Author: openjargon

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares are 0.06% lower at 8,722.8 points on Thursday.

Brokers have reduced their ratings on numerous ASX 200 shares this week.

Let’s see a sample.

Viva Energy Group Ltd (ASX: VEA)

The Viva Energy Group share price is $3.21, down 0.2% today.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 energy share has risen 5%.

UBS downgraded Viva Energy shares to a hold rating on Tuesday.

The broker increased its 12-month price target from $2.90 to $3.20.

This implies the stock is fully valued already.

South32 Ltd (ASX: S32)

The South32 share price is $4.54, down 4.3% today.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 mining share has fallen 7%.

Morgan Stanley downgraded South32 shares to a hold rating on Monday.

The broker lifted its 12-month price target from $5.10 to $5.20.

This suggests a potential 15% upside ahead.

TechnologyOne Limited (ASX: TNE)

The TechnologyOne share price is $30.53, down 2.2% today.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 tech share has ascended 7%.

RBC Capital downgraded TechnologyOne shares to a hold rating on Monday.

The broker shaved its 12-month price target from $33 to $32.

This implies a potential 5% upside ahead.

Sandfire Resources Ltd (ASX: SFR)

The Sandfire Resources share price is $20.16, down 4.4% on Thursday.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 copper share has edged 2% lower.

Morgan Stanley downgraded Sandfire Resources shares to a sell rating this week.

The broker raised its price target slightly from $20 to $20.35.

This indicates a potential gain of just 1% over the next year. 

Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE)

The Boss Energy share price is $1.22, down 1.8% today.

Over the past month, this S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO) uranium share has tumbled 18%.

Jefferies downgraded Boss Energy shares to a hold rating this week.

The broker reduced its 12-month price target from $1.85 to $1.70.

This suggests a potential 39% upside ahead.

Sonic Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SHL)

The Sonic Healthcare share price is $18.35, down 0.1% today.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 healthcare share has fallen 5%.

Goldman Sachs downgraded Sonic Healthcare shares to a hold call this week.

The broker slashed its price target from $23.70 to $19.20.

This suggests potential capital growth of 5% over the next year. 

The post 6 ASX shares hit by broker downgrades this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX shares I think could still be thriving in 2040
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
• Own ASX mining shares? Official forecasts show commodity prices peaking in FY27
• 2 ASX energy players that could return 20% to 30% over the next year
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

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 Goldman Sachs Group and Jefferies Financial Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Sonic Healthcare. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

ASX shares have slumped even further into the red in Thursday morning trade, following two consecutive days of declines.

There was a poor night on Wall Street, oil prices have climbed higher, and several ASX companies are holding their annual general meetings today.

Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN), Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN), and Web Travel Group Ltd (ASX: WEB) are on my radar this week. They’re all suffering a share price loss on Thursday morning but brokers are confident that they can bounce back over the next 12 months.

Here’s the latest out of the ASX shares, and what the experts tip next.

Broker outlook for Paladin Energy shares

Paladin Energy shares have fallen another 3% to a new annual low of $7.07 at the time of writing. The shares have now crashed 26% over the past month and they’re down 30% for the year-to-date.

The ASX uranium shares have faced strong headwinds this year from geopolitical uncertainty and a drop in confidence for uranium companies. Renewed conflict in the Middle East, higher inflation data, and concerns about more interest rate rises have also seen many investors reduce their exposure to higher-risk shares like Paladin Energy.

This week, the miner announced that its first-quarter FY27 output had dipped to 1.00 million points, but it maintained full-year FY27 guidance for its Langer Heinrich Mine. 

Paladin Energy is targeting annual uranium production of 5.1 to 5.6 million pounds at a cost of US$44–48 per pound. The company expects production to ramp up in the second half of the year as higher-grade ores are mined. 

Management also said it is continuing to target cost reductions and productivity gains as previously outlined.

Market Index data shows the majority of brokers have a strong buy rating on the ASX shares. And the $13.10 average target price implies an upside of around 85%, at the time of writing.

Broker outlook for Qantas shares

Qantas shares have fallen around 1% to $8.07 at the time of writing on Thursday. The shares have now crashed around 24% since early-August, and they’re down 23% for the year-to-date.

Ahead of the company’s FY26 results announcement in late August, there was market anxiety about the ASX airline company’s upcoming results after several consecutive months of oil supply constraints and higher fuel prices.

And they were right. In late August, Qantas reported a 14% year-on-year decline in its underlying profit before tax, a 29% drop in statutory profit, and a 12.7% decline in underlying earnings.

Oil prices have climbed even higher this week, closing in on the latest US$105 per barrel high in early September, and the rebound is denting Qantas shares.

But it looks like the experts think the business is sound enough to withstand volatile prices, and they expect a turnaround in Qantas shares over the next 12 months.

Market Index data shows the majority of brokers have a strong buy rating on the ASX shares. The $11.38 average target price implies an upside of around 41%, at the time of writing.

Broker outlook for WEB Travel Group shares

WEB Travel Group shares are down around 3% in Thursday morning trade, to $3.32. The shares crashed earlier in the year after investors were spooked by an audit of its Spanish subsidiary, but rebounded in July on renewed investor confidence.

Now, it looks like the share price could be starting to slide lower again. The ASX shares are now down 31% for the year-to-date.

But despite external headwinds, the company has demonstrated strong earnings resilience this year, and it continues to deliver strong EBITDA markets and improving total transaction value (TTV). 

The company is guiding H1 underlying EBITDA in the range of AU$80 million and AU$86 million.

It also expects its WebBeds business to deliver an 11% to 15% year-on-year increase in H1 revenue (in euros).

Market Index data shows the majority of brokers have a strong buy rating on the ASX shares. The $4.93 average target price implies an upside of around 48%, at the time of writing.

The post 3 ASX shares tipped by brokers to return 41% to 85% in the next 12 months appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Could Paladin Energy shares return 90% in 12 months?
• Own ASX mining shares? Official forecasts show commodity prices peaking in FY27
• Paladin Energy: Q1 FY2027 uranium output and outlook
• These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares
• Wesfarmers vs Qantas: Which ASX share suits a 60-year-old investor?

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.

Origin Energy vs Woodside Energy shares

When it comes to top energy names on the ASX, Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) both sit high on the list. Everyday investors often weigh up Origin Energy and Woodside Energy shares because they’re leading players powering Australian homes, vehicles, and industries, with large market capitalisations and strong dividend histories. With both now paying fully franked dividends and featuring on a range of watchlists, I think it’s worth looking closely at which is better placed to beat the market over the next five years.

The case for Origin Energy

Origin Energy is a broad-based energy group, supplying electricity, natural gas, solar, and LPG to households and businesses nationwide. Its integrated model spans energy exploration and production, power generation (including renewables), and retailing, giving it diverse revenue streams. Origin’s roots go back to the 1940s, but the company as we know it was formed after a 2000 demerger and has since become one of the heavier hitters on the ASX.

A few things stand out from the numbers. First, Origin boasts a 5.19% fully franked dividend yield, which is attractive for income seekers, especially when combined with 100% franking credits to boost after-tax returns. Its trailing P/E ratio sits at 12.66, and year-to-date returns are a steady 5.74%, suggesting share price stability with income. Origin’s 2026 interim and final dividends were both 30 cents per share, fully franked, and the company’s payout has trended upwards in recent years. According to its most recent public description, Origin operates across Australia, PNG, and the South Pacific, which also helps smooth revenue from any single market.

The case for Woodside Energy

Woodside Energy is Australia’s largest independent dedicated oil and gas company and has a truly global footprint, especially after merging with BHP’s oil and gas portfolio. Woodside dominates domestic offshore oil and gas production and runs a large fleet of production facilities and assets in Australia and abroad.

Woodside’s scale shines through in the fundamentals. With a market cap of $63.12 billion, it dwarfs Origin. Its year-to-date return is particularly eye-catching at 45.87%, indicating much stronger price momentum this year. Woodside’s dividend yield is 4.97% (also fully franked), based on a higher dividend per share of $1.63, thanks to the company’s significant earnings. Its trailing P/E ratio is slightly higher at 14.27 versus Origin’s 12.66, and earnings per share sit at 1.605. Notably, Woodside’s massive size and global footprint may provide it with resilience and potential for future expansion.

Valuation comparison

With both companies operating across the energy value chain, but Woodside more focused on oil and gas and Origin more diversified within energy, their valuation multiples aren’t directly like-for-like. Still, some differences stand out:

Metric	Origin Energy	Woodside Energy
Market Cap	$19.93 billion	$63.12 billion
P/E Ratio	12.66	14.27
Dividend Yield	5.19% (100% franked)	4.97% (100% franked)
Earnings per Share	0.912	1.605
Dividend per Share	0.60	1.63
Year to Date Return	5.74%	45.87%

Origin offers a marginally higher yield, while Woodside shows much stronger recent share price gains.

Recent share price momentum

Comparing recent share price performance up to 14 October 2026:

• Origin Energy: Closed at $11.57 on 14 Oct 2026 (up 0.17% for the day). The YTD return is +5.74%, reflecting modest gains so far this year, with a fairly steady short-term trend.
• Woodside Energy: Closed at $33.20 on 14 Oct 2026 (up 1.28% for the day). The YTD return is a whopping +45.87%, and recent days show strong upward momentum, with gains of over 2% on two of the past five sessions.

Which is the better buy?

Looking at the head-to-head, both Origin and Woodside offer quality, franked dividends and mature energy businesses. However, for investors chasing long-term outperformance, I’d lean toward Woodside Energy. My main reasons? That 45.87% year-to-date return isn’t just a flash in the pan; it suggests the market is rewarding Woodside’s global scale, successful merger execution, and growth opportunities from its broadened asset base. Its higher EPS and robust dividend per share underpin a sustainable payout. While the yield is fractionally lower, the magnitude of recent share price gains tips the balance for me.

Origin is a solid, steady option with slightly better yield, and its diversification could appeal to conservative or income-focused investors. But if I had to back one to beat the market over the next five years based on this data, my pick would be Woodside, given its track record of strong price momentum and the scale to take advantage of any future upswings in global energy markets.

The post Origin Energy vs Woodside Energy: Which ASX 200 share is more likely to beat the market? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
• Own ASX mining shares? Official forecasts show commodity prices peaking in FY27
• Woodside, New Hope, Flight Centre shares: Buy, hold, or sell?
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Which does Macquarie prefer out of AGL and Origin?

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 draft. 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.

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares are 0.2% lower at 8,713.5 points on Thursday.

Let’s check out some new ratings and opinions from two market experts (courtesy The Bull). 

Siteminder Ltd (ASX: SDR)

The Siteminder share price is $2.50, down 5% today and down 66% over 12 months. 

Blake Halligan from Gray Perry Wealth Advisers has a buy rating on this S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO) tech share. 

Halligan said: 

SiteMinder provides hotel commerce software that helps accommodation providers manage distribution, bookings and revenue.

Annual recurring revenue (ARR) rose 24.1 per cent on a constant currency and organic basis in full year 2026 when compared to the prior corresponding period. Transaction ARR increased 37.1 per cent.

SiteMinder’s improving unit economics remain a key attraction.

As SiteMinder expands its customer base and increases product penetration, these investments should support stronger recurring revenue and operating leverage over time.

BlueScope Steel Ltd (ASX: BSL)

The Bluescope share price is $30.63, down 0.7% today and up 47% over 12 months. 

Tom Fairchild from Lazarus Capital Partners has a hold rating on this ASX 200 materials share. 

Fairchild commented: 

BSL is Australia’s largest steelmaker, with major operations in North America and Asia.

Its pricing power is primarily generated from premium brands, such as COLORBOND and TRUECORE, which achieved record Australian despatches. US tariffs lifting steel spreads at its Ohio-based North Star mill also assisted its pricing power.

Underlying earnings before interest and tax of $A1.27 billion rose 72 per cent on the prior corresponding period despite softer Australian pricing and higher raw material costs.

After rejecting a $30 per share takeover bid in January, BlueScope plans to deliver $3 per share in returns in financial year 2027.

Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN)

The Evolution Mining share price is $12.46, down 0.8% today and up 12% over 12 months. 

Halligan has a sell rating on this ASX 200 gold mining share.

He said: 

Evolution Mining produces gold and copper from operations in Australia and Canada.

The company delivered record cash generation, a net cash position and higher shareholder returns in full year 2026, supported by strong gold and copper prices. However, sustaining record earnings relies on gold and copper prices remaining high in a volatile world.

Future performance depends on consistent delivery across major operations, disciplined investment and continuing replacement of mined reserves.

After a recent and substantial share price recovery, the valuation leaves limited room for operational setbacks or weaker metal prices.

Investors may want to consider taking profits at current levels.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Siteminder, Bluescope Steel, Evolution shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Own ASX mining shares? Official forecasts show commodity prices peaking in FY27
• Evolution Mining lifts cash flow and holds full year guidance in September quarter
• Evolution Mining vs Northern Star Resources: Which gold stock is better for a $1,000 investment?
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

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

A lot can change in a decade or more, particularly in the ASX share market.

Some companies will struggle to keep up with changing technology and consumer habits, while others could grow into much larger businesses.

For me, the challenge is identifying ASX shares that have what it takes to remain successful over such a long period.

Here are three ASX shares I think could still be thriving in 2040.

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)

Coles is my first pick because I think it has the foundations of a business that can remain successful for decades.

Australians will always need groceries, and Coles has spent years building the stores, distribution networks, and supplier relationships needed to serve millions of customers.

I think that gives it a strong starting point. But what I like most is how the business could evolve between now and 2040.

Coles has been investing heavily in automated distribution centres and more efficient fulfilment operations. These investments should help reduce costs, improve productivity, and support its growing online business.

I also expect technology to play a bigger role in how Coles manages inventory, predicts demand, and serves customers.

If management continues making the right investments, I think the company could become considerably more efficient over time.

Competition will remain strong, and consumers will always be sensitive to grocery prices. Nevertheless, I like Coles’ position in an essential industry and believe it could be a much stronger business by 2040.

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

REA Group is another ASX share I would be comfortable backing over the next 14 years.

Its realestate.com.au platform has become a central part of how Australians search for property. I think that position gives REA a significant competitive advantage.

Homebuyers and renters visit the platform because it has an enormous selection of property listings. Meanwhile, real estate agents want their properties advertised where they can reach the largest audience. That creates a powerful relationship between the platform, its users, and advertisers.

I also think there is considerable scope for REA to keep developing its offering. Property search is only one part of the process of buying or selling a home. REA can continue expanding into related services, including property data, financing, and tools that help consumers make decisions.

Its international operations offer another potential source of growth.

Housing market conditions will influence results from year to year, but I expect digital property services to become even more important by 2040.

And I think REA is exceptionally well positioned to benefit.

TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE)

My final pick is TechnologyOne, an Australian software company that I think has an excellent opportunity to keep expanding internationally.

TechnologyOne provides enterprise software to organisations including universities, local councils, and government departments.

These customers rely on its systems to manage important functions such as finances, payroll, and administration. Once this technology becomes embedded in an organisation’s operations, replacing it can be expensive and disruptive.

I think that creates a strong foundation for long-term customer relationships.

TechnologyOne has also successfully transitioned customers to its software-as-a-service platform, providing a more predictable revenue base and opportunities to keep improving its products.

Looking towards 2040, I particularly like its potential to grow beyond Australia. The United Kingdom offers a significant opportunity as public sector organisations modernise their technology.

Artificial intelligence (AI) could also help TechnologyOne deliver more capable software and improve productivity for customers.

There will be competition and technological changes to navigate, but I think TechnologyOne has the foundations to become a much larger global software business.

Foolish takeaway

I think the best long-term investments are businesses that can keep finding ways to grow as the world changes around them.

That is what I would be looking for when choosing ASX shares to hold until 2040.

All three of these companies have strong market positions and opportunities to keep building on their success. I would be happy to buy them today and give them the next 14 years to prove their worth.

The post 3 ASX shares I think could still be thriving in 2040 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 6 ASX shares hit by broker downgrades this week
• 3 reasons I would invest $10,000 in Coles shares
• Buying Coles shares? Here’s the dividend yield you’ll get today
• How much could the REA Group share price rise in the next year?
• I screened the ASX for quality and value. These 5 shares stood out

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has 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 narrowly lower, down 0.03%, at 8,726 points on Thursday.

Meanwhile, three experts explain their latest ratings on three ASX 200 shares.

Let’s review. 

Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS)

Electro Optic Systems shares are $8.54, down 8.1% today and up 38% over 12 months. 

Bell Potter has a buy rating on this ASX 200 industrials share. 

In a new note, the broker raised its 12-month target price from $12.60 to $13.80.

Analyst Baxter Kirk said:

EOS has entered into an agreement with the government of a Middle Eastern Gulf state (GCC member) for a nation-wide counterdrone (C-UAS) defence system valued at £370m (~$700m). This represents the largest contract ever secured by EOS.

EOS expects over 80% of contract revenue to be earned over the initial 12-24 months after the contract becomes unconditional.

Given the security deposit posted in August 2026, we believe this contract award was somewhat priced in by the market, however, we are surprised by the market’s reaction and given upcoming catalysts, believe current levels represent an attractive entry point.

Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG)

The Fortescue share price is $15.22, down 0.7% today and down 23% over 12 months. 

Bell Potter has a hold rating on this ASX 200 mining share. 

In a new note, the broker reduced its 12-month target price from $17.10 to $15.80.

Analyst David Coates said: 

FMG has reported a suite of negative metrics in an out-of-cycle preliminary report updating performance for the September 2026 quarter.

Total shipments were down 6% YoY to 46.8Mt (incl. 2.5Mt from Iron Bridge), with a scheduled port shutdown impacting volumes.

Sales of 42.9Mt were 8% below shipments of 46.8Mt, with the 3.9Mt gap attributed to ongoing negotiations with China Mineral Resource Group (CMRG), China’s centralised ore buying agency.

This is the first time FMG has disclosed a material discrepancy between shipments and sales.

Price realisations also weakened to 82% (vs benchmark Platts 61%: US$80/dmt). Absolute price received is down ~US$9/dmt QoQ.

Net debt rose to US$2.8bn (from US$0.9b at 30 June) as cash fell to US$3.2b (from US$5.1b) after US$1.0b final dividend, US$0.9b
of CAPEX and an estimated ~US$300m impact from unsold ore.

FY27 guidance of 197-207Mt at C1 costs of US$20.50-21.75/wmt is unchanged, but is now “subject to negotiations with CMRG”.

We had previously flagged risks to price realisations and we now make a greater allowance and for longer through our forecast period.

Reece Ltd (ASX: REH)

The Reece share price is $17.04, down 0.4% today and up 45% over 12 months. 

Blake Halligan from Gray Perry Wealth Advisers has a sell rating on this ASX 200 industrials share. 

Halligan said (courtesy The Bull): 

Reece is a plumbing supplies company in Australia, New Zealand and the United States.

Statutory sales revenue was up 4.5 per cent in reported currency in full year 2026 when compared to the prior corresponding period. However, earnings before interest and tax in reported currency fell 2.6 per cent.

Housing cyclicality and US execution remain material risks. Any slowdown in housing activity or property prices could weaken demand for plumbing products, placing pressure on revenue, margins and earnings.

In our view, the shares appear expensive relative to these risks.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Reece, Fortescue, Electro Optic Systems shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Own ASX mining shares? Official forecasts show commodity prices peaking in FY27
• How much must I invest in Fortescue shares to earn a $1,000 passive income in 2027?
• 3 reasons why the Rio Tinto share price could be a buy
• Buy, hold, sell: Fortescue, Guzman Y Gomez, and Megaport shares
• Down 29% so far in 2026: What do brokers tip next for Fortescue shares?

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 Electro Optic Systems. 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.

Bank of Queensland Ltd (ASX: BOQ) shares are moving higher on Thursday following the release of the bank’s full-year results.

The shares are up around 1% to $6.56, with investors seemingly encouraged by the progress being made across the business.

But is the latest update enough to make Bank of Queensland shares worth buying? Here’s how I see it.

Some encouraging progress

One thing I liked about the bank’s results was the progress it is making towards becoming a simpler, more efficient bank.

The company has completed the migration of ME customers onto its new digital banking platform, removing an important obstacle in its transformation.

It has also continued investing in technology and improving its operations, with further productivity benefits expected in FY27.

I think these changes could help Bank of Queensland become more competitive and reduce costs over time.

There was also encouraging growth in business banking. Commercial lending increased 16% during FY26, supported by demand across sectors including healthcare, agriculture, and other industries.

This is an area where Bank of Queensland has established expertise, and I think it could become an increasingly important source of growth.

Another positive was the improvement in its net interest margin, which increased six basis points to 1.70%. Combined with continued cost discipline, that suggests management is making progress on some of the issues that have weighed on profitability.

Why I’m still cautious on Bank of Queensland shares

Despite those improvements, I think Bank of Queensland has more work ahead before it becomes a particularly compelling investment.

The bank reported cash earnings of $358 million for FY26, down 7% on the previous year. That decline is disappointing, particularly when the larger Australian banks have generally demonstrated stronger earnings resilience.

Bank of Queensland’s mortgage business also struggled, with home lending contracting 8% during the year.

Management is targeting a return to home lending growth in FY27, supported by its digital platform and expanded distribution. I would want to see evidence of that recovery before becoming more positive.

The economic environment could also make things difficult. Interest rates are expected to remain elevated, with further increases possible as the Reserve Bank attempts to control inflation.

While higher rates can support banking margins, they also place pressure on borrowers and can reduce demand for new lending.

For a smaller bank competing against much larger rivals, I think that creates additional challenges.

What about the dividend?

One reason income investors might remain interested is the bank’s dividend.

The bank declared a fully franked final dividend of 20 cents per share, bringing its ordinary dividends for FY26 to 40 cents.

At $6.56, that represents a dividend yield of approximately 6.1%.

Shareholders also received a fully franked special dividend of 15 cents during the year, although I would not assume that payment will be repeated.

I think its dividend yield is attractive, but maintaining it will depend on the bank delivering more consistent earnings.

Foolish takeaway

I would rate Bank of Queensland shares as a hold following these results.

Management is making worthwhile improvements, and the dividend provides a reason for existing shareholders to remain patient.

For me, though, I would like to see stronger earnings and a return to mortgage growth before putting fresh money into the bank.

Until then, I think there are better opportunities elsewhere on the ASX.

The post Would I buy Bank of Queensland shares after looking at its results? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Bank of Queensland earnings: FY26 profit up 88% as dividends stay steady
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Bendigo and Adelaide Bank vs Bank of Queensland: Which is better value?
• 6 ASX shares downgraded by experts this week
• Buy, hold, sell: Orica, Bank of Queensland, Megaport shares

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

The three ASX shares in this article are operating in different industries, but each face some interesting challenges over the coming years.

Some could benefit as conditions improve, while others may need to adapt to substantial changes in their markets.

Here’s how I would rate their shares today.

Appen Ltd (ASX: APX)

Appen shares are a hold for me. The company helps developers train and improve artificial intelligence (AI) models, putting it in an industry that continues to attract enormous investment.

But I have mixed feelings about its long-term prospects. AI models are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with synthetic data and automated evaluation potentially reducing the need for some traditional training services.

At the same time, more advanced AI creates demand for specialist data, human evaluation, and expert input in complex areas such as coding and mathematics. Appen could benefit from these opportunities.

Its recent results provide some encouragement. Revenue increased 17% in the first half of FY26, supported by particularly strong growth in China.

But the recovery remains uneven. Revenue from its Global business declined 27%, suggesting Appen still faces challenges replacing traditional work with newer AI projects.

I am also concerned about its reliance on a relatively small number of major technology customers, whose spending priorities can change quickly.

For me, the question is whether Appen can build a consistently profitable business as AI technology evolves. I think there is enough progress to justify holding the shares, but I would want clearer evidence of sustainable growth before buying.

Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT)

Flight Centre is a patient buy in my view. The travel company has faced a challenging period, with geopolitical tensions disrupting travel plans and higher fuel prices contributing to more expensive airfares.

But I think the work Flight Centre has done during this difficult period could pay off when conditions improve.

Management has materially reduced costs, leaving the business in a stronger position to benefit when travel demand picks up.

It has also strengthened its offering through acquisitions made around the bottom of the travel cycle, expanding its presence in specialist and higher-value travel markets.

I particularly like its position in corporate travel. Flight Centre has built a substantial global business serving companies that need help managing employee travel, bookings, and expenses.

That gives it an established customer base and opportunities to capture more business as corporate travel spending improves.

For me, the combination of a leaner cost base, a broader offering, and a strong corporate travel business could support a meaningful recovery in earnings.

I don’t expect conditions to improve overnight, particularly given the uncertainty surrounding international travel. But I would be happy to buy Flight Centre shares with a long-term view and give the recovery time to play out.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

Telstra shares would be a buy for income investors. The telecommunications company has a substantial mobile network, millions of customers, and an established position in an industry that has become essential to everyday life.

I like the relatively dependable demand for its services, which helps support regular dividends.

Telstra paid 21 cents per share in FY26, and management is targeting further earnings growth under its Connected Future 30 strategy. That could provide room for dividends to increase gradually.

There is one longer-term development I would be watching, though. SpaceX has been expanding Starlink’s mobile capabilities and recently agreed to acquire approximately US$8 billion worth of mobile spectrum in the United States. 

I think that is a significant development, as it suggests SpaceX has ambitions to compete more directly with traditional telecommunications companies.

But for now, I think Telstra’s extensive infrastructure and network capacity give it a strong competitive position, particularly in populated areas.

As such, I think Telstra remains a good option for investors seeking dependable income.

Foolish takeaway

I would be happy buying Flight Centre and Telstra shares today, with the former offering recovery potential and the latter providing a more dependable source of income.

Appen is one I would continue holding for now. Its recent progress is encouraging, but I think it still has more to prove before I would consider adding to my position.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Appen, Flight Centre, and Telstra shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

The Champion Iron Ltd (ASX: CIA) share price is in focus today after the company released its preliminary second quarter results for FY2027, highlighting iron ore sales of 4.5 million tonnes and unaudited revenue of $403.9 million.

What did Champion Iron report?

• Iron ore concentrate produced: 3.9 million wet metric tonnes
• Iron ore concentrate sold: 4.5 million dry metric tonnes
• Net average realised selling price: $89.9 per dry metric tonne
• Preliminary revenue: $403.9 million (unaudited)

What else do investors need to know?

Champion Iron’s Q2 FY2027 results are preliminary, based on management estimates, and unaudited. The company has advised that final figures may differ after completion of its financial close and review procedures.

Champion has scheduled a conference call and webcast for 30 October 2026 (Sydney time) to discuss the finalised results and answer investor questions. The webcast will be available on Champion’s website for replay for up to 90 days.

The company continues to focus on producing high-purity iron ore from its Bloom Lake and Rana Gruber operations and pursuing upgrades to increase high-grade direct reduction quality output.

What’s next for Champion Iron?

Champion Iron plans to release its full quarterly financial report before the upcoming results conference call. The company remains committed to progressing its project to upgrade a portion of its Bloom Lake mine capacity to direct reduction pellet feed, aiming to take advantage of growing demand for high-quality iron ore.

Management also noted that if any significant differences arise between the preliminary and final results, investors will be promptly updated as per regulatory obligations.

Champion Iron share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Champion Iron shares have declined 47%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has declined 3% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Champion Iron posts $403.9 million Q2 FY2027 revenue in preliminary results appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) shares are enjoying a welcome lift on Thursday.

The logistics software company’s shares are up around 4% to $34.83 at the time of writing following a significant announcement.

Given everything that has happened at WiseTech over the past year, I think this latest development comes at an important time.

But is it enough to make the tech stock a buy?

A major uncertainty has been resolved

WiseTech announced this morning that the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has concluded two investigations involving the company and its personnel.

The first concerned alleged trading in WiseTech shares involving founder Richard White and two current employees.

ASIC has issued no-action letters confirming it will not pursue enforcement action against those individuals.

It has also concluded a separate governance investigation that began in late 2024, confirming that no enforcement action will be taken against WiseTech.

An investigation involving another individual who is not a company employee remains ongoing.

I think this is a significant development for WiseTech.

Governance concerns have weighed heavily on investor confidence, and the uncertainty surrounding these investigations has made it harder for the market to focus on the company’s underlying business.

Having these matters resolved removes an important source of concern. But I certainly wouldn’t suggest WiseTech’s problems are now behind it.

There is still plenty to prove

WiseTech has undergone substantial changes, and management has some important challenges to navigate.

The acquisition of e2open has expanded its presence across global supply chains, but integrating such a large business brings execution risks.

The company is also changing how it charges customers for CargoWise, moving towards a transaction-based commercial model.

I think this could become a valuable source of growth as customers make greater use of the platform, although investors will want evidence that the transition is delivering the expected benefits.

Artificial intelligence (AI) presents another uncertainty.

WiseTech is investing in AI capabilities to improve productivity and automate logistics processes, but the technology could also change the competitive landscape.

For me, the company’s established customer relationships and the complexity of global logistics provide some reassurance.

CargoWise is deeply embedded in customers’ operations, and replacing it would be a substantial undertaking.

That gives WiseTech a strong foundation as it works through these changes.

Why I would buy WiseTech shares

Despite the remaining uncertainties, I think the risk-reward proposition looks increasingly favourable.

Consensus forecasts point to earnings per share (EPS) increasing from $1.45 in FY27 to $1.92 in FY28 and $2.32 in FY29.

That would represent growth of approximately 60% over two years.

At $34.83, WiseTech is trading on a PE ratio of around 24 times FY27 earnings, falling to approximately 15 times FY29 earnings.

I think those valuations could prove inexpensive if management delivers on expectations.

Of course, the forecasts are not guaranteed, and investors may remain cautious until WiseTech demonstrates consistent progress. But I see considerable potential for the shares to recover as earnings grow and confidence improves.

Foolish takeaway

I would buy WiseTech shares following today’s announcement.

There is still plenty of work ahead, particularly around integration, AI, and the company’s changing commercial model.

But with one major source of uncertainty now resolved, I think the outlook is becoming more encouraging.

At around $35, I would be happy to invest and give WiseTech time to rebuild investor confidence.

The post Should I buy WiseTech shares after today's big news? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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