Category: Stock Market

Last week was one to forget for Amplitude Energy Ltd (ASX: AEL) shareholders. 

The ASX energy stock tumbled more than 40% during the week, as investors exited their positions in the gas and oil supplier. 

After such a massive drop, is there any opportunity?

A note out of Morgans suggests there could be. 

Why did Amplitude Energy shares fall?

Investors reacted negatively to an announcement from the company last Wednesday. 

The company provided an update on drilling at its Isabella prospect in the Offshore Otway Basin, which it has now assessed as not commercial. 

It reported that pressure depletion observed during testing indicates the field is not commercially viable. Consequently, the well will be plugged and abandoned.

This was disappointing news for investors, as some likely bought into the company hoping the Isabella prospect would turn into a producing asset. 

When testing showed it isn’t commercially viable, that potential revenue stream effectively disappeared.

Additionally, it means the money spent on exploration won’t generate a return, which can hurt the company’s financial outlook.

What did Morgans have to say?

Year to date, Amplitude Energy shares are now down more than 45%. 

They closed trading last week at $1.59. 

However it appears there could be upside after such a heavy sell-off. 

In a note out of Morgans last week, the broker said Amplitude’s share price suffered a brutal selloff after announcing it was now 0-for-2 in its ECSP exploration program.

Isabella well flowed gas to surface but failed to maintain pressure and flow, disappointing given Isabella was the largest resource target in the program. The balance sheet and A$100m H1 EBITDAX buy time, but with two wells left and FID deferred, the next spud is effectively a must-win for the growth thesis.

The broker has retained a buy rating with a revised $3.00 target price. 

It did note the risk equation has shifted. 

From last week’s closing price of $1.59, this target from Morgans indicates a potential upside of approximately 88%. 

Bell Potter also optimistic

As The Motley Fool’s James Mickleboro reported last week, Bell Potter also believes Amplitude Energy shares may have been oversold. 

Its analysts have maintained a buy rating with a reduced price target of $2.70 (from $3.40). 

This indicates almost 70% upside. 

There are short term risks associated with the market’s response to outcomes of the ECSP drill program currently underway. However, ECSP should lift production from 2028, with the development of an existing discovery and two relatively low-risk exploration prospects which on success could be tied into latent existing pipeline and processing infrastructure capacity.

The post Down 40% last week, are Amplitude Energy shares now a buy? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Why this sold-off ASX energy stock could rise 60%+

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

Becoming a millionaire might sound like something that requires a huge salary, a lucky break, or perfect timing in the share market.

But I don’t think that is necessarily true.

Simple investing

I believe one of the most realistic ways to get to $1 million is surprisingly simple. 

It involves investing consistently, staying patient, and letting compounding do the hard work.

Let’s say you invest $5,000 into ASX 200 shares each year and earn an average total return of 9% per annum. Based on that, it would take a little over 33 years to reach $1 million.

That is a long time. But this isn’t about getting rich quickly. It is about building wealth steadily and deliberately over time.

The power of consistency

What stands out to me in this scenario is not the return assumption. It is the consistency.

Putting $5,000 into the market each year might not feel life-changing in the short term. In the early years, the portfolio will grow slowly, and it can feel like progress is limited.

But over time, your returns begin generating their own returns. Then those returns generate even more returns. Eventually, compounding starts to take over in a meaningful way.

I think this is where many investors underestimate what is possible. The real growth tends to come later, not at the beginning.

Backing quality ASX 200 shares

Of course, the 9% return assumption isn’t guaranteed, but it is possible.

You set yourself up to have a chance of achieving it by owning a portfolio of strong, growing businesses over a long period of time. And in my view, the ASX 200 offers plenty of shares that could help deliver that.

For example, a company like Goodman Group (ASX: GMG) gives exposure to global logistics and data centre infrastructure, which I believe are supported by long-term structural trends.

Healthcare names such as ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD) and Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH) operate in areas with growing demand and, in my opinion, strong competitive advantages.

Then there are technology and software businesses like TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE), Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME), and WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC). These companies have delivered strong growth historically, and I think they highlight how innovation can drive long-term returns.

Even more traditional names like Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) or Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) can play an important role, particularly when it comes to income and stability.

I believe a mix of these types of businesses can help create a balanced portfolio that has the potential to compound over time.

Time in the market matters most

One thing I have learned is that waiting for the perfect moment to invest can be a costly mistake.

Markets will always give you reasons to hesitate. There will be volatility, corrections, and headlines that make investing feel uncomfortable.

But if the goal is to invest $5,000 each year for decades, I think consistency matters far more than timing.

Some years you will invest at higher prices. Other years you will invest during pullbacks. Over time, those decisions tend to average out.

What matters most, in my opinion, is staying invested in ASX 200 shares and continuing to add to your portfolio.

Patience will be required

There is no getting around the fact that 33 years is a long time.

It requires patience and discipline. It also requires sticking with the plan even when markets are not cooperating.

But when I look at the alternative, trying to chase quick gains or jumping in and out of the market, I think the long-term approach is far more reliable.

And importantly, it is repeatable.

You do not need to predict the next big winner. You just need to consistently invest in quality ASX 200 shares and give them time to grow.

Foolish takeaway

Turning $5,000 a year into $1 million is not about luck. It is about consistency, quality, and time.

By investing regularly into ASX 200 shares and aiming for a long-term return of around 9% per annum, I believe reaching that milestone is achievable, even if it takes a little over three decades.

It might not be exciting in the early years. But over time, compounding can turn a simple plan into something very powerful.

The post How to become a millionaire with a $5,000 investment in ASX 200 shares each year appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Commonwealth Bank Of Australia. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Cochlear, Goodman Group, ResMed, Technology One, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended ResMed, Telstra Group, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Cochlear, Goodman Group, Pro Medicus, and Technology One. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

If you’re not a fan of picking stocks, I wouldn’t let that stop you from investing.

Not when there are exchange-traded funds (ETFs) out there that make investing easy.

And when it comes to Australian equities, one fund that stands out to me is the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS).

So, is it a good long-term investment? Personally, I think the answer is yes. But let’s now unpack why.

A simple way to own the Australian market

What I like most about this ETF is its simplicity.

Instead of trying to choose a handful of ASX winners, it gives you exposure to the broader Australian share market in one trade. It tracks an index that includes hundreds of companies, which means you are not relying on any single business to perform.

In my view, that diversification is incredibly powerful over the long term.

You are effectively backing the growth of corporate Australia as a whole, rather than trying to predict which individual company will come out on top.

Exposure across the market

Another reason I find the VAS ETF compelling is the breadth of its holdings.

At the top end, you get exposure to the giants of the ASX. Companies like BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), and CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) make up a significant portion of the portfolio. These are well-established businesses with strong market positions and, in many cases, global operations.

But what I think is often overlooked is that the ETF does not stop there.

It also includes mid-cap and smaller companies such as Catapult Sports Ltd (ASX: CAT), Collins Foods Ltd (ASX: CKF), and Bravura Solutions Ltd (ASX: BVS).

That mix matters.

The large caps tend to provide stability and income, while smaller companies can offer higher growth potential over time. By holding all of them together, I believe the ETF creates a more balanced long-term investment.

Low costs

One of the biggest advantages of this ETF, in my opinion, is its cost.

With a management fee of just 0.07% per year, it is extremely cheap. That might not sound like a big deal at first glance, but over a decade or more, fees can have a meaningful impact on returns.

The lower the cost, the more of the market’s return you get to keep.

That is one of the key reasons I often favour index ETFs for long-term investing.

Income and long-term returns

The Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF also offers a dividend yield of just under 3%, which I think will appeal to income-focused investors.

Australian shares are generally known for paying dividends, and this ETF captures that characteristic of the market.

On top of that, it has delivered returns of around 10.7% per annum over the past 10 years, according to Vanguard

Of course, past performance is not a guarantee of future returns. But I do think it provides some reassurance that a diversified, low-cost approach to investing in Australian shares can deliver solid outcomes over time.

Foolish takeaway

If I were looking for a set-and-forget way to invest in ASX shares, the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF would be high on my list.

It offers broad diversification across large, mid, and small-cap companies, comes with a very low fee, and provides both income and long-term growth potential.

The VAS ETF is not designed to beat the market. Instead, it aims to be the market. And for long-term investors, I believe that is often more than enough.

The post Is the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF a good long-term investment? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in CSL, Commonwealth Bank Of Australia, and Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Bravura Solutions, CSL, and Catapult Sports. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Catapult Sports. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group, CSL, and Collins Foods. 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 tough month for these rivalling ASX tech stocks.

Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB) and Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL) have slipped 12% and 15% respectively.

But zoom out, and the bigger picture hasn’t changed. Australia’s superannuation pool keeps growing. Advisers are consolidating platforms. And both companies are winning market share.

So, which one comes out on top right now?

Hub24: The growth rocket

This $7 billion ASX tech stock continues to impress.

Its 1H FY26 result was packed with momentum. Net inflows hit a record $10.7 billion. Revenue climbed 26% to $245.9 million. Even better, underlying net profit surged around 60% as scale kicked in.

Funds under administration reached $152.3 billion. And the company lifted its interim dividend by 50%.

That’s serious growth.

But the real story is structural. Hub24 is benefiting from rising adviser adoption. More than 5,200 advisers now use the platform. And the shift toward platform monogamy — where advisers consolidate onto one provider — is playing right into its hands.

This is a business gaining share in a growing market.

The downside? Valuation.

The ASX fintech stock has had a huge run and trades on premium multiples. That leaves little room for disappointment. Fee pressure and competition from legacy players upgrading their platforms are also risks.

Still, analysts remain bullish. The team at Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) recently upgraded the ASX tech stock to an outperform rating with a reduced price target of $92.25. That’s a bit below the average 12-month price target of roughly $112.00, which points to a 39% upside at the time of writing.

Netwealth: The steady performer

Netwealth offers a slightly different story.

Its 1H FY26 result also impressed. Platform revenue rose 25%, and funds under administration hit a record $125.6 billion.

Growth remains strong.

But what really sets Netwealth apart is profitability. Its recurring fee model, high adviser retention, and sticky client base support stable margins and predictable cash flow. That’s gold for long-term investors.

The company also increased its interim dividend by around 20%, reinforcing its appeal as a reliable compounder.

Risks? Similar to Hub24.

Competition is intense. Fee pressure is always a threat. And staying ahead in platform technology requires constant investment.

Still, Netwealth tends to trade at a more conservative valuation. It’s not as explosive, but it’s consistent.

Trading View data show that most brokers see the ASX tech stock as a buy or even a strong buy. They have set the average 12-month price target at $28.49, suggesting around 34% upside.

Foolish Takeaway

Both Hub24 and Netwealth are riding powerful tailwinds. They sit at the centre of Australia’s platform shift, a space dominated by a handful of strong players.

Hub24 looks like the high-growth rocket. Strong inflows. Expanding margins. Rapid momentum.

Netwealth feels like the steady compounder. Profitable. Predictable. Built on sticky relationships.

Which is better? It depends on your style.

If you want faster growth and are comfortable with higher valuation risk, Hub24 stands out. If you prefer stability, recurring income, and a slightly more conservative profile, Netwealth may be the smarter pick.

Either way, both look well placed for the long term.

The post Hub24 vs Netwealth: Which ASX tech stock is the better buy now? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• How to invest $10,000 in ASX dividend shares in 2026

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 Hub24, Macquarie Group, and Netwealth Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group and Netwealth Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Hub24. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

On Friday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) finished the week with a small decline. The benchmark index fell 0.1% to 8,516.3 points.

Will the market be able to bounce back on Monday? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 expected to fall again

The Australian share market looks set for a tough start to the week following declines on Wall Street on Friday. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 65 points or 0.75% lower. In the United States, the Dow Jones was down 1.7%, the S&P 500 dropped 1.7%, and the Nasdaq tumbled 2.15%.

Oil prices jump

It could be a good start to the week for ASX 200 energy shares Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) after oil prices jumped on Friday night. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price was up 5.45% to US$99.64 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price was up 4.2% to US$112.57 a barrel. This was driven by an escalation in the Middle East conflict just when the market was hoping for a peace deal.

AMP announces buyback

The AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP) share price will be on watch after the financial services company announced an on-market share buyback. AMP revealed that it will buy back up to $150 million of ordinary shares. AMP’s chief executive, Alexis George, said: “We remain committed to returning surplus capital to shareholders in the absence of a compelling alternative, and prioritising organic growth in our wealth businesses. Today’s announcement demonstrates this, with an on-market share buyback the most efficient use of capital at this time.”

Gold price rises

ASX 200 gold shares including Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a good start to the week after the gold price rose on Friday night. According to CNBC, the gold futures price was up 2.6% to US$4,524.3 an ounce. Traders appear to believe that the precious metal was oversold.

Buy Catapult shares

Bell Potter is feeling bullish on Catapult Sports Ltd (ASX: CAT) shares at current levels. In response to its trading update, the broker has retained its buy rating with a trimmed price target of $4.75 (from $4.85). Based on its current share price, this implies potential upside of almost 40% for investors. It said: “We choose not to make any change to our FY27 or FY28 forecasts at this stage – despite the stronger than expected year end ACV in FY26 – given, firstly, the lack of any other details regarding the FY26 result and, secondly, the strategy session next week which may provide further details. […]  Catapult remains our preferred mid cap exposure in the tech sector.”

The post 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Catapult Sports Ltd (ASX: CAT) shares shot higher last week after it released a FY26 trading update.

It has been a bumpy year for the global sports data and analytics company, which is down roughly 20% year to date. 

What did the company announce last week?

The company revealed that it expects its annual contract value (ACV) for FY 2026 to be in the range of US$133 million to US$134 million with low churn. 

This represents year-on-year growth around 27% to 28% on a constant currency basis. 

In addition, EBITDA is anticipated to grow by roughly 50% year-on-year, as its profitability continues to outpace its strong top-line growth. 

These results sent Catapult shares racing higher last Thursday.

Interestingly, Catapult shares then retreated more than 6% on Friday. 

Following the results, Bell Potter released updated guidance on the technology stock.

Here’s what the broker had to say. 

Good end to the year

According to Bell Potter, Catapult’s expected annual contract value is now higher than it previously expected. 

The broker said free cash flow is forecast at $5–6 million, below expectations, but this is due to timing of payments rather than a fundamental issue. 

Bell Potter sees the strong annual contract value (ACV) result as the main positive, showing good business momentum. 

Following the results, Bell Potter only updated its FY26 forecasts for ACV, cash flow, and management EBITDA.

Its forecasts for revenue and statutory EBITDA remain unchanged, as the higher management EBITDA is believed to come from accounting adjustments rather than stronger underlying performance.

No changes have been made to FY27 or FY28 forecasts yet.

We choose not to make any change to our FY27 or FY28 forecasts at this stage – despite the stronger than expected year end ACV in FY26 – given, firstly, the lack of any other details regarding the FY26 result and, secondly, the strategy session next week which may provide further details.

Buy recommendation unchanged from Bell Potter

As a result, Bell Potter has retained its buy recommendation. 

However it did lower its price target slightly to $4.75 (previously $4.85). 

From last week’s closing price of $3.41, this indicates a healthy upside potential of 39%. 

The net result is a modest 2% decrease in our TP to $4.75 and we maintain our BUY recommendation. Catapult remains our preferred mid cap exposure in the tech sector.

Bell Potter isn’t the only broker with a positive outlook on Catapult shares. 

9 analysts forecasts via TradingView have an average one year price target of $6.11. 

This indicates approximately 79% upside from current levels. 

The post What’s Bell Potter’s updated view on Catapult shares after its earnings results? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
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• Catapult Sports delivers strong FY26 growth and profitability

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

If you have $3,000 ready to invest as April approaches, you might be wondering which ASX growth shares are worth considering right now.

The Australian share market is home to a number of businesses with strong long-term potential, operating across industries benefiting from structural growth trends. Identifying companies with scalable models and expanding market opportunities can be a good starting point.

Here are three ASX growth shares that analysts think could be worth considering.

Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL)

The first ASX growth share to consider is Aristocrat Leisure.

is a global entertainment and gaming content creation company with segments spanning land-based gaming (Aristocrat Gaming), online real money gaming (Aristocrat Interactive), and social casino (Product Madness).

Its offering includes electronic gaming machines, casino management systems, free-to-play mobile games, and online real money games, that serve customers and millions of players worldwide every day.

Given its leadership position in the industry, its strong intellectual property, and its investment in research and development, the company appears well-placed to continue its solid growth over the next decade.

UBS believes this is the case. Last week, it put a buy rating and $69.00 price target on its shares.

Life360 Inc. (ASX: 360)

Another ASX growth share that could be a compelling option is Life360.

The technology company has built a global platform centred around family safety, with almost 100 million active users across its ecosystem.

What makes Life360 particularly interesting is how it is evolving beyond its core subscription offering. The company is layering in additional revenue streams such as advertising and hardware, which could significantly increase monetisation over time.

At the same time, it still has a large opportunity to convert free users into paying subscribers, providing a clear pathway for growth.

With strong user engagement and multiple levers to drive revenue, Life360 appears well placed to scale over the coming years.

The team at Bell Potter is bullish and put a buy rating and $37.75 price target on its shares last week.

NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT)

A final ASX growth share that could be worth a look is NextDC.

The data centre operator sits at the intersection of several powerful trends, including cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and the increasing need for data storage. Its facilities are becoming critical infrastructure for businesses that require secure and reliable access to data and computing power.

Importantly, NextDC has been building a strong pipeline of contracted capacity, which provides visibility over future revenue growth.

This could make it an interesting option for investors looking to invest $3,000 in ASX growth shares this month.

Morgans is a big fan. It recently put a buy rating and $20.50 price target on its shares.

The post Where to invest $3,000 in ASX growth shares in April appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Life360 and Nextdc. 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.

Tech shares haven’t had it easy lately. Between higher interest rates, valuation resets, and ongoing debate around artificial intelligence (AI), a number of quality names have been pushed well below their previous highs.

That doesn’t remove the risk. But it does change the opportunity.

Here are three ASX tech stocks I think are looking like bargains at current levels.

Catapult Sport Ltd (ASX: CAT)

Catapult operates in a technology niche that continues to expand. It provides performance analytics and wearable technology to professional sports teams around the world.

What stands out to me is how embedded its products are within elite sport. Teams rely on its data to manage performance, reduce injury risk, and gain a competitive edge. That creates a level of stickiness that is difficult to replicate.

The ASX tech share has also been shifting toward a more recurring revenue model, which is supporting strong growth. In fact, this week, Catapult announced that it expects to report annualised contract value (ACV) growth of 27% to 28% in FY26 to US$133 million to US$134 million.

So, after a significant share price pullback, I think a buying opportunity has opened up for investors.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

WiseTech Global has been one of the most heavily sold-off tech shares on the ASX.

Much of that appears to be driven by concerns around AI and how it could impact software platforms. But I think that risk is being misunderstood.

WiseTech is integrating AI into its CargoWise platform, using it to automate workflows and improve efficiency across global logistics. Rather than replacing the business, I believe AI could strengthen its market position.

With a deeply embedded platform, global reach, and strong recurring revenue, I still see this as a high-quality company trading at a far more reasonable price than it was a year ago.

SiteMinder Ltd (ASX: SDR)

Lastly, SiteMinder adds exposure to the global travel and hospitality technology space. Its platform helps hotels manage bookings, distribution channels, and revenue, connecting them to a wide range of online travel agencies.

What I like here is the scale of the opportunity. The accommodation sector is still digitising, and SiteMinder is positioned as a key infrastructure layer within that ecosystem.

As more hotels move toward integrated platforms, the company has the potential to grow both its customer base and revenue per user.

Like many growth stocks, it hasn’t been spared from the recent AI sell-off. But that could be an overreaction, especially with management working on an AI agent solution for its platform that leverages the technology and doesn’t get replaced by it.

Foolish Takeaway

Sell-offs in tech can be uncomfortable, but they can also create opportunities to buy quality businesses at more attractive prices.

Catapult, WiseTech, and SiteMinder are all operating in growing industries, with business models that have the potential to scale over time.

For patient investors, I think these are the types of ASX tech shares that could be worth buying and holding through the volatility.

The post 3 bargain ASX tech shares I’d buy right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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

It was another busy week for Australia’s top brokers. This has led to the release of a number of broker notes.

Three broker buy ratings that you might want to know more about are summarised below. Here’s why brokers think these ASX shares are in the buy zone:

Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG)

According to a note out of Macquarie, its analysts have retained their outperform rating on this appliance manufacturer’s shares with a trimmed price target of $37.10. Macquarie has been looking at industry data and believes it is favourable for Breville and suggests that it could be outperforming peers. The broker highlights that this is being driven by growth from its coffee business, as well as new products and new markets. Overall, Macquarie believes this leaves Breville well-placed for annual growth of 10%+ through to FY 2028. The Breville share price ended the week at $26.28.

Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH)

A note out of UBS reveals that its analysts have retained their buy rating and $302.00 price target on this hearing solutions company’s shares. UBS believes that recent share price weakness has created an attractive buying opportunity for investors. This is especially the case given how the broker believes Cochlear’s new next-generation cochlear implant platform, Nexa, will underpin a strong earnings recovery. The broker believes that with limited competition, Cochlear is well-placed to win market share. And while there are concerns over gene therapies, UBS doesn’t believe this is something that will impact its near term performance. The Cochlear share price was fetching $170.23 at Friday’s close.

Liontown Ltd (ASX: LTR)

Another note out of UBS reveals that its analysts have retained their buy rating and $2.20 price target on this lithium miner’s shares. UBS is feeling positive about lithium and believes now could be a good time for investors to consider a position in the industry. This is because UBS sees potential for another upcycle for lithium prices. It suspects that surging oil prices and supply disruptions caused by the war in the Middle East could be good news for lithium. It feels that the impact this is having on the fuel market could lead to increased demand for electric vehicles and lithium for batteries. In fact, the broker sees potential for the spodumene price to reach US$4,000 per tonne by the end of the year. The Liontown share price ended the week at $1.76.

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

More reading

• ASX 200 mining shares rebound after March sell-off creates opportunities
• 3 high-quality Australian stocks I would buy and hold for a decade
• 5 oversold ASX 200 shares to buy according to Wilsons
• ASX lithium shares ‘compelling’ as top broker adjusts ratings
• Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy right now

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

Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co. Ltd (ASX: SOL) recently announced its FY26 half-year result. After seeing the financials and commentary, a number of reasons stuck out about why Soul Patts shares are still a great pick.

In the short-term, market confidence is being tested by events in the Middle East and the subsequent impacts. But, in the long-term, there are plenty of great reasons to like the business. It’s already one of my largest holdings and I’m planning to buy more because of the following reasons.

Ever rising dividend

One of the best attributes for Aussie investors is the passive income from this ASX share. It has increased its payout for 28 years in a row!

The business decided to increase the interim dividend per share by around 9% to 48 cents per share. Soul Patts was able to fund that dividend announcement thanks to a 12.5% increase in the net cash flow from investments (NCFI) to 89 cents per share. Impressively, the NCFI has increased at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.1% over the prior three years.

The business could continue to deliver rising dividends for shareholders over the long-term thanks to its sturdy and expanding portfolio.

At the current Soul Patts share price, it offers a grossed-up dividend yield of 3.8%, including franking credits.

Improving portfolio balance

In the last few years, the business has been looking to protect capital through increased diversification and uncorrelated returns. It’s looking to seek out mis-priced risk and it’s prepared to be counter-cyclical or contrarian.

The idea is that its capital is invested in the highest-conviction ideas, while balancing growth and yield within the business.

Areas of its portfolio that it has been putting a significant portion of new investing money in recent times has been ‘real’ assets, private equity, emerging companies and credit.

Real assets include things like industrial and manufacturing properties, data centres, land for development, agriculture, water rights and retirement living.

The private companies are long-term investments in unlisted companies with growth opportunities. Soul Patts has the ability to hold minority, majority or control these investments, helping them grow into long-term growth platforms.

The emerging companies segment relates to investments in high-growth companies with structural tailwinds and potential capital gain potential. It has an increasing exposure to global investments in this segment.

With the credit segment, it’s looking to invest in businesses targeting income and strong risk-adjusted returns across domestic and global credit markets.

I like that the company is reducing its reliance on significant investments in large, listed businesses and building out its portfolio into other areas.

Focus on defensive growth

The business has deliberately built its portfolio to balance growth, yield and resilience across a range of industries and asset classes.

Looking at the past 25 years of ASX down months, Soul Patts has outperformed the ASX share market on average by 1.9%, which is an impressive track record and part of the reason why it has been able to outperform the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) over the long-term.

Soul Patts noted in its recent result that its HY26 net asset value (NAV) return was 9.7%, outperforming the market by 6.6%. The 12-month NAV return (including dividends) was 14.3%.

Pleasingly, the NAV has compounded by 11.1% per year over the last three years (adjusted for dividends). While that’s not the fastest growth rate in the world, it is helping justify a long-term rise in the Soul Patts share price.

The post 3 reasons why I think Soul Patts shares are a better buy than ever appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Everything you need to know about the latest Soul Patts dividend
• Soul Patts shares push higher on profit jump and 28th dividend increase in a row
• Soul Patts 1H26 earnings: Strong growth, dividend up again
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.