Tag: Stock pick

ASX industrials stock SKS Technologies Group (ASX: SKS) has been in focus this year after racing ahead of the market. 

Since the start of 2026, it has risen 110%. 

SKS Technologies engages in the development and distribution of technology products. It provides audiovisual products & solutions and electrical and communications cabling for the commercial, retail, health, defense and education market.

In the last 12 months, it has exploded more than 400%. 

After such a rapid rise, prospective investors are likely questioning if it’s too late to jump on board this runaway train. 

Last week, the company released key announcements regarding new contracts.

What did this ASX industrials stock announce?

SKS Technologies has received written confirmation from Buildcorp Group Pty Ltd for the award of a contract to supply and install a fully integrated electrical technology solution for a major retailing group for its new headquarters in Melbourne’s Docklands precinct. 

The project is valued at approximately $22 million. 

SKS Technologies Chief Executive Officer, Matthew Jinks, said:

The awarding of this project reflects our reputation and position in the market for quality and capability, reinforcing our business as a trusted partner for complex, large-scale commercial developments. It also further strengthens market confidence in our team’s ability to execute critical infrastructure with precision, safety and efficiency.

The project is due for completion in 1Q28.

This catapulted the share price to a new record high last week, and prompted updated guidance from the team at Morgans. 

Here’s what the broker had to say. 

$1.2bn pipeline sparks further confidence 

Morgans said SKS’s $22m contract win for the new Coles head office sees the group work in hand expand to $355m ($270m for FY27), with SKS’s Tenders pipeline exceeding $1.2bn (of which >$1bn relates to prospective data centre projects). 

SKS’s share price momentum increasingly reflects confidence in the group’s strong FY27 outlook, and ability to win a greater share of its healthy pipeline of prospective data centres. We lift our PBT forecasts by ~12-15% in FY27-28F, reflecting our expectations for further conversion of SKS’s share of this pipeline over the year ahead.

Based on this guidance, Morgans retained its accumulate rating, with a revised price target of $8.95.

While this optimism is reassuring for holders of the stock, those on the outside looking in have likely missed the majority of growth.  

From yesterday’s closing price of $8.32, this updated price target indicates a modest upside of 7% for this ASX industrials stock.

The post This ASX industrials stock has doubled in 2026 – is there any more upside according to Morgans? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

The team at Morgans have adjusted their outlook on these ASX shares following key updates over the last week. 

Despite the downgrade, Credit Group (ASX: CCP) and Amcor Plc (ASX: AMC) still have buy recommendations from the broker. 

These ASX shares have fallen significantly this year, however Morgans does see a rebound in sight. 

Here’s the latest from the broker. 

Credit Corp’s trading update broadly positive

Credit Corp released a trading update last week which led to a 10% single-day rise.

The debt collector revealed that it is on track to deliver record earnings in FY 2026. 

It is projecting net profit after tax of $100 million to $110 million, which would be up from $94 million in FY 2025. 

It also advised that its ledger investments will be higher than previously expected at $295 million to $330 million and gross lending is now projected to be higher at $420 million to $430 million.

Morgans maintained its buy recommendation but lowered its price target to $19.15 (previously $19.35). 

Management noted CCP is on track for strong earnings, with investment providing “a platform for growth in FY27”. Sustained delivery of the 3Q PDL momentum, alongside conversion of the US scale-up is key to a re-rating in our view. CCP is trading on ~7x FY27 PE, which we view as undemanding given the earnings profile.

From yesterday’s closing price of $11.505, this indicates an upside potential of 66%. 

Amcor results mixed

Amcor also released an important update last week in the form of quarterly results.

It reported a 77% rise in net sales to US$5.91 billion and an 87% increase in adjusted EBITDA to US$892 million.

Amcor shares jumped 5% following this result, however Morgans were less convinced than the general market. 

The broker said while AMC’s 3Q26 earnings were largely in line with expectations, FY26 underlying EPS and FCF guidance was downgraded. 

Key positives include Berry synergy benefits tracking above initial expectations, continued progress on portfolio optimisation with further non-core asset divestments, and pass-through mechanisms working well with movement in resin prices due to the Middle East conflict not having a material impact on earnings. 

Key negatives include ongoing soft volumes, a downgrade to FY26 underlying EPS guidance (albeit better than feared), a reduction to FCF guidance, and leverage at the end of FY26 now expected to be higher than previously anticipated.

Based on this guidance, the broker reduced its price target to $65.40 (from $68.20). 

From yesterday’s closing price of $55.20, this updated price target indicates an upside potential of 18%. 

Trading on 9.2x FY27F PE with a 6.7% yield, we believe AMC’s valuation remains attractive with Berry synergies tracking well. Further non-core asset sales (particularly the North America Beverage business) will be a potential positive catalyst. BUY rating maintained.

The post Why did this broker just lower its price targets on these ASX shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Should you buy Amcor shares for the 7% dividend yield?
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• Why Amcor, Credit Corp, Neuren, and Zip shares are charging higher today
• Why Tabcorp, Light & Wonder and Amcor shares are making waves on Thursday
• Why are Amcor shares surging higher 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 positions in and has recommended Amcor Plc. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Amcor PLC (ASX: AMC) shares have underperformed over the last 12 months.

On Tuesday, shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) global packaging giant closed up 0.51%, trading for $55.25 apiece.

Despite that lift, Amcor shares remain down 22.24% since this time last year, trailing the 5.31% 12-month gains delivered by the benchmark index.

However, following on the now completed acquisition of United-States-based packaging company Berry Global last year, Amcor has ramped up its dividends.

The ASX 200 stock is favoured by many passive income investors for making quarterly payouts, rather than just twice per year.

Indeed, in the first two quarters of 2026, the company has declared two unfranked dividends totalling $1.84 a share. That’s up from a total of 39.4 cents a share from the previous two quarterly dividends.

The latest Amcor dividend of 91 cents a share for the March quarter is still up for grabs, by the way. If you want to bank that passive income, you’ll need to own the stock at market close on 26 May. Amcor shares trade ex-dividend on 27 May. You can then expect to see receive that payout on 17 June.

That passive income boost was supported by a 77% year-on-year increase in quarterly net sales to US$5.91 billion. And Amcor’s adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of US$892 million leapt by 87%.

Which brings us back to our headline question…

Amcor shares: Buy, hold, or sell?

Sanlam Private Wealth’s Remo Greco recently analysed the outlook for Amcor stock (courtesy of The Bull).

Greco noted that Amcor shares have come under heavy selling pressure since trading at six-month highs in February.

According to Greco:

The global packaging giant’s share price has fallen significantly from recent highs over investor concerns about rising plastic resin costs, which are linked to petrochemical and oil prices.

The RBA’s three consecutive interest rate hikes in 2026 and the resulting rising Aussie dollar, along with the outbreak of the Iran war, have also thrown up headwinds for the stock.

Greco said:

Concerns about potential supply constraints and a stronger Australian dollar have contributed to a weaker share price. The shares have fallen from $67.84 on February 27, a day prior to the start of the Middle East conflict, to trade at $55.32 on May 7.

Connecting the dots, Greco issued a hold recommendation on Amcor shares.

“The sell-off may have been excessive. The stock trades notably below peers and was recently yielding more than 7%. A de-escalation of Middle East tensions would lower earnings risk,” he concluded.

The post Should you buy Amcor shares for the 7% dividend yield? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why did this broker just lower its price targets on these ASX shares?
• What does Macquarie say Amcor is worth after this week’s quarterly?
• Why Amcor, Credit Corp, Neuren, and Zip shares are charging higher today
• Why Tabcorp, Light & Wonder and Amcor shares are making waves on Thursday
• Why are Amcor shares surging higher today?

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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 Amcor Plc. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

There are a variety of ways to invest in ASX shares for passive income. That can be in our own names, through a company, a trust, superannuation, and so on.

Investing for passive income in superannuation makes a lot of sense because of the low tax rate.

It’s important to remember that the net income we receive from our investments is what we receive after taxes. An Australian working full-time could end up losing a third of their passive income to tax.

Therefore, investing in superannuation is a much more appealing prospect. Super has a lower tax rate in the accumulation phase compared to normal individual tax rates for a full-time earner. In retirement, the tax rate could be 0%.

But every Australian’s tax position is different, so I’m just going to talk about targeting a certain income level, without mentioning tax any further.

How much is needed in superannuation for $5,000 of monthly passive income?

Receiving $5,000 per month of dividends translates into $60,000 annually. I’m sure most Australians would love to receive that level of dividends each year without having to do any ongoing work for it.

A key question is deciding what sort of investments Australians want to own and the dividend yield that comes with them.

A portfolio with a dividend yield of 6% can be half the size of a portfolio with a dividend yield of 3%.

For example, if a portfolio is $1 million in size with a 6% dividend yield, it would create $60,000 of annual passive income. If a portfolio had a dividend yield of 3%, the portfolio would need to be $2 million in size.

If the portfolio had an average dividend yield of 4%, generating an average of $5,000 in monthly passive income would require a portfolio value of $1.5 million.

The final dividend yield we’ll look at is 5%. It would take a portfolio value of $1.2 million to unlock $60,000 of annual dividends.

The sorts of ASX dividend shares I’d look at

There is a wide range of ASX dividend shares available for superannuation investments, some of which offer higher yields and others that have lower yields (but could deliver more growth).

Some of the lower-yielding names that I’d look at, which could provide solid dividend growth in the coming years, are: Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES), Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co. Ltd (ASX: SOL), and Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV).

A few mid-range yielding ideas that could provide solid total returns at current valuations include WCM Quality Global Growth Fund (ASX: WCMQ), Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS), Australian Foundation Investment Co Ltd (ASX: AFI), and Centuria Industrial REIT (ASX: CIP).

A few of the higher-yielding names that I’m bullish about for the long-term include WCM Global Growth Ltd (ASX: WQG), Charter Hall Long WALE REIT (ASX: CLW), and Hearts and Minds Investments Ltd (ASX: HM1).

The post How much is needed in superannuation to target a $5,000 monthly passive income? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• 2 big-name ASX 200 shares at 52-week lows that I’d buy and hold
• Major ASX retail stocks sink to year lows: Time to buy?
• What’s going on with this ASX 200 stock today?

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Hearts And Minds Investments, Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited, Wcm Global Growth, and Wcm Quality Global Growth Fund. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Lovisa, Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Telstra Group and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Lovisa and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Passive income is one of the biggest attractions of ASX shares.

Many Australian companies have a long history of paying dividends, and that can make the share market useful for investors who want regular cash flow as well as long-term capital growth.

Of course, dividends are never guaranteed. Companies can cut, pause, or reduce payouts if profits come under pressure. But with a diversified portfolio of quality ASX dividend shares, I think investors can build a useful income stream over time.

Start with the passive income goal

Aiming for $500 a month in passive income means targeting $6,000 a year.

The amount required to generate that income depends on the dividend yield achieved.

For this example, I am going to use a 4% dividend yield. I think that is a sensible starting point because it does not require investors to chase the highest-yielding shares on the market.

A 6% or 7% yield can look attractive, but it can also be a warning sign that the market is worried about the sustainability of the dividend. A 4% target gives investors more room to focus on quality, diversification, and dividend sustainability.

What the maths says

At a 4% dividend yield, an investor would need a portfolio worth around $150,000 to generate $6,000 a year in passive income.

That works out to roughly $500 a month.

That is a large number, but I do not think it should discourage investors. It can be built gradually through regular investing, reinvesting dividends, and allowing the portfolio to grow over time.

What could the portfolio include?

I would want a $150,000 income portfolio to be spread across different parts of the ASX.

The banks could play a role. Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB), Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC), and ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) have long been popular dividend shares for Australian investors.

I would be careful not to overload the portfolio with banks, but they can provide franked dividends and exposure to large, profitable financial institutions.

Miners could also help with income. BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) can pay large dividends when commodity markets are favourable.

The important thing to remember is that mining dividends can be cyclical. Iron ore, copper, and other commodity prices can move sharply, so I would not treat those payouts as fixed.

Retailers and REITs

Retailers can add another income source.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES), Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW), Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL), and Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN) all offer different types of consumer exposure.

Some are more defensive, such as supermarkets. Others are more cyclical, such as household goods retail. Combining them carefully can help spread risk.

I would also consider real estate investment trusts.

HomeCo Daily Needs REIT (ASX: HDN), Charter Hall Long WALE REIT (ASX: CLW), and Scentre Group (ASX: SCG) can provide property-backed income. REITs can be sensitive to interest rates, but they can also offer attractive distributions from portfolios of income-producing assets.

Foolish Takeaway

To generate $500 a month in passive income from ASX shares at a 4% dividend yield, an investor would need about $150,000 invested.

That income will not be perfectly smooth, and dividends can change from year to year. But I think the goal is achievable with patience and a diversified portfolio.

For me, the key would be spreading the money across banks, miners, retailers, and REITs rather than relying too heavily on one sector.

A 4% yield target is not the most aggressive approach, but I think it gives investors a better chance of building income that is more sustainable over time.

The post How much do I need to invest in ASX shares for $500 a month of passive income? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX ETFs that could be top picks for beginners
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• Major ASX retail stocks sink to year lows: Time to buy?
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Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Commonwealth Bank Of Australia and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Harvey Norman and Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group, HomeCo Daily Needs REIT, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Getting started with investing can feel harder than it needs to be.

There are thousands of ASX shares to choose from and plenty of jargon to get through. This is where ASX exchange traded funds (ETFs) can help.

They allow investors to access a basket of companies through a single trade, making it easier to build exposure without needing to pick every stock individually.

Here are three ASX ETFs that could be worth considering for beginners.

Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF (ASX: QLTY)

The first ASX ETF to look at is the Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF.

This fund focuses on global companies with strong financial characteristics. These can include high returns on equity, low debt, stable earnings, and solid cash flow generation.

That gives this ETF a simple starting point. Rather than trying to chase the next market winner, it looks for businesses that already have the numbers to support their quality.

Its holdings include companies such as Visa (NYSE: V), Uber (NYSE: UBER), and Lam Research (NASDAQ: LRCX).

For beginners, the appeal is that the Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF provides exposure to established global companies while applying a quality filter. This can be a useful way to invest internationally without having to analyse every business from scratch.

Betashares Australian Quality ETF (ASX: AQLT)

Another ASX ETF that could appeal to beginners is the Betashares Australian Quality ETF.

This fund focuses on Australian companies with strong quality characteristics. This can include businesses with high return on equity, low financial leverage, and strong cash flow generation.

That makes it different from a traditional broad-market ETF. Instead of simply buying companies based on size, it applies a quality filter to the Australian share market.

Its holdings include companies such as Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), Goodman Group (ASX: GMG), and Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES).

This approach can be useful for beginners. That’s because it provides exposure to familiar Australian shares, but with a rules-based process that favours financial strength rather than just market size.

VanEck Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF (ASX: GOAT)

A third ASX ETF that could be a top pick for beginners is the VanEck Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF.

It is built around the idea that some companies have stronger competitive advantages than others. These advantages can come from brands, scale, switching costs, intellectual property, or network effects.

The fund invests in international companies that are judged to have sustainable competitive advantages and, importantly, are attractively priced.

Its holdings include Etsy (NYSE: ETSY), NXP Semiconductors (NASDAQ: NXPI), and Nike (NYSE: NKE).

This can make it an attractive option for beginners. The VanEck Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF does not simply buy the broad market. It uses a quality and valuation lens to select companies that may be better placed to protect and build profits over time.

The post 3 ASX ETFs that could be top picks for beginners appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 2 big-name ASX 200 shares at 52-week lows that I’d buy and hold
• Major ASX retail stocks sink to year lows: Time to buy?
• What are experts saying about these shares hitting 52-week lows 
• Fast-track your retirement with these ASX shares and ETFs
• Where to invest $20,000 in ASX 200 shares this week

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Goodman Group and Nike. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Goodman Group, Lam Research, NXP Semiconductors, Nike, Uber Technologies, Visa, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Goodman Group, Lam Research, Nike, VanEck Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF, Visa, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

It’s not too uncommon to see new exchange-traded funds (ETFs) debut on the ASX in this day and age. It seems that every other month sees a new fund float on the ASX. But a space-themed ASX ETF? That is a far rarer sight.

Last month, we discussed the impending debut of the BetaShares Space Industry ETF (ASX: RCKT), and what it could mean for investors interested in technology or space. Today, that ASX ETF has officially been listed on the stock market. RCKT units floated at $14 when the markets opened this morning. However, over the trading day, those units have drifted lower, and are currently going for $13.79 each at the time of writing.

So let’s break down how this ETF works and what investors who are purchasing its units are actually buying.

RCKT-ship? Meet the ASX’s newest ETF

As its name implies, the Betashares Space Industry ETF aims to expose investors to a basket of global shares that are all leaders in the “global space economy”. This is the first ETF on the ASX to have a space focus. It will do so by tracking the Solactive Space Industry Index.

Although RCKT does hold stocks that hail from nine different countries, it is heavily exposed to the United States. As of 8 May, 74.3% of this ASX ETF’s weighted portfolio is dedicated to US stocks. Another 7.2% hail from Japan, its second-largest contributor. Other countries that are represented include Canada, France, South Korea, Sweden and Israel.

In terms of individual stocks, RCKT currently has 28 underlying holdings. These are quite top-heavy, though, with the two largest positions, Rocket Lab USA Inc and AST Spacemobile Inc making up 13.1% and 10.2% of the portfolio, respectively. Other top stocks include Planet Labs, Viasat Inc, and Echostar Corp. Interestingly, taking out the last spot in the ETF, with a weighting of just 0.3%, is the former poster child of commercial space exploration, Virgin Galactic Holdings.

Obviously, since this ETF has only just floated on the American market, it is impossible to provide performance fees. However, Betashares has shared the performance of the underlying index that RCKT tracks. As of 30 April, the Solactive Space Industry Index has returned a monstrous 167.25% over the preceding 12 months, and has averaged a return of 20.46% per annum over the past five years.

No doubt investors will be hoping that RCKT keeps up those kinds of numbers. But we shall have to wait and see.

The Betashares Space Industry ETF charges a management fee of 0.57% per annum.

The post A new space ETF has just debuted on the ASX appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• 2 big-name ASX 200 shares at 52-week lows that I’d buy and hold

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 AST SpaceMobile, Planet Labs PBC, and Rocket Lab. 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.

It was another rough day on the markets for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) and many ASX shares this Tuesday. After yesterday’s miserly start to the trading week, investors were in no mood to change course today. By the time trading finished, the ASX 200 had lost another 0.36%, leaving the index at 8,670.7 points.

This tough Tuesday session for Australian investors follows a more optimistic start to the American trading week last night (our time).

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) managed to keep its head above water, rising 0.19%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was slightly more downbeat, gaining 0.1%.

Let’s return to the local markets now and take stock of how today’s drop affected the various ASX sectors this session.

Winners and losers

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

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

If you are on the hunt for some ASX shares to buy, then it could be worth hearing what Morgans is saying about the popular shares in this article.

Does the broker rate them as buys, holds, or sells? Let’s find out.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

Morgans is sticking with CSL shares after the company downgraded its guidance for FY 2026.

In response to the trading update, the broker has retained its buy rating with a reduced price target of $147.59.

It believes that CSL’s issues are executional rather than structural. It explains:

FY26 guidance was downgraded on China Albumin price pressure, US Ig channel inventory normalisation and other impacts (paused Iran sales, lower Hemgenix and and Iron sales), combined with a further cUS$5bn in flagged impairments. Importantly, issues are framed as primarily executional rather than structural, with infrastructure overbuild, organisational complexity, and weak commercial execution cited, while underlying demand and industry structure remain healthy.

Encouragingly, Seqirus is performing better than expected, Ig demand remains mid-to-high single digit, and there are early signs of plasma share stabilisation. While forward earnings visibility remains limited, we believe the current valuation increasingly discounts a structurally impaired plasma franchise, which we do not believe the current industry dynamics support. We reduce FY26-28 forecasts and lower our blended DCF, PE and EV/EBITDA-based target price to A$147.59. Given CSL’s global leadership positions, structurally growing end markets and operational initiatives, we retain a BUY rating.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)

Morgans was impressed with Macquarie’s performance in FY 2026. It highlights that its profit was up strongly on the prior corresponding period and ahead of consensus estimates.

However, due to share price strength, the broker thinks that Macquarie shares are close to being fully valued. As a result, it has retained its hold rating with an improved price target of $248.00. It said:

MQG delivered a very strong FY26 result with NPAT (A$4.8bn) up +30% on the pcp and +8% above company-compiled consensus. Whilst acknowledging this result was aided by significant volatility in commodity markets that assisted CGM, MQG’s performance was generally strong across the board.

Our price target rises to A$248 (previously A$223) on our earnings changes and a valuation roll-forward. MQG is a quality franchise, and a proven performer, but with <10% upside to our PT, we maintain our Hold call. We increase our MQG FY27F/FY28F EPS by +9%/+2%. Our price target rises to A$248 (previously A$223) on our earnings changes and a valuation roll-forward.

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

This property listings company also delivered a strong result this month according to Morgans.

It was impressed with its strong yield outcome and operating cost guidance. In response, the broker has retained its buy rating with a slightly trimmed price target of $219.00. Morgans commented:

REA’s 3Q26 result was driven by a strong yield outcome (+14%) in the resilient domestic residential business, and new listings also returning to growth (+1% on the pcp). FY26 Operating cost guidance being lowered was a key takeaway. We make minor revisions to our FY26-FY28F EPS forecasts (-0.5%) reflecting the lowered cost guidance, offset by a more conservative FY27 yield assumption. Our DCF-derived price target is lowered slightly to A$219 (from A$220). BUY.

The post Buy, hold, sell: CSL, Macquarie, and REA Group shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 2 big-name ASX 200 shares at 52-week lows that I’d buy and hold
• ‘Blood on the Street’: What is Bell Potter saying about the CSL share price crash?
• How low can CSL shares go?
• Down 63%: Should you finally give up on CSL shares?
• What are experts saying about these shares hitting 52-week lows 

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in CSL and REA Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL and Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. 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.

Adairs Ltd (ASX: ADH) shares are pushing higher on Tuesday after a notable shareholder update caught the market’s eye.

At the time of writing, the Adairs share price is up 3.19% to $1.295.

While that gives shareholders some relief, the homewares and furniture retailer is still down almost 37% in 2026.

So, what has investors taking another look today?

Brett Blundy is back on the register

The latest move follows a notice lodged with the ASX on Monday evening.

That notice showed BBFIT Investments, Brett Blundy, and BBRC International have become substantial holders in Adairs.

The group now holds 9.1 million shares, giving it voting power of 5.10%. The notice shows the substantial holding was reached on 7 May 2026.

Blundy is not a random name in the retail sector. He has been linked to several major businesses over the years, including Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV), City Chic Collective Ltd (ASX: CCX), and the former Bras N Things business.

He also has history with Adairs.

In 2020, Blundy sold part of his Adairs holdings after the stock rallied strongly following a stellar result.

Now, the latest notice suggests he is rebuilding a position after a much tougher period for the embattled retailer.

A rough year for Adairs

In February, Adairs reported a weaker first-half result for FY26.

Sales rose by 5.9% to $329 million, but statutory profit declined by 33.8% to $12.8 million.

That profit fall was driven by pressure on margins, which fell 120 basis points.

Adairs had to work through excess inventory, while higher delivery costs, rent, and a softer Australian dollar also weighed on the result.

The dividend was also lower. Adairs declared a fully-franked interim dividend of 5.5 cents per share, down from 6.5 cents a year earlier.

Margins are still the key issue

Adairs is not a broken business, but it is operating in a difficult part of the market.

Households are still watching their spending, especially after 3 interest rate rises already this year. At the same time, retailers are discounting heavily to keep stock moving.

And that has put pressure on margins.

Costs are also still an issue, with rent, wages, freight, and currency movements all affecting retailers in different ways.

For Adairs, the market now wants evidence that margins are stabilising and profit can start moving higher again.

Foolish Takeaway

Blundy buying back in is enough to make Adairs more interesting after such a rough run.

Nonetheless, the company still has a lot of work to do.

Investors will want to see margins improve and profit start moving in the right direction again.

The post Billionaire Brett Blundy is buying again. Is this battered ASX retail share about to turn? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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