Three broker buy ratings that you might want to know more about are summarised below. Here's why brokers think these ASX shares are in the buy zone:

Bega Cheese Ltd (ASX: BGA)

According to a note out of Morgan Stanley, its analysts have initiated coverage on this diversified food company's shares with an overweight rating and $6.70 price target. Morgan Stanley thinks that Bega Cheese shares are good value at current levels. The broker highlights the undemanding valuation multiple its shares trade on and the company's positive earnings growth outlook. For example, it believes Bega Cheese could grow its earnings per share at an average of 20% per annum between FY 2025 and FY 2028. This is being supported by increased protein consumption, cost savings, and optimisations. The Bega Cheese share price ended the week at $5.39.

Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN)

A note out of Morgans reveals that its analysts have put a buy rating and $13.05 price target on this uranium producer's shares. Morgans thinks the uranium industry's outlook is very positive. It highlights that low prices over the past couple of decades means that supply of the chemical element is struggling to keep up with demand. So, with reactor demand increasing, Morgans is expecting there to be a structural supply deficit. This could be good news for uranium prices. It notes that China has a large number of reactors under construction and the US is targeting a significant increase in nuclear energy output over the next two decades. For Paladin Energy, given the quality of its assets, Morgans believes the company is well-placed to benefit from these trends. The Paladin Energy share price was fetching $11.07 at Friday's close.

Regis Resources Ltd (ASX: RRL)

Analysts at Macquarie have retained their outperform rating and $9.50 price target on this gold miner's shares. According to the note, the broker is positive on the company's plan to merge with fellow gold miner Vault Minerals Ltd (ASX: VAU). Macquarie believes the combination of the two miners has the potential to become the second-largest Australian gold miner with significant production capacity. And while the broker acknowledges that there will be no operational synergies, it points out that there will be tax benefits and a potentially lower cost of capital. The Regis Resources share price ended the week at $6.35.

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

This is the second time in a month that the defensive sector has led the market.

Meanwhile, the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) edged 0.3% higher to finish the week at 8,657 points.

The market whipsawed last week as the war in Iran dragged on and depressing economic data was released.

US President Donald Trump said he called off strikes on Iran after Persian Gulf leaders assured him of an acceptable deal in the works.

However, on Friday, reports emerged of Iran and Oman working together to create a permanent toll system for the Strait of Hormuz.

The Strait, through which about a fifth of the world's oil and gas is shipped, runs between the two nations and remains effectively closed.

Meanwhile in Australia, the market was surprised by a fall in employment in April that pushed the unemployment rate up to 4.5%.

Additionally, the latest monthly consumer sentiment index rose just 3.5% off the extreme low recorded last month.

Matthew Hassan, Head of Australian Macro-Forecasting at Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC), commented:

… consumers remain deeply pessimistic.

Forward views are clearly still being weighed down by uncertainty around global energy supply with the Strait of Hormuz still effectively shut.

However, rate rise fears are also in the mix.

Fierce debate also broke out last week over how proposed capital gains tax (CGT) changes may disincentivise start-ups in Australia.

Amid volatile trading conditions, ASX 200 investors upped their exposure to defensive consumer staples shares.

Let's take a look at the impact.

Consumer staples shares led the ASX sectors last week

The Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) share price rose 5.15% to finish at $34.68 per share on Friday.

The Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) share price rose 3.17% to $21.47.

IGA network owner Metcash Ltd (ASX: MTS) lifted 3.39% to $3.05 per share.

Endeavour Group Ltd (ASX: EDV) shares fell 0.65% to $3.08.

The A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M) share price tumbled 7.67% to $5.66.

ASX 200 wine share Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE) increased 5.88% to $4.50.

The Bega Cheese Ltd (ASX: BGA) share price rose 0.37% to $5.39.

Almond food producer Select Harvests Ltd (ASX: SHV) ascended 6.65% to $3.85 per share.

ASX 200 agricultural share Graincorp Ltd (ASX: GNC) decreased 8.64% to $4.76.

Elders Ltd (ASX: ELD) shares tanked 18.33% to $5.88 after the company released its 1H FY26 numbers last week.

The Australian Agricultural Company Ltd (ASX: AAC) share price rose 2.27% to $1.35.

ASX 200 market sector snapshot

Here's how the 11 market sectors stacked up last week, according to CommSec data.

Over the five trading days:

The post ASX 200 consumer staples shares outperformed again last week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Let's look closer at ten ASX shares that received buy ratings from them. They are as follows:

Bega Cheese Ltd (ASX: BGA)

Morgan Stanley is bullish on this diversified food company. This week, it initiated coverage on the Vegemite owner's shares with an overweight rating and $6.70 price target. The Bega Cheese share price ended the week at $5.39.

Catapult Sports Ltd (ASX: CAT)

Bell Potter was pleased with this sports technology company's FY 2026 results. In response, the broker retained its buy rating with an improved price target of $4.65. This compares to its latest share price of $3.57.

Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN)

UBS turned positive on this gold miner and upgraded its shares to a buy rating with an improved price target of $14.00. The Evolution Mining share price ended the week at $12.17.

Gentrack Group Ltd (ASX: GTK)

Bell Potter continues to see value in this software provider's shares. This week, the broker retained its buy rating and $5.70 price target on its shares. This is notably higher than its current share price of $3.18.

Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

Morgan Stanley put an overweight rating and $36.15 price target on this industrial property company's shares. This compares to its current share price of $30.28. The broker is feeling positive about Goodman ahead of its quarterly update next week.

Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1)

Morgans remains positive on this network-as-a-service provider following the announcement of another big contract win for its Latitude business. It has put a buy rating and $15.50 price target on its shares. The Megaport share price ended the week at $13.05.

Qualitas Ltd (ASX: QAL)

The team at Morgans upgraded this real estate investment company's shares to a buy rating this week with a $3.50 price target. This implies potential upside of 20% from its current share price of $2.92.

Regis Resources Ltd (ASX: RRL)

Macquarie is positive on this gold miner's merger plans. After looking at the proposal, the broker has retained its outperform rating and $9.50 price target on Regis Resources' shares. This compares to its current share price of $6.35.

Santos Ltd (ASX: STO)

Citi is bullish on this energy producer and has put a buy rating and $9.00 price target on its shares. The Santos share price ended the week at $8.24.

Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW)

Over at Morgan Stanley, its analysts have also put an overweight rating and reduced price target of $8.00 on this online furniture retailer's shares. This is notably higher than its current share price of $5.04.

The post 10 ASX shares given buy ratings this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

I've had a look at the research reports coming out of Morgan Stanley this week and picked out three which might be of interest.

Let's have a look.

Catapult Sports Ltd (ASX: CAT)

Catapult specialises in technology which can be used to track sportspeople on the field and during training, with the metrics used by coaches and athletes to improve performance.

The company released its full year results this week, and said its annualised contract value increased 28% year-on-year to US$133.8 million.

Chief Executive Officer Will Lopes said it was a transformational year for the company.

He added:

We set ourselves ambitious targets: maintain our organic growth rate, reinvest meaningfully in our platform, and stay focused through a period of significant M&A. We delivered on all of them. These results reflect the efforts of every person at this company, and to the world-class sports teams who trust us with their performance every day.

Morgan Stanley said it was "another strong result, with operating metrics all improving''.

They added:

Of particular note was the pleasing progress made with bedding down the IMPECT and Perch acquisitions. Combined, they were the first material acquisitions made in some time by Management. We think the FY26 result demonstrated CAT's ability to integrate and scale acquisitions effectively, with both IMPECT and Perch appearing to perform well post acquisition and contributing positively to growth, product breadth and cross-sell opportunities. This was achieved alongside delivering organic growth in the core business.

Morgan Stanley has an overweight rating on Catapult shares with a price target of $5.20 compared to $3.57 currently.

Bega Cheese Ltd (ASX: BGA)

An interesting takeaway from the Morgan Stanley research note on Bega is that they believe that the increased use of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs is a tailwind for the company, because it, "supports smaller, nutrient-dense, protein rich consumption occasions''.

They added:

This shift favours BGA's convenient dairy formats, supporting volume, pricing, and margins over time.

Morgan Stanley is forecasting better than 20% compound annual growth in earnings per share for Bega from FY25-FY28, "driven by branded mix improvement and supply chain consolidation benefits''.

The broker has a price target of $6.70 on Bega shares compared to $5.42 currently.

Goodman Group Ltd (ASX: GMG)

Goodman is due to report its third quarter results next week.

Morgan Stanley has got in ahead of time with a research note that has a price target of $36.15 on the shares compared to $30.37 currently.

The broker said they will be looking for good news out of the company.

Given the VA Consensus is at FY26 EPS growth of 10%, we would suggest that the market is somewhat anticipating an earnings upgrade. However, the probability of a data centre contract/s is less certain, and therefore would be a positive surprise if delivered.

The post Morgan Stanley names 3 ASX shares to buy appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Three broker buy ratings that you might want to know more about are summarised below. Here's why brokers think these ASX shares are in the buy zone right now:

Bega Cheese Ltd (ASX: BGA)

According to a note out of Morgan Stanley, its analysts have initiated coverage on this diversified food company's shares with an overweight rating and $6.70 price target. The broker believes that Bega Cheese is good value at current levels. It highlights the undemanding valuation multiple its shares trade on and positive earnings growth outlook. In fact, the broker believes Bega Cheese could grow earnings per share at an average of 20% per annum between FY 2025 and FY 2028. This is being supported by increased protein consumption, cost savings, and optimisations. The Bega Cheese share price is trading at $5.42 on Friday.

Energy One Ltd (ASX: EOL)

A note out of Bell Potter reveals that its analysts have retained their buy rating on this software provider's shares with a trimmed price target of $17.10. Bell Potter believes artificial intelligence (AI) displacement concerns are unwarranted. This is because Energy One serves a deeply regulated and sticky industry with mission-critical solutions. In addition, it highlights that tailwinds remain regarding growing complexity in energy markets, surging European trading volumes, and increasing distributed energy resources. It believes these trends reinforce the strength of the company's positioning as a one-stop-shop provider of software and services, rather than a collection of individual tools. It also notes that it remains attracted to the company's strong growth profile, expanding margins, and impressive SaaS metrics. The Energy One share price is fetching $12.21 at the time of writing.

Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW)

Another note out of Bell Potter reveals that its analysts have retained their buy rating on this online furniture retailer's shares with a reduced price target of $7.00. The broker has reduced the target multiples for Temple & Webster's shares to 9x EV/EBITDA. Despite this, the broker still sees plenty of value in Temple & Webster's shares. In fact, it notes that the continuous decline in the share price means that its shares are back at the levels of the last profit optimisation cycle in 2022. However, this time around its shares are trading on a more attractive EV/sales multiple. Overall, it sees long term valuation support in a high-quality ecommerce retailer with range, pricing/scale advantages, AI/data capability backed by a strong balance sheet to take up inorganic growth opportunities. The Temple & Webster share price is trading at $5.09 this afternoon.

The post Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Meanwhile, three experts give us their views on three ASX 200 shares.

Let's check them out.

Bega Cheese Ltd (ASX: BGA)

The Bega Cheese share price is $5.22, up 0.1% today and down 14% in the year to date (YTD).

Pac Partners has a buy rating on this ASX consumer staples share with a 12-month price target of $7.50.

This implies potential upside of 44% ahead.

In a new note, the broker said:

Bega Group Limited (ASX:BGA) is a great Australian food company with a scalable platform of #1 and #2 "better for you" dairy and spread brands.

We rate BGA a Buy for its high 21% average EPS growth to FY'29F with  FY'27F EV/EBITDA multiple of 9.9x at our Price Target of $7.50/share.

The ASX200 trades at a similar multiple with EPS growth of just 5-10%.

Pac Partners expects Bega Cheese to deliver at the high end of its FY26 earnings guidance due to its "earnings resilience in the short term" amid the current global oil shock, and the impact of $110 million spent on high-margin internal growth projects.

Pac Partners said:

Despite higher fuel and fertiliser costs, BGA has maintained 32-38% EPS growth guidance for FY'26F.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)

The Macquarie share price is $242.70, up 2.5% today and up 19% YTD.

This week, Morgans maintained its hold rating on the ASX bank share and increased its price target from $223 to $248.

This implies limited share price growth over the next 12 months.

Morgans said:

MQG delivered a very strong FY26 result with NPAT (A$4.8bn) up +30% on the pcp and +8% above company-compiled consensus.

Whilst acknowledging this result was aided by significant volatility in commodity markets that assisted CGM, MQG's performance was generally strong across the board.

MQG is a quality franchise, and a proven performer, but with <10% upside to our PT, we maintain our Hold call.

Kogan.com (ASX: KGN)

The Kogan share price is $3.43, down 3.4% today and down 8% YTD.

On The Bull, Nathan Lodge from Securities Vault explained his sell rating on the ASX consumer discretionary share.

Lodge said:

The online retailer benefited from pandemic-era demand. Kogan Group statutory revenue was up 5.5 per cent in the first half of 2026 when compared to the prior corresponding period. However, group statutory net profit after tax was down 20.2 per cent.

The company operates in a highly competitive, low-margin retail segment with limited differentiation. Inventory management and discounting cycles have also weighed on profitability in recent periods.

Consumer spending remains under pressure in a high interest rate environment. In our view, the market is unlikely to assign premium multiples given the lack of durable competitive advantages.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Bega Cheese, Kogan, Macquarie shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Does the broker rate them as buys, holds, or sells? Let's dig deeper into things:

Aeris Resources Ltd (ASX: AIS)

Morgans is feeling positive about this copper miner and has named it as a buy this week with a 70 cents price target.

Although its production was softer than expected during the third quarter, the broker was pleased with its cost performance and cash flow generation. It said:

Copper production missed on lower Tritton grades but this was offset by a solid cost performance and strong cash flow (+72% qoq), materially strengthening the balance sheet and funding flexibility. Tritton is set up for a stronger 4Q26, while Constellation, Golden Plateau and the Peel acquisition underpin a longer-term production and mine life extension story. Maintain BUY rating with an unchanged A$0.70ps Target Price.

ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ)

This banking giant delivered a decent half-year result according to Morgans. However, it isn't enough for a positive rating. Instead, the broker has upgraded ANZ's shares to a trim rating (between sell and hold) with an improved price target of $31.85. It said:

1H26 revenues were flat on an underlying basis, but cost decline and credit impairment charges were better than expected. Target price increased 4% to $31.85/sh, given 3-6% earnings upgrades and decision to recommence neutralising the DRP. Upgraded from SELL to TRIM, given potential TSR at current prices of c.-6%.

Bega Cheese Ltd (ASX: BGA)

Morgans was pleased to see this diversified food company retain its guidance for FY 2026 despite cost pressures from the Middle East conflict.

In addition, it highlights that management has lifted its medium-term earnings target and provided a five-year plan.

As a result, it has retained its accumulate rating with a $6.50 price target. The broker said:

We attended BGA's Investor Day. Despite the cost pressures associated with the conflict in the Middle East, BGA reiterated its FY26 EBITDA guidance. It also upgraded its FY28 EBITDA target and provided an FY31 EBITDA target for its next 5-year strategy. BGA's targets underpin solid earnings growth profile across the forecast period, whilst maintaining a strong balance sheet.

Our FY26 forecasts remain unchanged, while in FY27 and FY28, we have reduced NPAT for higher D&A associated with BGA's capital growth projects. We maintain an Accumulate rating with a new price target of A$6.50. BGA remains well placed given its portfolio of iconic household brands, its focus on developing higher margin products with functional health benefits, its expansion into growth channels both domestically and overseas and network optimisation plans.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Aeris, ANZ, and Bega Cheese shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

That's because Bell Potter has named one ASX 200 share that it believes offers both.

Which ASX 200 share?

The share in question is Bega Cheese Ltd (ASX: BGA).

It is focused on the processing, manufacturing, and distribution of dairy and associated products to both Australian and international markets. This includes the iconic Vegemite brand.

According to the note, the broker was pleased with what it heard from Bega Cheese at its investor day event.

Bell Potter highlights that management continues to target strong earnings growth over the coming years. It said:

FY28e targets: FY26e EBITDA guidance $222-227m was unchanged, with recently announced product levies of 8-15¢/L or kg implemented quickly and with the ability to move on short notice. FY28e EBITDA guidance has been firmed from >$250m to $260-265m with the majority of the uplift from FY26e to FY28e linked to already announced initiatives, principally the closure of Strathmerton.

FY31e targets: BGA has issued its initial FY31e baseline EBITDA target of $310m+, which is driven by two strong themes in the branded business, being: (1) Continued investment in high growth categories such as milk based beverages and yoghurt, where category growth has been +8-10% p.a. and BGA unveiled a planned +25% uplift in yoghurt capacity; and (2) Continued investment in its Tatura cream cheese capability, where volumes have grown at +14% p.a. and a +28% capacity expansion is planned.

Importantly, Bell Potter believes this is achievable. The broker explains:

The FY28-31e baseline projections would look highly achievable based on current dynamics in the categories being targeted and requires BGA to execute at a rate not inconsistent with what they have achieved over the FY23-26e.

Big potential returns

In response to the investor update, Bell Potter has retained its buy rating and $7.75 price target on the ASX 200 share.

Based on the current Bega Cheese share price of $5.54, this implies potential upside of 40% for investors over the next 12 months.

In addition, it expects a 2.5% dividend yield over the period, rising to 3.5% by FY 2028.

Commenting on its recommendation, the broker said:

Our Buy rating is unchanged. BGA has articulated a strategy to generating double digit EPS growth to FY31e, through low risk investment in its core competencies of yoghurt, cream cheese and milk based beverages. In addition, BGA has also implemented levy frameworks that reduce the risk of prolonged Middle East disruption on the cost base and retailers have already followed suit with on shelf price moves.

The post Bell Potter is tipping a 40% return from this ASX 200 share appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

At the time of writing: 

• Bega Cheese Ltd (ASX: BGA) shares are down 6% to $5.50
• Domino's Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP) shares are falling 9% to $16.10

This continues the downward trend in 2026 for both companies. 

Let's see what could be influencing the drop today. 

Bega Cheese

Bega is an Australian-based dairy processor and food manufacturer. Its well-known brands include Bega Cheese and Vegemite.

Its share price is down just over 6% today despite there being no price-sensitive news out of the company. 

This takes its yearly tally to a 9% fall. 

It is a disappointing result for the company, as broadly, the consumer staples sector has performed well in 2026. 

This has been driven by geopolitical uncertainty and high interest rates, which have pushed investors toward defensive assets.

This has led to a 9% rise year to date for the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ).  

Domino's Pizza Enterprises

Dominos shares are tumbling 9% today and are now trading for approximately $16.14. 

They are one of the most shorted ASX shares on Tuesday. 

This is a fall of 26% year to date for the fast-food pizza franchise. 

Similar to Bega, there is no price-sensitive news out of the company today. 

It has struggled in 2026 along with other consumer discretionary shares. 

The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) is down 14% year to date. 

What are experts saying?

Following today's heavy sell-off, investors might be considering buying the dip on Bega and Domino's shares. 

In recent news out of brokers, Bell Potter recently placed a hold rating and $18 price target on Domino's shares.

Although it acknowledges that its shares are trading on low multiples, it feels that this is justified based on its modest earnings growth outlook.

This price target is 11.5% higher than today's share price. 

Meanwhile, for Bega shares, PAC Partners placed a $7.50 price target on the consumer staples stock last month. 

Should Bega shares bounce back to this target, it would be a 36% recovery. 

The post Why are Bega Cheese and Dominos shares crashing today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Meanwhile, the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) fell 1.79% to finish the week at 8,786.5 points.

ASX investors are feeling increasingly pessimistic that the war in Iran will end anytime soon.

This was likely a factor behind the support for ASX 200 consumer staples and utilities shares last week.

Consumer staples and utilities are among the most defensive of the 11 market sectors during economic upheaval.

This is because staples and utilities companies have reliable income streams, given they sell essential goods and services.

Another sector considered somewhat defensive is real estate investment trusts (REITs), which lifted 0.14% last week.

The glaring exception among defensives last week was healthcare, a sector that continues to face multiple headwinds.

A 42% dive in Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH) shares pushed the S&P/ASX 200 Health Care Index (ASX: XHJ) to a 6-year low last week.

Technology also finished just inside the green, as the sector continues its rebound from a prolonged downturn.

Iran war drags on

Oil and gas prices spiked 15% to 18% and ASX 200 shares spent four consecutive days in the red last week.

The world is anxiously awaiting news of when a second round of US-Iran peace talks will begin.

Lucinda Jerogin, Associate Economist at CBA, said:

… fundamentally the situation has not changed; no talks, no fighting and no ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran has stated it will neither reopen the Strait nor engage in negotiations until the US lifts its naval blockade.

The longer the Strait remains closed, the greater the costs to the world economy through higher energy prices and supply chain disruptions.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned of a global recession given the long-tail impact of energy shocks.

In Australia, expectations of higher inflation and more interest rate rises do not bode well for the economy.

The market is factoring in a 69% chance of a rate rise next month. Meanwhile, consumer confidence has tanked.

The Westpac-Melbourne Institute Consumer Sentiment Index recorded its biggest fall in five years this month.

All of these broader macroeconomic concerns likely contributed to support for ASX 200 defensive sectors last week.

Consumer staple shares led the ASX sectors last week

The sector's largest stock, Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW), gained 2.99% to finish at $37.89 per share on Friday.

The Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) share price rose 2.31% to $23.06.

IGA network owner Metcash Ltd (ASX: MTS) fell 2.76% to $2.82 per share.

Endeavour Group Ltd (ASX: EDV) shares rose 7.36% to $3.50.

The A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M) share price edged 0.94% lower to $7.40.

ASX 200 wine share Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE) lifted 12.22% to $4.50 on news of a revised operating model.

Inghams Group Ltd (ASX: ING) shares fell 0.5% to close at $1.98 on Friday.

Bega Cheese Ltd (ASX: BGA) shares eased 0.51% to $5.87.

Almond food producer Select Harvests Ltd (ASX: SHV) rose 0.54% to $3.75 per share.

Cobram Estate Olives Ltd (ASX: CBO) shares lifted 1.69% to $3.61.

ASX 200 agricultural share Graincorp Ltd (ASX: GNC) increased 0.79% to $6.40.

The Elders Ltd (ASX: ELD) share price fell 2.13% to $7.35.

Stock feed producer Ridley Corporation Ltd (ASX: RIC) lifted 4.46% to $2.81.

The Australian Agricultural Company Ltd (ASX: AAC) lost 2.24% to finish the week at $1.31.

ASX 200 market sector snapshot

Here's how the 11 market sectors stacked up last week, according to CommSec data.

Over the five trading days:

The post Nervous investors turn to ASX 200 defensives as global energy shock drags on appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Today's fall builds on yesterday's 1.77% drop after missile strikes on energy assets in the Middle East caused a spike in oil prices.

ASX All Ords shares have fallen 8.13% since the war began, and the market is now 4% in the red for the year to date (YTD).

Meantime, brokers have named 3 ASX shares with buy recommendations amid all this volatility.

Let's take a look.

Helloworld Travel Ltd (ASX: HLO)

Helloworld Travel shares are steady at $1.44 on Friday, down 23.8% YTD and down 6.5% over 12 months.

Shaw and Partners reiterated its buy rating on this ASX travel share after the Australian Bureau of Statistics released new data.

The broker commented:

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Overseas Arrivals and Departures data for January 2026 bodes well for Helloworld Travel Limited (ASX:HLO) with Departures up 8.4% Financial YTD and the travel destination mix reasonably steady. 

Shaw and Partners kept its 12-month share price target at $2.80.

This implies a potential 94% upside from here.

Bega Cheese Ltd (ASX: BGA)

The Bega Cheese share price is down 0.27% to $5.60 at the time of writing.

The ASX consumer staples share is down 7.67% YTD and up 8.6% over the past year.

This month, PAC Partners retained its buy rating and increased its price target by 7% to $7.50 per share.

This implies a potential 34% upside from here.

The broker said:

Bega Cheese Limited's (ASX:BGA) vision of a great Australian food company arrived this year with: a scalable platform #1 and #2 "better for you" brands; #1 Australian cold chain; off-shore leverage; and a 50% lift in dividend in 1H'26.

Starpharma Holdings Ltd (ASX: SPL)

The Starpharma share price is 47 cents, up 1.1% on Friday.

This ASX small-cap share has risen 25.7% YTD and soared 365% over 12 months.

PAC Partners has a buy rating on this ASX healthcare share.

The broker forecasts growth in partnerships and over-the-counter revenue over the next four years.

PAC Partners says it has a "high risk" 12-month price target range of 80 cents to $1 on Starpharma shares.

This suggests a possible minimum capital gain of 70% over the next 12 months.

PAC Partners commented:

Starpharma Holdings Limited (ASX:SPL) will start human clinical trials of its novel radiotherapy drug for a solid cancer target by the end of 2026.

This in-house project opens up SPL dendrimer applications beyond the Genentech, medicxi and RAD.ASX partnered projects.

The post 3 buy-rated ASX shares in today's falling market 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.

As reporting season continues on Friday, Morgans has run the ruler over the earnings results of three ASX 200 companies.

Let's take a look.

Transurban Group (ASX: TCL)

The Transurban share price is 3.3% higher at $14.34 on Friday.

Yesterday, Transurban reported a 6.4% lift in proportional operating earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) to $1,545 million for 1H FY26.

The market's largest industrial sector stock will pay a dividend of 34 cents per share.

Morgans said:

1H26 Operating EBITDA (+6% on pcp) missed Visible Alpha consensus by 3% while Free Cash (+2% on pcp) was in-line (both were below our forecasts).

Changes to FY26-28F EBITDA are immaterial. Free Cash downgraded 1-3% mainly due to higher debt service outlook.

DPS forecast remains in line with DPS guidance for FY26 and for 5% pa growth across FY27-29F (within the 4-6% pa Free Cash growth range of the 2025 management long-term incentive plan).

The broker retained a hold rating on this ASX 200 industrial share with a 1% reduction in its 12-month price target to $13.19.

Bega Cheese Ltd (ASX: BGA)

The Bega Cheese share price is up 5.7% to $6.57 at the time of writing.

In earlier trading, the ASX 200 consumer staples share hit a new 52-week high of $6.72.

Yesterday, Bega Cheese reported a 55.3% increase in net profit after tax (NPAT) to $46.9 million for 1H FY26.

Bega Cheese will pay an interim dividend of 7 cents per share.

Morgans said:

Pleasingly, BGA's 1H26 result materially beat expectations given a stronger than expected performance from its Bulk business.

However, the result from its much larger Branded business was solid and would have been even stronger if BGA had more yoghurt capacity to take advantage of the strong demand for protein given health and wellness trends.

Importantly, expansion plans in this area are underway.

FY26 earnings guidance was upgraded. Given its restructuring activity, expansion plans and new product pipeline, we continue to believe that BGA will beat its FY28 EBITDA target of +A$250m. We think A$265m is more likely.

This underpins a strong growth profile across the forecast period.

Morgans has an accumulate rating on the ASX 200 consumer staples share. Its 12-month share price target is $7.10.

APA Group (ASX: APA)

The APA share price is 1.7% higher at $9.16 on Friday.

Yesterday, APA reported a 7.6% lift in underlying EBITDA to $1,092 million, with margins up to 77.3%, for 1H FY26.

Statutory NPAT lifted to $95 million, up from $34 million last year.

The ASX 200 utilities share will pay an interim dividend of 27.5 cents.

Morgans said:

Inflation-linked revenues, a cost-out program and contributions from new assets underpin short-term earnings growth.

Potential return on and of the enlarged growth capex pipeline in a rising interest rate environment will be a key investor focus, as will the headwind of approaching expiry of the WGP earnings in FY35.

Underlying EBITDA upgraded 1-2% across FY26-28F (Vic+NSW), Free Cash Flow +/-4-5% (tax and interest paid), and DPS growth unchanged at +1 cps/yr.

The mid-6% cash yield doesn't compensate for ongoing decline in purchasing power of the DPS and flat equity value outlook.

Morgans has a trim rating on this ASX 200 utilities share with a 12-month price target of $7.96.

The post What is Morgans saying about APA, Bega Cheese, and Transurban shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

If you are, then it could be worth checking out the three ASX 200 shares in this article.

That's because they have been tipped to rise between 20% and 40% by analysts at Bell Potter. Here's what they are recommending:

Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL)

Bell Potter thinks that this gaming technology company's shares could have major upside potential.

This morning, the broker has retained its buy rating on the ASX 200 share with a $70.00 price target (from $80.00). Based on its current share price of $50.33, this implies potential upside of approximately 40% for investors over the next 12 months. It said:

We retain our Buy recommendation. We continue to expect ALL's leading R&D investment will drive market share gains. Top 2 game performance observed in both the core sales and premium gaming ops markets leaves us confident that ALL can grow the install base >4.0k per year and grow global shipments. Further, with leverage standing at 0.2x, ALL has substantial M&A firepower to boost growth inorganically.

Bega Cheese Ltd (ASX: BGA)

Another ASX 200 share that Bell Potter expects to rise strongly is diversified food company Bega Cheese. This morning, in response to its half-year results, the broker has retained its buy rating with an improved price target of $7.75 (from $7.00). Based on its current share price of $6.21, this suggests that upside of 25% is possible for investors.

Bell Potter believes the Vegemite owner can achieve its $250 million EBITDA target in 2027. It said:

Our Buy rating is unchanged. BGA's >$250m EBITDA target is in reach and achieved by executing on capital investment and site consolidation initiatives already underway. Trading on a FY26e PE of 26.9x for three-year compound EPS growth of 24% p.a. BGA is a compelling GARP play and one of the few exposures on the ASX leveraged to the growing consumer preference for higher protein formats, through both its branded portfolio and specialised ingredient platform.

Sonic Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SHL)

Finally, this healthcare company's shares could be undervalued according to Bell Potter. It has retained its buy rating on the ASX 200 share with a slightly improved price target of $28.75 (from $28.50). Based on its current share price of $23.34, this implies potential upside of 23%.

Bell Potter was relatively pleased with Sonic Healthcare's half-year results and has lifted its earnings estimates. It said:

We have made modest changes to our earnings estimates across FY26e-FY28e with increases to EPS of 1.7%/1.4%/1.3%. The result is a c.1% upgrade in our TP to $28.75/sh, which represents c.23% upside to the current share price. We expect this result to support investor sentiment, which has struggled in recent times, with the prospect of trading multiples reverting toward long-term averages.

The post These ASX 200 shares could rise 20% to 40% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The company said in a statement to the ASX on Thursday morning that first-half revenue had come in at $1.87 billion, up 5%, while net profit was 55.3% higher at $46.9 million.

Strength across both major divisions

The company said its Branded Products division delivered a normalised EBITDA of $112.5 million, up 8%.

The company added:

Bega Group fuelled growth in core categories by launching new products to support evolving consumer needs and increased marketing investment to support its leading brands. The company continued to expand sales with growth in grocery, foodservice and international channels in line with strategic objectives. Additionally, the transformational manufacturing initiatives previously announced remain on track with cost savings projected in 2H FY2026 and FY2027.

The company also delivered strong results in its bulk division, with segment EBITDA of $41.1 million, up 68%.

The company said:

This significant improvement is due to a better initial alignment of farm gate milk prices to dairy commodity prices, incremental milk supply, additional toll manufacturing, and a focus on higher value commodities and nutritionals.   

Bega declared an interim dividend of 7 cents per share, payable on April 2, up from 6 cents for the same period last year.

The company also upgraded its full-year guidance to a normalised EBITDA range of $222 to $227 million, compared with $215 to $220 million given at the company's annual meeting late last year.

Bega added that it had a strong balance sheet, which positioned it well to invest in future growth plans.

Bega Group had consolidated net debt of $219.8 million as at 28 December 2025, compared to $207.2 million as at 29 December 2024, an increase of $12.6 million. The increase in net debt was primarily from an increase in working capital (partly due to higher milk prices) and a reduction in the utilisation of the Trade Receivable Facility. Bega Group's normalised EBITDA to net debt leverage ratio decreased from 1.3 times at the end of 1H FY2025 to 1.2 times at 28 December 2025.

Bega shares traded as high as $6.37 in early trade on Thursday, which was a 12-month high for the stock, which has improved from $4.85 over the past year.

The shares were changing hands for $6.22, up 2.5% by mid-morning.

Bega was valued at $1.85 billion at the close of trade on Wednesday.

The post Bega Cheese shares hit a 12-month high on strong profit numbers appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

So, to narrow down the options, let's take a look at what analysts are saying about three names, courtesy of The Bull.

One has been named as a hold, whereas the others are being tipped as buys. Here's what you need to know:

Bega Cheese Ltd (ASX: BGA)

This diversified food company's shares are a hold according to Ord Minnett. The broker thinks that recent increases in the farmgate milk price could be a headwind in 2026 and weigh on its profit growth. It said:

Shares in this food and dairy company have performed well since late 2025, with the price increasing from $5.15 on November 7 to trade at $6.21 on February 5, 2026. The company's profitability has recovered as the gap between farmgate milk prices and global commodity prices has narrowed. However, farmgate milk price increases in fiscal year 2026 may limit further profit gains from the bulk segment. The company maintains its long term focus on achieving its fiscal year 2028 target of more than $250 million in earnings and a return on funds employed exceeding 10 per cent.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

The team at Family Financial Solutions thinks that Telstra could be a top ASX 200 share to buy this week.

It likes Australia's largest telco due to its resilient mobile earnings and defensive earnings. In addition, it thinks its fully franked dividend is attractive (and reliable). It explains:

Telstra is Australia's dominant telecommunications provider with infrastructure‑like cash flows. Reported net profit after tax of $2.3 billion in full year 2025 was up 31 per cent on the prior corresponding period. Cash earnings per share of 22.4 cents were up 12 per cent. The shares were trading at $4.935 on February 5, below our fair value of $5.40. Cost discipline, share buy-backs and resilient mobile earnings support steady upside in a market that still rewards defensiveness. On top of this, Telstra pays reliable, fully franked dividends. Its full year dividend of 19 cents a share in fiscal year 2025 was up 5.6 per cent on the prior corresponding period. TLS was recently trading on a dividend yield of 3.85 per cent.

Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP)

Ord Minnett has named buy now pay later provider Zip as an ASX 200 share to buy.

The broker highlights that Zip is performing very positively in FY 2026 and believes this trend can continue. This is especially the case given that the second half is usually the stronger half for margins. It said:

This digital financial company operates in Australia, New Zealand and the United States. There's a lot to like about this buy now, pay later platform provider's first quarter result in fiscal year 2026. Total transaction volume (TTV) growth in the US was up 47.2 per cent and revenue was up 51.2 per cent.  Consequently, Zip's management has increased TTV guidance in the US to more than 40 per cent in full year 2026, which is up from 35 per cent. Margins were strong across the board, highlighted by an operating margin of 19.5 per cent in the first quarter, which is above the guidance range of between 16 per cent and 19 per cent for full year 2026. Margins are usually stronger in the second half.

The post Forget this ASX 200 share and buy Telstra and Zip shares: Experts appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Here are three that the broker is bullish on for next year:

Bega Cheese Ltd (ASX: BGA)

This diversified food company could be an ASX share to buy for 2026 according to Bell Potter.

It has a buy rating and $7.00 price target on its shares. Based on its current share price of $6.01, this implies potential upside of 16% for investors over the next 12 months.

The broker likes the Vegemite owner due to its very positive growth outlook. It explains:

Following recent restructuring announcements, with regard to the closure of Strathmerton and winding down of the PCA operations, there appears a clear pathway towards a $250-270m EBITDA target. If successful in generating this return and having consideration for the cash costs to achieve this target (c$85- 100m), it would imply a share price of $8.00-9.00ps (at BGA's historical ~12x EBITDA multiple). In effect, BGA now has a clearly articulated strategy to generating >20% p.a. EPS growth to FY28e. Trading on a FY25-28e PEG ratio of ~1x, BGA is one of the more compelling growth exposures in the sector.

CAR Group Limited (ASX: CAR)

Another ASX share that the broker is positive on its auto listings giant CAR Group.

Bell Potter has a buy rating and $42.20 price target on CAR Group's shares. This implies potential upside of 38% for investors from current levels.

It highlights that its shares are trading on lower than normal multiples, which it believes is a buying opportunity for investors. It said:

CAR is trading around two-year lows at a P/E of ~28x, despite a defined product rollout map to drive value from its market-leading networks in its large, addressable markets, which includes C2C payments, pay-per-lead model, regional expansion and scope to develop market-based legacy advertising practices, underpinning a steady growth profile in our forecast EPS through FY26e-FY28e.

Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN)

A final ASX share that the broker is bullish on for 2026 is retail giant Harvey Norman.

Bell Potter has a buy rating and $8.30 price target on its shares, which implies potential upside of approximately 18% for investors over the next 12 months.

The broker believes that Harvey Norman's shares are still good value despite rising strongly in 2025. It explains:

Despite the strong re-rate in the name, HVN trades at ~2.0x market capitalisation to freehold property value as Australia's single largest owner in large format retail with a global portfolio surpassing $4.5b and collectively owning ~40% of their stores (franchised in Australia and company operated offshore). This sees our view that of the 1-year forward ~19x P/E multiple as justified considering the multiple catalysts near/mid-term.

The post Bell Potter rates these ASX shares as strong buys for 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The Bell Potter team warns that investments in the sector can be high-risk, with commodity prices and seasonal factors coming into play.

That said, they've named three companies which they've picked on the basis of "valuation dislocations where we see a buying opportunity''.

Bega Cheese Ltd (ASX: BGA)

This company, which Bell Potter says sells its products both locally and abroad, has made some good changes recently, they reckon.

The Bell Potter team goes on to say:

Following recent restructuring announcements, with regard to the closure of Strathmerton and winding down of the PCA operations, there appears a clear pathway towards a $250-270m EBITDA target. If successful in generating this return and having consideration for the cash costs to achieve this target it would imply a share price of $8.00-9.00 per share (at BGA's historical ~12x EBITDA multiple).

Keep in mind that the current share price is just $6.04 per share.

Bell Potter says the company has a "clearly-articulated strategy" towards generating more than 20% earnings per share growth, and the broker has a price target on Bega shares of $7.

Rural Funds Group Ltd (ASX: RFF)

This entity is a listed investment trust with a portfolio "focused on almond orchards, vineyards, cattle, cotton and macadamias'', Bell Potter says.

The Bell Potter team goes on to say:

Assets in the portfolio are some of the most productive in the industry and leased to high quality tenants including Treasury Wine Estates, Olam, JBS, AACo and Select Harvests.

The analyst team say the share price's current discount to net assets of about 35% is well above the historical average of about 5%, and they expect the company to start selling off assets next year to unleash some of this untapped value.

Bell Potter has a price target on the shares of $2.45 against $2.04 currently.

Elders Ltd (ASX: ELD)

Elders is a leading supplier of fertiliser, agricultural chemicals, and animal health products, and also has a real estate arm and is active in the wool and livestock sectors.

Bell Potter said it saw encouraging signs for FY26, "with livestock turnoff values up about 35% year on year through the first quarter of 2026, stable to rising crop protection active ingredient values and modestly higher fertiliser price indicators''.

Bell Potter said Elders could drive double-digit earnings per share growth across the next two financial years, which "does not look reflected in the current share price''.

Bell Potter has a price target on Elders shares of $9.45 compared with $6.99 currently.

The post These agricultural stocks are fundamentally undervalued, Bell Potter says appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

That's because listed below are three ASX 200 growth shares that Bell Potter thinks could be among the best to buy in 2026.

Here's what it is saying about them:

Bega Cheese Ltd (ASX: BGA)

The team at Bell Potter thinks the Vegemite owner is well-placed for a period of strong growth thanks to its restructuring and strategy. Commenting on the ASX 200 growth share, it said:

Following recent restructuring announcements, with regard to the closure of Strathmerton and winding down of the PCA operations, there appears a clear pathway towards a $250-270m EBITDA target. If successful in generating this return and having consideration for the cash costs to achieve this target (c$85- 100m), it would imply a share price of $8.00-9.00ps (at BGA's historical ~12x EBITDA multiple).

In effect, BGA now has a clearly articulated strategy to generating >20% p.a. EPS growth to FY28e. Trading on a FY25-28e PEG ratio of ~1x, BGA is one of the more compelling growth exposures in the sector.

Bell Potter has a buy rating and $7.00 price target on this diversified food company's shares. Based on its current share price of $6.16, this implies potential upside of 14% for investors over the next 12 months.

Life360 Inc (ASX: 360)

Another ASX 200 growth share that Bell Potter is tipping as a buy is location technology company Life360.

While its performance in the last quarter was softer than expected, the broker believes that this will be a one off and expects it to return to form in the fourth quarter. It said:

Life360 has had a large pullback in its share price like many other stocks in the technology sector (peak of ~$55 in early October down to ~$35 in mid November). Outside of the general correction in the sector there was one factor specific to the company which also drove down the share price – slowing monthly active user or MAU growth in 3Q2025. Q3 is traditionally the strongest quarter for MAU growth so the relatively slow growth was a big surprise and was also not well explained by the company.

Outside of this number, however, everything was as expected or better and importantly paying subscriber growth was still strong. Our view is the outlook remains very positive for the company and the one quarter of relatively soft MAU growth was an aberration. We therefore expect a return to reasonable or even strong MAU growth in 4Q2025, and this could also serve as a potential catalyst for the share price.

Bell Potter has a buy rating and $52.50 price target on its shares. This suggests that upside of 57% is possible for investors between now and this time next year.

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

A final ASX 200 growth share that could be a buy according to Bell Potter is health imaging technology company Pro Medicus.

It thinks Pro Medicus is one of the highest quality companies on the Australian share market. And after years of strong growth, don't expect a slowdown any time soon. Bell Potter expects the explosive growth to continue. It said:

Pro Medicus is among the highest quality companies on the ASX. CY25 was yet another banner year with 10 major contract announcements, totalling minimum revenues of $445m. We expect EPS growth of 36% in FY26 followed by 30% in FY27. The company continues to announce new contract wins on a regular basis as the drivers of interest in its product offering remain firmly in place. The entire radiology industry is headed to cloud based (off premises) archiving.

Put simply, the Visage 7 viewer, Workflow and Archive are the fastest and most advanced tools for the retrieval and viewing of large radiology files. The platform is immensely scalable and relatively easily installed, providing it with a sustainable competitive advantage over the likes of peers Intelerad, Sectra, Phillips and GE Healthcare. The company is conservatively managed and well owned by large institutional investors while the two founders continue to have a controlling stake.

Bell Potter has a buy rating and $320.00 price target on its shares. Based on its current share price of $232.93, this implies potential upside of 37% for investors over the next 12 months.

The post Bell Potter names the best ASX 200 growth shares to buy in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

But of course, finding those companies is easier said than done. I myself have bought ASX 200 shares before with the hope of owning a lifelong investment, only to have had to sell out of them as my original thesis failed to hold up with time.

Today, though, let's discuss an ASX 200 share that I think is worthy of consideration as a stock to own for the coming decade. This ASX 200 company shows signs of market dominance and significant brand loyalty with its portfolio of iconic brands. It also looks financially healthy and has established itself as a reliable payer of fully-franked dividends.

That ASX 200 share is Bega Cheese Ltd (ASX: BGA). You probably know Bega for its dairy products. After all, this is a company that has been around in some shape or form since 1899.

Why is Bega a top ASX 200 share for long-term investors?

But aside from Bega Cheese (which is actually produced by French dairy company Lactalis), Bega owns a wide stable of some of Australia's favourite household brands. There are juice labels Juice Brothers, Daily Juice Co, and Mildura, as well as dairy brands Yoplait, Dairy Farmers, and Pura.

But Bega has been on a bit of a buying spree over the past decade. For one, it acquired the rights for Kraft peanut butter from Mondelez International in 2017, which has subsequently been rebranded as Bega Peanut Butter. The company also owns the more health-focused Simply Nuts brand.

Even more significant was Bega's acquisition of Mondelez's other snack brands, which included Zoosh and the culturally iconic Vegemite. It was the first time Vegemite returned to an Australian owner in almost 90 years.

But that's not the largest acquisition Bega has made in recent years. This ASX 200 share purchased the non-alcoholic drinks division of Lion Dairy & Drinks from the Japanese giant Kirin in 2020. These included popular names like Farmers Union, Big M, Dare, and Zooper Dooper.

So Bega is a giant share in the ASX 200 consumer staples space.

But let's get into this company's financials. So Bega has just come off a bumper year. For its FY2025, it posted a normalised earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of $202 million, up 23.1% year on year. Earnings per share (EPS) rose by a stunning 72.9% on a normalised basis to 16.6 cents.

Meanwhile, the company is making enormous progress in paying off its debt from the acquisitions discussed above. Its net debt fell 22.4% over the 2025 financial year to $126.1 million.

At the same time, Bega paid out its highest dividend in history in 2025. The company announced two dividends, both worth 6 cents per share, this year. Both came fully franked too, as is Bega's habit.

Foolish Takeaway

Bega is not a perfect investment. The company is subject to many factors outside its control, most notably farmgate dairy prices. But no ASX share is perfect. With such a strong portfolio of beloved consumer brands, I think Bega is well placed to thrive over the coming decade.

The post 1 ASX 200 share to consider for the coming decade appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.