RDY’s enterprise strategy remains on track, the group indicated that increased churn in 1H26 along with more protracted implementation/sale conversion have led to an FY26 guidance downgrade and the withdrawal of its longer-term targets. Whilst we downgrade our FY26-17 EBITDA forecasts by 10-20% reflecting revised guidance, given RDY’s robust pipeline, potential catalysts (VIC TAFE decision and likely increased corporate appeal), we move to a SPECULATIVE BUY rating, with a revised price target of $2.20/sh (previously $3.00/sh).

As mentioned above, Morgans has put a speculative buy rating and $2.20 price target on its shares. This suggests that upside of 80% is possible between now and this time next year.

The post Morgans names 2 small-cap ASX shares to buy now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• These ASX 200 shares have sunk to 6-month lows. Time to buy?
• Why Brightstar, Endeavour, Evolution Mining, and Woolworths shares are falling today
• New Hope shares soar 24% in 2026 so far: Buy, sell or hold?
• Three stocks to buy for double-digit returns, according to Macquarie
• Why EOS, GenusPlus, Life360, and WIA Gold shares are rising 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 positions in and has recommended ReadyTech. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Camplify. 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) has fallen lower in early-afternoon trade on Wednesday. At the time of writing, the index has dropped another 1.81% as conflict in the Middle East continues to put pressure on Australian shares.

At the time of writing, less than one quarter of the index is trading in the green. And some ASX 200 shares have dropped to a six-month low.

Is this a buying opportunity? Or will the declines keep coming?

Here are two ASX 200 shares to keep an eye on.

Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN)

Harvey Norman shares are one of the ASX 200 shares trading in the red today. At the time of writing, the stock is down 0.63% to $5.52. This is the lowest level seen since July last year. The stock is now down 24.86% over the past six months, and is just 3.57% higher over the year.

Late last month, the retailer posted a double-digit uplift in profit before tax and raised its interim dividend for the half-year ended 31 December 2025. While the result looks strong on paper, it was a touch short of consensus expectations, and investors weren’t impressed. 

Meanwhile, a hike in the cost-of-living has seen households cut their budgets for spending. But it’s important to note that the ASX 200 retail share is a long-term performer on the ASX and has navigated cycles like this before. Usually, when investor confidence rebounds and spending picks back up, retail business will benefit from an uplift.

Analysts are mostly bullish that there will be a big turnaround in its shares this year. Out of 13 analysts, six have a buy or strong buy rating, and another six have a hold rating. The final one has a sell rating on the stock. The average target price is $6.55, which implies a potential 18.18% upside at the time of writing. Looks like it could be a great opportunity to buy this ASX 200 share.

Seek Ltd (ASX: SEK)

Seek shares are bucking the trend and are one of the few ASX 200 shares trading in the green at the time of writing. The stock is 1.4% higher for the day at $15.99 a piece. The uplift is welcome news after the shares crashed 40.24% over the past six months. They’re now only marginally above the six-year low of $15.77 recorded at the close of the ASX yesterday. 

The company reported double-digit revenue growth for the first half of FY26, but it didn’t do enough to reignite confidence in investors. There are still concerns about the outlook for the job ad market after the recent softening. 

But analysts are incredibly optimistic about the outlook for Seek shares. All 15 have a consensus buy rating, and the average target price is $25.51 a piece. That implies a potential 60.06% upside at the time of writing. It looks like the latest price crash has created a window for investors to buy the stock cheaply.

The post These ASX 200 shares have sunk to 6-month lows. Time to buy? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Can this $7 billion ASX retail stock stage a comeback?
• Why Bapcor, Brainchip, Coles, and Harvey Norman shares are dropping today
• Harvey Norman posts 1H26 result
• Experts say IAG shares and 2 other stocks are buys at 52-week lows this week
• 2 ASX dividend shares to buy for passive income

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 Harvey Norman. 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 out of form and sinking into the red on Wednesday. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is down 1.8% to 8,915.1 points.

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

Brightstar Resources Ltd (ASX: BTR)

The Brightstar Resources share price is down 3.5% to 53 cents. This morning, this gold developer announced the successful completion of a fully subscribed US$120 million bond issue to support the development of its Goldfields Project in Western Australia. Brightstar’s managing director, Alex Rovira, said: “We are extremely pleased to have secured this US$120 million Bond, which is a strong endorsement of the Goldfields Project, the robust Feasibility Study outcomes and Brightstar’s broader Target200 production strategy of becoming a Western Australia +200,000oz per annum gold producer.”

Endeavour Group Ltd (ASX: EDV)

The Endeavour share price is down 5% to $3.78. This has been driven by the release of the drinks giant’s half-year results. The Dan Murphy’s owner posted a 0.9% increase in group sales to $6.7 billion but a 6.7% decline in underlying net profit after tax to $278 million and a 17.1% decline in statutory net profit after tax to $247 million. Nevertheless, Endeavour’s managing director and CEO, Jayne Hrdlicka, was pleased. She said: “We are pleased to report that the Group has delivered a first half earnings result that demonstrates the strength in our customer franchise as we restart top line growth in Retail. In a challenging market, our increased focus on value and price leadership has been embraced by our customers and is delivering both sales growth and market share gains.”

Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN)

The Evolution Mining share price is down 3.5% to $16.26. Investors have been selling Evolution Mining and other gold miners today following a pullback in the gold price overnight. The precious metal tumbled amid concerns that the war in the Middle East could cause inflation to spike and send interest rates higher again. This would reduce demand for the safe haven asset. The S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Gold index is down 3.3% at the time of writing.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

The Woolworths share price is down 3.5% to $35.55. This has been driven by the supermarket giant’s shares going ex-dividend this morning for its interim dividend. Last month, Woolworths released its half-year results and declared a fully franked 45 cents per share dividend. Eligible shareholders can now look forward to receiving this next month on 2 April.

The post Why Brightstar, Endeavour, Evolution Mining, and Woolworths shares are falling today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Dan Murphy’s owner Endeavour tumbles on results day
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• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Endeavour Group and Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

New Hope Corporation Ltd (ASX: NHC) shares are down 1.76% in lunchtime trade on Wednesday. At the time of writing, the ASX coal stock’s shares are changing hands at $5.01 a piece. But today’s decline comes off the back of a string of daily share price gains.

At the time of writing, New Hope shares are now 23.58% higher for the year to date and 24.81% higher over the year. 

What has driven New Hope shares higher this year?

New Hope shares have climbed this year thanks to a combination of improving coal prices, solid production figures, and news of new capital-market buybacks. Analysts’ ratings also helped drive the share price higher.

Coal prices jumped 8% in late January and have then surged another 16% over the past five days. At US$138 per tonne, coal is currently sitting at its highest level since December 2024. It’s also 18.86% higher over the month and 35.96% higher than a year ago. And these types of increases have been great news for coal stocks like New Hope.

The coal price isn’t the only thing supporting New Hope shares. The company also posted a solid quarterly update in mid-February. At the time, it announced that its group coal sales were up 8.2% over the quarter and production was 4.8% higher. Underlying EBITDA of $106.9 million was steady.

Meanwhile, just yesterday, New Hope extended its on‑market share buyback program through to March 2027. This is part of the company’s ongoing capital management strategy.

Following the flurry of company updates and the shift in the coal price, many analysts have updated their ratings on New Hope shares. 

What do analysts expect from New Hope shares now?

TradingView data shows that analysts are relatively bearish about the outlook for New Hope shares this year. Out of seven analysts, four have a hold rating, and three have a strong sell rating. The average target price is $4.27, which implies a potential 15.09% downside at the time of writing. 

Morgans said it thinks the company is positioned to achieve the top end of its New Acland 3 guidance range. The broker has a hold rating and $5 target on the stock.

Meanwhile, the team at Bell Potter are bearish on New Hope shares. The broker has a sell recommendation, along with an updated price target of $4.10, citing a subdued thermal coal price outlook.

But not everyone is pessimistic about the company’s outlook. Analysts at Baker Young recommended New Hope shares as a buy to investors in early February. The broker said that the extension of Origin Energy’s Eraring coal-fired power station is a reminder that demand for thermal coal is likely to remain robust for longer than many investors believe. Analysts added that New Hope has a strong balance sheet, and the market is undervaluing the company’s growth potential.

The post New Hope shares soar 24% in 2026 so far: Buy, sell or hold? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Why Boss Energy, Lindian, Magellan, and New Hope shares are rising today
• ASX 200 coal shares surge as commodity price lifts to 14-month high
• New Hope extends share buy-back program to March 2027
• 3 ASX dividend stocks I think every Aussie should own

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.

As the dust settles on reporting season, the analyst team at Macquarie has been publishing their thoughts on stocks to buy, hold, and avoid.

We’ve picked three of these that stand out from the pack as providing potential large returns for shareholders.

So let’s see what they are.

AUB Group Ltd (ASX: AUB)

This is an ASX 200 company that operates retail and wholesale insurance brokers and underwriting agencies globally.

The company’s shares are currently trading at $23.45, not far off their 12-month lows of $22.72 and a long way from the highs of $40.28 reached over the past year.

AUB last month reported a 14% increase in net profit and raised its FY26 profit guidance to $220 to $230 million, representing 9.9% to 14.9% growth over FY25.

The Macquarie team said the result beat consensus forecasts across all segments except New Zealand, with the other segments outperforming.

They added that the company “offers attractive growth at a valuation discount”, and they have a price target of $35.81 on AUB shares, while also forecasting a 4% dividend yield.

Cleanaway Waste Management Ltd (ASX: CWY)

This ASX 200 waste management company reported first-half results ahead of expectations, Macquarie said, while also tightening its full-year earnings expectations from $470 to $500 million to $480 to $500 million.

The Macquarie team said they think that “earnings momentum should inflect”, with Cleanaway Management commenting on a favourable backdrop from project work and favourable price dynamics.

The Macquarie team added:

Margin improvement in Solid Waste is a key indicator of the better operating efficiencies resulting from improvement interventions. Health Services was a key disappointment, which is expected to see a 2H improvement. Contract Resources is bedding down well. Cost-out is progressing.

Macquarie has a price target of $3.40 on Cleanaway shares, compared with a price of $2.54 currently, and is forecasting a full-year dividend yield of 2.8%.

Capstone Copper Corp (ASX: CSC)

Capstone Copper’s recently-released EBITDA of US$308 million was in line with consensus estimates, Macquarie said, but the net profit of US$79 million was 28% lower than expected due to higher tax expenses.  

Macquarie said they saw value in the company because its shares were trading at an implied copper price that was well below the spot price.

After running the ruler over Capstone’s first-half results, Macquarie downgraded its price target on Capstone shares by only 1% to $15.40, which compares to $13.20 currently.

Macquarie said the current valuation was “not demanding”.

The post Three stocks to buy for double-digit returns, according to Macquarie appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
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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 positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Aub Group. 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 disappointing decline. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is down 1.7% to 8,921.7 points.

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

Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS)

The EOS share price is up 5% to $9.92. Earlier this week, the defence and space company announced that it secured new remote weapon system (RWS) orders valued at approximately $17 million. The largest component is a US$12 million order for R400 RWS units from an established Middle Eastern government customer. EOS also advised that it has finalised a $100 million two-year secured term loan facility. This will support growth across the business, provide additional working capital, and help fund payments related to the acquisition of MARS.

GenusPlus Group Ltd (ASX: GNP)

The GenusPlus share price is up 1% to $8.07. This morning, this essential power and telecommunications infrastructure services provider agreed to acquire Railtrain Holdings. The two parties have agreed upfront consideration of $36.5 million, which is payable in cash. Genus’ managing director, David Riches, said: “I am pleased to announce the signing of binding documentation for our acquisition of Railtrain which is another step forward in our strategy to expand into the rail infrastructure sector. Railtrain is a highly logical acquisition which will add critical scale, and expands the geographical and service capability of our existing MGC rail business.”

Life360 Inc (ASX: 360)

The Life360 share price is up 2% to $20.76. This morning, analysts at Bell Potter responded positively to its full-year results release from yesterday. It has retained its buy rating with a slightly trimmed price target of $40.00. The broker was impressed with Life360’s performance in FY 2025. It said: “2025 revenue of US$489m was slightly above our forecast of US$488m and VA consensus of US$486m and was top end of the US$486-489m guidance range. Adjusted EBITDA of $93m, however, was a beat versus our forecast of US$90m and VA consensus of US$88m and was also above the US$87-92m guidance range. Cash at year end was US$495m which was ahead of our forecast of US$476m.”

WIA Gold Ltd (ASX: WIA)

The WIA Gold share price is up 4% to 57.7 cents. This follows the release of additional significant assay results from recent drilling at its Kokoseb Gold Project in Namibia. The company revealed that results from 18 diamond drill holes targeting mineralised depth extensions beyond the current open-pit mineral resource estimate further confirm the continuity, scale, and robustness of high-grade plunging shoots. WIA Gold’s managing director and CEO, Henk Diederichs, said: “These drilling results continue to confirm the continuity and scale of the high‑grade gold system at depth, further enhancing the prospectivity of an underground mining operation beyond the open pit shell.”

The post Why EOS, GenusPlus, Life360, and WIA Gold shares are rising today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Life360. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Electro Optic Systems, GenusPlus Group, and Life360. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended GenusPlus Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.