Category: Stock Market

It’s been a tough ride for investors in this ASX fast food stock.

Guzman y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG) shares are now hovering near 52-week lows, down a hefty 52% over the past year at the time of writing. That’s a sharp reversal for a company that debuted with serious hype.

In fact, even IPO investors are now underwater.

Shares were issued at $22 in the June 2024 listing and surged 36.4% on day one to close at $30. Momentum continued, with the ASX stock climbing to $43.35 by December 2024.

Since then? It’s been largely downhill.

So, what’s gone wrong and could this be a buying opportunity?

Clean ingredients, fast service

Let’s start with the strengths.

Guzman y Gomez has built a strong brand in the fast-casual dining space, focusing on fresh, high-quality Mexican-inspired food. Its emphasis on clean ingredients and fast service has resonated with customers, particularly in Australia and expanding international markets.

Growth remains a key attraction for the $1.5 billion ASX stock.

The company continues to roll out new stores and scale its network, which could drive revenue higher over time. If execution is strong, store expansion alone could underpin long-term earnings growth.

Rising labour costs, food inflation

But there are real risks investors can’t ignore.

Profitability is a big one. Like many fast-growing restaurant chains, Guzman y Gomez is still balancing expansion with margins. Rising labour costs, food inflation, and operational expenses can eat into profits, especially in a competitive industry.

There’s also execution risk. Rapid expansion sounds great in theory, but if new stores underperform or costs blow out, returns can disappoint quickly. That’s likely one reason the market has cooled on the ASX stock after its early surge.

And let’s not forget sentiment.

High-growth consumer stocks can fall hard when expectations reset and that’s exactly what we’ve seen here.

So, what do the experts think?

According to TradingView data, sentiment is mixed but improving. Out of 13 analysts, seven rate the ASX stock as a buy or strong buy, five have hold ratings, and one has a strong sell.

The average price target sits at $22.67, implying potential upside of around 49% from current levels.

And the bulls are even more optimistic. Some forecasts suggest the stock could climb as high as $31 over the next 12 months. That points to a potential gain of 104%.

Morgans is one broker to back the recovery story. It has a buy rating and a $24 price target on the shares.

Foolish Takeaway

Guzman y Gomez has been hammered, but the growth story isn’t dead.

If the company can execute on expansion while improving profitability, this ASX fast food stock could be staging a comeback.

For investors willing to take on some risk, this could be a classic high-risk, high-reward setup.

The post Down 52%, is this ASX fast food stock a screaming buy? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Guzman y Gomez posts 20% Q3 FY26 sales growth
• These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares
• 4 ASX shares at 52-week lows: Buy, hold, or sell?
• Guzman Y Gomez shares just sank to new all-time lows. Time to buy?
• 2 top ASX shares to buy and hold for the next decade

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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Ramelius Resources Ltd (ASX: RMS) share price is in focus after the company delivered 38,093 ounces of gold during the March quarter and confirmed its FY26 production guidance remains on track.

What did Ramelius Resources report?

• Gold production of 38,093 ounces in the March 2026 quarter (FY26 YTD: 138,716 ounces)
• FY26 production guidance maintained at 185,000–205,000 ounces
• Underlying free cash flow of A$101.9 million before specific adjustments
• Cash and gold balance of A$606.5 million as at 31 March 2026
• Executed share buy-backs totalling A$110.2 million this quarter
• Fully franked interim dividend of A$0.03 per share declared

What else do investors need to know?

Ramelius delivered its first Never Never ore to the Mt Magnet processing plant ahead of schedule, with the first stope fired at higher-than-expected grades. The company noted rainfall and road closures affected March production, leaving high-grade stockpiles ready for processing, setting the stage for a strong June quarter.

Ongoing expansion works continue at the Mt Magnet plant, and the company has made progress with its EPA referral for the Rebecca-Roe Project. Exploration drilling remains a focus, especially at Dalgaranga with an update expected later in April.

What’s next for Ramelius Resources?

Management says Ramelius is well set for a strong June quarter with high-grade stockpiles and contributions from new ore sources. The company is releasing a full quarterly activities report later this month and will provide updates on costs, especially with diesel prices trending higher.

Exploration remains a priority, with fresh results due from Dalgaranga. Ramelius will also update the market on progress at Mt Magnet and its long-term growth projects as 2026 unfolds.

Ramelius Resources share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Ramelius Resources shares have risen 60%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 17% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Ramelius Resources confirms guidance, strong March quarter gold output appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Bank of Queensland announces $3.7bn loan sale and capital partnership with Challenger
• Guzman y Gomez posts 20% Q3 FY26 sales growth
• NEXTDC announces $1 billion hybrid securities offer and La Caisse backing
• Telix Pharmaceuticals Q1 2026: Revenue growth, guidance reaffirmed
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday

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.

The Bank of Queensland Ltd (ASX: BOQ) share price is in focus today as BOQ announced a strategic $3.7 billion equipment finance loan sale to Challenger Ltd (ASX: CGF), plus a new 12-month forward flow agreement expected to boost the bank’s capital flexibility.

What did Bank of Queensland report?

• $3.7 billion sale of equipment finance loans, reducing debt funding by approx. $3.4 billion
• Anticipated $300 million capital return to shareholders post-sale, pending approvals
• Estimated $31 million post-tax statutory loss in 1H26, with sale impacts adjusted from cash earnings
• Group CET1 ratio expected to remain within 10.25%–10.75% target range
• Non-interest income to increase via servicing and origination fees under new arrangements
• Expected to be ROE and EPS accretive in FY26 (uplift to cash ROE of 15–25 basis points)

What else do investors need to know?

The capital partnership enables BOQ to accelerate its specialist banking transformation by shifting equipment finance exposures off balance sheet while growing capital-light revenues. The transition is designed to improve return on equity and support further business in the small and medium business sector.

BOQ’s ongoing equipment finance relationships will now be managed under a servicing arrangement, generating fee income rather than interest. Challenger will take the underlying credit risk on new originations via the forward flow arrangement, with BOQ retaining the ability to lend from its own balance sheet if it chooses.

What did Bank of Queensland management say?

Managing Director & CEO Rod Finch said:

This innovative partnership with Challenger is an evolution of our strategy to think differently about how we support our customers’ growth ambitions and generate value for our shareholders. We are harnessing our recognised capability in originating and servicing customers, particularly in the SME sector, to generate capital-efficient growth. Our ability to return capital to shareholders demonstrates the strength of BOQ’s balance sheet.

What’s next for Bank of Queensland?

Completion of the loan sale and commencement of the forward flow partnership are expected by the end of May 2026. Final details on the on-market buyback and special dividend distribution will come after the transaction closes, subject to board and regulatory sign-off.

BOQ will focus on further optimising its capital and funding profile, using partnerships to support growth in specialist business segments while balancing shareholder returns and prudential strength.

Bank of Queensland share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Bank of Queensland shares have risen 7%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 17% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Bank of Queensland announces $3.7bn loan sale and capital partnership with Challenger appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Ramelius Resources confirms guidance, strong March quarter gold output
• Guzman y Gomez posts 20% Q3 FY26 sales growth
• NEXTDC announces $1 billion hybrid securities offer and La Caisse backing
• Telix Pharmaceuticals Q1 2026: Revenue growth, guidance reaffirmed
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday

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 recommended Challenger. 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 Guzman y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG) share price is in focus today after the Mexican-inspired restaurant chain posted Q3 FY26 sales growth, with network sales up 19.5% to $345.9 million and five new Australian restaurants opening in the quarter.

What did Guzman y Gomez report?

• Network sales rose 19.5% to $345.9 million, up from $289.5 million in Q3 FY25
• Australia Segment delivered $320.4 million in sales, up from $267.6 million
• Comparable sales growth: 6.6% in Australia and 2.2% in the US
• Five new Australian restaurants opened; global total now at 278 locations
• New strategic partnership with Uber Eats launched, strengthening delivery sales

What else do investors need to know?

GYG’s growth in Australia was supported by ongoing demand for clean, fresh food and strong operational performance. The company expanded a pilot of its proprietary order management system in Australian drive-thru restaurants, with positive results leading to plans for a full rollout.

In the US, network sales increased compared to last year, driven by two new restaurant openings. While comparable sales improved over the previous quarter, the end of DoorDash deliveries in March slightly tempered growth. Brand awareness and execution also saw ongoing improvements overseas.

What’s next for Guzman y Gomez?

GYG has reaffirmed its full-year guidance, expecting Australia Segment underlying EBITDA as a percentage of network sales to climb to 6.0–6.2% in FY26, versus 5.7% the prior year. The group remains on track to open 32 new Australian restaurants in FY26, with a focus on drive-thrus making up the bulk of planned launches.

Management is also planning a full rollout of its new order management system and will continue building brand awareness and operational excellence, especially in the growing US market.

Guzman y Gomez share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Guzman Y Gomez shares have declined 49%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 17% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Guzman y Gomez posts 20% Q3 FY26 sales growth appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Ramelius Resources confirms guidance, strong March quarter gold output
• Bank of Queensland announces $3.7bn loan sale and capital partnership with Challenger
• NEXTDC announces $1 billion hybrid securities offer and La Caisse backing
• Telix Pharmaceuticals Q1 2026: Revenue growth, guidance reaffirmed
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday

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.

ASX tech stocks have had a rough period.

Valuations have reset, sentiment has cooled, and concerns around interest rates and artificial intelligence (AI) disruption have weighed on the sector.

But when I look at it now, I do not see a sector to avoid.

I see a sector that is becoming very interesting again.

The pullback has changed the conversation

Not that long ago, many ASX tech stocks were trading at very demanding valuations.

That made it harder to justify new investments, even in high-quality businesses.

Today, that backdrop looks different.

A number of leading companies have pulled back significantly, in some cases by 30% to 50% or more. That does not automatically make them cheap, but it does change the starting point for future returns.

For me, that is the key shift.

The businesses are still growing

What stands out is that, in many cases, the underlying businesses have not stopped progressing.

Companies like WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) continue to expand their platforms and grow revenue, even as the share price has come under pressure.

TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE) keeps delivering steady earnings growth through its SaaS model, with high levels of annual recurring revenue and strong customer retention.

And Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1) is building out critical digital infrastructure that supports cloud computing and, increasingly, AI workloads.

These are not businesses standing still.

They are still investing, still expanding, and still positioning for long-term growth.

AI is a risk, but also an opportunity

A big part of the recent weakness has been tied to artificial intelligence.

There is a concern that new technologies could disrupt existing software providers or compress margins over time.

I think that risk is real. But I also think it is only part of the story.

Many of these companies are actively incorporating AI into their platforms. They are not passive observers. They are participants.

In some cases, AI could enhance their products, improve efficiency, and strengthen their competitive position.

That is why I find it difficult to take a purely negative view.

Volatility is part of the journey

Tech stocks are rarely smooth investments.

They tend to move in cycles. Periods of strong performance are often followed by sharp pullbacks, especially when expectations become stretched.

We are now in one of those reset phases.

That can feel uncomfortable, but it is also where long-term investors can start building positions.

The key, in my view, is focusing on quality.

Strong balance sheets, recurring revenue, and clear competitive advantages matter a lot in this space.

Foolish takeaway

ASX tech stocks are not without risk, and they are unlikely to move in a straight line from here.

But after a significant pullback, I think the sector is becoming more attractive for long-term investors.

The businesses are still growing, the themes are still intact, and valuations are no longer as stretched as they once were.

For me, this looks like a period where patience and selectivity could be rewarded over time.

The post Are ASX tech stocks setting up for their next big run? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 high-quality ASX shares I’d buy and hold for the long term
• Down 35% in 2026, are Xero shares the bargain buy of April?
• How to build a million-dollar ASX share portfolio from zero
• The biggest mistake I see ASX investors making in 2026
• 3 ASX shares to buy before the next market rally

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

NEXTDC Ltd (ASX: NXT) share price is in focus after the company announced a $1.0 billion hybrid securities offer, backed by a binding $1.0 billion commitment from Canadian investment group La Caisse, to support ongoing growth.

What did NEXTDC report?

• Launched a $1.0 billion wholesale offer of subordinated hybrid securities to fund growth initiatives
• Secured a binding $1.0 billion commitment from La Caisse, a global institutional investor
• Pro-forma liquidity expected to reach approximately $5.2 billion as at 31 December 2025
• Hybrid securities to offer a 7.50% fixed coupon for the first five years, stepping up to 9.20% thereafter
• Hybrid securities are unsecured, deeply subordinated, and carry a 100-year maturity
• No equity conversion features attached to the hybrid securities

What else do investors need to know?

The hybrid securities will help fund NEXTDC’s strategy, including developing new data centres and expanding capacity. The structure offers flexible, long-term capital while maintaining the company’s financial agility, with the notes ranking junior to all existing and future debt but senior to ordinary shares.

NEXTDC also reaffirmed its plan to issue subordinated wholesale notes after this offer, aiming to further diversify its long-term capital structure. The hybrid securities do not impact the company’s existing senior debt covenants.

What did NEXTDC management say?

CEO and Managing Director Craig Scroggie said:

The announcement of the Hybrid Securities Offer and the La Caisse commitment represent another step toward NEXTDC delivering on a material step-change in the scale of our business as we deliver on the Company’s contracted forward order book across the period to FY29 and make further investments across the portfolio of new projects. We are delighted with this binding commitment from La Caisse, a long‑term investor with deep experience in infrastructure, as further validation of our growth strategy.

What’s next for NEXTDC?

Following this offer, NEXTDC expects to close the hybrid securities transaction around 23 April 2026, pending standard settlement conditions. Management will then evaluate options for a future subordinated wholesale notes issue, subject to market conditions, to further strengthen its funding mix.

The company remains focused on scaling up to meet contracted demand through FY29 and investing in new projects, supported by this enhanced capital flexibility.

NEXTDC share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, NEXTDC shares have risen 12%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 17% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post NEXTDC announces $1 billion hybrid securities offer and La Caisse backing appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Ramelius Resources confirms guidance, strong March quarter gold output
• Bank of Queensland announces $3.7bn loan sale and capital partnership with Challenger
• Guzman y Gomez posts 20% Q3 FY26 sales growth
• Telix Pharmaceuticals Q1 2026: Revenue growth, guidance reaffirmed
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday

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.

The Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX) share price is in focus after the company reported group revenue of US$230 million, up 11% quarter-over-quarter, and reaffirmed its FY 2026 revenue guidance.

What did Telix Pharmaceuticals report?

• Unaudited group revenue of US$230 million, up 11% from the previous quarter
• Precision Medicine revenue of US$186 million, a 16% quarter-over-quarter increase
• FY 2026 revenue guidance reaffirmed at US$950 million to US$970 million
• Successful early results from Phase 3 ProstACT® study of TLX591-Tx for prostate cancer
• Key regulatory submissions: Pixclara® NDA resubmitted to the US FDA and Pixlumi® MAA filed in Europe

What else do investors need to know?

Telix continues to advance its therapeutics pipeline, hitting milestones in global studies across prostate, brain, and kidney cancer. Notably, the company observed no new safety signals in the first part of the ProstACT study, supporting the safety profile of its lead prostate cancer candidate.

The company maintains strong momentum in its global expansion, now offering Illuccix in 21 countries, including 16 European nations. Its commercial presence is poised to support future product launches in both diagnostics and therapeutics.

Board renewal is underway, with David Gill set to join as Non-Executive Director in May and be appointed Chair in the future, bringing recognised governance and industry experience.

What did Telix Pharmaceuticals management say?

Managing Director and Group CEO Dr. Christian Behrenbruch said:

Growth accelerated across our Precision Medicine business in the first quarter, with U.S. dose volumes increasing 5% quarter-over-quarter. This performance reflects the growing uptake of Gozellix alongside Illuccix, contributing to market share gains underpinned by disciplined sales execution and pricing, and high-quality service delivery despite extreme North American weather conditions, an advantage of the pharmacy distribution model. With our two-product PSMA imaging strategy, differentiated clinical positioning and expanding commercial presence globally, we are seeing a solid foundation for continued growth through 2026. Importantly, we are delivering on our strategic priorities to advance our high-value clinical programs, demonstrated by the momentum in our therapeutics pipeline this quarter.

What’s next for Telix Pharmaceuticals?

Telix reaffirmed its FY 2026 revenue guidance, expecting further revenue growth driven by global uptake of its products and a full-year contribution from RLS Radiopharmacies. The company is targeting increased scale through new product launches and expanding its clinical program footprint across many markets.

R&D spend for the full year is forecast between US$200 million and US$240 million, subject to commercial progress. Telix is also moving forward with additional regulatory filings and study site activations in new countries, supporting a positive outlook for its pipeline.

Telix Pharmaceuticals share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Telix shares have declined 44%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 17% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Telix Pharmaceuticals Q1 2026: Revenue growth, guidance reaffirmed appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Ramelius Resources confirms guidance, strong March quarter gold output
• Bank of Queensland announces $3.7bn loan sale and capital partnership with Challenger
• Guzman y Gomez posts 20% Q3 FY26 sales growth
• NEXTDC announces $1 billion hybrid securities offer and La Caisse backing
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday

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 positions in and has recommended Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Telix Pharmaceuticals. 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.

Are you looking for ASX shares to buy after recent market weakness?

Well, if you are, let’s see what analysts are saying about the popular shares in this article, courtesy of The Bull.

Are they buys, holds, or sells? Let’s find out:

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

This biotechnology giant’s shares have fallen heavily over the past 12 months, but Morgans isn’t in a rush to buy them.

This week, the broker has put a hold rating on CSL shares. It appears to be waiting for its performance to improve before recommending it as a buy. It said:

This biotechnology giant has a strong research and development pipeline and a successful track record in launching new products. Its first half result in fiscal year 2026 was softer than expected, with net profit after tax and amortisation declining 7 per cent.

However, the company’s outlook appears supported through a combination of cost-outs, marketing initiatives and diminishing headwinds, which are all reinforced by the board’s urgency around operational delivery. This provides long term appeal for investors already holding the stock.

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

The team at Fairmont Equities has named this health imaging technology provider’s shares as a sell this week.

It believes that the rotation out of technology has not finished, which could mean further declines are on the cards. It said:

The company provides medical imaging software and services to hospitals and healthcare groups across the world. We remain negative on the technology sector as higher interest rates, continuing market volatility and increasing uncertainty leaves investors questioning the high multiples that companies, such as Pro Medicus, trade on. As we saw in the early 2000s, technology stocks can lose a significant amount of value before they become attractive again.

This rotation out of technology stocks often sees investors flocking to hard assets, such as mining company shares. This is what we’re seeing in sharemarkets at the moment, and this dynamic has further to go, in my view. PME shares have fallen from $330.48 on July 17, 2025 to trade at $120.17 on April 2, 2026.

QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE)

Over at Investor Pulse, it has named this insurance giant’s shares as a buy this week.

It has been pleased with QBE’s strong premium rates and higher interest yields. Looking ahead, it appears to believe the positive form can continue. It said:

Elevated premium rates and higher interest yields combine to drive earnings momentum. Improvement was clear in its full year 2025 results released in February. Net profit after tax of $US2.157 billion was up from $US1.779 billion in the prior corresponding period. Premium growth remained solid, with gross written premiums increasing 7 per cent to $US23.9 billion, driven by rate increases across North America and international markets.

At the same time, catastrophe costs were well below expectations. This combination of underwriting strength and cost control supported a 25 per cent increase in the full year dividend to $A1.09 a share. Improved quality of earnings and reduced volatility adds to QBE’s appeal.

The post Buy, hold, sell: CSL, QBE, and Pro Medicus shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Is now the time to load up on CSL shares?
• The biggest mistake I see ASX investors making in 2026
• If I could buy just one ASX stock in April, it’d be Pro Medicus shares
• Are these ASX blue chips now too cheap to ignore?
• 3 ASX shares that could double over the next decade (or much sooner)

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in CSL and Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL and Pro Medicus. 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 new investment ideas this month, then it could pay to listen to what Bell Potter is saying.

That’s because the broker has just released its latest top Australian picks from the small-cap side of the market. These are its panel of favoured ASX shares that it believes offer attractive returns over the long term.

Two that make the list in April are named below. Here’s why it is bullish on them:

Catapult Sports Ltd (ASX: CAT)

This sports technology company has been named as an ASX share to buy in April by the broker.

It likes Catapult due to its strong position in a market that is expected to double in value to US$72 billion by 2030.

Commenting on its recommendation, Bell Potter said:

Catapult Sports is a leading global provider of elite athlete wearing tracking solutions and analytics for athlete tracking. The key target market of Catapult is elite sporting teams and organisations and the acquisition of SBG also now gives the company a presence in motorsports. The pro sports technology market is currently valued at US$36bn in 2025 and is forecast to double to US$72bn by 2030.

We view CAT as a market leader entering a stronger phase of cash generation and operating leverage, with an underpenetrated global customer base and expanding analytics suite providing a long runway for subscription growth and valuation upside.

Region Re Ltd (ASX: RGN)

Bell Potter has added Region Group to its best ideas list in April. It is a neighbourhood shopping centre landlord which counts the likes of Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) and Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) as major tenants.

The broker believes the company is well-placed for both growth and to pay a generous dividend in the near term. It also highlights its attractive valuation, with the ASX share trading at a discount to its net tangible assets (NTA). Bell Potter explains:

We add Region Group (RGN), Australia’s largest landlord of neighbourhood shopping centres – a portfolio of highly resilient income streams heavily weighted to non-discretionary retail tenants (Woolworths and Coles). The business delivered a solid 1H26 result with a pickup in NOI and an upgrade to full year FY26 guidance, which doesn’t account for any potential acquisitions, buyback activity, and growth in its funds management platform.

RGN also ranks amongst the most hedged in its peer group, with interest costs largely locked in for the next two years (100% hedged for FY26, 87% hedged in FY27), providing strong earnings visibility and a buffer to rising funding costs. The stock trades at a -9% discount to NTA, 6.0% 1yr forward DPS yield, and is an internally managed REIT with a largely open register in one of the most attractive risk-adjusted sub-sectors of real estate.

The post Bell Potter names the best ASX shares to buy in April appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• Tech rebound: Bell Potter says this ASX 300 stock is a top buy
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• These 3 dirt-cheap ASX shares are tipped to climb another 50-90%
• Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

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

When I am thinking about long-term investing, I tend to focus on a simple idea.

Find businesses that can keep growing over time, supported by strong demand and durable competitive advantages.

They do not need to be the fastest-growing companies every year. What matters more is consistency and the ability to compound over many years.

Three ASX shares that I think fit that description are in this article.

ResMed (ASX: RMD)

Healthcare is an area where I like to look for long-term winners, and ResMed stands out to me.

The company focuses on sleep apnoea and respiratory care, which I believe are supported by long-term demographic and health trends.

An ageing population and increasing awareness of sleep disorders could continue to drive demand for its products and services.

I also like that ResMed has been building out its digital health ecosystem, which could enhance patient outcomes and strengthen its competitive position over time.

For me, it is a combination of defensive characteristics and growth potential, which is not always easy to find.

TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE)

TechnologyOne is probably one of the quieter achievers on the ASX, but I think that is part of what makes it interesting.

It provides enterprise software, particularly to government and education sectors, and has successfully transitioned to a software-as-a-service model.

What stands out to me is the consistency.

Recurring revenue, high margins, and long-term customer relationships all point to a business that can compound earnings over time.

It may not grab headlines in the same way as some other tech names, but I believe that reliability can be a real advantage for long-term investors.

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

REA Group adds a different type of quality.

It operates one of the most dominant digital platforms in Australia through realestate.com.au, which gives it a very strong competitive position.

What I like here is the combination of pricing power and network effects. Agents need to list where buyers are, and buyers go where the listings are. That creates a reinforcing cycle that is difficult for competitors to break.

The business is also highly profitable, with strong margins and the ability to grow earnings over time as the property market evolves and digital penetration increases.

For me, REA Group is an example of a platform business that can continue compounding over many years.

Foolish takeaway

I think long-term investing is about owning businesses that you can hold through different market cycles without constantly second-guessing the decision.

ResMed offers exposure to global healthcare demand with a growing digital component, TechnologyOne provides a steady, recurring revenue model that continues to scale over time, and REA Group brings a dominant platform with strong pricing power and long-term growth potential.

Overall, the three have the kind of characteristics I think can support long-term compounding.

The post 3 high-quality ASX shares I’d buy and hold for the long term appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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