Morgans names 2 top ASX shares to buy now

What is the broker recommending to clients this week?

| More on:
A smiling woman holds a Facebook like sign above her head.

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

If you have room in your investment portfolio for some new additions, then it could pay to listen to what Morgans is saying about the ASX shares in this article.

Here's why the broker is bullish on them:

Adairs Ltd (ASX: ADH)

Morgans remains positive on this furniture and homewares retailer despite its disappointing trading update this month.

This is especially the case given its belief that improvements in consumer sentiment will boost its sales. And with rates expected to fall, this may not be far away. Morgans said:

ADH has provided a trading update for FY25, with group EBIT (pre-AASB 16) expected to be between $53.5-57.0m, which was roughly 10% lower than consensus expectations and up 1.2% on the pcp. Sales are expected to be broadly in line with expectations and up 6.2% yoy (Adairs up 9.2%, Mocka up 14.1% and Focus down 7.0%).

However, performance has been impacted by elevated levels of promotional activity and weaker AUD compared to the pcp which has impacted gross margins. We have lowered our EBIT forecast by 15%/14% in FY25 and FY26. We continue to see this business significantly leveraged into a recovery in consumer sentiment.

Morgans has a buy rating and $2.60 price target on its shares.

Collins Foods Ltd (ASX: CKF)

The team at Morgans was impressed with this KFC operator's full year results. It said:

CKF's FY25 result was materially better than expected with underlying NPAT 15% ahead of consensus mainly driven by stronger than guided margins. After a challenging 1H25, profitability materially improved in the 2H25 reflecting stronger SSS growth, cost deflation and operational efficiencies.

Morgans also notes that its guidance for the year ahead was in line with expectations. It adds:

CKF provided FY26 underlying NPAT guidance for low to mid-teens growth which was in line with consensus. Importantly, guidance does not account for much of a recovery in SSS growth from the 1H26 trading update and is driven by continued cost deflation and operational efficiencies (self-help).

As a result, the broker suspects that this guidance could prove to be conservative come the end of FY 2026. Its analysts said:

In our view, CKF providing specific NPAT guidance this early in the year (for the first time) is a strong positive endorsement from management in the outlook. CKF's track record will likely mean guidance will prove to be conservative.

In response, the broker has retained its buy rating on the quick service restaurant operator's shares with a new price target of $10.10.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Collins Foods. 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 Collins Foods. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Broker Notes

A financial expert or broker looks worried as he checks out a graph showing market volatility.
Broker Notes

Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

Here's why brokers believe that now could be the time to buy these shares.

Read more »

Overjoyed man celebrating success with yes gesture after getting some good news on mobile.
Broker Notes

Why Bell Potter just upgraded this ASX All Ords share to a buy rating

The broker has turned bullish on this growing company. Here's what you need to know.

Read more »

A female broker in a red jacket whispers in the ear of a man who has a surprised look on his face as she explains which two ASX 200 shares should do well in today's volatile climate
Broker Notes

Bell Potter says these ASX shares are best buys in January

The broker has good things to say about these shares.

Read more »

Broker written in white with a man drawing a yellow underline.
Broker Notes

Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week

Brokers gave buy ratings to these ASX shares last week. Why are they bullish?

Read more »

A group of people push and shove through the doors of a store, trying to beat the crowd.
Broker Notes

2 ASX shares highly recommended to buy: Experts

Are these two stocks the best buys on the ASX?

Read more »

Smiling couple sitting on a couch with laptops fist pump each other.
Broker Notes

These ASX 200 shares could rise 20% to 55%

Brokers have good things to say about these shares.

Read more »

A little girl is about to launch down the slide with a blue sky and white clouds in the sky behind her.
Broker Notes

BHP vs. Fortescue shares: Goldman Sachs says 1 will rip and 1 will dip

Top broker Goldman Sachs upgraded its 12-month share price forecasts for BHP and Fortescue shares this week.

Read more »

Buy, hold, and sell ratings written on signs on a wooden pole.
Broker Notes

Brokers rate these 3 ASX shares as buys in January

These ASX shares have an exciting outlook according to experts.

Read more »