Tag: Stock pick

Lithium shares have had another turbulent year to date, with the analyst team at Morgans noting that ASX lithium company share prices ran up as prices peaked in May, and have subsequently fallen back.

ASX lithium shares in focus

Three major broking houses in Morgans, UBS, and Macquarie have issued research notes on the lithium sector this week, with UBS saying they expect Australian lithium companies to generate strong cash flow over the June quarter, “as stronger realised lithium prices drive robust margins”.

They added:

With lithium prices recovering sharply since mid-CY25, producers have moved quickly to revisit and accelerate growth initiatives, although we believe the market is underestimating the capital required to deliver the next expansion phase. Concerns build around rising battery inventories, weak China NEV sales, an accelerating / uncertain supply response, though we continue to believe the market fundamentals remain strong and remain overweight lithium.

Macquarie notes that there remains limited visibility of the expansion of the major Chinese producer Jianxiawo and, therefore, its effect on the market.

Macquarie said they see significant uncertainty around the supply and demand outlook for CY27.

They added:

While future supply additions are highly visible, we believe the market may be underestimating project delays, commissioning risks and ramp-up challenges.

Which ASX lithium shares do the experts like?

Macquarie’s top pick in the sector is IGO Ltd (ASX: IGO), with a price target of $10.50.

Other companies it had assigned an outperform rating to include PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS), PMET Ltd (ASX: PMT), Elevra Lithium Ltd (ASX: ELV), Liontown Resources Ltd (ASX: LTR), Wildcat Resources Ltd (ASX: WC8), and Global Lithium Ltd (ASX: GL1).

In contrast, Morgans has a hold recommendation on PLS shares, preferring Liontown Resources, which it has an accumulate rating on and a price target of $1.70 on, compared to $1.36 currently.

Morgans also has an accumulate rating on Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN), with a $68 price target compared to $56.65 currently.

UBS also has a neutral rating on PLS shares, and buys on IGO, Liontown, PMET, and Elevra.

Morgans noted that the recent pullback in lithium prices was likely a short-term correction.

They added:

We see this recent sell-off as the market pricing in a step-change in near-term supply, not an expectation that the commodity is going to experience a severe sell off and enter another downcycle. Rather, we think investors have concluded that the probability of another leg is now considerably lower, given the CATL and Zimbabwe supply catalysts, plus incremental Australian supply coming back online. In our view, the equity rally through 1Q/2Q26 pushed several names ahead of what we’d consider fair value on a through-cycle price deck, and this correction is best read as a re-rating back toward more appropriate valuations, not a loss of confidence in sector fundamentals.   

The post What are the top picks in the ASX lithium sector right now? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• PLS shares are down 28%. Are they a buy, hold, or sell?
• Buy, hold, sell: Regis Resources, Mineral Resources, Woolworths shares
• Lithium prices are cooling. Here’s what that means for these ASX lithium shares

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 positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia 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.

Shares in Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) are trading higher after a research report from Macquarie teased the idea of the oil and gas major being a takeover target.

US major rumoured to be on the hunt

The research report issued on Friday morning argued that the Strait of Hormuz crisis has de-rated Qatari liquefied natural gas (LNG) assets for now, and arguably permanently.

Macquarie said this could mean there is more pressure for mergers and acquisitions in the LNG space, “making Woodside a viable target”.

The broker is arguing that consolidation in the energy sector will continue, and notes that Exxon Mobil Corp (NYSE: XOM) missed out on buying assets in Guyana 12 months ago.

Quoting Bloomberg as a source, Macquarie writes that ExxonMobil is “screening LNG acquisitions including Woodside”.

They added:

With US shale consolidations done and opportunities maturing, international deals make sense again, particularly in the LNG segment (post Strait of Hormuz).

Woodside is an attractive candidate, they said, with its M&A strategy over the past five years building a company that aligned strategically with what ExxonMobil would be after.

Macquarie said ExxonMobil would have to bring an attractive offer to the table, adding, “In our view, a meaningful premium that would be much harder to deliver as a standalone entity could increase the likelihood of board engagement”.

Hurdles to the deal could be board reluctance and the company’s large retail shareholder base, Macquarie said.

Woodside Energy shares looking like a good buy

The broker has raised its price target on Woodside shares by 9% to $32.80 per share, and if a 20% weighting for M&A activity was included, this would rise to $38.50.

Woodside shares are currently changing hands for $30.29, up 2.7% on the day. The company is valued at $56.06 billion.

RBC Capital Markets is also a fan of the stock, saying in a research note earlier this week that Woodside was its top large-cap pick in the energy sector, “based on its strong longer-term growth profile, and potential to generate more near-term higher priced gas hub sales and LNG trading volumes due to the Middle East conflict”.

They added:

Woodside’s 2Q sales revenue is expected to be supported by higher crude and … commodity pricing, despite production volumes being affected by the Pluto LNG project scheduled turnaround. We expect the volatile pricing environment to create opportunity for relatively high gas hub sales and LNG trading volumes quarter on quarter. Woodside’s production growth outlook remains highly attractive, with Scarborough (Pluto LNG T-2) on stream by the end of 2026, followed by Trion oil in 2028 and Louisiana LNG in 2029.

RBC has a price target of $34.50 on Woodside shares.

The post Could Woodside Energy be a takeover target? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• Which ASX oil companies does RBC Capital Markets like amidst more Middle East conflict?
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
• How much do I need in superannuation to receive $6000 per month in passive income?
• With Hormuz closed, is there an opening to buy Woodside shares?

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 positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia 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.

When it comes to Australian financial services companies, at the moment it can pay to look beyond the big four banks when looking for outsized returns.

The brokers at Macquarie have this week issued reports into three ASX finance companies which they believe will perform well over the next 12 months.

Let’s see who they like.

Australian Finance Group Ltd (ASX: AFG)

Shares in this company have fallen 22.4% over the past 12 months, but the team at Macquarie think they will tick upwards over the next year.

AFG recently said in a statement to the ASX that AFG mortgage brokers had lodged $28.1 billion worth of home loans in the fourth quarter, which was the strongest June quarter on record.

AFG Chief Executive Officer David Bailey said regarding the result:

Following the strongest March quarter on record, some easing in June was expected, especially after the Federal Budget announcements on 12 May and during a tightening rate cycle. Despite divergence across states and shifting borrower sentiment mid-quarter, we delivered positive year-on-year growth and a record-high average loan size. We believe the fiscal policy changes announced during the quarter will represent a period of readjustment rather than a structural shift in underlying demand.

Macquarie said they were forecasting some headwinds for AFG as the impact of tax policy changes in the Federal Budget rolled through, and reduced their price target on the company from $3.01 to $2.26.

This remains well above the current price of $1.64.

Navigator Global Investments Ltd (ASX: NGI)

Macquarie has reinitiated coverage of this stock with an outperform rating after the company released a quarterly update earlier this week.

In that report, the company said assets under management were up 6% to US$33.6 billion, while assets under management in its Lighthouse Partners division were up 8% to more than US$20 billion.

The company said:

Ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, interest rate volatility and changing market conditions continue to create both opportunities and challenges for alternative investment strategies. Most of Lighthouse Partners’ strategies performed strongly during the quarter and several of NGI Strategic’s Partner Firms delivered strong performance on an absolute and relative basis during the quarter.

Macquarie said the company had a strong platform entering FY27, and the broker has a price target on the company of $3.28 compared to the current price of $2.44.

Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL)

Macquarie said Netwealth’s fund inflows of $3.09 billion were slightly below consensus, while total funds under administration of $134.3 billion were in line with expectations.

The broker has maintained an outperform rating on the stock due to “robust” earnings per share growth.

Macquarie’s share price target for Netwealth is $32.25 compared to $23.79 currently.

The post Macquarie tips three ASX finance companies to return better than 30% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Netwealth delivers record FUA in June 2026 quarter

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 positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group and Netwealth Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Netwealth Group. The Motley Fool Australia 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.

The Alcoa Corporation Ltd (ASX: AAI) share price is in focus today after the company posted record quarterly revenue of US$4.0 billion and reported a sequential jump of 51% in adjusted EBITDA to US$901 million for the second quarter of 2026.

What did Alcoa report?

• Revenue rose 24% quarter-on-quarter to a record US$4.0 billion
• Net income attributable to Alcoa was US$407 million (US$1.53 per share)
• Adjusted net income grew 51% to US$562 million (US$2.12 per share)
• Adjusted EBITDA (excluding special items) increased to US$901 million
• Free cash flow reached US$422 million, finishing the quarter with US$1.4 billion in cash
• Set new year-to-date production records at four aluminium smelters and one alumina refinery

What else do investors need to know?

Alcoa announced a definitive agreement to acquire South32 Ltd’s (ASX: S32) interests in bauxite, alumina, and aluminium assets across Australia, Brazil, and South Africa for upfront consideration of approximately US$4.1 billion. This move is expected to bolster Alcoa’s position as a leading pure-play upstream aluminium company and deliver long-term value through operational synergies.

The company also celebrated the successful restart of its smelters in Spain, Brazil, Norway, and Australia, contributing to higher aluminium production and shipments this quarter. Alcoa completed collective bargaining agreements with unions in Australia, the United States, and Canada, ensuring stability for its workforce.

What did Alcoa management say?

President and CEO William F. Oplinger said:

During the second quarter, in addition to delivering strong financial results that captured favourable aluminium prices, our team executed on strategic initiatives, most notably the announced agreement with South32. We continue to demonstrate operational excellence and positive momentum in our disciplined approach to maximise value creation.

What’s next for Alcoa?

Looking ahead, Alcoa has lowered its 2026 alumina production and shipment guidance due to disruptions at the Pinjarra refinery following Cyclone Narelle. Nevertheless, aluminium production and shipment targets remain unchanged, and the company expects to benefit from cost efficiencies, gradual recovery in energy markets, and the integration of the newly acquired AliGroup assets.

Management anticipates a steady operational outlook for the third quarter, with forecast improvements from restored stability and lower energy prices offsetting planned maintenance activities. Alcoa remains focused on executing its growth strategy and leveraging its upgraded global portfolio for long-term shareholder returns.

Alcoa share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Acola shares have risen 49%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has risen 2% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Alcoa smashes Q2 revenue record, boosts portfolio with South32 acquisition appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Perseus Mining: Yaouré growth drilling pays off
• Regis Resources upgrades FY27 production guidance and cost outlook
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• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

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.

The Perseus Mining Ltd (ASX: PRU) share price is in focus after the company unveiled a growth-oriented update on its Yaouré Gold Mine, with highlights including strong open pit grade reconcilations and encouraging underground results.

What did Perseus Mining report?

• CMA underground successfully transitioned into production, ramping up towards steady-state operations
• The Yaouré open pit delivered over 24% more gold than modelled from September 2025 to March 2026
• Extension drilling at CMA underground and other areas identified potential to grow Mineral Resources
• Perseus committed $34 million in FY27 for resource drilling to expand the Mineral Resource base
• The five-year outlook for Yaouré is being reviewed as drilling continues to define new targets

What else do investors need to know?

Perseus reports that since the initial 1.52 million-ounce Ore Reserve in 2020, the Yaouré Gold Mine has replaced 76% of mined ounces, maintaining a 1.44 million-ounce reserve while extending mine life from 9 to 15 years.

Production ramp-up at the CMA underground mine included development milestones and initial stoping, with ore recovery outperforming expectations. Exploration drilling also highlighted new prospects at adjacent deposits like CMA Southwest and ROZA, expanding the scope for future production and mine life extension.

An updated Ore Reserve statement, incorporating recent drilling, is expected in August 2026. This will help clarify the impact of positive grade reconciliation trends and newly defined resources.

What did Perseus Mining management say?

Managing Director & CEO Craig Jones said:

Yaouré continues to demonstrate why it is a cornerstone asset in our portfolio. The successful transition of CMA Underground into stoping operations reflects the strength of our in-house team and their ability to execute complex underground developments safely and to schedule. Equally pleasing is the performance of the Yaouré open pit, which has now delivered more than 20% additional gold relative to our Reserve model year to date, while our drilling continues to define new mineralisation domains both at depth and along strike. Extension drilling at CMA Underground has produced encouraging results pointing to mineralisation beyond the currently defined Mineral Resource, and our exploration success beyond the boundary fence reinforces our confidence that Yaouré’s mine life can be extended well beyond current estimates. Our optimistic outlook provides confidence to invest in $34M exploration and in-fill drilling studies at Yaouré in FY27 and underscores our disciplined approach to organic growth — investing in the drill bit to convert Inferred Resources and extend the life of an asset we know intimately. This is precisely the model that has consistently created value for our shareholders, and we look forward to updating the market as these programs progress.

What’s next for Perseus Mining?

Perseus Mining is targeting further resource conversion and near-mine exploration at Yaouré, with a focus on potentially extending the mine’s operating life and increasing gold output. The $34 million investment in FY27 will fund around 123km of drilling and related studies on site.

Management’s strategy remains focused on low-risk organic growth, leveraging in-house technical teams to extract more value from existing assets. Additional drilling and resource model updates are planned for the coming year, underpinning the company’s positive production outlook and reinforcing Yaouré as a key contributor to the group’s performance.

Perseus Mining share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Perseus shares have risen 31%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has risen 2% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Perseus Mining: Yaouré growth drilling pays off appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Alcoa smashes Q2 revenue record, boosts portfolio with South32 acquisition
• Regis Resources upgrades FY27 production guidance and cost outlook
• Coles ends talks for Greencross acquisition
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

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.

The Regis Resources Ltd (ASX: RRL) share price is in focus after the company lifted its FY27 production guidance, aiming for 360,000–400,000 ounces of gold at a group all-in sustaining cost of $2,990–$3,390 per ounce.

What did Regis Resources report?

• FY27 group gold production guidance: 360,000–400,000 ounces
• Group all-in sustaining cost (AISC): $2,990–$3,390 per ounce, including ~$88/oz of non-cash stockpile movements
• Growth capital expenditure forecast: $250–$270 million
• Exploration spend guidance: $80–$90 million
• McPhillamys Project spending: $30–$35 million planned
• Correction to 30 June 2026 cash and bullion: revised to $1.184 billion after timing adjustment

What else do investors need to know?

Production at the Duketon operation is expected to be higher in FY27, with a bias towards the second half, driven by increased output from Garden Well and Rosemont. Duketon is also leveraging the higher gold price by processing additional lower margin ounces at Moolart Well without impacting higher margin production elsewhere.

At Tropicana, the company expects a slight dip in production year on year, reflecting more processing of lower grade stockpile ore as Havana’s open pit output reduces. Group AISC is impacted by higher diesel costs and the inclusion of higher cost, but still profitable, ounces from BuckWell.

A correction to previously disclosed cash and bullion holdings at 30 June 2026 reduces the balance by $26 million, but does not affect FY26 reported gold production or closing cash.

What’s next for Regis Resources?

Regis plans to continue ramping up production at Duketon and advance the Rosemont Stage 3 underground project, targeting commercial production in late FY27. Growth capital will be front-loaded into the first half of the financial year as new open pit projects come online.

Increased exploration and sustained investment in the McPhillamys Project are intended to underpin future growth. The company remains focused on managing costs amid volatile diesel prices, with each 10 cents per litre variation affecting AISC by about $25 an ounce.

Regis Resources share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Regis Resources shares have risen 39%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 2% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Regis Resources upgrades FY27 production guidance and cost outlook appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Coles ends talks for Greencross acquisition
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• Netwealth delivers record FUA in June 2026 quarter

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.

The Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) share price is in focus today after the company confirmed it has ended talks concerning a possible acquisition of Greencross Pet Wellness Company. Coles says it regularly assesses strategic opportunities, but has chosen not to progress with this particular deal.

What did Coles report?

• Coles Group has ceased discussions with TPG Capital about acquiring Greencross Pet Wellness Company.
• No terms or financial details were finalised or disclosed as talks have concluded.
• Coles reconfirms its ongoing disciplined approach to potential acquisitions and strategic growth opportunities.
• The company remains one of Australia’s leading supermarket and retail groups.

What else do investors need to know?

Coles originally announced the talks with Greencross on 1 July 2026. With the discussions now closed, no further negotiations or due diligence will take place regarding this acquisition. Investors will now be looking to see what other strategic moves, if any, Coles may pursue in the future.

Coles has emphasised its careful and methodical approach to mergers and acquisitions. This signals to shareholders that while the company remains open to growth opportunities, it will not proceed with deals unless they align with its broader strategic priorities.

What’s next for Coles?

Looking ahead, Coles is expected to continue reviewing potential partnerships or acquisitions that could complement its core supermarket and retail operations. Management’s decision to step back demonstrates discipline and a focus on protecting shareholder value.

The company has not signalled any immediate alternative acquisitions. Investors should watch for future company updates regarding growth initiatives or developments in its existing business portfolio.

Coles Group share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Coles shares have risen 10%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has risen 2% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Coles ends talks for Greencross acquisition appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Regis Resources upgrades FY27 production guidance and cost outlook
• 3 top ASX 200 shares I’d buy for a self-managed superannuation fund
• How much do I need in my superannuation to earn an annual $60,000 passive income?
• Buy, hold, sell: Coles, Woolworths, Wesfarmers shares
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday

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.

AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP) shares jumped almost 10% higher on Thursday, closing the day at $1.90 a piece.

The impressive daily increase came off the back of a positive first-half earnings update out of the company on Thursday morning.

The financial services company said in a statement to the ASX that it expects underlying net profit to come in at $170 to $180 million. This is significantly higher than the $131 million reported for the same period last year. Investors rushed to snap up the stock, sending the share price flying.

The news isn’t the only tailwind AMP shares have enjoyed over the past couple of months. 

After crashing to an annual low in mid-March, the stock has slowly but steadily recovered the losses shed. At the time of writing, the shares have now rebounded 64% from their low, and are now up around 4% for the year-to-date.

Why have AMP shares rebounded from their low?

AMP shares crashed around 26% in February after it posted a disappointing FY25 result. It came in far below expectations, and investors were disgruntled.

Ongoing geopolitical tensions and concerns about Australia’s inflation data rate also weighed heavily on financial shares throughout the first half of the year.

Later in April, AMP’s first-quarter update was a little more positive. The company reported 45% growth in Platforms’ net cash flows and improved Superannuation & Investments (S&I) net cash outflows in April. The result proved that business growth is underway and revealed momentum across several key divisions. 

Investors were happy with the results and some confidence was restored. Now it looks like investors have become increasingly confident that the company’s turnaround can translate into a better financial performance and improved shareholder returns.

AMP has also benefited from renewed expectations that the Reserve Bank of Australia will start to ease interest rates. Lower interest rate expectations generally boost sentiment for financial stocks like AMP. 

Are they a buy, sell or hold now?

The experts are mostly bullish on the outlook for AMP shares over the next 12 months. But after Thursday’s huge share price spike, it’s unclear exactly what upside we can expect next.

Market Index data shows the majority of brokers have a buy rating on AMP shares. The $1.79 average target price, however, now implies a potential 2% downside ahead.

TradingView data shows something very similar. The majority (six out of 10) have a buy or strong buy rating on AMP shares. Another three rate the stock as a hold.

The average $1.82 target price now implies a potential 4% downside ahead. Although some think that the shares have the potential to climb another 3% higher to $1.95 a piece.

I expect that after yesterday’s news, and share price surge, we may see a flurry of brokers and analysts revise their expectations for AMP shares in coming days.

The post AMP shares rebound 64%: Buy, sell or hold? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How much do I need in my superannuation to earn an annual $60,000 passive income?
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• AMP expects higher 1H26 earnings on China growth
• Why are AMP shares trading higher today?
• Buying AMP shares? Here’s the dividend yield you’ll get 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 self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) gives investors the freedom to shape their retirement portfolio around their own goals.

For money that may stay invested for decades, I would want a combination of dependable earnings, growing dividends, and exposure to businesses that could look much larger in the future.

These are three ASX 200 shares I would consider.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

CBA is rarely the cheapest major bank, yet it remains the one I would feel most comfortable owning for the long term.

The bank is woven into the financial lives of millions of Australians. Customers use it to receive wages, pay bills, save money, buy homes, operate businesses, and invest. Those relationships create a strong franchise.

CBA also keeps investing in its digital platform, payments, fraud prevention, and customer experience. I think that spending can help the bank protect its market position as financial services become increasingly digital.

Its fully franked dividends could provide income inside an SMSF, while its exposure to lending, deposits, and household finances gives shareholders a direct connection to the Australian economy.

The premium valuation deserves attention, and banking conditions will shift over time. Even so, I think CBA has the financial strength and customer loyalty to remain a leading ASX business for many years.

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)

Coles would bring a more defensive source of earnings to the SMSF.

Households can delay buying furniture, electronics, or a new car when money becomes tight. Grocery spending is much harder to avoid.

That regular demand gives Coles a strong starting point, although the company still needs to compete hard on price, availability, convenience, and customer trust.

I like the work Coles has been doing across online shopping, loyalty, distribution, and automated fulfilment. These investments can help the supermarket serve customers more efficiently while supporting growth beyond simply opening more stores.

The Flybuys ecosystem also gives Coles greater insight into shopping habits and another way to strengthen customer relationships.

Margins in supermarkets are relatively thin, and competition from Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW), Aldi, and other retailers will remain intense. Cost inflation and political scrutiny can also create pressure.

Nevertheless, for an SMSF, I think Coles offers a compelling blend of defensive demand, dividends, and measured long-term growth.

NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT)

The final ASX 200 share would give the portfolio a stronger growth engine.

NextDC develops and operates data centres, which provide the physical infrastructure behind cloud computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, streaming, and digital payments.

The digital economy may feel invisible, but it still needs buildings, electricity, cooling systems, secure connections, and enormous computing capacity.

NextDC is investing heavily to meet that demand across Australia and overseas. Its expansion requires substantial capital, and returns can take time to appear as new capacity is developed and contracted.

That creates risks around funding, project execution, customer concentration, and the timing of revenue. It also means the shares may be much more volatile than CBA or Coles.

I would keep the position measured, but I think an SMSF with a long horizon can afford to own some businesses whose strongest earnings may still lie well ahead.

Foolish takeaway

I would want an SMSF portfolio to keep working through several stages of retirement planning.

Income becomes increasingly attractive as retirement approaches, while growth can help the portfolio keep pace with rising living costs and support larger dividends later.

CBA and Coles could provide a steadier earnings base, while NextDC offers exposure to infrastructure supporting a rapidly expanding digital economy.

I think that combination could give an SMSF enough resilience for uncertain periods and enough ambition to keep growing over the long term.

The post 3 top ASX 200 shares I’d buy for a self-managed superannuation fund appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How much do I need in my superannuation to earn an annual $60,000 passive income?
• Buy, hold, sell: Coles, Woolworths, Wesfarmers shares
• 3 amazing ASX ETFs I’d buy this month
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• How many CBA shares do I need to buy for $10,000 of passive income?

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Commonwealth Bank Of Australia. 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.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG), Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN), and WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) have all given investors plenty to think about recently.

But are they buys at current prices? Here’s what I think of all three blue-chips.

Macquarie shares

Macquarie tends to be at its best when the world is changing and large amounts of capital need to find a home.

Governments and businesses need funding for infrastructure, energy systems, technology, transport, and other major projects.
Investors also want access to private markets and real assets that can provide returns beyond traditional shares and bonds.

I like that Macquarie can participate from several directions. It can manage assets, advise on transactions, arrange financing, trade commodities, and invest alongside clients.

That range has allowed the company to keep evolving as opportunities move between markets.

Its earnings can be uneven because activity in commodities, asset sales, and corporate transactions changes from year to year. Even so, I think its global expertise, relationships, and ability to deploy capital across changing conditions make it a strong long-term buy.

Qantas shares

I have no interest in pretending airlines are easy investments.

Fuel prices, competition, industrial action, weather, economic conditions, and operational problems can all disrupt a carefully prepared forecast.

Qantas still attracts me because it has several advantages that would be extremely difficult for a new competitor to reproduce.

Its domestic network, airport slots, brand, Jetstar operations, and frequent flyer ecosystem have been built over decades. The loyalty business is especially appealing because it earns money through credit cards, retail partnerships, points, and travel rewards without relying entirely on aircraft flying at full capacity.

Fleet renewal could shape the next stage of the story. New aircraft should support better fuel efficiency, improved reliability, new routes, and a stronger passenger experience, although the investment required will be substantial.

I would approach Qantas with realistic expectations and accept that sentiment can turn quickly. At the right position size, I think the company’s competitive strengths and multiple earnings streams make the shares a buy.

WiseTech shares

WiseTech is the share I would handle most carefully, although it may also have the greatest upside if execution improves.

Global trade still runs through a maze of customs rules, freight companies, warehouses, ports, documents, and regulatory systems. CargoWise helps logistics businesses bring much of that complexity into one platform.

Once software becomes embedded across daily operations, replacing it can be expensive and disruptive. That gives WiseTech the chance to deepen customer relationships and keep expanding recurring revenue.

The e2open acquisition and greater use of artificial intelligence could widen the opportunity significantly. WiseTech wants to connect more participants across global trade while automating labour-intensive logistics workflows.

It is important to remember that investor confidence has been damaged by governance concerns, leadership questions, and uncertainty around integration. Those issues probably justify a measured position.

After the heavy share price decline, I think the balance between risk and reward has become far more attractive. WiseTech shares are a buy for me, although I would expect plenty of volatility.

Foolish takeaway

I would buy all three shares, although I think the strongest case appears when looking several years ahead rather than focusing on the next result.

Macquarie, Qantas, and WiseTech have all spent years building capabilities that would be difficult for a rival to reproduce quickly. That gives them room to keep adapting, even when earnings, sentiment, or execution become less predictable.

There will be periods when confidence weakens and the share prices test investors’ patience. At sensible position sizes, I think the long-term opportunity is attractive enough to justify buying all three today.

The post Are Macquarie, Qantas, and WiseTech shares buys? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 Macquarie Group and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia 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.