Category: Stock Market

I think Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG) has quietly become one of the more interesting names on the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).

After completing its merger with Chemist Warehouse last year, the business now represents a scaled, integrated, healthcare and retail pharmacy powerhouse.

And yet, despite that transformation, the share price has pulled back sharply. At around $2.58, Sigma is sitting at a 52-week low and down more than 20% from its recent highs.

That raises an obvious question for investors. Is this a buying opportunity?

A stronger business than before

The first thing to understand is that Sigma today is not the same business it was a few years ago.

The Chemist Warehouse merger has materially changed the earnings profile. The combined group is now benefiting from strong retail sales growth, expanding store networks, and increasing scale advantages across its supply chain.

Its latest half-year result highlighted this clearly. Revenue rose 14.9% to $5.5 billion, while normalised net profit after tax increased 19.2%.

Importantly, this growth is not being driven by one-off factors. Chemist Warehouse has a long track record of strong same-store sales growth, supported by its value proposition and brand strength. That momentum appears to be continuing, with double-digit growth across both domestic and international markets.

At the same time, Sigma is progressing integration and synergy benefits, with a target of $100 million per annum in synergies by FY29.

In other words, the business is getting bigger, more efficient, and more profitable.

A defensive growth profile

One of the reasons Sigma stands out to me is its mix of defensiveness and growth.

Healthcare spending tends to be relatively resilient, even during economic slowdowns. People still need prescriptions, essential health products, and everyday pharmacy items regardless of the economic backdrop.

That provides a level of earnings stability that many other retail-exposed businesses lack.

But Sigma is not just defensive. It also has multiple growth levers. These include store network expansion, private label product growth, international rollout, and ongoing efficiency gains from scale.

I think this combination is powerful. It means investors are not just buying stability, but also a long runway for earnings growth.

Valuation is not cheap, but may be justified

Of course, there is a catch with this ASX 200 stock

Sigma is not what most investors would describe as cheap.

According to CommSec, the company is expected to generate earnings per share of 6.2 cents in FY26 and 7.1 cents in FY27. That places the stock on a relatively high price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of approximately 42x and 36x, even after the recent share price decline.

But quality businesses often trade at a premium for a reason.

Sigma’s scale, brand exposure through Chemist Warehouse, defensive earnings profile, and synergy potential arguably justify a higher valuation than a typical distributor or retailer.

I think the recent pullback may simply reflect broader market conditions or profit-taking after a strong run, rather than any deterioration in fundamentals.

Does the fall make it a no-brainer buy?

For me, the key question is whether the long-term story has changed.

Right now, there is little evidence to suggest it has. The business continues to deliver strong growth, integration is on track, and the underlying industry dynamics remain favourable.

Yes, the valuation still requires some belief in future growth. But with multiple tailwinds and a proven retail model, that belief does not seem misplaced.

Foolish Takeaway

Sigma Healthcare’s share price weakness is likely to grab attention, but the fundamentals tell a different story.

This is now a scaled, defensive healthcare business with strong growth drivers, a powerful retail brand, and meaningful synergies yet to be realised. While it is not conventionally cheap, high-quality companies rarely are.

For investors willing to look beyond short-term share price movements, I think the recent pullback could be an attractive opportunity to buy a business that is stronger and has long-term potential.

The post Does this ASX 200 stock’s fall make it a no-brainer buy? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• 2 top ASX shares I’d buy today amid falling prices
• Why buying ASX shares in March could supercharge your wealth

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

Investors who got in on the ground floor at Valiant Gold Ltd (ASX: VAL) are already sitting on impressive gains with the company’s shares changing hands more than 20% up on their initial public offer (IPO) price on their first day of trade.

Strong public offer support

Valiant Gold raised $75 million in an oversubscribed IPO, allocating $20 million to Westgold Resources Ltd (ASX: WGX) shareholders.

Westgold itself retains a 44% equity interest in Valiant, which is subject to a two-year escrow period.

Valiant Gold was incorporated initially as a subsidiary of Westgold, for the purpose of demerging the latter company’s Reedy Project and Comet Project in Western Australia.

Together, those two projects already have a mineral resource of 1.2 million ounces of gold made up of 15.6 million tonnes of ore at a grade of 2.4 grams of gold per tonne.

In the Valiant prospectus, Chair Derek La Ferla said the assets would get more attention than they would have had they stayed within Westgold.

The demerger of the Projects into Valiant presents an opportunity to bring forward value from these assets by establishing an independent team dedicated to recommencing mining, drilling and resource expansion, as well as leveraging off Westgold’s nearby processing infrastructure to accelerate the restart of mining from the projects.

He said there was also the opportunity to grow the projects.

Given that the Comet and South Emu–Triton underground mines were in operation as recently as FY2023, Valiant has identified a number of opportunities to accelerate exploration works that are required to inform a potential future decision to recommence mining operations. These activities relate to the potential commencement of dewatering of the Comet mine to provide access to underground drilling positions, along with resource extension drilling from surface at South Emu-Triton. Valiant has also identified the historic Boomerang-Kurara mine as a priority for investigation of an open pit cut back opportunity given the current high gold prices.

Shares performing well

Shortly following the commencement of trade at 1pm, more than 21 million Valiant Gold shares had changed hands.

The shares hit a high of 31 cents before settling back to be 21.9% higher than the 25-cent IPO price at 30.5 cents.

Westgold shares were 2.9% lower at $5.37.

At the offer price of 25 cents, the company was expected to have a market capitalisation of $135 million.

The top 20 shareholders in Valiant accounted for 81.2% of the shares on issue, with Westgold owning 44.4%, with the remainder largely held by large broking houses, including Citicorp, HSBC, and JP Morgan.

The post The newest ASX gold company makes a strong debut on the bourse, up more than 20% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• What just happened to the Westgold share price?

Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. HSBC Holdings is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor Cameron England 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 JPMorgan Chase. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended HSBC Holdings. 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.

Looking to buy shares in an S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) telco stock with a strong growth outlook?

Then you might want to give Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) shares a pass and have a look at Superloop Ltd (ASX: SLC) instead.

With a market cap of $1.6 billion, Superloop is still a minnow compared to Telstra, which commands a market cap of $59.4 billion.

But the smaller ASX 200 stock has been outperforming Telstra shares for a long time now.

Year to date, Superloop shares are up 24.7%, compared to an 8.6% gain posted by Telstra. Stepping back a full year, Superloop shares are up 46.3% compared to the 27.9% 12-month gain in the Telstra share price.

And if we go back five years, then Superloop shares are up 247.8%, racing ahead of the 55.3% gains posted by Telstra over this period.

Now, Telstra does pay dividends, which Superloop does not. At least not yet. But even taking Telstra’s 3.8% partly-franked dividend yield into account, Superloop shares have still delivered materially superior returns.

This strong performance and resulting gains in its market cap saw the stock added to the ASX 200 Index in September.

And looking ahead, Alphinity Investment Management portfolio manager Stuart Welch believes the company could benefit from further earnings upgrades (courtesy of The Australian Financial Review).

ASX 200 stock on the growth path

“We invest in companies that are delivering earnings ahead of expectations and have future earnings forecasts upgraded,” Welch explained.

Asked which stock his fund owns that most people wouldn’t be familiar with, Welch said:

Alphinity typically invests in large, reasonably valued, quality businesses that are in an earnings upgrade cycle. So, it is rare that investors haven’t heard of the stocks we invest in.

However, [one that] readers might be less familiar with is Superloop, which competes against Telstra offering high speed NBN, fixed wireless broadband, and mobile phone services. They also service business and wholesale customers.

Commenting on why he’s bullish on the ASX 200 stock, Welch concluded:

In our view, Superloop has the potential to continue having future earnings forecasts upgraded as they take market share, given their relatively low-cost positioning supported by their infrastructure ownership.

Superloop’s Telstra beating growth figures

Superloop reported its half-year (H1 FY 2026) results on 18 February.

Highlights included a 23% year-on-year increase in revenue to $317.6 million.

And underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) for the six months were up 46% to $55.8 million.

As for those earnings upgrades, the ASX 200 stock boosted its guidance for full-year FY 2026 underlying EBITDA to between $112 million and $120 million, up from prior guidance of $109 million to $117 million.

The post Forget Telstra shares! Buy this fast-rising ASX 200 telco stock instead appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy right now
• Is the Telstra share price a buy after increasing mobile plan prices?
• Which defensive ASX shares are outperforming right now?
• 2 ASX defensive shares I’d buy in a heartbeat
• Buy, hold, sell: NAB, Pro Medicus, and Telstra shares

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

The Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) share price is edging lower on Friday as investors react to operational disruptions closer to home.

At the time of writing, Woodside shares are down 0.58% to $34.18, after trading as high as $34.83 earlier in the session.

Despite today’s dip, the stock has been volatile in 2026, with strong gains earlier this month linked to rising global energy prices.

Here’s what’s driving the latest move.

Cyclone forces shutdowns across key WA assets

Severe weather linked to Cyclone Narelle has disrupted major gas infrastructure in Western Australia.

Reports indicate that Woodside’s North West Shelf operations, including the Karratha gas plant, were impacted as the cyclone moved through the region.

Offshore platforms supplying gas to the facility were shut down, while LNG production trains and associated infrastructure were taken offline as a precaution.

The North West Shelf is a critical asset for Woodside and a major contributor to both LNG exports and domestic gas supply.

At the same time, other facilities across WA have also been affected. Chevron‘s Gorgon and Wheatstone LNG operations have experienced outages, while Santos Ltd (ASX: STO)’s Varanus Island plant has also been offline.

Combined, these facilities supply a large share of WA gas, and estimates indicate up to 44% of total output has been disrupted.

Global tailwinds meet local headwinds

Earlier in 2026, Woodside shares were supported by a rapid lift in oil and gas prices.

The ongoing war in the Middle East has lifted energy markets, reduced expected supply, and supported earnings outlooks.

This backdrop helped drive a strong rally in the stock through the early part of the year.

However, today’s weakness highlights a different risk.

While global pricing has been supportive, local operational disruptions are weighing on sentiment in the short term.

The shutdown of key WA assets creates uncertainty around near-term production, even if the disruption is expected to be temporary.

Technical levels come into focus

From a technical view, Woodside shares remain in an upward trend despite recent volatility.

The stock is trading above its longer-term support levels, with the $32 region acting as a key base in recent months.

On the upside, resistance appears to be forming around the $35 to $36 range, where the stock has struggled to break higher.

Momentum indicators suggest the recent rally has cooled. The relative strength index (RSI) is sitting around the low 70s, indicating the stock had been approaching overbought territory before pulling back.

Foolish Takeaway

Global energy markets have provided support for Woodside in 2026, but events in Western Australia show how quickly local factors can influence the share price.

The restart timeline for affected assets, alongside movements in oil and LNG prices, is likely to shape near-term direction.

The post Woodside shares slip as WA cyclone disrupts gas operations appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares are 0.5% lower at 8,485.3 points on Friday as the conflict in Iran drags on.

Since the war began, ASX 200 shares have fallen 7.8%.

Most sectors, particularly mining, have been negatively impacted, while energy shares have soared due to higher oil, gas, and coal prices.

Earlier this week, we looked at the 5 most traded ASX 200 shares since the war began.

The trading data came from online investment platform Stake and covered the period from 2 March to 18 March.

Only one of the top 5 most traded shares was an energy company.

That alone was interesting, given energy shares are clearly the momentum trade of the moment, with the sector up 16% since 2 March.

The data also indicated another interesting and surprising trend — investors’ desire to buy the dip.

Several of the most traded ASX 200 shares had experienced major annual declines, and the war had dragged them even lower.

Examples include CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL), Wisetech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC), Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO), and Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) shares.

This is a trend we’ve seen before among Aussie investors.

Last year, Stake trading data showed Aussies bought the dip during the April 2025 rout after the US announced its reciprocal tariffs.

10 most traded ETFs since the war began

In this article, we take a look at the 10 most traded ASX exchange-traded funds (ETFs) on the Stake platform since the war began.

This data is highly relevant given that so many Aussie investors are choosing ETFs over individual shares in today’s market.

According to the latest market data, Aussies have a record $333 billion invested across 426 ETFs on the market today.

Here is the data from Stake. Remember, this data only shows volume of activity, so we don’t know the split between purchases and sales.

However, we can assume that the fifth-ranked Betashares Crude Oil Index Currency Hedged Complex ETF (ASX: OOO) is buy-tilted.

ASX OOO has surged 47% in 30 days, and provides exposure to US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil futures (not the spot price).

We can also assume some profit-taking with ASX gold and silver ETFs, given the drop in gold and silver prices this month.

The gold price has fallen 18%, and silver has dropped 24% since the war in Iran began.

However, gold and silver remain 42% and 98% higher, respectively, over 12 months.

Rank	ASX ETF
1	iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)
2	Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS)
3	Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)
4	Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)
5	Betashares Crude Oil Index Currency Hedged Complex ETF (ASX: OOO)
6	Global X Physical Gold ETF (ASX: GOLD)
7	Betashares Diversified All Growth ETF (ASX: DHHF)
8	Perth Mint Gold (ASX: PMGOLD)
9	Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: VHY)
10	Global X Physical Silver Structured (ASX: ETPMAG)

Source: Stake

The post Which ASX ETFs have Aussies traded most since the Iran war began? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in Global X Physical Precious Metals Basket – Global X Physical Silver, Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF, and Zip Co. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, CSL, WiseTech Global, Xero, and iShares S&P 500 ETF and is short shares of BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL, Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF, Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS) share price is under pressure today following a fresh company update.

At the time of writing, shares are down 11.01% to $8.41, after falling as low as $8.31 in morning trade. The move adds to a volatile period for the defence technology company, with the stock now down around 11% in 2026.

Here’s what’s driving the latest move.

German delegation visit highlights capabilities

EOS announced that it had hosted a high-level German defence delegation at its Canberra facility.

The visit, led by Germany’s Federal Minister of Defence, focused on EOS’ counter-drone and high energy laser systems. This included demonstrations of its slinger remote weapon system (RWS) and the 100kw Apollo laser platform.

Management highlighted its ability to support Germany’s requirements through localised production and faster delivery timelines. The visit follows recent developments in defence cooperation between Australia and the European Union.

The company also reiterated its growing presence in global defence markets, with systems deployed or sold across regions including Europe, the United States, and the Middle East.

Volatility follows recent peak and insider selling

Despite the operational update, the share price reaction reflects broader positioning in the stock.

EOS shares have been highly volatile since reaching a record high of $11.80 on 13 March. In the sessions that followed, the stock dropped heavily, coinciding with disclosed share sales from the CEO and the leadership team.

Since then, the share price has tested the $8 level on multiple occasions. This area is now emerging as a potential support zone based on recent trading patterns.

Technical indicators also reflect the shift in momentum. The relative strength index (RSI) has moved back toward the mid-range, sitting around 45. Bollinger bands suggest the stock is trading closer to its lower range following the recent decline.

Goldrone payment remains a key focus

A key near-term factor for EOS remains the pending $18 million deposit linked to its South Korean Apollo laser contract with Goldrone.

The company has previously stated that, based on discussions, it expects the payment and formalisation of the agreement before the end of March. As of now, there has been no confirmed update on whether the deposit has been received.

This contract is tied to a broader US$80 million opportunity and represents a significant step in growing its high energy laser business.

Foolish Takeaway

The German delegation visit highlights EOS’ global activity and its product offering. However, the share price in the near term is still tied to contract progress and funding updates.

Recent trading shows the $8 level is acting as a key support area, while the outcome of the Goldrone agreement remains a major factor for the stock.

The post Why EOS shares are tumbling 11% today as investors weigh a key defence catalyst appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• Can EOS shares break a new all-time high again?
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• Why EOS, Latitude, Northern Star, and Rio Tinto shares are falling today

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

There are currently only a handful of ASX dividend stocks that provide monthly income to their investors.

ASX shares typically pay out just two dividends a year. That’s the case for most of the ASX’s famous blue chips, whether it be Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW), or Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS).

Some ASX shares and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) fork out quarterly dividends, but these are uncommon. Rarer still are monthly dividend payers. Yet many investors appreciate the regularity of a monthly dividend.

Those investors currently have only a few options, including Plato Income Maximiser Ltd (ASX: PL8) and the BetaShares S&P Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: HYLD). But they will soon have one more to consider.

This month, fund manager Solaris Investment Management revealed plans to float a listed investment company (LIC) that will follow the strategy of its existing Solaris Australian Equity Income Fund, an unlisted managed fund.

A new monthly ASX dividend stock

This fund invests in a basket of underlying ASX dividend shares. The fund’s latest update tells us that these include Nine Entertainment Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: NEC), BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) and Capricorn Metals Ltd (ASX: CMM).

The Solaris Australian Equity Income Fund has been around since 2016. Since that time, it has delivered some robust results for investors. As of 28 February, investors have enjoyed an average return of 11.21% per annum. Of that 11.21%, 8.33% per annum came from dividend income distributions, including the value of franking credits. The other 2.88% came from capital growth.

As we speak, Solaris is undertaking a capital raising, at $2 a share, from investors to launch the listed version of the Solaris Australian Equity Income Fund. It will be known as Solaris Australian Equity Income Plus Ltd, and will trade with the ASX ticker code ‘SET’. Solaris has nominated 17 April 2026 as the day that shares of this new ASX dividend stock are expected to commence trading.

Upon listing, Solaris has stated that the new company will have three objectives:

• generate income, inclusive of franking credits, that exceeds the income of the S&P/ASX 200 Franking Credit Adjusted Daily Total Return Index (Tax-Exempt) (Benchmark) annually
• generate total returns that are broadly in line with, or exceed, the Benchmark over the medium to long term
• deliver regular monthly income in the form of franked dividends

The fund manager expects Solaris Australian Equity Income Plus Ltd to pay the first of its monthly dividends in August this year. While there’s no guarantee (as with any ASX dividend stock) that investors will receive an 8%-plus dividend yield going forward, the company’s successful track record in delivering income will be reassuring for many.

The post 8% yield: The ASX is getting a new dividend stock that pays out monthly appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Plato Income Maximiser. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Telstra Group and Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Nine Entertainment. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

New Hope Corp Ltd (ASX: NHC), Yancoal Australia Ltd (ASX: YAL), and Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC) shares are charging higher on Friday despite the broader market malaise.

In afternoon trade today, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is down 0.3%.

Here’s how these three ASX 200 coal stocks are tracking at this same time:

• Whitehaven shares are up 4.8% at $9.23 each
• New Hope shares are up 4.2% at $5.67 apiece
• Yancoal shares are up 3.5% at $8.35 each

So, what’s going on?

ASX 200 coal stocks lift on rising energy concerns

With no fresh price-sensitive news out from any of the three ASX 200 coal stocks, it looks like they are all enjoying renewed investor interest amid a rising coal price.

Thermal coal is trading for US$142 per tonne, up 3.2% overnight, according to data from Trading Economics. This sees the coal price up more than 21% in March.

Like oil and gas, the coal price – and the shares of New Hope, Yancoal, and Whitehaven – have risen sharply since the onset of the Iran war on 28 February.

Today’s increase comes after the thermal coal price dipped to US$138 per tonne earlier this week. That drop was driven by hopes that the war could be nearing an end after United States President Donald Trump extended his deadline to commence bombing Iran’s power stations, saying the nations are involved in negotiations.

But with the US moving significant new forces into the conflict zone, and Iran denying it is seeking a deal, hopes of a near-term ceasefire have faded.

And as we hope for cooler heads to prevail, energy prices and energy stocks are moving higher.

How have New Hope, Yancoal, and Whitehaven shares performed in March?

Since the onset of the Middle East conflict on 28 February, the ASX 200 has slumped 7.8%.

As for the ASX 200 coal stocks, Yancoal shares are up 42.4% over this time; New Hope shares have gained 20.9%; and Whitehaven shares are up 18.0% in March.

Looking ahead, while it’s impossible to predict how coal prices will move longer term, I think it’s likely they will remain elevated over the coming months. That’s because even the rapid end to the conflict that we’re hoping for will leave nations around the world scrambling to secure their depleted energy needs.

That should help support the recent outsized gains posted by New Hope, Yancoal, and Whitehaven shares.

We could also see significant increases in the next round of dividends from the ASX 200 coal stocks as they share their growing profits with stockholders.

The post Why New Hope, Yancoal and Whitehaven shares are storming higher on Friday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 20 ASX shares with ex-dividend dates next week
• New ratings on 4 ASX 200 energy shares: experts
• Why are ASX 200 energy shares tumbling today?
• Are these ASX shares hitting 52-week highs still worth buying?
• $7,500 invested in New Hope shares 5 weeks ago is now worth…

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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.

It has been another busy week for many of 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 right now:

Light & Wonder Inc (ASX: LNW)

According to a note out of Macquarie, its analysts have retained their outperform rating on this gaming technology company’s shares with a trimmed price target of $205.00. Macquarie believes that Light & Wonder is well-positioned to continue its strong growth in 2026. However, it suspects that growth will be weighted to the second half of the year due to new product launches and easing cost pressures. In light of this and its current valuation, Light & Wonder is the broker’s top pick in the industry right now. The Light & Wonder share price is trading at $123.87 on Friday.

Liontown Ltd (ASX: LTR)

A note out of UBS reveals that its analysts have retained their buy rating and $2.20 price target on this lithium miner’s shares. The broker is feeling positive about the lithium industry and believes now is an attractive time for investors to consider a position. This is because UBS sees scope for another upcycle for lithium prices due to surging oil prices and supply disruptions caused by the war in the Middle East. It suspects that the impact this is having on the fuel market could lead to increased demand for electric vehicles. This would be good news for lithium demand and prices. 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 is fetching $1.65 at the time of writing.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

Another note out of Macquarie reveals that its analysts have retained their outperform rating on this telco giant’s shares with an improved price target of $5.64. This follows the announcement of mobile plan increases by Telstra this week. Macquarie believes that these price increases will support average revenue per user growth. And with its budget offering, Belong, also increasing prices, the broker sees only low risks of churn. Macquarie expects this to underpin fully franked dividends of 21 cents per share in FY 2026 and then 21.5 cents per share in FY 2027. The Telstra share price is trading at $5.30 on Friday.

The post Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How high does Macquarie think this gaming stock will go?
• Are Liontown shares a buy, hold, or sell?
• 3 ASX mining shares: Buy, hold, or sell?
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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 Light & Wonder Inc and Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group and Telstra Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Light & Wonder Inc. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Suncorp Group Ltd (ASX: SUN) share price is edging lower on Friday after the company released an update before market open.

At the time of writing, shares are down 0.49% to $16.32.

The move adds to a volatile period for the insurer, with the stock now down roughly 15% in 2026, despite rebounding around 10% over the past month.

Here’s what the company announced.

CEO taking temporary leave

In a statement to the ASX, Suncorp confirmed that Chief Executive Officer Steve Johnston will take a short period of leave as he recovers from a medical procedure.

The company said the leave is expected to be brief.

During this period, Chief Financial Officer Jeremy Robson will step into the role of acting CEO.

Neil Wesley, currently General Manager of strategy, corporate development and investor relations, will serve as acting CFO.

The update was released ahead of market open, with the board expressing its support for Johnston and wishing him a speedy recovery.

Management continuity in focus

The announcement points to a structured internal transition, with senior executives stepping into interim roles.

Robson’s appointment as acting CEO indicates the company is relying on leadership already familiar with its operations, financial position, and strategic priorities.

Wesley’s move into the CFO role maintains oversight across key financial functions, including capital management, reporting, and investor engagement.

There were no changes flagged to Suncorp’s strategy, operations, or financial outlook in the update.

Share price remains volatile

Suncorp shares have been moving unevenly in recent months, reflecting a mix of sector-wide pressures and company-specific factors.

While the stock has recovered over the past month, it remains down year to date, highlighting inconsistent recent trading performance.

The decline follows a period where investors reassessed earnings momentum across the insurance sector. Suncorp’s half-year results pointed to pressure from elevated natural hazard costs, alongside shifts in premium growth and claims trends.

At the same time, broader market conditions have influenced the share price as investors adjust expectations around interest rates and valuations.

The company has continued capital management initiatives, including share buybacks, which have provided some short-term support to the share price.

Foolish Takeaway

While today’s update relates to leadership, the use of internal executives in acting roles maintains continuity across the business.

With no changes to guidance or strategy, the share price move reflects positioning rather than underlying performance.

The near-term direction for Suncorp shares is likely to follow insurance sector trends, along with any updates on leadership and earnings.

The post Suncorp shares slip as CEO steps aside appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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