After a period of volatility driven by rising oil prices and geopolitical tension, the agreement on a ceasefire between the US and Iran has helped ease some of that pressure. 

Oil prices have pulled back and equities have responded, with the ASX pushing higher as risk appetite returns.

That kind of environment can create opportunities and here are five ASX 200 shares I would be looking at as the market rebounds.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

Wesfarmers is one of the more dependable shares on the ASX 200.

What I like here is the consistency across its portfolio. Bunnings continues to perform well, Kmart's value positioning remains strong, and the broader group has shown it can grow earnings even in a mixed environment.

As sentiment improves, I think shares like Wesfarmers can quietly keep compounding.

It may not be the most exciting stock in a rebound, but it is one I would feel comfortable owning through different market cycles.

Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB)

Hub24 is another ASX 200 share I'd buy as the market rebounds.

It operates an investment platform used by financial advisers to manage client portfolios, which puts it at the centre of a growing part of the wealth management industry.

What stands out to me is how embedded these platforms become once advisers and their clients are onboarded. That tends to create a sticky and steadily growing base of funds under administration.

As confidence returns, I think there is also potential for renewed inflows as investors re-engage with markets.

For me, it is the combination of structural industry growth, recurring revenue, and operating leverage that makes Hub24 an appealing long-term opportunity.

Codan Ltd (ASX: CDA)

Codan brings exposure to a different set of themes.

Its communications and defence-related technologies, including links to drone and counter-drone systems, place it within an area that is seeing increasing global demand.

Governments and organisations are continuing to invest in security and communications capabilities, and Codan is positioned within that ecosystem.

That combination of underlying demand and improving sentiment is interesting to me.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

WiseTech is one of the more polarising shares on the ASX 200 right now.

The share price has pulled back significantly, and concerns around AI disruption, acquisition integration, and business model changes have weighed on sentiment.

But when I look at the business, I still see a company building out a global logistics platform with strong long-term potential.

As the market rebounds, I think there is scope for sentiment to stabilise.

If the company can continue to execute and demonstrate progress, even modestly, that could support a recovery over time.

Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG)

Breville adds a consumer-facing growth angle.

What I like here is the global expansion story. The company continues to grow through new product development and increasing its presence in international markets.

Its premium positioning also appears to be holding up, even in a more cautious consumer environment.

As conditions improve, I think businesses with strong brands and global reach can benefit from a recovery in spending and sentiment. Breville ticks these boxes.

Foolish takeaway

Market rebounds can feel encouraging, but I think it is important to stay focused on the underlying businesses.

Wesfarmers offers consistency, Hub24 provides platform-driven growth, Codan brings exposure to defence and communications, WiseTech represents long-term software potential, and Breville continues to expand globally.

They are very different companies, but each has drivers that go beyond short-term market moves.

The post 5 ASX 200 shares I'd buy as the share market rebounds appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The good news for investors is that there are plenty of ASX 200 shares with strong long-term growth outlooks that have pulled back from recent highs, potentially creating a buying opportunity.

If I had $6,000 to invest this month, these are three shares I would be comfortable buying.

Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL)

Netwealth is one of those businesses that benefits from a structural shift that is still playing out.

More and more financial advisers are consolidating onto platform providers that offer better technology and user experience. Netwealth has been a clear winner from that trend.

What I like is the consistency of growth. Funds under administration continue to rise, supported by strong inflows and adviser adoption. As that base grows, so does the company's recurring revenue.

There is also operating leverage in the model.

As more funds flow onto the platform, earnings can scale faster than costs over time. That is exactly the type of setup I want in a long-term compounder.

It may not look cheap even after recent weakness, but I think the quality of the business justifies that premium valuation.

Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG)

Breville is a very different kind of growth story. This is a consumer brand, but one that has successfully expanded beyond Australia and built a global presence.

What stands out to me is how the company continues to grow through a combination of new product development and international expansion.

Its coffee segment remains a major driver, and the broader premium appliance category appears to be holding up well, even in a more cautious consumer environment.

I also like the brand strength. Breville has positioned itself at the premium end of the market, which can support margins and help differentiate it from lower-cost competitors.

Retail can be cyclical, but I think Breville has shown it can navigate different environments while continuing to grow over time.

Codan Ltd (ASX: CDA)

Codan brings something different again. This is a business with exposure to communications technology, defence, and increasingly, drone and counter-drone systems.

That last point is particularly interesting to me. The role of drones in modern conflict is expanding rapidly, and with that comes demand for technologies that can detect, manage, and neutralise them.

Codan is positioning itself within that ecosystem through its communications and tactical solutions.

At the same time, it still has a strong metal detection business, which provides another source of earnings.

That combination gives it both stability and exposure to long-term growth themes.

Foolish takeaway

If I were investing $6,000 this month, I would be looking for a mix of structural growth, strong execution, and long-term potential.

Netwealth offers platform-driven growth in financial services. Breville provides global consumer expansion with a premium brand. Codan gives exposure to defence and communications, including the growing drone and counter-drone market.

Each has a clear pathway to growth over time. And that is what I want to be buying for the long term.

The post 3 of the best ASX 200 shares to buy this month with $6,000 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Markets have pulled back, sentiment has wobbled, and a lot of quality growth names are no longer trading at the same stretched valuations we saw not that long ago.

For me, that is typically when I start leaning in.

Here are three ASX growth shares I would be comfortable buying this month.

HUB24 Ltd (ASX: HUB)

What I like about HUB24 is that it sits right in the middle of a structural shift.

More Australians are moving toward financial advice platforms, and advisers are increasingly consolidating onto the providers that offer the best technology and user experience. HUB24 continues to win on both fronts.

The momentum here is hard to ignore. The company delivered record platform inflows in the first half and continues to take market share, with funds under administration climbing strongly.

But what stands out to me is the operating leverage.

As more funds flow onto the platform, the economics improve. Revenue grows, margins expand, and earnings can scale faster than costs over time.

This is exactly the type of business model I look for in a long-term compounder.

It will not be cheap on traditional metrics, but I think that reflects the quality of the growth on offer.

Codan Ltd (ASX: CDA)

Codan is one I think is often misunderstood.

Many investors still associate it primarily with metal detection, which has been a strong performer. But the real growth story, in my view, is the communications segment and its exposure to defence, security, and increasingly, drone and counter-drone technology.

The company's communications division is seeing strong demand from defence and unmanned systems, with revenue from the unmanned segment rising significantly and reflecting a broader structural shift in how conflicts and security operations are evolving.

That matters.

The world is becoming more complex from a geopolitical perspective, and technologies linked to drones, surveillance, and secure communications are becoming more important.

Codan sits right in that ecosystem.

What I like is that this is not a single-product story. It has multiple growth drivers across communications and metal detection, which helps diversify earnings while still benefiting from powerful tailwinds.

TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE)

TechnologyOne is one of those businesses that just keeps executing.

It does not always get the same attention as some of the higher-profile tech names, but I think it is one of the highest-quality software companies on the ASX.

What stands out to me right now is its confidence.

The company recently upgraded its guidance, expecting profit growth of 18% to 20% and strong recurring revenue expansion, driven in part by its continued push into AI-enabled products.

That tells me demand is strong and visibility is high.

I also like the consistency. This is a business that has built its reputation on delivering steady, reliable growth over long periods of time.

When you combine that with a SaaS model, high customer retention, and expanding global footprint, it starts to look like a classic long-term compounder.

Yes, it often trades at a premium. But I think that premium is earned.

Foolish takeaway

I think April could be a great time to selectively add growth exposure.

Volatility has created opportunities, but I am not necessarily looking for the cheapest stocks. I am looking for businesses with strong tailwinds, scalable models, and the ability to keep growing over many years.

HUB24, Codan, and TechnologyOne all tick those boxes for me.

The post 3 strong ASX growth shares I want to buy in April appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

With that in mind, here are three ASX growth shares I would happily buy and hold.

Catapult Sports Ltd (ASX: CAT)

Catapult is a sports technology company that provides performance analytics and wearable technology used by professional sports teams around the world.

Its platform helps teams track player performance, analyse training loads, and reduce injury risk. What I like about this business is that once teams integrate the technology into their operations, it tends to become a core part of how they manage athletes.

The company now works with thousands of teams across major global leagues such as the AFL, NFL, NBA, and EPL, and the data-driven nature of modern sport means demand for performance analytics continues to grow.

As the business expands internationally and continues to develop new software capabilities, Catapult has the potential to increase both its customer base and revenue per team over time.

Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL)

Netwealth is one of the standout success stories in Australia's wealth management platform industry.

The company provides investment administration and portfolio management platforms used by financial advisers. As more Australians accumulate wealth and seek professional advice, demand for high-quality platforms continues to grow.

What has impressed me most about Netwealth over the years is its ability to consistently attract strong inflows from advisers and their clients. The platform has built a reputation for technology, service quality, and innovation.

Because the platform earns fees based largely on funds under administration, Netwealth benefits not only from new client inflows but also from rising markets and additional services over time.

That combination has helped drive strong and growing cash flow, and I believe the long-term opportunity in Australia's wealth management sector remains significant.

Codan Ltd (ASX: CDA)

Codan is a technology company that designs and manufactures specialised communications equipment and metal detection devices used around the world.

Its communications division supplies high-frequency radio systems used by governments, defence forces, and emergency services operating in remote or challenging environments. These systems are often mission-critical, which helps support steady demand and long-term customer relationships.

One area that I find particularly interesting is Codan's exposure to the unmanned systems market. Through its DTC division, the company supplies communications technology used in unmanned aerial vehicles and other unmanned systems. As drones and other unmanned platforms become increasingly important for defence, surveillance, and security applications, reliable communications equipment becomes essential.

Codan's metal detection business also continues to benefit from strong demand from gold prospectors around the world, particularly during periods of elevated gold prices.

With exposure to both specialised communications markets and metal detection, I see Codan as a company with multiple growth drivers that could support long-term expansion.

Foolish takeaway

Finding great growth shares often comes down to identifying businesses that are expanding their reach and building strong positions in their industries.

Catapult, Netwealth, and Codan are three companies that I believe have those characteristics, which is why they are the types of ASX growth shares I would be happy to buy and hold for the long term.

The post 3 ASX growth shares I'd buy and hold with $3,000 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Importantly, I'd also spread that $20,000 across multiple ideas rather than betting everything on a single stock.

Here's where I would look.

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

Xero remains one of the highest-quality software businesses on the ASX, in my opinion.

It operates in a large and still underpenetrated global market for small business accounting software. With strong recurring revenue, improving margins, and ongoing expansion into North America and other international markets, Xero has a long runway for growth.

Software businesses with subscription revenue and high switching costs can become powerful long-term compounders. While Xero's share price can be volatile, I think its structural positioning makes it a compelling growth holding.

If I were allocating the $20,000 today, I'd consider placing around $7,000 into Xero shares as a core global growth exposure.

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

Pro Medicus is another standout growth story.

The company provides imaging software to hospitals and healthcare networks, particularly in the United States. It has built a reputation for high-quality products, long-term contracts, and strong margins.

While some investors have expressed concerns about potential AI disruption, management has consistently indicated that it views AI as an opportunity to enhance its platform rather than a threat. Given its track record of winning large contracts and expanding its installed base, I think the long-term growth story remains intact.

I would consider allocating around $6,000 here, accepting short-term volatility in exchange for long-term upside potential.

Life360 Inc. (ASX: 360)

Life360 is another ASX growth share I'd look at buying.

It operates a global family safety app ecosystem with a large and growing user base. As the company scales, there is significant operating leverage potential, particularly as subscription revenue grows and new monetisation features are introduced.

This is not a low-risk stock, but for a growth-focused portion of a portfolio, I like its global opportunity and expanding product ecosystem.

For a $20,000 allocation, I might place around $4,000 into Life360, recognising that it could be more volatile than the other names.

Codan Ltd (ASX: CDA)

To round things out, I would add Codan.

Codan benefits from strong demand for its metal detection products, particularly when gold prices are elevated, and also has exposure to communications equipment and drone-related technology through its Domo Tactical Communications business.

It combines cyclical tailwinds with structural growth in security and defence-related markets. That mix gives it a slightly different growth profile compared to pure software names.

I would consider allocating the remaining $3,000 to this ASX growth share.

Why this mix of ASX growth shares works for me

This portfolio spreads $20,000 across four different growth themes: global software, healthcare technology, consumer app ecosystems, and industrial and defence-linked growth.

It avoids concentration in a single sector and balances higher-quality compounders with slightly more aggressive opportunities.

Growth investing always involves risk. Earnings can disappoint. Multiples can compress. Market sentiment can shift quickly.

But by focusing on businesses with scalable models, strong competitive positions, and long-term tailwinds, I think this type of portfolio gives a solid chance of outperforming over time.

The post Where to invest $20,000 in ASX growth shares this month appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Here's why earnings diversity is critical – and how you can achieve it without leaving the ASX.

It's likely your risks are already concentrated in Australia

Most Australian investors instinctively look to the ASX for their first and often biggest investments. It feels familiar, you're dealing in Australian dollars, you may avoid some additional tax filing requirements, and your money stays in Australia's highly regulated environment. And that's before we even get into the benefits of Australia's franking credits system. 

But Australia is a small pond. It makes up less than 2% of the global equity market and only 0.33% of the world's population, so you risk putting all your eggs in one very small basket. 

Additionally, it's likely that you're heavily exposed to the Australian economy before you start your portfolio. Your job, your salary, your house and most of your large assets probably sit here. And for most Australians, superannuation is tilted toward domestic shares. It means you're already flying in one weather system, and if a storm hits the Australian economy, you're exposed to it on many fronts.

The good news is that you can achieve global exposure without leaving the ASX.

Follow the money on the ASX

Where a company is located is largely irrelevant today. In fact, you could build a portfolio across the ASX, NASDAQ, Nikkei and FTSE, assuming you have achieved diversification, and still be disproportionately invested in one region because that's where your investments make most of their revenue.

Instead of looking for overseas-based companies to achieve this, you can follow the money and stay on the ASX, by considering:

• Where does the company earn most of its income?
• Where are the majority of its customers based?
• What currency does it transact in?

It's these factors that determine its exposure to economic, social, regulatory and geopolitical – and, therefore, your geographic diversification.

What ASX shares can I invest in to gain global exposure?

You can build geographic diversity on the ASX with some solid performers. Here are three that are worth a look to get you started:

• Amcor PLC (ASX: AMC) The packaging giant makes most of its money in the US (50%), followed by Western Europe (28%). In fact, Australia and New Zealand combined account for only 1% of its revenue.
• Codan Ltd (ASX: CDA):  Codan makes most of its communications technology and metal detecting equipment sales across North America (40%), Europe and the Middle East (29%) and Africa (18%).
• Brambles Ltd (ASX: BXB):  This large supply chain logistics player brings most of its sales revenue from the Americas (55%) and Europe and the Middle East (37%).

Foolish bottom line

When your income, assets and super are already tied to Australia, doubling down by investing purely in Australian‑centric companies can leave you over-exposed to one economic climate. By focusing on earnings geography rather than company location, you open your portfolio to the other 98% of global market opportunity, all without leaving the relative comfort of the ASX.

The post Diversification: Why earnings geography matters more than company location appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

In 2026, I'm looking for ASX growth shares with genuine earnings momentum, exposure to powerful structural themes, and the ability to surprise on the upside. Two names stand out to me right now for very different reasons.

Codan Ltd (ASX: CDA)

Codan has quietly transformed itself into a multi-engine growth business.

Most investors know it for its metal detection division, and with gold trading above US$5,000 an ounce, demand for high-performance detectors has been strong. Elevated gold prices typically encourage more exploration and small-scale prospecting, which directly supports Codan's Minelab business. In my view, that dynamic alone could underpin solid earnings momentum through 2026.

But I think the story is broader than gold.

Codan also has meaningful exposure to communications and tactical electronics, including applications tied to defence and drone-related technologies. As governments globally increase spending on border security, defence capability, and electronic warfare systems, I believe Codan is well placed to benefit. Its expertise in secure communications and signal intelligence positions it in niches that are difficult to replicate.

What I like most is the combination of cyclical and structural tailwinds. High commodity prices support one side of the business, while defence and security spending support the other. That diversification gives Codan more resilience than many investors assume.

If execution continues and order momentum remains healthy, I think 2026 could be another year where earnings surprise on the upside.

Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL)

Netwealth represents a different kind of growth opportunity.

This is a classic structural winner in my view. The long-term shift toward independent financial advice and sophisticated wealth platforms is far from over. Advisers continue to move assets away from legacy institutions and onto modern, technology-driven platforms. Netwealth has consistently captured more than its fair share of that flow.

Recent performance has reinforced the strength of its model. Funds under administration continue to grow, driven by net inflows and market movements. More importantly, I believe Netwealth still has a significant runway. Australia's wealth pool is enormous, and the platform penetration opportunity remains meaningful.

I also like the scalability of the business. As assets grow, margins can expand. The operating leverage embedded in the model means incremental revenue can translate into disproportionately higher earnings over time.

In a market where investors are searching for reliable growth, I see Netwealth as a high-quality compounder.

Foolish Takeaway

For 2026, I'm backing ASX growth shares with clear growth drivers and tangible earnings momentum.

Codan offers exposure to record gold prices, expanding defence budgets, and drone-related technologies. Netwealth gives me structural exposure to Australia's growing wealth platform market.

The post 2 ASX growth shares set to soar higher in 2026 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:

Codan Ltd (ASX: CDA)

According to a note out of Ord Minnett, its analysts have upgraded this metal detector company's shares to a buy rating with a $40.00 price target. The broker was pleased with Codan's half-year results, noting that it delivered a strong performance. And while the Minelab business was the star of the show, it was pleased with the communications business and highlights its unmanned drone systems as a potential growth driver in the coming years. This is especially the case given how much EU countries are investing in drone warfare. The Codan share price is trading at $34.50 on Wednesday afternoon.

Monadelphous Group Ltd (ASX: MND)

A note out of Bell Potter reveals that its analysts have retained their buy rating on this diversified services company's shares with an improved price target of $37.00. The broker was impressed with Monadelphous' performance during the first half of FY 2026. It highlights that the company delivered a half-year profit ahead of expectations thanks to a stronger than forecast EBITDA margin. The good news is that Bell Potter believes that Monadelphous can sustain its current strong operating momentum in the short-term given its contracted position and further work package awards that are likely to land in the second half. In addition, it points out that the company's increasing liquidity gives it optionality to lean aggressively on M&A or return excess capital to shareholders. The Monadelphous share price is fetching $30.72 at the time of writing.

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

Analysts at Morgans have retained their buy rating on this energy giant's shares with an improved price target of $30.50. According to the note, the broker felt that Woodside's FY 2025 result was strong, with profit and dividends ahead of expectations. Morgans sees further upside potential ahead from a recovering oil price and the successful execution of new projects. The broker also believes there's potential for a production guidance upgrade in FY 2026 if everything runs smoothly. The Woodside share price is trading at $28.14 on Wednesday.

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

Right now, I see three ASX 200 growth shares that, in my view, have the ingredients to beat the broader market over the next 12 months and potentially well beyond.

SiteMinder Ltd (ASX: SDR)

I think SiteMinder is building serious momentum.

At its recent annual general meeting, management highlighted accelerating annual recurring revenue (ARR) growth of 27.2% on a constant currency organic basis in FY25. That is not only strong growth, but it is also an acceleration from the prior year. The business has also flipped to positive underlying EBITDA and free cash flow, which I see as an important inflection point.

What really excites me is the Smart Platform strategy. Management is repositioning SiteMinder as the "revenue flight deck" for hoteliers, integrating intelligence, pricing, and distribution into a single workflow. According to the presentation, the company currently monetises just 0.3% of the US$85 billion in gross booking value it facilitates, with potential to exceed 1.5% at full product adoption.

To me, that signals a long runway for revenue expansion, even within its existing customer base. If SiteMinder can continue compounding ARR at high-20% levels while improving profitability, I believe it has a genuine chance of outperforming the index.

Codan Ltd (ASX: CDA)

Codan is another ASX 200 growth share that I think the market may still be underestimating.

The company delivered revenue of $393.5 million in the first half of FY26, up 29% on the prior corresponding period, with EBIT up 52% and NPAT up 55%. That is powerful operating leverage.

What stands out to me is the performance of its Metal Detection segment. Revenue in this division surged 46% to $168 million, with segment profit up 86%. Management specifically referenced strong gold detector demand in Africa and favourable gold price conditions as drivers of this growth.

With gold now trading above US$5,000 an ounce, I believe the incentive for both small-scale and recreational gold hunting remains elevated. Codan's Minelab business is a global leader in handheld metal detection technology. If high gold prices persist, demand for detectors could remain strong.

At the same time, Codan's Communications division continues to benefit from elevated defence spending and demand for unmanned systems technology. For me, this combination of gold exposure and defence communications creates a diversified growth profile that could continue surprising to the upside.

Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX)

Telix is a different type of growth opportunity, but one I think has the potential to outperform.

In FY25, Telix delivered revenue of US$803.8 million, up 56% year on year, achieving upgraded guidance. That level of top-line growth is rare among companies of this size.

Importantly, Telix's Precision Medicine segment continues to scale, with segment revenue up 22% and adjusted segment EBITDA up 24% year on year. The company is also guiding to FY26 group revenue of US$950 million to US$970 million, which implies continued strong momentum.

What I like most is that Telix is reinvesting heavily in its therapeutic pipeline while maintaining commercial momentum. If even a portion of its late-stage assets deliver, I think earnings could step up meaningfully over time.

Foolish Takeaway

The ASX 200's long-term 9% return is a useful benchmark. But I believe SiteMinder, Codan, and Telix each have business-specific catalysts and structural tailwinds that could enable them to outperform the average.

Of course, ASX 200 growth shares can be volatile, and short-term returns are never guaranteed. But based on their recent updates and current momentum, I think these three names have a genuine shot at beating the market over the year ahead.

The post Why I think these ASX 200 growth shares could beat the market appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Meanwhile, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) rose 1.84% to finish at 9,081.4 points on Friday.

As earnings season continued, strong results and higher oil prices pushed the ASX 200 to a new record of 9,118.3 points on Thursday.

That beat the previous record of 9,115.2 points set on 21 October.

Eight of the 11 market sectors finished the week in the green.

Let's recap.

ASX tech shares led the market last week

Last week was a welcome bright spot for ASX 200 tech shares, which are in the midst of a prolonged rout.

And boy, is it ugly.

The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) has fallen by more than 40% over the past six months.

We took a deep dive into the issues plaguing the sector last week.

In a nutshell, there's fear in the market over artificial intelligence (AI).

Investors are worried about high tech stock valuations, extraordinary AI capex, and whether AI could white-ant SaaS companies.

Perhaps a rebound is now underway, given last week's 6.55% increase for the tech sector.

Let's take a look at what happened in the sector last week.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) shares lifted 10.51% to finish at $47.10 ahead of the company's earnings release on Wednesday.

The Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO) share price rose 5.51% to $77.54.

NextDC Limited (ASX: NXT) shares slipped 0.71% to $13.92.

TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE) shares soared 22.71% to $24.74, with investors reassured by upgraded FY26 guidance at last week's AGM.

Shares in electronics solutions provider Codan Ltd (ASX: CDA) lifted 1.37% to $34.69.

Life360 Inc (ASX: 360) shares increased 8.27% to $23.84.

The Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1) share price tumbled 9.98% after the company reported an underlying net loss of $3.3 million for 1H FY26.

The Dicker Data Ltd (ASX: DDR) share price rose 7.32% to $10.41 ahead of its earning report on Thursday.

Macquarie Technology Group Ltd (ASX: MAQ) shares rose 5.4% to $67.19.

The Data#3 Ltd (ASX: DTL) share price lifted 4.24% to $9.10 ahead of the IT solutions provider's earnings release on Monday.

Objective Corporation Ltd (ASX: OCL) shares increased 6.4% to $14.

The Iress Ltd (ASX: IRE) share price edged 0.43% higher to $7.05 ahead of the financial technology company's report on Wednesday.

The Catapult Sports Ltd (ASX: CAT) share price rose 5.72% to $3.51.

Hansen Technologies Ltd (ASX: HSN) soared 16.29% to $5.14 after the company reported a 389.1% lift in net profit for 1H FY26.

Hansen is one of a large group of ASX 200 shares going ex-dividend next week. The tech stock will pay a dividend of 5 cents per share.

Shares in hotel bookings management platform provider, Siteminder Ltd (ASX: SDR) rose 4.62% to $3.62.

The Weebit Nano Ltd (ASX: WBT) share price fell 0.2% to $4.90.

Shares in wealth management software company Bravura Solutions Ltd (ASX: BVS) fell 7.45% to $1.93.

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 tech shares lead market sectors with a 7% bounce back appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

What did Codan report?

• Group revenue rose 29% to $393.5 million
• Net profit after tax (NPAT) up 55% to $71.2 million
• Earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) increased 52% to $99.8 million
• Earnings per share jumped 54% to 39.2 cents
• Interim dividend of 19.5 cents per share, fully franked – up 56%
• Orderbook in Communications segment up 19% to $294 million

What else do investors need to know?

Codan's Communications division experienced revenue growth of 19% to $221.8 million and maintained profit margins despite some temporary headwinds in the Zetron Americas business. Its DTC unit saw strong demand from the defence and unmanned systems sector, especially for technologies suited to contested environments.

The Metal Detection (Minelab) business delivered a standout half, with revenue up 46% and segment profit up 86% thanks to gold detector demand in West Africa and robust sales globally. Minelab also continued to invest in new products, launching several detectors and signalling more to come.

Codan's balance sheet remains healthy, with net debt at $88.2 million and significant undrawn facilities providing flexibility for future acquisitions and investment.

What did Codan management say?

Managing Director & CEO Alf Ianniello said:

Codan has delivered another strong financial result for the first half of FY26, with Group revenues growing 29% to $394 million, and both EBIT and NPAT up by more than 50% versus the first half of FY25. The Group's performance reflects disciplined execution of our strategic plan, favourable market conditions in key regions, and the benefits of our diversified technology portfolio.

What's next for Codan?

Codan expects underlying demand in both Communications and Metal Detection to remain strong, targeting growth in its technology-driven segments. The company plans to continue investing in engineering and new product development to sustain its competitive edge and is open to strategic acquisitions to diversify its earnings base.

Leadership changes are on the horizon, with long-serving CFO Michael Barton set to retire in August 2026, to be succeeded by Deputy CFO Kayi Li. Codan is ensuring a smooth transition, with continued support from Barton throughout the following year.

Codan share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Codan shares have risen 102%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 7% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Codan H1 FY26 earnings surge; Minelab delivers standout half appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Today's decline means the shares are now down 14% from an all-time high of $39.59 recorded in late-January. Although they're still 17% higher for the year-to-date and 99% higher than this time last year.

Now the question is, what's next? Is there more upside ahead or is this the beginning of a sharp sell-off?

What is pushing Codan shares lower?

Codan develops electronics solutions for government, military, corporate, and consumer markets globally. Based in Adelaide, it runs a dual-engine business spanning communications and metal detection. It's a rare combo that gives it leverage to both defence budgets and goldfields.

Its communications segment designs communications systems, drones, and defence and public-safety equipment. Which means, the stock benefited from a strong price rally off the back of soaring demand for defence-related stocks.

At the same time, its metal detection business segment is also picking up pace. Its products are used by anyone from your local metal detectors who hunt for treasure in their space time to security agents and demining companies.

Earlier this year, Codan posted an impressive first-half FY26 trading update. The company said it expects revenue to jump 29% and net profit after tax to soar 52%. Investors were clearly thrilled with the update and rushed to buy shares.

But in late-January, after the shares spiked to an all-time high, the stock expected a price pullback. 

There hasn't been any price sensitive news out of the company since its trading update. This implies the drop in share value is likely a combination of investors taking gains off the table after the strong rally earlier this year, and some softening in the gold price.

The price of gold also soared to an all-time high in late-January but has since dipped again after lower trading volumes dampened demand.

Are Codan shares a buy, hold or sell?

Sentiment about the outlook for Codan shares is mixed but TradingView data shows that the majority (four out of seven analysts) have a hold rating on the stock. 

However, after the latest share price decline there is a consensus view of upside ahead for the share price. At the time of writing the maximum target price for Codan shares this year is $42.31 a piece, which implies a 23.88% upside for investors. Even the average $39.01 target price implies the shares could gain 14.21% over the next 12 months.

Earlier this month fund managers at Wilson Asset Management (WAM) said they're positive on the outlook for Codan shares, underpinned by defence sector and gold price tailwinds.

Codan is expected to post its half year results for FY26 later this week on 19 February.

The post Codan shares drop 14% from their peak: Here's what to expect for the rest of 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

WAM Capital is a listed investment company (LIC) that targets "the most compelling undervalued growth opportunities in the Australian market".

In other words, it's searching largely beyond the 100 largest businesses on the ASX for potential buys. Let's look at two of the companies it thinks are good ideas right now.

Codan Ltd (ASX: CDA)

WAM describes Codan as a manufacturer and supplier of communications, metal detection and mining technology.

The fund manager highlighted that in January the company announced a trading update regarding its FY26 first-half.

That update included $394 million total revenue and an underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) that's likely to be more than $70 million, representing increases of 29% and 52% year-over-year, respectively.

The ASX share's overall revenue included approximately $222 million from the communications segment, which was up 19% year-over-year. The rest of the revenue came from approximately $168 million of metal detection sales, primarily from gold detector sales in Africa.

The fund manager explained that the scale of the earnings upgrade and strength across both divisions were the key drivers of the market's positive view on the Codan share price.

WAM said that the team "remain positive on the outlook, underpinned by defence sector and gold price tailwinds."

Life360 Inc (ASX: 360)

The fund manager described Life360 as a location-based tracking software and safety company.

WAM noted that the Life360 share price has been caught up in the broader sell-off across the technology sector due to perceived fears about disruption from artificial intelligence (AI).

This decline has occurred despite the ASX share providing a "strong" preliminary FY25 trading update in January. Key metrics that the market had concerns about came ahead of expectations, such as monthly active users (MAU) and paying circles both growing strongly.

WAM said this performance suggested a "robust runway" for ongoing penetration growth remains within the core US market. The fund manager noted that the Life360 share price increased 27% on the day of the announcement but subsequently gave up those gains.

The fund manager suggested that the current sentiment within the technology sector is "weak" and draws similarities to others such as the Resmed (ASX: RMD) worries about GLP-1 in 2023 or when the market was concerned about online competition for JB Hi-Fi Ltd (ASX: JBH) in 2017 and 2018.

While WAM said it's difficult to identify a particular catalyst that will shift market confidence on the technology sector, it's focused on identifying those technology companies where it believes the perceived threats of AI disruption are being overstated as the fund manager expects valuations and share prices to "rebound strongly" over time.

The post 2 compelling ASX shares this fund manager rates as buys! appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Codan shares opened the trading week with a gain of 4.4% to $36.10.

That move caps a stunning run. Codan shares are now up 121% over the past 12 months, cementing their place among the ASX's top-performing tech stocks.

So, what's powering the rally — and is there still upside left?

Tech, just not the usual kind

Codan isn't your standard ASX tech darling. Based in Adelaide, it runs a dual-engine business spanning communications and metal detection. It's a rare combo that gives it leverage to both defence budgets and goldfields.

Right now, that mix is paying off.

The communications arm has become the real growth engine for Codan shares. It designs mission-critical communications systems, drones, and defence and public-safety equipment. As global defence spending ramps up, Codan is steadily reducing its reliance on the boom-and-bust cycles of gold prospecting.

That said, Minelab still matters — a lot. Acquired nearly 20 years ago, the brand remains a global leader in metal detection, with products used by everyone from weekend gold hunters to humanitarian demining teams and security agencies.

Gold, growth, and a dream run

Codan shares were on fire in 2025, and they've been keeping the rally alive in the first weeks of the new year. In January, the $6.3 billion tech stock surged to fresh all-time highs. This came after the company delivered a standout first-half FY26 trading update.

The company expects group revenue of approximately $394 million for the half. This represents a growth of around 29% compared to the prior corresponding period. Underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) is expected to be at least $70 million, up roughly 52% year on year.

The next test Codan faces will be when it reports the first-half results on 19 February. Any further gains will likely depend on Codan delivering solid margins and cash flow. 

Valuation reality check

Now, valuation looks like the pressure point. After such a blistering run, some analysts are increasingly warning that a lot of the good news may already be priced in.

Broker sentiment has cooled noticeably. Most now see Codan shares trading closer to fair value, with consensus recommendations sitting around neutral.

The average 12-month price target of $39.01 implies 8% upside from current levels.

Bell Potter lifted its earnings forecasts and valuation after the Codan trading update in mid-January. However, the broker believes the ASX share is now fairly priced after its strong rally.

It has reiterated its hold rating and raised its price target to $36.70, up from $27.80. This is broadly in line with the current share price of around $36.10.

The post How much further can the Codan shares rally run? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Codan Ltd (ASX: CDA): A global earnings powerhouse

Codan is an Australian technology company with a reputation for durable communications and electronics equipment for the government, corporate, NGO and consumer markets. Its metal detector brand, Minelabs, is widely considered to be the industry standard for both commercial and private prospecting.

It operates in more than 150 countries globally, across North America, Africa, Europe and Asia, offering exposure to diverse markets.

Codan's share price hit all-time high in late January 2026, off the back of strong growth and revenue results in both its communications and metal detector divisions. It's metal detector business grew 46% in H1 FY26, largely driven by sales in Africa.

While we may see some of that growth slow if the price of gold continues to drop, its exposure to defence spending and reputation for quality should maintain momentum across its communications division.

In addition, the company has low debt and a disciplined approach, creating a fertile environment for long-term growth. In my opinion, Codan is a solid investment for long-term investors seeking geographic diversity, even at current prices.  

Ramsay Health Care Ltd (ASX: RHC): A turnaround play in a resilient market

While Ramsay has a notable footprint in Australia, it's significant operations across Europe and the UK give it global revenue streams in the resilient healthcare market.  

Here in Australia, Ramsay is the largest private hospital operator. In the UK, it provides similar services on a smaller scale alongside mental health services via its Elysium Healthcare subsidiary. Ramsay also holds a controlling stake in European-based Ramsay Santé, which delivers healthcare services across France, Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Italy.

In terms of performance, Ramsay is a turnaround play right now. Its share price has fallen around 45% across five years, potentially indicating that investors have lost confidence. That said, it is up circa 9% over the last year, and some analysts have suggested it is undervalued based on its strong fundamentals, margin recovery and Q1 FY2026 revenue growth.

It's an option worth exploring if you are looking to diversify and want a value play in a market with long-term growth tailwinds.  

Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH): Local success story with global reach

Cochlear is a primary example of an ASX-listed company with an extensive global footprint. This Australian invention is now a world leader in implantable hearing devices. And although it remains based in Sydney, it earns most of its revenue offshore.

Its most lucrative market is the Americas. This is followed by its Europe, Middle East and Africa and Asia Pacific operations, giving Cochlear diverse global revenue streams and fantastic earnings resilience.

In terms of share price, Cochlear has historically been a solid and dependable performer. In 2025, however, it saw some decline, starting the year at around $300 per share and ending it at around $260. While it continues to perform, investors may be losing patience with its relatively slow growth at such a high valuation.  

If you're looking for an ASX stock with global revenue streams, Cochlear remains an excellent option. Given its continued success and solid long-term outlook, current share price declines may present an opportunity to buy.  

The post 3 ASX stocks with global revenue to diversify your portfolio appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

While this was positive, some ASX 200 shares rose significantly more. Here's why these were the best performers on the index in January:

Deep Yellow Ltd (ASX: DYL)

The Deep Yellow share price was the best performer in January with a gain of 54%. This was driven by the release of a solid quarterly update and improving sentiment in the uranium sector. For similar reasons, fellow uranium producers Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) and Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE) rallied strongly in January. They recorded gains of 44% and 33%, respectively.

Codan Ltd (ASX: CDA)

The Codan share price was on form and raced 34% higher in January. This metal detector and communications products company's shares jumped following the release of a trading update. Codan revealed that it expects to report a 29% increase in revenue to $394 million for the first half of FY 2026. And thanks to margin expansion, its profit after tax is expected to grow at the even quicker rate of 52% to at least $70 million. This strong growth was underpinned by "outstanding results achieved by the metal detection business and ongoing strong performance in the communications segment."

Iperionx Ltd (ASX: IPX)

The Iperionx share price wasn't far behind with a gain of 31% during the month. A catalyst for this was news that the titanium metal and critical materials company received a prototype purchase order valued at US$300,000 from American Rheinmetall. The order is for 700 lightweight titanium components for US Army heavy ground combat systems. IperionX's CEO, Taso Arima, said: "This purchase order demonstrates the practical application of IperionX's recycled titanium technologies on important U.S. ground combat platforms. As the only domestic producer of commercial primary titanium, IperionX is uniquely positioned to support domestic defense priorities with secure, low-carbon, and cost-competitive titanium products manufactured entirely in the United States."

South32 Ltd (ASX: S32)

The South32 share price was on form and raced 30% higher in January. This was driven by the release of the mining giant's first half update. South32 revealed a 3% increase in alumina production, a 2% lift in aluminium production, and a 58% jump in manganese production. The miner's CEO, Graham Kerr, said: "We continued to deliver consistent operating results, with FY26 production guidance maintained across our operated assets and first half operating unit costs tracking in line with guidance."

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

During this time, the metal detector and communications products company's shares are up almost 140%.

Is it too late to invest? Let's see what analysts at Bell Potter are saying about this high-flying share.

What is the broker saying about this ASX 200 share?

Bell Potter highlights that Codan released a trading update which outlines its expectations for the first half of FY 2026.

Pleasingly, the ASX 200 share is expecting to report sales and profits comfortably ahead of the broker's expectations. It said:

In 1H26e, CDA expects to report revenue of $394m, up 29% YoY (+4.8% beat on VA consensus of $376m) comprising: Metal Detection revenue of $168m up 46% YoY (+18.9% beat on VA); and Communication revenue of $222m up 19% YoY (-3.9% miss) consistent with company's target growth range of 15-20%. CDA expects 1H26e underlying NPAT of "not less than $70m", up >52% YoY (+13% beat on VA consensus of $62m), implying NPAT margin of 17.8% (15.1% 1H25a).

The strong revenue and NPAT print appears driven by growth in gold detector sales in the African region, and metal detector sales in other key rest of world recreational markets. Growth in Communications revenue included a full 6 months of the Kagwerks acquisition (vs. 1 month in 1H25a).

Should you buy Codan shares?

While Bell Potter has updated its earnings forecasts for the coming years and boosted its valuation, it feels that the ASX 200 share is fairly valued after its strong run.

According to the note, the broker has retained its hold rating with an improved price target of $36.70 (from $27.80). This is largely in line with its current share price of $37.00.

Commenting on its hold recommendation, the broker said:

We have increased our EV/EBIT multiple in our blended DCF / relative valuation methodology to 40.0x to reflect improving defence sector sentiment and improving Metal Detection outlook. Our updated PT is $36.70. We retain our HOLD recommendation.

We believe CDA shares trade at fair value on 33x EV / EBIT (59% above its 2-year average) amidst improving operating momentum and improving outlook in both segments. Given the seasonality evident in the Metal Detection business we see potential for a FY26e Metal Detection revenue upgrade if positive commentary is given at the 1H26e result.

The post What is Bell Potter saying about this high-flying ASX 200 share after its 140% rise? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The following three ASX 200 shares were the star performers of their sectors, achieving the highest capital growth among their peers.

Are they still good buys?

Let's defer to the experts.

Deep Yellow Ltd (ASX: DYL)

ASX 200 uranium explorer Deep Yellow was the No. 1 share in the energy sector for 2025.

Deep Yellow shares rose 63% to close at $1.84 per share on 31 December.

The uranium price was volatile last year but gained momentum in the second half due to higher demand and constrained supply.

The US increased its commitment to nuclear power with an $80 billion deal with Canadian Westinghouse Electric to build nuclear reactors.

The uranium price closed at US$82.85 per pound yesterday, up 12% over 12 months.

Ord Minnett has a buy rating on Deep Yellow with a share price target of $2.

Jefferies has a hold rating with a target of $1.85.

Yesterday, the ASX 200 uranium share closed at $2.01, down 1%.

Generation Development Group Ltd (ASX: GDG)

Retirement and investment solutions provider Generation Development Group was the highest riser in the financials sector in 2025.

The Generation Development Group share price rose 66% to finish the year at $5.89.

Macquarie gives Generation Development Group shares an outperform rating with a 12-month price target of $6.70.

Yesterday, the ASX 200 financial share closed at $6.05, down 1.3%.

Codan Ltd (ASX: CDA)

Electronics solutions provider Codan was the No. 1 share in the tech sector for 2025.

The Codan share price ripped 77% to finish the year at $28.43.

Codan designs and manufactures electronics solutions for government, corporate, NGO, and consumer clients.

Yesterday, UBS reiterated its hold rating on Codan shares and increased its 12-month share price target from $34 to $37.

MA Financial has a buy rating on the ASX 200 tech share with a $42.31 target.

Last Friday, the Codan share price ripped 17% after an impressive half-year profit update.

Yesterday, Codan shares closed at $37, up 0.8%.

The post These 3 ASX 200 shares led their sectors last year. Are they still good buys? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Will the market be able to build on this on Wednesday? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 to edge higher

The Australian share market looks set for a subdued session on Wednesday following a poor night of trade on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 2 points higher this morning. In late trade in the United States, the Dow Jones is down 0.8%, the S&P 500 is down 0.3%, and the Nasdaq is 0.3% lower.

Oil prices rise

ASX 200 energy shares including Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) could have a good session after oil prices jumped overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 2.6% to US$61.01 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 2.2% to US$65.31 a barrel. This was driven by news that Donald Trump cancelled meetings with Iran and told protesters that help is on the way.

Hold Codan shares

After a huge gain over the past 12 months, Codan Ltd (ASX: CDA) shares are now fairly valued according to analysts at Bell Potter. The broker has retained its hold rating with an increased price target of $36.70 (from $27.80). It said: "We believe CDA shares trade at fair value on 33x EV / EBIT (59% above its 2-year average) amidst improving operating momentum and improving outlook in both segments. Given the seasonality evident in the Metal Detection business we see potential for a FY26e Metal Detection revenue upgrade if positive commentary is given at the 1H26e result."

Gold price softens

ASX 200 gold shares Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a subdued session on Wednesday after the gold price softened. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is down 0.3% to US$4,601.5 an ounce. The precious metal hit a record high on increased US Fed interest rate cut bets before easing back.

Buy Liontown shares

Lithium miner Liontown Ltd (ASX: LTR) could be in the buy zone according to Bell Potter. In response to stronger than expected lithium prices, the broker has retained its buy rating with a vastly improved price target of $2.48 (from $1.52). It said: "Under our updated price outlook, LTR deleverages from net debt of $274m at 30 September 2025 to a net cash position by the end of 2026. EPS changes as a result of these upgrades are: now +2.3cps (previously -2.3cps); FY27 +230%; & FY28 +106%. LTR's 100% owned Kathleen Valley lithium project is highly strategic in terms of scale, long project life and location in a tier-one mining jurisdiction."

The post 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

At one point, Codan shares touched a record $39.20 before easing slightly into the close. Even so, the stock still finished the session up a hefty 16.89% at $36.89.

That move caps off a remarkable run. Codan shares are now up 133% over the past 12 months, making it one of the ASX's strongest technology performers.

So, what is driving the rally, and is there more upside from here?

Strong first-half numbers impress investors

The catalyst for Friday's surge was Codan's FY26 first-half trading update, released before market open.

The company expects group revenue of approximately $394 million for the half, representing growth of around 29% compared to the prior corresponding period. Underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) is expected to be at least $70 million, up roughly 52% year-on-year.

Both operating divisions contributed to the strong result.

The metal detection business delivered revenue of about $168 million, up 46% on the prior period, supported by strong gold detector sales in Africa and solid demand across recreational markets globally.

Meanwhile, the communications segment generated revenue of approximately $222 million, growing 19% year-on-year. Management noted this was at the upper end of its previously stated growth target range.

Overall, the update reinforced investor confidence that Codan is executing well across both divisions.

What the Codan chart is telling us

From a technical standpoint, Codan's move into uncharted price territory is significant.

The stock has broken above prior resistance around the $33 to $34 level, supported by strong trading volume. That zone now looks like an important area of support if the shares pull back.

Momentum indicators also show how stretched the move has become. Codan's relative strength index (RSI)is now sitting at 78, which typically signals overbought conditions in the short term. While this does not mean the rally is over, it does increase the risk of near-term consolidation after such a sharp move.

Codan's beta is sitting around 1.2, indicating the stock tends to be more volatile than the broader market. That higher beta helps explain both the speed of the recent rally and the likelihood of sharper swings along the way.

Can the rally continue?

Any further gains will likely depend on Codan delivering solid margins and cash flow when it reports first-half results on 19 February. That will be the next key test for the stock.

After such a sharp move higher, a period of consolidation or a modest pullback would not be surprising.

The post Codan shares hit another all-time high. Can the rally keep going? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.