Category: Stock Market

It has been a rough 12 months for Accent Group Ltd (ASX: AX1) shares.

During the period, the ASX 300 stock has lost 65% of its value.

Does this make it cheap? Let’s see what Bell Potter is saying about the footwear retailer.

What is the broker saying?

Bell Potter has revisited Accent Group’s half-year results and adjusted its expectations to account for current trading conditions. This has ultimately seen the broker downgrade its earnings estimates by at least 13% each year through to FY 2028. It commented:

We factor in some conservatism to AX1’s 2H26e guidance amidst current trading conditions and sit towards the bottom end of the range. We see market share investments offsetting some profitability to see increased pressure at EBIT and NPAT margins. While AX1 should see some easing from easier comps in Mar-Jun, we factor in an increased level of re-investment in the gross margin predominantly to support our 6% revenue growth rate in 2H26. Our NPAT forecasts -15%/-13%/-14% for FY26/27/28e.

Should you buy this ASX 300 stock?

According to the note, the broker has retained its hold rating and reduced its price target on the ASX 300 stock by around 40% to 68 cents (from $1.10).

Based on its current share price of 61.5 cents, this implies potential upside of 10.5% for investors over the next 12 months.

It is also forecasting fully franked dividend yields of 6.9% in FY 2026 and 9.7% in FY 2027, boosting the total potential return beyond 17%.

Commenting on its recommendation and significant valuation downgrade, the broker said:

Our PT decreases by ~40% to $0.68/share (prev. $1.10/share). Along with our earnings revisions, we also reduce our target P/E multiple to ~10x (prev. 13x) on FY26/27e to reflect the lower visibility in near-term earnings for AX1 vs our coverage. We see good longer-term catalysts around AX1’s pivot into the more resilient Sports category via SD and The Athlete’s Foot.

We anticipate the unlocking of a sizable store roll-out opportunity for the SD banner in Australia, while benefiting from higher relevance to leading brand partners such as Nike backed by FRAS. However, we see increased competition in lifestyle footwear where AX1 is ~60% exposed to, given pressures from interest rate hikes in Australia and global macroeconomic uncertainty. At our PT of $0.68 the total expected return is <15% so we maintain HOLD.

The post Down 65%: Is this ASX 300 stock a cheap buy? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 oversold ASX shares to buy with $10,000
• Why I’d buy dirt-cheap ASX shares now and aim to hold them for a decade

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

When one expert thinks an ASX share is a buy, then it’s interesting. When multiple brokers think a business is a buy, then that’s very intriguing.

It’s rare for a stock to return more than 50% in a year. We’re going to look at two ASX shares that could return of almost double that, according to experts.

So, with that in mind, the below two ASX shares are among ones that multiple brokers are very positive about.

Baby Bunting Group Ltd (ASX: BBN)

According to CMC Invest, there are currently five buy ratings on the business and one hold rating.

A price target is where analysts think the share price will be in 12 months from the time the investment analyst made the call.

According to CMC Invest, the average price target of those six ratings is $2.90. At the time of writing, that suggests a possible rise of 97%.

The earnings projection for FY26 suggests potential earnings per share (EPS) of 12.8 cents, which means it’s valued at 11x FY26’s estimated earnings.

Its financials are clearly performing well, with the FY26 half-year result showing strong progress.

HY26 total sales grew 6.7% to $271.4 million, the gross profit margin improved 124 points (1.24%) to 41% and underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) surged 44% to $7.2 million.

One of the main positives of the business right now its comparable store sales growth, which is expected by management to be between 5% to 7% in FY26. That’s a strong earnings tailwind.

With the HY6 result, it narrowed its full-year pro forma net profit guidance to between $17.5 million to $19.5 million, compared to $17 million to $20 million previously.

Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW)

The other ASX share I’ll highlight is Temple & Webster, the online retailer of furniture, homewares and home improvement products.

According to CMC Invest, there are currently eight buy ratings on the business and three holds. Of those ratings, the average price target is $12.15, implying a possible rise of 110% from where it is at the time of writing.

The company continues to grow at a fast pace – during the FY26 half-year period, revenue jumped 19.8% to $375.9 million and operating profit (EBITDA) before its New Zealand investment grew by 13% to $14.9 million.

The expansion into New Zealand is one of the more exciting developments by the business in recent times because it opens up another growth avenue for the company.

In the long-term, the ASX share is expecting to grow its profit margins significantly thanks to scale benefits, even if that means low profit margins in the short-term to help market share growth.

Its strong revenue growth continued into the second half of FY26, with revenue rising 20% year-over-year between 1 January to 9 February 2026 thanks to an acceleration of new customer growth and continued growth of repeat customers.

According to the projection on CMC Invest, the Temple & Webster share price is valued at 35x FY27’s estimated earnings. The outlook seems very positive if online shopping adoption continues, which I expect it will.

The post 2 ASX shares tipped to grow 90% or more in the next 12 months! appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Down 67%, is this ASX 300 share a bargain buy?
• 3 oversold ASX shares to buy with $10,000
• 3 amazing ASX growth shares that continue to stand out
• Why Black Cat, Mirvac, Qantas, and Temple & Webster shares are falling today
• Guess which ASX 200 stock is sinking 15% on CEO change

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

ASX biotech stock Mesoblast Ltd (ASX: MSB) is under pressure on Thursday, down 5.4% to $2.10 in afternoon trade.

The pullback comes despite a solid quarterly update released before the market open. Mesoblast reported net revenues of US$30.3 million from its flagship Ryoncil® therapy and cut its net operating cash spend to just US$4.1 million.

Even so, the stock is now down around 22% year to date, compared to a marginal 0.3% decline for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).

So, what did the company actually report?

Ryoncil keeps gaining traction

Mesoblast is starting to build real commercial momentum.

Ryoncil® generated gross sales of US$35.3 million for the March quarter, translating into net revenues of US$30.3 million. That puts cumulative revenues since launch close to the US$100 million mark.

CEO Dr Silviu Itescu said:

We’ve had a busy and exciting March quarter marked by a series of major achievements. Ryoncil® revenues are now approaching US$100 million since last year’s launch, we have substantially improved our net operating cash spend, our pivotal trial in inflammatory back pain has successfully achieved its patient recruitment target, and we have bolstered our long-term leadership in the field by acquiring genetically modified technology for precision-enhanced cell therapy products.

At the same time, the company sharply reduced its quarterly cash burn to US$4.1 million and finished the period with a healthy US$122 million in cash.

Pipeline progress building

Beyond sales, Mesoblast is advancing its broader pipeline.

The ASX biotech stock hit a key milestone in its phase 3 trial for chronic low back pain, successfully completing patient recruitment. That’s a crucial step toward potential commercialisation.

It also secured US FDA clearance to begin registrational trials of Ryoncil® in new indications, including Duchenne muscular dystrophy and adult steroid-refractory acute graft versus host disease.

On the innovation front, Mesoblast used its inaugural R&D day to unveil a strategic acquisition, a patented CAR (chimeric antigen receptor) technology. This move aims to strengthen its position in next-generation cell therapies, particularly in autoimmune diseases like lupus and inflammatory bowel conditions.

What’s next for the ASX stock?

With more than US$120 million in cash and access to funding, the ASX stock says it is well placed to expand Ryoncil® into additional indications and push ahead with new clinical trials.

The company is also targeting broader global opportunities, while continuing to invest in next-generation therapies built on its CAR platform.

So why the sell-off?

Despite the positive update, the share price reaction suggests expectations may have already been high.

After a strong run in previous periods – the ASX stock is still 17% up over 12 months – investors could be taking profits. Or they might be waiting for further proof that revenue growth can translate into sustained profitability.

The post Good news, falling shares: What’s dragging this ASX stock lower? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Mesoblast shares: Cash burn falls and Ryoncil® sales climb
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• A big milestone for this ASX biotech. Here’s why the share price is moving
• Mesoblast shares in focus after key Phase 3 milestone for low back pain
• Down almost 20% this year, how high could Mesoblast shares go?

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.

S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) shares are down 0.3% to 8,893 points on Thursday.

Amid ongoing market volatility due to the war in Iran, brokers have reduced their ratings on five ASX All Ords shares.

Let’s take a look.

Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST)

The Northern Star Resources share price is $20.89, down 3.3% today.

Over the past month, this ASX All Ords gold share has edged 2.6% higher.

Ord Minnett downgraded Northern Star shares to a hold rating this week.

The lowered rating follows the miner’s third-quarter update last week.

The miner revealed ongoing cost pressures and a continued increase in capital expenditure.

Ord Minnett reduced its 12-month price target from $23.70 to $22.70.

This still implies a potential 9% upside ahead.

Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG)

The Fortescue share price is $19.90, down 1.6% today.

Over the past month, this ASX All Ords mining share has fallen 2%.

Bell Potter downgraded Fortescue shares to a sell rating with an $18.15 target today.

This implies a potential 9% downside ahead.

The broker said:

FMG’s core iron ore operations continue to perform very well and benefit from an elevated iron ore price.

However, we anticipate higher costs to emerge in 2HCY26 as low-cost inventories are exhausted, putting pressure on earnings.

We are wary of the “portfolio optimisation” review encompassing Iron Bridge.

Webjet Group Ltd (ASX: WJL)

The Webjet Group share price is 54 cents, up 1.9% today.

Over the past month, this ASX All Ords travel share has risen 1.9%.

Ord Minnett downgraded Webjet shares to a hold rating this week.

The broker slashed its 12-month price target from $1.15 to 67 cents.

This implies a potential near-30% share price fall over the next year.

Suncorp Group Ltd (ASX: SUN)

The Suncorp share price is $16.93, down 0.3% today.

Over the past month, this ASX All Ords financial share has lifted 4.9%.

Morgans downgraded Suncorp shares to a hold rating yesterday.

However, the broker increased its 12-month price target from $17.01 to $17.79.

This suggests there is still upside ahead, but less than 5%.

In a note, Morgans said:

SUN has provided an update on its aggregate reinsurance cover and its FY26 outlook. Overall, in our view, SUN securing an aggregate reinsurance cover will reduce future earnings volatility, whilst 2H26 claims are tracking below our expectations.

We believe SUN’s management has executed well in recent years, successfully steering the company’s strategy as a pure play general insurer. However, with the upside to our price target now more limited, we move to a HOLD recommendation.

PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS)

The PLS Group share price is $6.15, up 2.8% today.

Over the past month, this ASX All Ords lithium share has skyrocketed 20%.

The PLS Group share price hit a record $6.17 on Tuesday.

Morgans downgraded PLS shares from hold to trim after the miner’s 3Q FY26 update.

The broker said:

Record production +8% ahead of consensus expectations and costs -13% ahead of consensus expectations highlights PLS’ strong operating leverage. Strong cash build supports growth and potential shareholder returns.

PLS is our preferred lithium exposure, but we see much of the near-term upside priced in and suggest selectively trimming positions.

Morgans kept its price target at $5.40, suggesting a potential 12% fall from here.

The post 5 ASX All Ords shares downgraded by brokers this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buying ASX gold shares like Newmont and Northern Star? Here’s Goldman Sachs’ latest 2026 gold price forecast
• Morgans tips 1 ASX mining share to rip — and 1 to avoid — in 2026
• What is Morgans saying about Stanmore Resources and Suncorp shares after results?
• Fortescue shares: Buy, hold, or sell? Bell Potter gives its verdict
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday

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 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.

Goodman Group (ASX: GMG) shares are pushing higher on Thursday.

In afternoon trade, the industrial property company’s shares are up 2% to $29.51.

Should you be following suit and buying Goodman’s shares too? Let’s see what analysts at Ord Minnett are saying about the company.

What is the broker saying?

Ord Minnett notes that Goodman has signed a deal with US data-centre group DataBank for its facility in Los Angeles.

The broker believes the deal with DataBank is a win for Goodman. As well as getting a big earnings boost, it points out that it also provides the company with valuable intellectual property. It commented:

Goodman Group introduced American data-centre group DataBank as a 50:50 joint venture partner in its $1.2 billion 32 megawatt (MW) LAX01 development in Los Angeles, one of the most competitive cloud-AI-enterprise colocation markets in the US and where data centre demand far outstrips supply. Under the deal, DataBank, which has more than 70 sites across more than 25 US cities, will own half of LAX01 and operate the site, and has first refusal rights over Goodman’s planned LAX02 and LAX03 developments.

The deal is a win for Goodman, allowing it to realise circa $235 million of development earnings before interest tax (EBIT) in the second half of FY26, and introduces DataBank’s valuable intellectual property into its data-centre business. It also, assuming DataBank asserts its first refusal rights, derisks the capital requirements for the LAX02 and LAX03 developments.  The main negative is that LAX01 is not leased, although Goodman is currently in negotiations for around 10MW of installed capacity. Ord Minnett assumes DataBank will receive fees from leasing the centre as well as a fee for providing LAX01’s operational services, although these details have not been released.

Are Goodman shares a buy, hold, or sell?

According to the note, the broker feels that Goodman shares are about fair value at current levels.

The broker has retained its hold rating with a price target of $29.00. This is largely in line with where its shares are trading today. It said:

We note Goodman and DataBank are looking at developments in other capacity-constrained (typically because of power supply issues or planning restrictions) markets in the US, with the model based on combining the Australian company’s development pipeline and American group’s operational capability and customer base. Ord Minnett made no changes to its earnings estimates post the deal, but highlights that Goodman will have to make more of these type of deals to meet market expectations for FY26 earnings.

The post Does Ord Minnett rate Goodman shares as a buy, hold, or sell? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• 3 ASX shares I’d feel comfortable holding for the next decade

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

One year ago today, the gold price stood at US$3,239 per ounce.

At the time, the yellow metal was already catching heightened investor interest, with the price having surged some 39% over the previous 12 months.

As you’re likely aware, the bull run for bullion didn’t end there.

On 28 January, the gold price was trading north of US$5,417 per ounce, having repeatedly smashed through new record highs.

That was a boon for S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) gold stocks like Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST), Newmont Corp (ASX: NEM), and Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN).

But amid resurgent global inflation, spurred in part by the Middle East conflict, markets then began pricing in higher interest rates. And gold, which pays no yield itself and tends to perform better in low or falling rate environments, came under selling pressure.

Investors were also selling their gold holdings to meet margin calls and other financial obligations.

These factors, among others, saw the yellow metal slide to US$4,376 by 26 March.

It also put significant pressure on high-flying ASX gold shares like Newmont, Northern Star and Evolution.

Today gold is trading for US$4,578 per ounce.

Which brings us back to our headline question…

What is Goldman Sachs forecasting for the gold price?

If Goldman Sachs has it right, then the remainder of 2026 could usher in renewed tailwinds for top ASX gold stocks like Newmont and Northern Star.

Indeed, the broker forecasts the gold price will return to near its record highs to end 2026 trading around US$5,400 per ounce. That’s some 18% above current prices.

According to Goldman Sachs’ Lina Thomas (quoted by The Australian Financial Review), “Our base case assumes no further private sector liquidation of gold nor any additional private sector diversification in gold beyond the modest boost from Fed cuts.”

Goldman Sach is pencilling in 0.50% in US Federal Reserve interest rate cuts this year.

Thomas added:

While our central bank nowcast was weak in February (two tonnes) – likely reflecting a pause in purchases amid extreme price volatility – we maintain our assumption that central bank gold buying averages 60 tonnes per month in 2026.

Around 70% of central banks surveyed at the GS central bank conference expect global gold reserves to rise, with around 25% expecting them to remain flat.

As for the medium-term outlook for the gold price, Thomas concluded:

Over the medium term, risks are skewed to the upside if the Iran episode – together with broader geopolitical developments like Greenland and Venezuela – were to accelerate diversification into gold and to weigh on perceptions of Western fiscal sustainability.

The post Buying ASX gold shares like Newmont and Northern Star? Here’s Goldman Sachs’ latest 2026 gold price forecast appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 ASX All Ords shares downgraded by brokers this week
• 5 ASX mining shares to buy: experts
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• If I’d put $6K in this ASX mining stock 12 months ago I’d have over $20k now

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 positions in and has recommended Goldman Sachs Group. 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 mining shares are falling on Thursday with the S&P/ASX 300 Metal & Mining Index (ASX: XMM) down 2.1%.

The long-term outlook for the mining sector is bright, but the ongoing fuel crisis presents a short to medium-term headwind.

ASX mining shares began the year well after a ripsnorting period of growth last year.

The ASX 300 Metals & Mining Index rose 9.7% in January and 9.3% in February, but fell 14.1% in March due to the oil shock.

In April, the index rose 5.2% as investors bought the dip.

However, as more stories of higher fuel costs at mining operations emerge, ASX mining shares may once again experience volatility.

Regardless, experts say there are good long-term buys amid all this uncertainty.

Here are five ASX mining shares with buy ratings this week.

Genesis Minerals Ltd (ASX: GMD)

The Genesis Minerals share price is $6, down 5.6% today.

In the YTD, this ASX 200 gold mining share has fallen 17.9%.

Shaw and Partners reiterated its buy rating on Genesis Minerals shares this week.

The broker has a $10 price target on the stock, suggesting a potential 58% upside ahead. 

In a new note, the broker said:

March quarter production was slightly below expectations, as was FY26 guidance commentary.

However, any perceived 2H weakness is largely driven by a reduction in third-party ore purchases.

Genesis Minerals Limited (ASX:GMD) owned mines ramp-up well in Q3, with better production expected Q4 and beyond.

Shaw & Partners noted that higher diesel prices had had only a minor impact on the gold producer’s quarterly results.

GMD budgeted for diesel at A$1.10/L which would have been ~4% of costs.

GMD has found no interruption to supply, and can mitigate its diesel use if required. 

Sandfire Resources Ltd (ASX: SFR)

The Sandfire Resources share price is $16.52, down 1.1% today.

In the YTD, this ASX 200 copper mining share has fallen 8.3%.

Morgans upgraded its rating on Sandfire shares this week.

The broker moved from hold to accumulate with an unchanged 12-month price target of $20.40.

The target suggests a near-25% capital gain ahead.

Morgans said:

3Q26 production weakness was pre-flagged and driven by grade timing and weather impacts, with improving throughput at MATSA and grade uplift at Motheo to support a strong 4Q26 finish.

Costs remain well controlled but risks are building through potential Middle East conflict impacts.

Move to an ACCUMULATE (previously HOLD) rating with an unchanged A$20.40ps target price, with recent weakness presenting a more attractive entry point against a constructive copper outlook.

Regis Resources Ltd (ASX: RRL)

The Regis Resources share price is $6.97, down 2.5% today.

In the YTD, this ASX 200 gold mining share has fallen 8.7%.

Macquarie maintained its buy rating on Regis Resources shares this week.

The broker lowered its price target from $9.70 to $9.50, which still suggests strong upside of 36% ahead.

Alkane Resources Ltd (ASX: ALK)

The Alkane Resources share price is $1.53, down 1.2% today.

In the YTD, this ASX gold mining share has lifted 10.7%.

Bell Potter renewed its buy rating on Alkane Resources shares this week.

The broker lifted its price target from $1.95 to $2.10.

The target suggests possible capital growth of 37% ahead.

In a new note, the broker said:

ALK offers multimine gold and antimony exposure across three attractive jurisdictions, a strong balance sheet and an operating platform focused on organic and inorganic growth options.

Valuation metrics are undemanding and we retain our Buy recommendation.

Newmont Corporation CDI (ASX: NEM)

The Newmont share price is $151.41, down 1.4% today.

In the YTD, this ASX gold mining share has edged 0.2% higher.

Citi renewed its buy rating on Newmont shares on Tuesday with a $215 target.

This suggests potential capital growth of 42% ahead.

The post 5 ASX mining shares to buy: experts appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buying ASX gold shares like Newmont and Northern Star? Here’s Goldman Sachs’ latest 2026 gold price forecast
• Morgans tips 1 ASX mining share to rip — and 1 to avoid — in 2026
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• Macquarie shares: Buy, hold or sell?

Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. 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 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.

Another announcement has put Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO) back on traders’ screens on Thursday.

While the share price was seesawing in the morning, it is holding steady during mid-afternoon trade.

At the time of writing, Core Lithium shares are up 4.69% to 33.5 cents.

That comes after a strong run. The stock has lifted about 42% over the past month and is up roughly 380% over the past year.

Let’s take a closer look at what just landed.

Core Lithium locks in lithium fines sale

Core Lithium has entered a deal to sell 20,000 tonnes of lithium fines from its Finniss operation in the Northern Territory.

The company signed a binding agreement with Glencore International AG, with pricing set at around US$290 per tonne, or roughly $405 per tonne.

That puts total proceeds near US$5.8 million, or about $8 million, with funds expected to come through this quarter.

The material is coming from an existing fines stockpile at Finniss, meaning this is not tied to new production.

The shipment will go through Darwin Port using the project’s established logistics chain.

Core also noted it is still working through options for the remaining 55,000 tonnes of fines sitting in stockpiles.

Another step in rebuilding cash flow

This follows an earlier spodumene concentrate sale announced in February, as the company looks to generate cash while broader operations remain paused.

Management has been focused on keeping Finniss ready while waiting for stronger lithium market conditions.

Selling stockpiled material gives Core a way to bring in cash without ramping up full mining operations.

It also helps support liquidity alongside its funded restart plan.

The pricing is based on current lithium fines conditions, with final adjustments to come after the assay results.

Foolish bottom line

Core is gradually clearing inventory and pulling in cash while it waits for better pricing conditions across the lithium market.

Lithium carbonate prices have been trending higher in recent months, which has helped lift sentiment across the sector.

From here, attention turns to how much of the remaining stockpile can be sold, and at what price.

But the bigger question revolves around timing for a full restart at Finniss, and whether current lithium prices are enough to support that move.

Core is effectively turning stockpiles into funding while keeping the operation ready.

I would be watching two things closely. How quickly the remaining fines are sold, and whether conditions are strong enough to bring Finniss back online.

The post This $1 billion ASX lithium stock is in the spotlight today. Here’s why 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.

The post Sell alert! Why this expert is calling time on Westpac shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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.

Liontown Ltd (ASX: LTR) shares are climbing higher in Thursday afternoon trade, following the ASX 200 lithium miner’s latest quarterly update, posted ahead of the market open this morning.

At the time of writing, the shares are up 1.64% to a 2.5-year high of $2.47 a piece.

It hasn’t been a smooth ride for the miner’s shares today, though. Shortly following the ASX open this morning, Liontown shares dropped 3.7%. They didn’t move into the green until around lunchtime.

Liontown shares are now up an impressive 52% for the year to date and are a huge 365% higher than this time 12 months ago.

What did Liontown report?

Liontown posted its strongest financial quarter since it commenced production.

For the quarter ending 31st March, the lithium miner achieved its first-ever positive net cash flow of $33 million. The company said the bumper result was mostly driven by strong spodumene sales. It was also boosted by its transition to a 100% fully underground operation at its Kathleen Valley lithium site for the first time.

The transition helped the miner reach targeted production rates earlier than expected.

Liontown also posted a 51% quarter-on-quarter increase in its revenue, to $197 million, and confirmed an operating cash flow of $55 million.

The lithium miner expects to maintain strong operational momentum through FY26. It expects this will be supported by stable underground production and sustained improvements in recoveries. 

Just yesterday, Liontown announced an update on its planned expansion of its Kathleen Valley Lithium Operation, located in Western Australia. 

The company said it has committed $12 million to long-lead items with up to $77 million likely to be spent before the final investment decision (FID) in the first quarter of FY 2027.

What do analysts think of the lithium miner’s shares?

At the time of writing, analysts are relatively divided about the outlook for Liontown shares over the next 12 months.

TradingView data shows that five out of 12 analysts currently have a strong buy rating on the stock. Another five rate the shares as a hold, and two have a sell or strong sell position.

The average target price of $1.935 represents a potential 21.5% downside at the time of writing. But others think the shares could jump another 16% to $2.85 over the next year.

I expect that some analysts could confirm or revise their ratings on the lithium miner’s shares in the coming days, following the latest updates.

The post Liontown shares climb to 2.5-year high on record cash flow appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 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.