Category: Stock Market

The MyState Ltd (ASX: MYS) share price is in focus today after the company reported a strong FY26 result, highlighted by a 41.2% lift in underlying net profit after tax to $58.3 million and an improved earnings mix from higher-return businesses.

What did MyState report?

• Underlying NPAT up 41.2% to $58.3 million (up 22% pro forma)
• Statutory NPAT rose 58% to $56.2 million
• Total operating income climbed 37.1% to $255.9 million
• Core earnings jumped 43.9% to $85.8 million
• Final dividend of 12.5 cents per share, fully franked (full-year 24.5 cps, up 3.0 cps)
• Home loan book increased 5.8% to $13.6 billion; customer deposits grew 4.0% to $10.6 billion

What else do investors need to know?

MyState moved to a single banking licence in December 2025, streamlining operations and capital management. Integration of its acquisitions delivered $11.8 million in run-rate synergies so far, and the company remains confident of reaching its synergy targets by FY28.

Management raised integration investment slightly to support a new AI-enabled core banking platform, aiming to drive ongoing efficiency, flexibility, and growth. Asset quality was strong, with 90-day home loan arrears improving from 0.44% to 0.32%. The group remains well-capitalised for future investments.

What did MyState management say?

Managing Director and CEO Brett Morgan said:

FY26 is our first full-year as a merged Group and I’m very proud of the way the team has come together, executed on our key priorities with discipline, delivered strong financial outcomes and continued serving our customers with care and commitment. I’m very pleased with our financial performance, with Underlying NPAT increasing 41%. We are seeing clear benefits from scale, reflected in strong income growth, disciplined cost management and an increasing contribution from higher-returning businesses. Together, these factors have improved the quality, sustainability and resilience of our earnings.

What’s next for MyState?

Looking ahead, MyState will continue to focus on integrating its businesses and rolling out its new banking technology platform. Management expects further efficiencies from consolidating systems and operating as a single retail brand, supporting long-term growth.

The company’s strong capital position and diversified earnings base put it in a good spot to keep executing on its strategy. Shareholders can expect ongoing focus on cost control, digital transformation, and delivering long-term value.

MyState share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, MyState shares have risen 16%, outperforming the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO), which has risen 1% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post MyState FY26 earnings: Strong profit growth and integration wins appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here’s what brokers tip for Woodside shares over the next 12 months
• Abacus Group FY26 results
• Why is the ASX 200 having its best day in 3 weeks?
• Metrics Master Income Trust posts unfranked August 2026 distribution
• Peet FY26 earnings: Profit and dividend surge on record sales

Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) shares are climbing higher again on Tuesday.

At the time of writing, the ASX energy shares are up around 1% and changing hands for $33.82 a piece. 

Today’s increase means the shares are now up around 43% for the year to date and 26% higher than 12 months ago.

The update comes as Woodside posted its first-half FY26 results this morning.

The company reported a 13% increase in operating revenue, a 27% increase in NPAT, a 7% increase in underlying NPAT, and a huge increase in free cash flow to US$352 million.

The strong result saw management declare a fully-franked interim dividend of 57 US cents per share.

Woodside also reaffirmed its full-year FY26 production and capital expenditure guidance. The company expects to complete key projects, including Scarborough, Trion, and Louisiana LNG, in line with previously announced timelines. 

Woodside shares have rocketed higher in 2026

The oil and gas giant’s shares have enjoyed an incredible rally through 2026 so far.

A key driver has been major oil supply concerns and volatility around conflict in the Middle East.

The US and Iran have shown new signs of reaching a potential agreement. But each time it looks like conflict is calming down, it quickly returns. The region is highly volatile, and the movement of oil from the area will continue to be uncertain until a resolution is reached. 

Shipping disruptions and production cuts pushed crude oil prices to a multi-year high of around US$113 per barrel in April, according to Trading Economics data. While the price of oil softened in June and early July, it is now trading back up at around US$85 per barrel.

What do the experts tip for the shares over the next 12 months?

It looks like brokers now think the oil major’s shares are trading around fair value. In fact, some are tipping a downside over the next 12 months.

Market Index data shows the majority of brokers have a hold rating on Woodside shares. But the $28.52 average target price now implies a potential 17% downside ahead, at the time of writing.

TradingView data is a little more positive. Out of 16 analysts, eight have a buy/strong buy rating, seven have a hold rating, and 1 rates the stock as a sell.

The average $32.31 target price implies a potential 5% downside, at the time of writing. 

But the difference between the maximum and minimum target price is significant. Some forecast the shares to climb about 29% to $43.47 over the next 12 months. But others think Woodside shares have the potential to fall up to 26% to $25.01, at the time of writing.

The post Here’s what brokers tip for Woodside shares over the next 12 months appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why is everyone talking about Coles, Ramelius Resources and Woodside shares on Tuesday?
• Woodside Energy half-year results: US$1,672 million profit and 57 US cents dividend
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• How much passive income can I earn off a $900,000 superannuation balance?

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.

The Abacus Group Ltd (ASX: ABG) share price is in focus today after the company posted Funds from Operations of $81.2 million, down 1.9% on last year, and announced a flat annual distribution of 8.50 cents per security.

What did Abacus Group report?

• Funds from Operations (FFO) of $81.2 million, down 1.9% compared to FY25
• Statutory net loss of $74.5 million, impacted by ASK investment reclassification
• Distribution of 8.50 cents per security, flat year-on-year (payout ratio: 93.6% of FFO)
• Net Tangible Assets (NTA) per security of $1.59, down 7.6% on FY25
• Gearing at 36.2%, within target range (up 1.7 percentage points over FY25)
• Retail operating earnings up 4.5% to $30.0 million; Office operating earnings down 3.2% to $89.6 million

What else do investors need to know?

Abacus Group completed the internalisation of Abacus Storage King during FY26, simplifying its operating model and positioning as a pure-play commercial REIT. This transition enables the company to target operational efficiency and focus on optimising its commercial property portfolio across eastern seaboard markets.

The company’s Office Portfolio, valued at $1.4 billion, remains concentrated in high-quality A-grade assets, with a notable weighting toward Sydney. Retail holdings recorded strong performance, with like-for-like rental growth and 97.4% occupancy, reflecting solid customer demand during the period.

What did Abacus Group management say?

Abacus Group Managing Director Steven Sewell said:

ABG’s strategic priorities are now centred on three clear areas: simplifying the business model, strengthening the platform and positioning the Group for sustainable growth. The Commercial team has a focused platform to concentrate on its core investment, asset management and customer priorities, supporting the delivery of sustainable long-term returns for securityholders.

What’s next for Abacus Group?

Looking ahead, Abacus Group will continue with its focused commercial REIT strategy, aiming for operational efficiency and capital discipline. Non-core asset sales, gearing reductions, and improving free cash flow are near-term priorities.

For FY27, the company has guided to a distribution of 6.70 cents per security, with a targeted full-year payout of 80-90% of FFO and a higher expected franking level. Management intends to drive further value creation through disciplined asset management and selective investment in core office markets.

Abacus Group share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Abacus Group shares have declined 30%, trailing the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO).

View Original Announcement

The post Abacus Group FY26 results appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How much could a $400,000 ASX share portfolio pay in dividends?

Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is enjoying a strong session on Tuesday, with gains spread across most of the market.

At the time of writing, the ASX 200 is up 0.75% to 9,171 points, putting the index at its highest level in 8 trading days.

It also has the market on track for its best session in around 3 weeks, following a fairly mixed run through August.

And there isn’t one big piece of news behind the move. Instead, strength across miners, healthcare, energy, and financial stocks is helping push the market higher.

So, what is driving the ASX 200 today?

Most of the market is in the green

The buying is fairly broad, with 120 of the largest 200 companies trading higher, compared with 74 falling and 6 unchanged.

Mining stocks are doing their part, led by another strong session from BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), which is up 1.41% to $68.07.

The mining giant has again pushed to a record high, with strong copper prices continuing to support the stock.

Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) is also up 1.55% to $180.18, while Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) has gained 1.15% to $24.67.

Healthcare and energy shares rise

Healthcare is another strong area of the market today.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) shares are up 1.78% to $172.12, and Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Ltd (ASX: FPH) has climbed 0.54% to $37.29.

Energy stocks are also mostly higher after several companies reported results this morning.

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) shares are up 0.93% to $33.79 after the company reported its half-year results and outlined plans to cut costs.

The major banks are higher as well. Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) is up 0.24% to $157.25, while National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) has risen 0.71% to $38.28.

Reporting season keeps things busy

Reporting season is still driving plenty of individual share price moves.

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) shares are up 0.66% to $22.79 after the supermarket giant released its FY26 results earlier today.

The local market is also outperforming, with a mixed lead from Wall Street. The Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) fell 0.8% overnight as chip stocks weakened, while the S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX) slipped 0.3% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) added 0.3%.

Investors are also watching the RBA after the minutes from its August meeting were released just before midday today.

The RBA left the cash rate unchanged at 4.35% earlier this month after 3 increases in 2026, while keeping the door open to another rise if inflation remains too high.

The post Why is the ASX 200 having its best day in 3 weeks? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday
• The average superannuation balance for 50-year-olds in Australia in FY27. How does yours compare?
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• ASX 200 healthcare shares soar 9% amid notable FY26 reports from CSL, Pro Medicus

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

The Metrics Master Income Trust (ASX: MXT) share price is in focus after announcing a monthly unfranked distribution of 1.46 cents per unit for August 2026, with payments set for 8 September.

What did Metrics Master Income Trust report?

• Distribution amount: 1.46 cents per unit (unfranked), relating to August 2026
• Ex-dividend date: 31 August 2026
• Record date: 1 September 2026
• Payment date: 8 September 2026
• Distribution Reinvestment Plan (DRP) available at no discount

What else do investors need to know?

Metrics Master Income Trust’s latest distribution continues its pattern of providing monthly income to unitholders. This announcement delivers clarification for investors seeking reliable, regular income streams from their investment in MXT.

The distribution is entirely unfranked, meaning investors may benefit differently depending on their individual tax circumstances. Unitholders can choose to reinvest their distribution through the DRP, or receive it as a cash payment.

What’s next for Metrics Master Income Trust?

Investors can expect distributions to continue on a monthly basis, reflecting the trust’s ongoing strategy of delivering stable income. The trust’s transparent announcements about key dates and reinvestment options may support unitholder planning and portfolio management.

Looking ahead, ongoing market conditions and the performance of MXT’s underlying loan assets will continue to influence future distributions and trust performance.

Metrics Master Income Trust share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Metrics Master Income Trust shares have declined 6%, trailing the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO), which has risen 1% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Metrics Master Income Trust posts unfranked August 2026 distribution appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How much passive income could I earn from a $600,000 superannuation balance?

Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

The Peet Ltd (ASX: PPC) share price is in focus after the company delivered record earnings for FY26, on the back of strong sales and robust performance in Western Australia and Queensland.

What did Peet report?

• Net operating profit of $103.4 million, up 77% on the prior year
• Operating earnings per share of 22.1 cents, also up 77%
• Total FY26 fully franked dividends of 13.0 cents per share, up 68%
• Revenue rose 3% to $450.2 million
• EBITDA grew 54% to $162.8 million, with margin expanding to 36%
• Contracts on hand increased 39% to $851 million

What else do investors need to know?

Peet sold 2,996 lots during the year, up 8%, while settlements rose to 2,665 lots. The group’s development pipeline remains extensive, comprising more than 26,400 lots across 37 projects with an estimated end value of $11.5 billion.

Gearing reduced to 24.8%, while the company maintained a strong balance sheet with net debt decreased to $201.3 million. Peet also increased its activated pipeline to 80%, offering solid visibility for future earnings.

What did Peet management say?

Chief Executive Officer Brett Fullarton said:

FY26 represents another exceptional year for Peet, with record operating profit, significant earnings growth and increased returns to shareholders. The result reflects the strength of our national portfolio, favourable conditions across several of our key markets and the disciplined execution of our strategy.

What’s next for Peet?

Peet enters FY27 in a strong financial position with $851 million in contracts on hand and a highly activated project portfolio. The company expects to benefit from ongoing demand in Western Australia, Queensland, and South Australia, while remaining alert to improvements in Victoria and NSW/ACT.

Management highlighted positive structural factors for the residential housing sector, including population growth, limited supply, and policy support for buyers. Peet intends to leverage its pipeline and balance sheet strength to pursue growth opportunities, mindful of settlement timing and broader market conditions.

Peet share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Peet shares have risen 3%, slightly outperforming the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO), which has increased 1% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Peet FY26 earnings: Profit and dividend surge on record sales appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• MyState FY26 earnings: Strong profit growth and integration wins
• Here’s what brokers tip for Woodside shares over the next 12 months
• Abacus Group FY26 results
• Why is the ASX 200 having its best day in 3 weeks?
• Metrics Master Income Trust posts unfranked August 2026 distribution

Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

The Tivan Ltd (ASX: TVN) share price is in focus after the company received final approvals to commence its maiden drilling program at Walshy’s Wall within the Sandover Fluorite Project. High-grade manganese samples up to 44.8% and fluorite at 98.4% CaF₂ were previously identified.

What did Tivan report?

• Regulatory approval secured from the Northern Territory Government for drilling at Walshy’s Wall
• Sacred Site Clearance Certificate received from the Central Land Council
• Maiden staged program planned: 31 reverse circulation drill holes, with nine priority holes commencing October
• Rock chip sampling returned manganese grades up to 44.8% Mn and fluorite up to 98.4% CaF₂
• Elevated copper (up to 0.5%), beryllium (up to 50ppm) and tungsten (up to 0.12%) levels identified

What else do investors need to know?

Tivan’s drilling program at Walshy’s Wall represents the company’s first systematic test of this recently discovered manganese-barite gossan. The approvals bring the drill program within the environmental and cultural heritage requirements of the Sandover project and reflect the support of both the Northern Territory Government and Traditional Owners.

The drill campaign is set to target the strongest geochemical anomalies identified during recent field work. Stage One drilling will focus on the most prospective sections, while Stage Two may expand based on initial results.

What did Tivan management say?

Executive Chairman Grant Wilson said:

We are very pleased to have secured these approvals on a timely basis, that will enable Tivan’s geology team to complete a maiden drilling program at Walshy’s Wall before the summer heat arrives. We extend sincere thanks to the Northern Territory Government and the Central Land Council.

What’s next for Tivan?

Tivan’s team is preparing to mobilise for the Stage One drilling, which will commence in October. This first stage will help the company determine if the strong surface mineralisation is mirrored at depth.

The results from the initial drilling will guide the potential rollout of Stage Two, testing the broader scale and continuity of the mineralised system. Tivan aims to unlock further value at the Sandover project and progress exploration efficiently within approved guidelines.

Tivan share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Tivan shares have risen 140%, outperforming the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO), which has risen 1% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Tivan gets green light for maiden drilling at Sandover Fluorite Project appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Tivan receives $3m IPCM grant for Speewah Fluorite Project
• Tivan appoints advisor for Speewah Fluorite Project finance update

Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares are up 0.74% to 9,168.7 points on Tuesday.

All 11 market sectors of the ASX 200 are in the green today.

Healthcare leads the pack, up 1.1%, extending its impressive recent rebound.

ARB Corporation Ltd (ASX: ARB) is the fastest riser of the ASX 200 today, up 18% on its FY26 report.

Meanwhile, Morgans has issued some new notes on three ASX shares.

They include BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares, which hit a new all-time high today.

Let’s take a look.

Judo Capital Holdings Ltd (ASX: JDO)

The Judo Capital share price is $1.03, up 6.4% today and down 42% over 12 months. 

Judo Capital shares are the fourth fastest riser on the local bourse despite no significant announcements today.

Morgans has a buy rating on this ASX bank share after its FY26 results.

The broker said: 

FY26 PBT landed towards the top end of the revised guidance range and FY27 guidance was reaffirmed offering strong earnings growth.

EPS forecasts moderated 2-6%.

The broker shaved its 12-month price target from $1.47 to $1.42.

This suggests a potential 40% upside ahead.

Healius Ltd (ASX: HLS)

The Healius share price is 43 cents, down 0.7% today and down 49% over 12 months. 

Since the healthcare sector began its long-awaited rebound on 3 June, Healius shares have soared 29%.

Morgans has a hold rating on this ASX 200 healthcare share following its FY26 report.

The broker said: 

FY26 results were mixed, with revenue and underlying EBITDA broadly in line, but underlying EBIT 5% below consensus and at the bottom of guidance, reflecting still-thin Pathology margins.

Encouragingly, Pathology EBIT margin improved materially in 2H, while labour costs fell 2.9% and group cost growth was contained.

Agilex was again a clear positive, with revenue and earnings growth ahead of expectations.

While FY27 EBIT guidance of A$39.7m is broadly in line with expectations, the T27 target for mid-to-high single-digit EBIT margins was extended by c18 months to Dec-28, leaving us cautious on the pace and sustainability of earnings leverage.

The broker increased its price target to 43 cents, implying the stock is fully valued.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

The BHP share price is $67.93, up 1.2% today and up 57% over 12 months. 

BHP shares reached a new record of $68.22 in earlier trading on Tuesday.

Morgans downgraded BHP shares to a sell call after its FY26 report on 18 August.

The broker explained: 

A solid FY26 result, with an upsized final dividend of US 99cps, against a share price that appears to already factor in more upside, we lower our rating to TRIM.

Metal prices were a key driver, but BHP also maintained a solid operating performance on controllable factors against a tough backdrop in FY26.

The broker reduced its 12-month price target from $59.80 to $55.30.

This suggests a potential 18% downside ahead.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Judo Capital, Healius, BHP shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• $6,000 invested in BHP shares 12 months ago is now worth….
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• With profits surging to $13.7 billion, are BHP shares a buy, hold or sell now?
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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 ARB Corporation. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended ARB Corporation and BHP Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The ASX reporting season continues, with ASX majors Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS), PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS), and Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Ltd (ASX: BEN) posting their results this week.

Let’s recap how the shares are tracking today and whether brokers rate them a buy, sell, or hold.

Buy EOS shares

EOS posted a huge 283% hike in its half-year revenue this morning, and a reduced net loss of $32.9 million. Underlying EBITDA swung into profit, and its net assets grew to $391.6 million.

Going forward, EOS expects continued strong demand, driven by defence spending and escalating global interest in counter-drone technologies. 

Management has forecast FY26 revenue (including MARSS) of $360 million to $400 million, assuming global supply chains remain steady. If this comes to fruition, this would be a record result.

Clearly, investors are thrilled with the result. EOS shares are up around 13% in morning trade and changing hands at $9.75 apiece. Today’s increase means the shares are now just 2% lower year to date but a huge 93% higher than 12 months ago.

Brokers are also incredibly bullish about the outlook for EOS shares. TradingView data shows that all analysts rate the stock a strong buy. The average $13.64 target price implies a potential 40% upside at the time of writing.

Buy PLS shares

PLS posted its FY26 earnings results ahead of the market open on Monday morning. The company announced a 152% increase in revenue, a 59% increase in underlying EBITDA, and a swing into profit in NPAT (from a loss in the prior corresponding period).

The company has also announced a 5-cent-per-share, fully-franked final dividend for FY26. This is great news for investors after PLS suspended its dividend payouts in 2024 amid cratering global lithium prices.

PLS shares jumped 7% higher following the results announcement yesterday, but the share price has softened again today. At the time of writing, PLS shares are down around 4% and trading at $5.26 per share. For the year to date, shares are still up 22%.

Analysts’ sentiment about the outlook for PLS shares is divided, but the majority hold a buy/strong buy rating on the shares. The average $5.36 target price implies a potential 2% upside ahead.

Sell Bendigo and Adelaide Bank shares

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank also ported its FY26 results on Monday. The bank reported a 3% increase in cash earnings, statutory net profit after tax of $375.1 million, and a fully-franked final dividend of 33 cents per share.

Investors appear to be mostly neutral about the result, and the share price ended the day around 0.5% lower on Monday. But this morning, there seems to be an injection of confidence back into the bank stock.

At the time of writing, the ASX bank shares are up around 3% and changing hands for $10.76 a piece. The increase means the shares are now around 1.5% higher year to date.

The experts are quite reserved about what’ll happen to Bendigo and Adelaide Bank shares next, however. The majority (nine out of 14) have a hold rating on the shares, and the average $10.33 target price implies a potential 4% downside, at the time of writing.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Bendigo and Adelaide Bank, PLS, EOS shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• EOS shares rocket 13% today. Can the rally keep going?
• What is this broker’s updated view on PLS shares after big results?
• Electro Optic Systems half-year earnings surge on booming defence demand
• 3 great dividend stocks with 6% yields to boost passive income in FY27
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday

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

Some investments do not need a complicated thesis.

The iShares S&P 500 AUD ETF (ASX: IVV) gives Australian investors access to many of America’s largest companies through a single ASX-listed fund.

For me, that makes it a strong long-term option.

Access to some of the world’s strongest businesses

The IVV ETF tracks the S&P 500 Index, which contains around 500 large US companies, including Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, Bank Of America, Walmart, Merck & Co, and Verizon.

That gives investors exposure to businesses operating across technology, healthcare, financial services, consumer products, industrials, communication services, and many other areas of the US economy.

I think this is particularly valuable for Australian investors. The ASX has some excellent companies, but our market is heavily influenced by financial and resources businesses. The US market gives investors much greater exposure to areas such as software, semiconductors, digital advertising, medical technology, and global consumer brands.

Many of the companies inside the S&P 500 also generate revenue around the world.

So while the IVV ETF invests in US-listed companies, the underlying businesses can have customers spread across North America, Europe, Asia, and other major markets.

That gives investors exposure to far more than the US economy alone.

The index can evolve over time

Another reason I like the IVV ETF is that ASX investors do not have to predict which companies will dominate the next decade.

The S&P 500 index changes as corporate America changes.

Companies that grow can become increasingly important within the index, while businesses that lose relevance can eventually become smaller holdings or leave the index entirely. For example, today Nvidia is highly important, whereas 50 years ago it was IBM.

I think that is a powerful feature for a long-term investor.

Twenty years from now, some of today’s leading businesses may still be enormous. Others may have been overtaken by companies that are only beginning their growth stories today.

An investor in the IVV ETF does not need to identify those winners in advance.

They can simply continue owning a large collection of leading US businesses as the market develops.

It keeps investing simple

The IVV ETF also suits ASX investors who do not want to spend their spare time reading annual reports and comparing individual companies.

Buying individual shares can be rewarding, but it requires research and comes with the possibility of getting a company-specific decision badly wrong.

With the IVV ETF, one investment spreads money across hundreds of businesses.

That can make it easier to keep contributing through strong markets, weak markets, recessions, and whatever else happens over a long investing career.

For me, this simplicity is one of the fund’s biggest strengths.

A sensible investment strategy that someone can stick with for decades can be far more powerful than a clever strategy they abandon after a difficult year.

There are still risks

The IVV ETF is diversified across hundreds of companies, but it is not immune from large falls.

US shares can become expensive, recessions can hurt corporate earnings, and the index can experience lengthy periods of weak performance.

The largest US companies also account for a meaningful share of the S&P 500 index, so the fund can become quite concentrated at the top.

Australian investors also have currency exposure because the IVV ETF is not hedged back to the Australian dollar. Movements in the Australian dollar against the US dollar can therefore influence returns.

Nevertheless, I would be comfortable accepting those risks with a long enough timeframe.

Foolish takeaway

I think the IVV ETF offers one of the simplest ways for ASX investors to participate in the long-term growth of major global businesses.

There will inevitably be periods when US shares fall out of favour, and I would expect plenty of volatility over the years.

But if I wanted an investment I could keep adding to and potentially hold for decades, the IVV ETF would be high on my list.

The post Why I think the IVV ETF is a strong buy for ASX investors appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Bank of America is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. 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 Apple, International Business Machines, Merck, Microsoft, Nvidia, Walmart, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Verizon Communications. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.