Tag: Stock pick

ASX healthcare stock Saluda Medical Inc (ASX: SLD) has endured a rough 12 months. 

So far in 2026, its share price is down 24%. 

However it appears the tide could be turning after the company posted its H1FY26 result yesterday. 

The stock price soared 9.6% higher following the release. 

Here’s what the company reported. 

H1 FY26 Results

Saluda Medical Inc is a commercial-stage medical device company focused on developing treatments for chronic neurological conditions using its novel neuromodulation platform. 

It is currently a single-product company, centred around its differentiated SCS product called the ‘Evoke System‘. 

Yesterday the ASX healthcare stock reported: 

• International revenue of US$11.0 million (+27% vs pcp)
• Acceleration in global revenue growth (+ 17% vs prior corresponding period (pcp) to US$39.4 million), driven by increase in US trained sales reps and active physicians
• US implanted patient growth of 17% vs pcp, driven by an increase in active implanting physicians. 

Commenting on the release, Saluda’s Chief Executive Officer, Barry Regan, said: 

We are pleased with the momentum within the first six months of FY26. We saw continued growth in the active implanting physician base and remain confident in our ability to build the size and quality of our sales force as planned heading into the new calendar year. 

Our team continues to be focused on execution and driving the organisation in line with our growth strategy. Our first half performance gave us the confidence to previously increase our FY26 revenue guidance. 

Additionally, we expect to improve on our other key FY26 financial metrics of gross margin, adjusted EBITDA, and cash used in operations. 

Buy recommendation for this ASX healthcare stock

Following the result, the team at Bell Potter reiterated its buy recommendation on the ASX healthcare stock. 

In a report yesterday, the broker said the stock is trading at undemanding multiples of <1x EV/Revenue and ~1.5x Price/Revenue based on its FY27 forecast, with expected growth of +25% in 2H26, mostly driven by the US. 

Management have so far demonstrated strong execution slightly ahead of the plans laid out at the time of the IPO.

Bell Potter has a 12 month price target of $2.70 on this ASX healthcare stock. 

From yesterday’s closing price of $1.085, this indicates a potential upside of 148.8%. 

Bell Potter isn’t the only broker with a positive outlook.

Earlier this month, Morgans put a speculative buy rating and $3.07 price target on its shares.

That indicates a potential upside of 182%. 

The post Is this ASX healthcare stock a buy, hold or sell after jumping 10% on earnings results? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Morgans names 3 exciting small cap ASX stocks to buy now
• Is this ASX healthcare stock a buy after yesterday’s 5% drop?

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 WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) share price soared in response to the release of its FY26 first-half result. Experts think the ASX tech share can rise a lot more from where it is right now.

The logistics software provider reported that its revenue grew 76% to US$672 million thanks to the e2open acquisition, the operating profit (EBITDA) grew 31% to US$252.1 million underlying net profit rose 2% to US$114.5 million and statutory net profit fell 36%.

Profitability declined because of costs relating to acquiring e2open, but the business announced a plan that could lead to a headcount reduction of up to 50%, or around 2,000 roles, which could reduce costs.

Let’s take a look at what experts from UBS thought of the report.

Ongoing strong revenue growth

After WiseTech’s recent commercial model change, UBS thinks there are four key drivers for the business that could deliver a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18% over the next three years.

First, UBS is expecting 4% volume growth from a mixture of new and existing customers.

Second, the broker is assuming price growth of 6%.

Third, UBS forecasts a 4% CargoWise value pack (CVP) uplift on the remaining 5% large freight forwarders (FF), representing 30% of CargoWise’s revenue.

Fourth, it expects a container transport optimisation (CTO) contribution of 4%.

The broker thinks that CTO could be the “key swing factor” because of the large total addressable market, which could be somewhere between $4 billion to $20 billion.

UBS highlighted that WiseTech noted the complexity and newness of the CTO product, which is “likely to take time to drive broader adoption, with the company focused on their implementation with ACFS in Aus as proof of concept.”

Thoughts on the job cuts

UBS noted that WiseTech’s job cuts are largely being driven by AI efficiencies.

But, the company had more than tripled its workforce over the last three years as it had retained a large number of tech-related employees from acquisitions, particularly Blume and Envase, amid the competition for tech talent over the last few years.

UBS said it’s conservatively assuming around $200 million of underlying cost reductions by FY27.

Is the WiseTech share price a buy?

The broker certainly thinks the ASX tech share is a buy, with a price target of $89. That implies a possible rise of approximately 80% over the next 12 months, if UBS is right.

UBS wrote:

We viewed WTC’s 1H26 results positively and reiterate Buy: i) WTC highlighted its AI moat being data, integrations with key ecosystem partners, and agentic AI workflows; ii) commercial model change driving price uplift into 2H26.

WTC also signed 2 new large FF rollouts on CVP, and current conversations with large contracted FF to move to CVP appears positive. We continue to remain positive on the growth outlook for WTC and its defensiveness against AI disruption but we see incremental risks on a lower ramp of CTO over medium term.

The post Why this expert thinks the WiseTech share price can rise 80% in the next 12 months appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: Flight Centre, WiseTech, and Woolworths shares
• Why WiseTech Global shares could rise a further 70%
• What are the experts saying about Domino’s Pizza, Wisetech, and Woolworths shares?
• Why ASX tech shares still deserve a place in your portfolio in 2026
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday

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

Ord Minnett has been busy updating its financial models and recommendations for a number of ASX shares following the release of results and updates this month.

Let’s see what the broker is saying about the three popular shares named below:

Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG)

Ord Minnett was pleased with this appliance manufacturer’s performance during the first half of FY 2026. It highlights that risks have reduced materially after it successfully navigated its manufacturing transition in response to US tariffs.

The broker believes this leaves it well-placed to return to strong earnings growth in FY 2027. As a result, it has upgraded its shares to an accumulate rating (from hold) with a $37.20 price target. It said:

Breville posted flattish first-half FY26 earnings but performance was a solid achievement in the face of significant US tariff headwinds. Having largely navigated its manufacturing transition, execution risks have diminished materially. The company is well-positioned to return to double-digit earnings growth beginning in FY27.

In terms of outlook, the company expects a modest increase in earnings before interest and tax in FY26. Such guidance appears prudent to us given residual risk from the impact of tariffs and the transition to new manufacturing facilities. Overall, as transitional pressures subside, we forecast a return to double-digit earnings growth in FY27, and upgrade our recommendation to Accumulate from Hold.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

This biotech giant disappointed Ord Minnett with its half-year results due to the underperformance of the key CSL Behring business. It said:

CSL posted first-half FY26 net profit short of market expectations, driven by weak revenue growth at its dominant Behring plasma products division that erased the benefits of better-than-expected revenue from its Seqirus vaccine and Vifor nephrology businesses. The soft result capped a horror couple of days for the beleaguered biotech – its shares slumped 4.6% after the result, taking its two-session slide since the bungled announcement of CEO Paul McKenzie’s exit to more than 9%.

‍And while CSL has reaffirmed its guidance for FY 2026, Ord Minnett appears doubtful that this will be achieved. In response, it has retained its hold rating with a reduced price target of $198.00. It explains:

‍The company reiterated guidance for FY26 net profit growth of 4–7% on a constant-currency basis, although Ord Minnett notes this implies an earnings bias to the second half of 56%, versus a comparable 34% skew recorded in FY25. Post the result, we have cut our EPS estimates by 3.0%, 2.2% and 3.0% for FY26, FY27 and FY28, respectively, which, combined with currency effects, leading us to cut our target price to $198.00 from $217.00.

Cost performance has improved significantly as CSL’s business restructuring plans are implemented but revenue growth is still proving hard to come by, and the CEO’s exit adds a degree of difficulty to the biotech’s outlook. Despite the apparent upside on offer, Ord Minnett will need more evidence of top-line growth and margin expansion before we can become more constructive on CSL. As a result, we maintain our Hold recommendation.

Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS)

This ASX defence stock was hit with a short seller attack this month and Ord Minnett was pleased with management’s response.

In light of this, it has retained its speculative buy rating with a price target of $12.92. It said:

EOS has responded to the short-selling attack by US group Grizzly Research with a counter attack of their own, describing the Grizzly report as “misleading, manipulatory and pejorative.” Ord Minnett notes that while EOS produced enough data and credible explanation to counter the Grizzly report, their response still leaves questions around the $120 million conditional Korean High Energy Laser Weapon (HELW) contract. The response did provide greater clarity around existing contracts, including confirmation that the $33 million General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) contract signed late last year was for the new US M1E3 Abrams tank.

Fortuitously, during the trading halt period, the White House tweeted a picture of the new Abrams tank sporting an EOS Remote Weapons System (RWS). Despite the recent upheaval, our investment thesis of increasing geopolitical tensions and defence expenditure on C-UAS, RWS, HELW and Space remains unchanged. As such, we maintain our Speculative Buy recommendation on EOS.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Breville, CSL, and EOS shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Where to invest $5,000 in ASX mid-cap shares
• Top ASX shares to buy right now with $2,500
• 2 ASX stocks under $50 that could skyrocket
• 3 ASX All Ords shares I’d buy with $5,000 today
• Where to now for EOS shares after a 500% surge?

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

2026 is off to a flying start where ASX shares are concerned. Since the beginning of January, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has gained a rosy 5.1%, and has hit several new all-time record highs along the way. But just because markets are at all-time highs doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be thinking about buying more.

After all, the markets go up far more often than they go down. And, seeing as the ASX 200 has never failed to exceed a previous all-time high in its long history, logic dictates that we shouldn’t just buy shares when there is a rare stock market correction or crash. Even if these events are often the best opportunities to buy top-quality shares at cheap prices.

With that in mind, let’s discuss a few ASX shares that I would buy in 2026 if I stumbled onto a $10,000 windfall.

3 top ASX shares to buy with $10,000 in 2026

First up is MFF Capital Investments Ltd (ASX: MFF). MFF is a listed investment company (LIC) that specialises in buying high-quality US stocks at cheap prices. It takes a Buffett-esque long-term approach in this endeavour, with many of its largest holdings owned for many years. These include the likes of Amazon, Alphabet, Mastercard, Visa and American Express.

MFF has a long history of delivering solid performance for its investors, and has one of the best dividend growth track records around. I’d happily buy more of MFF with that $10,000.

I would also take a look at Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co Ltd (ASX: SOL). Soul Patts is a diversified investing house that owns and manages a vast underlying portfolio of assets on behalf of its shareholders. These assets are mostly high-quality ASX shares, but also include property, private credit and other investments. Soul Patts has a long history of delivering market-beating returns and has delivered decades of consistent dividend growth for its shareholders.

If you’re still not convinced MFF or Soul Patts is a good choice for our $10,000, a final choice to consider is TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE). This ASX tech stock has been growing at breakneck speed for years. Last November, it reported earnings per share (EPS) growth of 16%, profit growth of 17% and a whopping 55% surge in free cash flow.

Understandably, this stock has long traded at a very expensive valuation. But TechnologyOne has been caught up in the software scare that has hit global markets in recent weeks and is down considerably from last year’s record highs. Although this top ASX share has rebounded since the new 52-week low we saw earlier this month, it is still worthy of a look if you’re looking for a top stock to put that $10,000 in.

The post Top ASX shares to buy with $10,000 in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why I think these growing ASX stocks could be strong buy-and-hold investments
• This oversold ASX stock is so cheap it’s crazy
• Why I just bought this 6%-yielding ASX dividend stock and plan to buy even more
• Why ASX tech shares still deserve a place in your portfolio in 2026
• 1 Australian stock I’d buy on any dip

American Express is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Alphabet, Amazon, American Express, Mastercard, Mff Capital Investments, Visa, and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Alphabet, Amazon, Mastercard, Technology One, Visa, and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alphabet, Amazon, Mastercard, Mff Capital Investments, Technology One, and Visa. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

On Thursday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) continued its positive run and pushed higher. The benchmark index rose 0.5% to 9,175.3 points.

Will the market be able to build on this on Friday and end the week on a high? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 expected to edge higher

The Australian share market looks set to edge higher on Friday following a mixed night in the United States. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open 4 points higher this morning. In late trade on Wall Street, the Dow Jones is up 0.1%, but the S&P 500 is down 0.5% and the Nasdaq is down 1.15%.

Oil prices mixed

It could be a subdued finish to the week for ASX 200 energy shares Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) after a mixed night for oil prices. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 0.15% to US$65.31 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 0.05% to US$70.89 a barrel. Traders appear undecided on where US-Iran nuclear talks are heading.

Coles half-year results

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) shares will be on watch on Friday when the supermarket giant releases its half-year results. According to a note out of Morgans, its analysts are expecting a 3.5% increase in revenue and a 16.5% jump in underlying net profit after tax to $699 million. The broker said: “We expect COL’s 1H26 result to be largely in line with expectations, following a solid 1Q26 sales update. The company continues to execute well, with Supermarkets sales rising 4.8% in 1Q26 and maintaining momentum into early 2Q26. […] We forecast Supermarkets EBIT margin to increase by 60bp to 5.8% in 1H26.”

Gold price falls

ASX 200 gold shares Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) could have a soft finish to the week after the gold price dropped overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is down 0.45% to US$5,202.9 an ounce. Traders continue to wait for further developments between the US and Iran.

Buy Light & Wonder shares

Light & Wonder Inc (ASX: LNW) shares could be undervalued according to analysts at Bell Potter. In response to its full-year results, the broker has retained its buy rating with a slightly trimmed price target of $220.00. It said: “We rate LNW a Buy due to a compelling GARP profile relative to the ASX 100 and ALL. We expect a continuation in the re-rate observed since the ASX sole listing in November 2025, as long as the company executes on its strategy. We believe LNW’s heightened investment in R&D will drive continued growth, particularly in the Premium leased market. Further, we believe LNW’s R&D engine is difficult to replicate by AI and therefore gives the company an enduring moat.”

The post 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 35 ASX All Ords shares with ex-dividend dates next week
• Zimplats Holdings: Profit surges, no dividend for half year
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Why Fortescue was upgraded and Woodside shares could be a buy
• 6% fully-franked yield! Is this ASX income share a buy?

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

It’s the final day of earnings season and scores of S&P/ASX All Ords Index (ASX: XAO) shares have ex-dividend dates coming up.

In order to receive a dividend, you must own the ASX share before its ex-dividend date.

Here is a sample of the large number of ASX All Ords shares with ex-dividend dates next week.

ASX All Ords shares about to go ex-dividend

ASX share	Ex-dividend date	Dividend amount	Pay date
Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG)	2 March	30 cents per share	27 March
Nick Scali Ltd (ASX: NCK)	2 March	39 cents per share	24 March
Aurizon Holdings Ltd (ASX: AZJ)	2 March	12.5 cents per share	25 March
Reliance Worldwide Corp Ltd (ASX: RWC)	2 March	2.8 cents per share	2 April
PWR Holdings Ltd (ASX: PWH)	2 March	3 cents per share	20 March
Newmont Corporation CDI (ASX: NEM)	2 March	25.8 cents per share	26 March
Regal Partners Ltd (ASX: RPL)	2 March	15 cents per share	25 March
REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)	3 March	$1.24 per share	18 March
Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN)	3 March	20 cents per share	2 April
Sims Ltd (ASX: SGM)	3 March	14 cents per share	18 March
Downer EDI Ltd (ASX: DOW)	3 March	12.9 cents per share	2 April
Qube Holdings Ltd (ASX: QUB)	3 March	5.3 cents per share	9 April
Propel Funeral Partners Ltd (ASX: PFP)	3 March	7.5 cents per share	2 April
HMC Capital Ltd (ASX: HMC)	3 March	6 cents per share	9 April
SGH Ltd (ASX: SGH)	4 March	32 cents per share	9 April
Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST)	4 March	25 cents per share	26 March
Servcorp Ltd (ASX: SRV)	4 March	16 cents per share	1 April
Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL)	4 March	21 cents per share	26 March
Sonic Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SHL)	4 March	45 cents per share	19 March
EVT Ltd (ASX: EVT)	4 March	18 cents per share	19 March
South32 Ltd (ASX: S32)	5 March	5.5 cents per share	2 April
BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)	5 March	$1.03 per share	26 March
Iluka Resources Ltd (ASX: ILU)	5 March	3 cents per share	30 March
Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO)	5 March	$3.602 per share	16 April
EQT Holdings Ltd (ASX: EQT)	5 March	56 cents per share	26 March
Eagers Automotive Ltd (ASX: APE)	5 March	50 cents per share	19 March
Beacon Lighting Group Ltd (ASX: BLX)	5 March	4.1 cents per share	27 March
Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV)	5 March	53 cents per share	26 March
QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE)	5 March	78 cents per share	17 April
Perseus Mining Ltd (ASX: PRU)	5 March	5 cents per share	2 April
NIB Holdings Ltd (ASX: NHF)	5 March	13 cents per share	8 April
Monadelphous Group Ltd (ASX: MND)	5 March	49 cents per share	27 March
Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)	5 March	83.4 cents per share	27 March
Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD)	6 March	60 cents per share	2 April
Aussie Broadband Ltd (ASX: ABB)	6 March	2.4 cents per share	23 March

Which companies will we hear from today?

The big one today is the half-yearly report from supermarket network Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL).

Woolworths shares ripped this week after the ASX All Ords consumer staples giant reported a 16% profit lift to $859 million for 1H FY26.

We’ll also hear from TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPG), Michael Hill International Ltd (ASX: MHJ), and Pexa Group Ltd (ASX: PXA).

The latest report from The Star Entertainment Group Ltd (ASX: SGR) will also be interesting, as investors seek further news on the turnaround plan for the beleaguered casino operator.

Yesterday, Star Entertainment shares bounced on news of a debt refinancing deal, including extra liquidity to fund the turnaround plan.

The post 35 ASX All Ords shares with ex-dividend dates next week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• Where to invest $5,000 in ASX mid-cap shares
• Why this ASX copper stock could be a better buy than Rio Tinto
• Why Fortescue was upgraded and Woodside shares could be a buy
• 6% fully-franked yield! Is this ASX income share a buy?

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in BHP Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Aussie Broadband, HMC Capital, Lovisa, Netwealth Group, PEXA Group, and PWR Holdings. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended NIB Holdings, Netwealth Group, PEXA Group, and PWR Holdings. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Aussie Broadband, BHP Group, Eagers Automotive Ltd, HMC Capital, Lovisa, Nick Scali, Servcorp, and Sonic Healthcare. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

If I had $5,000 to deploy into ASX mid-cap shares right now, I’d want businesses that are already executing at scale, but still have meaningful runway ahead of them.

Mid-caps are often where I see the most exciting balance of growth and proven economics. They’re big enough to have systems and cash flow, but small enough that store rollouts, new product launches, or geographic expansion can still move the needle.

Here’s where I would put my money.

Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV)

Lovisa is one of the cleanest global retail growth stories on the ASX in my view.

The company delivered revenue growth of 23.3% in the first-half of FY26 to $500.7 million, with comparable store sales up 2.2%. That tells me growth isn’t just coming from new stores, but from existing locations as well.

What really stands out to me is the gross margin. Underlying gross margin expanded again to 82.9%, up 50 basis points. For a retailer expanding this quickly, that level of margin strength is impressive.

Store rollout remains the engine. Lovisa opened 85 new stores in the half, taking the network to 1,095 stores globally. With operations now spanning more than 50 markets, I believe the global footprint still has room to expand materially.

For a $5,000 mid-cap allocation, I like that Lovisa combines strong cash generation, margin discipline, and a clear growth lever in store rollout.

Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG)

Breville is a different kind of mid-cap. It’s a premium consumer brand with global scale and pricing power.

The company delivered 10.1% revenue growth in the first half of FY26 to $1.1 billion, despite operating in what management described as a challenging tariff environment. Coffee continued to deliver double-digit growth, and new product launches contributed materially to performance.

What I find encouraging is how Breville managed US tariff pressure. By December, 80% of US gross profit was manufactured outside China. That kind of operational agility gives me confidence in management.

It is also leaning into enterprise-wide AI initiatives and continuing to invest in new geographies and product development. To me, that signals a company thinking long term, not just protecting short-term earnings.

Breville isn’t a hyper-growth stock, but I believe it’s a global brand builder with expanding optionality.

Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX)

Telix is the higher-risk, higher-reward pick in this group. Revenue jumped 56% to US$803.8 million in FY25, driven by continued growth in its Precision Medicine franchise. That’s not incremental growth. That’s meaningful scale being built quickly.

The company is also investing heavily in its pipeline, with US$157.1 million deployed into R&D during the year. It now has multiple late-stage therapeutic assets across prostate, kidney, and brain cancer programs.

Importantly, Telix is guiding to FY26 revenue of US$950 million to US$970 million. That forward guidance tells me management sees continued commercial momentum.

This is not a defensive stock. But for a mid-cap allocation, I like having exposure to a company building a global radiopharmaceutical platform with expanding commercial and pipeline depth.

Foolish takeaway

If I were splitting $5,000 across ASX mid-cap shares today, I’d want a mix of global retail execution, premium consumer branding, and high-growth healthcare innovation.

Lovisa offers disciplined global store expansion and exceptional margins. Breville combines brand power with operational agility. Telix brings commercial growth and pipeline upside.

The post Where to invest $5,000 in ASX mid-cap shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• 3 exciting ASX growth shares to buy now
• Top ASX shares to buy right now with $2,500
• 2 ASX stocks under $50 that could skyrocket
• Zip, CSL and BHP among CommSec’s most-traded ASX shares

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Lovisa. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Lovisa and Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Lovisa and Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

There has been a flurry of results releases this week. Some have gone down well with the market, others have not.

Three ASX shares that impressed enough to get an upgrade from Morgans are named below. Here’s why the broker has become bullish on them:

Accent Group Ltd (ASX: AX1)

This footwear retailer delivered a profit result that was down heavily over the prior corresponding period, but in line with expectations.

Outside this, the broker was pleased to see management decide to close down the Glue Store brand and believes it will be supportive of earnings growth in FY 2027.

In light of this and the low multiples its shares trade on, the broker has upgraded the stock to a buy rating with a $1.30 price target. It said:

AX1 reported 1H26 EBIT which was down 30% yoy to $56.5m, in line with the revised guidance range provided in November ($55-60m). The decline was driven by soft comp sales and significant operating de-leverage from lower gross margins. AX1 has made the unsurprising decision to cease operations of loss-making Glue store, which contributed $8.4m EBIT loss in 1H26. On an underlying basis, EBIT fell 10%. We see this providing incremental benefit on group earnings in FY27.

We have increased our EBIT by 1.5% in FY26 and by 11% in FY27. Our blended valuation lifts to $1.30 (from $1.10). We have upgraded to a BUY (from HOLD). We see significant earnings growth in FY27, driven by underlying FY26 run-rate (ex-Glue), this makes the stock look inexpensive at ~10x FY27 P/E and ~5.6% yield.

Iress Ltd (ASX: IRE)

Morgans notes that this financial technology company delivered a profit result ahead of expectations. In response, it has upgraded its forecasts, bumped its valuation higher, and lifted its recommendation.

The broker now rates Iress shares as a buy with a $10.95 price target. It explains:

IRE delivered a solid FY25 result with underlying EBITDA of A$136.2m, +4.7% ahead of our estimate, and the group’s FY25 guidance range. Divisionally each segment delivered solid EBITDA growth half on half, with APAC Wealth up +24.5%, UK Wealth +46%, and GTMD +8.6%. FY26 Cash EBITDA guidance (underlying EBITDA less capex) was provided at A$116-126m (representing 15-26% growth YoY).

IRE flagged that capex for FY26 will remain in line with FY25, which implies further operating leverage is expected. We upgrade our underlying EBITDA forecasts by +5-6%, which sees our price target increase to $10.95 from $10.50. With over 50% implied TSR, we move to a BUY rating from ACCUMULATE.

Siteminder Ltd (ASX: SDR)

A third ASX share that has been upgraded by Morgans is hotel technology company Siteminder.

In response to its mixed half-year result and recent share price weakness, the broker has upgraded its shares to a buy rating with a $7.00 price target. It said:

SDR’s 1H26 result was largely per expectations at the revenue line (A$131m, +23% on the pcp on a constant currency basis), however marginally below at EBITDA. Growth in transaction revenue and the mix shift towards the higher margin Smart Platform offering saw the group gross margin expand ~98bps to 67.8%. Key business metrics remain robust (e.g LTV/CAC of 6.7x, ARR and Rule of 40 growth).

We undertake a broad review of our assumptions in this update. Our price target is lowered to A$7.00 (from A$8.10) as a result. However, given the significant discount of the current share price versus our valuation we upgrade to a BUY recommendation.

The post Morgans just upgraded these ASX shares to buy ratings appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Accent Group, DroneShield, IDP Education, and Sigma shares are jumping today
• 2 ASX growth shares I invested in last week with $4,000
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Why this ASX 300 stock is jumping 20% on Wednesday
• Why Accent, DroneShield, WiseTech Global, and Woolworths shares are racing higher

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

If I were looking for passive income on the ASX, I wouldn’t just focus on the headline dividend yield. I want reliability, visibility, and a business model that can support distributions year after year.

That’s why APA Group (ASX: APA) comes up on my radar.

At a share price of $9.06 and FY26 distribution guidance of 58 cents per security, APA is offering a forward yield of approximately 6.4%. In today’s market, that is certainly attention-grabbing. But I think the real question is whether that passive income stream looks sustainable.

A business built for predictable cash flow

APA owns and operates critical energy infrastructure assets across Australia, including gas transmission pipelines, storage, and electricity generation and transmission assets.

What I like about this model is that much of its revenue is contracted and often linked to inflation. In its latest half-year update, APA delivered underlying EBITDA growth of 7.6% to $1,092 million and lifted EBITDA margins to 77.3%, reflecting both tariff escalation and cost discipline.

High margins and predictable cash flows are exactly what I want backing a 6%+ yield.

The company also reaffirmed its FY26 distribution guidance of 58 cents per security, which gives investors a clear line of sight on passive income over the next year.

Growth without recklessness

One of my concerns with high-yield stocks is that sometimes they are mature businesses with little growth left. APA doesn’t look that way to me.

Management recently increased its FY26–FY28 organic growth pipeline from $2.1 billion to around $3 billion. That’s a meaningful uplift and suggests the company sees real opportunities in its core infrastructure markets.

Importantly, APA also highlighted that its balance sheet remains strong, with additional funding capacity following an S&P threshold modification that increased capacity by more than $1 billion.

To me, that combination of a solid balance sheet and visible project pipeline reduces the risk that the dividend is being stretched.

Positioned for Australia’s energy transition

Another reason I find APA interesting is its strategic role in Australia’s evolving energy system.

It continues to expand its East Coast Gas Grid and invest in electricity transmission and storage. Regardless of where you sit on the energy debate, it is clear that gas and electricity infrastructure will remain critical to Australia’s economy for decades.

APA’s assets are not speculative. They are embedded in the national energy network.

That gives me confidence that the cash flows supporting its 6.4% yield are underpinned by long-life, hard-to-replicate infrastructure.

Is it one of the best ASX shares for passive income?

No dividend is guaranteed. APA itself notes that guidance is subject to asset performance, macroeconomic factors, and regulatory changes. Investors also need to be comfortable with exposure to interest rate movements and energy policy risk.

But when I weigh up the contracted revenue base, high EBITDA margins, reaffirmed distribution guidance, and visible growth pipeline, I think the risk-reward looks attractive at $9.06.

The post With a yield of 6.4%, is this one of the best ASX shares to consider buying for passive income? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 excellent ASX dividend shares to buy this month
• Forget term deposits! I’d buy these two ASX 200 shares instead
• If I had to build a defensive ASX share portfolio today, I’d start here
• Want to build a second income? I’d buy these ASX shares today
• What is Morgans saying about APA, Bega Cheese, and Transurban shares?

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

Growth shares are not always comfortable to own. They can soar when sentiment is strong. They can fall sharply when investors become nervous about valuations, interest rates, or new technologies.

But over long periods, it is often growth companies that reshape industries and deliver the strongest returns.

That is why I still believe quality ASX growth shares deserve a place in a long-term portfolio.

Growth is not about hype

True growth investing is not about chasing whatever is trending.

It is about identifying businesses that are expanding their markets, reinvesting profits at high returns, and strengthening their competitive positions over time.

Take Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO). It continues to add subscribers globally and deepen its ecosystem of accounting and business tools. The opportunity is not just in signing up new customers, but in increasing revenue per user as more services are adopted.

Or consider NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT). Demand for data centres is being driven by cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation. While capital intensive, the long-term structural drivers behind digital infrastructure remain intact.

These are businesses riding enduring trends rather than short-lived fads.

Volatility is part of the journey

Growth shares often trade at higher valuations because investors are pricing in future earnings expansion.

When confidence wobbles, those valuations can compress quickly. That volatility can be uncomfortable. But it can also create opportunities for patient investors.

History shows that many of the market’s biggest winners experienced multiple 30% to 50% pullbacks along the way. Short-term weakness does not necessarily mean the long-term thesis is broken.

The key is distinguishing between temporary sentiment shifts and genuine structural deterioration.

The compounding effect

If a company can grow earnings at 15% to 20% per year for a decade, the impact is enormous.

Revenue doubles, then doubles again. Margins improve as scale builds and cash flow increases.

That is how businesses like ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD) have created long-term shareholder value. Not through explosive single-year gains, but through sustained expansion backed by structural demand.

The long view

Growth investing requires patience.

It requires the willingness to hold through volatility and focus on business fundamentals rather than daily price movements.

For investors with a multi-year horizon, quality ASX growth shares can still be one of the most powerful ways to build wealth. The path will not always be smooth. But the destination can be worth it.

The post Why I’m still backing ASX growth shares for the long run appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Fund manager reveals views on Life360, Catapult, and Xero shares amid tech turmoil
• This ASX 200 tech stock is up 5% on results and ‘unprecedented demand’
• Why ASX tech shares still deserve a place in your portfolio in 2026
• 3 ASX growth shares I’d back to beat the market over the next decade

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