Earnings season tips: Broker updates guidance on 2 penny stocks

As reporting season marches on, this broker has put attractive price targets on two penny stocks 

| More on:

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

Following reporting season results, Morgans has updated price targets on two ASX penny stocks.

It's important to remember penny stocks can be risky investments because they often represent pre-profit or low liquidity companies. This can come with limited financial transparency, low liquidity, and high susceptibility to price manipulation and extreme volatility.

With that being said, here are two that Morgans has placed attractive price targets on. 

A man surrounded by huge piles of paper looks through a magnifying glass at his computer screen.

Image source: Getty Images

MLG Oz Ltd (ASX: MLG)

MLG Oz Ltd operates within the Australian mining industry. It offers comprehensive supply chain solutions such as crushing and screening, quarry products, and Bulk Haulage & Site Services, and others.

It also reported on Wednesday, which included the following results: 

  • Statutory Revenue up 15.5% to $548.3 million, compared to the prior corresponding
  • period (pcp).
  • Statutory Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of $66.1
  • million, up 19.5% on pcp (FY2024: $53.3 million).
  • Statutory Net Profit After Tax (NPAT) up 10% to $12.1 million (pcp $11.0 million).

Morgans was pleased with the results, and increased its price target to $1.00 (from $0.90). 

From yesterday's closing price of $0.81, this indicates an upside of 23.46%. 

The 2H result was robust with EBITDA of $37m (vs $29m in 1H) on margins of 13.5%. This came despite a lack of meaningful crushing & screening revenue. Rather, the core haulage business performed strongly on the back of a more predictable state of activity in key regions as well as portfolio optimisation (rates) and well-managed utilisation.

This augurs well for FY26, when the company is likely to see a step up in crushing & screening. More generally, MLG has significant opportunities for scope growth with existing gold clients, as well as growth potential in iron ore.

Step One Clothing Ltd (ASX: STP)

Step One Clothing Ltd is a direct-to-consumer online retailer for men's undergarments. Its products comprise Boxer Brief, Trunks, and Boxer Breif+Fly.

On Wednesday, the company reported: 

  • Revenue of $86.9 million, up 2.8% on pcp (FY24: $84.5 million)
  • EBITDA of $17.4 million, down 3.7% on pcp (FY24: $18.1 million)
  • Net profit of $12.7 million, up 2.0% on pcp (FY24: $12.4 million)
  • Strong financial position with cash and financial assets of $33.1 million and no debt
  • Final dividend of 2.4 cents per share, fully franked; 100% of earnings distributed while
  • maintaining capacity to invest in growth

This sent the company's stock price soaring with gains of approximately 30% over the last two days despite missing expectations. 

At yesterday's close, this penny stock was trading at $0.60. 

Based on these results Morgans decreased its price target on the consumer discretionary share, but still sees upside if the company can execute on its FY26 strategy. 

The broker suggests that if Step One Clothing successfully executes its turnaround strategy, the stock could be worth $0.95, but there's higher-than-normal uncertainty or risk involved in reaching that valuation.

STP's FY25 result missed expectations, gross margins were materially lower driven by increased discounting, somewhat offset by reduced marketing spend. 

STP will use FY26 to reset pricing and promotions, drive new customer acquisition, launch new products and clear excess inventory. We think this is a prudent move to sustain longer-term profitable growth, but lowers near-term earnings. 

Our DCF and EV/EBIT valuation reduces to $0.95. We have a speculative buy recommendation.

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.

More on Earnings Results

A couple sits on the bed in their hotel room wearing white robes, both have seen the bad news on their phones.
Earnings Results

What's going on with ResMed shares today?

The sleep disorder treatment company has released its third-quarter update this morning.

Read more »

Woman customer and grocery shopping cart in supermarket store, retail outlet or mall shop. Female shopper pushing trolley in shelf aisle to buy discount groceries, sale goods and brand offers.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Why are Coles shares falling today?

Let's see what the supermarket giant reported for the third quarter.

Read more »

A woman wearing a yellow shirt smiles as she checks her phone.
Bank Shares

ANZ shares rise after reporting 70% cash profit jump

This banking giant's cost reductions are having a big impact on profitability.

Read more »

Man ecstatic after reading good news.
Materials Shares

This ASX 200 copper stock is pushing higher on record profits

It was a solid quarter for this miner. Here's what it reported.

Read more »

A young man sitting at an outside table uses a card to pay for his online shopping.
BNPL shares

Why are Zip shares rocketing 24% today?

This buy now pay later provider released a strong update this morning.

Read more »

A smiling businessman in the city looks at his phone and punches the air in celebration of good news.
Earnings Results

Why are Telix shares jumping 8% today?

The radiopharmaceuticals company's shares are starting the week strongly.

Read more »

Excited couple celebrating success while looking at smartphone.
Earnings Results

Soul Patts shares push higher on profit jump and 28th dividend increase in a row

This stock has lifted its dividend each year for almost three decades.

Read more »

A happy woman smiles as she looks at a tablet in a room with green plant life around her.
Earnings Results

Soul Patts 1H26 earnings: Strong growth, dividend up again

Soul Patts’ 1H26 results show continued portfolio growth, resilient cashflows, and another dividend increase.

Read more »