While the ASX tech share suffering has gotten the most investor attention over the last several months because of AI worries, there are also non-tech opportunities that analysts have picked out as ideas.

Let's get into why these stocks could be compelling buys.

ALS Ltd (ASX: ALQ)

Broker UBS describes ALS as a leading analytical and testing services business with operations across mining, natural resources, environmental, food, pharmaceutical, industrial and inspection sectors. Other services include sampling and remote monitoring.

UBS has a buy rating on the business, with a price target of $26. That implies a possible rise of around 30% over the next year from where it is at the time of writing.

The broker noted that there are signs of an early-stage recovery in the (resources) exploration cycle. Geochemistry demand "continues to skew" to major miners, despite the increase in junior and intermediate miner capital raising activity, suggesting that it's still "early stages in the exploration cycle".

UBS also said that ALS appears to be recovering previous geochemistry price discounts as demand increases.

The broker noted that initial FY26 underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) guidance implies 20% year-over-year growth. UBS thinks the ASX growth share's guidance implies a relatively conservative view on the margins, with the group operating margin (EBIT) set to increase by 80 basis points (0.80%) in FY26.

UBS concluded:

We maintain our buy rating on ALS with the stock trading at a 1yr fwd EV/EBITDA of 14x, in line with where the stock has traded at during previous exploration upcycles, albeit the current gold price is c.2.5x higher. Our Buy thesis is underpinned by the view that the record gold price should drive a recovery in exploration activity, supporting c.10% pa EPS CAGR for ALS over the next three years.

The ASX growth share is valued at 28x FY26's estimated earnings, according to UBS' estimates.

ARB Corporation Ltd (ASX: ARB)

UBS is also optimistic about is ARB, which the broker describes as an Australian manufacturer and retailer of 4×4 and automotive aftermarket accessories globally, servicing the retail aftermarket, wholesale distribution in offshore markets and direct to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

UBS currently has a buy rating on ARB with a price target of $25.50. This implies a possible rise of close to 20% over the next year.

The broker noted that the ASX growth share has faced some headwinds in the operating environment, but called it a high-quality business and believes that the brand is not broken.  

UBS said that it's excited about the expansion opportunity in the US and noted that the ASX growth share has become significantly cheaper – it's down more than 40% in the last six months.

The broker pointed out that it's trading at a much cheaper price/earnings (P/E) ratio than it has done historically. Its three-year average of its forward earnings multiple has been 26.3x, according to UBS. It's currently trading at 20x FY26's estimated earnings and 18x FY27's estimated earnings.

UBS suggests that the company's EPS could grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11% over the next three years, including a steady increase of the profit before tax (PBT) margin to FY29 following the US tariff hit.

The post Experts rate these 2 ASX growth shares as buys this month! appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

In order to receive a dividend, you must own the ASX share before its ex-dividend date.

Here at The Fool, our analysts do not recommend buying ASX shares simply just to get the next dividend payment.

Our market experts say the decision to buy should be more thoughtful than that, and based on fundamental analysis.

But if you already intend to buy any of these ASX shares, you might like to consider the best timing for you.

For example, you could buy before the ex-dividend date and receive entitlement to the next dividend payment.

Or you might prefer to wait until the ex-dividend date itself, when the share price usually falls, to snap up your stock.

Here are some ex-dividend dates next week

The post 20 ASX shares with ex-dividend dates next week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Three ASX 200 shares that Morgans is bullish on after reviewing their results are named below. Here's what the broker is saying about them:

ARB Corporation Ltd (ASX: ARB)

Morgans remains positive on this 4×4 auto parts company and believes that a return to growth is coming in FY 2027.

In light of this, the broker thinks investors should be buying this ASX 200 share while its shares are down in the dumps. It has put a buy rating and $31.85 price target on them. It said:

ARB's 1H26 result was pre-released (sales -1%; PBT -16%) and we saw limited incremental information today that justified the sharp share price fall. Exports remain the highlight, as the US delivered +26% growth with ARB product sales through the ORW/4WP network up +100% LFL, the UK returned to growth (+5%), and management expressed confidence EMEA headwinds are behind them with the orderbook tracking well ahead of pcp.

Within Aftermarket, network expansion, the new e-commerce platform, new product cycles and the Ford partnership provide levers to help offset a slower start to industry volumes. FY26 reflects a base year for ARB and we remain positive on a resumption of sustainable growth in FY27. We view ~18x FY27F PE as undemanding relative to ARB's market leadership, strong balance sheet and ongoing US execution. BUY.

Domino's Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP)

Another struggling ASX 200 share that Morgans is positive on is pizza chain operator Domino's Pizza.

While there is still a lot of work to be done, the broker is pleased with the action that management is taking. In light of this, it has retained its buy rating and $25.00 price target on Domino's shares. It said:

1H26 marks a clear strategic reset for DMP, with management prioritising a more profitable operating model over near-term volume. SSS was hard to digest, below expectations, but the balance of new information was encouraging, underpinned by a 4.5% lift in franchisee profitability and further cost-out opportunities. We believe early actions from the new leadership team are directionally sound, although this is a multi-year turnaround and proof of execution is still required.

Returning economics to franchisees is a prerequisite for improved sales momentum and store roll-outs, meaning shareholders may need to be patient, but the prize is there if the strategy is delivered. BUY maintained with an unchanged target price of $25.00.

Generation Development Group Ltd (ASX: GDG)

This alternative investment company could be an ASX 200 share to buy according to Morgans.

After releasing an impressive half-year result that was ahead of expectations, the broker retained its buy rating with a $6.66 price target. It said:

GDG's 1H26 group underlying NPAT (A$20.1m, +63% on the pcp), was in line with MorgansF and +5% above Visible Alpha consensus (A$19.3m).    We acknowledge the change in divisional reporting made this a messy result, albeit it was more straightforward than we envisaged, and largely as expected across the board. Positive commentary on potential Evidentia mandates dropping this quarter was arguably our key takeaway, and this could provide a catalyst at the 3Q26 update (if management can deliver as promised). We lower our GDG FY26F/FY27F EPS by -1%/-6%.

Changes to our forecasts reflect a broad review of our earnings assumptions, and re-modelling per GDG's new reporting structure. Our PT falls to A$6.66 (previously A$7.97). We believe GDG has a great story, and management has executed well over time. With the stock trading at a >20% discount to our TP, we maintain our Buy call.

The post Broker names 3 ASX 200 shares to buy in March appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

This happy hump day for ASX investors comes after a decent morning up on the American markets.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) had a fantastic time of it, rising 0.76%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) did open better though, gaining a rosy 1.04%.

But let's get back to ASX shares now and check out how the various ASX sectors benefited from today's unbridled optimism.

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

ARB shares bounced back strongly today, up 12.9% to $24.12, but they are still 37.1% lower than a year ago and 24.4% lower than at the start of this calendar year.

The good news for investors is that three brokers who've had a look at the result all believe the company has a strong core business, and two have particularly bullish 12-month price targets on the stock.

More on that later, but let's first have a look at what the company reported this week.

Soft profit result

ARB said in a statement to the ASX on Tuesday that sales revenue fell 1% in the first half to $357.9 million, while net profit was 17.2% lower at $42.2 million.

The company also kept its fully-franked dividend steady at 34 cents per share.

The company said sales to the Australian aftermarket fell 1.7%, "affected by lower new vehicle sales for ARB's core model platforms and the ongoing shortage of accessory fitment resources''.

The company added:

Deliveries of vehicles core to ARB's sales were flat in 1H FY2026. In particular, sales of a number of key new vehicle models declined such as the Ford Ranger (-1%), Ford Everest (-9%), Land Cruiser 70 Series (-12%) and Isuzu D Max (-13%). The LandCruiser Prado recorded a 67% increase in sales for the half, reflecting the significantly lower volumes in the prior period due to the model changeover.

Sales to export markets were 8.8% higher, the company said, driven by 26.1% growth in the US, offset by flat sales in the rest of the world.

The company added:

Sales growth in the United States continues to be well supported by the company's strategic relationship with Toyota US, the strong performance of the US e-commerce platform launched in 2024, an accelerated new product programme led by a dedicated US engineering team and expanding wholesale channel activity.

ARB said it had launched a direct-to-consumer e-commerce site in February, which should also bolster sales.

In terms of the profit fall, the company said the strong Thai baht had an impact; however, the company had largely hedged its baht exposure for the second half of the year.

On the outlook, the company said it expected the Australian market to remain challenging, while the outlook for the offshore market "remains positive''.  

ARB shares looking cheap

The analyst teams at Morgan Stanley, UBS, and RBC Capital Markets all had a look at the result and are positive on the outlook for the company.

The UBS team said that while the Australian market did indeed look challenging, they believed the business' fundamentals were strong.

They said:

We take a step back and look at the strength of the ARB brand. We don't believe the brand/business is broken, we are excited by the expansion opportunity in the US and ARB has significantly derated. ARB's share price has fallen 34% since mid Jan26 – We see this as an opportunity to buy a high-quality company on depressed earnings.

UBS has a price target of $25.50 on ARB shares.

RBC Capital Markets has a much more bullish price target of $45 on ARB Corporation shares, saying there were clear positives out of the result, including the US sales growth and "upbeat outlook commentary across the Aftermarket, Export and US supporting an improved FY26 outlook''.

Morgan Stanley, meanwhile, has a price target of $44 on ARB Corporation shares.

The post Brokers agree, ARB Corporation shares are looking seriously cheap appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

ARB Corporation Ltd (ASX: ARB)

The ARB share price is down 15.5% to $20.76. This follows the release of the after-market automotive parts manufacturer's half-year results. ARB reported a 1% decline in sales revenue to $358 million and a 17.2% decline in profit after tax to $42.2 million. Looking ahead, management advised that it expects sales margins in the second half to be broadly in line with the prior corresponding period. It also advised that its order book remains healthy and investment in new stores and ecommerce continues.

Austal Ltd (ASX: ASB)

The Austal share price is down 11% to $5.00. This appears to have been driven by a broker out of Citi this morning. According to the note, the broker has downgraded this shipbuilder's shares to a sell rating with a reduced price target of $4.50 (from $6.90). Even after today's heavy decline, this still implies potential downside of 10% for investors over the next 12 months.

Mader Group Ltd (ASX: MAD)

The Mader share price is down 10% to $7.97. This follows the release of the specialist technical services provider's half-year results. Mader revealed net profit after tax of $30.5 million, which was an increase of 17% over the prior corresponding period. Despite this, the company decided to not pay a dividend in order to reduce debt. It said: "The Group has accelerated its pathway to a net cash position by deferring the 1H FY26 interim dividend, bringing forward achievement of its net cash target and strengthening liquidity to support a more aggressive approach to organic and inorganic growth opportunities."

Steadfast Group Ltd (ASX: SDF)

The Steadfast share price is down 4% to $4.26. Investors are selling the insurance broker network company's shares today after it revealed that its long-serving founder-CEO, Robert Kelly AM, is stepping down. Commenting on his exit, Mr Kelly said: "It has been a privilege to play a leadership role in the creation of Steadfast. I am extremely proud of the achievements of the Company; its strong track record clearly demonstrates the strength of the business model and positions the business to deliver sustainable value to our shareholders for many years to come." Mr Kelly co-founded Steadfast in 1996 and led the company's listing on the ASX in August 2013.

The post Why ARB, Austal, Mader, and Steadfast shares are dropping today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The decline comes after the 4WD and light commercial vehicle accessories manufacturer posted its first-half results for FY26, ahead of the ASX open this morning.

At the time of writing, ARB shares are changing hands for $20.79 a piece. The decline means the shares are now 34.9% lower for the year to date. They're also 45.45% below the trading price this time last year.

It's also the lowest price ARB shares have traded at since August 2020. 

Here's what the company reported this morning.

Sales, profit, and earnings slump over the first half of FY26

For the six months ending 31st December 2025, ARB reported a 1% drop in its sales revenue compared to the prior corresponding period (pcp), to $358 million. The result reflected weaker domestic conditions, partially offset by strong growth offshore.

The company also posted a significant 18.8% decline in its reported profit before tax, to $57.1 million, and a 16.3% drop in its underlying profit before tax (excluding non-operating items) to $57.95 million. ARB said this decline was due to reduced margins, increased depreciation, and flat operating expenses. Over the period, profit after tax dropped 17.2% to $42.2 million.

In a revenue update last month, ARB explained that its gross margins were squeezed by a weaker Australian dollar against the Thai baht, which increased manufacturing costs. In addition, lower factory overhead recoveries followed elevated inventory levels in the pcp.

The company also flagged several one-off items during the half. These included a $1.3 million pre-tax gain on a property sale, partially offset by $2.2 million in goodwill impairment costs linked to the termination of the Thule distribution agreement.

Dividend payout remains unchanged

Despite the slump in revenue and reported profit for the first half of FY26, ARB's interim dividend is unchanged. Management has agreed to pay 34 cents per share fully franked at a 30% tax rate. The interim dividend will be paid on the 17th April 2026, and the record date is the 2nd of April 2026.

Management also said that a dividend reinvestment plan and a bonus share plan will operate for the interim dividend. This will assist with funding for ARB's ongoing expansion programme. 

What is the outlook for ARB this year?

Management said that ARB's first-half FY26 result was "achieved in challenging conditions both locally and internationally, with the Australian dollar at historical lows against the Thai Baht, softness in new vehicle supply in Australia and other parts of the world and reduced consumer sentiment". 

But going forward, ARB expects sales margins for the second half of FY26 to be broadly in line with those achieved in 2H FY 2025. This should be supported by the fact that its Thai baht exposure is nearly fully hedged at slightly more favourable rates. 

Overall, ARB's financial performance in the 2H FY26 is expected to improve on H1 and trade closer to the pcp. 

It added, "The Board remains confident in the Company's long-term growth prospects across both domestic and export markets and is excited by the strong performance of the US business. ARB is well positioned for sustained long-term success, supported by its globally recognised brands, loyal customer base, very capable senior management and staff, strong balance sheet and growth strategies in place."

The post ARB shares crash 15% after half-year earnings result disappoints investors appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

What did ARB Corporation report?

• Sales revenue: $358.0 million, down 1.0% over 1H FY2025
• Reported profit before tax: $57.1 million, down 18.8%
• Underlying profit before tax (excl. non-operating items): down 16.3%
• Profit after tax: $42.2 million, down 17.2%
• Earnings per share: 50.6 cents, down 17.9%
• Interim dividend: 34 cents per share, fully franked

What else do investors need to know?

Sales to the Australian Aftermarket, which make up nearly 57% of ARB's business, slipped 1.7% in a soft new vehicle market. However, export sales increased 8.8%, with standout growth of 26.1% into the US on the back of strategic partnerships and expanding product range.

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) sales fell 38.2% after a build-up of inventory in the prior half and lower global new vehicle sales. Cash holdings at 31 December were $59.4 million, reflecting robust operating cash inflows but impacted by special dividend payments.

What's next for ARB Corporation?

Management expects sales margins in the second half to be broadly in line with the last period, helped by hedging the company's Thai baht exposure. While market conditions remain challenging in Australia due to tight new vehicle supply and ongoing skilled labour shortages, ARB's order book remains healthy and investment in new stores and e-commerce continues.

Export growth is expected to continue, particularly in the US. OEM sales may recover modestly in the second half as inventory levels normalise. Overall, ARB expects 2H FY2026 financial performance to pick up compared to the first half, with a long-term focus on building scale in Australia and international markets.

ARB Corporation share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, ARB shares have declined 44%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 9% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post ARB Corporation: Profit drops, but US growth accelerates appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The announcement did not contain any new financial information. However, it gives investors a clearer timeline on when to expect the upcoming results and potential dividend payment.

Here's the details of the release.

Key dates for 2H FY26

ARB outlined several important dates for the remainder of the 2026 financial year.

The company confirmed it will release its half-year results for the six months ended 31 December 2025 on 24 February 2026.

For income-focused investors, the most important dates relate to the interim dividend:

• Ex-dividend date: 1 April 2026

• Record date: 2 April 2026

• Payment date: 17 April 2026

As always, any interim dividend remains subject to board approval.

ARB also confirmed that its financial year will end on 30 June 2026, setting the stage for full-year results later in August.

What investors should be watching

While key date announcements are administrative, they are still important for planning ahead.

Investors looking to receive the interim dividend will need to own ARB shares before the ex-dividend date of 1 April. Those considering participating in a dividend reinvestment plan, if available, will also want to keep an eye on the record date.

The upcoming half-year result on 24 February will be closely watched. Last month, ARB released a trading update which flagged softer conditions across parts of its business, including margin pressure and weaker domestic sales trends.

The company expects to report underlying profit before tax of around $58 million for the first-half, reflecting a decline compared to the prior corresponding period.

As a result, investors will be looking for commentary on margins, export performance and signs of stabilisation in key markets.

Pressure remains after recent sell-off

ARB shares have been under pressure in recent months following the January market update. Despite Monday's lift to $25.03, the stock remains well below its 52-week high.

The company operates across Australia, the United States, Thailand and the Middle East, supplying bull bars, suspension systems and other 4WD accessories. Demand can be sensitive to broader consumer conditions and vehicle sales trends, particularly in Australia.

With FY26 shaping up as a reset year for earnings, February's result could be an important moment for the ARB share price.

Much will hinge on whether management can demonstrate that sales trends have returned to normal levels into January and early February. Any improvement in margins or order activity could help restore confidence after a difficult start to the financial year.

The post Own ARB shares? Here's the key dates to watch in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The good news is that even among investor uncertainty, some ASX 200 stocks are still catching analyst attention.

Here are four ASX 200 stocks which are tipped to climb another 70% to 80%, or higher, this year.

Iperionx Ltd (ASX: IPX)

Titanium metal and critical materials company, Iperonix, was one of the ASX 200's best-performers in January. The company recently revealed that it has received a prototype purchase order valued at US$300,000 from American Rheinmetall. Iperonix also recently confirmed plans to ramp up production with the goal of becoming America's largest and lowest-cost titanium powder producer. Analysts are bullish on the company's shares and have a strong buy consensus rating for Iperionix. The maximum target price is $11.03, which implies a potential 83.76% upside at the time of writing.

ARB Corp Ltd (ASX: ARB)

ARB shares came under heavy pressure late last month after the 4WD accessories giant released its half-year trading update. The company's unaudited sales revenue slumped 1% on the prior period, and aftermarket sales dropped 1.7%. But it looks like the shares are now trading below fair value, and analysts are optimistic that we'll see a turnaround this year. The maximum target price is $42.25, which implies that the shares could increase 73.44% this year, from the share price at the time of writing.

Capricorn Metals Ltd (ASX: CMM)

Capricorn Metals posted record cash flow and production for the second quarter of FY26. The ASX 200 gold mining stock also benefited from support from the latest gold price rally. The company has some expansion plans in the pipeline too, meaning it's well-placed to capture an uptick in gold demand this year. Analysts are bullish on its shares. The maximum target price is $24, which implies a potential 81.75% upside at the time of writing.

Generation Development Group Ltd (ASX: GDG)

GDG posted consistently strong financial performance and earnings growth in 2025. Both return on equity and earnings growth have outpaced the industry average over the past year. Last month, the company posted record earnings and inflows for the December quarter, and it looks like the strong run of financial results will continue into 2026, too. Analysts are very bullish on the ASX 200 financial stock and tip an upside as high as 84.72% for the shares this year, to $8.46 a piece.

The post These 4 ASX 200 stocks could jump another 70% to 80% in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

That's because analysts have just given their verdict on three popular ASX shares.

Here's what they are saying, courtesy of The Bull, this week:

A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M)

The team at Baker Young notes that this infant formula company's shares have come under pressure due to news that Chinese birth rates have fallen heavily.

However, it doesn't think its shares have fallen quite enough to warrant anything more than a hold rating right now. It said:

A2M shares tumbled about 12 per cent on January 19 following news that birth rates in China – its key infant formula market – fell 17 per cent in 2025 to multi-decade lows. While this suggests continued headwinds for demand, we note the company is still likely to see mid-single digit sales and earnings growth in fiscal year 2026.

A2M enjoys significant pricing power in China, boasts a strong balance sheet and has the potential to further diversify its products and end markets over the medium term.

ARB Corporation Ltd (ASX: ARB)

Another ASX 200 share that has fallen heavily is 4×4 parts manufacturer ARB. This has been driven by the release of a disappointing trading update.

Despite this decline, Baker Young notes that its shares are still trading above its valuation. As a result, it has put a sell rating on its shares. It said:

The four wheel drive accessories maker warned on January 20, 2026 that sales in key Australian and OEM (original equipment manufacturer) markets continued to decline in the first half of 2026. While exports to the United States were better than expected, it represents a smaller portion and lower margin segment of ARB's business and is unlikely to offset major headwinds largely beyond the company's control.

ARB shares were recently trading more than 10 per cent above our valuation, so we suggest investors consider selling around current levels.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

Over at Morgans, its analysts recognise the quality of this conglomerate. However, due to a strong re-rating of its shares last year, the broker feels they are fully valued now.

As a result, it has suggested that investors sell Wesfarmers shares this week. It said:

Wesfarmers remains a high quality industrial conglomerate, but after a strong re-rating through 2025 and solid fiscal year 2025 results, the stock, in our view, now screens as close to fully valued with limited upside. Shares were recently trading near the upper end of its recent range, supported by resilient results at Bunnings and Kmart.

However, broader group earnings are increasingly sensitive to macroeconomic conditions across retail, industrials and commodities. While the longer term outlook remains strong, the recent valuation already captures much of the good news. With the stock priced for perfection amid slowing momentum, we believe investors may benefit from reducing exposure at these levels.

The post Buy, hold, sell: A2 Milk, ARB, and Wesfarmers shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Not all ASX 200 shares climbed with the market. For example, the shares listed below all fell heavily during the month. Let's find out why they were the worst performers on the ASX 200 in January:

Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP)

The Zip share price was the worst performer on the index with a decline of 19%. This was despite there being no news out of the buy now pay later (BNPL) provider. Not even a bullish broker note out of Citi was able to stop the rot. Its analysts put a buy rating and $4.30 price target on its shares. The broker notes that app downloads hit record highs in the US during December, which bodes well for its transaction growth in the massive market. There was even positive news for the BNPL industry, with Donald Trump suggesting that he would put caps on credit card interest rates. This could lead to tighter lending from credit card providers, pushing people into BNPL services.

Life360 Inc. (ASX: 360)

The Life360 share price wasn't far behind with a decline of 18% in January. This appears to have been driven by a broad tech selloff which dragged down the location technology company's shares despite a very strong quarterly update which smashed expectations. For the same reasons, the shares of cloud accounting platform provider Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO) also dropped 18% during the month.

ARB Corporation Ltd (ASX: ARB)

The ARB share price was sold off and dropped 18% during the month. Investors were hitting the sell button after the 4×4 automotive parts company released a trading update. ARB revealed that unaudited sales revenue for the first half was $358 million, which was down 1% on the prior corresponding period. Things were worse for its earnings because of margin pressures. ARB expects to report underlying profit before tax of approximately $58 million for the half. This represents a 16.3% decline compared with the prior year.

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

The Pro Medicus share price was out of form and dropped 16.5%. This health imaging technology company's shares appear to have been caught up in the tech selloff. Not even a bullish broker note out of Macquarie could prevent this decline. Its analysts upgraded Pro Medicus' shares to an outperform rating with a $291.30 price target.

The post These were the worst-performing ASX 200 shares in January appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

If I had $10,000 to invest today and was deliberately looking for value on the ASX, here are three beaten-down shares I would seriously consider.

James Hardie Industries Plc (ASX: JHX)

James Hardie shares are down roughly 35% over the past 12 months, largely reflecting concerns around US housing activity and the major acquisition of AZEK. That weakness has fed directly into sentiment, even though the long-term fundamentals of the business remain intact.

James Hardie is still the dominant player in fibre cement products in North America, with strong brand recognition and pricing power over time. While volumes can fluctuate with housing cycles, repair and remodel activity tends to be more resilient than new builds, which provides some buffer during slower periods.

If US housing conditions stabilise or improve over the next couple of years and the AZEK acquisition is successful, I think James Hardie shares could re-rate meaningfully.

ARB Corporation Ltd (ASX: ARB)

ARB shares are down around 32% since last January. A decent part of this decline has occurred this month following a disappointing trading update. Earnings in the first half were weaker than expected, reflecting softer group sales, margin pressure from currency movements, and lower factory recoveries.

This was clearly not a good result, and it explains the market's reaction. However, I think it is important to separate short-term earnings softness from long-term business quality.

This ASX share still operates a high-return, vertically integrated 4×4 accessories business with a strong balance sheet and net cash. While domestic aftermarket demand has softened alongside weaker new vehicle sales, there are signs that this may represent a cyclical low rather than a structural decline.

Looking ahead, there are growth tailwinds that remain in place. This includes continued strength in the US, new OEM launches, network upgrades, and an ecommerce rollout. If these play out as expected, ARB could return to a sustainable growth trajectory, supporting a recovery in its share price.

CAR Group Ltd (ASX: CAR)

CAR Group shares are down about 25% over the past 12 months, despite the business continuing to generate strong cash flows and operate market-leading automotive classifieds platforms across multiple regions.

The pullback appears to reflect valuation compression rather than a collapse in fundamentals. Advertising markets have been uneven, and investors have become more cautious toward premium-priced growth stocks. That said, CAR Group still benefits from dominant market positions, network effects, and a highly scalable digital model.

Over time, as vehicle markets normalise and pricing power reasserts itself, CAR Group is well placed to compound earnings. I think the share price weakness provides an opportunity to access that quality at a more reasonable entry point than was available a year ago.

Foolish takeaway

Each of these ASX shares share something important in common. They are high-quality businesses experiencing a difficult phase, rather than a broken business facing terminal decline.

If I were investing $10,000 today with a long-term mindset, I would be comfortable spreading that capital across opportunities like these, where expectations are low, sentiment is weak, and the potential for recovery is not being fully priced in.

The post Why I would invest $10,000 in these cheap ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Two popular ASX shares that have been under the magnifying glass are named below. Here's what the broker is saying about them:

ARB Corporation Ltd (ASX: ARB)

This 4×4 automotive parts company's shares have come under significant pressure this month after releasing a trading update that fell well short of expectations.

While this was disappointing, the broker remains positive on ARB. It believes that FY 2026 will be a base year for earnings and highlights that several tailwinds are supportive of growth in the coming years.

Morgans has an accumulate rating and $32.00 price target on its shares. It said:

1H26 underlying PBT of A$58m (~16% below pcp; ~14% below cons) reflected softer group sales and margin pressure (AUD/THB weakness and lower factory recoveries), with a pronounced 2Q deterioration (group sales -5.8%). All divisions weakened through the period, with implied Aftermarket sales -4.4% in 2Q26 (vs -1.7% in 2Q25); OEM -43% (vs -2%); and Export flat (vs +20.4%). The softness within the Aftermarket division is somewhat understandable, given the sharp deterioration in our tracked ARB new vehicle sales index through November (-14.8%) and December (-6.8%), dragging 2Q FY26 volumes 6.7% lower vs the pcp. However, the slowing rate of growth within Export is a point of concern (flat in 2Q) as ARB will cycle a more demanding comp in 2H FY26 (2H FY25 A$142m; vs A$125.4m 1H26).

We expect FY26 earnings will reflect a 'base' year for ARB to reset margins and resume a more sustainable growth trajectory (MorgansF FY25-28F EPS CAGR +7%). We are encouraged by ongoing US strength (1H26 +26%); a commanding balance sheet position (A$59.4m net cash); and various tailwinds supporting Aftermarket division recovery through CY26 (new OEM launches; network growth/upgrades; and eCommerce launch). Accumulate maintained.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

Morgans was pleased with BHP's performance during the second quarter. This was particularly the case for its WAIO, Escondida, and Antamina operations.

However, the broker feels that its shares are fairly valued. As a result, it has retained its hold rating with an improved price target of $47.90. The broker commented:

A sound 2Q26 result operationally, with WAIO setting a H1 production record and BHP upgrading guidance at both Escondida and Antamina. The offsetting negative was the separate update on the Jansen Stage 1 potash project, seeing a further budget upgrade to US$8.4bn and leaving concern around possible changes to Jansen Stage 2.

We have applied upgraded metal price forecasts, driving the upgrade in our target price but not transforming the value proposition, with BHP still appearing fair value. In our sector investment strategy we view BHP as a core holding on earnings and portfolio quality grounds as well as dividend profile, we maintain our Hold rating.

The post What is Morgans saying about ARB and BHP shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Three ASX shares that brokers have named as buys this week are listed below. Here's why their analysts are feeling bullish on them right now:

ARB Corporation Ltd (ASX: ARB)

According to a note out of Macquarie, its analysts have retained their outperform rating on this 4×4 automotive parts company's shares with a trimmed price target of $35.80. This follows the release of a half year update which revealed underlying profits well short of expectations. This was driven by weaker than expected margins. In addition, export sales were softer than the broker was expecting during the half. Nevertheless, Macquarie thinks its shares offer value for money following recent weakness and reaffirms its outperform rating. The ARB share price is trading at $27.38 on Wednesday afternoon.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

A note out of Morgan Stanley reveals that its analysts have retained their overweight rating and $56.50 price target on this mining giant's shares. The broker was pleased with the Big Australian's performance during the second quarter. This was particularly the case with its iron ore operations, which outperformed expectations. In addition, it was pleased to see its copper operations deliver production ahead of forecasts, largely due to the key Escondida mine. All in all, Morgan Stanley has seen nothing to change its positive view of the stock. The BHP share price is fetching $48.31 at the time of writing.

Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB)

Analysts at Bell Potter have retained their buy rating and $125.00 price target on this investment platform provider's shares. According to the note, the broker was impressed with the company's performance during the second quarter. It highlights that it achieved the highest quarterly inflow on record. In addition, it points out that management provided similarly positive comments around its pipeline. Bell Potter backs this up, noting that its own channel checks indicate that Hub24 continues to rank first for future flow intentions. In light of this and with the current forward multiple around average levels, the broker sees value in Hub24's shares at these levels. The Hub24 share price is trading at $101.39 today.

The post Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Australia's benchmark index is up roughly 1% since the start of the new year. 

Two ASX 200 stocks I have my eye on are ARB Corporation Ltd (ASX: ARB) and IperionX Ltd (ASX: IPX). 

These two companies have experienced very different starts to the year. 

However it appears both may be trading below fair value. 

Here's what experts are saying. 

ARB Corporation Ltd (ASX: ARB)

This ASX 200 company is Australia's largest designer, manufacturer, and distributor of four-wheel-drive and light commercial vehicle accessories.

The company has carved a niche with aftermarket accessories including bull bars, suspension systems, differentials, and lighting.

Its stock price has tumbled more than 11% for the year to date. 

This week alone, the company has seen its share price fall 12% on the back of its half-year trading update.

It appears investors were heavily selling after the company reported Australian aftermarket sales declined 1.7%. 

The Motley Fool's Aaron Teboneras reported yesterday this result reflected softer demand for key vehicle models and ongoing fitting capacity constraints.

Perhaps even more concerning was that ARB expects to report underlying profit before tax of approximately $58 million for the half year. 

This represents a 16.3% decline compared with the prior year.

However, it wasn't all bad news. The company also reported export sales had increased 8.8%, with US market sales up 26.1%. 

This ASX 200 company is now trading close to its 52-week low, which could be an attractive entry point for value investors.

TradingView has an average one year price target of $41.34. 

This indicates more than 45% upside from yesterday's closing price. 

IperionX Ltd (ASX: IPX)

It has been a very different year for IperionX. 

The low carbon titanium developer has seen its share price soar almost 20% since the start of the year. 

This has been fuelled by key contract wins amidst the United States' push to strengthen the defence-related supply chains for critical materials.

Despite the emerging tailwinds, this ASX 200 stock still sits 20% below its 52-week high.

It also experienced a slight dip yesterday, dropping more than 2%. 

Analysts insights suggest it has the potential to keep rising. 

Back in December, broker Bell Potter said the company has the potential to disrupt the incumbent titanium supply chain through materially lowering production costs and manufacturing waste. 

The broker has a speculative buy recommendation along with a price target of $9.25. 

This indicates a further upside of 33.29% from yesterday's closing price. 

Meanwhile, TradingView estimates suggest the stock price could rise a further 37%. 

The post Should you buy the dip on these ASX 200 stocks? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX)

The 4DMedical share price is down 7% to $4.46. This is despite there being no news out of the medical technology company. However, with its shares up almost 700% since this time last year, there could be some profit taking going on today. In addition, last week, 4DMedical raised $150 million through an institutional placement. Those shares are expected to be issued later this week on 22 January.

ARB Corporation Ltd (ASX: ARB)

The ARB share price is down 11.5% to $28.59. Investors have been selling this 4×4 automotive parts company's shares following the release of a trading update. ARB revealed that unaudited sales revenue for the first half was $358 million. This is down 1% on the prior corresponding period. Things were worse for its earnings due to margin weakness. ARB advised that it expects to report underlying profit before tax of approximately $58 million for the half. This represents a 16.3% decline compared with the prior year.

Inghams Group Ltd (ASX: ING)

The Inghams share price is down 5.5% to $2.51. This may have been driven by a broker note out of Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG). According to the note, the broker has downgraded the poultry producer's shares to an underperform rating with a reduced price target of $2.20. This implies potential downside of 12% from current levels. The broker believes that Inghams could fall short of expectations in FY 2026 due to cautious consumers. In addition, it highlights that a competitor could put pressure on pricing when its new facility comes online later this year.

Qoria Ltd (ASX: QOR)

The Qoria share price is down 30% to 34.5 cents. This follows the release of the digital safety company's quarterly update. The company revealed that it exited the quarter with annualised recurring revenue (ARR) of $149 million, which is up 19% year on year. It also reported cash receipts of $79.1 million, which was up 20% on the prior corresponding period. Despite this, it still recorded negative free cash flow for the quarter.

The post Why 4DMedical, ARB, Inghams, and Qoria shares are tumbling today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The ARB share price is down a sharp 14.89% to $27.50, extending a tough run for investors. The stock is now down roughly 30% over the past 12 months, pushing it back toward levels last seen in 2023.

So, what did the company say, and why has the market reacted so harshly?

Revenue slips despite export growth

ARB revealed that unaudited sales revenue for the six months to 31 December 2025 came in at $358 million, down 1% on the prior corresponding period (pcp).

The result reflected weaker domestic conditions, partially offset by strong growth offshore.

Australian aftermarket sales declined 1.7%, reflecting softer demand for key vehicle models and ongoing fitting capacity constraints. At the same time, OEM channel sales in Australia fell sharply, down 38.2%, largely due to the timing of OEM contracts and model releases.

That weakness was offset by continued momentum in international markets. Export sales increased 8.8%, with sales into the key US market up 26.1%, highlighting the growing importance of offshore demand to ARB's earnings mix.

Profit takes a hit

The bigger concern for investors sits at the earnings line, where margin pressure and softer domestic conditions weighed on results.

ARB expects to report underlying profit before tax of approximately $58 million for the half, representing a 16.3% decline compared with the prior year.

Management pointed to two key factors behind the drop. Gross margins were squeezed by a weaker Australian dollar against the Thai baht, increasing manufacturing costs. In addition, lower factory overhead recoveries followed elevated inventory levels in the pcp.

The company also flagged several one-off items during the half. These included a $1.3 million pre-tax gain on a property sale, partially offset by $2.2 million in goodwill impairment costs linked to the termination of the Thule distribution agreement.

Balance sheet still rock solid

Despite the profit downgrade, ARB's balance sheet remains a clear strength.

At 31 December 2025, the company held $59.4 million in cash and no debt, even after paying a 35-cent final dividend and a 50-cent special dividend during the period.

That balance sheet strength gives ARB flexibility as it navigates margin pressure and softer domestic conditions, while continuing to invest in offshore growth opportunities.

Is the sell-off overdone?

Today's reaction suggests the market is increasingly focused on earnings risk and the outlook for margin recovery in the near term. That concern is clearly understandable given the profit downgrade from management.

However, ARB remains a high-quality brand with growing export exposure, a debt-free balance sheet, and long-term leverage to global 4WD and off-road demand.

With the share price now well below its 2024 highs, investors will be watching closely when full half-year results are released on 24 February to see whether margins begin to stabilise.

For now, sentiment toward ARB has clearly turned negative, and the shares remain firmly in the penalty box.

The post ARB shares are crashing 15% today. What's spooking investors? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Three ASX stocks I think tick these boxes are in this article. Here's why I would be comfortable buying today and holding them for the long term.

Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP)

Zip is a stock that has gone through a painful reset, but that reset is exactly why I find it interesting today.

The buy now, pay later company has moved away from a growth-at-all-costs mindset and toward a far more disciplined operating model. Credit quality, cost control, and profitability now sit at the centre of the strategy, rather than raw transaction volume.

What gives me confidence in holding Zip in 2026 is its earnings trajectory. According to CommSec, consensus expectations point to earnings per share of 7.9 cents in FY26, rising to 12.1 cents in FY27. That kind of growth suggests operating leverage is beginning to work in shareholders' favour.

Zip still carries risk. Consumer spending conditions matter, and competition remains intense. But compared to prior years, the business looks more focused, more credible, and more aligned with sustainable earnings growth. If execution continues successfully in the huge US market, I think sentiment could continue to improve through 2026.

Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG)

Sigma is an ASX stock I think is entering a very different phase of its life.

The merger with Chemist Warehouse in 2025 has reshaped the business, turning Sigma into a much larger and more strategically relevant player across pharmacy retail, franchising, and wholesale distribution. Today, the group supports hundreds of franchised pharmacies and supplies thousands more across Australia, giving it scale that few competitors can match.

What appeals to me in 2026 is the defensiveness of the end market combined with the opportunity for operational improvement. Demand for prescription medicines and frontline healthcare services is structural rather than cyclical, which provides a level of earnings resilience that many consumer-facing businesses lack.

The merger does introduce complexity, but if management delivers even modest efficiency gains across a much larger platform, Sigma's earnings profile could look meaningfully stronger over time.

It is for this reason that I would be comfortable buying and holding this one for the long term.

ARB Corporation Ltd (ASX: ARB)

ARB is a company I associate with quality and long-term thinking.

While FY25 was a more challenging year, the underlying business remains solid. ARB continues to generate strong cash flows, operates with a net cash balance sheet, and invests heavily in product development, manufacturing automation, and international expansion.

What makes ARB interesting in 2026 is the growing contribution from offshore markets, particularly the United States. Export sales now represent a meaningful portion of revenue, and ARB's investments in US engineering, retail partnerships, and owned distribution channels appear to be gaining traction.

The business is not immune to currency movements or consumer cycles. But ARB's brand strength, product breadth, and disciplined capital management give it durability. I would be comfortable buying and holding ARB in 2026 as a high-quality industrial with long-term growth optionality.

The common thread

Zip, Sigma, and ARB are very different businesses, but they share one important characteristic. Each has entered 2026 with a clearer strategy and a more credible earnings outlook than in recent years.

None of these stocks are risk-free. But each offers exposure to improving fundamentals, structural demand drivers, or both. For investors willing to look beyond short-term noise, these are three ASX stocks that could be worthy of buy and hold investments.

The post The 3 stocks I'd buy and hold into 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.