Tag: Stock pick

Following plenty of market moving news in recent days, the team at Macquarie has updated their outlook for a number of shares.

I’ve selected three which look interesting, and which the broker has differing recommendations for.

Let’s have a look at what they’re saying.

Eagers Automotive Ltd (ASX: APE)

This automotive dealer held its annual general meeting this week, during which Chief Executive Officer Keith Thornton updated the market as to how the year was going so far.

Mr Thornton said while the company remained mindful of external uncertainty, “the underlying performance of the business is strong”.

Mr Thornton said turnover was up about 5% on the same period last year and order intake was at record levels.

The company was actually getting more orders than it could fulfil, he said, with supply constraints the bottleneck.

And Eagers’ used car business had enjoyed a record start to the year, Mr Thornton said, with pre-tax profit up 40%.

He added:

We expect to report an underlying profit before tax result for the first half of 2026 in line with, or slightly ahead of, the first half of 2025 across our Australia and New Zealand operations. In addition, two months of trading contribution from CanadaOne Auto will position us to deliver a record first half at a consolidated level. Looking to the second half, the outlook is positive. We expect an uplift in deliveries, supported by improved supply through our scaled partnership with Toyota following a materially constrained first half. Our substantial order bank and continued demand for new energy vehicles will further underpin second half performance.

Macquarie has an outperform rating on Eagers shares, with a price target of $27.10 compared to $20.69 currently.

Macquarie said CanadaOne remained a “compelling” long-term growth opportunity and Eagers’ order book was strong.

Dicker Data Ltd (ASX: DDR)

Dicker Data also held its annual general meeting this week, with Executive Chair Fiona Brown saying the company had entered CY26 with strong momentum.

Ms Brown said the first four months of the year delivered “a robust result that reflects both healthy underlying demand and the benefits of strategic investments made across the business in FY25”.

She added:

Looking ahead, the Company expects the traditionally robust Australian end-of-financial-year trading period to support continued momentum through the first half. Beyond the first half, second half performance is expected to reflect more typical market conditions, including the impact of changes to vendor pricing strategies in conjunction with elevated inventory replenishment costs. While these factors may result in reduced unit demand, our absolute revenue demand expectation remains strong.

Macquarie has a neutral rating on Dicker Data shares and a price target of $10.35 compared to $9.98 currently.

Endeavour Group Ltd (ASX: EDV)

Endeavour Group shares are trading near their 12-month low at the moment, following the company this week announcing a new strategy and a plan to deliver $300 million in cost savings by 2029.

Part of the new strategy involves Endeavour selling off most of its winery portfolio and refocusing investment in its hotels network.

The company also widened its dividend payout ratio from 70% to 75% of net profit to 50% to 75%.

Macquarie has an underperform rating on Endeavour shares, saying “we still expect market is underestimating reinvestment and earnings downside in key transition year”.

Macquarie has a price target of $2.80 on Endeavour Group shares compared with $2.84 currently.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Eagers, Dicker Data and Endeavour Group shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Eagers Automative, Endeavour, IPH, and Newmont shares are sinking today
• Morgans says these ASX 200 shares are buys
• This ASX tech stock could be one of the most overlooked AI infrastructure plays on the market
• 3 ASX shares riding the data centre boom that investors keep overlooking
• Does Bell Potter rate this ASX 200 share as a buy, hold, or sell?

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

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) bank shares are dragging the entire financial sector lower on Thursday.

The S&P/ASX 200 Banks Index (ASX: XBK) is down 2.1% today while the broader benchmark index is down 2%.

The sector’s No. 1 share, Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), is leading the pack lower, down 2.5% to $160.67.

What’s happening with ASX 200 bank shares?

ASX 200 bank shares are facing many headwinds today.

Morgan Stanley reckons there’s a 5% earnings downgrade ahead, purely due to capital gains tax (CGT) changes in the Federal Budget, which may impact lending growth to property investors.

On top of that, there are macroeconomic challenges afoot, which tend not to bode well for bank stocks.

Consumer confidence is at a five-year low after three interest rates rises.

We’ve just seen the first signs of weakness in the jobs market, with unemployment rising to 4.5% last month.

And we’re a long way off seeing the full long-tail impact of the global oil shock.

Amid this, the banks are trading on stretched valuations and falling trailing dividend yields.

You can compare ASX 200 bank share dividend yields with rising risk-free savings deposit rates beyond 5.5% for further data.

Portfolio manager Suhas Nayak from contrarian fund manager Allan Gray says ASX 200 bank shares look less attractive today.

Nayak told The Australian:

The total returns from here look not as appealing as many other parts of the market.

With all of this in mind, let’s check out some new ratings on three of the five major ASX 200 bank shares.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)

The Macquarie share price is $234.45, down 0.8% today and up 1.1% over the past month.

Morgan Stanley reiterated its buy rating on Macquarie shares with a 12-month price target of $263 this month. 

This implies 12% upside ahead.

ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ)

The ANZ share price is $34.81, down 2.2% today and down 3.4% over the past month.

UBS recently upgraded ANZ shares to a hold rating with a $36.50 price target.

That implies 5% upside from here.

Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC)

The Westpac share price is $35.77, down 1.7% today and down 7.4% over the past month.

Morgan Stanley reiterated its sell rating on Westpac shares last week.

The broker has a target of $34 for Westpac shares, suggesting a 5% fall from here.

The post Buy, hold, sell: ANZ, Macquarie, Westpac shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• This ASX bank ETF has a 5.2% dividend yield right now
• How I’d invest $20,000 in ASX shares before the end of FY26
• 3 ASX shares that could build serious wealth for shareholders
• ASX 200 rises as inflation surprise leaves investors with one big question
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy now

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

Quality investing can be a great way to build wealth over the long term.

The challenge is working out how to do it.

Investors can try to pick individual companies with strong brands, high returns, pricing power, and durable competitive advantages. But that takes time, confidence, and plenty of research.

That is why I think exchange-traded funds (ETFs) can be useful.

Two quality ASX ETFs that stand out to me are the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat AUD ETF (ASX: MOAT) and the VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF (ASX: QUAL).

I rate both as buys. But if I had to choose only one today, there is a winner.

The case for the QUAL ETF

The QUAL ETF has been an excellent performer.

Over the past decade, it has delivered an average total return of 14.95% per annum. That is a very strong result.

The fund focuses on international companies with quality characteristics. These include strong returns on equity, stable earnings, and relatively low financial leverage.

I like that approach because it screens for businesses that have already shown financial discipline and resilience.

This can be a good way to invest globally without simply buying every large company in an index. The QUAL ETF is trying to tilt towards companies with stronger balance sheets, more consistent earnings, and higher profitability.

That makes sense to me. The global share market includes plenty of businesses I would not want to own. Some are too cyclical, too indebted, or too inconsistent. A quality screen helps narrow the field.

Overall, I think this is one of the best ASX ETFs for investors seeking exposure to world-class companies.

The case for the MOAT ETF

The VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat AUD ETF has also produced an impressive long-term result.

Over the past decade, it has delivered an average total return of 13.9% per annum. That is slightly behind the QUAL ETF, but still excellent.

The reason I like the MOAT ETF is the philosophy behind it. This ETF invests in US companies that have sustainable competitive advantages and are trading at attractive prices compared with the estimate of fair value.

In simple terms, it is trying to buy good businesses at reasonable prices.

That is very appealing to me because it has a Warren Buffett-style feel. Buffett has long focused on businesses with durable competitive advantages, or moats, and has also cared deeply about the price paid.

This MOAT ETF gives investors a simple way to apply a version of that idea through an ASX ETF.

I like that it is not just chasing the biggest companies or the most popular themes. It is trying to find companies with strong long-term economics while still paying attention to valuation.

Which would I buy?

This is a close call. The VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF has the stronger 10-year performance, and I would be very happy to own it. It is a clean, sensible way to gain exposure to global quality companies.

But if I had to choose one today, I would buy the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat AUD ETF.

The reason is not that I think the QUAL ETF is weak. I just like the MOAT ETF’s combination of quality and valuation more at this point.

A quality company can still be a poor investment if the price is too high. The VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat AUD ETF’s process gives more weight to that idea by focusing on wide-moat businesses that look attractively priced.

That does not guarantee outperformance. No ETF can do that. But it gives the fund a discipline that I find appealing.

Foolish takeaway

I think both ETFs deserve attention from long-term investors.

The QUAL ETF has done better over the past decade, and its quality screen remains attractive. But investing is not only about looking in the rear-view mirror.

For me, the MOAT ETF edges ahead because it lines up more closely with how I like to think about investing: own strong businesses, but do not forget the price.

The post MOAT vs QUAL: Which quality ASX ETF would I buy today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• How to become a millionaire on a $70,000 salary
• Could this ASX ETF be the easiest way to invest in global quality?
• 2 ASX ETFs I think Warren Buffett would buy
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• 2 ETFs that could be buys today for any ASX share portfolio

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 recommended VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Do you have spare capital and are wondering where to invest it?

Well, let’s see if analysts believe the popular ASX shares in this article are worthy of your hard-earned money.

Here’s what they are saying about them:

Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

Morgans was relatively pleased with Goodman’s third-quarter update.

It appears to believe the update demonstrates the company’s strong position in the rapidly growing data centre (DC) market. The broker said:

GMG’s 3Q26 update reinforced a deliberate strategy: deploy balance-sheet capital ahead of customer commitments to win the race for power-enabled metro data centre (DC) capacity. WIP is set to step from $14.5bn at Mar-26 to a record c.$18bn by Jun-26 (Consensus $17.7bn), with the power bank lifted to 6.4GW.

Operationally the update was mixed, with pre-committed share, production rate and Yield On Cost (YOC) all relatively flat hoh. The structurally important note was management’s view that industry DC capex requirements likely exceed global capital market funding capacity, a backdrop that favours those with secured power, sites and locked-in capital partners.

Morgans has put a buy rating and $36.00 price target on Goodman’s shares.

Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1)

Ord Minnett has responded positively to news that this network-as-a-service company’s Latitude business has won three major contracts. It said:

Ord Minnett’s forecasts for revenue, operating earnings (EBITDA) and EPS for FY26 are unchanged, although capital expenditure assumptions have increased to reflect infrastructure required for the new contracts. Our EBITDA forecasts for FY27 and FY28, however, have been raised by 29% and 34%, respectively, while our EPS estimates have increased by 29% and 55% for FY27 and FY28, respectively. In turn, this has driven an increase in our Megaport target price to $14.50 from $12.00. ‍

Megaport has indicated a two‑year EBITDA payback on capital expenditure of US$101 million for the new contracts, implying EBITDA of circa US$50 million per annum, or an EBITDA margin of 75% at maturity.

Ord Minnett has an accumulate rating and $14.50 price target on Megaport’s shares.

New Hope Corporation Ltd (ASX: NHC)

This coal miner delivered a strong quarterly update this month, with production and sales comfortably ahead of expectations.

However, it wasn’t quite enough for Bell Potter to give New Hope shares an upgrade. It said:

We retain a Hold recommendation and apply a 10% premium to our sum of the parts valuation with energy security concerns exacerbated by recent geopolitical issues. NHC’s low-cost operations will continue to underpin margins through the coal price cycle, funding capital expenditure commitments and supporting shareholder returns. Beyond ramp-up of New Acland Stage 3, we see a limited organic production growth pipeline and believe NHC may participate in industry consolidation.

Bell Potter has a hold rating and $5.00 price target on its shares.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Goodman, Megaport, and New Hope shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• These ASX shares shot higher this week – can they keep rising?
• 3 ASX shares riding the data centre boom that investors keep overlooking
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Morgans says these ASX shares are buys this week
• ASX 200 rises as inflation surprise leaves investors with one big question

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

ASX financial shares are the worst performers of the 11 market sectors on Thursday, down 1.9%.

Meantime, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is down 1.4%.

ASX 200 financial shares have weakened by 3% in 2026 compared to a 1% slip for the broader benchmark index.

Experts explain why they’ve placed buy ratings on three ASX financial shares today.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

The CBA share price is $161.51, down 2% today and down 7.5% over the past month.

Earlier in May, CBA shares experienced their biggest one-day fall in history.

This happened on the day the bank released its 3Q FY26 update and in the first trading session post-Federal Budget.

Mark Elzayed from Investor Pulse has a buy rating on the market’s biggest ASX financial share. 

On The Bull, Elzayed explained why he is one of the first analysts to give CBA shares a buy rating in many months.

CBA remains Australia’s dominant retail bank. The recent sharp sell-off has created a more attractive entry point for long term investors.

The bank generated unaudited cash net profit after tax of $2.7 billion in the third quarter of fiscal year 2026, up 4 per cent on the prior corresponding period. Lending and deposits continued to grow despite a softer economic backdrop.

CBA also maintains strong capital levels and recently paid a fully franked interim dividend of $2.35 a share for the first half of fiscal year 2026.

The shares fell heavily following housing concerns flowing from the Federal Budget. We see scope for a recovery once sentiment stabilises.

Top broker Morgan Stanley tips a 5% earnings downgrade for ASX 200 bank shares due to capital gains tax (CGT) changes in the Budget.

L1 Long Short Fund Ltd (ASX: LSF)

The L1 Long Short Fund share price is $4.39, down 0.7% today and up 20% over six months.

The fund is run by independent global investment manager, L1 Capital.

L1 Capital says the fund is a highly diversified portfolio of long and short positions based on a fundamental bottom-up research process. 

On The Bull, Jed Richards from Shaw and Partners explained his buy call on this ASX financial share:

LSF offers exposure to global growth opportunities through a highly regarded investment team with a strong long term track record.

Management has meaningful personal investment in the fund, aligning interests with investors.

Recent performance has been supported by global equity exposure.

The fund also offers a solid income stream, making it an attractive option for growth and income in a diversified portfolio.

Qualitas Ltd (ASX: QAL)

The Qualitas share price is steady at $2.87 on Thursday, and down 20% in 2026.

Qualitas is an Australian alternative investment manager offering local and global investment strategies across real assets and private credit. 

Morgans recently upgraded Qualitas shares to a buy rating with a 12-month price target of $3.50.

This implies a potential 22% upside ahead for the ASX financial share.

Morgans commented:

Our valuation and recommendation change was driven almost entirely by a reduction to our discretionary valuation discount (+75 cps), reflecting our lower perceived risk as a) the company reiterates that FUM commitments continue to increase and b) FUM deployments set new records.

Following QAL’s recent 3QFY26 update, the announced changes to residential real estate investment in the Federal Budget and the sale of a further interest in the comparable Metrics Credit, we have upgraded QAL to a BUY with a $3.50/sh price target.

The post 3 ASX financial shares to buy: experts appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Investors are celebrating yesterday’s inflation news. Here’s how it might impact ASX financial stocks
• This ASX bank ETF has a 5.2% dividend yield right now
• ASX 200 rises as inflation surprise leaves investors with one big question
• Why ASX, CBA, Endeavour, and Tuas shares are falling today
• How much is needed in superannuation to target a $3,000 monthly passive income?

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen 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 Qualitas. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

AGL Energy Ltd (ASX: AGL) and Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG) shares are a popular option for investors looking for exposure to the energy sector.

But should investors be buying these ASX energy shares today?

According to analysts at Ord Minnett, the answer is no.

What is the broker saying?

This month, Ord Minnett has been taking a fresh look at AGL and Origin Energy and has come away more cautious on both companies.

The broker believes electricity market transition dynamics are evolving less favourably than previously expected.

In particular, it is concerned that battery capacity in the National Electricity Market is being deployed much faster than required at a time when coal-fired generation is not closing quickly enough. It explains:

Ord Minnett sees increasing downside risk to AGL Energy and Origin Energy as electricity market transition dynamics evolve less favourably than had been anticipated. Our central thesis is that battery capacity in the National Electricity Market (NEM) is being deployed materially faster than required in the absence of corresponding coal-fired generation retirements.

Battery-capacity additions are now running at close to double the pace implied by system requirements to 2030, meaning anticipated needs are likely to be met as early as 2027. Many of the coal-fired power station closures assumed in long term planning, however, have yet to occur. This timing mismatch has materially reduced volatility across the electricity market, and is evident in lower gas demand from power generation, a sharp fall in capacity contract prices, weaker frequency control ancillary services revenue, and narrower intraday price spreads.

This has led the broker to downgrade both companies.

AGL and Origin shares downgraded

AGL shares have been cut to a hold rating from buy, with its price target reduced to $11.75 from $13.25.

The broker notes that AGL supplies energy generated from coal, gas-fired, wind, hydro, solar and grid-scale batteries. It also has natural gas storage and other firming and storage technology.

These flexible assets were expected to become increasingly valuable as the energy transition progressed. However, Ord Minnett now believes the outlook for battery earnings is weaker than previously assumed.

The broker is even more cautious on Origin Energy.

Ord Minnett has downgraded Origin shares to a lighten rating from hold and reduced its price target to $10.40 from $11.00.

Commenting on its earnings downgrades, the broker said:

We now forecast battery operating earnings (EBITDA) of around $150 million per annum for AGL Energy in FY28 and FY29, well below prior expectations for EBITDA of $250–300 million. For Origin Energy, we estimate battery earnings contributions for FY27 and FY28 of $230–270 million before lease cash costs of approximately $120 million per annum.

The post Should you buy AGL and Origin Energy shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• AGL Energy shares tumble 19% from their peak: Buy, sell or hold?
• 3 ASX shares that could win big from Australia’s push to net zero
• Passive income investors: These 3 ASX dividend shares yield 5% (or more)
• AGL shares lifting off on improved $2.1 billion full year earnings expectations
• AGL Energy narrows FY26 guidance as project pipeline grows

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.

S&P/ASX All Ords Index (ASX: XAO) shares are down 1.1% to 8,849.4 points on Thursday.

Among the 11 market sectors, only the consumer staples and consumer discretionary sectors are in the green.

Let’s find out how the experts rate these three ASX All Ords shares.

Kingsgate Consolidated Ltd (ASX: KCN)

The Kingsgate share price is $6.05, down 7.6% today and up 41% over six months.

Mark Elzayed from Investor Pulse has a buy rating on this ASX All Ords gold share.

He explained why on The Bull this week:

Kingsgate operates the Chatree gold mine in Thailand and is benefiting from elevated gold prices and improving operational momentum.

We like the stock because March quarter gold production reached 21,036 ounces, with record margins of $US2613 per ounce.

Total cash and bullion climbed to $213.4 million, while debt was significantly reduced.

Management is also targeting gold production of between 85,000 ounces to 95,000 ounces in full year 2026, supported by stronger grades and ongoing exploration upside near Chatree.

Metcash Ltd (ASX: MTS)

The Metcash share price is $3.06, down 1% today and down 17.3% over six months.

Metcash owns the IGA supermarket network.

Jed Richards from Shaw and Partners has a hold rating on this ASX All Ords consumer staples share.

Richards commented: 

Metcash remains a quality defensive business with diverse earnings across food, liquor and hardware. Its strong customer network provides consistent cash flow and resilience during economic uncertainty.

Recent updates show stable margins despite increasing cost pressures, and the company continues to generate an attractive dividend yield.

While growth is modest, its defensive characteristics and reliable income stream support a hold position. It remains well positioned to benefit from steady consumer demand.

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

The Woodside share price is $30.47, down 0.8% today and up 29% in 2026.

Like most ASX All Ords energy shares, Woodside has benefitted from higher oil and gas prices due to the Iran war.

Richards reckons it’s time to take profits, and has a sell rating on Woodside shares.

He said: 

Woodside has benefited from elevated oil and gas prices driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

However, in our view, the share price strength appears largely macro driven rather than based on underlying company improvements.

Given Middle East tensions are expected to ease over time, energy prices could soften and reduce earnings support.

The stock now appears fully valued. In response to share price gains, it makes sense to lock in profits and re-allocate the proceeds to opportunities with stronger growth outlooks.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Kingsgate, Metcash, Woodside shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
• With a 6% dividend yield, should I buy Metcash shares today?
• Beach Energy, Ampol and Woodside shares: 1 to buy, 1 to hold and 1 to sell
• Here is what this ASX energy giant is paying income investors in 2026
• Buy, hold, sell: L1 Long Short Fund, Metcash, and Wesfarmers shares

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen 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.

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares are 1.1% lower on Thursday amid no progress on negotiations between the US and Iran.

Meantime, brokers have indicated a changed view on several ASX 200 shares, and have upgraded their ratings.

Let’s check them out.

Sandfire Resources Ltd (ASX: SFR)

The Sandfire Resources share price is $19.46, down 1.6% today.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 copper share has ripped 16%.

UBS upgraded Sandfire Resources shares to a hold rating this week.

The broker increased its 12-month price target from $16.75 to $20.

This implies just 3% upside ahead.

Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN)

The Evolution share price is $12.21, down 3.4% today.

Over the past year, this ASX 200 gold share has climbed 39%.

UBS upgraded Evolution shares to a buy rating this week.

The broker upped its price target from $13.80 to $14.

This suggests a potential 15% upside ahead.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

The Woolworths share price is $34.84, up 0.6% today.

Over the past six months, this ASX 200 consumer staples share has recovered 18%.

JP Morgan upgraded Woolworths shares to a buy rating this week.

The broker lifted its 12-month price target from $35 to $37.

This implies a potential 6% upside ahead.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

The Wesfarmers share price is $78.13, up 0.7% today.

The market’s largest consumer discretionary share has lifted 8% over the past month.

Morgans upgraded Wesfarmers shares to a buy rating with an $81.10 price target on Monday.

This indicates possible growth of 4% over the next year. 

Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN)

The Paladin Energy share price is $11.41, up 0.4% today.

Over the past six months, this ASX 200 uranium share has leapt 40%.

Macquarie upgraded the stock to a buy rating with a $13.25 target this week.

This suggests potential capital growth of 16% over the next year. 

National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) 

The NAB share price is $37.05, down 1.9% today.

The ASX 200 bank share has fallen 13% in 2026.

Citi upgraded NAB shares to a hold rating this week.

The broker reduced its 12-month price target from $39.25 to $37.40.

This suggests almost no capital growth ahead.

The post 6 ASX 200 shares just upgraded by the experts appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Wesfarmers shares remain the gold standard of ASX retail investing
• 2 ASX dividend shares I’d buy for reliable passive income
• This ASX bank ETF has a 5.2% dividend yield right now
• 3 reasons to buy Woolworths shares at $34
• ASX 200 rises as inflation surprise leaves investors with one big question

Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen 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 JPMorgan Chase, Macquarie Group, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group and Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Wesfarmers. 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 down 1.1% in afternoon trade today, but that’s not holding back this surging small-cap ASX energy stock.

The fast-rising stock in question is Invictus Energy Ltd (ASX: IVZ).

Invictus Energy shares closed yesterday trading for 6.7 cents. In earlier trade on Thursday, shares leapt to 10.5 cents apiece, up 56.7%. After some likely profit taking, at time of writing shares are swapping hands for 8.1 cents each, up 20.9%.

Here’s what’s grabbing investor interest.

ASX energy stock rockets on Zimbabwe news

The Invictus share price is off to the races after the company announced that it has executed a milestone petroleum production sharing agreement (PPSA) with the Republic of Zimbabwe.

The agreement was inked by Geo Associates, which is 80% owned by the ASX energy stock.

Geo Associates is the operator and holder of Special Grant 4571 in Zimbabwe, which contains the Mukuyu gas-condensate discovery within Invictus Energy’s Cabora Bassa licence area.

The ASX energy stock said the agreement establishes a strong legal, fiscal, and operational framework governing the Cabora Bassa Project, providing investment protection, contract stability, and development support mechanisms.

And both Zimbabwe’s government and citizens could benefit under the agreement, with direct participation in the project’s profits as well as royalties and corporate taxes,

What did Invictus management say?

Commenting on the deal sending the ASX energy stock soaring today, Invictus CEO Scott Macmillan said, “Execution of the Petroleum Production Sharing Agreement represents a landmark milestone for both the Cabora Bassa Project and the broader development of Zimbabwe’s oil and gas industry.”

Macmillan added:

The PPSA establishes a robust, transparent and globally competitive framework that provides long term certainty for all stakeholders, while creating a strong foundation to accelerate development activities across the basin.

Looking to what’s next for the ASX energy stock, he concluded:

With this critical framework now in place, the company is firmly focused on advancing the next phase of exploration, appraisal and development activities, including the upcoming high impact Musuma-1 exploration well.

“The Cabora Bassa Project has the potential to become transformational for Zimbabwe through energy security, industrial development, employment creation and broader economic growth,” Zimbabwe’s minister of finance, economic development and investment promotion, Mthuli Ncube, said.

Ncube added:

This agreement creates a balanced and aligned framework that supports investor confidence while ensuring that Zimbabwe and its citizens directly participate in the long-term success of the project.

Zimbabwe’s minister of mines and mining development, Polite Kambamura, concluded, “Through this agreement, Zimbabwe has established a framework that balances investor confidence with national participation and long-term value creation for the country.”

The post Guess which ASX energy stock is surging 57% today on huge African news appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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.

In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on track to record a disappointing decline. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is down by 1.6% to 8,579.3 points.

Four ASX shares that are falling more than most today are listed below. Here’s why they are dropping:

Eagers Automotive Ltd (ASX: APE)

The Eagers Automotive share price is down 8.5% to $20.81. This is despite a number of brokers putting buy ratings on the auto retailer’s shares today. One of those was Morgans, which has retained its buy rating with a reduced price target of $27.25 (from $30.00). It said: “Despite some near-term earnings uncertainty, we continue to view a meaningful structural opportunity across consolidation (AUS/CAD), strategic alliances (Mitsubishi Corporation), used vehicles (EA123) and ongoing NEV leadership. We see recent share price pressure (~18x FY27F PE) as an attractive entry point given the earnings trajectory ahead (CY27F EPS growth ~19%).”

Endeavour Group Ltd (ASX: EDV)

The Endeavour share price is down a further 2.5% to $2.85. Investors have been selling this drinks giant’s shares this week following a strategy update. To support the strategy, the BWS and Dan Murphy’s owner has announced a reduction in its dividend payout ratio. In response, this morning, Macquarie retained its underperform rating on Endeavour’s shares with a heavily reduced price target of $2.80.

IPH Ltd (ASX: IPH)

The IPH share price is down 1% to $3.82. This morning, the intellectual property services company announced the appointment of Anthony (Tony) O’Malley as its new managing director and CEO with effect from 1 July 2026. IPH’s chair, Peter Warne, said: “Following a comprehensive global search, the Board is pleased to appoint Tony as our new CEO. His calibre and broad professional services experience position him well to lead the next phase of the Company’s growth strategy.”

Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM)

The Newmont share price is down 6.5% to $146.86. Investors have been selling Newmont’s shares following a pullback in the gold price overnight. The precious metal hit a two-month low after investors increased their US interest rate hike bets. Newmont isn’t the only gold miner falling today. The S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Gold index is down a sizeable 7.2% at the time of writing.

The post Why Eagers Automative, Endeavour, IPH, and Newmont shares are sinking today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Morgans says these ASX 200 shares are buys
• Investors are watching this ASX stock after a big CEO announcement
• Does Bell Potter rate this ASX 200 share as a buy, hold, or sell?
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
• Why ASX, CBA, Endeavour, and Tuas shares are falling today

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Endeavour Group. 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 Eagers Automotive Ltd and IPH Ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.