Tag: Stock pick

There are a lot of ASX shares to choose from on the local market.

To narrow things down, let’s see what analysts are saying about three big names, courtesy of The Bull.

Are they buys, holds, or sells this week? Let’s find out:

Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL)

The team at Baker Young has labelled gaming technology company Aristocrat Leisure as a hold this week.

Although it thinks that its valuation is reasonable, it has a few concerns with promotional intensity. It said:

Aristocrat Leisure designs, develops and distributes gaming content, platforms and systems. The company has experienced a steep share price fall despite a solid underlying operational performance. Attention is likely to focus on promotional intensity and machine level margins in the upcoming interim result.

Outside the early COVID-19 period, the stock was recently trading towards the lower end of its historical range. Supported by a modest dividend yield and ongoing buy-back capacity, we consider the current valuation reasonable and maintain a hold position.

TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPG)

Baker Young is more bullish on this telco and believes its shares could be a buy this week.

The broker highlights TPG Telecom’s strategic shift away from infrastructure ownership as a positive. And compared to peers, it feels that the company’s shares are attractively priced. It said:

Following several years of asset sales and restructuring, TPG has emerged as a more focused telecommunications provider with a stronger balance sheet and increasing exposure to the structurally attractive mobile segment, now contributing close to half of group revenue. Full year 2025 results highlighted accelerating subscriber growth and improving revenue per user, indicating positive operating momentum.

The company’s strategic shift away from infrastructure ownership and lower-margin fixed line broadband positions it for higher quality earnings growth. The stock screens as relatively attractive compared to peers.

Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC)

Over at Fairmont Equities, its team has put a sell rating on Westpac shares this week.

It has concerns over current trading conditions, with higher interest rates potentially causing challenges for the bank. It said:

We had previously been bullish on the banks when they were trending higher from high levels of momentum. However, they are stalling at current levels. A recent trading update by WBC indicated economic conditions could be getting tougher in response to rising interest rates, inflation and potential fuel shocks. In our view, challenging economic conditions are likely to impact lending activity and credit quality. Even a robust dividend yield may not be enough to prevent a further slide in WBC’s share price.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Aristocrat, TPG Telecom, and Westpac shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 2 ASX 200 shares I’d buy and 2 I’d sell this month
• What happened with ASX 200 banks stocks NAB and CBA in April?
• Top 10 ASX shares bought and sold in April
• Sell alert! Why this expert is calling time on Westpac shares
• 3 amazing ASX 200 shares to buy with $5,000 in May

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

There are a certain group of ASX shares that are highly rated by multiple analysts at the same time.

If many investment professionals are attracted to a certain business, it could suggest there’s a significant opportunity.

We’re going to look at two businesses with the group of ASX shares that currently have the most buy ratings.

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)

Coles is one Australia’s largest supermarket businesses. It also has a liquor division which includes Coles Liquor and Liquorland.

According to CMC Invest, there are currently 11 analyst buy ratings on Coles, with no hold ratings and no sell ratings.

The business recently announced its FY26 third-quarter update for the 12 weeks to 29 March 2026.

That third quarter saw supermarket growth of 4% to $9.78 billion, with comparable sales growth of 3.6%. Excluding tobacco, supermarket sales grew by 5.7%. Total revenue grew 3.1% to $10.7 billion, though liquor sales declined by 3.9% to $781 million.

Coles boasted that it achieved above market growth in supermarkets demonstrating “consistent execution over multiple years”.

The supermarket business also said that its e-commerce sales grew by 24.8%, with online penetration reached 13.6%.

Coles said that in the early part of the fourth quarter, supermarket sales revenue growth “remained broadly in line with the third quarter”, which provides a solid outlook for the ASX share.

The company noted that it has seen an increase in supplier cost price increase requests and higher costs within its own operations, particularly in fuel, freight and packaging. It’s actively managing this and will “will mitigate impacts where possible, while balancing the needs of customers and suppliers”.

According to the projection on CMC Invest, Coles shares are valued at under 25x FY26’s estimated earnings, with a possible grossed-up dividend yield of 4.9%, including franking credits.

Nextdc Ltd (ASX: NXT)

Nextdc describes itself as Asia’s most innovative data centre as a service provider – the ASX share is building the infrastructure platform for the digital economy, delivering the critical power, security and connectivity for global cloud computing providers, enterprises and government.

According to CMC Invest, it has seen recent 10 analyst buy ratings on the business, with no holds and no sells. Those analysts are expecting big returns from the business, with an average price target of $19.84 – that implies a possible rise of around 40% over the next year, from where it is at the time of writing.

The ASX share is seeing rapid growth of demand for its data centre services thanks to the growth of AI and cloud computing.

On 20 April 2026, the business reported that, as a result of recent customer contract wins, its pro forma contracted utilisation as at 31 March 2026 had increased by approximately 250MW (or 60%) to 667MW since 31 December 2025

Nextdc also said that its pro forma forward order book as at 31 March 2026 has increased by 247MW (83%) to 544MW since 31 December 2025.

The pro forma forward order book is expected to progressively convert to billing utilisation, revenue and operating profit (EBITDA) over FY26 to FY30. The ASX share continues to bank longer-term financial growth.

The post 2 ASX shares highly recommended to buy: Experts appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy right now
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• Why is everyone talking about ANZ, Evolution Mining and Coles shares on Friday?
• The five best ASX 200 stocks to buy and hold in April revealed
• Why are Coles shares falling today?

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 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.

ASX materials stocks have been a shining light in what has otherwise been a turbulent 2026 for the ASX. 

The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) is up 9% year to date. 

This has significantly outpaced the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which is almost even with where it began the year.

ASX materials stocks have outperformed in 2026 largely due to momentum from a strong 2025, elevated and sometimes rising commodity prices (especially metals tied to electrification), and investor rotation into inflation-resistant “real asset” sectors.

One such ASX materials stock that has enjoyed this sector outperformance is Nickel Industries Ltd (ASX: NIC). 

This ASX materials stock is a producer of nickel pig iron , a key ingredient in stainless steel. It is also engaged in exploring, mining, acquiring, and developing nickel projects globally.

Its share price is up 18% year to date and almost 80% over the last 12 months. 

More upside to come for this ASX materials stock

For those worried they missed the boat on this ASX materials stock, the team at Bell Potter are predicting more upside. 

In a recent report, the broker provided updated guidance following the company’s quarterly activities report.

The broker said NIC’s March 2026 quarter was broadly in line with expectations. 

It produced about 30,300 tonnes of nickel in NPI, slightly below forecasts, with attributable production also a bit under expectations. 

Costs were close to forecasts at around US$10,450 per tonne, but rose 4% from the previous quarter due to lower ore grades and higher electricity prices.

Additionally, the Hengjaya mine recovered strongly after earlier delays, selling about 3.0 million tonnes of ore, slightly above expectations.

Overall, NIC reported strong earnings, with EBITDA of about US$136 million – well above forecasts and up sharply from the previous quarter. 

Our key takeaway is the nickel price leverage demonstrated with this result. RKEF operations stood out, where EBITDA was up 145% from US$35m to US$86m, driven almost entirely by NPI pricing (up 19%) rather than volume (down 4%).

Buy recommendation unchanged 

Based on this guidance, Bell Potter has retained its buy recommendation on this ASX materials stock. 

The broker has also reaffirmed its price target of $1.450. 

From last week’s closing price, this indicates an upside potential of 40%. 

NIC offers nickel price leverage and diversified margin exposure across an integrated value chain. Retain Buy, our $1.45/sh Target Price is unchanged.

The post This ASX materials stock could be set to boom 40% or more appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Nickel Industries reports March quarter earnings
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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 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 All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is up 6.7% over the past full year, with ASX All Ords gold stock Strickland Metals Ltd (ASX: STK) up 70% over those 12 months before Monday’s opening bell.

But stockholders are giving back some of those outsized gains today.

In early morning trade on Monday, Strickland Metals shares are down 11.8% trading for 15 cents apiece. The All Ords is down 0.1% at this same time.

This follows the release of the miner’s latest exploration update at its 100%-owned 8.6-million-ounce gold equivalent Rogozna Project, located in Serbia.

Here’s what’s happening on and under the ground.

ASX All Ords gold stock hammered on permit delays

This morning, Strickland reported that it has now finalised its drilling plans for 2026.

However, the ASX All Ords gold is under pressure after noting that it has not yet received the required final approvals from the Ministry of Mines and Energy for the expanded exploration drilling work plans covering its main (Shanac) license at Rogozna.

Despite this unexpected delay, Stickland said it is preparing to commence drilling in the coming weeks at two other prospects within Rogozna, where it has existing approval for the works.

The ASX All Ords gold stock said its overall exploration and drilling strategy at the project remains focused on supporting the Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS), which is targeting high value resource growth and testing high priority discovery targets.

And Strickland remains well-funded for ongoing exploration in 2026, reporting cash and liquid investments of $81 million as at 31 March.

What did Strickland Metals management say?

Commenting on the ASX All Ords gold stock’s 2026 drilling plans, Stickland Metals managing director Paul L’Herpiniere said:

We are very encouraged by the scale of opportunity emerging across the Rogozna Project, with our 2026 drilling plans designed to deliver meaningful resource growth and further strengthen the foundations of our Pre-Feasibility Study expected to be completed in mid-2027.

The results achieved during 2025 have reinforced our confidence in the high-grade potential across the project and we see significant upside through targeted infill and extension drilling, particularly within the gap zones, along strike and at depth.

Addressing the unexpected setback in the final approvals that is pressuring Strickland shares today, L’Herpiniere added:

While we have experienced some timing delays associated with the approval process for expanded drilling at the Shanac licence (which contains our resource deposits), we continue to advance a range of field-based activities and studies across the project.

Importantly, we retain the ability to commence near-term drilling at our Obradov Potok and Jezerska Reka Prospects, with a Magnetotelluric (MT) geophysical survey also set to commence imminently, ensuring exploration momentum is maintained.

The post Why is this high-flying ASX All Ords gold stock crashing 12% today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Up 188% in a year, why is this ASX All Ords mining stock surging again 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 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.

National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) shares are falling on Monday morning.

At the time of writing, the ASX 200 bank stock is down 1% to $39.36.

This follows the release of the big four bank’s half-year results before the market open.

NAB shares are falling on results day

Investors appear to be responding negatively to NAB’s half-year results, which showed modest earnings growth.

For the six months ended 31 March, NAB reported a statutory net profit of $2.75 billion and cash earnings of $2.64 billion. However, cash earnings were impacted by a $949 million after-tax large notable item relating to a change in the bank’s software capitalisation policy.

Excluding this large notable item, cash earnings were $3.59 billion, up 2.3% on the second half of FY 2025 and broadly flat compared to the prior corresponding period.

Its underlying profit grew at a strong rate of 6.4%. This was underpinned by a 3.1% increase in revenue compared with the second half of FY 2025 and a modest reduction in expenses (excluding the large notable item).

A key driver of this was its Business and Private Banking division, where cash earnings excluding large notable items rose 9.9% to $1.85 billion.

Dividend maintained

Income investors may be pleased to see NAB maintain its interim dividend.

The board has declared a fully franked interim dividend of 85 cents per share, which is in line with both the prior period and prior corresponding period.

This represents a cash dividend payout ratio of 72.5% when excluding large notable items, which remains broadly consistent with recent periods.

Balance sheet strengthened

NAB ended the half with a Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 11.65%, down slightly from September 2025 but still above its target level.

The bank also reminded the market that its dividend reinvestment plan will include a 1.5% discount and be partially underwritten. Together, this is expected to raise approximately $1.8 billion and support a pro forma CET1 ratio of 12.05%.

This move appears to be designed to strengthen the bank’s capital position at a time of heightened geopolitical and economic uncertainty.

Credit provisions rise

One area investors will be watching is credit quality.

NAB’s credit impairment charge increased to $706 million, up from $485 million in the previous half. This included a $300 million increase in forward-looking provisions linked to potential stress from the Middle East conflict.

Despite this, NAB said underlying asset quality outcomes generally improved during the half.

Management commentary

NAB’s CEO, Andrew Irvine, was pleased with the half. He said:

Continued disciplined execution of our strategy and ongoing momentum across our business is reflected in NAB’s 1H26 operating performance. Changes to our software capitalisation policy this period, consistent with the rapidly changing technology environment, have lowered cash earnings by $949 million. Excluding this large notable item (LNI), cash earnings were 2.3% higher than 2H25 with underlying profit up 6.4% supported by strong growth of 5.4% in Business & Private Banking (B&PB).

We made further progress against our three key priorities of growing business banking, driving deposit growth and strengthening proprietary home lending in 1H26. Australian business lending rose 5.6% with market share gains in both SME and total business lending(1). Australian home lending drawdowns via proprietary channels improved from 41.4% in 2H25 to 47.7% in 1H26(2). Deposit balances in B&PB and Personal Banking (PB) increased 4.7% including 8.0% growth in transaction accounts (excluding offsets).

Irvine appears cautiously optimistic on the bank’s outlook. He adds:

Geopolitical tensions have created a more volatile macro economic environment. We enter this period in good shape and actions taken in 1H26 to bolster our balance sheet will allow us to continue to grow and support customers. […]

We are well placed to navigate a period of increased volatility. We will continue to manage our business for the long term to deliver sustainable growth and attractive returns for shareholders.

The post NAB shares fall despite $3.59 billion cash profit appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• NAB posts higher cash earnings, keeps dividend firm
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• Which of the big four bank shares has the most upside?

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

If you are searching for an ASX gold stock to buy with big potential, then it could pay to listen to what Bell Potter is saying about the one in this article.

That’s because if it is on the money with its recommendation, the gold developer’s shares could almost triple in value over the next 12 months.

Which ASX gold stock?

The gold stock that Bell Potter is recommending to clients with a high tolerance for risk is Santana Minerals Ltd (ASX: SMI).

Bell Potter highlights that the New Zealand-based gold developer has continued to de-risk the Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project. It said:

During the quarter, SMI completed a major capital raise ($130.0m at $0.90/sh), which has left it well-funded with $184m cash at quarter end and a further $17m settling in April. This has enabled SMI to commence permitted early site works and secure long-lead items, de-risking the development schedule for the Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project (BOGP). It also represents the equity funding component of pre-production CAPEX of $277m, with the balance expected to be debt funded.

The broker highlights that despite the de-risking, which normally boosts a share price, the ASX gold stock has retreated due to Fast-track Approval (FTA) Determination concerns. It said:

SMI has achieved major de-risking milestones during the quarter, securing a major portion of project funding and leveraging this to advance the development schedule. Exploration success also saw the estimation of an additional 0.5-1.5Moz Exploration Target, making a case for material mine life extension and reinforcing the economic significance of the BOGP.

Despite the technical progress, the share price has traded lower on perceived risk around the pending FTA Determination. In our view, the project is technically robust and designed to exacting standards and conditions. An encouraging precedent has been set with Newmont’s Waihi Gold Mine approved.

Huge potential returns

According to the note, Bell Potter has retained its speculative buy rating on the ASX gold stock with an unchanged price target of $1.70.

Based on its current share price of 57 cents, this implies potential upside of approximately 200% for investors over the next 12 months.

Commenting on its buy recommendation, the broker said:

The BOGP is one of the most advanced and highest margin greenfield gold projects on the ASX. The BOGP has been further financially and technically re-risked during the quarter. We make no changes to earnings, valuation or recommendation.

The post This ASX gold stock is being tipped to rise almost 200% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 6 ASX All Ords shares elevated to strong buy status after March sell-off

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

Not every quality ASX share is a good buy at every price.

That is how I am thinking about parts of the ASX 200 right now. There are still high-quality businesses I would be happy to buy and hold, but there are also some names where I think the share price has run ahead of the opportunity.

With that in mind, here are two ASX 200 shares I would buy and two I would consider selling.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

Wesfarmers is one of the ASX 200 shares I would be happy buying for the long term.

The company owns a collection of high-quality businesses, including Bunnings, Kmart, Officeworks, and other industrial and healthcare operations. What I like is that these businesses give Wesfarmers exposure to everyday consumer spending, home improvement, value retail, and longer-term growth options.

But for me, the real attraction is not just the brands. It is the way Wesfarmers manages capital.

This is a company that has shown it can invest where returns are attractive, walk away from areas that no longer make sense, and keep reshaping the portfolio over time. That kind of discipline can be very valuable over a decade or more.

Bunnings remains the key engine, and I think it still has room to grow through network expansion, digital improvements, trade sales, and ongoing efficiency gains. Kmart also gives the group exposure to value-conscious consumers, which I think remains useful in the current environment.

Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

Goodman is another ASX 200 share I would put in the buy column.

It owns, develops, and manages industrial property, with a strong focus on logistics warehouses and data centre opportunities. That combination is what makes it interesting to me.

The logistics side benefits from long-term demand for modern warehousing close to major cities. Supply chains are becoming more complex, and businesses need well-located facilities to move goods efficiently.

But the bigger growth angle now is data centres. Goodman owns land in strategic locations, and I think that gives it a powerful advantage as demand for digital infrastructure continues to grow. Artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and data-heavy applications all require significant physical infrastructure.

Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC)

Westpac is a quality bank, and I don’t think this is a negative call on the business itself.

It has a large customer base, a strong deposit franchise, and an important role in the Australian financial system. It also remains a major dividend payer, which will appeal to many income investors.

But after a strong run, I think the valuation looks less compelling and I would be a seller rather than a buyer.

Santos Ltd (ASX: STO)

Santos is another ASX 200 share I would place in the sell column, despite it being a quality energy business.

The company has valuable oil and gas assets and exposure to global energy demand. It can generate strong cash flows when commodity prices are supportive.

But after a strong share price run, I think the investment opportunity here looks less appealing.

Foolish takeaway

For me, this comes down to price and positioning.

Wesfarmers and Goodman are the two I would buy because I think they have durable growth drivers and strong long-term compounding potential.

Westpac and Santos are quality businesses, but after strong runs, I think the risk-reward looks less attractive.

In a market like this, I would rather be selective than simply buy what has already been working.

The post 2 ASX 200 shares I’d buy and 2 I’d sell this month appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• 3 ASX blue chip shares to buy with $10,000
• What happened with ASX 200 banks stocks NAB and CBA in April?
• Should you sell in May and stay away?
• How to invest $10,000 for passive income in superannuation

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

As the ASX heads for a relatively flat open this week, the team at Bell Potter has issued updated guidance on two ASX small-cap stocks. 

These options could attract investors looking for high upside companies. However, investors should also be aware of the volatility often experienced by small-cap stocks. 

Alpha HPA Ltd (ASX: A4N) 

A4N’s is an Australian mining company specialising in high purity alumina (HPA). HPA is a key component of lithium-ion batteries, LED lighting, and has other essential commercial applications.

A4N’s HPA First Project in Gladstone (Queensland) is aiming to supply high-purity aluminium-based products to the semiconductor, lithium-ion battery and light emitting diode (LED) manufacturing sectors. The project’s proprietary technology is expected to disrupt incumbent HPA production through delivering ultra-high purity products with significantly lower unit costs.

This ASX small-cap has dropped roughly 15% year to date, however did rebound during April. 

It closed last week at 65 cents per share. 

However the team at Bell Potter is anticipating a significant rise over the next 12 months. 

The broker has a price target of $1.50, along with a speculative buy rating. 

This target indicates an upside potential of 130%. 

Much of this optimism was reinforced by the company’s recent quarterly activities report. 

The broker said the March 2026 quarterly report illustrates increasing interest and demand for its high purity aluminium products from the semiconductor sector. 

Quarterly sales from the Stage 1 facility increased to 4.2t (prior quarter 2.0t), at a weighted average unit price of US$30.53/kg (prior quarter US$28.85/kg).

A4N’s process delivers products with unmatched purity and bespoke morphology which provide value-in-use advantages in these applications. The rollout of AI data centres is driving demand for higher computing efficiency; A4N is increasingly leveraged to this theme.

Strike Energy Ltd (ASX: STX)

Strike Energy Ltd. engages in the exploration and development of oil and gas resources. Its projects include Copper Basin and Perth Basin.

This ASX small-cap has fallen significantly in the last 12 months, but is receiving a positive outlook from Bell Potter. 

Over the past year, its share price has fallen 33%. 

It closed last week at 12 cents per share. 

However, the team at Bell Potter has a speculative buy rating. Additionally, the broker has a price target of 16 cents, indicating a 33% upside. 

The broker said this ASX small cap is leveraged to the Western Australia energy market where electricity and gas prices are expected to remain supportive.

The post Two ASX small-caps to add to your watch list this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• Is this ASX energy stock a buy, hold or sell following quarterly results?
• Here’s why Morgans just upgraded Woolworths shares
• Bell Potter says this ASX real estate stock could rise 33%
• Top 10 ASX shares bought and sold in April

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 Viva Energy Group Ltd (ASX: VEA) share price is in focus after the company provided an update on refinery operations following the recent Geelong Refinery fire. Viva Energy expects diesel and jet fuel production at around 80% of capacity and petrol at about 60% until repairs are complete.

What did Viva Energy report?

• The Geelong Refinery incident on 15 April 2026 impacted operations, particularly the Alkylation unit and Residue Catalytic Cracking Unit (RCCU).
• Production of diesel and jet fuel currently at approximately 80% of capacity, petrol at 60% of capacity.
• Repairs to affected units are estimated to take six weeks, with a return to over 90% capacity expected after the RCCU restarts in June.
• Viva Energy states sufficient fuel stocks are available to meet normal supply commitments.
• The company is liaising with insurers on possible property damage and business interruption claims.

What else do investors need to know?

Viva Energy has prioritised safety by securing and isolating the impacted Alkylation unit to enable repairs. Early assessments show no major hindrances to the repair schedule, and preparatory work for returning the RCCU to service is underway.

The ongoing investigation into the fire’s cause and scope of damage is progressing, alongside regular engagement with insurers. Customers are expected to see no disruptions to fuel supply throughout the repair period, as the company believes its existing stocks are sufficient.

What’s next for Viva Energy?

Viva Energy anticipates bringing the RCCU and associated units back online during June. Once repairs are finished, refinery production should return to over 90% capacity, supporting steady supply to customers.

The company remains focused on repair works and is committed to transparent communication with stakeholders as the situation develops. Investigations continue while management works closely with insurers to address business impacts.

Viva Energy share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Viva Energy Group shares have risen 43%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 7% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Viva Energy updates investors on Geelong Refinery operations appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

The team at Bell Potter has kicked off the new trading week with fresh guidance on a number of ASX shares. 

However two that have received a downgrade are Adairs Ltd (ASX: ADH) and LGI Ltd (ASX: LGI). 

Lets see what the broker had to say. 

Adairs in transition phase 

Adairs is a homewares and home furnishings retailer in Australia and New Zealand. 

It has been struggling so far in 2026, down nearly 28% in that span. 

Shares closed last week at $1.30 each. 

The team at Bell Potter said in its recent report that it remains cautious on these ASX shares in the near term. 

The broker said Adairs 1H26 result saw the company delivering between the mid to high

points of the downgraded guidance range provided in Oct-25. 

However gross margins were towards the bottom end of the guidance range but with some good wins in the Mocka brand. 

While the revenue growth of the key growth brands, Adairs (~70% of the group) and Mocka ~10% of the group) saw further improvements for the first 7 weeks of 2H26 vs 1H26, we see some headwinds for the key 4Q26 as Adairs cycles the range curation driven clearance activity in the pcp and given the current macroeconomic environment.

Based on this guidance, the broker has lowered its price target 44% to $1.40/share (previously $2.50). 

Bell Potter maintained its hold rating. 

While we anticipate the current transition phase across all three brands to progress over the near term, we expect operating leverage led earnings growth to be skewed to the long term with our estimates seeing ~6% revenue growth and ~16% EBIT growth over the next 4 years (4 yr CAGR).

LGI gets a slight downgrade

LGI Ltd is engaged in the recovery of biogas from landfills, and the subsequent conversion into renewable electricity and saleable environmental products.

Its share price is down almost 12% year to date, and closed last week at $3.62. 

Following its H1 FY26 Results, the team at Bell Potter slightly lowered its price target on these ASX shares. 

The broker said wholesale electricity prices fell again in early 2026 across the National Electricity Market (NEM). Prices dropped about 27% in Queensland and 16% in New South Wales compared to last year.

Even though electricity demand reached a record for the quarter, prices still declined because temperatures were milder and there was less price volatility.

Based on this guidance, the broker decreased its price target to $4.50 (previously $4.64). 

In good news for investors, this price target still indicates a solid upside potential of nearly 25%. 

The broker maintained its buy recommendation on these ASX shares. 

The post Why did these ASX shares receive a downgrade from Bell Potter? 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 positions in and has recommended Adairs. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Adairs. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended LGI Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.