With lots of ASX shares to choose from on the Australian market, it can be difficult to decide which ones to buy. The good news is that brokers across the country are doing a lot of the hard work for you.

Three top ASX shares that leading brokers have named as buys this week are outlined below. Here’s why they are bullish on them:

Genesis Minerals Ltd (ASX: GMD)

According to a note out of Bell Potter, its analysts have retained their buy rating on this gold miner’s shares with a trimmed price target of $9.75. This follows news that Genesis Minerals has delivered a definitive proposal to merge with Vault Minerals Ltd (ASX: VAU). Bell Potter points out that if implemented, the enlarged company will have pro-forma production of 600,000 to 700,000 ounces per annum. The broker is positive on this, noting that acquiring Vault Minerals delivers a materially better capital allocation outcome than the company’s current five-year plan assumes. In light of this, the broker thinks investors should be snapping up shares at current levels. The Genesis Minerals share price is currently trading at $6.03.

Life360 Inc. (ASX: 360)

A note out of Citi reveals that its analysts have retained their buy rating on this location technology company’s shares with an improved price target of $31.95. The broker has upgraded its user growth estimates for FY 2026 on the belief that its growth will trough in the second quarter. Citi expects this to be underpinned by new feature launches and integrations with Uber and Apple Watch, which could support engagement and expand its addressable market. The Life360 share price last fetched $27.79.

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

Analysts at Morgans have retained their buy rating on this property listings company’s shares with a reduced price target of $199.00. According to the note, the broker continues to believe that REA Group is one of the highest quality stocks in the classifieds industry. And while there are concerns that trading conditions could be tough due to Federal Budget changes and higher interest rates, Morgans points out that REA Group has levers to pull to offset this weakness. As a result, the broker feels that recent share price weakness is a buying opportunity for investors. The REA Group share price last traded at $143.67.

The post Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: Life360, South32, Wesfarmers shares
• Property or ASX shares? Here’s why I’d choose the share market
• This ASX gold stock could soar 60% thanks to a big announcement
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday
• Gold, cash, and a takeover twist: Why this ASX 200 gold stock is climbing today

Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Life360 and REA Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Apple, Life360, and Uber Technologies. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Apple. 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 edged 2.77% higher and produced total returns, including dividends, of 7% in FY26.    

Here, we review new notes from the experts regarding three ASX 200 shares. 

Let’s take a look.

Life360 Inc (ASX: 360)

The Life360 share price fell 17% to $26.70 on 30 June amid a broader technology sector downturn in FY26.

Chris Savage from Bell Potter has a buy rating on this ASX 200 tech share for FY27.

In a new note last week, Savage said:  

Life360 is our key pick amongst the large tech stocks we cover based on quality, valuation and potential catalysts.

We note the stock looks reasonable value on a 2027 EV/EBITDA multiple of c.23x versus the FY27 EV/EBITDA of Technology One (which has a September year end) of c.26x.

The broker raised its 12-month price target from $33 to $35. 

Savage noted that Life360 will report its 2Q FY26 results on 11 August, and said this may be a catalyst for the share price for three key reasons: 

1. We expect MAU growth to rebound to 4.3m – consistent with 2Q2025 – if not higher (VA consensus is 4.6m) which importantly will imply an exit run-rate of close to 5m given the Android issues which persisted into April and even May; 2. We expect paying circle growth to be strong again at c.155k which is notably above VA consensus of c.135k and even see upside risk to our forecast closer to the 1Q2026 result of 202k; and 3. If paying circle growth is >155k then we see potential for a further upgrade to 2026 revenue and EBITDA guidance as paying circle growth is obviously the key driver of subscription revenue.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

The Wesfarmers share price rose 6.67% in FY26 to finish at $90.40 on 30 June. 

James Bills from Shaw and Partners has a hold rating on the market’s largest ASX 200 consumer discretionary share.

Bills explained why on The Bull this week:  

Wesfarmers continues to demonstrate strength through its diversified portfolio of businesses, particularly with solid contributions from retail giants Bunnings and Kmart.

The group’s ability to generate consistent earnings and reinvest capital effectively supports its premium valuation.

Recent updates indicate stable trading conditions, although cost pressures and a softer consumer backdrop may limit near term growth.

While the company remains a high quality industrial with strong management, its current valuation suggests more of a balanced risk-reward profile, which supports a hold stance.

South32 Ltd (ASX: S32)

The South32 share price ripped 34.02% to close out FY26 at $3.90. 

Morgans downgraded its rating on this ASX 200 mining share from accumulate to hold last week.

The broker also cut its 12-month target price from $5 to $4.50.

Morgans said: 

S32 has agreed to sell its entire ali business for total consideration of US$5.6bn (US$4.1bn upfront), and transfer of US$1.2bn closure/rehab liabilities.

Our view on S32’s aluminium sale is genuinely mixed. It leaves S32 a simpler and, in important respects, a better business, but also a smaller and less valuable one.

We reduce our valuation on S32’s ali assets to in line with the agreed Alcoa deal… As a result we update our rating to HOLD (from Accumulate).

 

 

The post Buy, hold, sell: Life360, South32, Wesfarmers shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• How should I invest my money in FY27?
• How much is needed in superannuation to target a $70,000 annual passive income?
• Why this incredible ASX 200 tech stock could rise 27%
• Buy, hold, sell: Objective Corp, ResMed, and South32 shares

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Life360 and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

ASX shares often take a back seat to property when it comes to investing. Australians have long viewed property as the ultimate wealth-building asset. Bricks and mortar have created fortunes over decades, and owning an investment property remains a dream for many.

But shares deserve just as much attention.

While property can deliver impressive long-term returns, investing in quality ASX shares offers several advantages that many investors overlook. Here are three reasons why shares may be the smarter choice for growing wealth.

You can start investing with far less money

One of the biggest barriers to property investing is the upfront cost. Buying an investment property often requires a substantial deposit, stamp duty, legal fees, inspections, insurance and ongoing maintenance. For many Australians, saving enough to get started can take years.

ASX shares are different. You can begin building a diversified portfolio with a few hundred dollars and add to your investments whenever you have spare cash. Instead of waiting until you’ve saved tens of thousands of dollars, you can put your money to work immediately.

That flexibility also makes dollar-cost averaging much easier. By investing regularly, regardless of market conditions, investors can smooth out the impact of market volatility over time.

Shares give you instant diversification

Buying one investment property usually means putting a large amount of money into a single asset in a single location. If that suburb underperforms or the local economy weakens, your investment can suffer.

With ASX shares, diversification is much easier. An investor can spread their money across banks, miners, healthcare companies, retailers and technology businesses. They can also gain international exposure through exchange-traded funds (ETFs), reducing reliance on any one company, industry or economy.

Diversification won’t eliminate risk, but it can significantly reduce the impact of any single investment disappointing.

More flexibility and liquidity 

Liquidity is one of the share market’s biggest advantages. If you need access to your money, you can generally sell ASX shares within minutes during market hours, with the proceeds typically settling within a couple of business days.

Selling property is a completely different experience. The process can take weeks or months, involves agent commissions and legal costs, and there’s no guarantee you’ll achieve your desired sale price.

Shares also require far less ongoing management. There are no tenants to find, no repairs to organise, no leaking roofs to fix and no unexpected maintenance bills arriving in the mail.

Many companies even reward shareholders with regular dividends, providing an income stream without the day-to-day responsibilities that come with owning an investment property.

Why not combine the best of both worlds

Investors don’t necessarily have to choose between ASX shares and property. A balanced approach can offer the best of both worlds.

For example, buying shares in REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA) provides exposure to Australia’s property market through the country’s leading real estate listings platform, while Mirvac Group (ASX: MGR) and Stockland Corp Ltd (ASX: SGP) give investors access to major residential and commercial property developments.

These ASX shares allow investors to benefit from housing market activity, rental demand, and new developments without the high upfront costs or ongoing responsibilities of owning an investment property. At the same time, they retain the flexibility and liquidity that come with investing on the share market.

The post Property or ASX shares? Here’s why I’d choose the share market appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Property prices are falling. Here are the ASX shares most affected
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• Should you buy property or stocks? Here’s what you need to consider
• How to get started with a portfolio delivering $500 a week in passive income
• How much passive income can I earn off a $100,000 portfolio?

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

It has been one of the most dramatic destructions of shareholder value in recent ASX history.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) shares have fallen approximately 70% over the past twelve months. The company has shed tens of billions of dollars in market capitalisation. This has landed the logistics software company among the worst-performing stocks in the entire ASX 200.

Yet something has shifted in the past week.

There are small but noticeable signs that at least some investors are beginning to reassess.

The question remains whether that reassessment is warranted.

What actually drove the 70% fall

The sell-off in WiseTech shares has been primarily driven by governance concerns rather than by any fundamental deterioration in the CargoWise business itself.

Founder and Executive Chair Richard White has faced a series of allegations over the past twelve months, including separate ASIC and AFP investigations and most recently reports of an AFP inquiry into alleged trafficking matters, which White has emphatically denied.

Each successive wave of negative coverage has eroded institutional confidence in a way that the underlying business numbers alone have not justified.

WiseTech has maintained its FY26 guidance, expecting revenue of US$1.39 billion to US$1.44 billion and EBITDA of US$550 million to US$585 million at a healthy 40% to 41% margin.

However, the market has stopped paying a premium multiple for that growth while the governance cloud remains.

The case for a rebound for WiseTech shares

The bull case starts with the business itself, which has not broken.

CargoWise is used by 23 of the world’s top 25 global freight forwarders. Switching costs are high and as a result customer retention has remained robust even through the governance turmoil.

The platform serves more than 22,000 logistics companies across 193 countries and is deeply embedded in mission-critical workflows that cannot be easily or cheaply replaced.

Furthermore, CEO Zubin Appoo recently purchased approximately $1 million of WiseTech shares on-market. This is a signal of insider confidence that management believes the shares are trading below intrinsic value.

On valuation, WiseTech shares trade on approximately 28 times FY27 earnings and closer to 15 times FY28 earnings.

At 15 times FY28 earnings, a business with WiseTech’s market position and expected earnings growth rate looks quite attractive. The broker community agrees.

Twelve of the fifteen analysts covering WiseTech rate the stock as a buy or strong buy, with none recommending a sell.

Bell Potter retains a buy rating with a price target of $71.75, implying significant upside from today’s price.

The case against WiseTech shares

Governance concerns are not resolved simply because the share price has fallen far enough.

Stuart Bromley from Medallion Financial Group retains a hold rating. The broker notes that while WiseTech remains one of Australia’s highest-quality technology businesses, near-term sentiment may remain volatile amid management executing its long-term strategy.

For the share price to sustain a recovery rather than simply bounce from deeply oversold levels, the market will need greater clarity on three things: the resolution of the Richard White legal matters, confirmation that the CargoWise Value Pack transition with large customers is progressing, and a FY26 full-year result in August that confirms the guidance the company has maintained throughout the year.

None of those three catalysts has yet landed.

Until they do, investors will continue to face a great deal of uncertainty.

Foolish takeaway

WiseTech shares are down 70% for reasons that are substantially governance-driven rather than business-driven.

The CargoWise platform is intact, guidance has been maintained, the CEO is buying shares, and twelve of fifteen brokers see significant upside.

Whether WiseTech shares are ripe for a rebound depends on whether the governance cloud lifts in FY27.

If it does, the business case for a material recovery is well-established.

If it does not, patience will be required for longer than most investors would like.

The post Are WiseTech shares ripe for a rebound? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• Down 35%+, should you buy Zip and WiseTech shares?
• Can WiseTech shares double from here? Analysts are betting yes
• These ASX tech stocks have lost billions. Buy the dip or stay away?

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

A falling share price can look tempting. Some of the best long-term investments are made when quality companies are temporarily out of favour.

But not every beaten-down ASX share is a bargain. Sometimes a stock is cheap because the business is getting worse, earnings are under pressure, or the market has finally stopped believing an over-optimistic story.

So how can investors tell the difference?

Start with the reason for the fall

The first step is to understand why the share price has dropped.

A high-quality company can fall because of short-term market fear, weaker sentiment, broker downgrades, or concerns that may prove less damaging than investors first thought.

ResMed Inc (ASX: RMD) is a good example of a company that has been sold down at times because of worries about competition, margins, and weight-loss drugs. This is despite it continuing to record strong earnings growth year after year.

That is very different from a company falling because of repeated earnings downgrades, weak cash flow, rising debt, governance problems, or a business model that is not delivering.

A share price fall is not enough information by itself. The reason behind the fall is what needs the most attention.

Check whether earnings can recover

A cheap-looking ASX share needs a believable path back to better profits.

Investors can ask whether revenue is still growing, whether margins can improve, whether costs are under control, and whether management has a realistic plan.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) shows why this is so important. After a sharp share price fall, the key issue is not simply whether the healthcare giant looks cheaper than it used to. Investors need to assess whether its plasma, vaccines, and Vifor businesses can rebuild momentum after a difficult period.

A value trap is more dangerous because earnings keep sliding while the share price keeps looking cheaper on old numbers.

That is why relying only on a low price-to-earnings ratio can be risky. A stock trading on 10 times earnings is not cheap if those earnings are about to fall sharply.

Look at the balance sheet

Debt can turn a difficult period into a serious problem.

A company with a strong balance sheet has more options. It can keep investing, absorb weaker conditions, avoid emergency capital raisings, and wait for the cycle to improve.

A heavily indebted company has less room to make mistakes.

Higher interest costs can eat into profits, lenders may become more demanding, and shareholders can be diluted if the company needs fresh equity at a weak share price.

That is particularly important with smaller speculative shares. Brainchip Holdings Ltd (ASX: BRN), for example, has regularly attracted attention because of its technology story, but investors also need to consider revenue, cash burn, and dilution when judging whether a lower share price is really a bargain. In Brainchip’s case, investors buying the dip have consistently experienced further weakness.

Separate sentiment from substance

Markets can become too negative. A company may still have valuable assets, loyal customers, strong brands, useful technology, or a leading market position even when the share price is under pressure.

That is often where long-term investors can find opportunity. 

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) is an interesting case because the business still has high-quality logistics software, but governance concerns and leadership uncertainty have weighed heavily on confidence. That shows how a damaged share price can sometimes reflect issues outside the core product.

The key is separating a damaged share price from a damaged business.

If the market is worried but the company’s competitive position remains strong, the selloff may eventually prove excessive.

If customers are leaving, margins are shrinking, debt is rising, and management keeps missing guidance, the lower share price may be telling the truth.

Be patient

Investors do not need to decide immediately. A watchlist can be useful because it allows time to follow company updates, compare management promises with results, and see whether the investment case is improving.

Some fallen ASX shares will recover strongly. Others will keep disappointing.

The best bargains usually come from quality businesses facing temporary pressure, not weak businesses wearing a cheaper price tag.

The post How to tell if an ASX share is cheap or a value trap appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Are WiseTech shares ripe for a rebound?
• 2 ASX healthcare shares crashing, now bouncing: buy, hold or sell?
• Buy, hold, sell: Dexus, Resmed, BHP shares
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Down 35%+, should you buy Zip and WiseTech shares?

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in CSL, ResMed, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL, ResMed, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended ResMed and 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.

We’re now a week into the 2027 financial year, though it’s much the same as FY26 so far. Investors may be asking themselves: where should I invest my money in FY27?

The attractiveness of some investments may have changed in the last few months following the Federal budget. Property investors who buy an established residential property can no longer benefit from negative gearing (the losses are carried forward until the property makes a profit), though buyers of new builds can still make use of negative gearing.

The outlook for sizeable capital gains for residential property looks challenging in the short to medium term.

In my view, there are three areas that still make a lot of sense for investors.

Commercial property

Residential properties may have been impacted, but commercial property looks as attractive as ever to me. Commercial properties are normally positively geared, which is great for investor cash flow.

However, I’m not looking to become a property manager. Instead, I believe that high-quality real estate investment trusts (REITs) are a great option to invest my money because I can buy a stake in a portfolio of properties in a single transaction.

Names like Centuria Industrial REIT (ASX: CIP), Dexus Industria REIT (ASX: DXI), Charter Hall Long WALE REIT (ASX: CLW) and Rural Funds Group (ASX: RFF) offer exposure to quality property portfolios and good distribution yields. As a bonus, they are all trading at large discounts to their last reported net tangible assets (NTA).

High-quality exchange-traded funds

Another area that I think is well worth investing in is exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and listed investment companies (LICs) because of the diversification and returns they can provide over the long-term.

I’d rather invest in international shares than local shares because I’m not sure that ASX blue-chip shares are going to grow earnings materially in the near-term. Major ASX bank shares face headwinds from the property taxation changes, as well as a challenge from Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG), while African iron ore from new projects could be a headwind for earnings from BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG).

In my view, something like the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS) makes a lot of sense because it provides exposure to well over 1,000 shares from the global share market.

But, given the uncertainty of how various intriguing investment trends will play out – AI, data centres, private credit, the lack of fuel and other resources flowing out of the Middle East, and inflation – I think high-quality businesses are best-suited to these conditions.

Over the long-term, I believe ideas such as VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF (ASX: QUAL) and Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF (ASX: QLTY) can outperform the wider global share market, so that could be a great place to invest my money.

ASX shares that can grow earnings

The final place that could be a good area to invest is good ASX shares with solid earnings growth potential.

There are plenty of businesses that could deliver pleasing returns over the long-term as they grow their earnings. The ASX is more than just the largest businesses.

I’m thinking of names like Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW), Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG), Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG), TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE), Siteminder Ltd (ASX: SDR), L1 Group Ltd (ASX: L1G), Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV), Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co. Ltd (ASX: SOL).

These aren’t the only names I’d buy to invest my money for my portfolio, there are plenty of exciting options!

The post How should I invest my money in FY27? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Breville Group, Rural Funds Group, SiteMinder, Technology One, Temple & Webster Group, VanEck Msci International Quality ETF, and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Lovisa, Macquarie Group, SiteMinder, Technology One, Temple & Webster Group, Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Rural Funds Group, SiteMinder, and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group, Lovisa, Macquarie Group, Technology One, Temple & Webster Group, Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH) shares are mounting an impressive comeback.

The hearing implant leader has climbed 11% over the past five trading sessions to $127.86, at the time of writing. That takes its gain over the past month to an impressive 32%. Even so, the healthcare stock remains down 51% year to date after one of the biggest sell-offs seen on the ASX this year.

So, has the worst passed, or is this simply a relief rally?

What do brokers think?

Broker sentiment remains cautious, but few analysts appear ready to give up on Cochlear. According to TradingView data, most brokers currently rate Cochlear shares as a hold. The average 12-month price target sits at $127.33, only slightly below the current share price, suggesting analysts see limited upside in the near term.

Of the 18 brokers covering the company, six rate the stock as either a buy or strong buy. The most optimistic analyst expects the shares to climb another 33% over the next year. At the other end of the spectrum, two brokers recommend selling the stock. The lowest price target sits at $95, implying downside of around 25%.

Bell Potter is among those taking a balanced approach. The broker continues to recommend holding Cochlear shares, arguing the company’s long-term outlook remains attractive thanks to its dominant market position, significant growth opportunity and continued product innovation.

Why did Cochlear shares crash?

To understand the recent rebound, it’s important to remember what caused the sell-off in the first place. On 22 April, Cochlear shocked the market with a disappointing trading update that sparked one of the largest one-day declines on the ASX this year.

Management reported weaker-than-expected demand for hearing implants across developed markets. At the same time, ongoing conflict in the Middle East led to order cancellations and shipment delays, adding further pressure to earnings.

The company also slashed its FY26 underlying net profit guidance to between $290 million and $330 million, well below its previous forecast of $435 million to $460 million. Investors responded swiftly, sending Cochlear shares tumbling by more than 40% in a single session.

Since then, the market has been trying to answer one question: was this a temporary disruption or a sign of a more structural slowdown?

Is the long-term growth story still intact?

Despite the earnings downgrade, Cochlear’s competitive position remains difficult to challenge.

The company controls around half of the global cochlear implant market, giving it a leadership position built on decades of research, innovation and close relationships with surgeons and healthcare providers. Its products are deeply embedded within healthcare systems around the world, creating significant barriers for competitors.

The long-term growth opportunity also remains substantial. More than six million people across developed markets are estimated to be eligible for cochlear implants, yet only around 3% currently receive one. As awareness improves, diagnosis rates increase and technology advances, that penetration rate has considerable room to grow.

An ageing global population is expected to provide another powerful tailwind over the coming decades.

The post Cochlear shares are flying. Is this just the start? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• ASX healthcare shares have jumped 21% since June. Can the recovery continue?
• 3 ASX shares down at least 50% in FY26
• Healthcare shares lead the ASX 200 again as sector rotation gathers pace
• Where I’d invest $20,000 into ASX 200 shares this month

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 Cochlear. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Cochlear. 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) and PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS) shares just earned sell ratings from two top stock market analysts.

Now the two S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) stocks have delivered widely different returns over the past year, which leads to different reasoning behind those sell recommendations.

For example, ASX 200 lithium stock PLS– formerly known as Pilbara Minerals – has been on a tear amid surging global lithium prices.

On Monday afternoon, PLS shares were trading for $5.15 apiece. That sees the share price up an eye-popping 254.8% over 12 months.

As for Endeavour, shares in the ASX 200 liquor outlets, hotels and gaming venue owner and operator were changing hands for $3.34 each on Monday. This puts the Endeavour share price down 19.7% over 12 months.

Now I should note that Endeavour did pay 17.1 cents a share in fully franked dividends over the past year. Endeavour shares trade on a fully franked trailing dividend yield of 3.3%.

But that’s not keeping the ASX 200 stock from joining PLS shares on the chopping block.

Time to sell PLS shares?

Catapult Wealth’s Blake Halligan recently analysed the outlook for the ASX lithium producer (courtesy of The Bull).

“PLS Group is a leading Australian lithium producer focused on spodumene concentrate,” he said.

Commenting on the recent strong run higher in PLS shares, Halligan noted:

Over the past three months, sentiment has been driven by a sharp rebound in spot spodumene prices and improving earnings expectations. Stronger spodumene prices are triggering global supply re-starts and expansions.

But following on the big share price gains, Halligan believes investors would do well to take profits on the lithium stock.

He concluded, “The company’s valuation already reflects elevated prices amid supply growth potentially adding pressure on margins.”

Which brings us to…

Time to exit Endeavour shares?

Atop selling PLS shares investors also might want to consider unloading Endeavour shares.

That’s according to Shaw and Partners James Bills.

“Endeavour operates liquor outlets, hotels and gaming facilities,” Bills said.

“It’s navigating a more challenging consumer environment amid cost pressures in fiercely competitive sectors.,” he noted.

Summarising his sell recommendation on Endeavour shares, Bills concluded:

While the company has a strong asset base and market position, we believe near term performance is likely to remain subdued. With limited catalysts for a re-rating, the stock lacks appeal at this stage of the cycle, in our view. The shares have fallen from $4.04 on March 2 to trade at $3.375 on July 2.

The post Sell alert! Why these experts are calling time on Endeavour and PLS shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: BHP, Woodside, PLS Group shares
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• 5 best ASX 200 mining shares of FY26
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Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

If you are looking to build wealth over the long term but aren’t a fan of stock picking, then it could be worth considering exchange traded funds (ETFs).

They allow investors to back long-term ideas without needing to pick every individual winner.

With that in mind, here are three ASX ETFs that could be buy-and-hold options for the next decade.

iShares S&P 500 AUD ETF (ASX: IVV)

The iShares S&P 500 ETF gives investors a simple way to own a large slice of the American share market.

“It offers exposure to companies selling software, pharmaceuticals, devices, advertising, financial services, entertainment, and consumer products to households and businesses around the world.”

That global reach is what makes the S&P 500 so attractive. Many of its largest companies earn revenue far beyond the United States, so investors are buying into businesses that influence spending habits, workplaces, healthcare systems, and technology adoption across many countries.

Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (ASX: RBTZ)

The Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF is focused on the physical rollout of automation across the global economy.

The fund owns companies involved in industrial robots, autonomous systems, drones, smart machinery, and artificial intelligence-enabled equipment.

The long-term opportunity is being driven by a simple problem. Many industries need to become more productive, but labour, time, safety, and precision remain major constraints.

Robotics and automation can help address those constraints in factories, hospitals, warehouses, farms, logistics networks, and other work environments.

Over the next decade, the idea of machines doing more complex work in more places could become much less futuristic and much more normal.

It was recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.

Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

Finally, the Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF could suit investors who want technology exposure beyond the usual US names.

The Asian market plays a huge role in the digital economy. It is home to major semiconductor companies, hardware manufacturers, ecommerce platforms, gaming businesses, and internet giants.

That gives this fund a different flavour from a Nasdaq-focused ETF.

It is tied to the region where much of the world’s digital hardware is made, where online platforms serve enormous populations, and where consumer technology adoption can happen at scale.

This ASX ETF is arguably a higher-risk option because it is concentrated in one region and one sector, but the long-term opportunity remains significant.

This fund was also recently recommended by the team at Betashares.

The post 3 ASX ETFs to buy and hold for 10 years appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Betashares Capital – Asia Technology Tigers Etf. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended 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.

ASX gold stock Genesis Minerals Ltd (ASX: GMD) is making headlines after it proposed a merger with Vault Minerals Ltd (ASX: VAU)

The merger would create a dominant gold producer valued at $12.6 billion.

What is the proposal?

Genesis has made a binding proposal to acquire all Vault shares via a scheme of arrangement.

The offer includes 0.7629 new Genesis shares plus A$0.475 in cash per Vault share, implying total consideration of A$5.274 per Vault share.

Vault shareholders would own 40.2% of the enlarged Genesis Group; Genesis shareholders would own 59.8%.

Estimated post-tax synergies of approximately A$2.0 billion, with A$1.5 billion unique to this transaction over 10 years.

The combined group would have 33.6 million ounces in mineral resources and 9.4 million ounces in ore reserves.

The proposed deal values Vault at A$5.6 billion and would create an Australian gold major with pro-forma annual production of 600–700,000 ounces and a market capitalisation of A$12.6 billion.

It is important to note the deal is not yet confirmed. Ramelius Resources Ltd (ASX: RMS) has matching rights that could affect whether the deal proceeds.

Bell Potter weighs in on ASX gold stock’s future

Following the proposal, the team at Bell Potter provided updated guidance on this ASX gold stock. 

It appears the broker sees the deal as a positive. 

The biggest benefit according to the broker is that Genesis could avoid spending about A$715 million building a new processing plant at Tower Hill. 

Instead, it could process Tower Hill ore at Vault’s existing King of the Hills mill.

Bell Potter believes this is a much smarter use of capital because Genesis’ main limitation is processing capacity, not finding more gold.

Buy recommendation intact 

Bell Potter has retained its buy recommendation on this ASX gold stock. 

It slightly lowered its price target to $9.75 (previously $9.90). 

From yesterday’s closing price of $6.03, Bell Potter’s updated price target indicates 61% upside from current levels.

The price target was reduced only because of Genesis’ recent Magnetic Resources acquisition, not because Bell Potter is less positive on the merger.

In short, Bell Potter sees the merger as a major positive because it would create a larger, cash-rich gold producer while saving roughly A$715 million by using existing infrastructure instead of building a new mill.

The Proposed Scheme is not subject to due diligence or financing conditions and offers a materially better strategic and financial outcome than the status quo, in our view.

 

The post This ASX gold stock could soar 60% thanks to a big announcement appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Gold, cash, and a takeover twist: Why this ASX 200 gold stock is climbing today
• Move over Regis Resources! Vault Minerals shares leaping 11% as Genesis Minerals’ lobs $5.6 billion takeover bid
• Genesis Minerals proposes Vault merger to create gold powerhouse

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.