Tag: Stock pick

There are a lot of options for investors on the ASX 200 index.

To narrow things down, let’s take a look at what Morgans is saying about three popular ASX 200 shares.

Does it rate them as buys, holds, or sells? Let’s find out:

Collins Foods Ltd (ASX: CKF)

Morgans is feeling positive about this KFC-focused quick service restaurant operator ahead of its upcoming results.

While it has trimmed its estimates to reflect a number of items, this is partially offset by a stronger than expected performance in the Australian market.

As a result, it has retained its buy rating with a slightly reduced price target of $12.50. It said:

We revise our CKF forecasts ahead of the FY26 result in June, trimming underlying NPAT to reflect deferred store openings, reset German acquired store economics, and a lower EU SSS assumption to better capture the Netherlands-skewed mix for FY26, partially offset by a marginal AU SSS upgrade on sustained KFC Australia momentum. We maintain our BUY recommendation and reduce our price target to $12.50 (from $12.70).

Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL)

This investment platform provider delivered a third-quarter update that was slightly ahead of expectations.

And with the new quarter starting strongly for financial markets, Morgans appears to believe it could build on this.

This has seen the broker put an accumulate rating and $29.00 price target on Netwealth’s shares. It commented:

NWL’s 3Q26 net-flows of $3.96bn came in modestly ahead of expectations, however market volatility during the period eroded this solid performance to see 3Q26 FUA ending the quarter flat QoQ at A$125.8bn, (vs. Consensus A$129.8bn). Despite ongoing volatility and uncertainty tied to a US/Middle East conflict and a potential resolution, market momentum has recovered from peak pessimism in the March Quarter, with the ASX All Ordinaries +5.6% month-to-date in April’26, which will have seen FUA growth momentum improve post quarter end.

Looking through this near-term volatility NWL remains on track deliver solid growth FY26F and well placed to capitalised on the long runway of opportunity ahead. We retain our ACCUMULATE rating, with a Price target of $29.00/sh.

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

Finally, after adjusting its model for Pro Medicus to reflect more achievable growth estimates, the broker continues to see a lot of value in its shares.

The broker has retained its buy rating on Pro Medicus shares with a reduced price target of $210.00. It commented:

In this note, we deploy a new PME model where we have deliberately set a lower bar. Our remodelled estimates prioritise achievability over optimism, staging implementation revenue conservatively and mark FX to spot. We see this as the right framework for a stock where sentiment has been fragile.

On the business operations front, the story remains untarnished. Contract newsflow since February has been exceptional: ~$100m in wins and renewals, all at higher pricing, with cardiology upsell gaining traction. The demand story is not in question. We re-emphasise our positive long-term conviction on the name although lower our valuation to reflect current but potentially fleeting headwinds. Our target price is reduced to A$210 p/s and we retain our Buy recommendation.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Collins Foods, Netwealth, and Pro Medicus shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: Collins Foods, Domino’s, and Guzman Y Gomez shares
• Experts say this ASX financials stock could soar up to 40%
• Where I’d invest $3,000 in ASX growth shares now
• Want to double your money in 2026? This is what I’d buy
• Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

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

If you are lucky enough to have $3,000 to invest in the share market, then it could be worth considering ASX exchange traded funds (ETFs).

ETFs allow investors to spread their capital across different regions, sectors, and investment styles in a simple and efficient way.

But which ones could be top picks for investors in April and May? Let’s take a look at three ASX ETFs that were recently recommended by the team at BetaShares:

BetaShares Global Cash Flow Kings ETF (ASX: CFLO)

The first ASX ETF to consider is the BetaShares Global Cash Flow Kings ETF.

This fund focuses on companies generating strong and consistent free cash flow. That emphasis can highlight businesses with proven models and the ability to reinvest, pay dividends, or reduce debt.

Its holdings include ASML Holding (NASDAQ: ASML), Visa (NYSE: V), and Palantir Technologies (NASDAQ: PLTR).

Palantir is a notable inclusion. The company specialises in data analytics and artificial intelligence platforms used by governments and enterprises. Its software is designed to handle complex datasets and support decision-making at scale. As AI adoption increases, demand for these types of tools is expected to grow.

BetaShares MSCI Emerging Markets Complex ETF (ASX: BEMG)

Another ASX ETF to consider is the BetaShares MSCI Emerging Markets Complex ETF.

This fund provides broad exposure to emerging markets, which are being shaped by powerful long-term trends such as a rising middle class, urbanisation, and accelerating digital transformation.

The BetaShares MSCI Emerging Markets Complex ETF gives investors access to more than 1,000 companies across over 20 countries, including regions in Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe, and Africa. These are markets that can be difficult and costly to access directly.

Its holdings include Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (NYSE: TSM), Alibaba Group (NYSE: BABA) and SK Hynix.

Alibaba is one of the most prominent technology platforms in emerging markets. The company operates across ecommerce, logistics, and cloud computing, and continues to invest in artificial intelligence through initiatives such as its Qwen large language models and AI Cloud services.

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

A third ASX ETF to consider is BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF.

It provides exposure to Australia’s leading technology companies, many of which are expanding globally.

Its holdings include Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME), WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC), and Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO).

Pro Medicus is a standout name in the portfolio. The company develops imaging software used by hospitals and healthcare providers worldwide. Its solutions are known for high performance and scalability, and the business has built a strong reputation in a specialised but growing market.

The post 3 ASX ETFs to invest $3,000 into in April and May appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Best and worst case scenarios this week for global equities: Expert
• 2 ASX ETFs that could be a perfect for a tech rally
• 5 excellent ASX ETFs to buy next week
• ASX ETFs to target if you expect struggling sectors to rebound
• 3 BetaShares ASX ETFs I’d buy in April for long-term growth

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Pro Medicus, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended ASML, Palantir Technologies, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, Visa, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Alibaba Group and Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended ASML, Pro Medicus, and Visa. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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

More reading

• Why Artrya, Cleanaway, DroneShield, and Nuix shares are pushing higher today
• 3 ASX 200 shares tipped to tumble 10% (or more) in the next 12 months
• National Storage REIT: Court approves Brookfield-led buyout
• Atlas Arteria shares: Q1 2026 toll revenue ticks higher
• Mineral Resources launches US$1.3bn notes offer to cut debt costs

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 Block and DroneShield and is short shares of DroneShield. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Eagers Automotive Ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

ASX stock Cleanaway Waste Management Ltd (ASX: CWY) is starting to catch investors’ attention again.

Shares in the waste management giant rose 3% to $2.385 during Tuesday afternoon trade, extending a recent recovery that has pulled the stock further away from its five-year lows.

While Cleanaway is still down around 8% year to date, lagging the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which is up roughly 2.5%, sentiment appears to be shifting.

So, what’s driving the interest in this ASX stock today?

Tighten cost, drive efficiency

The key catalyst is Cleanaway’s refreshed strategy, which is giving investors a clearer path to improved profitability. On Tuesday, the ASX stock unveiled its “Blueprint 2030 2.0” plan, focused on margin expansion, stronger cash flow, and more disciplined execution.

Management highlighted that underlying EBIT has already lifted 60% since FY22, suggesting the business has momentum heading into its next phase.

The updated strategy rests on three pillars: lifting customer value, optimising the branch network, and using data and digital tools to boost performance. In practice, that means targeting higher-value revenue, tightening costs, and investing in automation and analytics to drive efficiency.

Sales overhaul

One of the standout initiatives of the ASX stock is a major overhaul of its sales approach. Cleanaway is rolling out a centralised “One Sales Engine” model aimed at improving customer retention and increasing cross-selling opportunities.

At the same time, its ongoing digitisation program is targeting better fleet utilisation, real-time tracking, and enhanced safety outcomes.

There’s also a significant push in its hazardous waste division. Cleanaway is streamlining its site network while expanding into higher-margin technical services and decommissioning work. These areas are expected to see strong demand growth in the years ahead.

What next for the ASX stock?

Looking forward, management has set some ambitious targets. The company is targeting at least 260 basis points of margin expansion and 10% to 15% EPS growth in FY27 as cost cuts take hold. It’s also pushing to deliver steadier free cash flow through tighter capital allocation and better asset use.

Cleanaway is backing its integrated network and growing use of technology to strengthen its lead in sustainable waste. Especially in higher-value areas like hazardous waste.

Fluctuating fuel cost

Of course, challenges remain. The ASX stock is still navigating a volatile operating environment, including fluctuating fuel costs and broader economic uncertainty. Management is focused on tightening operational efficiency, optimising its fleet, and using procurement strategies to better manage costs.

For investors, the story is shifting from turnaround to execution. Cleanaway’s strategy has laid out a clearer roadmap for growth. And if it can deliver, the recent price recovery of the ASX stock may have further to run.

The post New strategy sparks rebound in this $5bn ASX stock – what’s next? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Artrya, Cleanaway, DroneShield, and Nuix shares are pushing higher today
• Cleanaway Waste Management shares in focus as strategy refresh targets margin growth
• What is Morgans saying about A2 Milk and these ASX shares?
• What does this broker have to say about Cleanaway Waste Management and Capstone Copper shares?
• Why is this $5 billion ASX stock sliding to a 52-week low today?

Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther 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.

PYC Therapeutics Ltd (ASX: PYC) recently had some good news from one of its drug trials, which has boosted its share price.

But there’s plenty more upside to be had, according to the analyst team at Canaccord Genuity, which has a buy rating on the stock and a bullish price target, which we’ll get to shortly.

Encouraging progress

Firstly, let’s have a look at what was announced recently.

PYC said it is progressing an investigational drug candidate known as PYC-001, which “addresses the underlying cause of a blinding eye disease called Autosomal Dominant Optic Atrophy (ADOA)”.

The company announced on April 15 that the Safety Review Committee overseeing the Phase 1 Single Ascending Dose (SAD) study of PYC-001 had reviewed the data from the first four weeks of the trial and approved progression to a multiple dose study.

The company added:

PYC is now evaluating the safety and efficacy profile of repeat doses of PYC-001 in a global Multiple Ascending Dose (MAD) study of PYC-001 in patients with ADOA. The objective of this study is to establish clinical proof-of-concept prior to progression of the drug candidate into a global registrational trial directed towards supporting a New Drug Application for PYC-001 in ADOA. Safety and efficacy outcomes from this study will be presented throughout 2026 and 2027.

The company said ADOA affects one in every 35,000 people and there are currently no approved treatment options available.

Broad portfolio attractive

The Canaccord team said there was a lot to like about PYC; however, they were more focused on its potential kidney treatment.

They said in a research note to clients:

Following a large raise (A$600.5m, +400m shares), PYC is now sufficiently cashed up to progress its pipeline of RNA assets across its retinal, kidney and neuro indications. Like many, we are most intrigued by PYC’s kidney asset, due to: a) its elegant mechanism of action, b) orphan indication with a large population (~95k US eligible patients), and c) well-defined, potential accelerated approval pathway.

PYC in February announced that its polycystic kidney disease candidate had approval to escalate dosing in a third cohort of patients following approval from the safety review committee.

Canaccord said, “We are excited to see PYC’s program move into multiple ascending doses”.

We expect an update from the third cohort in the single ascending dose (SAD) portion in May, following which timelines related to the MAD will become clearer, and where the market should be focused.

Canaccord has a price target on PYC shares of $2.84 compared with the current price of $1.33.

PYC Therapeutics is currently valued at $1.28 billion.

The post This ASX biotech stock could more than double Canaccord Genuity says appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• This ASX biotech stock just jumped again as its lead drug trial moves ahead

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

Navigator Global Investments Ltd (ASX: NGI) shares are in focus after the release of a quarterly assets under management (AUM) update.

This led to a 6% share price rise on opening.

At the time of writing, Navigator Global Investments shares are up 2% during today’s session. 

The company remains down more than 17% year to date. 

What did the company report?

Today, the company reported: 

• Navigator’s ownership-adjusted AUM increased by 9% to USD31.6 billion in Q3, up 16% over the last 12 months
• Total NGI Firm Level AUM2 increased by 17% to USD98 billion in Q3, up 20% over the last 12 months
• The Lighthouse Partners business remains the largest contributor, with AUM rising 8% during the quarter to a record US$18.7 billion. Over the past 12 months, that figure is up 17%

The company advised that growth was driven by a mix of inflows and investment performance across its platform.

The company expects strong asset growth (AUM) in Q3 FY26, putting NGI in a good position for FY27.

The company continues to expect FY26 adjusted EBITDA to be lower than FY25, driven by: 

• The timing of AUM growth recognised this quarter
• A higher proportion of inflows into lower fee-generating AUM
• The concentration of NGI’s performance fee revenues, with the majority expected to crystallise in December

This announcement pleased investors, who were gobbling up shares in the company this morning.

What did Morgans have to say?

Following the release, the team at Morgans released updated guidance on Navigator Global Investments shares.

The broker said it was a broadly solid quarter, punctuated by a +9% increase in group Ownership adjusted AUM in a volatile market, and robust quarterly net flows into Lighthouse (+US$1.2bn). 

We update our NGI numbers for the quarterly and also following a broad review of our earnings assumptions. Our FY26F EPS estimate is revised down -3%, reflecting more conservative performance fee assumptions for the current year, while FY27F EPS moves up +2% on higher FUM estimates following today’s update.

Upside and buy rating intact

It appears the company is quickly recovering from an early-year lull. 

Since late March, Navigator Global Investments shares have risen more than 23%. 

It seems that, based on Morgans’ guidance, this recovery can continue. 

Morgans has retained its buy recommendation, along with a largely unchanged price target of $2.97. 

From today’s current price target of $2.46, this indicates an upside potential of approximately 20%. 

The post What is Morgan’s view on Navigator Global Investments shares after update appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Navigator Global, St Barbara, Vulcan Energy, and Zip shares are racing higher today
• This ASX financial stock is jumping 6% today. Here’s what just landed
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week
• Why these ASX shares are rated as buys in April
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

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

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is having a subdued session on Tuesday. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is down 0.25% to 8,932.9 points.

Four ASX shares that are not letting that hold them back today are listed below. Here’s why they are rising:

Artrya Ltd (ASX: AYA)

The Artrya share price is up over 11% to $4.65. This appears to have been driven by a bullish broker note out of Bell Potter this morning. According to the note, the broker has initiated coverage on the medical technology company’s shares with a buy rating and $6.10 price target. It said: “AYA’s unique offering creates an opportunity to achieve rapid growth and a material share of c.4.4m annual CCTA scans in the US market, growing at a CAGR of c.6.2%. AYA has three foundation customers in the US that should deliver c.15k scans annually by FY27. Through the SAPPHIRE study group, AYA has created a warm pipeline of six potential customers and c.400k annual scans that could generate c.10% market share and c.A$450m in annual revenue over the next decade. We expect AYA to reach EBITDA breakeven in FY28.”

Cleanaway Waste Management Ltd (ASX: CWY)

The Cleanaway share price is up 3% to $2.39. This follows the release of the waste management company’s investor day update. Cleanaway unveiled its new Blueprint 2030 2.0 strategy, which is built around three pillars. These are delivering customer value, optimising its branch network, and leveraging advanced ways of working through digital and data capabilities. This includes a major upgrade to sales processes, with a centralised One Sales Engine model that is designed to lift customer retention and cross-sell rates.

DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO)

The DroneShield share price is up almost 8% to $3.89. Investors may have been buying the counter-drone technology company’s shares due to concerns that the US and Iran could fail to sign a peace deal before the ceasefire agreement ends. If tensions flare up again in the Middle East, it could lead to increased demand for DroneShield’s suite of products.

Nuix Ltd (ASX: NXL)

The Nuix share price is up 4.5% to $1.32. This follows news that the investigative analytics and intelligence software provider has completed the $27 million acquisition of Linkurious SAS following Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) approval in France. Linkurious provides technology that allows customers to visually explore and investigate graph data, to detect patterns of interest and investigate alerts. Incorporating Annualised Contract Value (ACV) associated with Linkurious, Nuix advises that it now expects full year ACV to be in the range $252 million to $272 million.

The post Why Artrya, Cleanaway, DroneShield, and Nuix shares are pushing higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Bell Potter just initiated coverage on this ASX AI stock with a buy rating
• Cleanaway Waste Management shares in focus as strategy refresh targets margin growth
• Where I’d invest $3,000 in ASX growth shares now
• These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares
• ASX 200 tech shares rocket 13% as long-awaited sector rebound accelerates

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 DroneShield and is short shares of DroneShield. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Nuix. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The ASX is no stranger to new exchange-traded funds (ETFs). In fact, our share market regularly welcomes new ASX ETFs seemingly every other month.

These new ETFs range from index funds to thematic ETFs that aim to capitalise on the latest hot trend of the markets.

The new offering from ETF provider BetaShares arguably falls into the latter camp.

Betashares has recently announced that ASX investors should expect a new fund to debut on the ASX in the near future. This fund will be known as the Betashares Space Industry ETF and will trade under the ticker code ‘RCKT’. No prizes for guessing what this fund might allow ASX investors to out their money into.

Getting ahead of a SpaceX IPO?

There are also no prizes for guessing what may have prompted BetaShares, a company that offers thematic ETFs ranging from cybersecurity and cryptocurrency to uranium and esports, to till this ground.

The investing world has this year been gripped by substantiated rumours that Elon Musk is finally about to float his monstrous space exploration and utilisation company, SpaceX, on the public markets. Musk has previously been famous for his stewardship of electric battery and vehicle manufacturer Tesla Inc (NASDAQ: TSLA), which has been listed on the American stock markets for more than a decade.

But in addition to Tesla (and a few other companies for good measure), Musk also heads up SpaceX, also known as Space Exploration Technologies Corporation. This company was previously well-known for its dramatic and cutting-edge rocket apparatus. Not to mention its Starlink satellite internet service. But in recent years, Musk has integrated it into his other business ventures. Earlier this year, he finalised a merger of SpaceX with xAI, the company that now owns X (formerly Twitter).

If, or maybe when, SpaceX IPOs, some investors are anticipating that it could have a valuation north of US$1 trillion, perhaps even US$2 trillion. That would make this company the biggest IPO in history. It’s probably fair to say that Betashares was anticipating this event when it pressed the launch button on RCKT.

What will this new ASX space ETF look like?

We don’t yet know what kind of holdings this new ASX ETF from BetaShares my hold, aside from a potential stake in SpaceX upon its debut. However, we can look at some other ETFs for guidance here.

Over int he US, the ARK Space & Defense Innovation ETF (NYSE: ARKK) has been around since 2021. It currently holds names like RocketLab and Teradyne. VanEck also offers the VanEck Space Innovators ETF (SWX: JEDI) on European markets. this aptly-named fund holds Planet Labs and Firefly Aerospace amongst it shop holdings. RCKT may hold some of these names when it eventually launches.

Space can be a tricky terrain to navigate for investors though. Long-time readers might remember the explosive growth of Virgin Galactic Holdings Inc (NYSE: SPCE) back in 2021. Perhaps fuelled by COVID dollars, this space stock rocketed almost 300% in a month back in mid02021. Today though, at US$2.92 a share, it is down 99.7% from its 2021 peak of over US$1,100. SpaceX hopefuls will no doubt be hoping for a better experience than that. After all, in space, no one can hear you scream, even if you’re a shareholder.

Let’s see how the Betashares Space Industry ETF fares when it eventually launches on the ASX.

The post BetaShares is about to launch a new ASX space ETF. Here’s what we know appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Artrya, Cleanaway, DroneShield, and Nuix shares are pushing higher today
• After a brutal 2026, this $1.5 billion ASX financial stock is pushing higher again
• James Hardie shares jump 17%: Is this the beginning of a recovery we’ve been waiting for?
• What are brokers predicting for BHP shares over the next 12 months?
• Why ANZ, Challenger, Hub24, and Lynas shares are dropping 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 Planet Labs PBC, Rocket Lab, and Tesla. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Teradyne. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Rocket Lab. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

MA Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MAF) shares are pushing higher on Tuesday after a new release to the market.

The stock is up 3.58% to $7.52 in afternoon trade, while the S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO) is down 0.3% to 8,859 points.

That gain comes against a weaker backdrop, with the shares still down around 31% this year.

The bounce follows an extended period of selling pressure.

Here’s what was released.

A mixed quarter, but momentum in key areas

MA Financial’s first-quarter update points to a business still growing, but not without some offsets.

Assets under management (AUM) rose 44% year-on-year to $14.8 billion, driven by inflows and recent acquisitions.

However, total AUM slipped 3% over the quarter. That was largely tied to the removal of the Marion Shopping Centre mandate, which reduced fee revenue.

That aside, AUM held relatively steady.

The company also flagged strong transactional activity within its asset management division, supporting performance fees during the period.

Flows into unlisted funds remained steady, coming from both high-net-worth and retail investors.

Lending and platform growth continues

The lending and technology side of the business is still expanding quickly.

MA Money’s loan book increased 138% year-on-year to $6.2 billion, including a $1 billion increase over the quarter.

Finsure, its mortgage aggregation platform, continues to scale. Managed loans reached $179 billion, up 27% over the year.

Broker numbers also climbed, with more than 4,200 now on the platform.

That growth is translating into higher loan volumes. March alone delivered $11 billion in gross applications.

The group’s Middle platform is also processing more than $1 billion in home loan applications each week, pointing to rising usage across the network.

Transaction activity adds another layer

Corporate advisory and capital markets activity remained active through the quarter.

The business worked across a number of deals, including advisory roles and capital raisings tied to resource and financial assets.

Within asset management, several transactions stood out.

The MA Redcape Hotel Fund is progressing acquisitions, while the Marina Fund added the Gold Coast City Marina, expanding its portfolio.

There was also progress within the aged care strategy, with a sale agreement expected to deliver a pre-tax gain and return capital to investors.

What I think about the share price

This looks more like selling easing than a clear turnaround.

There is still a gap between how the business is performing and how the market is pricing it.

Growth across lending and platform assets is clear, and AUM has stepped up over the year. But the quarter also shows how earnings can shift when mandates change or deal activity slows.

That likely helped drive the sell-off earlier this year.

At current levels, the stock is trading well below where it sat only a few months ago.

If the company can keep scaling its lending book and maintain consistent inflows, earnings should continue to build.

The next step is seeing that come through in a more consistent run of results.

The post After a brutal 2026, this $1.5 billion ASX financial stock is pushing higher again appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: Breville, Collins Foods, and MA Financial shares
• Which ASX financial stock could deliver 30% upside?

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

James Hardie Industries PLC (ASX: JHX) shares are climbing higher again this week. At the time of writing, the shares are trading at $30.50 a piece, which represents a rebound of around 17% since a four-month low of $26.10 in late-March.

The latest uptick is great news for investors. James Hardie shares have suffered an incredibly volatile run over the past 12 months. 

The fibre cement producer and marketer’s shares crashed over 31% in March last year following the company’s acquisition of The AZEK Company Inc. (NYSE: AZEK) and its net debt. Investors did not take the news well.

The fibre cement building product producer suffered another catastrophic 36.5% share price plunge following a disappointing Q1 FY26 results announcement in August.

They crashed for a third time, this time by 23.9% in late-October, but the company told the ASX there was no known reason for the trading activity.

The volatility has continued through to 2026, with some peaks and troughs. 

Why are James Hardie shares climbing higher now?

There is no price sensitive news out of James Hardie to explain the latest turnaround. Given the shares are widely considered oversold and undervalued, it’s possible that investors have flipped their stance from pessimistic to cautiously optimistic and are buying back into the shares while they are cheap.

The company is a global leader in fibre cement siding and trim and it has a dominant presence in the US. Its scale gives it pricing power and a strong competitive advantage that its peers are unable to match. 

Its business continues to improve too, with some solid growth expected ahead.

In February, the company posted a 30% increase in third-quarter net sales and a 26% hike in EBITDA. James Hardie said its balance sheet was reshaped by the AZEK acquisition. It said the move resulted in increased debt and goodwill, but the business generated solid cash and maintained strong profitability across geographies.

It also raised its FY26 guidance to Siding & Trim net sales of US$2.95–3.0 billion and Adjusted EBITDA of US$939–962 million. Guidance for Deck, Rail & Accessories was also nudged higher, with net sales of US$787–800 million and EBITDA of US$219–224 million.

Finally, the good news seems to be translating into renewed investor sentiment.

Is this the recovery we’ve all been waiting for?

It looks like it could be. 

Analysts have been bullish about James Hardie shares for some time now. I’m hopeful that the latest share price uptick represents the beginning of the next rally.

TradingView data shows that 15 out of 22 analysts have a buy or strong buy rating on the shares. Another seven have a hold rating.

The average target price is $39.32 a piece, which implies a 29% upside at the time of writing. Others are even more bullish and expect the shares to climb another 48% to $45.10 in the next 12 months.

The post James Hardie shares jump 17%: Is this the beginning of a recovery we’ve been waiting for? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Warning sign? James Hardie shares may be losing momentum
• Why the recent ASX share market selloff is a wealth-building opportunity
• Are these ASX blue chips now too cheap to ignore?
• 3 ASX shares down 25% (or more) to buy right now
• Down 25%! Is this resurgent ASX 200 stock a strong buy?

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.