Category: Stock Market

ASX industrials stock GenusPlus Group Ltd (ASX: GNP) has been among the best shares to own over the past year.

The company is a service provider to mining, utilities and other private customers who have needs across electrical plant and equipment, power, and telecommunications infrastructure.

Its share price has almost risen 200% in the last year. 

This includes a 32.26% increase for the year to date. 

Key acquisition 

This ASX industrials stock was making headlines yesterday after it announced it had entered into an agreement to acquire 100% of Railtrain Holdings Pty Ltd (Railtrain).

The deal is for a total consideration of up to $55.0m. 

According to the release from GenusPlus Group, it was a highly logical acquisition that bolsters Genus’ existing MGC rail business. It will add critical scale, diversification and national presence, as well as expanding service capabilities in the rail sector. 

Speaking on the acquisition, Genus Managing Director, David Riches, said: 

I am pleased to announce the signing of binding documentation for our acquisition of Railtrain which is another step forward in our strategy to expand into the rail infrastructure sector. Railtrain is a highly logical acquisition which will add critical scale, and expands the geographical and service capability of our existing MGC rail business.

The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of March 2026.

Bell Potter weighs in

Following the announcement, Bell Potter released a new report with updated guidance on the ASX industrials stock. 

It said Railtrain is a diversified rail service provider, with capabilities including overhead wiring solutions, rail maintenance and construction, track protection services, rail signalling and electrical and rail surveying. 

Railtrain has a national footprint with approximately 300 staff across offices and depots in three states.

EPS changes reflect Railtrain acquisition accretion over FY26-28: +1%/+7%/+6%.

The broker said it is particularly pleased to see an attractive acquisition multiple of 2.75x EBITDA (assuming all earn-out hurdles are satisfied), which implyies significant valuation arbitrage against the company’s pre-acquisition FY26 multiple of 14.3x). Bell Potter also drew attention to an enhanced EBITDA margin outlook as well as immediate earnings accretion.

Price target upgrade

In yesterday’s report, Bell Potter retained its buy recommendation on this ASX industrials stock. 

The broker also increased its price target to $9.50 (previously $9.00). 

From yesterday’s closing price of $8.20, this indicates an upside of almost 16%. 

GNP is making another great acquisition, solidifying its track record for delivering a highly accretive M&A strategy, and complementing its strong organic growth.

The post Bell Potter lists this ASX industrials stock as a buy after key acquisition appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Life360 Inc (ASX: 360) shares crashed 18% on Tuesday and remained relatively flat, rising just 0.1% over the course of the day on Wednesday. 

On Wednesday, the stock closed at $20.38 a piece. This means Life360 shares are now down 24.35% over the past month, have dived 37.22% for the year-to-date, and have shed 63.24% since soaring to an all-time high of $55.87 in October last year.

Life360 shares are currently sitting 9.1% below where they were last year.

The latest price crash is significant and some investors are shaken.

The question is, is there more to come? Or has this week’s nosedive created a once-in-a-lifetime buying opportunity to get the stock at an incredibly cheap price.

What happened to Life360 shares?

The US-based software development company posted its FY25 financial results on Tuesday morning, ahead of the market open. Life360 delivered record growth in both its subscription and international segments, by 33% and 26% year-on-year respectively. 

Operating expenses increased by 26%, but fell as a percentage of revenue, highlighting management’s focus on efficiency as the business grows. 

Life360 also said that it expects strong growth to continue in FY26, guiding for global MAU growth of 20%, revenue between US$640 million and US$680 million (up 31–39%) and a 25% increase in subscription revenue.

Management also flagged that earnings will be weighted more heavily to the second half of the year due to investment and seasonality. 

The news saw investors flock to the stock, with the share price spiking 15% in early morning trade. But then the share price took a significant u-turn. 

The S&P/ASX All Technology Index (ASX: XTX) has also been in a sea of red this week after conflict in the Middle East smashed Australian shares across multiple sectors. 

Is this a once-in-a-lifetime buying opportunity for investors?

Analysts seem to think so.

TradingView data shows that most analysts are incredibly bullish on the outlook for Life360 shares over the next 12 months. 

Out of 15 analysts, 12 have a buy or strong buy rating and two have a hold rating on the stock. But they are unanimous in that all of them expect attractive upside ahead.

The average target price for Life360 shares is $39.79, which implies a huge potential 95.24% upside at the time of writing.

But some are even more bullish, expecting the stock to rocket nearly 150% to $50.73 apiece over the next 12 months.

The team at Bell Potter recently confirmed its buy rating on Life360’s shares with a slightly trimmed price target of $40.00 (from $41.50). The broker said it couldn’t explain this week’s share price weakness but added that it appears to be an opportunity for investors to load up on the company’s shares.

If these potential upsides are anything to go by, at their current share price, Life360 shares are a one-of-a-kind opportunity for investors who want to strap into the growth stock for cheap, ahead of the next rocket launch. 

The post Life360 shares crashed 18% this week: Is this a once-in-a-lifetime buying opportunity? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
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• 3 ASX growth shares you’ll wish you’d bought at these cheap prices
• Why Life360 shares could rise 100%
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday

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 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.

Now could be an opportune time to buy the ASX dividend stocks in this article.

That’s because according to analysts at Morgans, these stocks could be destined to rise strongly from current levels.

And before they do, it is urging income investors to lock in their forecast dividend yields now. It said:

Accent Group Ltd (ASX: AX1)

This footwear-focused retailer is going through a tough period, but Morgans thinks it is worth sticking with it. This is especially the case given its cheap valuation and positive medium term outlook. It said:

AX1 reported 1H26 EBIT which was down 30% yoy to $56.5m, in line with the revised guidance range provided in November ($55-60m). The decline was driven by soft comp sales and significant operating de-leverage from lower gross margins. AX1 has made the unsurprising decision to cease operations of loss-making Glue store, which contributed $8.4m EBIT loss in 1H26. On an underlying basis, EBIT fell 10%. We see this providing incremental benefit on group earnings in FY27. We have increased our EBIT by 1.5% in FY26 and by 11% in FY27.

Our blended valuation lifts to $1.30 (from $1.10). We have upgraded to a BUY (from HOLD). We see significant earnings growth in FY27, driven by underlying FY26 run-rate (ex-Glue), this makes the stock look inexpensive at ~10x FY27 P/E and ~5.6% yield.

Morgans is forecasting fully franked dividends of 4.3 cents per share in FY 2026 and then 6.3 cents per share in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $1.00, this would mean dividend yields of 4.3% and 6.3%, respectively.

As mentioned above, it has a buy rating and $1.30 price target on the ASX dividend stock. This implies potential upside of 30% over the next 12 months.

Universal Store Holdings Ltd (ASX: UNI)

Another ASX dividend stock that Morgans is tipping as a buy is youth fashion retailer Universal Store.

It was impressed with its performance in the first half and positive start to the second half. It said:

UNI reported a strong 1H26 result which was ahead of expectations. Sales were up 14.2% to $209.6m and EBIT grew by 23.2% to $43.6m, EBIT margin up 150bps. The strong sales momentum has continued into the first 7 weeks of the 2H, despite the challenging comps (+20%). UNI has consistently delivered through a challenging retail environment, +7.9% LFL sales CAGR over the last 6 years.

With respect to income, the broker has pencilled in fully franked dividends of 41 cents per share in FY 2026 and then 46 cents per share in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $8.05, this would mean dividend yields of 5.1% and 5.7%, respectively.

Morgans has a buy rating and $10.60 price target on its shares. This suggests that upside of 32% is possible from current levels.

The post Grab these ASX dividend stocks now, before their prices rise and yields drop appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• 3 top ASX dividend shares to buy in March
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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Accent Group and Universal Store. 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 and Universal Store. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Endeavour Group Ltd (ASX: EDV) shares are in focus after the stock price dipped 3.5% yesterday amidst a rough day of trading on the ASX. 

The company is an Australian hospitality and retail company, operating the nation’s largest retail drinks network through its Dan Murphy’s and BWS brands. 

This is alongside a portfolio of licensed hotels managed by its wholly owned subsidiary, ALH Hotel. 

Endeavour Group snapshot 

Before this week, Endeavour Group shares had been rising quickly to start the year. 

The share price closed last week 9% higher than the start of 2026. 

However it has now endured two rough days of trading, falling more than 5% over Tuesday and Wednesday.

This fall has come on the back of H1 FY26 results.

The company reported:

• Group sales of $6.7 billion, a 0.9% increase on the prior corresponding period
• A 6.7% decline in underlying net profit after tax to $278 million
• 17.1% decline in statutory net profit after tax to $247 million
• A fully franked interim dividend cut by 13.6% to 10.8 cents per share.

Managing Director and CEO Jayne Hrdlicka said:

In a challenging market, our increased focus on value and price leadership has been embraced by our customers and is delivering both sales growth and market share gains. Our Hotels business continues to improve its performance, supported by positive trends in food and bar transactions and growth in gaming revenue driven by targeted investment in refurbishments and new EGMs.

Bell Potter weighs in

Following the release of its results, broker Bell Potter released updated guidance on Endeavour Group shares. 

The broker retained its buy rating and raised its target price on lower net debt. 

Although the outlook for consumer spending has weakened, we believe market expectations are low for the company’s strategic refresh, leaving greater room for upside potential. We see opportunity for consensus upgrades: a reinforcement in Dan Murphy’s lowest price perception; and cost-out opportunities.

The report also included changes to EBIT by 0%, -3%, and -4% over FY26, FY27, and FY28e, respectively, reflecting tempered retail gross margins and sales, higher capex and depreciation and amortisation, and lower One Endeavour operating expenses.

Modest upside for Endeavour Group shares

This week’s share price dip has created some potential for returns. 

Endeavour Group shares closed yesterday at $3.84 after consecutive falls across Monday and Tuesday. 

Bell Potter’s upgraded price target of $4.15 (previously $4.00) indicates an upside of approximately 8%. 

The post Are Endeavour Group shares a buy after its earnings results crash? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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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.

Real estate investment trusts (REIT) have been one sector of the market that have fallen short of expectations so far in 2026. 

In fact, the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT (ASX: XPJ) index is down 11% year to date. 

For comparison, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is up roughly 2% in that same period.

What’s the benefit of ASX REITs?

For those unfamiliar, ASX REITs have long been a popular investment option. 

Put simply, an REIT is a company that owns and operates property assets that typically produce income.

This can be anything from retirement homes or apartments, to office blocks or petrol stations.

Australian investors generally target ASX REITs because they have historically provided reliable, income-focused returns through mandatory high dividend distributions. 

Additionally, it offers exposure to commercial property without directly owning real estate which can lead to capital growth tied to Australia’s property market.

They also provide portfolio diversification. 

That’s because REITs are primarily influenced by factors such as interest rates, property valuations, rental income, occupancy rates, and economic conditions affecting commercial or residential real estate. 

Meanwhile, sectors like mining are driven by commodity prices and global demand, and tech stocks are more influenced by innovation cycles, growth expectations, and risk sentiment.

This means the REIT market might move differently to these other sectors like mining or tech.

Morgans lists ASX REIT as a buy

Amidst poor performance from the broader sector, the team at Morgans has identified Waypoint REIT Ltd (ASX: WPR) as a potential REIT to watch. 

The company owns a $3 billion portfolio of service station properties across all Australian states and mainland territories.

The vast majority of the company’s rental income comes from the ASX-listed Viva Energy Group Ltd (ASX: VEA) which owns, operates, and supplies fuel to the Shell and Liberty service station brands in Australia.

It released FY25 results at the end of February. 

The broker said the company’s FY25 result was in line with guidance while FY26 guidance was ahead. 

Waypoint REIT (WPR) delivered a solid FY25 result with FFO of 16.64c, in-line with upgraded guidance and FY26 outlook modestly ahead of expectations. 

The portfolio continues to perform as a yield-focused vehicle, with limited near-term execution risk following the renewal of the majority of FY26 lease expiries with key tenant Viva Energy (VEA), securing ~12% rental uplift.

Upgraded outlook

Based on this guidance, Morgans upgraded the REIT to an accumulate rating (previously hold).

The broker also upgraded its price target to $2.75 (previously $2.70).

From yesterday’s closing price of $2.51, this indicates an upside of 9.56%.

WPR trades at ~13% discount to NTA ($2.90) and offers a ~7% FY26F distribution yield.

The post An exciting REIT for real estate investors to add to their watchlist appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Grab these ASX dividend stocks now, before their prices rise and yields drop
• Are Endeavour Group shares a buy after its earnings results crash?
• How much would I need to invest in ASX shares for a retirement income of $100,000 per year?
• 3 of the best ASX ETFs to buy in March
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares 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.

When people talk about retirement, they usually focus on the lump sum.

But I think the better question is this: How much income do you actually want each year?

Retirement income planning

According to the ASFA Retirement Standard, a comfortable retirement lifestyle for a single costs $54,840 per year, and for a couple $77,375 per year. That covers things like private health insurance, occasional dining out, domestic travel, and staying socially active.

But what if you want more than comfortable? What if you want $100,000 per year from your ASX share portfolio?

That’s a different level altogether.

The simple maths behind income investing

If you’re investing for income, the key variable is the dividend yield.

Let’s start with a relatively conservative assumption: a 4% dividend yield. That’s achievable with a balanced portfolio of quality ASX dividend shares such as banks like Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), infrastructure names like Transurban Group (ASX: TCL), supermarkets like Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW), and some higher-yield exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

Here’s the simple formula:

Required capital = Desired income ÷ Dividend yield

So for $100,000 per year at a 4% yield:

$100,000 ÷ 4% = $2.5 million

That means you’d need approximately $2.5 million invested in ASX shares yielding 4% to generate $100,000 per year in dividends.

And that’s before franking credits, which could lift the effective after-tax income depending on your tax situation.

What if you aimed for a 5% yield?

Some investors may target a 5% dividend yield instead. At 5%, the capital required drops meaningfully:

$100,000 ÷ 5% = $2 million

That’s a $500,000 difference. On paper, that sounds appealing. But I think it’s important to acknowledge the trade-off.

Higher yields often come with higher risk. Sometimes that means greater share price volatility. Other times, it means exposure to cyclical sectors. And occasionally, it means stepping into potential yield traps where dividends aren’t sustainable.

A well-constructed 5% portfolio is certainly possible. But it generally requires more careful stock selection and a stronger stomach during market downturns.

The role of growth

One thing I always remind readers is that dividend income doesn’t have to be static.

If your portfolio grows over time and companies increase their dividends, the income stream can rise. A 4% yield today might not be 4% on your original capital in ten years’ time if dividends have grown steadily.

That’s why I’m less focused on squeezing out the absolute highest yield and more focused on durability.

So how much would I need?

If I wanted $100,000 per year purely from ASX dividend shares, I would work on the assumption that I need around $2.5 million invested at a sustainable 4% yield.

If I were comfortable targeting closer to 5%, I could potentially do it with around $2 million, but I would accept the additional risk that comes with that approach.

Either way, the numbers are significant.

But they’re also clear. And once you know the target, you can reverse-engineer the plan required to get there.

Foolish Takeaway

A $100,000 annual retirement income from ASX shares is absolutely achievable. It just requires scale.

At a 4% dividend yield, you’re looking at roughly $2.5 million invested. At 5%, closer to $2 million, though with greater risk.

For me, the key isn’t chasing the highest yield. It’s building a portfolio of quality ASX shares that can pay reliable income year after year and grow that income over time.

The post How much would I need to invest in ASX shares for a retirement income of $100,000 per year? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 of the best ASX ETFs to buy in March
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Morgans names 3 ASX shares to buy in March
• 2 ASX 200 shares I rate as top buys for growth
• 2 ASX 200 shares that turned a $5,000 investment into $10 million

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Commonwealth Bank Of Australia and Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Transurban Group and Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

March could be a good time for investors to reassess their portfolios.

Recent market volatility has created opportunities in certain sectors, while long-term structural trends continue to support others. Exchange traded funds (ETFs) offer a simple way to gain exposure to these opportunities without needing to pick individual winners.

Here are three of the best ASX ETFs to consider buying this month.

Betashares Global Defence ETF (ASX: ARMR)

The first ASX ETF to consider in March is the Betashares Global Defence ETF.

This fund focuses on companies involved in global defence and security, an area experiencing powerful structural tailwinds. Governments around the world are increasing defence budgets in response to rising geopolitical tensions and long-term security challenges.

The Betashares Global Defence ETF holds major defence contractors such as Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), RTX Corporation (NYSE: RTX), Palantir Technologies Inc (NASDAQ: PLTR), and Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC). It also includes locally listed DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO).

These companies benefit from multi-year government contracts and sustained investment in military technology.

Unlike many sectors that are tied closely to economic cycles, defence spending is often driven by national security priorities. That creates a long-term demand backdrop that could support earnings growth across the industry.

This fund was recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

Another ASX ETF worth considering in March is the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF.

This fund tracks the Nasdaq 100 index, which includes many of the world’s most influential technology and innovation-driven companies. However, the tech sector has recently experienced a selloff amid concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) disrupting parts of the software industry.

For long-term investors, that weakness may present an opportunity. The fund’s holdings include companies such as Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA), Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), and Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), as well as globally recognised brands like Starbucks (NASDAQ: SBUX) and Costco (NASDAQ: COST).

These companies are deeply embedded in global digital infrastructure, consumer platforms, and emerging technologies. If the Nasdaq stabilises, this fund could benefit from renewed investor confidence.

VanEck China New Economy ETF (ASX: CNEW)

A final ASX ETF to consider this month is the VanEck China New Economy ETF.

This fund focuses on China’s new economy sectors rather than traditional state-owned industries.

China’s economy is undergoing a long-term transition toward technology, consumer services, and advanced manufacturing. ETFs like this provide exposure to that shift, giving investors access to businesses positioned to benefit from evolving domestic demand and technological innovation.

It was recently recommended by analysts at VanEck.

The post 3 of the best ASX ETFs to buy in March appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• New to investing: 3 ASX ETFs to set and forget until 2036
• How to build a $250,000 ASX share portfolio from scratch today
• 5 fantastic ASX ETFs to buy and hold for 10 years
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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Apple, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Costco Wholesale, DroneShield, Microsoft, Nvidia, Palantir Technologies, RTX, and Starbucks and is short shares of BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Lockheed Martin. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Starbucks. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) just endured a brutal mid-week sell-off, continuing the negative momentum we saw yesterday. In one of its worst days in months (And certainly of 2026 thus far), the ASX 200 plunged a horrid 1.94% this Wednesday. That drop leaves the index well under 9,000 points at 8,901.2.

This horrendous day for the Australian markets follows a rough morning on Wall Street for American investors.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) ended its session 0.83% lower after tanking more than 2% at one point.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) fared even worse, losing 1.02% of its value after a near-3% loss during intra-day trading.

But let’s grit our teeth and return to the local markets now for a checkup on how today’s tough trading conditions affected the different ASX sectors.

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• $5,000 to invest? Here’s how I’d split it across the ASX
• 3 ASX growth shares you’ll wish you’d bought at these cheap prices
• Endeavour Group earnings: NPAT drops as sales rise; interim dividend declared

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen 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 Technology One and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Pro Medicus and Technology One. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

A new month is here, so what better time to look at making some new portfolio additions.

But which ASX shares could be buys?

Three that Morgans is bullish on are named below. Here’s what it is recommending to clients:

Catalyst Metals Ltd (ASX: CYL)

Morgans thinks that this gold miner could be a good option for investors looking for exposure to this side of the market.

In response to its half-year results, the broker has retained its buy rating and $14.56 price target. It said:

1H26 result was broadly in line with expectations, with FY26 shaping as a foundation year ahead of a step-change in ounce growth from FY27 and beyond, underpinned by ~10 years of reserves. Key positive: Continued uplift in the price of gold has delivered a material uplift in revenue (+50% pcp) and underlying EBITDA (+92%) despite ounce production effectively being flat pcp. Key negative: legal settlement fees regarding Plutonic’s K2 prospect (A$49m) eroded NPAT which was not fully captured in our forecasts. We maintain our BUY rating and A$14.56ps price target.

Light & Wonder Inc. (ASX: LNW)

Another ASX share that has been given a buy rating (with a $195.00 price target) by Morgans is gaming technology company Light & Wonder.

The broker was pleased with management commentary relating to AI disruption and agrees that it will strengthen its competitive edge. As a result, it thinks recent share price weakness has created an opportunity. It explains:

We were encouraged by management’s articulation of AI as both an offensive growth lever and a defensive moat. Net/net, we view AI as enhancing LNW’s competitive edge rather than eroding it, and the recent share price weakness appears disconnected from the durability of its land-based earnings base.

In our view, LNW trades on an undemanding valuation given: (1) supportive NA EGM demand; (2) litigation overhang behind it; (3) a balance sheet set to delever through 2026 (MorgansF: ~2.9x); and (4) Grover providing a high-return, recurring revenue vertical growing ahead of expectations. We upgrade to BUY, however lower our price target to A$195 (previously A$200).

Objective Corporation Ltd (ASX: OCL)

Finally, Morgans has named information technology software and services provider Object Corp as a buy with a $16.70 price target.

The broker believes there are tailwinds that will be supportive of its long-term growth momentum. It explains:

OCL’s FY26 ARR guidance has been reset to 10-14% (CC basis). Our EBITDA forecasts reduce by -4% across FY26-FY28F, driven by adjustments for ARR guidance and our expectations around timing of investment/margins and currency movements. Our blended DCF/EV/EBITDA based price target revises to $16.70/sh (from $20.00/sh). We see tailwinds remaining supportive of OCL’s long-term growth momentum. Following the recent pullback in OCL’s share price we move to a Buy rating (from Accumulate).

The post Morgans names 3 ASX shares to buy in March appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Can this beaten-down ASX 200 stock bounce back in 2026?
• Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• Why this growing ASX 200 stock could rise 60%+
• 3 Australian growth stocks to buy in 2026

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 Objective. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Objective. 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.

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares are some of the most appealing to own for Australians because of how they can provide both stability and growth.

The tech space has been through a rough period as the market digests the potential impacts of AI competition in the coming years. Plus, the prospect of higher inflation and interest rates is adding to the pressure on valuations.

So, following the uncertainty, it could be a good call to look at both the sold-off tech shares and non-tech businesses. Here are two that I’m bullish about – I already own these ASX 200 shares, and I’m planning to buy more.

Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG)

Breville is best known for its coffee machines, though it also sells other small appliances. It has a few different bands like Beville, Sage, Lelit, and Baratza. It also has a coffee bean business called Beanz.

I think the business showcased its quality in the FY26 half-year result by delivering 10.1% revenue growth and 0.7% net profit growth despite the impact of US tariffs on one of its key markets. Its healthy dividend payout ratio meant it was able to lift its dividend per share by 5.6% to 19 cents.

The business has put in significant effort to shift its manufacturing so that 80% of its US gross profit products are now produced outside of China. This was achieved by December 2025.

For me, what’s most pleasing is seeing revenue growth across the board. Americas revenue grew 11.6% to $549.5 million, Asia Pacific (APAC) revenue grew 5.9% to $190.3 million, and Europe, the Middle East and Asia (EMEA) revenue climbed 13.7% to $233.8 million. Over time, scale benefits should help increase profit margins.

With the Breville share price down more than 13% since 12 February 2026, this looks like an opportunistic time to buy a growing business.

Pinnacle Investment Management Group Ltd (ASX: PNI)

Pinnacle is an ASX 200 share heavily involved in the funds management world. It takes a minor stake in funds management businesses and helps them grow by offering various services (including client distribution, legal, compliance, and so on), allowing the fund manager to focus on investing.

The business has a portfolio of a number of well-recognised fund managers, including Hyperion, Plato, Palisade, Resolution Capital, Solaris, Antipodes, Firetrail, Metrics, Coolabah, Life Cycle, and Pacific Asset Management.

Pinnacle’s HY26 net profit may have dropped 11% to $67.3 million, but excluding the reduction of performance fees, net profit increased 37% year over year. It experienced net inflows of $17.2 billion during the period, with FUM rising 13% over six months to $202.5 billion at 31 December 2025.

I believe this ASX 200 share will continue expanding and diversifying its fund manager portfolio. I’m eager to see the business increase the number of northern hemisphere fund managers it’s invested in.

I think this is a buy-the-dip opportunity after declining around 20% since 11 February 2026.

The post 2 ASX 200 shares I rate as top buys for growth appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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