Tag: Stock pick

As February earnings season nears the finish line, there have been plenty of individual winners and losers.

Zooming out a little further, we can see which sectors generally beat expectations and performed well. 

Investors can then target these sectors through individual shares or thematic ASX ETFs.

Here are some key sectors that performed well over earnings season, and funds that offer exposure to that sector. 

Big four bank recovery

It’s well known that the big four banks are a cornerstone of Australia’s economic landscape. 

But the performance of the big four banks surprised many this earnings season. 

In the past month: 

• National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) have risen 12.8%
• Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) are up nearly 19%
• Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) have climbed 9.4%
• ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) are up 7.9%

Key earnings season highlights included: 

• NAB posted a 15% hike in its cash earnings for the first quarter of FY26 and a 6% increase in revenue.
• CBA reported a 6% increase in cash net profit to $5,445 million. The bank also lifted its interim dividend by 4%.
• Westpac reported a 5% increase in unaudited statutory net profit and a 6% increase in net profit excluding notable items.
• ANZ reported a first-quarter cash profit of $1.94 billion, up 75% from the second-half average of FY25.

It’s worth noting, some brokers ratings indicate valuations on the big four banks now look inflated.

However,  this earnings season has already proven investors are more than happy to buy big four bank shares regardless. 

Which ASX ETFs include the big four?

If you are looking to target these companies through an ASX ETF, there are a couple of options. 

Firstly, investors might consider VanEck Vectors Australian Banks ETF (ASX: MVB). 

80% of the fund is allocated to the big four, in addition to three other ASX bank shares that make up the rest. 

It has risen 8.7% in the last month. 

Another option is the BetaShares S&P/ASX 200 Financials Sector ETF (ASX: QFN). 

While it doesn’t only include banks, the big four make up 75% of the total fund. 

The other 25% is made up of other ASX-listed companies in the financial sector. 

It has risen almost 9% in the last month. 

Miners climb

Broadly speaking, blue-chip energy and materials/miners also performed well this earnings season. 

The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) and S&P/ASX 200 Resources Index (ASX: XJR) are up roughly 7% in February.

This has included steady gains from some of Australia’s biggest companies: 

• BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares are up 10% in a month.
• Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) shares have lifted 14%.
• Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) shares are up over 5%.

For exposure to these companies, some ASX ETFs to consider include: 

• SPDR S&P/ASX 200 Resources Fund (ASX: OZR) includes roughly 50% weighting to these three companies. 
• BetaShares S&P/ASX 200 Resources Sector ETF (ASX: QRE) also has these three companies as its largest three by exposure. 

The post How to target earnings season winners with ASX ETFs appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• The sleep easy ETF portfolio to survive market crashes
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• Own Rio Tinto or Mineral Resources shares? Here are the updated expert ratings post-results
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• Are Westpac shares a buy after the bank’s positive earnings results?

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell has positions in BHP Group and National Australia Bank. 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 BHP Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The EBOS Group Ltd (ASX: EBO) share price is in focus today after the company reported a 13% lift in revenue to $6.77 billion and a 3.2% increase in underlying EBITDA for the first half of FY26.

What did EBOS Group report?

• Revenue rose 13.0% to $6.77 billion (HY25: $5.99 billion)
• Underlying EBITDA increased 3.2% to $300 million
• Net Profit After Tax (statutory) up 13.0% to $125 million
• Interim dividend maintained at NZ 57.0 cents per share
• Leverage ratio of 2.2x, within target range
• Healthcare EBITDA up 1.3% to $254 million; Animal Care EBITDA up 15.1% to $68 million

What else do investors need to know?

EBOS’ Healthcare division delivered revenue growth, helped by continued customer wins, demand for high-value medicines, and expansion into medical technology and pharmacy networks. The major distribution centre renewal program is nearing completion, with six of eight new sites now operational—including its largest at Kemps Creek in Sydney, which is expected to generate further productivity gains.

Animal Care posted strong growth thanks to the successful acquisition and integration of vet wholesaler SVS and Next Generation Pet Foods, which contributed to a 48.3% jump in segment revenue. Retail Pharmacy Brands also expanded, with the acquisition of MediAdvice and digital engagement initiatives boosting network performance.

The company maintained a disciplined approach to capital management, successfully refinancing debt and keeping leverage within stated targets. The dividend reinvestment plan remains active, giving shareholders flexibility as the group wraps up its current capital investment cycle.

What did EBOS Group management say?

EBOS Group CEO, Adam Hall, said:

Our HY26 performance demonstrates the resilience and diversification of our portfolio as we continue to execute with discipline. We delivered strong revenue growth and reaffirmed our EBITDA guidance, supported by solid customer demand and the early benefits from our strategic investments. This sets us up well for H2 FY26, with additional opportunities from new stores and new products, as well as nearing the end of the current capital investment cycle.

What’s next for EBOS Group?

Looking ahead, management has reaffirmed FY26 EBITDA guidance and anticipates further improvement in the second half as productivity and utilisation continue to ramp up. The completion of the distribution centre program in FY26 is expected to improve efficiency and set up a multi-year growth runway, while capex is forecast to fall by around 30% in FY27, supporting stronger cash flows.

EBOS remains focused on its growth strategies for each division, including expanding distribution scale in healthcare, digital engagement in retail pharmacy, innovation in animal care, and medical technology expansion both in Australia/New Zealand and Southeast Asia.

EBOS Group share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, EBOS Group shares have declined 42%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 9% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post EBOS Group posts rising revenue and EBITDA in HY26, keeps dividend steady 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.

ASX real estate stock Cedar Woods Properties Ltd (ASX: CWP) climbed 2.14% higher on Tuesday. 

It is an Australian property development company. Its principal interests are in urban land subdivisions and built-form development for residential, commercial, and retail purposes.

Despite having a slow start to 2026, the share price has risen more than 45% over the last 12 months. 

For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Real Estate (ASX: XRE) index is down 4.6% over that same span. 

This ASX real estate stock was making headlines yesterday after posting record half-year results. 

What did the company report?

Cedar Woods reported a record NPAT of $39.6 million. This was 163% higher than the previous corresponding period. 

Revenue for the half rose 40% to $274.8 million.

Additionally, management upgraded its FY 2026 guidance, expecting net profit after tax growth of 30% to 35%.

It also declared a fully franked interim dividend of 14 cents per share, up 40% on last year’s interim dividend of 10 cents per share.

Investors were seemingly pleased with these results, as the share price jumped 12% in early morning trade, before retreating in the afternoon. 

Where to next for this real estate stock?

The long term outlook continues to look strong for this ASX real estate stock. 

Following yesterday’s result, the team at Bell Potter released updated guidance on the company. 

It said the reported EPS of 47.4c was significantly above Bell Potter’s estimate (+30.7%) and Visible Alpha consensus (+60.9%). 

The broker said the 1H26 beat was driven by higher settlement volume and further expansion in gross development margin (31.3% vs 28.4% FY25 and 26.3% pcp) reflecting ongoing strength across key markets.

It also highlighted that demand remains robust, despite a less supportive interest rate backdrop, with management emphasising the supply/demand imbalance far outweighs the deterrent effect of higher rates.

We adjust our FY26-FY28 FFO / share estimates by +1% to +10% to reflect: (1) impact of half year actuals; (2) upgraded earnings guidance; and (3) increased gross development margin expansion across a spectrum of CWP projects.

Target price increase

Based on this guidance, Bell Potter has upgraded its target price for this ASX real estate stock to $10.20 (previously $10.00). 

The broker maintained its buy recommendation. 

From yesterday’s closing price of $8.13, this indicates an upside of approximately 25.5%. 

We see an improvement in the quality of earnings, as well as further upside to BPe, and with a 4.8% fully franked dividend yield see a TER of +30% on our revised $10.20 TP.

The post How high could this soaring ASX real estate stock go in 2026? 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 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 some ASX dividend shares that pay a large dividend yield and others that have a record of very regular dividend growth. It’s rare to find options that can provide both an attractive dividend yield and consistent growth. Universal Store Holdings Ltd (ASX: UNI) is delivering an impressive level of both.

The ASX dividend share’s main businesses are Universal Store, Perfect Stranger and CTC (trading as the THRILLS and Worship brands). Its strategy is to grow and develop its premium fashion apparel brands and retail formats, targeting fashion-focused customers.

The business recently reported its FY26 half-year result, which included a number of positive numbers that make me believe its dividend growth is on track for a very good future after already rising each year since 2021.

Recap of strong earnings

In the first six months of FY26, it reported group sales growth of 14.2% to $209.6 million, including Universal Store sales growth of 11.9% to $174.8 million, Perfect Stranger sales growth of 41.5% to $17.8 million and CTC sales grew by 4.8% to $23.2 million.

The gross profit margin improved by 150 basis points to 62.1% and underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) increased by 22% to $28.3 million.

It was able to grow the gross profit thanks to “strong private band and third-party assortments, category mix and disciplined price management.” Management said that inventory “continues to be well-managed, supporting disciplined pricing”.

The broker UBS recently explained why the ASX dividend share’s outlook seems positive regarding the business:

Retain Buy rating given confidence in the revenue & gross margin outlook, driven by market share gains from strong execution, and leveraging the generally more resilient youth consumer.

We remain confident in the UNI revenue outlook due to merchants that judiciously adapt product ranges & persistently strong in-store execution, which drives customer conversion & basket size expansion. These drivers support sustained market share gains in the fragmented youth apparel market. A secondary tailwind is the youth consumer where, based on UBS Research, spending intentions are stronger than the all-age consumer and apparel & footwear categories are of greater importance (remain strong & above the all-age consumer).

Large dividend yield expected from the ASX dividend share

The broker UBS is forecasting that the business can grow its annual payout each year between now and FY30.

In the 2029 financial year, the company is forecast by UBS to pay an annual dividend per share of 58 cents in FY29. That means it could, at the time of writing, provide a grossed-up dividend yield of 9.3% for FY29. That’s a great yield and it could continue growing in the coming years.

The post This ASX dividend share is projected to pay a 9.3% yield by 2029 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

It was a tough day for Nanosonics Ltd (ASX: NAN) shares yesterday. 

Investors heavily exited their positions after the company released its 2026 half-year result.

As a result, Nanosonics shares dropped 9.89%. 

It is now trading at a 52-week low, closing yesterday at $3.28. 

What did the company report?

Nanosonics is an Australian healthcare company specialising in infection prevention.

Yesterday, the company reported for FY26 H1: 

• Total revenue of $102.2 million, up 9% on prior corresponding period (pcp)
• Recurring revenue of $75.7 million, up 9% on pcp, and capital revenue of $26.5 million, also up 9% on pcp
• EBIT of $8.4 million, down 3% on pcp.

Commenting on the results, Michael Kavanagh, Chief Executive Officer and President of Nanosonics said: 

The first half marked the successful launch of our next generation trophon technologies including trophon3 and the trophon2 Plus software upgrade package. Customer feedback to date has been highly encouraging particularly in relation to the workflow enhancements and digital capabilities.

However, it seems investors were not as convinced, as Nanosonics shares slumped nearly 10% following the announcement. 

What are experts saying about Nanosonics shares?

With Nanosonics shares trading at a 52-week low, it could appear to be a buy low opportunity. 

However a new report from Bell Potter indicates prospective investors should proceed with caution. 

Following the results yesterday, the broker said the stock is oversold and the current market price represents a reasonable entry point.

With that being said, the broker has a hold recommendation on Nanosonic shares. 

Bell Potter commented that the US business performed strongly, delivering double-digit growth in both capital equipment and consumables.

However, total revenue did not grow compared to the previous half, which is the first time this has happened since the end of COVID.

This slowdown was mainly due to currency headwinds and slower growth in consumable sales. 

Growth in ex US markets is wafer thin, hence all the growth must be generated from the US market which faces currency headwinds and sluggish demand growth in consumables.

Based on this guidance, Bell Potter also lowered its price target to $3.60 (previously $4.10). 

From yesterday’s closing price, that indicates approximately 9.8% upside. 

The stock is now trading at near 1 year lows with EV/Rev ~4.1x, which is as low as it has been for some time. Our earnings forecasts for FY26 – FY28 have been impacted by the stronger A$.

Elsewhere, estimates from analysts via TradingView indicate a more optimistic outlook for Nanosonics shares.

Analysts have an average one year price target of $4.54, which indicates approximately 38% upside.

The post What are experts saying about Nanosonics shares after crashing 10% on earnings results? 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 Nanosonics. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Nanosonics. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

When you’re under 40, retirement can feel like someone else’s problem.

There’s a career to build, travel to plan, maybe a mortgage to tackle. Thinking 20 or 30 years ahead isn’t always exciting. But I genuinely believe your 20s and 30s are the most powerful financial decades of your life.

Not because you earn the most. But because you have time on your side.

Here are three financial moves I think can set you up for life if you make them early and stick with them.

1. Invest in ASX shares consistently, not occasionally

If I could give one piece of advice to someone under 40, it would be this: start investing in quality ASX shares or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) as soon as possible and do it regularly.

The share market is volatile. It always has been. There will be crashes, scary headlines, and periods where it feels like you made a mistake.

But history shows that broad share markets have delivered long-term returns in the high single digits per year. That doesn’t mean 9% every year. It means ups and downs that average out over time.

If you’re under 40, you likely have decades before you need to draw on your investments. That long runway gives you the ability to ride out downturns and benefit from recoveries.

Whether it’s individual blue chips like Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) or Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES), or diversified ETFs such as a broad market fund, the key is consistency. Monthly investing builds discipline and removes the pressure to time the market.

2. Embrace dividend income and reinvest it

A lot of younger investors gravitate towards growth stocks, and that makes sense. But I think dividend shares deserve serious attention as well.

In Australia, many ASX shares pay fully franked dividends. That means you receive income plus franking credits, which can boost after-tax returns.

More importantly, dividends give you cash flow. In your early years, that cash flow should almost always be reinvested. Each dividend buys more shares. Those shares then generate more dividends. And so on.

Over time, that creates a powerful snowball effect.

It might not feel exciting at first. The amounts seem small. But a portfolio that starts paying a few hundred dollars a year can grow into one paying tens of thousands annually if you give it enough time.

That income stream can eventually fund lifestyle choices, reduce working hours, or even support early retirement.

3. Let compounding do the heavy lifting

Compounding is often described as the eighth wonder of the world. I genuinely think that’s true.

Here’s the simple version: when your investments earn returns, and those returns earn returns, growth accelerates.

In the first five years, most of your portfolio growth will come from your own contributions. It can feel slow and even frustrating. But after 10 or 15 years, the balance shifts. Investment returns begin contributing more than you do.

That’s when things get interesting.

For example, investing $500 a month at an average return of 9% per year for 25 years can build a portfolio worth well over half a million dollars. Stretch that to 30 years and the numbers become even more powerful.

The earlier you start, the less you need to invest to reach the same end result.

Foolish takeaway

If you’re under 40, you don’t need a perfect strategy. You need a sensible one you can stick with.

Invest consistently. Reinvest dividends. Stay patient through volatility. And give compounding decades to work.

Do that, and you dramatically increase the odds that your future self will be financially secure, flexible, and free to choose how you spend your time.

The post Aged under 40? Here are 3 financial moves that could set you up for life appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

As we approach the finish line of February earnings season, the team at Bell Potter have just released updated guidance on two ASX financials stocks. 

Cuscal Ltd (ASX: CCL) and HMC Capital Ltd (ASX: HMC) both released HY26 results yesterday. 

Here’s a snapshot of what these ASX financials stocks reported. 

Cuscal

Cuscal is a payment and regulated data services provider in Australia. The group offers a comprehensive suite of payment infrastructure solutions to a diversified client base.

For the six months ended 31 December 2025, the company reported:

• Profit after tax (NPAT) increased by 76% to $21.5 million, compared to $12.2 million in the prior corresponding period
• Completed acquisition of Indue on 1 December 2025, contributing $5.3 million to Net Operating Income
• Transaction volume growth of 9%
• Total Net Operating Income increased 10% to $161.5 million
• Underlying NPAT increased 13% to $24.2 million
• Interim dividend of 4.5 cents per share.

Investors reacted positively to these results, as the ASX financials stock rose 6%. 

Its share price is now up more than 65% over the last year. 

HMC Capital 

HMC Capital is an alternative asset manager which invests in high conviction and scalable real asset strategies.

For the financial half year ended 31 December 2025, the company reported:

• Assets under management (AUM) of $19.5bn (+4% vs. Jun-25)
• 1H FY26 pre-tax operating EPS of 10.1 cents ($41.6m)
• $1.6bn of net tangible assets and undrawn debt
• 1H FY26 dividend of 6.0cps (partially franked)
• Reaffirmed FY26 pre-tax operating EPS target of at least 40 cps. 

Investors were seemingly disappointed with the results, as the share price fell 4.7% on Tuesday. 

HMC Capital shares are now down 71% over the last year, trading near its 52-week low.

Bell Potter’s updated outlook

Commenting on Cuscal results, Bell Potter said it delivered a strong result, with the highlight being upgraded guidance for high-single digit transaction volume growth to mid-teen growth.

The key surprise was elevated net interest and good early progress on Indue with an initial contribution. 

The broker has upgraded earnings per share (EPS) +1%/+3%/+4% out to FY28. 

Meanwhile, Bell Potter noted that HMC Capital pre-tax earnings per share (EPS) of 10.1 cents was well below expectations. It was 39% below Bell Potter’s estimate and 35% below consensus. 

This was mainly because it received less income from one-off or non-recurring sources.

Bell Potter reduced its FY26–FY28 post-tax EPS forecasts by 6–8%.

Target price adjustments from Bell Potter

Based on this guidance, Bell Potter increased the price target for Cuscal to $5.10 (previously $4.60). 

It retained its buy recommendation. 

From yesterday’s closing price of $4.23, this indicates an upside of approximately 20%. 

CCL screens cheap factoring in run-rate cost synergies, remains well capitalised to return capital, assess further acquisitions and is benefitting from strong client performance, structural tailwinds.

Meanwhile, the broker lowered its price target for ASX financials stock HMC capital. 

The broker now has a price target of $3.20 (previously $4.25), along with a hold recommendation. 

From yesterday’s closing price of $2.82, this indicates a potential upside of 13.5%. 

The post How does Bell Potter view these ASX financials stocks after earnings season? 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 HMC Capital. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended HMC Capital. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN) shares soared 6.49% to $57.29 while Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) closed 1.1% lower at $159.32 yesterday.

Both ASX 200 miners divulged their latest earnings reports last week.

On Thursday, Rio Tinto reported a 9% increase in underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) to US$25.4 billion for full-year FY25.

The miner reported stable underlying earnings of US$10.9 billion and a 14% reduction in net profit attributable to owners to US$10 billion.

Rio Tinto shares will pay a fully franked final dividend of US$2.54 per share.

On Friday, Mineral Resources revealed a record EBITDA of $1.2 billion for 1H FY26, up a whopping 286% on 1H FY25.

The underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) was $343 million, up 275% year-over-year, with no dividend declared.

Mineral Resources shares haven’t paid a dividend since 1H FY24 due to management’s preference to strengthen the balance sheet.

The experts have since pored over the numbers and updated their ratings and 12-month price targets on both ASX 200 mining shares.

Let’s take a look.

Rio Tinto shares

Goldman Sachs downgraded Rio Tinto shares to a hold rating after reviewing the full-year report.

However, the broker raised its 12-month price target on Rio Tinto from $160 to $165 per share.

Ord Minnett retained its buy rating and reduced its target slightly from $173 to $172.

Morgan Stanley kept its hold rating with a target of $140.

Macquarie reiterated its hold rating with a price target of $155.

UBS kept its hold rating with a price target of $160.

Morgans maintained its trim rating and lifted its price target from $142 to $146 per share.

In a note, the broker said:

Solid earnings result, albeit flat earnings despite Copper EBITDA doubling.

An investment heavy phase, FCF will rise on Simandou/OT ramp.

Whether RIO prove sceptics wrong and unlock value from mega deals at the top of the cycle is a key question and risk.

We lean towards ‘no’, as in our experience M&A action in bull markets pushes listed targets beyond fair value.

RIO is keeping pace with the upgrade cycle, which supports gains but undermines our view on further value, although it remains one of the highest quality sector exposures.

Mineral Resources shares

After reviewing the miner’s 1H FY26 results, Morgans upgraded Mineral Resources shares to a buy rating.

The broker increased its 12-month share price target from $66 to $68.

RBC Capital reiterated its buy rating with a 12-month price target of $67.

UBS kept its buy rating with a price target of $68.

Bell Potter maintained its buy rating with a price target of $70.

Macquarie reiterated its buy rating on Mineral Resources shares and lifted its price target from $75 to $76.

The post Own Rio Tinto or Mineral Resources shares? Here are the updated expert ratings post-results appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 Goldman Sachs Group and 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.

Just because a stock trades under $50 doesn’t mean it lacks scale or ambition. In fact, some of the most exciting growth stories on the ASX sit well below that price point.

Right now, two names stand out to me as businesses that could surprise on the upside over the next few years.

Life360 Inc. (ASX: 360)

With shares trading at $21.76, Life360 is a long way below where analysts think it could be headed.

This is not just another software name riding a trend. Life360 operates a global family safety platform with nearly 100 million monthly active users (MAU) and a fast-growing base of paying subscribers. Its ecosystem includes location tracking, crash detection, emergency dispatch, and digital safety features. Over time, it has layered in advertising and data capabilities through acquisitions like Tile and Nativo.

One of the key concerns weighing on software stocks recently has been artificial intelligence disruption. But Bell Potter argues that Life360 “is an app rather than [a] software company so faces little risk of AI displacement given the ecosystem it has developed over >15 years.”

That long development runway matters. The company has embedded itself into family routines, and switching costs are behavioural as much as technological.

Valuation also looks more interesting after the pullback. Bell Potter notes the stock is trading on 2026 and 2027 EV/Adjusted EBITDA multiples of roughly 31x and 21x, which it believes “looks value for forecast growth of c.45% in both periods.” The broker has a buy rating and a $41.50 price target, implying around 90% upside from current levels.

If Life360 continues executing on user growth and monetisation, I think the current share price could prove to be a significant underestimation of its long-term potential.

Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG)

Breville shares are currently trading at $30.83, which, in my view, doesn’t fully reflect the quality of the brand or its global opportunity.

The ASX stock’s half-year result was described by Morgans as “better-than-feared,” with double-digit sales growth of 10%. Tariff costs weighed on gross margins and kept net profit after tax growth to just 1%, but crucially, management provided FY26 EBIT growth guidance. That visibility seems to have reassured analysts that this is not a broken growth story.

Morgans said it continues to be impressed by Breville’s “strong operational execution, green shoots in Food Prep, and powerful medium-term tailwinds (geographic expansion, espresso tailwinds, NPD, Best Buy developments).” It has a buy rating and a $40.65 price target, which suggests roughly 31% upside.

What I like most about Breville is that it isn’t reliant on one product cycle. It has built a premium brand in espresso machines and kitchen appliances, and it is steadily expanding geographically. Over time, that combination of product innovation and international growth can drive compounding earnings.

Foolish takeaway

Both Life360 and Breville are trading under $50, but neither is a small or speculative ASX stock.

Life360 offers high-growth optionality in a global digital ecosystem, while Breville combines brand strength with expanding international reach. If execution continues and sentiment improves, I believe both have the potential to deliver outsized returns from here.

The post 2 ASX stocks under $50 that could skyrocket appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 positions in and has recommended Life360. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The ASX All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) has eased slightly as we move further into the fourth week of earnings season. At the close of the market on Tuesday, the All Ords Index had dropped 0.078% for the day to 9,244.30 points.

It’s not all bad news though. After coming off a four-month high late last week, the index is still trading significantly higher (up 7.99%) than this time last year, and it looks like it could keep climbing.

Here are three ASX All Ords shares which I’d buy today.

Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS)

EOS shares have plunged 32.13% since their all-time high recorded in mid-January. But the stock is still nearly 500% above where it was trading just one year ago. 

The Aussie defence company, which develops and produces advanced electro-optic technologies, has faced a couple of headwinds recently. Speculation that the company might move its headquarters  and stock market listing from Australia to Europe seemed to spook investors. And a scathing short seller report from Grizzly Research, which raised doubts about a recent acquisition, damaged investor confidence.

But analysts are still incredibly bullish on the outlook for the ASX All Ords defence share. 

Yesterday, analysts at Bell Potter confirmed their buy rating on EOS shares, however lowered their price target to $9.70. The broker is one of three analysts which have a buy rating on the stock. Bell Potter represents the most bearish price target while others think the stock could jump as much as 76.67% to $12.95 a piece, from the share price at the time of writing. 

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

Woodside shares have stormed higher in 2026 off the back of global oil supply concerns and some impressive production figures and strong returns for 2025. 

At the close of the ASX All Ords Index on Tuesday, Woodside shares are 17.29% higher for the year-to-date and 18.69% higher than this time last year.

Analysts were impressed with the energy stock’s results and even after the latest price rally, many think there is some more upside ahead.

TradingView data shows that out of 15 analysts, 9 have a hold rating. Another 6 have a buy or strong buy rating on the stock. The maximum target price is $31.02, which implies a potential 11.78% upside at the time of writing. 

TechnologyOne Limited (ASX: TNE)

TechnologyOne shares have had a more difficult start to 2026. At the close of the ASX on Tuesday, the tech stock is down 18.92% for the year-to-date and a huge 29.3% lower than this time last year.

The stock suffered a dramatic sell-off by investors late-last year. The company reported strong financials in November but investors weren’t satisfied with the lack of future growth projections. The stock was also smashed by a broad tech-sector sell-off earlier this month.

Despite the slow start, I think the ASX tech share has the potential to quietly become a global leader this year.

Analysts seem to agree too. The stock is widely tipped to storm higher over the next 12 months. And it looks like the shares are now trading below fair value. 

TradingView data shows that 13 out of 16 analysts have a buy or strong buy rating on TechnologyOne shares. The maximum target price is $40.32, which implies a huge 78.49% potential upside over the next 12 months, at the time of writing.

The post 3 ASX All Ords shares I’d buy with $5,000 today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• Steadfast Group lifts revenue, profit, and dividend in 1H26 earnings update
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Forget term deposits! I’d buy these two ASX 200 shares instead
• Where to now for EOS shares after a 500% surge?

Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Electro Optic Systems and Technology One. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Technology One. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.