Category: Stock Market

In the midst of earnings season, ASX 200 financials stock GQG Partners Inc (ASX: GQG) is getting plenty of positive attention. 

It is a global boutique asset management company focused on active equity portfolios. It offers investment advisory and portfolio management services for investors across three continents.

The company released 2025 full year results last Friday. 

This ASX financials stock reported:

• Funds under management (FUM) ended at USD 163.9 billion, up 7.1% from the previous year
• Average FUM rose 10.8% to USD 164.3 billion
• Net revenue increased 6.3% to USD 808.3 million
• Net income attributable to shareholders climbed 7.3% to USD 463.3 million
• Diluted earnings per share grew 6.7% to USD 0.16
• Full-year dividends declared were USD 0.1469 per share, a 7.5% lift

Investors gobbled up GQG Partners shares following this announcement, leading to a 7.7% rise in share price to end the week. 

For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) fell 1.4% on Friday. 

Results prompt re-rating from Morgans

Earnings season often brings hefty share price swings like this one as investors react to results – either positively or negatively. 

Following this initial shift, as the dust settles, brokers and analysts often release updated guidance, taking into account the most recent results. 

That is exactly what has happened with this ASX 200 financials stock. 

On Friday, following the release, the team at Morgans updated its view on GQG Partners shares. 

Improved performance trends early in FY26

In a note out of the broker last week, it said GQG reported a FY25 NPAT of US$463m, up +7% on the pcp, and +1% vs consensus. 

Overall, we would describe this as an in-line result, with the key positive being signs of improved investment performance in January and February (as markets have turned more in GQG’s favour).

EPS outlook fell marginally, along with a 1 cent adjustment to its share price target. 

However, the broker upgraded the rating to accumulate (previously hold). 

The updated price target is $1.89. 

This ASX financials stock closed trading Friday at $1.735 following the 7% gain. 

From this share price, the updated target from Morgans indicates an upside of approximately 9%. 

The broker also noted the dividend contributes to its attractiveness. Estimates project it could be as high as 13% in the coming years.

Clearly there needs to be more evidence that the recent ‘flows risk’ period has passed, but trading on 7x PE and an 11% dividend yield, we see the stock as too cheap versus its long-term prospects.

The post This 200 ASX financials stock just got an upgrade from Morgans following earnings results appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Why AMP, GQG, NextDC, and Origin Energy shares are racing higher today
• GQG shares rise 4% as resilient earnings ease fund outflow concerns
• GQG Partners posts strong FY25 earnings and record FUM
• This ASX dividend stock is projected to pay a 13% yield by 2029

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

Earning $50,000 a year in passive income from ASX shares is an achievable goal. But it is not a quick one.

Unless you already have significant capital to invest, building that level of income is a slow burner. It requires time, consistency, and a portfolio designed to grow before it is designed to pay.

Here is how I would think about reaching that milestone.

Start with the numbers

If we assume a 5% average dividend yield is achievable over time, generating $50,000 a year in income would require a portfolio of around $1 million.

That figure can feel daunting at first, but breaking it down helps.

The journey is not about instantly building a $1 million income portfolio. It is about growing a balanced portfolio over many years until it reaches the scale where income becomes meaningful.

Focus on growth

In the early stages, I would not prioritise maximising dividend yields.

Instead, I would build a balanced portfolio capable of growing nicely into the future. Companies with strong business models, reliable cash flows, and long-term relevance tend to create more value over time than those simply offering the highest headline yield.

A mix of banks like Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) and Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG), infrastructure, resources like BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO), technology, and broad market ETFs can provide diversification while allowing capital to compound. Dividends can be reinvested along the way, helping the portfolio grow faster without needing constant new contributions.

The goal in the early years is scale.

Then focus on income

Once the portfolio approaches the level required to generate substantial income, the focus can gradually shift.

At that stage, I would lean more heavily into reliable dividend payers, such as established banks, infrastructure providers, and broad-based ETFs that distribute income regularly. The emphasis would be on sustainability rather than chasing the highest yield.

Diversification remains critical. Relying on one sector for income can create risk if conditions change.

Understand that it takes time

For most investors, building a portfolio capable of generating $50,000 a year in passive income takes years, if not decades.

Regular contributions, steady growth, and market returns all play a role. Trying to accelerate the process by taking excessive risk can undermine the long-term goal.

Foolish takeaway

Making $50,000 a year in passive income from ASX shares is possible, but it is rarely fast.

Unless you already have significant capital, the smarter path is to build a diversified growth-oriented portfolio first, allow it to scale over time, and then transition toward income stability as it matures.

With patience and a balanced approach, I believe that steady progression can eventually turn into a meaningful and sustainable passive income stream.

The post How to make a $50,000 passive income from ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Forget Rio Tinto, this ASX copper stock could rise 75%+
• The ANZ share price is a sell – UBS
• Utilities outperform as ASX 200 ascends to a 3-month high
• 3 blue-chip ASX 200 shares I would buy and hold
• The CBA share price is a sell – UBS

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

Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) shares have enjoyed a good run recently and are up approximately 15% year to date thanks partly to the booming copper price.

But with the mining giant already trading strongly, investors looking for bigger upside in the copper space may want to look further down the market cap spectrum.

According to Bell Potter, Aeris Resources Ltd (ASX: AIS) shares could offer significantly more upside from current levels. Here’s why.

What is the broker saying?

Bell Potter believes this ASX copper stock has made a value-accretive move with its proposed acquisition of Peel Mining via an all-scrip deal. The broker said:

AIS has made what we believe is a value accretive, strategic acquisition that bolsters and de-risks the long-term production outlook for its Tritton Copper Mine in NSW. We see potential for an extended mine life of +10 years and sustainable production rates of ~30ktpa copper in concentrate.

Under the deal, Aeris will acquire the Mallee Bull and Wirlong copper projects, which sit within trucking distance of Tritton. Bell Potter explains:

The primary assets of PEX are the Mallee Bull and Wirlong copper projects which contain a combined Resource of 10.6Mt @ 1.85% Cu for 197kt contained Cu. They sit within a ~150-200km trucking radius of Tritton. Combined with the current Resource at Tritton this is a total Resource of 29.5 Mt @ 1.73% Cu for 511kt contained Cu.

The broker believes this could extend Tritton’s mine life beyond 10 years, improve operating flexibility, and allow full utilisation of the processing plant.

Value accretive deal

On its modelling, Bell Potter sees meaningful value uplift from the acquisition. The broker said:

This adds ~$350m to our NPV for Tritton, which we risk adjust 15% lower to $300m… On our assumptions, this shows the acquisition to be strongly value accretive compared with the $170m value of AIS’ scrip consideration for PEX.

Importantly, the acquisition strengthens Aeris’ position in the Cobar Basin, which Bell Potter believes enhances its strategic regional footprint.

Earnings upgrades

Bell Potter has also upgraded its forecasts in response to the deal and updated commodity assumptions. The broker noted:

EPS changes in this report are: FY26: +9%, FY27: +12% and FY28: +27% on higher copper price forecasts. AIS is a copper-dominant producer, with its near-term outlook highly leveraged to the copper price, increasing production at Tritton and gold production at Cracow.

The broker’s earnings estimates show strong forecast growth, with EBITDA expected to rise from $160 million in FY 2025 to $310 million in FY 2026 and then $404 million in FY 2027.

Time to buy this ASX copper stock

According to the note, Bell Potter has maintained its buy recommendation and lifted its price target to $0.90 (from $0.82).

Based on its current share price of 51 cents, this implies potential upside of 76% for investors over the next 12 months.

The post Forget Rio Tinto, this ASX copper stock could rise 75%+ appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Mining Mammoths: Are Whitehaven Coal, Rio Tinto or BHP shares a buy ahead of earnings results?
• 3 ASX mining shares to buy: brokers
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• 7 ASX 200 large-cap shares hitting multi-year highs today
• These 3 ASX 200 shares have had a stellar month. Is there more upside to come?

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.

Despite a very excited ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) share price market reaction after the ASX bank share reported its result, not every analyst is convinced about its appeal.

ANZ reported its FY26 first-quarter update, with the bank showing a cash net profit of $1.94 billion, representing a 17% rise compared to the FY25 second half quarterly average, excluding significant items.

However, on that basis of excluding significant items, operating income only increased by 1%, while operating expenses fell by 8%.

The cash profit and cost cuts were stronger than what UBS and other market analysts were expecting.

What to like about the quarterly update

UBS said that it was particularly interested to see that expenses declined 1% year-over-year, leading to a cost to income ratio of 49.5%.

Additionally, as seen with Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), the credit environment is still “very benign”, which helps support profit being stronger than expected.

UBS then said:

This is clearly a good start to FY26 for ANZ and the new management team but ANZ has reaffirmed cost guidance of -3% (~$11.5B) for FY26E and cautioned around run-rating Q1 26 into the half year…

Positively, Q1 26 operational deposit growth was strong at +5.0% YoY, with NIM (1.56% and +2bps) benefitting from the mix changes…

On the back of this stronger than expected Q1 26 update, we increase our EPS by +3.6% / +1.3% / +1.1% for FY26/27/28E, reflecting a number of factors…EPS changes mainly benefit from lower cost growth expectations and reduced credit impairments, with credit provisioning trends more favourable than expected.

Why UBS is not bullish on the ANZ share price

While there were positives with the ANZ update, there were also some negatives.

UBS said that New Zealand and US rate cuts could be a headwind, particularly for the institutional division.

The broker also noted that net interest income only grew by 3%, with lending only increasing by 1% quarter-over-quarter, or 3% including institutional.

UBS then explained why it rates the business as a sell and has a price target of $36.50 on the ASX bank share, implying a possible double-digit decline over the next 12 months:

We remain Sell-rated on ANZ with a price target of $36.5/share (was $35/share), as we think the stock has run ahead of fundamentals, with a particularly strong positive price reaction to this 1Q26 earnings update (~+10%). We remain cautious on ANZ’s strategy to reset profitability. ANZ is trading at 15.8x P/E (2-years forward)…

The broker noted that the ASX bank share’s price/earnings (P/E) ratio is trading significantly higher than it has historically, so there could be other opportunities elsewhere.

The post The ANZ share price is a sell – UBS appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Utilities outperform as ASX 200 ascends to a 3-month high
• The CBA share price is a sell – UBS
• Buy, hold, sell: ANZ Bank, Breville, South32 shares
• How I would build an income portfolio that lasts a lifetime
• 3 ASX ETFs for investors chasing yield and growth

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison 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.

ASX 200 utilities shares led the market sectors with an impressive 9.38% gain as earnings season continued last week.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) lifted above 9,000 points for the first time in three-and-a-half months last week.

The benchmark index reached an intraday peak of 9,105 points on Thursday.

That was just 10 points shy of the all-time record of 9,115.2 points reached on 21 October.

Strong results from major companies, including Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ), and ASX 200 gold miner Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST), contributed to an overall 2.4% lift for the ASX 200 last week.

The ASX 200 closed at 8,917.6 points on Friday.

CBA’s 6% lift in cash profits to $5.45 billion for 1H FY26 saw the bank retake the ASX 200’s No. 1 spot from BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP).

BHP shares reclaimed the title last month after CBA took it from the miner in July 2024 during an extraordinary share price run.

Seven of the 11 market sectors finished in the green last week.

The worst performing sector was healthcare, down 12.61%, after investors hammered three of the sector’s giants.

Shares in CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL), Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH), and Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME) fell dramatically on their 1H FY26 reports.

Let’s recap.

Utilities shares led the ASX sectors last week

There are only 21 companies in the ASX 200 utilities sector.

Let’s look at the performance of the five largest players by market capitalisation last week.

Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG) shares streaked 10.72% higher to finish the week at $12.08.

The electricity and gas provider reported an underlying profit of $593 million for 1H FY26, down from $924 million in 1H FY25.

Origin announced a fully franked interim dividend of 30 cents per share.

The APA Group (ASX: APA) share price rose 3.89% to $9.07 ahead of the company’s earnings release next Thursday.

Mercury NZ Ltd (ASX: MCY) shares fell 2.72% to $5.36 apiece.

The AGL Energy Ltd (ASX: AGL) share price skyrocketed 16.42% to close at $10.42 on Friday.

AGL reported an underlying profit of $353 million for 1H FY26, down 6% on 1H FY25.

The energy retailer will pay a fully franked interim dividend of 24 cents per share.

The Meridian Energy Ltd (ASX: MEZ) share price rose 1.87% to $4.91.

Here’s how the 11 market sectors stacked up last week, according to CommSec data.

Over the five trading days:

S&P/ASX 200 market sector	Change last week
Utilities (ASX: XUJ)	9.38%
Financials (ASX: XFJ)	5.41%
Materials (ASX: XMJ)	5.1%
A-REIT (ASX: XPJ)	2.16%
Consumer Staples (ASX: XSJ)	2.07%
Industrials (ASX: XNJ)	1.42%
Energy (ASX: XEJ)	0.19%
Communication (ASX: XTJ)	(0.65%)
Consumer Discretionary (ASX: XDJ)	(0.97%)
Information Technology (ASX: XIJ)	(5.37%)
Healthcare (ASX: XHJ)	(12.61%)

Which ASX 200 shares will be on watch next week?

On Monday, JB Hi-Fi Ltd (ASX: JBH) and Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Ltd (ASX: BEN) will release their earnings reports.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) will release its 1H FY26 report on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Lottery Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLC) will report.

Thursday will be a big day, with four ASX 200 sector leaders releasing their results.

They are Goodman Group (ASX: GMG), Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS), Transurban Group (ASX: TCL), and Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES).

We’ll also hear from ZIP Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP), HUB24 Ltd (ASX: HUB), and PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS) on Thursday.

On Friday, Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN) and Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1) will reveal their numbers.

As for dividends, you can check out which ASX 200 shares go ex-dividend next week here.

The post Utilities outperform as ASX 200 ascends to a 3-month high appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week
• 4 ASX shares to consider buying with an average dividend yield of 6%
• The CBA share price is a sell – UBS
• Buy, hold, sell: ANZ Bank, Breville, South32 shares
• 2 ASX shares I’d buy after seeing their results this week!

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in BHP Group and Zip Co. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL, Cochlear, Goodman Group, Hub24, Megaport, The Lottery Corporation, Transurban Group, and Wesfarmers. 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 Apa Group, Bendigo And Adelaide Bank, Telstra Group, and Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group, CSL, Cochlear, Goodman Group, Hub24, Pro Medicus, The Lottery Corporation, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are no longer just about tracking the biggest indices. Some of the most interesting opportunities today sit in funds that tilt portfolios in a particular direction, whether that’s toward momentum, value, or overlooked regions.

If you’re looking beyond the usual suspects, here are three ASX ETFs that could be worth a closer look.

Betashares Australian Momentum ETF (ASX: MTUM)

The first ETF that stands out is the Betashares Australian Momentum ETF.

Instead of trying to predict which company will perform next, this fund simply follows the money. It invests in Australian shares that have demonstrated strong recent price momentum, meaning it systematically tilts toward what is already working.

This approach may not sound sophisticated, but momentum has been one of the most persistent factors in markets globally. When trends take hold, they often last longer than investors expect. The ASX ETF captures that by rebalancing regularly and letting performance guide allocations.

For investors who prefer rules over instincts, this can be a surprisingly effective way to stay aligned with market leadership without constantly making judgement calls. It was recently recommended by the team at Betashares.

VanEck MSCI International Value ETF (ASX: VLUE)

Another ETF worth considering is the VanEck MSCI International Value ETF.

Global markets have been dominated by growth and technology stocks for years, but value cycles tend to reappear when least expected. This fund focuses on international shares that are trading at attractive valuations based on fundamentals such as earnings and cash flow.

Rather than betting on high-growth narratives, this ETF tilts toward established global businesses that may be out of favour but remain structurally important. In periods where investors rotate away from expensive growth stocks, value exposure can provide balance.

This ASX ETF can therefore act as both a diversification tool and a contrarian tilt in portfolios heavily weighted toward high-multiple sectors. This fund was recently recommended by analysts at VanEck.

Betashares MSCI Emerging Markets Complex ETF (ASX: BEMG)

A third ASX ETF that could be a best buy for investors looking further afield is the Betashares MSCI Emerging Markets Complex ETF.

Emerging markets are often viewed as volatile and unpredictable. This fund takes a more refined approach by focusing on emerging market companies with stronger governance, higher quality characteristics, and more resilient business models.

Instead of simply tracking the largest emerging market stocks, it attempts to filter for sustainability and financial strength. This can reduce exposure to weaker state-owned enterprises and tilt toward businesses benefiting from rising middle classes, digital adoption, and industrial development.

For investors wanting emerging market exposure without diving blindly into risk, the Betashares MSCI Emerging Markets Complex ETF offers a more measured way in. It was also recently recommended by Betashares.

The post Why these ASX ETFs could be best buys appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Want to invest in the best stocks in the world? Try these ASX ETFs
• Where to invest $10,000 in ASX ETFs
• 5 excellent ASX ETFs to buy now
• Where to invest $10,000 in ASX ETFs right now
• The best ASX ETFs to buy for an SMSF

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.

When I look for blue-chip ASX 200 shares to buy, I am looking for businesses that I believe have clear drivers of growth and the ability to deliver solid returns over time.

Right now, these are three S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares I think are top buy-and-hold options for blue-chip investors.

Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

What I like about Goodman Group is that it never stands still. It consistently positions itself around powerful structural trends.

The company develops and manages high-quality industrial property and data centres in major cities around the world. Demand for logistics facilities remains supported by ecommerce, while the growth of cloud computing and artificial intelligence is driving significant interest in data centre developments.

Goodman’s model allows it to partner with institutional capital, recycle assets, and reinvest in new projects. I like that this flexibility supports long-term growth while helping to manage risk.

Although the shares are not cheap, the company’s global footprint and exposure to long-term infrastructure demand make it a compelling option in the ASX 200.

Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN)

Qantas offers a different kind of opportunity.

Airlines are inherently cyclical businesses, but Qantas has strengthened its position in recent years through cost discipline, network optimisation, and a strong domestic market share. Travel demand has remained resilient, particularly in premium and international segments.

The company’s loyalty program also provides a valuable earnings stream that is not exposed to fuel prices and short-term travel fluctuations.

While Qantas shares can be volatile, the combination of improved operational focus and strong brand recognition makes it a stock I would consider buying at the right price.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)

Macquarie is a blue-chip ASX 200 share that offers diversification and global exposure.

Unlike traditional banks, Macquarie operates across asset management, infrastructure, commodities, and advisory services. That mix of businesses helps smooth earnings through different economic conditions.

Macquarie has a long history of adapting its business model, investing in new opportunities, and maintaining balance sheet strength. Its exposure to infrastructure and energy transition themes also provides longer-term growth potential.

For investors seeking exposure to financial services with a global edge, I think Macquarie remains one of the more compelling shares on the ASX 200.

Foolish takeaway

Goodman, Qantas, and Macquarie operate in very different sectors, but each has identifiable drivers that I believe could support performance over time.

For investors looking within the ASX 200, these three shares offer a mix of infrastructure-backed growth, cyclical recovery potential, and diversified financial services exposure.

The post 3 blue-chip ASX 200 shares I would buy and hold appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• The $10,000 Test: Which ASX shares would I still own after 10 years?
• How I would build an income portfolio that lasts a lifetime
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Buy, hold, sell: Evolution Mining, HomeCo, and Macquarie shares
• Where to invest $10,000 in ASX growth 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 positions in and has recommended Goodman Group and Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Goodman Group. 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:

Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS)

According to a note out of Ord Minnett, its analysts have retained their speculative buy rating and $12.72 price target on this defence technology company’s shares. The broker notes that EOS was the subject of a short seller attack from Grizzly Reports. It was pleased with management’s response to the report and appreciates the improved clarity on existing contracts. Overall, Ord Minnett remains positive on the investment opportunity here and highlights that EOS stands to benefit from geopolitical tensions and rising defence spending. It also points out that the company has a substantial unconditional order book. The EOS share price ended the week at $5.86.

PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS)

A note out of Macquarie reveals that its analysts have upgraded this lithium miner’s shares to an outperform rating with an improved price target of $5.00. The broker made the move after making a significant upgrade to its lithium price forecasts for 2026. Macquarie is now materially more positive on spodumene and is expecting a price of US$1,800 per tonne this year. This is notably higher than PLS’ unit operating costs per tonne, which will be a big boost to profitability. As a result, it has lifted its earnings per share estimates and valuation accordingly and sees plenty of value on offer here for investors. The PLS share price was fetching $4.23 at Friday’s close.

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

Analysts at Bell Potter have retained their buy rating on this health imaging technology company’s shares with a reduced price target of $240.00. This follows the release of Pro Medicus’ half-year results, which it concedes were a touch short of expectations. Bell Potter notes that although it delivered a record result with strong revenue and profit growth, its revenue was still a 5% miss. Outside this, the broker highlights that management believe AI will disrupt its business. Bell Potter agrees with this view and believes that Pro Medicus is well-placed to benefit from increasing demand for radiology services. This is especially the case given how its systems remain a driver of efficiency in radiology. Overall, the broker thinks that following recent weakness among software stocks, an attractive entry point has opened up for investors. The Pro Medicus share price ended the week at $118.22.

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

More reading

• 2 ASX shares I’d buy after seeing their results this week!
• Should you just forget ASX tech stocks after the AI selloff?
• Recap: Winners and losers from earnings season week 2
• Bell Potter names 3 sold-off ASX 200 shares to buy today
• Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

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

With interest rates rising, income investors are understandably focused on yield.

But while term deposits may offer more than they did a few years ago, there are still ASX shares providing attractive forward yields, with the added benefit of potential capital growth.

Based on broker forecasts, the following four shares combined offer an average forward dividend yield of around 6%. Here’s what analysts are saying about them:

APA Group (ASX: APA)

The first ASX share to consider is APA Group. It owns and operates a portfolio of gas pipelines, storage facilities, and energy infrastructure assets across Australia. These assets are typically backed by long-term contracts, providing visible cash flow and supporting reliable distributions.

Macquarie is positive on the company and currently has an outperform rating and $9.23 price target on its shares. As for income, the broker is forecasting a dividend yield of approximately 6.4% in FY 2026.

Aurizon Holdings Ltd (ASX: AZJ)

Another ASX share worth considering for dividends is Aurizon. It operates one of Australia’s largest rail freight networks, transporting bulk commodities such as coal across key export corridors. While volumes can fluctuate, much of the company’s revenue is underpinned by long-term take-or-pay contracts.

Macquarie is also positive on this one. The broker recently put an outperform rating on Aurizon’s shares with a $3.77 price target.

With respect to dividends, the broker is expecting the company’s shares to deliver a yield of around 5.4% in FY 2026.

Dexus Industria REIT (ASX: DXI)

For investors wanting property exposure, the Dexus Industria REIT could be worth a closer look according to analysts. It focuses on industrial assets, including warehouses and logistics facilities, which continue to benefit from structural trends such as ecommerce and supply chain optimisation.

Bell Potter is feeling positive about the company’s outlook. It recently put a buy rating and $3.00 price target on the ASX share.

As for that all-important income, the broker is forecasting a dividend yield of approximately 6.6% in FY 2026, making it one of the higher-yielding names in this group.

Premier Investments Ltd (ASX: PMV)

The final ASX share to consider for income is Premier Investments. It is the owner of popular retail brands Smiggle and Peter Alexander, as well as a stake in Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG). These assets are consistently generating strong free cash flow, which is usually returned to shareholders in the form of dividends.

Macquarie is also positive on this one. It currently has an outperform rating and $16.20 price target on the shares.

As for income, the broker expects a fully franked dividend yield of approximately 5.8% in FY 2026.

The post 4 ASX shares to consider buying with an average dividend yield of 6% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Every now and then, I like to run a simple thought experiment.

If I invested $10,000 today and was not allowed to sell, check, or tweak the portfolio for the next decade, which ASX shares would I feel comfortable locking away?

It is an unforgiving test. It removes the ability to react. No trimming positions. No rotating into the latest trend. No panic selling.

Only businesses strong enough to justify long-term trust make the cut.

Here are three ASX shares that pass that test for me.

Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG)

Sigma makes the list because of the essential nature of what it does.

Following its merger with Chemist Warehouse, this ASX share now sits at the centre of a large pharmacy distribution and retail network. Medicines and pharmacy services are not discretionary purchases. Demand tends to be steady regardless of economic conditions.

What gives me confidence over a 10-year period is scale. A nationwide distribution footprint, established supplier relationships, and strong retail brands create a business that is embedded in Australia’s healthcare system.

The healthcare sector will evolve, but access to medicines and pharmacy services will remain critical. That makes Sigma the kind of stock I would feel comfortable owning through multiple cycles.

Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

Goodman passes the decade test for a different reason.

Its assets sit at the centre of structural shifts in the global economy. Logistics facilities support ecommerce. Data centres underpin cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI). These are not short-lived trends.

Goodman’s development-led model allows it to partner with institutional capital while recycling funds into new projects. That creates a growth engine tied to infrastructure demand rather than short-term retail cycles.

Over 10 years, I would back well-located, well-managed industrial and data infrastructure to remain relevant.

TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE)

TechnologyOne is a bold call in the current environment with investors panicking about AI disruption.

But enterprise software is deeply embedded across government, education, and large organisations. These customers rarely switch systems lightly, let alone let AI run wild on their computers. 

If I had to ignore my portfolio for 10 years, I would want exposure to businesses that customers rely on every single day. I think TechnologyOne ticks this box. 

Why this test matters

Most investors underestimate how powerful long holding periods can be.

The more often we intervene, the more likely we are to interrupt compounding. By asking which ASX shares we would hold without touching, we naturally filter for quality, durability, and structural growth.

The exercise also forces discipline. It reduces the temptation to chase momentum and refocuses attention on businesses with staying power.

Foolish takeaway

We cannot actually lock our portfolios away for 10 years. Markets move. Circumstances change.

But asking which ASX shares we would feel comfortable owning for a decade is revealing. It highlights businesses with durable demand, strong competitive positions, and management teams capable of navigating change.

For me, Sigma Healthcare, Goodman Group, and TechnologyOne are the kinds of ASX shares that could pass that test.

The post The $10,000 Test: Which ASX shares would I still own after 10 years? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How I would build an income portfolio that lasts a lifetime
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• 13 ASX 200 shares hit multi-year lows as the market takes a breather
• Buy, hold, sell: Telstra, TechnologyOne, NAB shares
• Best ASX stock to buy right now: Xero or TechnologyOne?

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 Goodman Group and Technology One. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Goodman Group and Technology One. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.