Category: Stock Market

Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN) shares soared 6.49% to $57.29 while Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) closed 1.1% lower at $159.32 yesterday.

Both ASX 200 miners divulged their latest earnings reports last week.

On Thursday, Rio Tinto reported a 9% increase in underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) to US$25.4 billion for full-year FY25.

The miner reported stable underlying earnings of US$10.9 billion and a 14% reduction in net profit attributable to owners to US$10 billion.

Rio Tinto shares will pay a fully franked final dividend of US$2.54 per share.

On Friday, Mineral Resources revealed a record EBITDA of $1.2 billion for 1H FY26, up a whopping 286% on 1H FY25.

The underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) was $343 million, up 275% year-over-year, with no dividend declared.

Mineral Resources shares haven’t paid a dividend since 1H FY24 due to management’s preference to strengthen the balance sheet.

The experts have since pored over the numbers and updated their ratings and 12-month price targets on both ASX 200 mining shares.

Let’s take a look.

Rio Tinto shares

Goldman Sachs downgraded Rio Tinto shares to a hold rating after reviewing the full-year report.

However, the broker raised its 12-month price target on Rio Tinto from $160 to $165 per share.

Ord Minnett retained its buy rating and reduced its target slightly from $173 to $172.

Morgan Stanley kept its hold rating with a target of $140.

Macquarie reiterated its hold rating with a price target of $155.

UBS kept its hold rating with a price target of $160.

Morgans maintained its trim rating and lifted its price target from $142 to $146 per share.

In a note, the broker said:

Solid earnings result, albeit flat earnings despite Copper EBITDA doubling.

An investment heavy phase, FCF will rise on Simandou/OT ramp.

Whether RIO prove sceptics wrong and unlock value from mega deals at the top of the cycle is a key question and risk.

We lean towards ‘no’, as in our experience M&A action in bull markets pushes listed targets beyond fair value.

RIO is keeping pace with the upgrade cycle, which supports gains but undermines our view on further value, although it remains one of the highest quality sector exposures.

Mineral Resources shares

After reviewing the miner’s 1H FY26 results, Morgans upgraded Mineral Resources shares to a buy rating.

The broker increased its 12-month share price target from $66 to $68.

RBC Capital reiterated its buy rating with a 12-month price target of $67.

UBS kept its buy rating with a price target of $68.

Bell Potter maintained its buy rating with a price target of $70.

Macquarie reiterated its buy rating on Mineral Resources shares and lifted its price target from $75 to $76.

The post Own Rio Tinto or Mineral Resources shares? Here are the updated expert ratings post-results appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Here’s the dividend forecast out to 2030 for Rio Tinto shares
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• 5 low-cost ASX ETFs for a global diversified portfolio
• Buy, hold, sell: Lovisa, Wesfarmers, and Rio Tinto shares

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

Just because a stock trades under $50 doesn’t mean it lacks scale or ambition. In fact, some of the most exciting growth stories on the ASX sit well below that price point.

Right now, two names stand out to me as businesses that could surprise on the upside over the next few years.

Life360 Inc. (ASX: 360)

With shares trading at $21.76, Life360 is a long way below where analysts think it could be headed.

This is not just another software name riding a trend. Life360 operates a global family safety platform with nearly 100 million monthly active users (MAU) and a fast-growing base of paying subscribers. Its ecosystem includes location tracking, crash detection, emergency dispatch, and digital safety features. Over time, it has layered in advertising and data capabilities through acquisitions like Tile and Nativo.

One of the key concerns weighing on software stocks recently has been artificial intelligence disruption. But Bell Potter argues that Life360 “is an app rather than [a] software company so faces little risk of AI displacement given the ecosystem it has developed over >15 years.”

That long development runway matters. The company has embedded itself into family routines, and switching costs are behavioural as much as technological.

Valuation also looks more interesting after the pullback. Bell Potter notes the stock is trading on 2026 and 2027 EV/Adjusted EBITDA multiples of roughly 31x and 21x, which it believes “looks value for forecast growth of c.45% in both periods.” The broker has a buy rating and a $41.50 price target, implying around 90% upside from current levels.

If Life360 continues executing on user growth and monetisation, I think the current share price could prove to be a significant underestimation of its long-term potential.

Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG)

Breville shares are currently trading at $30.83, which, in my view, doesn’t fully reflect the quality of the brand or its global opportunity.

The ASX stock’s half-year result was described by Morgans as “better-than-feared,” with double-digit sales growth of 10%. Tariff costs weighed on gross margins and kept net profit after tax growth to just 1%, but crucially, management provided FY26 EBIT growth guidance. That visibility seems to have reassured analysts that this is not a broken growth story.

Morgans said it continues to be impressed by Breville’s “strong operational execution, green shoots in Food Prep, and powerful medium-term tailwinds (geographic expansion, espresso tailwinds, NPD, Best Buy developments).” It has a buy rating and a $40.65 price target, which suggests roughly 31% upside.

What I like most about Breville is that it isn’t reliant on one product cycle. It has built a premium brand in espresso machines and kitchen appliances, and it is steadily expanding geographically. Over time, that combination of product innovation and international growth can drive compounding earnings.

Foolish takeaway

Both Life360 and Breville are trading under $50, but neither is a small or speculative ASX stock.

Life360 offers high-growth optionality in a global digital ecosystem, while Breville combines brand strength with expanding international reach. If execution continues and sentiment improves, I believe both have the potential to deliver outsized returns from here.

The post 2 ASX stocks under $50 that could skyrocket appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Top broker sees upside for these ASX 300 shares
• Where to invest $10,000 in ASX 200 blue chip shares today
• 3 rapidly growing ASX 200 shares I would buy and hold for 10 years
• ASX 200 tech shares lead market sectors with a 7% bounce back
• These ASX 200 shares look stronger than their share prices suggest

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 Life360. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The ASX All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) has eased slightly as we move further into the fourth week of earnings season. At the close of the market on Tuesday, the All Ords Index had dropped 0.078% for the day to 9,244.30 points.

It’s not all bad news though. After coming off a four-month high late last week, the index is still trading significantly higher (up 7.99%) than this time last year, and it looks like it could keep climbing.

Here are three ASX All Ords shares which I’d buy today.

Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS)

EOS shares have plunged 32.13% since their all-time high recorded in mid-January. But the stock is still nearly 500% above where it was trading just one year ago. 

The Aussie defence company, which develops and produces advanced electro-optic technologies, has faced a couple of headwinds recently. Speculation that the company might move its headquarters  and stock market listing from Australia to Europe seemed to spook investors. And a scathing short seller report from Grizzly Research, which raised doubts about a recent acquisition, damaged investor confidence.

But analysts are still incredibly bullish on the outlook for the ASX All Ords defence share. 

Yesterday, analysts at Bell Potter confirmed their buy rating on EOS shares, however lowered their price target to $9.70. The broker is one of three analysts which have a buy rating on the stock. Bell Potter represents the most bearish price target while others think the stock could jump as much as 76.67% to $12.95 a piece, from the share price at the time of writing. 

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

Woodside shares have stormed higher in 2026 off the back of global oil supply concerns and some impressive production figures and strong returns for 2025. 

At the close of the ASX All Ords Index on Tuesday, Woodside shares are 17.29% higher for the year-to-date and 18.69% higher than this time last year.

Analysts were impressed with the energy stock’s results and even after the latest price rally, many think there is some more upside ahead.

TradingView data shows that out of 15 analysts, 9 have a hold rating. Another 6 have a buy or strong buy rating on the stock. The maximum target price is $31.02, which implies a potential 11.78% upside at the time of writing. 

TechnologyOne Limited (ASX: TNE)

TechnologyOne shares have had a more difficult start to 2026. At the close of the ASX on Tuesday, the tech stock is down 18.92% for the year-to-date and a huge 29.3% lower than this time last year.

The stock suffered a dramatic sell-off by investors late-last year. The company reported strong financials in November but investors weren’t satisfied with the lack of future growth projections. The stock was also smashed by a broad tech-sector sell-off earlier this month.

Despite the slow start, I think the ASX tech share has the potential to quietly become a global leader this year.

Analysts seem to agree too. The stock is widely tipped to storm higher over the next 12 months. And it looks like the shares are now trading below fair value. 

TradingView data shows that 13 out of 16 analysts have a buy or strong buy rating on TechnologyOne shares. The maximum target price is $40.32, which implies a huge 78.49% potential upside over the next 12 months, at the time of writing.

The post 3 ASX All Ords shares I’d buy with $5,000 today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• Steadfast Group lifts revenue, profit, and dividend in 1H26 earnings update
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Forget term deposits! I’d buy these two ASX 200 shares instead
• Where to now for EOS shares after a 500% surge?

Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies 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 and Technology One. 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.

S&P/ASX All Ords Index (ASX: XAO) shares fell 0.078% to 9,244.3 points yesterday as earnings season continued.

The following three ASX All Ords shares hit fresh 52-week lows yesterday.

Are they are buy?

Let’s defer to the experts.

3 ASX All Ords shares at 52-week lows

Beacon Lighting Group Ltd (ASX: BLX)

This ASX All Ords consumer discretionary share fell to a 52-week low of $2.15 on Tuesday.

That’s a 36% fall over 12 months.

Morgans upgraded its rating on Beacon Lighting shares from accumulate to buy after the company’s 1H FY26 report.

The broker commented:

BLX 1H26 result was weaker than expected, driven by softer sales in both retail and trade, which has tempered expectations of a meaningful recovery in the 2H.

We have lowered our sales forecasts in FY26/27 resulting in 5%/6% downgrades to our EBITDA forecasts, and more meaningful downgrades at the NPAT line.

Whilst earnings recovery is likely longer dated, we see long-term opportunity in trade, store network growth, and margin expansion as the cycle turns.

The broker reduced its 12-month share price target from $3.80 to $3.20.

This still suggests a near-50% potential capital gain over the next year.

Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE)

This ASX All Ords wine share tumbled to a 52-week low of $4.49 yesterday.

That’s a 59% decline over 12 months.

Morgans maintained its hold rating on this ASX retail share after reviewing the company’s 1H FY26 results.

The broker said the report was weak but broadly in line with the company’s guidance.

Leverage was well above the target range, and the board did not declare an interim dividend.

Morgans added:

TWE reiterated that 2H26 EBITS is expected to be higher than the 1H26. It is too early to call whether TWE can grow earnings in FY27.

We think this will not occur until FY28 given the priority to reduce customer inventory in the US and China.

It will take time for new management to deliver more acceptable returns and for TWE to rebuild credibility with the market.

Morgans lifted its 12-month price target slightly from $5.25 to $5.30 per share.

This implies a potential upside of almost 20% over the next 12 months.

Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1)

This ASX All Ords tech share tumbled to a 52-week low of $7.36 yesterday.

The Megaport share price has fallen 35% over 12 months.

Morgans retained its buy rating after reviewing the company’s 1H FY26 report.

Morgans said:

MP1’s 1H26 result was a beat relative to our and consensus EBITDA expectations.

Revenue was inline, with gross profit higher and OPEX lower than expected.

FY26 guidance is broadly inline with our expectations. However, the 1H/2H skew and composition are meaningfully different.

This necessitates a huge increase in OPEX from 1H26 into 2H26 which leaves us thinking guidance looks conservative.

Cycling 2H26 OPEX into FY27 and beyond causes us to reduce our FY27 and FY28 EBITDA forecasts by ~20%, while concurrently lifting our revenue forecasts by ~6%.

The broker lowered its 12-month share price target on Megaport to $15.50.

This suggests the ASX tech share could more than double over the next 12 months.

The post 3 ASX All Ords shares at 52-week lows: Are they a buy? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Macquarie reckons this ASX tech stock will just about triple
• Buy, hold, or sell? Guzman Y Gomez, Megaport, and Newmont shares
• 2 excellent ASX All Ords stocks I’d buy today
• I’m listening to Warren Buffett and buying cheap ASX shares
• Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

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

This S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) share continues to explore new depths.

During Tuesday trading, Lendlease Group Ltd (ASX: LLC) tumbled to an all-time low of $4.11. It managed to finish the day a bit higher at $4.20, bringing the loss for the year to 19%.

Now investors are asking: has this ASX 200 share finally bottomed or is there further to fall?

From powerhouse to downfall

The ASX 200 real estate share dropped its half-year results for the six months to 31 December 2025 on Monday — and the market wasn’t impressed. Lendlease posted a statutory net loss of $318 million, a sharp reversal that sent sentiment south.

Lendlease was once seen as a global force in urban regeneration, designing, building and managing landmark commercial and residential projects. Its stamp is on Sydney’s Barangaroo and London’s Elephant & Castle redevelopment.

But earnings downgrades, cost blowouts, project delays and higher interest rates have taken their toll. Over the past 12 months, Lendlease shares have fallen 33%. The ASX share is badly lagging the S&P/ASX 200 Index, which has climbed 8.8% over the same period.

Loss highlights reset

This latest loss reflects heavy investment property revaluations and impairments that dragged down the bottom line. Core operating profit after tax also slipped into the red, underscoring that the turnaround still has work to do.

That said, management has been busy reshaping the business — exiting international construction, simplifying operations and focusing on capital recycling. Leadership called the first half “transitional” and is pointed to stronger earnings in the second half and into FY27 as developments complete and capital is freed up.

Billions in the pipeline

Look past the headline loss and you’ll find some green shoots. The Investments, Development and Construction (IDC) segment generated positive EBITDA, while the Australian construction business locked in $4 billion in new project work — a solid vote of confidence in its order book.

Lendlease also declared an interim distribution of 6.2 cents per share and cut net debt, sticking to its capital recycling playbook.

The board said it remains committed to returning surplus capital to securityholders, including through an on-market buyback. This will occur once there is more certainty that underlying gearing will be sustainably at 15%.

What next for Lendlease shares?

For investors, the question now is simple: can execution catch up with ambition?

At the time of writing, TradingView data shows analysts are split on Lendlease. Of the seven brokers covering the stock, four rate it a strong buy, two say hold, and one has a sell on the shares.

But here’s the twist: even after the latest sell-off, every price target still points higher.

The average target price sits at $5.41, implying 28.7% upside over the next 12 months. If the most bullish $6.50 target proves accurate, investors could be pocketing a potential 55% gain from current levels of $4.20.

The post Can this ASX 200 share fall any further after reaching a new all-time low? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Are Lendlease shares a buy following its half-year results?
• Lendlease shares hit fresh lows after reporting $318m loss
• Lendlease half-year results: $318m loss, construction steady, capital recycling on track
• Lendlease announces CEO succession as Tony Lombardo steps down
• Top Australian shares to buy right now with $2,000

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.

ASX materials stock Coronado Global Resources Inc (ASX: CRN) is in focus today after its share price jumped 10.5% higher on Tuesday. 

It has been a clear earnings season winner as investors reacted positively to its FY25 full-year result.

This marked a turnaround for the ASX materials stock. Even with yesterday’s big gain, its share price is down more than 44% over the last year. 

What did the company report?

Coronado Resources is a leading international producer of high-quality metallurgical coal, an essential element in the production of steel.

The company operates in two of the largest and most productive metallurgical coal basins in the world, the Bowen Basin in Queensland, Australia and the central Appalachian region of the US. 

Yesterday, it released full financial year results for 2025. 

This included: 

• Revenue of US$1.95 billion, down from US$2.51 billion in 2024
• Adjusted EBITDA loss of US$144.2 million. After a positive US$115.1 million in FY24
• Total sales volume of 15.6 million tonnes, compared with 15.8 million tonnes in 2024.

As The Motley Fool’s Aaron Teboneras reported yesterday, it was a somewhat surprising the positive reaction after a tough year for the coal miner. 

What is Bell Potter’s view?

Following yesterday’s result, the team at Bell Potter released updated guidance on this ASX materials stock. 

Commenting on yesterday’s result, the broker said the reported underlying EBITDA loss was slightly better than Bell Potter’s estimate. 

However, the statutory net loss after tax was US$432 million, worse than expected due to higher finance costs. As expected, no dividend was declared.

The broker also noted that although Coronado Resources is focused on reducing debt. It has flagged a potential ~2Mtpa Mammoth Phase 2 underground project, with an estimated capital cost of around US$150 million.

This project depends on market conditions and Board approval. 

CRN’s capital allocation framework outlines growth investment only when its available cash liquidity is above US$400m. Under our operating and coal price outlook, CRN will not materially deleverage over the forecast period.

Price target decreases

Based on this guidance, earnings per share forecasts have been reduced by 6% for CY26, 21% for CY27, and CY28 is now expected to record a small loss (previously a profit was forecast).

Bell Potter has maintained its speculative hold recommendation on this ASX materials stock. 

It lowered its price target to $0.38 (previously $0.43). 

From yesterday’s closing price of $0.32, this revised target indicates a potential upside of approximately 20% for this ASX materials stock.

We maintain our Speculative Hold recommendation, recognising balance sheet risks. In the near-term, operational performance should lift with the ramp-up of Mammoth underground and the Buchanan expansion projects, supporting production volumes and lower unit costs.

The post Is this ASX materials stock a buy after soaring 10% yesterday? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why is this ASX coal share price climbing after a tough FY25 result
• Why Coronado, G8 Education, Megaport, and Perenti shares are dropping today
• Why Audinate, Australian Clinical Labs, Coronado, and Treasury Wine shares are sinking today
• 2 ASX small-caps tipped to climb in 2026
• Why is the Coronado share price tanking 9% today

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

If you have $10,000 ready to invest as we head into March, focusing on quality ASX 200 shares with clear long-term drivers could be a smart way to start the new month.

I would be looking at businesses with strong growth potential and the ability to compound earnings over time.

Here are three ASX 200 shares I would consider.

Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

The first ASX 200 share to consider is Goodman Group.

Goodman is a global industrial property specialist with growing exposure to data centres. As ecommerce, logistics, and cloud computing continue to expand, demand for high-quality industrial space and powered data centre sites remains strong.

One of the most compelling parts of the Goodman story is its development pipeline. The group has a substantial work in progress portfolio and continues to partner with major institutional investors to fund new projects. That capital-light partnership model allows it to scale without overextending its balance sheet.

Industrial real estate may not be glamorous, but the structural tailwinds behind logistics and digital infrastructure could continue well into the next decade.

ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD)

Another ASX 200 share worth considering is ResMed.

ResMed is a global leader in sleep and respiratory care. Ageing populations, rising obesity rates, and increased awareness of sleep health are long-term demand drivers that are unlikely to fade anytime soon.

The company has also been investing heavily in digital health platforms, connecting devices to cloud-based software to improve patient monitoring and outcomes. This creates recurring revenue opportunities and strengthens customer relationships.

And with a total addressable market estimated to be over 1 billion people, Resumes has a very long growth runway.

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

A final ASX 200 share to consider is REA Group.

REA operates Australia’s dominant online property listings platform, realestate.com.au. Its competitive position gives it strong pricing power and high margins. Agents and buyers gravitate toward the platform with the most listings and the largest audience, reinforcing its network effect.

In addition, REA continues to expand its data products and premium listing services, which supports revenue growth even in softer markets.

Over time, businesses with entrenched market leadership and scalable platforms can generate impressive compounding returns. I think REA is one of them.

The post Where to invest $10,000 in ASX 200 shares in March appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 2 ASX shares to buy today with $10,000
• I’m listening to Warren Buffett and buying cheap ASX shares
• 5 oversold ASX shares to buy before the end of February
• How to build a $40,000 ASX share portfolio in 5 years
• Experts name 3 ASX 200 shares to sell now

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Goodman Group, REA Group, and ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Goodman Group and ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended ResMed. 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.

If I had $2,000 to put into one ASX growth stock today, I would be seriously looking at WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) shares.

As well as being a world-class company, I think its share price is now far more attractive relative to its long-term growth potential.

A global software leader with a huge runway

WiseTech is the company behind CargoWise, a logistics execution platform used by freight forwarders and global supply chain operators.

What I like about WiseTech is that it isn’t a niche domestic software provider. It’s embedded in global trade flows. Its platform handles customs, compliance, forwarding, warehousing, and increasingly adjacent services. Once a customer is onboarded, switching is disruptive and costly. That creates stickiness and pricing power.

Global trade isn’t going away. If anything, it is becoming more complex. Compliance requirements, digital documentation, and cross-border visibility all play into WiseTech’s strengths. Over time, I think that complexity favours established platforms rather than new entrants.

The numbers suggest serious growth ahead

According to CommSec, consensus earnings per share estimates are:

• 66.3 cents in FY26
• 92.5 cents in FY27
• $1.19 in FY28

With the share price at $42.99, that puts WiseTech on roughly 36 times estimated FY28 earnings.

For a mature industrial company, that would be expensive. For a global software platform that has historically grown earnings strongly and still has significant expansion opportunities, I actually think that looks reasonable.

If the company can execute on product expansion, cross-sell into its existing customer base, and integrate recent acquisitions like e2open effectively, those FY27 and FY28 numbers could prove to be achievable.

I believe the market is still pricing in a lot of doubt.

Why the pullback could be an opportunity

WiseTech’s share price has fallen sharply over the past 12 months. The decline hasn’t just been about broader tech weakness. It has also reflected company-specific issues, including slowing growth in parts of the core business, management and board upheaval, and insider trading allegations against founder Richard White.

Those are not trivial matters. But they are also not structural breaks in the business model.

Bell Potter recently noted that these issues are starting to subside and that focus is returning to the core business outlook, which it believes is improving with new product launches, a revised commercial model, and the integration of e2open. The broker expects a much stronger second half in FY26 compared to the first, with fuller benefits evident in FY27. It has a buy rating and a $87.50 price target on the shares.

I don’t base my view solely on broker targets, but it does highlight how much upside analysts see if execution stabilises.

Why I’d consider allocating $2,000

If I were allocating $2,000 today, I would be thinking in three-to-five-year timeframes, not three months.

At around 36 times projected FY28 earnings, I think the risk-reward is becoming more compelling than it has been in years. If WiseTech delivers on those earnings expectations and continues to scale globally, the current share price could look cheap in hindsight.

There are risks. Guidance could be trimmed. AI could be disruptive. Growth could slow. Integration could disappoint. But for a long-term growth investor, I believe the balance of probabilities is shifting.

For me, WiseTech stands out as one of the smartest ASX growth stocks to consider with $2,000 right now.

The post The smartest ASX growth stock to buy with $2,000 right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• Zip, CSL and BHP among CommSec’s most-traded ASX shares
• I’m listening to Warren Buffett and buying cheap ASX shares
• 3 cheap ASX tech stocks to buy after being sold-off
• 1 ASX growth stock down 50% to buy right now

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

South32 Ltd (ASX: S32) and Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) shares have both been enjoying tailwinds over the past months from strong global commodity prices.

Although iron ore prices dipped back below US$100 per tonne last week, currently at around US$96 per tonne, the industrial metal has held up far better than most analysts have been predicting.

And metals including copper and aluminium have also been trading at lofty levels.

Atop the two fully franked dividends both S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) mining stocks paid over the past 12 months, this has also helped them deliver solid share price performance.

As at Tuesday’s close, Fortescue shares have gained 9.7% in a year. And the South32 share price has surged 22.8% over this time.

Which brings us back to our headline question…

Should you buy South32 and Fortescue shares today?

Shaw and Partners’ Jed Richards recently analysed the outlook for South32 and Fortescue shares (courtesy of The Bull).

Commenting on South32 shares, Richards said, “The miner is benefiting from strength across several of its key commodity markets, particularly aluminium, alumina, manganese and nickel.

He added:

Increasing global investment in energy transition infrastructure continues to support demand for these metals, while tighter supplies in aluminium and manganese assists in keeping prices elevated. Nickel markets remain volatile, but long-term demand linked to battery production provides an underlying support theme.

But with potential future volatility in mind, Richards issued a hold recommendation on South32 shares. He concluded:

Despite these positive conditions, commodity markets can shift quickly, and the next phase of the cycle will depend heavily on global industrial activity and continuing momentum in electrification. For now, the outlook remains encouraging, but given the inherent volatility across these commodities, I believe it’s prudent to hold existing positions rather than add further exposure until we see increasing clarity in pricing trends and broader macroeconomic conditions.

Turning to Fortescue shares, Richards noted, “The miner continues to benefit from iron ore prices, which are holding up better than many expected.”

He said, “The company’s low-cost position and large-scale operations support strong profitability. But similar to my commentary on S32, the commodities and iron ore markets are cyclical.”

However, Richards also issued a hold recommendation for Fortescue shares. He concluded:

Movements in iron ore prices are influenced by global demand and particularly China’s steel production. For that reason, I’m comfortable maintaining current exposure without leaning in further just yet.

The buy case for South32 shares

MPC Markets Jonathan Tacadena has a more optimistic outlook on South32 shares.

“Mining operations include aluminium, copper, zinc, lead, manganese and silver,” he said (quoted by The Bull).

Tacadena noted:

The company delivered a solid first half year result in fiscal year 2026, with earnings largely in line with expectations, a better-than-expected dividend and an expanded share buy-back, which is usually a good sign.

Summarising his buy recommendation on South32, Tacadena said

Extending the Cannington mine life adds value amid upside potential at Sierra Gorda and Hermosa. S32 has a quality portfolio with improving margins. We believe the company is a solid long-term buy, particularly on any temporary dips.

South32 shares closed yesterday trading for $4.50 each.

Fortescue shares closed the day at $20.28.

The post Should you buy South32 and Fortescue shares amid strong commodity prices? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: Fortescue, Solstice, and South32 shares
• Are these 3 popular ASX 200 stocks a buy, hold or sell ahead of earnings results next week?
• 3 ASX shares smashed in the sell-off to buy this week
• Buy, hold, sell: ANZ Bank, Breville, South32 shares
• The 3 ASX shares I’d buy and hold into 2026

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.

Rival ASX tech shares Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB) and Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL) have lit up the ASX.

Both heavyweight trading platform providers have surged on the back of strong half-year results, climbing 16% and 10% respectively over the past 7 days.

With structural tailwinds from Australia’s growing superannuation pool and ongoing market share gains, the outlook for both ASX tech shares remains firmly geared toward growth.

Let’s have a look which rival takes up pole position.

Hub24: Growth powerhouse with a big runway

Hub24 has been firing on all cylinders. Its 1H FY26 result showed record net inflows of around $10.7 billion, revenue up 26% to $245.9 million, and underlying net profit surging around 60% as scale kicks in.

Total funds under administration (FUM) hit $152.3 billion, and the board boosted its interim dividend by 50%. That kind of growth paired with operating leverage that expanded margins, is exactly what investors love to see in a platform stock.

The strength here isn’t just numbers, it’s structural momentum. Adviser uptake is rising, with over 5,200 advisers now on the platform and a growing trend toward “platform monogamy” where advisers consolidate their book with one provider.

Weaknesses? Valuation is a potential fly in the ointment. The $7.5 billion ASX stock has ripped higher – at times more than doubling – and trades on premium multiples. That leaves little room for a misstep. Fee and margin pressure also looms, and competition from legacy players upgrading their tech stacks can’t be ignored.

Bottom line: A high-growth, high-quality platform play with strong inflows and adviser momentum. But at current valuations, investors need conviction that market share gains continue and operating leverage holds.

Bell Potter recently retained their buy rating on the ASX tech shares with a trimmed price target of $120.00. This points to a potential gain of 29.6% over the next 12 months.

Netwealth: Profitable performer with resilience

Netwealth’s first-half FY26 numbers underscored its place near the top of the platform pack. Platform revenue climbed 25%, and FUM reached a record $125.6 billion, lifted by strong custodial inflows.

Managed accounts and FUM also posted double-digit growth, and the company hiked its interim dividend by about 20%.

What sets this ASX tech share apart is profitability and efficiency. Its recurring fee model, strong adviser retention and deep client stickiness underpin stable margins and predictable cash flows. Traits that appeal to long-term investors.

Risks here include competitive fee pressures. And like Hub24, intense rivalry for adviser mindshare and product sophistication means Netwealth can’t afford to stand still.

Bottom line: This $6 billion ASX share is a more mature, profitable platform operator that tends to trade at a slightly more conservative valuation than Hub24. It’s a slower burner but offers solid recurring income and growth through adviser momentum and FUA expansion.

Morgans was pleased with this ASX tech share’s half-year results, noting that its profit was ahead of expectations

In response, the broker retained its accumulate rating with a $29.00 price target. This suggests a 20% upside at the current share price of $24.20.

Foolish Takeaway

Both Hub24 and Netwealth are riding structural tailwinds. The two ASX tech shares are central to Australia’s platform oligopoly story.

Hub24 looks like the rocket ship with rapid inflows and scale effects kicking in. Netwealth on the other hand feels like the steady, profitable runner benefitting from sticky clients and recurring fees.

Investors keen on growth may favour Hub24’s momentum, while income-oriented long-term holders might lean more toward Netwealth’s stability.

The post Which ASX tech share is the smarter buy: Hub24 or Netwealth? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, or sell? AMP, Domino’s and Netwealth shares
• Up 21% last week, why Netwealth shares are still a buy today
• 3 excellent ASX 200 shares to accumulate right now
• 3 of the best Aussie stocks I would buy
• Why I’d buy and hold these 5 ASX 200 shares until 2036

Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Hub24 and Netwealth Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Netwealth Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Hub24. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.