CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) shares have climbed into the green in Thursday lunchtime trade. At the time of writing the ASX biotech shares are up around 1% and are changing hands for $176.50 each.

The shares have now jumped about 31% over the past month alone after rebounding strongly in August following the company’s FY26 results announcement.

CSL reported total revenue of US$15.8 billion and NPAT of US$2.6 billion. It also recorded a net loss after tax of US$2.6 billion for FY26, coming from pre-tax impairments and restructuring costs. The result came in way ahead of guidance and CSL management described FY26 as a ‘reset year’, with FY27 marking a return to growth.

A sectorwide rotation back into ASX healthcare shares has also helped boost CSL shares higher recently.

I think there is a lot of potential for the company to grow over the next few years. CSL is operating in a high-growth market, and its blood plasma division dominates the market for rare blood disorders and immunoglobulin products.

Analysts sentiment has also turned more positive. Market Index data shows the majority have a buy rating on CSL shares. But after the latest rally, the $159.86 average target price now implies a potential 8% downside ahead, at the time of writing.

The past month has seen CSL go from strength to strength, and the share price rebound is impressive.

But there is another ASX biotech stock I’d buy instead.

The ASX biotech stock I have my eye on right now

Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX) is a little different from CSL. The two businesses are major Australian biotech companies but have a vastly different focus, scale, and market position.

CSL focuses on plasma therapies while Telix focuses on radiopharmaceuticals. In terms of size, CSL is a global industry giant with multi-billion-dollar revenues but Telix is a mid-size company in the midst of strong growth.

It’s Telix’s growth opportunities which I find most appealing. 

Its shares are in the spotlight this week after the company announced that its brain cancer imaging drug, Pixclara, has received approval from the US FDA. This makes it the first FET-PET imaging drug cleared for use in glioma and expands Telix’s precision medicine portfolio.

Telix says Pixclara is already the subject of a Phase 3 trial for diagnosis in additional brain conditions, with potential expansion to brain metastases. 

The company said it plans to target market leadership in both imaging and treatment for several high-need cancers.

Telix’s broader pipeline includes late-stage assets in prostate, kidney, and glioblastoma cancers, with a focus on bringing further precision medicine products to both existing and new markets worldwide.

The update came off the back of several other good-news announcements out of Telix so far this year, including an application for key regulatory approval in Europe, several announcements about its growth and development plans, news that FDA had accepted its NDA for TLX101-Px (Pixclara®), and the announcement of a major collaboration with US-based biotech company Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. 

Telix also posted an impressive first-half FY26 result last month. Highlights include a 22% increase in revenue to US$477 million, and a strong gross margin improvement to 55%. Adjusted EBITDA also surged 146% year-on-year to US$52 million.

What do brokers tip next for Telix Pharmaceuticals shares?

I think there is plenty more room for Telix shares to run higher this year. And it looks like brokers agree too.

TradingView data shows that 14 out of 16 analysts have a buy/strong buy rating on the shares. The average $25.48 target price implies a potential 45% upside, while the maximum $30.99 target price suggests the stock could climb 76%, at the time of writing.

The post Forget CSL shares, I’d buy this ASX biotech stock instead appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• 4DMedical vs Telix Pharmaceuticals: ASX health tech share showdown
• Two broker upgrades put CSL shares back in focus
• Are Telix shares a buy after its big US FDA news?

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

Superannuation funds have had a solid start to the financial year, with the median growth fund growing by 1.1% over the first two months, according to industry research company Chant West.

Volatility not hindering superannuation returns

Chant West said despite concerns around inflation and ongoing geopolitical tensions, superannuation funds gained ground in August with the median growth fund, with 61% to 80% of its funds in growth assets, gaining 0.9%.

Chant West Head of Superannuation Investment Research Mano Mohankumar said the healthy return for August was driven by domestic and global share markets, which in aggregate account for about 55% of a typical growth portfolio.

He added:

Despite some volatility towards the latter part of August, over the full month, developed market international shares advanced 2.5% in hedged terms led by the US. Markets were supported by strong corporate earnings and the tech sector regained momentum after some AI-related companies had been sold down in July. The Australian dollar appreciated over the month, which pulled the 2.5% hedged return back to 0.5% in unhedged terms. On average, super funds have about 70% of international shares unhedged. Emerging markets also finished higher, returning 1.3%.

Mr Mohankumar said Australian shares gained 1.6% over August, falling short of international markets but still a solid result.

A stronger resources sector offset weakness among financial shares, he said.

High growth portfolios led the gains over August with 1.2% growth, with all growth second with 1.1%, and growth third on 0.9%.

Mr Mohankumar said over the long term, superannuation had outperformed its aims.

Since the introduction of compulsory super in July 1992, the median growth fund has returned 8% p.a. The annual CPI increase over the same period is 2.7%, giving a real return of 5.3% p.a. – well above the typical 3.5% target. Even looking at the past 20 years, which includes three major share market downturns – the GFC in 2007-2009, COVID-19 in 2020, and the high inflation and rising interest rates in 2022 – super funds have returned 6.9% p.a., which is still ahead of the typical objective.

Time for a superannuation check-up?

If you’re looking to top up your super, it’s worth reading up on concessional contributions.

Concessional contributions include the amount contributed by your employer, but can also include extra amounts paid into your super on top of that.

This can be tax-effective, as these contributions are taxed at just 15%, meaning you could get tax back at the end of the year if your tax rate is higher than this.

The cap for such contributions, including your employer’s contribution, salary sacrifice amounts, and extra contributions, is $32,500 per year.

The post Superannuation has had a strong start to the year. See how much it’s up already appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Shares surge as ASX biotech charts road to redemption
• Forget CSL shares, I’d buy this ASX biotech stock instead
• 5 ASX shares I’d recommend to beginners
• 3 ASX shares I’d buy for income and growth in retirement
• James Hardie says it doesn’t need a US housing recovery. Can it prove it?

Motley Fool contributor Cameron England 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.

Buying your first few ASX shares can feel overwhelming when there are thousands of companies to choose from.

For a beginner, I would keep things fairly simple and focus on established businesses that are easy to understand and have strong long-term prospects.

These five would be high on my list.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)

Macquarie would be one of the first shares I would consider.

The company operates across areas including asset management, infrastructure, commodities, financial markets, banking, and advisory.

For a beginner, I think that provides an interesting introduction to a financial business that looks quite different from the major Australian banks.

Macquarie earns money from managing assets for clients, helping businesses manage commodity and financial risks, lending, and providing other financial services around the world.

That gives the company several ways to grow as its operations expand.

Earnings can move around from year to year, so I would not expect a perfectly smooth ride. But for someone investing with a long-term view, I think Macquarie is a high-quality business with plenty of opportunity still ahead of it.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

Woolworths is another ASX share I think beginners should consider.

Most Australians are familiar with its supermarkets and the role they play in everyday spending.

Grocery demand is also fairly dependable. People may cut back on discretionary purchases when budgets become tighter, but they still need food and household essentials.

I think Woolworths also has opportunities to grow through population growth, online shopping, and continued improvements across its stores and supply chain.

The company pays dividends as well, which can give new investors another way to see how owning shares can generate returns over time.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

Telstra would add a more defensive element.

Mobile phones and internet connections have become essential services for households and businesses, giving Telstra recurring demand through different economic conditions.

The company has also made sustainable dividend growth an important part of its plans.

I would not expect Telstra to deliver spectacular growth every year. But I think there is value in owning a business with dependable demand, established infrastructure, and regular cash returns to shareholders.

ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD)

ResMed would give beginners stronger growth potential.

The company develops devices, masks, and software for sleep apnoea and respiratory care.

I like how large the opportunity remains. Sleep apnoea is significantly underdiagnosed and undertreated globally, leaving ResMed with plenty of potential patients still to reach.

There is also recurring demand after someone begins treatment because masks and other accessories need replacing over time.

For a beginner, I think ResMed offers a good introduction to owning an ASX share with a genuinely global business.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

BHP would round out my five picks.

The mining giant gives investors exposure to commodities including iron ore and copper, which remain important to construction, manufacturing, electrification, and infrastructure.

BHP’s earnings can change significantly as commodity prices move, which is worth understanding before investing.

At the same time, its scale, strong balance sheet, and long-life assets make it one of the more established ways to gain exposure to the resources sector.

The company can also return substantial cash to shareholders when conditions are strong.

Foolish takeaway

I think all five companies give beginners something different to learn about investing.

Macquarie provides exposure to global financial markets, Woolworths and Telstra have businesses built around regular household demand, ResMed brings international healthcare growth, and BHP introduces the commodity cycle.

For someone researching their first few ASX shares, I think each is a sensible place to start.

The post 5 ASX shares I’d recommend to beginners appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: AGL Energy, Telstra, Zip shares
• BHP vs Rio Tinto: What’s the better buy?
• How much do I need in superannuation to receive $1,000 passive income per week?
• CSL, Resmed, and more. See which ASX health stocks RBC Capital Markets has upgraded
• Wesfarmers vs Telstra: Which ASX dividend stock comes out on top?

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