2 leading ASX 200 energy shares upgraded by Morgans

The broker has turned bullish on these names. Let's find out why.

| More on:
A man holding a cup of coffee puts his thumb up and smiles while at laptop.

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

Key points

  • Morgans has upgraded Karoon Energy Ltd to a buy rating due to effective management at Bauna and a strengthening balance sheet, with a price target of $1.80.
  • Woodside Energy Group Ltd received a buy rating upgrade from Morgans, supported by strong quarterly performance and a strategic partnership in a Louisiana joint venture, with a $30.50 price target.
  • Woodside's shares could see additional returns with a forecasted 6.3% dividend yield in FY 2026, indicating strong investor potential.

If you are looking for exposure to the energy sector, then now could be a great time to go for it.

That's because analysts at Morgans have just upgraded two ASX 200 energy shares to a buy rating.

Let's see which shares are being recommended by the broker:

Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR)

This energy producer has received a thumbs up from Morgans following the release of its quarterly update.

The broker thinks that management is doing a good job over at Bauna and highlights its strengthening balance sheet. It said:

Temporary Bauna outages weigh on 3Q volumes, but pricing and cashflow hold firm. FY25 guidance narrowed and capex trimmed, signalling tighter operational/capital discipline. Management has done a good job operating Bauna, but some risks cannot be mitigated in an ageing field. Balance sheet strength improving fast with net debt down US$89m QoQ. Medium-term focus shifting to Bauna well recovery and Who Dat East FID. Fundamental positives and share price skew positively, upgrade to BUY (from HOLD) with an A$1.80 target price (was A$1.90).

As mentioned above, Morgans has put a buy rating on its shares with a price target of $1.90. This implies potential upside of 17% over the next 12 months.

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

Another ASX 200 energy share that has received an upgrade from Morgans is industry giant Woodside.

It was pleased with its strong quarterly update and news that US midstream player Williams has entered into the Louisiana joint venture (JV).

Combined with good macro news, the broker isn't surprised to see that Woodside shares are in favour with investors once again. It explains:

On the heels of a strong 3Q25 operational and sales result, Woodside has announced the entry of US midstream player Williams into the Louisiana JV. Given the magnitude of execution risk Woodside faces at Louisiana, we appreciate the strategy to de-risk infrastructure and feedgas delivery. To form a view on the value of the Williams deal we need to gain a better grasp of the pipeline agreement, with the two deals obviously indirectly linked.

Doing good things, and apparently a good week to have good news macro wise, it is little surprise Woodside shares are gaining support. We upgrade our rating to BUY (from ACCUMULATE) post the recent selloff with a A$30.50 target price.

Morgans has a buy rating and $30.50 price target on its shares. This suggests that upside of 25% is possible for investors over the next 12 months. In addition, it is forecasting a 6.3% dividend yield in F 2026.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Woodside Energy 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 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 Energy Shares

A group of people in business attire stand in a line against a wall, each with considered expressions on their faces, and superimposed above them a montage of graphs, charts, figures and metrics.
Energy Shares

ASX 200 uranium shares: Buy 1, sell the other

Nuclear power has a bright future in the global energy transition, but which ASX stocks are worthy investments?

Read more »

Hand holding out coal in front of a coal mine.
Energy Shares

Why is the Whitehaven Coal share price smashing the benchmark on Thursday?

Investors are piling into Whitehaven Coal shares on Thursday. But why?

Read more »

Multiracial happy young people stacking hands outside - University students hugging in college campus - Youth community concept with guys and girls standing together supporting each other.
Energy Shares

Why is this ASX 200 uranium stock jumping 11% today?

Let's see what is getting investors excited today.

Read more »

Oil worker using a smartphone in front of an oil rig.
Energy Shares

Woodside shares storm higher on record production

Let's see what the energy giant reported for the fourth quarter and the whole of FY 2025.

Read more »

Coal Miner in the tunnels pushing a cart with tools
Energy Shares

Why is the Coronado share price tanking 9% today

Coronado shares sink nearly 9% today, despite strong 2026 gains driven by met coal prices.

Read more »

rising asx uranium share price icon on a stock index board
Energy Shares

Up 54% since December, can Boss Energy shares keep racing higher in 2026?

A leading expert delivers his verdict on the outlook for Boss Energy’s resurgent share price.

Read more »

A barrel of oil suspended in the air is pouring while a man in a suit stands with a droopy head watching the oil drop out.
Energy Shares

After a run of good news, why has this oil and gas junior been suspended from trade?

Success has come at a cost for this energy minnow.

Read more »

Gas share price represented by a rising share price chart.
Energy Shares

Santos ships first gas from its major Barossa project off the coast of the Northern Territory

They've delivered one of the biggest oil and gas investments in recent times.

Read more »