Author: openjargon

These 2 ASX shares have slumped hard in the past 6 months.

Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE) shares plunged 42% at the time of writing, while Zip Co. Ltd (ASX: ZIP) lost a whopping 55% in value over 6 months.

Let’s unpack what’s driving the sell-off and whether this is the moment for investors to pounce.

Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE)

On paper, this S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) wine heavyweight still has plenty going for it. Its portfolio of premium and luxury labels such as Penfolds, 19 Crimes, and Lindeman’s carries global clout.

When conditions normalise, brand strength and margin leverage could quickly revive earnings. For contrarian investors who believe in the long-term appeal of premium wine, this slump might look like an entry point to buy this ASX share.

But the risks are hard to ignore.

For the first time in more than a decade, shareholders won’t receive two dividends. The decision to suspend payouts rattled the market. Add in suspended guidance and soft demand across key regions, and it’s clear this isn’t just a small bump in the road.

Management says the focus now is execution, cash flow, and fast-tracking Project Ascent. This cost-cut program is targeting $100 million in annual savings over two to three years. The board is also guiding to a stronger second half in FY26.

The market isn’t fully convinced.

Some brokers have stuck with cautious hold ratings and price targets well below prior highs. Morgans, for one, retained its hold call for the ASX shares after digesting the 1H FY26 result. And it wasn’t exactly glowing in its assessment.

Still, Morgans nudged its 12-month price target up from $5.25 to $5.30 a share, implying potential upside of roughly 17% from current levels.

Zip Co. Ltd (ASX: ZIP)

Over the past few weeks, Zip shares have been one of the more volatile ASX shares. They have been swinging from sharp sell-offs after disappointing full-year results and negative sentiment to periodic rallies that give the market some hope.

The buy now, pay later (BNPL) provider delivered solid results. Earnings jumped, guidance edged higher, and momentum looked healthy. But the market focused on the fine print.

Margins slipped to 7.9% as the faster-growing, but lower-margin US business drove more volume. Net bad debts nudged up to 1.73% of TTV, still inside board targets, but enough to keep investors alert.

Management also signalled second-half cash EBITDA will match the first. Translation? Profit growth may pause before it re-accelerates.

The bigger issue is trust. The buy now, pay later sector still faces regulatory change, tougher competition, and the risk of rising credit losses if consumers pull back. Those risks haven’t faded. And for a stock that’s already endured heavy selling, every wobble gets magnified.

So, what’s next?

Most brokers still see upside. The key will be turning new offerings into sticky, sustainable revenue streams.

UBS is bullish on the ASX share, sticking with a buy rating and a $4.50 target, pointing to potential gains of around 136% over the next year.

The post 2 battered ASX shares that look too cheap to ignore appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares
• Why Zip shares are bouncing back 5% today
• This ASX 200 premium stock crashes 58% – bargain or value trap?
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• 3 ASX All Ords shares at 52-week lows: Are they a buy?

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

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) shares came crashing down to earth on Friday.

Investors were selling the supermarket giant’s shares after the release of its half-year results.

Is this a buying opportunity? Let’s see what Bell Potter is saying about this blue chip.

What is the broker saying?

Bell Potter was pleased with its half-year results, noting that its profit was ahead of its expectations. It said:

COL reported a 1H26 underlying NPAT modestly ahead of our expectations but inline with market at $676m (BPe $648m).

Revenue of $23,618m was up +2.5% YOY (vs. BPe $23,793m and VA $23,792m). EBITDA of $2,205m was up +7.8% YOY (vs. BPe of $2,201m and VA $2,215m). Underlying NPAT of $676m was up +12.4% YOY (vs. BPe of $648m and VA $674m). Headline NPAT of $511m includes an after-tax charge of $165m related to historical staff underpayments.

However, due to a poor performance from the Liquor business, the broker has trimmed its estimates. It adds:

Key outlook comments included: (1) Supermarket sales growth through first 7wks was +3.7% YoY (+5.3% YoY ex-tobacco); (2) liquor sales growth through first 7wks are down -2.5% YoY; and (3) Liquor is expected to incur $7m NRI’s in FY26e, which when combined with the $9m incurred in 1H26 would imply a total of $16m, modestly lower than the original $20m guidance.

NPAT changes -1% in FY26e, -2% in FY27e and -4% in FY28e, with the majority of the reduction in the liquor business. Our target price falls to $22.35/sh (prev. $24.30/sh) reflecting earnings changes are higher risk free rate assumption.

Should you invest?

According to the note, Bell Potter has retained its buy rating on Coles shares with a trimmed price target of $22.35 (from $24.30). Based on its current share price of $20.56, this implies potential upside of 9% for investors over the next 12 months.

In addition, the broker is forecasting a fully franked 3.6% dividend yield, which boosts the total potential return beyond 12%.

Commenting on its buy recommendation, the broker said:

Continued delivery against ‘Simplify & Save’ initiatives ($133m delivered in 1H25 and $698m to date vs. a target of $1Bn by FY27e) and generating a return on ADC/CFC investments (~$1.45Bn investment). COL has returned to a discount to WOW, though this is likely warranted given the lower level of forecast growth.

The post What is Bell Potter saying about Coles shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• What is Morgans saying about Helloworld, TPG Telecom, and Coles shares?
• 1 ASX dividend stock down 15% I’d buy right now
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• Coles or Woolworths shares: Which is the better dividend stock for 2026?
• Why Bapcor, Brainchip, Coles, and Harvey Norman shares are dropping today

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

If you are looking for outsized returns, then it could be worth checking out the ASX 200 stock in this article.

That’s because the team at Bell Potter believes this growing company could rise over 60% between now and this time next year.

Which ASX 200 stock?

The stock that Bell Potter is tipping as a buy is Light & Wonder Inc. (ASX: LNW).

It is a leading global cross-platform games company that operates three segments in the gaming sector.

Bell Potter notes that these divisions include land-based gaming, where it is a top three supplier of slot machines in the outright sales and lease markets and the number one supplier of both casino management systems and table products.

There is also the SciPlay business, which is a top three developer and publisher of social casino games on mobile and web platforms.

The final division is the iGaming division, which is a leading supplier of real money online gaming content and iGaming content aggregation platforms. It operates globally with over 67% of its revenue historically derived from the US.

What is the broker saying?

Bell Potter was relatively pleased with the ASX 200 stock’s performance in FY 2025. It said:

LNW reported +4% YoY revenue growth to US$3,314m below BPe of US$3,337m and consensus of US$3,330m, supported by +6% YoY growth in Gaming (BPe +7%), -3% YoY growth in SciPlay (BPe -2%) and +13% YoY growth in iGaming (BPe +11%). Adj. NPATA of US$567m was up +18% YoY (+1% beat vs. BPe). The Nth. Am. install base grew units to 48.33k, ahead of BPe of 48.00k, with the base business growing by 700 units. The beat to consensus was driven by margin expansion initiatives.

It was also pleased to see that management has reiterated its earnings target. The broker adds:

LNW continues to work towards US$2.0b AEBITDA target. For CY26 LNW forecasts another year of strong Adjusted NPATA and EPSa growth. The company anticipates the shape of earnings to be broadly similar to CY25 reflective of a growing recurring revenue base and industry cyclicality. Strategic investments, tariff costs in Gaming and legacy costs pertaining to legal matters are anticipated in 1H26 (1Q26 in particular.)

Time to buy

According to the note, Bell Potter has retained its buy rating on the ASX 200 stock with a trimmed price target of $220.00 (from $230.00).

Based on its current share price of $134.21, this implies potential upside of 64% for investors over the next 12 months.

Bell Potter believes that Light & Wonder represents a great example of growth at a reasonable price (GARP). It concludes:

We rate LNW a Buy due to a compelling GARP profile relative to the ASX 100 and ALL. We expect a continuation in the re-rate observed since the ASX sole listing in November 2025, as long as the company executes on its strategy. We believe LNW’s heightened investment in R&D will drive continued growth, particularly in the Premium leased market. Further, we believe LNW’s R&D engine is difficult to replicate by AI and therefore gives the company an enduring moat.

The post Why this growing ASX 200 stock could rise 60%+ appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 Australian growth stocks to buy in 2026
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• Light & Wonder FY25 profit rises on Gaming and iGaming strength
• Are this gaming company’s shares a buy ahead of results tomorrow? One broker certainly thinks so
• 3 out of favour ASX 200 shares that could be worth a look 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 Light & Wonder Inc. 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.

The Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC) share price is in focus today after the company announced it has secured a 10-year renewal of its Malaysian operating licence, delivering long-term certainty for its rare earths operations.

What did Lynas Rare Earths report?

• Lynas Malaysia operating licence renewed for 10 years, starting from 3 March 2026
• Formal licence document to be issued by the Malaysian regulator in due course
• Licence renewal supports continuity of rare earths production in Malaysia
• Reinforces Lynas’ secure supply chain for partners and customers

What else do investors need to know?

The renewal of the Malaysian operating licence ensures Lynas can continue processing rare earths in its key facility, supporting ongoing supply to global markets. This long-term licence is likely to provide increased strategic stability for Lynas’ operations and planning.

Investor attention has focused on regulatory risk in Malaysia, and this extended licence helps address those concerns. The company also acknowledged the Malaysian Government’s ongoing support for the rare earths sector, which may assist future expansion.

What did Lynas Rare Earths management say?

CEO and Managing Director Amanda Lacaze said:

Lynas welcomes the longer licence term which provides greater investment certainty for Lynas and for our rare earths supply chain partners and customers. On behalf of all Lynas employees, we thank the Malaysian Government for its attention to this matter and its support for the rare earths industry in Malaysia.

What’s next for Lynas Rare Earths?

With this 10-year licence in place, Lynas can focus on strengthening operations, investing in growth projects, and maintaining reliable supply to its partners. The regulatory certainty may also help Lynas plan for the longer term and consider further investment in Malaysia.

Investors will be watching for updates on major projects and any further expansion plans as Lynas leverages this extended security.

Lynas Rare Earths share price snapshot

Over the past year, Lynas Rare Earths shares have risen 176%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 12% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Lynas Rare Earths shares: Malaysia licence renewed for 10 years appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Magellan Financial Group unveils merger with Barrenjoey
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• ASX 200 materials sector leads as earnings season ends with a record high
• These ASX 200 shares jumped 15% or more in February
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Lynas Rare Earths Ltd. 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.

The Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG) share price is in focus after the company announced a merger with Barrenjoey Capital Partners, creating a diversified financial services group. Key highlights include Barrenjoey’s strong 12-month revenue of $522 million and adjusted NPATA of $108 million.

What did Magellan Financial Group report?

• Entered agreement to merge with Barrenjoey Capital Partners, valuing Barrenjoey at A$1.62 billion equity (100% basis)
• Barrenjoey reported $522 million revenue and $108 million adjusted NPATA for the 12 months to 31 December 2025
• Magellan will acquire remaining Barrenjoey shares for total consideration of A$903 million, funded by new share issue
• Intends to raise up to $130 million through an institutional placement at $8.45 per share, plus $20 million through a share purchase plan
• Transaction valued at 15.0x P/E based on last twelve-month results, prior to expected synergies

What else do investors need to know?

The merger will combine Magellan’s investment management business with Barrenjoey’s strengths in corporate finance, equities, fixed income, and capital markets. The deal is subject to conditions including regulatory and shareholder approval, and is expected to complete in the second quarter of 2026.

Upon completion, Magellan shareholders will own 58.2% of the group, Placement shareholders 5.3%, Barrenjoey related parties 31.7%, and Barclays approximately 4.9%. Escrow and vesting arrangements will apply to Barrenjoey employees and affiliates, aligning long-term incentives.

What did Magellan Financial Group management say?

Magellan Financial Group Chairman Andrew Formica said:

The merger with Barrenjoey marks a transformative step in MFG’s evolution, bringing together two highly complementary businesses to create an Australian financial services group with meaningful scale and breadth.

MFG and Barrenjoey share a deep commitment to clients and are built on innovation, entrepreneurialism and exceptional talent. We believe we are stronger together – with greater scale, broader expertise and enhanced capacity to create long-term value for clients and shareholders. We are excited to partner with Barrenjoey to pursue the significant opportunities ahead.

What’s next for Magellan Financial Group?

Looking forward, management expects the combined group to benefit from improved diversification, a broader client offering, and a stronger balance sheet to support growth. The planned leadership transition will see David Gonski AC as Chair and Brian Benari as Group CEO, aiming for a smooth integration and continued expansion.

Magellan will hold an Extraordinary General Meeting in April 2026 for shareholders to vote on necessary approvals. Investors have been invited to a briefing to hear more about the merger and Magellan’s future plans.

Magellan Financial Group share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Magellan shares have increased 1%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 12% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Magellan Financial Group unveils merger with Barrenjoey appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• ASX 200 materials sector leads as earnings season ends with a record high
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• Alcoa announces March 2026 dividend

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.

If you are new to the share market, the hardest part is often deciding where to begin.

Rather than trying to pick individual winners, many first-time investors start with exchange traded funds (ETFs).

ETFs allow you to buy a basket of shares in a single trade, instantly spreading your money across dozens or even hundreds of companies.

Here are three ASX ETFs that could make investing simple from day one.

iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)

The first ETF new investors might consider is the iShares S&P 500 ETF.

This fund tracks the S&P 500 index, giving you exposure to 500 of the largest stocks in the United States. That includes household names such as Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO), and McDonald’s (NYSE: MCD).

Instead of trying to work out which single US company will outperform, this ASX ETF lets you own the entire group. If America’s largest businesses continue to grow earnings over time, the iShares S&P 500 ETF benefits.

For a beginner, that simplicity can be powerful. One investment provides exposure to a broad cross-section of industries including technology, healthcare, consumer goods, financials, and more.

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

Another ASX ETF that can make investing easier is the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF.

This fund focuses on the Nasdaq 100, which is packed with innovative and brand-driven stocks. Alongside Apple and Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOG), you will also find Starbucks (NASDAQ: SBUX), Costco (NASDAQ: COST), and Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX).

The Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF is more growth-oriented than the iShares S&P 500 ETF, with a heavier tilt toward technology and digital businesses. That means it can be more volatile at times, but it also gives investors exposure to companies shaping how we shop, communicate, work, and entertain ourselves.

For new investors who believe in long-term global innovation, this fund offers a straightforward way to participate without choosing a single tech stock.

Vanguard Diversified High Growth ETF (ASX: VDHG)

If you want something even simpler, the Vanguard Diversified High Growth ETF is designed as an all-in-one solution.

Rather than focusing on one country or sector, this fund invests across Australian shares, international shares, and even fixed income. Through its underlying holdings, you gain exposure to thousands of companies around the world.

That means you are not just betting on the US or one particular theme. You are spreading your investment across markets and asset classes in a single fund.

This could be a good thing for someone starting out, as it can remove much of the guesswork. Instead of building a portfolio piece by piece, the Vanguard Diversified High Growth ETF does the diversification for you. This fund was recently recommended by analysts at Vanguard.

The post New to the share market? Here are 3 ASX ETFs to buy for easy investing appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Alphabet, Apple, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Costco Wholesale, Microsoft, Netflix, Starbucks, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alphabet, Apple, Microsoft, Netflix, Starbucks, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG) share price is in a trading halt on Monday.

This comes after the funds management group requested a pause in trading.

Before the halt, Magellan shares were last trading at $8.46 apiece. The stock is now down around 15% since the start of 2026 and well below levels seen this time last year.

So, what has prompted the halt? Let’s take a closer look.

Why is the Magellan share price in a trading halt?

According to the release, Magellan has requested an immediate trading halt pending an announcement in connection with a proposed transaction.

The company said the halt relates to a proposed merger. It also includes a proposed capital raising comprising an institutional placement and a share purchase plan.

The halt will remain in place until the earlier of an announcement being made or the commencement of normal trading on Tuesday.

Magellan said it is not aware of any reason why the trading halt should not be granted.

All eyes will now be on the company’s follow-up announcement, with further detail likely to influence how the market responds.

What could this mean for shareholders?

While full details are yet to be released, the proposed institutional placement and share purchase plan suggest Magellan may be preparing to raise capital from both professional investors and retail shareholders.

Placements are typically conducted at a discount to the last traded price to secure demand. That means the eventual issue price will be closely watched by investors.

The proposed merger adds another layer of interest. If Magellan is seeking to combine with another business, the move would likely focus on scale, distribution, cost synergies, or product expansion.

Magellan has faced several challenging years marked by fund outflows and share price volatility. A transformational deal could represent an attempt to reposition the business and strengthen its longer-term outlook.

A business under pressure

Magellan remains one of the more recognisable names in Australian funds management. However, its market capitalisation has shrunk materially from its peak during the height of the global equity boom.

At $8.46 per share, the company is valued at roughly $1.4 billion. That is a fraction of the levels seen just a few years ago.

The stock’s 15% decline so far this year highlights that investor confidence remains fragile.

Any capital raising, particularly if done at a steep discount, could create short term pressure.

On the other hand, If the proposed merger strengthens earnings and stabilises funds under management, sentiment toward Magellan could improve.

Until then, the Magellan share price remains frozen. The full announcement is expected to provide clarity on the company’s direction and outlook.

The post Magellan requests trading halt ahead of major announcement appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Magellan Financial Group unveils merger with Barrenjoey
• Should you buy Digico, Magellan, and Ramelius shares?
• 16 ASX shares going ex-dividend next week
• Are Magellan shares an underrated buy with a 10% dividend yield?
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

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

These 3 S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares have taken a hit lately.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL), WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) and Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1) all started 2026 with big losses – 15%, 31% and 28% respectively at the time of writing.

But what ties the 3 ASX 200 shares together isn’t trendy momentum, it’s industry leadership and long-term cash generation potential. All hallmark traits Warren Buffett prizes.

CSL: Healthcare dominance with a value twist

This $71 billion ASX 200 share is a global leader in plasma-derived therapies with one of the tightest moats on the ASX. It’s anchored by its scale, regulatory barriers and long R&D runway.

CSL controls a sizeable share of global plasma collection centres, giving it pricing and margin advantages in a consolidated market. Long-term growth in immunoglobulin demand — driven by ageing populations and wider diagnosis — underpins robust revenue potential.

On the flip side, the market hasn’t been kind recently. Shares are trading well below their recent peaks as near-term guidance was trimmed. Uncertainty around its vaccine arm and restructuring has also weighed on sentiment.

Never mind the short term noise, CSL’s fundamentals remain intact. It has steady cash flow, pricing power and a diversified product mix. If you believe in long-term healthcare megatrends and that temporary operational challenges resolve, CSL’s valuation dip could reflect a moat on sale, not a moat broken.

Warren Buffett likes predictable cash flows; CSL still fits that bill for patient holders.

Brokers see plenty of upside. The average 12-months price target is set at $209.77, a potential gain of 43% at current levels.

 WiseTech: Logistics software at a crossroads

WiseTech’s CargoWise platform is deeply embedded in global freight and logistics operations. It creates a compelling network effect that’s hard for competitors to replicate. Even after a hefty share price drop, its revenue base has shown resilience and earnings growth potential.

The company’s recent history has been messy. Governance questions surrounding founder leadership and high-profile controversies pushed institutional sellers out, eroding investor confidence. And now, ASX 200 tech share is executing a dramatic pivot by cutting roughly a third of its workforce as it weaves AI into its core offerings. That’s a bold strategic shift, but one that introduces execution risk and near-term volatility.

If WiseTech can translate its brand strength and platform ubiquity into a leaner, AI-enabled growth engine, the current valuation may offer asymmetrical upside for long-term holders.

Most analysts see WiseTech as a buy or strong buy with a price target of $83.92. That points to a 77% upside over 12 months.

This stock might be a bit more speculative than Warren Buffett’s usual safe compounders. However, it’s a quality company with an overlay of transformation risk.

Megaport: Cloud connectivity riding the digital backbone

This ASX 200 share sits at the heart of global multicloud networking. Megaport offers on-demand connectivity between enterprises and major cloud providers. That’s a structural growth story as companies move computing workloads off-premise.

Its flexible SaaS model and recurring revenue are Buffett-friendly features that favour disciplined capital allocation and predictability.

Megaport isn’t yet a cash machine the way Buffett’s favourite names are. Earnings are still evolving, and it has a longer path to sustainable profitability.

If you’re in for the multi-year cloud adoption story, Megaport’s infrastructure play feels like an underappreciated sibling to the big cloud giants. Brokers seem to think so. They think that the ASX 200 share will deliver a potential plus of 81% at $15.91 over 12 months.

Warren Buffett might balk at its early-stage earnings story today, but the underlying secular trend is durable. Especially if you’re stacking positions over time rather than timing swings.

The post Follow Warren Buffett: 3 cheap ASX 200 shares worth a closer look appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• The boss of which tech company has just bought $1m worth of shares?

Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther 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 CSL, Megaport, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

At the start of each week, I like to look at ASIC’s short position report to find out which shares are being targeted by short sellers.

This is because I believe it is well worth keeping a close eye on short interest levels as high levels can sometimes be a sign that something isn’t quite right with a company.

With that in mind, here are the 10 most shorted shares on the ASX this week according to ASIC:

• Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE) remains the most shorted ASX share with short interest of 16.1%, which is down since last week. There are concerns over this uranium miner’s production outlook.
• Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP) has seen its short interest ease to 15.6%. Short sellers appear to believe the struggling pizza chain operator’s turnaround strategy will fail. Last month, it reported a 2.5% decline in same store sales during the first half.
• Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE) has seen its short interest rise to 14.4%. This wine giant has been battling very tough trading conditions. Short sellers may not believe a change is coming in the near term.
• Guzman Y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG) has short interest of 13.4%, which is down week on week. This burrito seller’s shares crashed last month in response to the release of a disappointing half-year result. It continues to make a loss in the United States, which was supposedly its largest growth opportunity.
• Polynovo Ltd (ASX: PNV) has short interest of 12.9%, which is up since last week. This medical device company could have been targeted due to its lofty valuation.
• Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX) has short interest of 12.4%, which is flat since last week. This radiopharmaceuticals company has been facing delays with FDA approvals.
• IPH Ltd (ASX: IPH) has short interest of 12.3%, which is up week on week. This intellectual property services company has been battling weaker volumes and market share losses.
• IDP Education Ltd (ASX: IEL) has 11.8% of its shares held short, which is up week on week. Changes to visa rules in key markets have weighed on sentiment and this student placement and language testing company’s performance.
• Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) has short interest of 10.8%, which is up week on week. There are concerns that the travel agent won’t deliver on its revenue margin targets.
• Nanosonics Ltd (ASX: NAN) has entered the top ten with short interest of 10.3%. Last month, this infection prevention company posted a 3% decline in profit before tax during the first half. Short sellers may believe this trend will continue.

The post These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Domino’s Pizza Enterprises and Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Domino’s Pizza Enterprises, Nanosonics, PolyNovo, Telix Pharmaceuticals, and Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Domino’s Pizza Enterprises, Flight Centre Travel Group, IPH Ltd , Nanosonics, PolyNovo, and Telix Pharmaceuticals. 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) ended earnings season at a record high of 9,198.6 points, up 3.72% for the month.

Meanwhile, the professionals continue to assess companies’ earnings reports and re-rate ASX stocks accordingly.

Let’s take a look at what Morgans thinks of these three ASX companies following their results.

Helloworld Travel Ltd (ASX: HLO)

Helloworld reported a 12.1% lift in underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) to $30.5 million for 1H FY26.

The ASX travel share will pay a pay a fully franked interim dividend of 5 cents per share.

Post-results, Morgans maintained its buy rating on Helloworld shares, commenting:

HLO reported a strong 1H26 result which slightly beat expectations.

FY26 EBITDA guidance for 15-30% growth was reiterated. Its forward bookings remain strong.

Following the 1H26, we have upgraded our forecasts.

Given HLO’s undemanding trading multiples, improved trading conditions and contribution from new accretive acquisitions, we reiterate our BUY rating.

Coles Ltd (ASX: COL)

Coles reported a 12.5% lift in net profit after tax (NPAT), excluding significant items, to $676 million.

NPAT including significant items was $511 million, down 11.3%.

Those significant items totalled $235 million, or $165 million after tax, and were the result of a Federal Court judgment relating to Fair Work proceedings involving historical underpayment of workers.

Coles shares will pay a fully franked interim dividend of 41 cents per share, up 10.8% on last year.

Morgans said the 1H FY26 result was softer than expected but execution remained strong.

The broker upgraded the ASX consumer staple share from a hold to accumulate rating.

In our view, COL continues to perform well with key Supermarkets metrics such as customer scores, sales growth, cost discipline and store execution remaining solid.

We hence view the recent share price pullback as an attractive entry point.

The Coles share price has fallen 14.6% over the past six months.

Morgans maintained its 12-month price target of $22.90 on Coles shares.

TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPG)

TPG Telecom reported an NPAT of $52 million for FY25, up from a loss of $140 million in FY24.

The company improved its operating free cash flow by 98.9% to $1,291 million.

TPG Telecom shares will pay a final dividend of 9 cents per share with 30% franking.

After reviewing the numbers, Morgans maintained its accumulate recommendation on the ASX telco share.

The broker said:

TPG’s FY25 result was in line with guidance and consensus expectations, as was its underlying EBITDA and capex guidance for FY26.

The highlight was continued strong mobile subscriber growth. For many years TPG/Vodafone has struggled to grow mobile market share.

However, over the course of 1HCY25 and 2HCY25 it has ignited growth and outpaced peers in terms of mobile subscriber growth.

Its network quality and brands are resonating with consumers and medium-term mobile growth could soon become a trend.

The broker increased its 12-month price target on TPG Telecom shares from $4.20 to $4.40.

The post What is Morgans saying about Helloworld, TPG Telecom, and Coles shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has 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.