It is fair to say that Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC) shares have been on fire over the past 12 months.

During this time, the rare earths producer’s shares have risen an impressive 150%.

This has been driven by growing demand for rare earths and Chinese export restrictions.

Is it too late to buy Lynas shares?

The team at Bell Potter thinks it is too late to invest and is urging investors to sell their shares if they own them. Especially after Lynas’ quarterly update fell short of expectations.

Commenting on the quarter, Bell Potter highlights that its production and revenue were short of expectations. Though, it does acknowledge that the company’s realised price was higher than forecast, which bodes well for its margins. It said:

LYC produced 1,404t NdPr (BPe 2,100t VA Cons 1,700t) and 978t other rare earths. The December quarter was plagued by power outages in Kalgoorlie and planned maintenance in Kuantan. LYC’s achieved basket price hit a record $86/kg (BPe $60/kg VA Cons $67/kg). Revenue was $202m (BPe $279m VA Cons $206m). Cash operating costs were $140m, up from $115m in 1QFY26, equating to cash costs of $59/kg TREO.

Payments for capital expenditure were $45m, down from $66m in 1QFY26. LYC finished 1QFY26 with $1,030m in cash, down from $1,060m in 1QFY26. Whilst the result disappointed on production, the power outages look to be resolved (for now). The higher than forecast basket price appears to have been driven by mix and product premiums. Whilst it is uncertain how long LYC can manage this, it does bode well for near-term margin protection.

Time to sell

According to the note, the broker has retained its sell rating on Lynas shares with an improved price target of $11.15.

Based on its current share price of $16.75, this implies potential downside of 33% for investors over the next 12 months.

Although the broker is a fan of the company, it just simply isn’t a fan of its valuation. Commenting on its sell recommendation, Bell Potter said:

Our target price increases to $11.15/sh (previously $9.60/sh), and we maintain our Sell recommendation. Whilst we like the business, asset, and team, we believe there is significant optimism priced into the stock, with investors using it as a hedge on US-China relations. Earnings changes in this report include: FY26 -16%, FY27 nc [no change], FY28 nc.

The post Why Lynas shares could crash 33% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Lynas, South32, Liontown: Can these surging shares go higher?
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Why Evolution Mining, Lynas Rare Earths, Paladin Energy, and Sovereign Metals shares are racing higher today
• Buying Lynas shares? Here’s why the ASX rare earths stock is flying higher in Wednesday’s sinking market

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Lynas Rare Earths Ltd. 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.

A key acquisition from IVE Group Ltd (ASX: IGL) has helped improve the outlook for this ASX communications stock, according to Bell Potter. 

The company is the largest integrated marketing communications business in Australia with leading market positions across every sector in which it operates.

Over the last 12 months, this ASX communications stock has risen by 33%. 

In late December last year, the company acquired DailyPress.

Here’s an overview of the deal.

Key acquisition 

On December 31, 2025, the company announced the completed acquisition of Daily Press, an Australian-based creative agency specialising in digital, social media and performance marketing.

The company said the total purchase consideration for Daily Press is up to $35.0 million, comprising:

• $25.0 million payable in cash on completion
• up to $8.0 million payable in deferred consideration subject to the achievement of agreed performance hurdles over the first and second 12-month periods post completion
• up to a further $2.0 million in deferred consideration (up to $1.0 million per each 12-month earnout period) based on performance against stretch targets.

IVE Group also expects the acquisition to contribute annual revenue and EBITDA of approximately $23.0 million and $5.5 million respectively.

Bell Potter’s analysis 

Broker Bell Potter released a new report yesterday which included updated guidance on this ASX communications stock following the acquisition. 

The broker said the net impact on underlying EPS forecasts is upgrades of 2%, 4% and 6% in FY26, FY27 and FY28.

Following the acquisition, Bell Potter said the Balance Sheet of IVE Group remains strong and it believes the company still has capacity to make further acquisitions of up to around $30m without needing to use or raise equity and also fund the dividends. 

We also believe the Balance Sheet can support an increase in the dividend from 18c in FY26 to 20c in FY27 subject to any further acquisitions not exceeding $30m in the near term.

Price target upside 

Bell Potter has also upgraded its price target on this ASX communications stock to $3.25 (previously $3.10). 

The broker has maintained its buy recommendation. 

Based on yesterday’s closing price of $2.86, this indicates an upside of 13.64%. 

We have increased the multiple we apply in our PE ratio valuation from 7.75x to 8.25x given the recent demonstrated ability of IVE to make EPS accretive acquisitions and the potential of more to come given the Balance Sheet strength.

Elsewhere, TradingView has an average analyst target of $3.10. 

This indicates approximately 8.4% upside. 

Online brokerage platform Selfwealth lists this ASX communications stock as undervalued by 14%.

The post Bell Potter just raised its price target on this ASX communications stock appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Lynas shares could crash 33%
• Two ASX 200 stocks to buy after crashing 6-9% yesterday
•  Why are WiseTech shares still falling?
• The bulls are coming: 2 of the best ASX growth shares to buy now to get ahead
• Up 34% in 12 months, here’s why Amplitude Energy shares can keep rising

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.

It was a rough day of trading yesterday for ASX 200 stocks Generation Development Group Ltd (ASX: GDG) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST). 

These two companies fell by 5.99% and 8.43% respectively. 

After such a large sell-off, is this a buy the dip opportunity for investors?

Let’s find out. 

Why the sell-off?

There was price sensitive news out of both ASX 200 stocks yesterday that led to the sharp decline. 

Generation Development Group released December Quarter results. 

This included a 36% increase in group funds under management (FUM) to $34.5 billion.

As The Motley Fool’s Laura Stewart reported yesterday, the company maintained strong momentum across all divisions. 

Despite this, the ASX 200 stock dropped almost 6% during the day’s trade. 

Meanwhile, Northern Star Resources shares fell following the release of its quarterly update. 

All in all, the miner reported lower gold sales, revised FY26 guidance, and ongoing investment in major growth projects.

Are either of these ASX 200 stocks a buy?

The team at Bell Potter has issued new analysis on both of these ASX 200 companies following yesterday’s announcements. 

The broker noted that Northern Star Resources experienced production disruptions across several operating assets. 

Bell Potter said whilst the result was disappointing, the information was priced into the stock following the 2 January update, with the company underperforming large-cap gold peers since then. 

In its report, the broker said EPS changes include: FY26 +27% FY27 +6% and FY28 -1%. 

For Generation Development Group, Bell Potter said the company delivered a mixed 2Q26 update which saw Investment Bonds beat expectation. However, Managed Accounts were softer than anticipated due to timing differences of new client entries and flows. 

Price target adjustments 

Bell Potter has maintained buy recommendations on both these ASX 200 stocks. 

The broker has increased its price target of Northern Star Resources shares to $31.10 (previously $30.00). 

After yesterday’s rough day of trading, this indicates an upside of 18.8%. 

Whilst the 2QFY26 report disappointed, we view the issues as being largely resolved/ one off, setting up a base for a stronger 2HFY26.

The broker decreased its price target on Generation Development Group shares to $7.90 (previously $8.40). 

Despite lowering its price target, this indicates an upside of 39.82% after yesterday’s sell-off.

Our Buy is unchanged and target price down on lower sector multiples and risked growth for lumpiness. We continue to see structural growth and strategic progress.

The post Two ASX 200 stocks to buy after crashing 6-9% yesterday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• After today’s 8% plunge, is Northern Star now a buy for gold investors?
• Why Fortescue, Generation Development, Northern Star, and Pantoro shares are falling today
• Generation Development Group posts record December quarter earnings and inflows
• Northern Star Resources cuts guidance after softer quarter
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday

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 recommended Generation Development Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The WiseTech Global (ASX: WTC) share price closed in the red again on Thursday afternoon. Over the course of the day the shares fell 0.48% to $61.72 a piece.

The latest drop means the shares are now 9.96% lower for the year-to-date and nearly 50% below where they were this time last year.

It looked like the logistics software provider’s stock had finally bottomed out in late-2025 after WiseTech faced several headwinds throughout the 12-month period. 

From unexciting financial results to an AFP and ASIC raid and a boardroom fallout, several consecutive events managed to knock back investor confidence time and time again. And confidence keeps on dwindling.

The thing is, WiseTech shows fantastic potential for growth over the next 12 months. The business is strong, it is continually expanding its operations, and it also has a proven track record of company growth.

I even think there is a good chance it’s shares could double in value in 2026.

The team at Bell Potter thinks that the beaten-down logistics company could be an ASX 200 share to buy. It has a $100 price target on WiseTech shares.

Macquarie said that it sees limited risk associated with the company’s upcoming half-year results. The broker has an outperform rating and $108.50 price target on WiseTech shares. 

And some analysts are even more bullish on their outlook for the stock. TradingView data shows that 12 out of 14 analysts have a strong buy rating on the stock. 

The average target price is $107.56 per share, which implies a 74.27% potential upside, at the time of writing. However the maximum target price is a whopping $175.65 a piece, which implies a potential 174.65% upside over the next 12 months. 

So, why aren’t we seeing this type of price increase come to fruition?

Why are WiseTech shares still falling?

There has been no price-sensitive news out of the company this month to explain the latest decline. So it looks like investor confidence is still taking a beating from the multiple headwinds the business faced last year.

WiseTech has been affected by governance drama and an ASIC raid, which weighed heavily on investor sentiment.

The raid was in relation to alleged insider trading by founder and former CEO Richard White and other staff members during late 2024 to early 2025. No charges have been laid against the company, but a board turnover and media scrutiny heavily affected investor confidence which still has not been able to recover.

Around the same time, investors were also worried about the execution of its e2open acquisition, adding more risk. Another red flag to investors it seems.

In short, WiseTech shares are still declining because the uncertainty and risks posed continue to outweigh business strength in the short term. The question now is, when will it end?

The post  Why are WiseTech shares still falling? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 2 beaten-down ASX blue-chip tech shares I’d buy today
• 2 ASX growth stocks set to skyrocket in the next 12 months
• A once-in-a-decade chance to buy WiseTech Global shares?
• Where to invest $5,000 in ASX 200 shares to try and beat the market
• 5 of the best ASX growth shares to buy and hold

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 Macquarie Group and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

It has been a tough period for ASX growth shares. 

Many growth shares, especially those in the technology sector, have been hit hard over the past 12 months as investors rotate into other areas of the market.

As disappointing as this may be, history shows that the bulls will eventually return.

Two ASX growth shares that I would want to own when that happens are in this article. Here’s why I think they could boom when sentiment improves.

Catapult Sports Ltd (ASX: CAT)

Catapult is a business that looks far stronger today than it did a few years ago, even if the share price does not always reflect that. The company provides performance analytics and wearable technology to elite sports teams around the world, and its software has become deeply embedded in professional sporting programs.

What stands out to me is how much the business has matured. Revenue is increasingly recurring, customer churn is low, and management has shifted the focus from growth at any cost to disciplined execution and profitability. That transition matters. It means incremental revenue growth now has a much greater impact on margins and cash flow.

As professional sport continues to invest in data-driven decision making, Catapult sits in a niche with high barriers to entry and global scale. If investor sentiment toward ASX growth shares improves, I think Catapult has the foundations in place to be re-rated as a more durable, profitable business rather than a speculative one.

Life360 Inc (ASX: 360)

Life360 operates a consumer technology platform that many families rely on every day, even if it does not always attract the same attention as larger tech names. Its location-based services help families stay connected and safe, and that utility has translated into strong engagement and retention.

The company’s growth story is increasingly about monetisation rather than user acquisition alone. As its installed base nears 100 million monthly active users, Life360 has more opportunities to lift average revenue per user through subscriptions and value-added features. That creates operating leverage over time, which is something the market tends to reward.

I also like the global nature of the opportunity. Life360 is not limited to one geography, and its product has proven to be highly scalable. If risk appetite returns to ASX growth shares, businesses with a large addressable market and improving unit economics are often among the first to benefit.

Foolish Takeaway

Trying to time the exact bottom in any stock or pocket of the market is almost impossible. What matters more is recognising when the conditions are falling into place for the next leg of growth. Catapult and Life360 are both showing signs of operational progress beneath the surface.

If the bulls start to come back, these are two ASX growth shares I would want to own early rather than chase later.

The post The bulls are coming: 2 of the best ASX growth shares to buy now to get ahead appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Looking for double-digit returns? Check out RBC Capital Markets’ picks ahead of reporting season
• 3 underappreciated ASX growth shares I would buy with $1,000
• Why Fortescue, Life360, PLS, and Syrah shares are dropping today
• 3 unstoppable ASX shares to buy with $3,000
• Still under $30, these wealth-builders may not stay cheap for long

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

Amplitude Energy Ltd (ASX: AEL) shares have performed well over the last year. 

At the time of writing, shares are trading at approximately $2.95 each. This is an impressive 34.09% higher than 12 months ago. 

The company supplies gas and oil to the domestic market. 

It is involved in the discovery and commercialisation of gas from the Otway and Gippsland Basins in Victoria and its sale in southeast Australia. Amplitude Energy is also a joint venture partner in onshore oil production in the Cooper Basin in South Australia.

It has benefited from its strategic market position, and strong management in the last 12 months. 

Analysts are bullish there is still more room for growth for this energy company. 

A new report from Bell Potter has reinforced that even after a 34% stock price rise in the last year, there is still more upside. 

Here’s what the broker had to say. 

Record revenue

Bell Potter pointed to record revenue as a key catalyst for the company. 

In yesterday’s report, the broker said Amplitude Energy delivered a better-than-expected production quarter driven by strong Orbost performance and higher gas prices, offsetting natural field decline and supporting record revenue.

Key takeaways from the report include: 

• Orbost is outperforming: Record Gippsland production with the plant running above nameplate capacity, and approvals in place to lift throughput further.
• Otway decline continues: Lower production reflects expected natural field depletion.
• Growth project progressing: The East Coast Supply Project is moving into drilling and final investment decision, with expansion likely this quarter.
• Gas prices strengthening: Realised prices were strong and are expected to rise ~20% next quarter as higher-priced contracts kick in.
• Balance sheet improving: Net debt fell sharply, supported by equity raising and strong operating cash flow.

The broker also said the company expects contracted gas prices to lift this quarter by around 20% on indexation and new agreements. 

EPS changes in this report are: FY26 +4%; FY27 +41%; and FY28 +38%. These changes are mostly driven by AEL’s strong leverage to higher gas price assumptions.

Price target upside for Amplitude Energy shares 

Based on this guidance, Bell Potter increased its price target to $3.40 per share (previously $3.08) for Amplitude Energy shares. 

The broker also maintained its buy recommendation. 

Based on this target, Bell Potter sees an approximate upside of 15.25%. 

AEL’s conventional gas assets deliver into Australia’s east coast market. Debottlenecking at Orbost could incrementally lift near-term production and contracted prices are expected to strengthen on indexation and sales agreements. In the medium term, the ECSP could materially lift production from 2028, with a portfolio of low-risk wells tied into existing pipeline and processing infrastructure with latent capacity.

The post Up 34% in 12 months, here’s why Amplitude Energy shares can keep rising appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Three oil stocks to buy and one to sell

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.

$50 a month does not sound like an investing strategy.

It sounds like a couple of coffees a week. The kind of money that disappears without much thought. But when that small habit is redirected and given enough time, it can turn into something far more meaningful.

Here is how investing just $50 a month into ASX shares could realistically aim for a $10,000 portfolio over time.

Think in habits

Most people don’t struggle with the maths of investing. They struggle with the mindset.

A $50 monthly investment works because it is sustainable. It does not compete with rent, holidays, or major life expenses. It slips quietly into a budget and becomes routine rather than a sacrifice.

Once investing becomes a habit, the dollar amount matters less than the consistency. Missing one month does not derail the plan, but sticking with it year after year changes the outcome completely.

Time does more work than money early on

If you invest $50 a month in quality ASX shares like Goodman Group (ASX: GMG) or Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG), you are contributing $600 a year.

On contributions alone, reaching $10,000 would take a long time. But investing is not linear. The portfolio does not grow only from deposits. It grows from what has already been invested.

At an average return of around 10% per annum over the long term (not guaranteed but in line with long-term averages), something interesting happens. In the early years, progress feels slow. The balance barely moves. Then, gradually, your portfolio will start adding value without new money doing all the work.

The first $1,000 is built almost entirely from contributions. The latter thousands increasingly come from growth.

Reaching $10,000 is about patience

Aiming for $10,000 does not require perfect timing or clever stock picking.

It requires staying invested in ASX shares through boredom, market pullbacks, and long stretches where nothing exciting happens. That is where most plans fail, not because they are unrealistic, but because they are abandoned too early.

At $50 a month in ASX shares, reaching $10,000 would take a decade.

Keep the same investment strategy going for a further 20 years and your portfolio would grow to $100,000, all else equal. That’s from a total investment of $18,000, which demonstrates just how powerful compounding can be come.

Foolish takeaway

You do not need spare thousands to start investing.

Redirecting the cost of a couple of coffees a week into ASX shares can, over time, grow into a meaningful portfolio. With patience, consistency, and a long-term mindset, $50 a month has the potential to become far more than it first appears.

The post Here’s how to invest $50 a month in ASX shares to aim for $10,000 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• The ASX blue chip shares I’d trust with my money
• 2 ASX growth stocks set to skyrocket in the next 12 months
• As reporting season looms, where will the market head next and what should you be buying?
• Where to invest $5,000 in ASX 200 shares to try and beat the market
• 3 ASX shares I would hold for the next 10 years

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Goodman Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Goodman Group and Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Goodman Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) share price closed 3.04% higher at $42.43 a piece on Thursday afternoon.

It means the shares are now 0.07% higher for the year-to-date and 8.07% higher than this time last year. 

ASX bank stocks are in the spotlight right now thanks to a shift in direction for interest rate projections, cost-of-living fears, mortgage competition and valuation concerns after strong rallies last year.

Late last year, Reserve Bank Governor Michelle Bullock said that she didn’t see a rate cut “on the horizon for the foreseeable future” and signalled that the board might consider an extended hold period or even a rate hike in 2026. 

The announcement followed news that inflation continues to persist above desired levels.

NAB currently predicts that the Reserve Bank will increase the cash rate by 25 basis points in February and again in May. It’s a u-turn from late last year when 2026 was widely expected to be a year of cash rate cuts.

The inflation figures also show that cost-of-living pressures continue to put stress on household finances and disposable income.

Meanwhile there are concerns that Aussie banks are now wildly overvalued following some incredibly strong price increases throughout 2025.

And NAB was caught up in all of these headwinds.

What’s ahead for NAB’s share price in 2026?

In 2026, NAB plans to continue focusing on expanding its business banking and lending division and simplify its core business. The major bank is also making a strategic push on its technology.

Analysts forecast moderate earnings and revenue growth for NAB over the next few years. But when it comes to the NAB share price, analysts are far less bullish. TradingView data shows that 6 out of 16 analysts have a sell or strong sell rating on NAB shares. Another 6 have a hold rating while 4 have a strong buy rating. Sentiment is incredibly mixed.

The average target price over the next 12 months is $38.91 a piece. This implies an 8.3% downside from levels at the time of writing. Although expectations do vary wildly. The minimum is $28.79, which implies a potential 32.15% drop. But the maximum is $47 per share, which suggests a potential 10.77% upside at the time of writing.

But not all is lost for the shares

Despite some not-so-positive expectations for the NAB share price this year, the stock is still a good buy for passive income.

Major banks, like NAB, are core income stocks on the ASX. The stock offers fully-franked dividends which appeal to investors looking for a reliable passive income. But, dividend payouts aren’t guaranteed.

In FY25, NAB paid an annual dividend per share of $1.70, which was 1 cent per share higher than in FY24. At the time of writing, that translates into a trailing grossed-up dividend yield of around 4%, including franking credits.

In FY26, some projections suggest the annual dividend will remain around the same level of $1.70 per NAB share. 

The post NAB share price climbed another 3% on Thursday. What’s next for the banking giant in 2026? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Is the NAB share price a buy today?
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• The perfect retirement stock with a 4.4% payout each month

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.

ASX 200 materials outperformed the other 10 market sectors significantly in 2025.

The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) rose by 31.71% and produced total returns, including dividends, of 36.21%.

This was mainly due to strongly rising commodity prices, which fuelled the growth of ASX 200 mining shares.

The best performing commodities last year included gold, silver, copper, lithium, palladium, platinum, and neodymium.

Rising commodity values and other tailwinds propelled the following three ASX 200 mining shares higher last year.

Brokers say they may go further, while others are less optimistic.

We review the latest ratings and price targets on these ASX shares.

South32 Ltd (ASX: S32)

ASX 200 diversified mining share South32 hit a near three-year high of $4.44 on Thursday.

The South32 share price has lifted 23.6% over 12 months to a closing value of $4.40 yesterday.

South32 produces nine commodities, including silver at its Cannington mine, aluminium, copper, lead, zinc, and manganese.

This week, Morgan Stanley reiterated its buy rating on South32 shares.

The broker raised its price target from $3.45 to $4.70.

RBC Capital also kept its buy rating and raised its target from $3.90 to $4.20.

UBS maintained a hold rating with a price target of $3.50.

The miner released its 1H FY26 report yesterday.

Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC)

The Lynas Rare Earths share price is 147% higher over the past year.

The ASX 200 rare earths mining share closed at $16.75 yesterday.

Morgan Stanley upgraded Lynas shares to a buy rating this week. The broker raised its price target from $19.45 to $17.55.

Macquarie reiterated its buy rating and upped its price target from $17 to $17.50.

UBS also kept its buy rating with a target of $17.70.

Ord Minnett is the black sheep though, reiterating a sell rating with a price target of just $11, up from $10.50.

Last week, the company announced that its CEO and managing director Amanda Lacaze will retire after 12 years in the job.

Lynas released its 2Q FY26 results on Wednesday.

Liontown Ltd (ASX: LTR)

The Liontown share price has ripped 207% over the past year to close at $2.18 on Thursday.

This ASX 200 lithium mining share has ripped alongside strongly rebounding lithium commodity prices.

The rebound is a welcome change for long-suffering ASX lithium shares investors.

Lithium prices crashed in 2023 and continued on a slow, painful decline before bottoming out in July last year.

The lithium carbonate price is now at a two-year high.

It’s up a staggering 65% over the past month, and 111% over 12 months.

Global supply has finally thinned out after many small players put their operations into care and maintenance.

Meanwhile, demand is ramping up as the green energy transition really gets going.

There is now improved demand for batteries, electric vehicles, and battery storage systems.

Canaccord Genuity has upgraded Liontown shares to a buy rating.

The broker raised its share price target from $1.55 to $2.40.

Bell Potter reiterated its buy rating and raised its target from $1.52 to $2.48.

However, some analysts are not optimistic.

Citi reiterated its sell rating on Liontown shares this week, raising its target from 50 cents to $1.70.

Macquarie also says this ASX 200 lithium mining share is a sell with a price target of just $1.

The post Lynas, South32, Liontown: Can these surging shares go higher? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• South32 shares hit a 12-month high after a solid first-half performance
• Why Cogstate, DroneShield, Premier Investments, and South32 shares are storming higher
• South32 grows output and returns cash: December 2025 quarterly earnings update

Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in South32. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Lynas Rare Earths Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

For investors chasing income, the Australian share market remains one of the best places to look.

With that in mind, here are five ASX dividend shares that could be worth considering if you want an income boost:

APA Group (ASX: APA)

APA is one of Australia’s leading energy infrastructure companies. It owns and operates gas pipelines and energy assets across the country. The company’s revenues are largely regulated or contracted, which provides strong visibility over future cash flows. This stability has allowed APA to steadily grow its distributions over time. In fact, APA has been able to increase its dividend each year for over a decade. APA is guiding to a dividend of 58 cents per share in FY 2026. This represents a dividend yield of approximately 6.4%.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

Another ASX dividend share that could be worth a look is BHP. It is of course one of the world’s largest diversified miners, generating enormous cash flow from its iron ore, copper, and metallurgical coal operations. While commodity prices can bounce around, BHP’s low-cost operations and strong balance sheet have enabled it to pay substantial dividends across cycles. Morgans expects a dividend of $2.15 per share in FY 2026. This would mean a dividend yield of 4.5%.

Dicker Data Ltd (ASX: DDR)

Dicker Data is an IT hardware and software distributor with a long track record of steady revenue growth, resilient margins, and rising dividends. As digital infrastructure spending grows across the corporate sector, Dicker Data is positioned to continue rewarding shareholders with fully franked dividends. It currently trades with a trailing dividend yield of 4.3%.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

As Australia’s largest telecommunications provider, Telstra generates steady cash flows from its mobile and network businesses. The good news is that strong demand for 5G and data services, together with periodic price increases and a focus on cost control, means Telstra is expecting to grow its dividend over the remainder of the decade. Macquarie expects an increase to 20 cents per share in FY 2026. This represents a fully franked 4.2% dividend yield.

Transurban Group (ASX: TCL)

Transurban is a leading owner and operator of toll roads across Australia and North America. These roads generate recurring revenue supported by long-term concessions and inflation-linked toll increases. The team at Citi expects this to underpin an increase in its dividend to 69.5 cents per share in FY 2026. This would mean a 5% dividend yield at current prices.

The post 5 ASX dividend shares to buy for an income boost appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 2 ASX blue-chip shares offering big dividend yields
• How I would invest $3,000 in ASX shares if I were starting today
• 3 ASX 200 shares this fund manager says are buys for 2026
• How I’d invest monthly savings to generate over $50,000 passive income
• What is Morgans saying about ARB and BHP shares?

Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro 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 Macquarie Group and Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Apa Group, Dicker Data, Macquarie Group, Telstra Group, and Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.