Yesterday, Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) released its half-year results, and I think there was plenty for investors to like.

This was not a spectacular result, but it was a solid one. The bank showed lending and deposit growth, strong capital, improving customer metrics, and ongoing progress with its simplification program.

Here are my three key takeaways.

Growth across the core bank looks healthy

Westpac reported statutory net profit of $3.4 billion, down 5% on the second half of FY25 but up 3% on the prior corresponding period.

That is a fairly steady earnings outcome, but I think the more interesting part is what is happening underneath.

Westpac grew lending and deposits by 7% over the year. Customer deposits increased to $745.2 billion, while loans rose to $890.3 billion.

The mortgage book also looks healthier. Australian mortgage growth, excluding RAMS, was 1.2 times system (industry growth) in the half, and the proportion of first-party lending improved.

I think that is encouraging because Westpac has been working to improve its proprietary mortgage channel. It does not just want growth for the sake of growth. It wants better-quality growth with stronger customer relationships.

Business lending was another bright spot, with Australian business lending up 16% over the year. Growth was supported by areas such as agriculture, health, professional services, and institutional lending.

The balance sheet remains a strength

The second takeaway is that Westpac’s financial position still looks strong.

Its CET1 capital ratio was 12.4%, comfortably above its target of 11.25% in normal operating conditions. The bank said this equated to $2.7 billion of capital above target after payment of the first-half dividend.

That gives management flexibility at a time when the economic backdrop is less predictable.

Westpac also declared an interim dividend of 77 cents per share, fully franked. That was supported by its solid financial performance and capital position.

For income investors, I think that is a pleasing outcome.

Credit quality also looked relatively resilient. Stressed exposures as a percentage of total committed exposure fell to 1.16%, down 12 basis points on September 2025 and down 20 basis points on March 2025.

At the same time, Westpac has increased provisions to reflect the revised economic outlook and potential pressure on energy-intensive sectors. In my view, that looks prudent rather than concerning.

Execution is becoming a bigger part of the story

The third key takeaway for me is that Westpac is making progress in its quest to become a simpler, more efficient bank.

The UNITE program is now in the implementation phase. During the half, Westpac completed its first large-scale migration, creating a single wealth platform for advisers on BT Panorama. It is also progressing work on One Commercial Bank.

I think this is important because Westpac has not always been viewed as the cleanest or most efficient of the major banks.

If UNITE can simplify systems, reduce duplication, and improve the customer experience, it could help close some of that gap over time.

There were also encouraging customer and digital signs, with Westpac saying its app was ranked number one for the third year in a row.

Foolish takeaway

Overall, I think Westpac delivered a solid half-year result.

The bank is growing in its core markets, maintaining a strong balance sheet, supporting a fully franked dividend, and making progress on simplification.

The investment question is a little more nuanced after a strong run in the share price. Westpac is clearly a quality bank, but I would be mindful of its valuation before getting too enthusiastic.

For existing shareholders, though, I think this result gives plenty of reasons to stay positive.

The post 3 key takeaways from Westpac’s half-year results appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Westpac share price rises on $3.5bn first-half profit

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 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.

Yesterday afternoon, Computershare Ltd (ASX: CPU) reaffirmed its FY26 earnings guidance, expecting Management EPS to come in around 144 cents per share, up roughly 6% from last year. Margin income guidance was upgraded to around $740 million on stronger client balances.

What did Computershare report?

• FY26 Management Earnings Per Share (EPS) guidance affirmed at 144 cents, up approximately 6% on PCP
• Margin income upgraded to about $740 million for FY26
• Issuer Services register maintenance performed consistently, with a growing corporate actions pipeline
• Employee Share Plans fee revenue and trading activity increased, particularly among energy sector clients
• Corporate Trust fee revenues and issuance volumes higher than prior year period
• Client average balances forecast $0.5 billion higher than previously expected

What else do investors need to know?

Computershare says its global operations continue to benefit from structural tailwinds, a high level of recurring revenue, and growing operating leverage. The company highlighted an uplift in margin income as a result of rising client balances, especially from corporate actions.

Approval as a Ginnie Mae document custodian in March 2026 was flagged as a positive step, supporting future growth in the Corporate Trust segment. The business also cited its readiness to adapt to new equity market structures, including possible tokenization developments.

What’s next for Computershare?

Looking ahead to FY27, Computershare expects to continue leveraging structural growth and high recurring revenue streams. Management believes the company is well placed to deliver ongoing growth and strong shareholder returns as it takes advantage of developments like tokenization and sector expansion.

The business plans to build on robust performances across Issuer Services, Employee Share Plans, and Corporate Trust, focusing on innovation and operational efficiency to maintain competitiveness in changing markets.

Computershare share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Computershare shares have declined 20%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 6% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Computershare affirms FY26 earnings guidance and upgrades outlook appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• This ASX 200 stock just jumped 13% in a week. Here’s why
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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.

Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) could be staging a comeback.

Yesterday, the ASX 200 travel stock rose around 3% after releasing its third quarter update.

This was welcome news for Flight Centre investors. Last Friday, the company slumped to a six-year low of $10.15.

For the year to date, Flight Centre shares have declined more than 30%.

What did Flight Centre report yesterday?

The company reported a strong third-quarter update, despite ongoing travel disruptions and fuel supply challenges. 

Flight Centre revealed that its underlying profit before tax (UPBT) has risen 9.7% to $226.4 million and total transaction value (TTV) is up 7.6% to $19.5 billion for the nine months to 31 March.

The company said it continues to focus on efficiency, with costs now well below pre-pandemic levels and productivity up across the business. 

It also confirmed that its global corporate operations have remained resilient, recording solid transaction and profit growth, while the leisure division achieved nine consecutive months of double-digit TTV growth across all categories. Its corporate segment TTV rose 4% and leisure segment TTV climbed 12% over the quarter.

Flight Centre has reiterated its full-year UPBT target of $315 million to $350 million but said it is closely monitoring the impact of global events, especially unrest in the Middle East, on near-term trading. 

Are Flight Centre shares a buy, sell or hold?

Weak travel demand and geopolitical tensions have put pressure on the travel company’s stock. Meanwhile, inflation concerns and tighter cost-of-living have also seen many consumers scale back their discretionary spending on things like travel.

But when travel disruptions and fuel supply concerns ease, travel stocks like Flight Centre could rebound quickly.

After yesterday’s news and market reaction, prospective Flight Centre investors may be wondering whether the stock has bottomed out.

Analysts are incredibly bullish on the outlook for Flight Centre shares, with consensus of a steep upside ahead over the next 12 months.

According to TradingView data, 15 out of 17 analysts have a buy or strong buy rating on the travel stock. Another two rate the shares as a hold.

The average target price of $16.60 implies a potential 60% upside at the time of writing. But some think the travel shares could soar even higher, by 90% to $19.66 in the next 12 months.

This suggests that those looking to add an ASX travel stock to their portfolio should seriously consider Flight Centre at the current share price.

The post Are Flight Centre shares a buy after rebounding from a 6-year low? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Why Flight Centre, Sigma Healthcare, Vault Minerals, and WiseTech shares are storming higher today
• Why are Flight Centre shares jumping higher in Tuesday’s sinking market?
• Flight Centre Travel Group posts profit and TTV growth despite challenges
• These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares

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

ASX 200 gold stock Capricorn Metals Ltd (ASX: CMM) flew higher on Tuesday. At the close of the ASX at 4pm, the gold stock was up 9.33% to $13.01 a piece making it the best performer on the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) for the day.

At one point, just before market close, the shares climbed as high as $13.25 each.

The uptick means the shares have now rebounded 38% from a dip in late-March. For the year-to-date Capricorn Metals’ shares are still down 10%, but they’re 40% higher than this time last year.

For context, the ASX 200 Index closed the day in the red, down 0.2% and is around 6% higher than 12 months ago.

Why did Capricorn Metals shares fly higher on Tuesday?

There wasn’t any price sensitive news out of the gold miner today to explain the latest price surge, so the increase is likely due to a combination of positive factors causing a rally in investor interest.

The price of gold tumbled on Monday, before rebounding slightly yesterday. As a gold producer, any movement in the gold price is positive for Capricorn Metals’ shares. Although it’s important to note that the share price of other major large-cap gold producers such as Northern Star Resources (ASX: NST) and Evolution Mining (ASX: EVN), slipped into the red on Tuesday. 

Another potential catalyst could be that positive sentiment has flowed on from the company’s March-quarter result last week.

Capricorn Metals posted a strong gold production, a record quarterly cash flow, and a maiden 5 cent per share fully-franked dividend payment to shareholders.

The company also said it is on track to meet the upper end of its FY26 production guidance of 115,000 to 125,000 ounces at an All-in-sustaining cost (AISC) of $1,530 to $1,630 per ounce. 

Year-to-date gold production totals 93,152 ounces at an AISC of $1,623 per ounce.

Capricorn is also making steady progress on its next phase of growth. Development of the Karlawinda Expansion Project (KEP) is advancing well, and work continues at its Mt Gibson Gold Project (MGGP). 

Are the shares a buy, sell or hold?

Following the gold miner’s latest update, many analysts have revised their outlook on Capricorn Metals’ shares.

Market Index data shows a consensus strong buy rating with a 41% potential upside to $18.46, at the time of writing.

TradingView data shows very similar data, again with a consensus buy rating. Some expect the gold miner’s shares to climb 40% to $18.22 but others are more bullish and think the share price could jump another 85% to $24 each.

Whatever the upside over the next 12 months, it looks like Capricorn Metals’ shares are at the beginning of a rally.

The post This ASX 200 gold stock rose 10% yesterday: Is it a buy, hold or sell? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• Buy, hold, sell: Capricorn Metals, PLS Group, Fortescue shares
• Why Boss Energy, Coles, Evolution Mining, and Mineral Resources shares are charging higher today

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.

A 10-year holding period changes the way investors should think about growth shares.

The focus shifts away from short-term price movements and toward businesses that can keep expanding earnings through different market conditions.

That usually means looking for companies with strong competitive positions, scalable models, and long runways for growth.

With that in mind, here are three high-quality ASX growth shares that could be worth buying and holding for the next decade.

CAR Group Ltd (ASX: CAR)

The first ASX growth share to consider buying is CAR Group.

It owns digital vehicle marketplaces in Australia and several international markets. Its flagship platform, carsales, is one of the strongest online classified businesses in the country.

The appeal of CAR Group is its marketplace structure. Buyers want to use the platform with the most listings, while dealers and private sellers want to advertise where the buyers are. This creates a network effect that is difficult for competitors to break.

The company has also expanded beyond Australia, giving it access to larger offshore markets. That international exposure provides another path for earnings growth over time.

With strong platform economics and a long history of execution, CAR Group remains well placed to keep compounding over the next decade.

ResMed Inc (ASX: RMD)

ResMed is another high-quality ASX growth share that could reward patient investors.

It is a global leader in sleep apnoea treatment and respiratory care. Its devices, masks, and connected software help patients manage breathing-related conditions at home.

The long-term opportunity is supported by a large underdiagnosed market. Millions of people globally suffer from sleep apnoea, but the majority remain untreated. As awareness improves and healthcare systems focus more on home-based care, demand for ResMed’s products should continue to grow.

The company also benefits from scale, brand trust, and an expanding digital ecosystem. Connected devices and software give ResMed a stronger relationship with patients, providers, and healthcare systems.

With strong long-term healthcare demand and a leadership position in its market, ResMed has the qualities needed to keep growing well into the future.

TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE)

TechnologyOne is a third ASX growth share to look at this month.

It offers a different type of long-term growth opportunity. The company provides enterprise software to government departments, councils, universities, and large organisations. These customers rely on its products for critical operations, which supports high retention and recurring revenue.

TechnologyOne’s shift to software-as-a-service has strengthened the business. It has improved revenue visibility, supported margins, and given the company a more scalable platform for growth.

Its expansion opportunity is also not limited to Australia. The company has been building its presence in the United Kingdom, which could become a more meaningful contributor over time if execution remains strong.

With mission-critical software, recurring revenue, and a disciplined growth strategy, TechnologyOne could be a share to own for the next 10 years.

The post 3 high-quality ASX growth shares for smart investors to buy and hold for 10 years appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: Coles, Liontown, and ResMed shares
• 4 ASX healthcare shares to buy as sector struggles: experts
• 1 ASX blue chip stock I’d consider buying with the ASX 200 around 8,700
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• 3 ASX blue chip shares to buy with $10,000

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

A $2,000 investment can still go a long way with ASX exchange traded funds (ETFs).

The key is choosing funds that provide meaningful exposure in a single trade. That could mean backing a sector that has been sold down, tapping into a long-term global trend, or using one diversified ETF to cover a broad mix of markets.

Here are three ASX ETFs that could be worth looking at.

BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF (ASX: ATEC)

The first ASX ETF that could be worth considering is the BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF.

It gives investors exposure to Australian technology companies, which is a part of the market that has been under pressure as growth shares have sold off. That weakness may be frustrating for existing holders, but it can create a different starting point for new money.

Its holdings include NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT), WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC), and Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO).

The BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF offers a way to back a recovery in local tech while still gaining exposure to businesses tied to structural growth.

It was recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.

VanEck Video Gaming and Esports ETF (ASX: ESPO)

Another ASX ETF worth a closer look is the VanEck Video Gaming and Esports ETF.

Gaming has moved far beyond consoles in the lounge room. It now includes mobile games, online platforms, digital content, esports, and the hardware that supports richer gaming experiences.

This fund provides exposure to global companies operating across this ecosystem. Its holdings include Nintendo, Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: EA), and Tencent Holdings (SEHK: 700).

For investors looking beyond the usual technology names, the VanEck Video Gaming and Esports ETF provides access to a global entertainment industry that continues to evolve.

This fund was recommended by VanEck recently.

Vanguard Diversified High Growth Index ETF (ASX: VDHG)

A third ASX ETF to consider is the Vanguard Diversified High Growth Index ETF.

It is built for investors who want broad exposure without having to choose between individual regions or asset classes.

The fund invests across Australian shares, international shares, emerging markets, and a smaller allocation to defensive assets. This gives it a very different role from a narrow thematic ETF.

That structure means the fund is less about backing one theme and more about owning a diversified mix of growth assets through a single ASX trade.

For investors who want simplicity, the Vanguard Diversified High Growth Index ETF can provide a ready-made way to put $2,000 to work across local and global markets.

Vanguard recently recommended this fund to investors.

The post Where to invest $2,000 in ASX ETFs appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Nextdc, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Nintendo, Tencent, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Electronic Arts. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global and Xero. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) suffered a rather bleak trading day this Tuesday, not assisted by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA)’s widely anticipated decision to once again hike interest rates by 0.25% (the third hike of 2026 so far).

After trading in the red all session today, the ASX 200 recovered a little towards the end of the day to finish down 0.19%.

That leaves the index at 8,680.5 points.

This miserable Tuesday for the Australian markets comes after a rough start to the American trading week last night.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was in a foul mood, dropping 1.13%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) did noticeably better, but still fell 0.19%.

Let’s get back to the local markets now and take stock of how the different ASX sectors navigated today’s tough trading conditions.

Winners and losers

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• ASX 200 slides on third consecutive RBA interest rate hike
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• WiseTech shares are flying 6.5% higher today. Can they keep going?
• Why Flight Centre, Sigma Healthcare, Vault Minerals, and WiseTech shares are storming higher today

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen 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 Pinnacle Investment Management Group, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Pinnacle Investment Management Group, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Flight Centre Travel Group. 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 closed in the red after fresh US-Iran missile attacks and a third interest rate rise in Australia.

The US and Iran launched missile strikes against each other in the Strait of Hormuz overnight as the US tried to restore shipping.

Meanwhile, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) raised interest rates for a third consecutive time to 4.35% today due to rising inflation.

In a statement, the RBA said:

Inflation picked up materially in the second half of 2025, and information since the beginning of this year confirms that some of this increase reflected greater capacity pressures.

In addition, the conflict in the Middle East has resulted in sharply higher fuel and related commodity prices, which are already adding to inflation.

There are early signs that many firms experiencing cost pressures are looking to increase prices of their goods and services.

The Brent crude oil price hit a four-year high earlier today as the market becomes increasingly pessimistic that the war will end soon.

Economists are warning that oil shocks have a long-tail economic impact, and the RBA appears acutely aware of the upside risk to CPI.

Today, four of the 11 market sectors finished in the red, with energy in the lead, up 0.92%, while financials lagged, down 0.56%.

Scores of ASX 200 shares hit fresh 52-week lows today.

They included former market darling CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) and retail stalwart Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) shares.

Let’s take a look.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

The CSL share price hit a 9-year low of $122.48 today.

The ASX 200 healthcare giant has lost half its value over the past 12 months.

Company issues have compounded the impact of a broader ASX 200 healthcare sector rout due to many global headwinds.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

The Wesfarmers share price reached a 52-week low of $71.31 today.

The market’s largest ASX 200 consumer discretionary share is down 9% over 12 months.

Consumer sentiment is crumbling in Australia today.

Last month, the consumer sentiment index recorded its biggest fall since the beginning of the pandemic five years ago.

Amcor Ltd (ASX: AMC)

The Amcor share price hit a 12-year low of $51.42 today, and is down 28% over 12 months.

Endeavour Group Ltd (ASX: EDV)

The Endeavour share price fell to a record low of $3.13 today, and is down 22% over 12 months.

Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN)

The Harvey Norman share price hit a 52-week low of $4.39 today.

Stock in the ASX 200 furniture retailer has tumbled 15% over 12 months.

Ansell Ltd (ASX: ANN)

The Ansell share price dropped to a 2-year low of $25.35 today, and is down 18% over 12 months.

Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL)

The Super Retail share price hit a 3-year low of $11.47 on Tuesday, and is down 12% over 12 months.

Austal Ltd (ASX: ASB)

Austal shares fell to a 52-week low of $4.01 today.

The ASX 200 industrial share has fallen 21% over 12 months.

ARB Corporation Ltd (ASX: ARB)

The ARB Corporation share price hit a 52-week low of $17.89 today, and is down 43% over 12 months.

Nick Scali Ltd (ASX: NCK)

The Nick Scali share price hit a 52-week low of $14.03, and has cooled 18% over 12 months.

Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW)

The Temple & Webster share price hit a 2-and-a-half-year low of $5.29 today.

This ASX 200 retail share has lost 69% of its market capitalisation in 12 months.

Inghams Group Ltd (ASX: ING)

The Inghams share price descended to a 52-week low of $1.71 today.

The ASX 200 consumer staples share has fallen 51% over 12 months.

Centuria Office REIT (ASX: COF)

Centuria shares dipped to a 52-week low of 92 cents today.

The ASX 200 real estate investment trust (REIT) has decreased 26% over 12 months.

Accent Group Ltd (ASX: AX1)

Accent shares hit a 13-year low of 51 cents, and are down 72% over 12 months.

Adairs Ltd (ASX: ADH)

The Adairs share price hit a 52-week low of $1.25, and is down 51% over 12 months.

The post CSL and Wesfarmers among scores of ASX shares hitting fresh 52-week lows appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• 2 ASX shares tipped to grow 50% or more in the next 12 months

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 ARB Corporation, Adairs, CSL, Super Retail Group, Temple & Webster Group, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Adairs, Amcor Plc, Harvey Norman, and Super Retail Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended ARB Corporation, Accent Group, Ansell, CSL, Nick Scali, Temple & Webster Group, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

If you are hunting for some new portfolio additions, then it could pay to hear what Morgans is saying about the three ASX shares in this article.

Does the broker rate them as buys, holds, or sells? Let’s dig deeper into things:

Aeris Resources Ltd (ASX: AIS)

Morgans is feeling positive about this copper miner and has named it as a buy this week with a 70 cents price target.

Although its production was softer than expected during the third quarter, the broker was pleased with its cost performance and cash flow generation. It said:

Copper production missed on lower Tritton grades but this was offset by a solid cost performance and strong cash flow (+72% qoq), materially strengthening the balance sheet and funding flexibility. Tritton is set up for a stronger 4Q26, while Constellation, Golden Plateau and the Peel acquisition underpin a longer-term production and mine life extension story. Maintain BUY rating with an unchanged A$0.70ps Target Price.

ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ)

This banking giant delivered a decent half-year result according to Morgans. However, it isn’t enough for a positive rating. Instead, the broker has upgraded ANZ’s shares to a trim rating (between sell and hold) with an improved price target of $31.85. It said:

1H26 revenues were flat on an underlying basis, but cost decline and credit impairment charges were better than expected. Target price increased 4% to $31.85/sh, given 3-6% earnings upgrades and decision to recommence neutralising the DRP. Upgraded from SELL to TRIM, given potential TSR at current prices of c.-6%.

Bega Cheese Ltd (ASX: BGA)

Morgans was pleased to see this diversified food company retain its guidance for FY 2026 despite cost pressures from the Middle East conflict.

In addition, it highlights that management has lifted its medium-term earnings target and provided a five-year plan.

As a result, it has retained its accumulate rating with a $6.50 price target. The broker said:

We attended BGA’s Investor Day. Despite the cost pressures associated with the conflict in the Middle East, BGA reiterated its FY26 EBITDA guidance. It also upgraded its FY28 EBITDA target and provided an FY31 EBITDA target for its next 5-year strategy. BGA’s targets underpin solid earnings growth profile across the forecast period, whilst maintaining a strong balance sheet.

Our FY26 forecasts remain unchanged, while in FY27 and FY28, we have reduced NPAT for higher D&A associated with BGA’s capital growth projects. We maintain an Accumulate rating with a new price target of A$6.50. BGA remains well placed given its portfolio of iconic household brands, its focus on developing higher margin products with functional health benefits, its expansion into growth channels both domestically and overseas and network optimisation plans.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Aeris, ANZ, and Bega Cheese shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 4 ASX copper shares to buy now: experts
• Here’s the dividend forecast out to 2027 for ANZ shares
• NextDC shares pull back after a funding update. Here’s what you need to know
• What happened with ASX 200 banks stocks NAB and CBA in April?
• 3 ASX dividend stocks with 4% yields to buy for a winning income portfolio

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 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.

A strong trading update would normally be enough to get investors interested, but that is not how the market is treating Universal Store Holdings Ltd (ASX: UNI) today.

The youth fashion retailer released its FY26 trading update before market open on Tuesday, and the numbers were mostly positive.

Despite this, the share price has gone backwards. At the time of writing, Universal shares are down 3.10% to $7.035.

That leaves the stock down about 12% in 2026, despite the company reporting higher sales and an FY26 earnings guidance above last year’s result.

Here’s what investors are looking at today.

Retail sales keep moving higher

Universal reported group retail sales growth of 14% for the first 43 weeks of FY26.

Its core Universal brand lifted total sales by 11.8%, with like-for-like sales up 8.5%.

Perfect Stranger was the strongest performer, with total sales jumping 39.8% and like-for-like sales rising 12.9%. CTC retail sales also grew 14.5%, although like-for-like sales were more modest at 3.8%.

The second-half update also looked solid. Universal said its core brand achieved 8.1% like-for-like sales growth in the first 17 weeks of the second half, while Perfect Stranger delivered 10% growth.

Management also pointed to positive in-store momentum. Online sales have been softer, but the company linked that to reduced discounting and fewer promotional activities.

What management expects for FY26

The company also outlined its expectations for FY26.

Universal expects group sales of $368 million to $375 million, compared with $333.3 million in FY25. Underlying EBITA is expected to land between $61.5 million and $64.5 million, up from $54.6 million last year.

At the mid-point, that implies sales growth of 11.5% and underlying EBITA growth of 15.4%.

The update showed the business is still growing, and management said it has not seen a material shift in sales trends across the group.

But, CTC weighs on the update

The weaker point in the announcement was CTC wholesale.

Universal said deterioration in the CTC wholesale channel continued in the second half, with the closure of key third-party customer stores and reduced intercompany sales weighing on the division.

Management now sees the wholesale channel as structural and unlikely to improve soon. The channel represents less than 5% of group sales, excluding intercompany eliminations.

That said, the company will recognise a $24 million non-cash impairment against CTC intangible assets. This will be excluded from underlying earnings, but it still takes some shine off the update.

Foolish Takeaway

I can see why the market is not giving this a clean pass today.

The retail numbers look good, Perfect Stranger is still growing quickly, and guidance has moved higher. But the CTC impairment gives investors a reason to hit the sell button, especially with the share price already down this year.

From my side, I would want to see whether management can get CTC back on track.

The post Why this ASX retail stock is falling after a solid trading update appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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