ASX materials stock Orora Ltd (ASX: ORA) was drawing plenty of attention last week after a trading update highlighted challenging operating conditions stemming from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The company is a global packaging and distribution business.

Investors were heavily exiting their positions in Orora shares following the release of a trading update. 

Most notably, the update included a downgrade to earnings expectations for its Saverglass business.

According to the release, Orora now expects FY 2026 underlying EBIT for Saverglass to be in the range of 63 million euros to 68 million euros. This is down from previous guidance of broadly in line with FY 2025 EBIT of 79.2 million euros.

On a reported basis, EBIT is expected to fall further to between 52 million euros and 59 million euros.

Orora shares fell 25% across Thursday and Friday last week following the announcement. 

Its share price is now down approximately 33% in 2026. 

Middle East conflict weighing heavily on sentiment 

According to new guidance out of Morgans, the Middle East conflict has affected operations both directly and indirectly: directly through the effective closure of ORA’s Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) facility in the UAE, and indirectly through lower spirits volumes and an adverse product-mix shift, which have weighed on earnings. 

As a result, the broker has adjusted FY26/27/28F underlying EBIT by -8%/-11%/-10% for this ASX materials stock.

Given the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the conflict in the Middle East, visibility on the timing of a potential restart at the RAK facility remains limited. In addition, global consumer confidence and spirits demand have already been negatively affected by the conflict and may remain subdued for some time, even in the event of a near-term resolution.

Target price decreases – opportunity elsewhere says Morgans

Based on this guidance, Morgans reduced its price target to $1.55 (previously $2.30) for this ASX materials stock.

It maintained its hold rating. 

From last week’s closing price of $1.48, this price target indicates an upside of roughly 5%. 

The broker also noted that there is better opportunity elsewhere within the sector. 

Given this uncertainty, we believe it is prudent to await further updates before reassessing our view. Within the Packaging sector, our preference remains Amcor PLC (ASX: AMC).

The broker has a buy recommendation and $76.00 price target on Amcor shares. 

This indicates approximately 30% upside from its current stock price of $58.28. 

The post What’s this broker’s updated view on this ASX materials stock following a 25% fall? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Last week, the team at Bell Potter released updated guidance on ASX small-cap stock EBR Systems Inc (ASX: EBR) after the company announced a preliminary version of its operating metrics. 

The ASX small-cap stock has developed its patented Wireless Stimulation Endocardially (WiSE) technology for the treatment of cardiac rhythm disease and to eliminate the need for cardiac pacing leads when delivering cardiac resynchronisation therapy.

What did EBR Systems report?

Last week, its release revealed a strong Q1 2026 growth in commercial cases.

It also said its WiSE® System was successfully implanted in 41 commercial patients during the quarter, bringing total implants across the pilot phase and Limited Market Release to 71. 

John McCutcheon, EBR Systems’ President & Chief Executive Officer said in Q1 2026, the company made impressive progress across both commercial and clinical programs. 

Case volumes increased strongly during the quarter, reflecting growing physician experience, expanding site readiness and the steady execution of our Limited Market Release. 

We also continued to advance important clinical initiatives, with further enrolment in both the WiSE-UP post-approval study and the TLC-AU feasibility study, helping to expand the body of evidence supporting the WiSE System across a broader patient population.

This news prompted positive share price movement to end last week, with EBR Systems shares closing at $0.67. 

Bell Potter’s buy recommendation and recent price target of $2.00 following this release indicates a potential upside of roughly 194%. 

Following this report, the team at Morgans also provided an updated outlook on EBR Systems shares. 

Momentum building

In a note out of the broker last Friday, Morgans said 1Q26 delivered a step-change in commercial execution, with 41 implants (+128% q/q) and preliminary revenue of US$2.25-2.36m, materially ahead of prior run-rate. 

Importantly, growth is being driven by repeat usage, not just new site additions, with the majority of 1Q implants coming from existing centres, supporting confidence in utilisation and scalability.

Morgans also said leading indicators remain strong, with 37 purchasing agreements, 55 physicians trained, and double-digit physician training demand, alongside with emerging multi-site IDN/GPO contracts. 

Buy recommendation in tact 

Morgans also noted that commercial bottleneck remains execution (sales capacity and contracting), not demand, with patient backlogs building and physician engagement “very high”. 

We make no changes to CY26-28 forecasts or A$2.47 DCF-based valuation. BUY.

From last week’s closing price of $0.67, this target indicates an estimated upside of approximately 268%. 

The post It could be time to buy-low on this ASX small-cap stock according to brokers appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has 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 a2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M) share price is in focus after releasing a trading and outlook update, highlighting strong demand for its infant milk formula (IMF) in China and ongoing supply chain challenges.

What did The a2 Milk Company report?

• Year-to-date demand for a2 brand products remained strong across all regions and channels
• China label IMF sales remain robust, boosted by effective marketing and prior share gains
• Revenue growth for FY26 now expected to be low to mid double-digit percent versus FY25 (previously mid double-digit)
• EBITDA margin guidance lowered to 14.0% to 14.5% (was 15.5% to 16.0%)
• NPAT now forecast to be similar to or down on FY25 reported figure ($203 million)
• Cash conversion revised to approximately 50% (down from 80%)

What else do investors need to know?

Recent strength in demand for a2 Milk’s China label IMF products has contributed to temporary supply and product availability issues, with distribution impacted by factors including higher air and sea freight costs, extended quality assurance times, and tighter customs requirements in China. Some product lines, such as a2 Genesis in the cross-border e-commerce channel, have also faced near-term availability issues due to high demand and planned maintenance work.

While these supply chain disruptions are largely considered temporary, they are expected to materially affect fourth quarter sales, particularly during April and May, and have led the company to lower its full-year guidance. The company is working closely with supply chain and distribution partners in New Zealand and China to address backlogs and expedite shipments to customers.

What’s next for The a2 Milk Company?

The a2 Milk Company expects FY26 performance to be impacted by timing-related and one-off supply chain issues, resulting in lower than previously forecasted revenues and margins. However, management is confident these are temporary challenges, and the group is committed to reinvesting in its brands and maintaining long-term growth.

Capital works and a broader supply chain transformation at a2 Pōkeno remain on track, with anticipation of increased production capability in the first half of FY27. The company will continue providing updates as it navigates ongoing supply, regulatory, and geopolitical uncertainties.

The a2 Milk Company share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, a2 Milk Company shares have risen 15%, slightly trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 16% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post The a2 Milk Company lowers FY26 guidance amid supply chain challenges 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.

There is no shortage of choice when it comes to exchange-traded funds (ETFs) on the ASX.

For me, the focus is not on finding something new or complicated. It is about selecting funds that can play a clear role in a portfolio and hold up over time.

Vanguard has built its reputation around low-cost, diversified investing, which is why I often find myself coming back to its range.

Here are five Vanguard ETFs I think are worth considering this month.

Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS)

The VAS ETF is one of the simplest ways to gain exposure to the Australian share market.

It tracks a broad index that includes large, mid, and smaller companies. That means you are not just relying on the big banks and miners, even though they still make up a meaningful portion.

You also get exposure to businesses like BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL), as well as smaller names such as AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP), Collins Foods Ltd (ASX: CKF), and Appen Ltd (ASX: APX).

With a low fee and a dividend yield just under 3%, I think it remains a strong core holding for long-term investors.

Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

The VGS ETF provides exposure to developed markets outside Australia.

It includes companies across the US, Europe, and other major economies, which helps diversify away from the local market.

What I like is the scale. You are getting access to around 1,300 companies across a wide range of industries. This includes technology, healthcare, and consumer sectors, which are less represented on the ASX.

For me, this is a straightforward way to add global diversification.

Vanguard FTSE Asia Ex-Japan Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAE)

The VAE ETF adds a different regional tilt.

It focuses on Asian markets, including China, Taiwan, India, and South Korea. These economies are at different stages of development, which creates a mix of growth opportunities.

What I like is how this ETF complements broader global exposure. It captures areas that are not always heavily weighted in global indices, particularly emerging markets and regional leaders in manufacturing and technology.

Over time, I think that diversification can be valuable.

Vanguard S&P 500 US Shares Index ETF (ASX: V500)

Another ETF I would consider buying is the new V500 ETF. It provides direct exposure to the US market through the S&P 500.

This is one of the most widely followed indices in the world, and it includes many of the largest and most influential companies globally.

What I like here is the simplicity. You are gaining access to a broad mix of industries, from technology and healthcare to financials and consumer businesses, all within a single fund.

The recent pullback in US markets has also made entry points a bit more attractive than they were previously, in my view.

Vanguard Global Technology Index ETF (ASX: VTEK)

Lastly, the VTEK ETF offers a more focused exposure.

It tracks a global technology index, giving access to around 300 companies involved in areas like software, semiconductors, and digital infrastructure.

This is a higher-growth segment of the market, but also one that can be more volatile.

What I find appealing is the global nature of the fund. It is not just concentrated in one country, which reflects how innovation is happening across multiple regions.

For investors looking to tilt toward technology, I think it is an efficient way to do it.

Foolish takeaway

Vanguard ETFs are designed to be simple, diversified, and cost-effective. That does not mean every fund will suit every investor, but I think there is a clear role for each of these.

Whether it is broad Australian exposure, global diversification, regional growth, US market access, or a technology tilt, these ETFs offer different ways to build on an existing portfolio or start putting money to work.

The post 5 Vanguard ETFs for Aussies to buy this month appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in CSL, Commonwealth Bank Of Australia, and Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Appen and CSL. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group, CSL, Collins Foods, and Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Most Australians wait until around age 65 to retire. At this point you can access your superannuation, and you’re just two years away (if you’re eligible) from receiving your Age Pension payment.

But did you know that you can retire a few years earlier and still access your superannuation? When you reach the “preservation age” of 60 you can start living off your balance, provided you have retired.

The only issue is you need to have enough money to support the retirement lifestyle you want. 

Retirement lifestyles for Australians are generally split into two categories: modest and comfortable.

The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA), defines a modest retirement as being able to cover expenses slightly above the full Centrelink Age Pension. This includes basic health insurance, a cheaper model of car, and infrequent exercise. It also includes minimal utility expenses, limiting dining out, and maybe an annual domestic trip. It assumes you own your house outright.

Meanwhile, a comfortable retirement is one that allows you to maintain a good standard of living. This includes top-level private health insurance, ownership of a reasonable car brand, regular leisure activities, some funds for home repairs, occasional meals out, and perhaps an annual domestic trip. Again, it assumes you own your house outright.

How much superannuation do I need at age 60 to fund a comfortable retirement?

The benchmark for a comfortable retirement increased earlier this year off the back of higher inflation. 

The increase serves as a reminder that long-term returns from markets like the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) play an important role in building retirement savings.

In order to live a comfortable retirement lifestyle from age 60, individuals will need to spend around $54,840 a year, or for couples, this can be closer to $77,375 a year. 

To fund that, you’ll need a superannuation balance of around $630,000 for a single person, or $730,000 for a couple.

How much do I need for a modest retirement?

The cost of a modest retirement is a lot less. In order to live a modest retirement lifestyle at age 60, individual Australians can expect to need $35,503 per year, or for a couple this would be closer to $51,299 per year. 

To fund that, ASFA estimates you need a superannuation balance of around $110,000, or a couple would need $120,000 at age 60.

How do I know if my superannuation is on track to be able to retire at age 60?

According to ASFA, in order to be able to fund a comfortable retirement starting from age 67, your superannuation balance at age 40 should be $178,000. 

But if you want to retire much earlier, at age 60, then you’ll need to stay significantly ahead. At age 40 you should aim to have around $267,000 in your superannuation instead.

By age 50, Aussies who want to reach the superannuation balance needed for a comfortable retirement by age 60 should have around $439,500.

This would then put you on track to meet your final $630,000 balance on time.

The post Want to retire at age 60? This is how much you’ll need in your superannuation appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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

The ASX lithium share PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS) has been one of the best-performing Australian stocks in the last year, rising by 277%, at the chart below shows. In the past six months alone, it has gone up 106%.

It is highly leveraged to what happens with the lithium price because it’s a commodity business. When the resource price rises, it’s almost all extra profit for the company – aside from paying more to the government – because it’s more revenue for the same level of production (and costs).

With the lithium price significantly higher than where it was a year ago, it’s no wonder the PLS Group share price has soared. Where could it go next? Let’s take a look at some expert projections.

PLS Group share price target

A price target tells us where analysts think the share price will be in 12 months from the time they make that investment call.

According to CMC Invest, there are currently six buy ratings and six hold ratings on the business. However, the average price target is $5, implying a mid-single-digit decline in percentage terms.

The most optimistic price target is $5.72, suggesting a possible mid-single-digit rise, though the worst price target is $2.51, suggesting a possible drop of more than 50%.

In other words, investors are cautious about the valuation that the business has reached. However, it’s generally expected to hold onto its gains from the last year rather than suffer a big decline.

How has profitability changed?

The most recent result from the company was the FY26 half-year result, which was a perfect demonstration of how much better operating conditions are.

While the business reported a 6% increase in production to 432.8kt and the realised price for its lithium increased 40% to US$965 per tonne.

The big jump in the lithium price jumping by 47% to $624 million, underlying operating profit (EBITDA) jumped 241% to $253 million and the net profit after tax (NPAT) surged by 147% to $33 million.

Part of the reason why earnings increased so much was because its unit operating costs per tonne improved in the high single-digits.

What is the PLS Group share price valuation?

The projection on CMC Invest suggests that the business could generate earnings per share (EPS) of 13.5 cents in the 2026 financial year, which means the PLS Group share price is currently valued at 40x FY26’s estimated earnings.

It’s currently forecast to see EPS climb to 23.5 cents in FY27, which would be a year-over-year increase of around 75% if those predictions come true.

That means that the ASX lithium share is currently valued at 23x FY27’s estimated earnings.

The post Up 106% in six months, here are the latest growth forecasts for the PLS Group share price appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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.

The S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO) is an appealing place to look for opportunities because companies included in the index have reached a certain size (and stability) but may still have plenty of growth potential to come.

I’m going to look at the return potential of EVT Ltd (ASX: EVT), which is one of the businesses that is liked by the investment team at the listed investment company (LIC) WAM Research Ltd (ASX: WAX).

WAM Research looks to invest in the most compelling undervalued growth opportunities in the Australian market and EVT was one of the top 20 holdings of the WAM Research portfolio at the end of March 2026.

The fund manager describes EVT as an Australian entertainment and hospitality company with operations spanning hotels, cinemas and travel experiences. It has around 100 hotels with more than 15,000 rooms, with cinemas across Australia, New Zealand and Germany.

Let’s take a look at what could allow the business to provide capital growth of more than 20% in the next year.

What’s to like about the ASX 300 share?

WAM Research pointed out that the company delivered a positive investment return during March, building on positive momentum from its FY26 half-year result released in February.

The HY26 result showed revenue growth of 5.4%, while net profit grew by 21.6%. It said that this result was supported by record performance in the hotels division and solid contributions from Thredbo and EVT’s international operations.

In March, EVT completed a $750 million refinancing, extending debt maturities and improving covenant headroom.

WAM concluded its thoughts with the following:

This was broadly viewed by the market as enhancing financial flexibility to support future hotel expansion.

In terms of a trading update, the company is expecting the second half to show growth, subject to film performance and weather conditions.

The ASX 300 share’s hotels division is expected to deliver another operating profit (EBITDA) record year. New growth is expected from previous growth initiatives.

In the entertainment division, the second is expected to show growth, while Thredbo visitation was impacted by regional bushfires, while the winter 2026 (the month of June) is subject to weather conditions.

What could the return be?

No-one can know what the returns are going to do, but analysts are optimistic about what could be next with the business.

According to CMC Invest, there are currently three buy ratings on the business, with an average price target of $16.85 between them, which implies a possible rise of 24% within the next year.

The lowest price target of $16.40, which would be a rise of over 20%. The highest price target is $17.31, which suggests a possible rise of 27%.

The post Why this ASX 300 share could rise by 24% according to experts appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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.

Choosing between two high-quality ASX shares is not always straightforward.

Both CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) and Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) have strong positions in their respective industries, and both have delivered solid returns for investors over time.

But right now, I think the comparison is becoming more interesting.

While Rio Tinto has been performing well, CSL’s recent weakness may be creating an opportunity to buy a fallen giant before it recovers.

CSL shares

CSL has had a tough period.

Its recent results disappointed the market, with earnings impacted by restructuring costs, impairments, and policy changes. That has weighed on sentiment and helped drive the share price lower over the past year.

But when I look beyond that, I still see a high-quality global healthcare business.

Demand for plasma therapies, vaccines, and specialty medicines is supported by long-term trends. This includes an ageing population and increasing healthcare needs.

Those drivers have not changed. What has changed is valuation.

After the pullback, CSL shares are now trading on multi-year low earnings multiples. For a business with its track record, that stands out to me.

The company is also actively working through a transformation program aimed at improving efficiency and supporting future growth.

For me, this combination of quality, long-term demand, and a lower starting valuation is what makes CSL shares compelling.

Rio Tinto shares

Rio Tinto has been a very different story.

The company has benefited from strong commodity prices, particularly in copper, which has supported earnings and shareholder returns. Iron ore prices have also been robust.

It is a highly cash-generative business, and that often flows through to dividends. There is also a longer-term story around copper, which is becoming increasingly important for electrification and global infrastructure.

So I can understand why Rio Tinto shares have been performing well.

But that strength can also work the other way. When a company is in favour and performing strongly, a lot of that optimism can already be reflected in the share price.

That does not mean Rio Tinto is not a good investment. It just means the upside from here may be more closely tied to commodity cycles and less to a re-rating.

Which is the better buy?

I think both CSL and Rio Tinto are quality businesses.

If I were looking for income and exposure to commodities, Rio Tinto would still make a strong case.

But if I am thinking about potential returns over the next five years, I would lean toward CSL shares.

The share price has been under pressure, expectations are lower, and the valuation looks more attractive than it has for some time.

If the company can improve execution, deliver on its transformation, and rebuild investor confidence, I think there is scope for a meaningful share price recovery.

Foolish takeaway

Both CSL and Rio Tinto have their place. Rio Tinto offers strong cash flow and exposure to global commodities, particularly when markets are supportive. CSL, on the other hand, looks like a business going through a difficult period but still backed by strong long-term fundamentals.

For me, that creates a more interesting risk-reward opportunity. It may require patience, but I think CSL has the potential to deliver stronger returns from here if things start to fall into place.

The post Better buy? CSL vs Rio Tinto shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in CSL. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL. 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.

It’s rare to see an ASX share with numerous buy ratings, but when we see that happen, it could signify there’s a clear opportunity there.

I’m going to highlight two businesses that are some of the most highly rated stocks on the ASX with multiple buys.

Of course, just because analysts like a company doesn’t automatically mean it’s going to produce strong returns. Let’s get into it.

Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB)

Hub24 offers clients the Hub24 platform, which offers advisers and their clients a large range of investment options, including managed portfolio solutions and enhanced transaction and reporting functionality for advisers and clients.

It also has wealth accounting software called Class, as well as being a provider of client portals for accountants and financial advisers called MyProsperity.

There are currently 13 ratings on the business, with 10 buy ratings. Of those 13 ratings, the average price target is $108.71, which tells us where analysts think the share price will be within a year. The price target suggests a possible rise of 23% from where it is at the time of writing.

The ASX share is growing at a very strong pace – in the FY26 half-year result, total revenue grew by 26% to $245.9 million, while underlying operating profit (EBITDA) grew 35% to $104.9 million and underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) rose 60% to $68.3 million.

Those numbers show strong scaling and revenue and even faster profit growth as margins improve.

The projection on CMC Markets suggests the business could generate $1.616 of earnings per share (EPS). That means it’s now trading at 54x FY26’s estimated earnings.

Sandfire Resources Ltd (ASX: SFR)

Sandfire is one of the largest copper miners on the ASX, with projects in Spain, Botswana, Australia and the US.

There have been 11 ratings on the business in the last three months, according to CMC Invest, with six of those being a buy. Of those ratings, the average price target is $18.92, which suggests a possible rise of 9% from where it is today.

But, the most optimistic price target is $21.24, which implies a possible rise of 22% within the next year, based on the share price at the time of writing.

The most recent update from the ASX share was its quarterly update for the three months to March 2026, which showed copper equivalent production of 34.5kt in the third quarter of FY26. For the nine months to 31 March 2026, copper production was 106.5kt.

It also had a cash balance of $76 million at 31 March 2026, with the $63 million increase from 31 December 2025 reflecting “strong underlying operating cash flow”. In the FY26 half-year result, revenue grew 17% and net profit jumped 88%, showing the operating leverage of miners when revenue increases as a result of a higher copper price.

The projection on CMC Invests suggests its EPS could grow to $1.01 in FY26 and $1.64 in FY27. That means it’s trading at 17x FY26’s estimated earnings and under 11x FY27’s estimated earnings.

With the long-term outlook for copper looking positive amid electrification, batteries and renewable energy, this ASX share could be one to watch.

The post 2 ASX shares highly recommended to buy: Experts appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• The ASX 200 shares I think smart investors are buying after the tech selloff
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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 positions in and has recommended Hub24. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Hub24. 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 decline. The benchmark index fell 0.15% to 8,960.6 points.

Will the market be able to bounce back on Monday? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 expected to jump

The Australian share market looks set for a strong start to the week despite a mixed finish on Wall Street on Friday. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 70 points or 0.75% higher. In the United States, the Dow Jones was down 0.55%, the S&P 500 dropped 0.1%, and the Nasdaq rose 0.35%.

Oil prices ease

It could be a subdued start to the week for ASX 200 energy shares Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) after oil prices eased on Friday night. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price was down 1.23% to US$96.57 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price was down 0.75% to US$112.57 a barrel. This may have been driven by optimism over peace talks between the US and Iran.

Dividends being paid

A couple more ASX 200 shares will be rewarding their shareholders with dividend payments on Monday. This includes hearing solutions company Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH) and auto listings giant CAR Group Limited (ASX: CAR). They will be paying partially franked dividends of $2.15 per share and 42.5 cents per share, respectively, later today.

Gold price slides

ASX 200 gold shares including Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a soft start to the week after the gold price fell on Friday night. According to CNBC, the gold futures price was down 0.65% to US$4,787.4 an ounce. This may also have been driven by news of peace talks between the US and Iran.

Hold Orora shares

Morgans isn’t a buyer of Orora Ltd (ASX: ORA) shares despite their heavy decline last week. The broker has retained its hold rating with a heavily reduced price target of $1.55 (from $2.30). It prefers fellow packaging company Amcor (ASX: AMC) and has a buy rating and $76.00 price target on its shares. It said: “Given the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the conflict in the Middle East, visibility on the timing of a potential restart at the RAK facility remains limited. In addition, global consumer confidence and spirits demand have already been negatively affected by the conflict and may remain subdued for some time, even in the event of a near-term resolution. Given this uncertainty, we believe it is prudent to await further updates before reassessing our view. Within the Packaging sector, our preference remains Amcor (AMC, BUY, $76.00 TP).”

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

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Cochlear and Woodside Energy Group Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Cochlear. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Amcor Plc. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CAR Group Ltd, Cochlear, and Orora. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.