The Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG) share price is in focus after the company announced a merger with Barrenjoey Capital Partners, creating a diversified financial services group. Key highlights include Barrenjoey’s strong 12-month revenue of $522 million and adjusted NPATA of $108 million.

What did Magellan Financial Group report?

• Entered agreement to merge with Barrenjoey Capital Partners, valuing Barrenjoey at A$1.62 billion equity (100% basis)
• Barrenjoey reported $522 million revenue and $108 million adjusted NPATA for the 12 months to 31 December 2025
• Magellan will acquire remaining Barrenjoey shares for total consideration of A$903 million, funded by new share issue
• Intends to raise up to $130 million through an institutional placement at $8.45 per share, plus $20 million through a share purchase plan
• Transaction valued at 15.0x P/E based on last twelve-month results, prior to expected synergies

What else do investors need to know?

The merger will combine Magellan’s investment management business with Barrenjoey’s strengths in corporate finance, equities, fixed income, and capital markets. The deal is subject to conditions including regulatory and shareholder approval, and is expected to complete in the second quarter of 2026.

Upon completion, Magellan shareholders will own 58.2% of the group, Placement shareholders 5.3%, Barrenjoey related parties 31.7%, and Barclays approximately 4.9%. Escrow and vesting arrangements will apply to Barrenjoey employees and affiliates, aligning long-term incentives.

What did Magellan Financial Group management say?

Magellan Financial Group Chairman Andrew Formica said:

The merger with Barrenjoey marks a transformative step in MFG’s evolution, bringing together two highly complementary businesses to create an Australian financial services group with meaningful scale and breadth.

MFG and Barrenjoey share a deep commitment to clients and are built on innovation, entrepreneurialism and exceptional talent. We believe we are stronger together – with greater scale, broader expertise and enhanced capacity to create long-term value for clients and shareholders. We are excited to partner with Barrenjoey to pursue the significant opportunities ahead.

What’s next for Magellan Financial Group?

Looking forward, management expects the combined group to benefit from improved diversification, a broader client offering, and a stronger balance sheet to support growth. The planned leadership transition will see David Gonski AC as Chair and Brian Benari as Group CEO, aiming for a smooth integration and continued expansion.

Magellan will hold an Extraordinary General Meeting in April 2026 for shareholders to vote on necessary approvals. Investors have been invited to a briefing to hear more about the merger and Magellan’s future plans.

Magellan Financial Group share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Magellan shares have increased 1%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 12% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Magellan Financial Group unveils merger with Barrenjoey appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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.

If you are new to the share market, the hardest part is often deciding where to begin.

Rather than trying to pick individual winners, many first-time investors start with exchange traded funds (ETFs).

ETFs allow you to buy a basket of shares in a single trade, instantly spreading your money across dozens or even hundreds of companies.

Here are three ASX ETFs that could make investing simple from day one.

iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)

The first ETF new investors might consider is the iShares S&P 500 ETF.

This fund tracks the S&P 500 index, giving you exposure to 500 of the largest stocks in the United States. That includes household names such as Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO), and McDonald’s (NYSE: MCD).

Instead of trying to work out which single US company will outperform, this ASX ETF lets you own the entire group. If America’s largest businesses continue to grow earnings over time, the iShares S&P 500 ETF benefits.

For a beginner, that simplicity can be powerful. One investment provides exposure to a broad cross-section of industries including technology, healthcare, consumer goods, financials, and more.

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

Another ASX ETF that can make investing easier is the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF.

This fund focuses on the Nasdaq 100, which is packed with innovative and brand-driven stocks. Alongside Apple and Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOG), you will also find Starbucks (NASDAQ: SBUX), Costco (NASDAQ: COST), and Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX).

The Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF is more growth-oriented than the iShares S&P 500 ETF, with a heavier tilt toward technology and digital businesses. That means it can be more volatile at times, but it also gives investors exposure to companies shaping how we shop, communicate, work, and entertain ourselves.

For new investors who believe in long-term global innovation, this fund offers a straightforward way to participate without choosing a single tech stock.

Vanguard Diversified High Growth ETF (ASX: VDHG)

If you want something even simpler, the Vanguard Diversified High Growth ETF is designed as an all-in-one solution.

Rather than focusing on one country or sector, this fund invests across Australian shares, international shares, and even fixed income. Through its underlying holdings, you gain exposure to thousands of companies around the world.

That means you are not just betting on the US or one particular theme. You are spreading your investment across markets and asset classes in a single fund.

This could be a good thing for someone starting out, as it can remove much of the guesswork. Instead of building a portfolio piece by piece, the Vanguard Diversified High Growth ETF does the diversification for you. This fund was recently recommended by analysts at Vanguard.

The post New to the share market? Here are 3 ASX ETFs to buy for easy investing appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 Alphabet, Apple, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Costco Wholesale, Microsoft, Netflix, Starbucks, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alphabet, Apple, Microsoft, Netflix, Starbucks, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG) share price is in a trading halt on Monday.

This comes after the funds management group requested a pause in trading.

Before the halt, Magellan shares were last trading at $8.46 apiece. The stock is now down around 15% since the start of 2026 and well below levels seen this time last year.

So, what has prompted the halt? Let’s take a closer look.

Why is the Magellan share price in a trading halt?

According to the release, Magellan has requested an immediate trading halt pending an announcement in connection with a proposed transaction.

The company said the halt relates to a proposed merger. It also includes a proposed capital raising comprising an institutional placement and a share purchase plan.

The halt will remain in place until the earlier of an announcement being made or the commencement of normal trading on Tuesday.

Magellan said it is not aware of any reason why the trading halt should not be granted.

All eyes will now be on the company’s follow-up announcement, with further detail likely to influence how the market responds.

What could this mean for shareholders?

While full details are yet to be released, the proposed institutional placement and share purchase plan suggest Magellan may be preparing to raise capital from both professional investors and retail shareholders.

Placements are typically conducted at a discount to the last traded price to secure demand. That means the eventual issue price will be closely watched by investors.

The proposed merger adds another layer of interest. If Magellan is seeking to combine with another business, the move would likely focus on scale, distribution, cost synergies, or product expansion.

Magellan has faced several challenging years marked by fund outflows and share price volatility. A transformational deal could represent an attempt to reposition the business and strengthen its longer-term outlook.

A business under pressure

Magellan remains one of the more recognisable names in Australian funds management. However, its market capitalisation has shrunk materially from its peak during the height of the global equity boom.

At $8.46 per share, the company is valued at roughly $1.4 billion. That is a fraction of the levels seen just a few years ago.

The stock’s 15% decline so far this year highlights that investor confidence remains fragile.

Any capital raising, particularly if done at a steep discount, could create short term pressure.

On the other hand, If the proposed merger strengthens earnings and stabilises funds under management, sentiment toward Magellan could improve.

Until then, the Magellan share price remains frozen. The full announcement is expected to provide clarity on the company’s direction and outlook.

The post Magellan requests trading halt ahead of major announcement appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has 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.

These 3 S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares have taken a hit lately.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL), WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) and Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1) all started 2026 with big losses – 15%, 31% and 28% respectively at the time of writing.

But what ties the 3 ASX 200 shares together isn’t trendy momentum, it’s industry leadership and long-term cash generation potential. All hallmark traits Warren Buffett prizes.

CSL: Healthcare dominance with a value twist

This $71 billion ASX 200 share is a global leader in plasma-derived therapies with one of the tightest moats on the ASX. It’s anchored by its scale, regulatory barriers and long R&D runway.

CSL controls a sizeable share of global plasma collection centres, giving it pricing and margin advantages in a consolidated market. Long-term growth in immunoglobulin demand — driven by ageing populations and wider diagnosis — underpins robust revenue potential.

On the flip side, the market hasn’t been kind recently. Shares are trading well below their recent peaks as near-term guidance was trimmed. Uncertainty around its vaccine arm and restructuring has also weighed on sentiment.

Never mind the short term noise, CSL’s fundamentals remain intact. It has steady cash flow, pricing power and a diversified product mix. If you believe in long-term healthcare megatrends and that temporary operational challenges resolve, CSL’s valuation dip could reflect a moat on sale, not a moat broken.

Warren Buffett likes predictable cash flows; CSL still fits that bill for patient holders.

Brokers see plenty of upside. The average 12-months price target is set at $209.77, a potential gain of 43% at current levels.

 WiseTech: Logistics software at a crossroads

WiseTech’s CargoWise platform is deeply embedded in global freight and logistics operations. It creates a compelling network effect that’s hard for competitors to replicate. Even after a hefty share price drop, its revenue base has shown resilience and earnings growth potential.

The company’s recent history has been messy. Governance questions surrounding founder leadership and high-profile controversies pushed institutional sellers out, eroding investor confidence. And now, ASX 200 tech share is executing a dramatic pivot by cutting roughly a third of its workforce as it weaves AI into its core offerings. That’s a bold strategic shift, but one that introduces execution risk and near-term volatility.

If WiseTech can translate its brand strength and platform ubiquity into a leaner, AI-enabled growth engine, the current valuation may offer asymmetrical upside for long-term holders.

Most analysts see WiseTech as a buy or strong buy with a price target of $83.92. That points to a 77% upside over 12 months.

This stock might be a bit more speculative than Warren Buffett’s usual safe compounders. However, it’s a quality company with an overlay of transformation risk.

Megaport: Cloud connectivity riding the digital backbone

This ASX 200 share sits at the heart of global multicloud networking. Megaport offers on-demand connectivity between enterprises and major cloud providers. That’s a structural growth story as companies move computing workloads off-premise.

Its flexible SaaS model and recurring revenue are Buffett-friendly features that favour disciplined capital allocation and predictability.

Megaport isn’t yet a cash machine the way Buffett’s favourite names are. Earnings are still evolving, and it has a longer path to sustainable profitability.

If you’re in for the multi-year cloud adoption story, Megaport’s infrastructure play feels like an underappreciated sibling to the big cloud giants. Brokers seem to think so. They think that the ASX 200 share will deliver a potential plus of 81% at $15.91 over 12 months.

Warren Buffett might balk at its early-stage earnings story today, but the underlying secular trend is durable. Especially if you’re stacking positions over time rather than timing swings.

The post Follow Warren Buffett: 3 cheap ASX 200 shares worth a closer look appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

At the start of each week, I like to look at ASIC’s short position report to find out which shares are being targeted by short sellers.

This is because I believe it is well worth keeping a close eye on short interest levels as high levels can sometimes be a sign that something isn’t quite right with a company.

With that in mind, here are the 10 most shorted shares on the ASX this week according to ASIC:

• Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE) remains the most shorted ASX share with short interest of 16.1%, which is down since last week. There are concerns over this uranium miner’s production outlook.
• Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP) has seen its short interest ease to 15.6%. Short sellers appear to believe the struggling pizza chain operator’s turnaround strategy will fail. Last month, it reported a 2.5% decline in same store sales during the first half.
• Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE) has seen its short interest rise to 14.4%. This wine giant has been battling very tough trading conditions. Short sellers may not believe a change is coming in the near term.
• Guzman Y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG) has short interest of 13.4%, which is down week on week. This burrito seller’s shares crashed last month in response to the release of a disappointing half-year result. It continues to make a loss in the United States, which was supposedly its largest growth opportunity.
• Polynovo Ltd (ASX: PNV) has short interest of 12.9%, which is up since last week. This medical device company could have been targeted due to its lofty valuation.
• Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX) has short interest of 12.4%, which is flat since last week. This radiopharmaceuticals company has been facing delays with FDA approvals.
• IPH Ltd (ASX: IPH) has short interest of 12.3%, which is up week on week. This intellectual property services company has been battling weaker volumes and market share losses.
• IDP Education Ltd (ASX: IEL) has 11.8% of its shares held short, which is up week on week. Changes to visa rules in key markets have weighed on sentiment and this student placement and language testing company’s performance.
• Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) has short interest of 10.8%, which is up week on week. There are concerns that the travel agent won’t deliver on its revenue margin targets.
• Nanosonics Ltd (ASX: NAN) has entered the top ten with short interest of 10.3%. Last month, this infection prevention company posted a 3% decline in profit before tax during the first half. Short sellers may believe this trend will continue.

The post These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Domino’s Pizza Enterprises and Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Domino’s Pizza Enterprises, Nanosonics, PolyNovo, Telix Pharmaceuticals, and Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Domino’s Pizza Enterprises, Flight Centre Travel Group, IPH Ltd , Nanosonics, PolyNovo, and Telix Pharmaceuticals. 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) ended earnings season at a record high of 9,198.6 points, up 3.72% for the month.

Meanwhile, the professionals continue to assess companies’ earnings reports and re-rate ASX stocks accordingly.

Let’s take a look at what Morgans thinks of these three ASX companies following their results.

Helloworld Travel Ltd (ASX: HLO)

Helloworld reported a 12.1% lift in underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) to $30.5 million for 1H FY26.

The ASX travel share will pay a pay a fully franked interim dividend of 5 cents per share.

Post-results, Morgans maintained its buy rating on Helloworld shares, commenting:

HLO reported a strong 1H26 result which slightly beat expectations.

FY26 EBITDA guidance for 15-30% growth was reiterated. Its forward bookings remain strong.

Following the 1H26, we have upgraded our forecasts.

Given HLO’s undemanding trading multiples, improved trading conditions and contribution from new accretive acquisitions, we reiterate our BUY rating.

Coles Ltd (ASX: COL)

Coles reported a 12.5% lift in net profit after tax (NPAT), excluding significant items, to $676 million.

NPAT including significant items was $511 million, down 11.3%.

Those significant items totalled $235 million, or $165 million after tax, and were the result of a Federal Court judgment relating to Fair Work proceedings involving historical underpayment of workers.

Coles shares will pay a fully franked interim dividend of 41 cents per share, up 10.8% on last year.

Morgans said the 1H FY26 result was softer than expected but execution remained strong.

The broker upgraded the ASX consumer staple share from a hold to accumulate rating.

In our view, COL continues to perform well with key Supermarkets metrics such as customer scores, sales growth, cost discipline and store execution remaining solid.

We hence view the recent share price pullback as an attractive entry point.

The Coles share price has fallen 14.6% over the past six months.

Morgans maintained its 12-month price target of $22.90 on Coles shares.

TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPG)

TPG Telecom reported an NPAT of $52 million for FY25, up from a loss of $140 million in FY24.

The company improved its operating free cash flow by 98.9% to $1,291 million.

TPG Telecom shares will pay a final dividend of 9 cents per share with 30% franking.

After reviewing the numbers, Morgans maintained its accumulate recommendation on the ASX telco share.

The broker said:

TPG’s FY25 result was in line with guidance and consensus expectations, as was its underlying EBITDA and capex guidance for FY26.

The highlight was continued strong mobile subscriber growth. For many years TPG/Vodafone has struggled to grow mobile market share.

However, over the course of 1HCY25 and 2HCY25 it has ignited growth and outpaced peers in terms of mobile subscriber growth.

Its network quality and brands are resonating with consumers and medium-term mobile growth could soon become a trend.

The broker increased its 12-month price target on TPG Telecom shares from $4.20 to $4.40.

The post What is Morgans saying about Helloworld, TPG Telecom, and Coles shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Everything you need to know about the latest Coles dividend

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.

The ASX dividend stock Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) has dropped around 15% since its peak in September 2025, as the chart below shows. I think the sell-off is a good opportunity to invest for the long-term.

Coles reported a number of growth figures in its FY26 first-half result. Total group sales revenue increased 2.5% to $23.6 billion and supermarket sales revenue grew 3.6% to $21.4 billion.

Total operating profit (EBIT) increased 10.2% to $1.23 billion and underlying net profit climbed 12.5% to $676 million. However, statutory net profit declined 11.3% to $511 million because of underpayment of wages to staff who were entitled to those amounts.

ASX dividend stock credentials

The business has a very good dividend record over the years, and I think it’s likely to continue delivering solid passive income.

Coles hiked its interim dividend per share by 10.8% to 41 cents per share. Not many large S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares are increasing the payout by more than 10%, yet the supermarket business managed it.

The projection from broker UBS suggests the business could pay an annual dividend per share of 77 cents. That translates into a grossed-up dividend yield of 5.3%, including franking credits.

UBS forecasts that the annual payout per share could climb each year between FY27 to FY30. It could reach 87 cents per share in FY27 and 91 cents per share in FY28. That looks like it could be steady, attractive progression to me.

Is the Coles share price appealing?

UBS called the ASX dividend stock a buy with a price target of $24.

The broker explained why:

Retain Buy rating due to Supermarkets (strong execution due to promotional effectiveness & cost leadership) and a now wider than average 1yr fwd P/E multiple gap with WOW (5.4x) post share price performance (-8.6% since FY25 result vs ASX200 +2.9%), and despite a challenged Liquor business.

We remain confident that execution & price trust favour COL (see UBS Research) due to promotional effectiveness (fewer, better), while recently delivered investments (e.g. Witron ADC [availability], Ocado CFCs [online]) provide cost leadership and confidence about CY26E sales growth.

I think Coles shares are a good buy for the long-term at this lower price, particularly because the net profit and dividend per share are both expected to increase every year for the foreseeable future. As long as its sales and bottom line keep increasing, then Coles can be a very good ASX dividend stock to own with defensive and growing earnings.

The post 1 ASX dividend stock down 15% I’d buy right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• What is Morgans saying about Helloworld, TPG Telecom, and Coles shares?
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• Coles or Woolworths shares: Which is the better dividend stock for 2026?
• Why Bapcor, Brainchip, Coles, and Harvey Norman shares are dropping today
• Everything you need to know about the latest Coles dividend

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison 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.

March is often a key month for income investors. Half-year results are in, dividend forecasts are clearer, and investors can position their portfolios for the rest of the year.

If you are looking to boost your passive income this month, here are three ASX dividend shares that could be worth considering.

HomeCo Daily Needs REIT (ASX: HDN)

The first ASX dividend share to look at in March is HomeCo Daily Needs REIT.

It owns a portfolio of large-format retail centres focused on non-discretionary and daily needs tenants. These include supermarkets, health services, and essential retailers. That tenant mix tends to deliver more resilient rental income than traditional discretionary shopping centres.

The REIT’s long leases and inflation-linked rental increases provide a degree of predictability that income investors often appreciate. In an environment where interest rates are rising and economic growth is mixed, exposure to stable property-backed cash flows can add balance to a portfolio.

With an attractive dividend yield on offer and assets that generate recurring income, the HomeCo Daily Needs REIT could be a solid option for those seeking dependable distributions.

IPH Ltd (ASX: IPH)

Another ASX dividend share to consider in March is IPH.

It operates intellectual property services businesses across Australia, Asia, and North America. It provides patent and trademark services, which are closely tied to innovation and corporate activity.

While earnings can fluctuate with filing volumes, the business benefits from high barriers to entry and established client relationships. In addition, intellectual property protection is not something companies can easily ignore, even in slower economic periods. This makes its earnings relatively defensive.

IPH has historically offered above-average dividend yields. For income investors willing to accept some earnings variability in exchange for higher income potential, it could be worth considering at current levels.

Universal Store Holdings Ltd (ASX: UNI)

A final ASX dividend share to consider this month is Universal Store.

Universal Store is a youth fashion retailer operating across multiple brands. Despite the challenging retail backdrop in recent years, it has continued to generate strong sales and earnings.

The company’s multi-brand strategy allows it to target different customer segments while building scale in sourcing and distribution. As consumer conditions stabilise over time, there is scope for earnings growth alongside ongoing dividends.

Importantly, Universal Store’s dividend yield has remained attractive relative to many traditional blue chips, giving income investors exposure to retail upside while collecting dividends along the way.

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

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in 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 HomeCo Daily Needs REIT, IPH Ltd , and Universal Store. 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 finished at a record high of 9,198.6 points on the last day of earnings season on Friday.

Meanwhile, experts continue to review stacks of company reports so they can re-rate the stocks as buys, holds, or sells.

Here’s what Morgans thinks of these two ASX 200 shares following their earnings reports last week.

Ramsay Health Care Ltd (ASX: RHC)

The Ramsay Healthcare share price is up 19% over the past 12 months.

The ASX 200 healthcare share reached a 52-week high of $43.65 on Friday.

Last week, Ramsay Healthcare reported a 1H FY26 net profit after tax (NPAT) attributable to owners of $160.7 million.

That was a major improvement on the $104.9 million loss recorded in 1H FY25.

The ASX 200 healthcare share will pay a fully franked interim dividend of 42.5 cents per share, up 6.3% on 1H FY25.

Morgans kept its hold rating on Ramsay Healthcare shares after reviewing the 1H FY26 results.

The broker said:

1HFY26 underlying net profit exceeded expectations, assisted by lower finance charges and favourable non-controlling interest movements.

Operationally, performance was solid, led by improving Australian activity and earnings, while UK acute held its own, Elysium remained soft, but continues its gradual turnaround, and EU is stable on better cost control.

While progress is being made across the portfolio, the sustainability of profitable remains in question, with ongoing cost headwinds, the early stage of a multi-year transformation program in Australia and a largely qualitative FY26 outlook.

The broker raised its 12-month share price target on Ramsay Healthcare from $35.22 to $40.77.

Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR)

The Karoon Energy share price is up 5.8% over the past 12 months.

Last week, Karoon Energy reported sales revenue of US$628.6 million for full-year FY25, down from US$776.5 million in FY24.

The company said the decline reflected lower realised oil prices and slightly lower sales volumes.

Underlying EBITDAX was US$388.8 million, down 21% year-over-year.

The underlying NPAT halved to US$107.5 million, down from US$214 million in FY24. Statutory NPAT was US$125.5 million.

Karoon Energy shares will pay a final dividend of 3.1 cents per share, fully franked. 

Morgans maintained its hold rating and commented that Karoon Energy was “entering a challenging 1H26”.

The broker said:

A solid set of earnings and dividend ahead of estimates were not enough to offset new operational issues at Who Dat, Neon delay, moderated share buyback and CFO departure.

Underlying EBITDAX of US$389m beat MorgansF (+3%) and consensus (+2%), with a larger U/L NPAT beat driven by lower tax and D&A.

KAR flagged a Who Dat riser leak, shutting in 30% of field production. Neon FID has been delayed to 2027 at least.

The post What is Morgans saying about Ramsay Healthcare and Karoon Energy shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 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.

On Friday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) finished the week with a small gain. The benchmark index rose 0.25% to 9,198.6 points.

Will the market be able to build on this on Monday? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 expected to fall

The Australian share market looks set for a poor start to the week following declines on Wall Street on Friday. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 20 points or 0.2% lower. In the United States, the Dow Jones was down 1.05%, the S&P 500 dropped 0.4%, and the Nasdaq tumbled 0.9%.

Oil prices rise

It could be a positive start to the week for ASX 200 energy shares Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) after oil prices pushed higher on Friday night. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price was up 1.8% to US$67.02 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price was up 2.9% to US$72.87 a barrel. Since then, the US has launched attacks on Iran, which could lead to higher oil prices when Asian trade begins.

ASX 200 shares going ex-div

A number of ASX 200 shares are going ex-dividend this morning and could trade lower. This includes Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG), Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM), Nick Scali Limited (ASX: NCK), Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG), Pinnacle Investment Management Group Ltd (ASX: PNI), and Steadfast Group Ltd (ASX: SDF). Fortescue will be paying shareholders a 62 cents per share dividend at the end of the month.

Gold price pushes higher

ASX 200 gold shares Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a good start to the week after the gold price jumped on Friday night. According to CNBC, the gold futures price was up 1% to US$5,247.9 an ounce. The precious metal is likely to rise further once trade begins in response to the war in the middle east.

Buy Coles shares

The team at Bell Potter thinks Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) shares are in the buy zone this week. In response to its half-year results, the broker has retained its buy rating with a trimmed price target of $22.35. It said: “Continued delivery against ‘Simplify & Save’ initiatives ($133m delivered in 1H25 and $698m to date vs. a target of $1Bn by FY27e) and generating a return on ADC/CFC investments (~$1.45Bn investment). COL has returned to a discount to WOW, though this is likely warranted given the lower level of forecast growth.”

The post 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Which ASX 200 mining shares raised their dividends this earnings season?
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week
• ASX 200 materials sector leads as earnings season ends with a record high
• Coles or Woolworths shares: Which is the better dividend stock for 2026?
• Buy, hold, sell: Fortescue, NextDC, and Woolworths shares

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