Let's start the new week with some fresh ratings from the experts

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

The CSL share price is $170.37, up 1.3% today and down 21% over 12 months. 

CSL shares soared 23% last week after the company released its FY26 results and provided a positive outlook.

The CSL share price has ripped 85% since the healthcare sector began its long-awaited rebound on 3 June.

Morgans has a buy rating on this ASX 200 healthcare giant.

Analyst Derek Jellinek said: 

The FY26 result was broadly in line with expectations, with revenue of US$15.8bn (+3% vs guidance) and underlying NPATA of US$3.1bn.

Importantly, underlying Ig demand remains strong, Seqirus delivered seasonal influenza growth despite lower US immunisation rates and transformation savings reached US$176m ahead of target, although Vifor continues to face challenges.

While FY27 targets flat top line growth, as Vifor remains a significant drag, the earnings trajectory is becoming increasingly skewed towards recovery, supported by stabilising plasma economics, cost-outs and improved commercial execution.

We make modest changes to FY27-28 estimates and increase our blended DCF, PE and EV/EBITDA-based target price to A$187.71 on a multiple roll forward.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

The BHP share price hit a new record high of $67.72, up 3.9%, in early trading on Monday.

BHP released its FY26 report last week, and following this, John Athanasiou from Red Leaf Securities gave the miner a hold rating.

Athanasiou said (courtesy The Bull):

The company posted attributable profit of $US9.8 billion in full year 2026, up 9 per cent on the prior corresponding period. Revenue of $US58.8 billion was up 15 per cent.

The company's copper portfolio is positioned to benefit from electrification, renewable infrastructure, power grid investment and data centre growth.

However, BHP remains heavily exposed to iron ore, leaving earnings sensitive to Chinese demand and commodity price movements.

The quality of BHP's asset base, balance sheet and diversified portfolio leaves existing shareholders with little reason to sell.

However, after a solid run, prospective investors may be better served waiting for a potentially more attractive entry point.

Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC)

The Westpac share price is $33.60, down 0.7% today and down 12% over 12 months. 

Following Westpac's 3Q FY26 update, Athanasiou put a sell rating on the ASX 200 bank share. 

He said: 

The bank remains well capitalised and continues to generate solid earnings, but the operating environment is becoming increasingly competitive.

Mortgage pricing is aggressive, deposit competition remains intense and the scope for sustained margin expansion appears limited.

Westpac's dividend remains attractive, but investors should also consider opportunity cost.

We believe there are more compelling opportunities on the ASX, which offer stronger structural growth or more attractive valuations.

The post Buy, hold, sell: CSL, BHP, Westpac shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Yet despite the explosive rally, the ASX biotech stock remains down about 3% year to date and 22% over the past 12 months.

So, has the market finally turned the corner or has the rally gone too far? Following last week's earnings result, brokers have reassessed their forecasts. And their price targets reveal just how divided the experts are about where CSL shares could go next.

Could $200 really be on the cards?

Why are CSL shares on the rise?

The catalyst was CSL's FY26 result, released last week Tuesday. At first glance, the numbers looked disastrous. CSL reported a US$2.6 billion net loss after tax.

But investors quickly looked beneath the headline figure. The loss included US$7.1 billion of pre-tax impairments and another US$799 million in restructuring costs, much of which was non-cash. Most of the impairments related to CSL Vifor intangibles and under-utilised property, plant and equipment.

Investors had already been warned. In May, CSL flagged around US$5 billion of impairments and cut its FY26 guidance.

Strip those exceptional costs out, however, and the picture looks considerably healthier. Underlying NPATA was US$3.1 billion, down just 2%, while revenue slipped 1% to US$15.8 billion — ahead of analyst expectations.

For investors, the result offered something potentially more important than a big profit: a reset year, a cleaner balance sheet and better-than-feared guidance.

CSL Behring remains the star performer. Its plasma division generated US$11.4 billion of revenue, while immunoglobulin revenue held steady at US$6.2 billion.

CSL Vifor grew revenue 3% to US$2.4 billion, although Seqirus remained a weak spot, with revenue falling 8% to US$2 billion.

Meanwhile, CSL's transformation program delivered US$176 million in savings, and management committed US$1.5 billion to expand US plasma collection capacity.

The forecast that could send CSL shares higher

Here's where the bull case gets interesting. CSL expects underlying NPAT to grow approximately 5% in FY27, ahead of consensus expectations of around 2%.

Behring is expected to deliver mid-single-digit growth, with immunoglobulins growing at a mid-to-high single-digit rate.

The major headache remains Vifor, where revenue is expected to plunge about 25% as iron generics enter the market.

Can CSL shares hit $200?

Not every broker is convinced.

Bell Potter retained its hold rating but lifted its target from $120 to $150. TradingView data shows 10 of 17 analysts have a hold rating, while seven rate CSL a buy or strong buy. The average 12-month target of $165.80 is below the current share price of around $168.30.

But the range is enormous. The most bullish forecasts see CSL climbing to $206.72, implying another 23% upside. At the other extreme, the lowest target is just $133.22, suggesting more than 20% downside.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX MQG) is the most bearish, with a neutral rating and target of just over $133. Of the leading brokers, UBS is the standout bull, targeting $181, while Morgan Stanley sees CSL reaching $172.

So, is $200 realistic? It is certainly possible, but the broker forecasts suggest investors shouldn't mistake a spectacular rebound for a guaranteed recovery.

The post Could CSL shares really hit $200? Experts reveal their 12-month targets appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Pleasing FY26 reports from heavyweights CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) and Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME) turbocharged the sector.

The broader S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) slipped 0.62% over the week to 9,058.9 points on Friday.

Healthcare is in the middle of a rapid recovery following a 29% slump over the 12 months to early June.

The S&P/ASX 200 Health Care Index (ASX: XHJ) reached a 9-year low on 3 June.

The sector then pivoted as value investors rushed in to snap up blue-chips on the cheap.

Healthcare shares have skyrocketed 41% since 3 June, compared to a 3% rise for the ASX 200.

Let's review some specifics from last week.

Healthcare shares led the ASX sectors last week

Last week, several major healthcare companies revealed their latest periodic earnings results.

The CSL share price leapt 23.3% to $168.30 on the strength of its FY26 results last week.

CSL shares have rocketed 82% since the healthcare sector rebound began on 3 June.  

Pro Medicus shares jumped 7.1% to $191.60 on the back of the company's FY26 report.

The Pro Medicus share price is up 20% since 3 June. 

The Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH) share price rose 1.4% to $135.48 following the hearing implant maker's FY26 report.

Cochlear shares have increased 42% since 3 June.

The Healius Ltd (ASX: HLS) share price jumped 13.8% to 46 cents following its FY26 report last week.

Healius shares are up 38% since 3 June.

The EBOS Group Ltd (ASX: EBO) share price ascended 7.2% to $18.96 following the company's FY26 results.

EBOS shares are up 20% since 3 June.

The Mesoblast Ltd (ASX: MSB) share price lifted 6.8% to $2.36 following a phase 3 trial update.

Mesoblast shares have risen 17% since 3 June.  

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 healthcare shares soar 9% amid notable FY26 reports from CSL, Pro Medicus appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Here's why they've managed to leap higher despite this week's sliding market.

Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN)

In afternoon trade today, Evolution Mining shares are changing hands for $15.23, putting this ASX 200 stock up 15.3% for the week.

Among this week's tailwinds, the gold miner has benefited from a 3.5% increase in the gold price since last Friday. The yellow metal is currently fetching US$4,527 per ounce, according to data from Bloomberg.

Evolution shares also grabbed investor interest following the release of the miner's FY 2026 results on Wednesday.

Highlights included underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of $3.17 billion, up 44% year on year. And the ASX 200 gold stock notched a record statutory profit after tax of $1.48 billion, up 59% from FY 2025.

With profits soaring, management increased the final fully-franked dividend by 62% to 21 cents per share.

Regis Resources Ltd (ASX: RRL)

The second ASX 200 stock leaping higher in this week's sliding market is Regis Resources.

Shares in the gold miner are currently trading for $8.47 each, up 15.2% since last Friday's close.

Atop benefiting from the rising gold price over the week, Regis also released its FY 2026 results this morning, with shares up 3.9% in intraday trade today.

The financial year just past saw Regis sell 373,879 ounces of gold for an average price of $6,283 per ounce.

The company reported revenue of $2.35 billion, up 43% year on year. And net profit after tax (NPAT) leapt 181% to a new record $715 million.

The gold miner declared a fully-franked final dividend of 20 cents per share.

Which brings us to our top-performing stock of the week…

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

Currently trading for $167.60, CSL shares are up 22.8% for the week.

Shares in the Aussie biotech giant closed up a whopping 17.3% on Tuesday following the release of CSL's FY 2026 results.

Investors were piling into the ASX 200 stock despite CSL reporting revenue of US$15.8 billion, down 1% from FY 2025. And on the bottom line, NPATA of US$3.1 billion was down 2%.

However, CSL shares look to have benefited from the positive outlook management forecast for FY 2027.

"FY26 has been a year of reset. We have taken decisive action and created a clear path to return to sustainable growth," CSL interim CEO Gordon Naylor said.

CSL expects steady revenue in FY 2027, while forecasting a 5% increase in underlying NPAT.

The post 3 ASX 200 stocks, including CSL, leaping 15% to 23% in this week's sliding market appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

As earnings season continues, brokers have declared greater confidence in several ASX 200 shares this week.

Let's review. 

A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M)

The A2 Milk share price is $6.76, up 0.8% today and down 23% over 12 months.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 consumer staples share has fallen 4%.

Citi upgraded A2 Milk shares to a buy rating on Tuesday.

The rating change came after A2 Milk released its FY26 results.

The broker increased its 12-month price target from $7 to $7.40.

This implies a potential 9% upside ahead.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

The CSL share price is $167.94, down 1.9% today and down 26% over 12 months.

This ASX 200 healthcare share has ripped 38% amid a broader sector rebound over the past month.

Jarden upgraded CSL shares to a buy rating following the company's FY26 report.

The broker has a 12-month price target of $207, suggesting 23% upside ahead.

Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX: IAG)

The IAG share price is $7.88, up 1% today and down 10% over 12 months. 

Over the past month, this ASX 200 financial share has fallen 6%.

Citi upgraded IAG shares to a buy call following the insurer's FY26 results.

The broker reduced its 12-month price target from $9 to $8.80.

This implies a potential 11% upside ahead for IAG shares.

Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG)

The Fortescue share price is $17.88, down 0.4% today and down 9% over 12 months.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 iron ore mining share has fallen 4%.

Jefferies upgraded Fortescue shares to a hold rating yesterday.

This followed Fortescue's FY26 earnings report.

Jefferies has a 12-month price target of $16.

This suggest a potential 10% downside ahead.

Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1)

The Megaport share price is $18.50, down 4.2% today and up 34% over 12 months.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 tech share has fallen 2%.

Morgan Stanley upgraded Megaport shares to a buy rating with a $25 target today.

The change followed Megaport's FY26 report this week.

This implies a potential 35% upside ahead.

Mirvac Group (ASX: MGR)

The Mirvac share price is $1.90, down 0.2% today and down 21% over 12 months.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 real estate share has risen 10%.

Jefferies upgraded Mirvac shares to a buy call after reviewing the developer's FY26 report.

The broker raised its 12-month price target from $1.80 to $2.09.

This indicates potential capital gains of 9% over the next year. 

Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE)

The Treasury Wine Estates share price is $5.64, up 0.9% today and down 31% over 12 months.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 wine share has skyrocketed 22%.

Morgans upgraded Treasury Wine Estates shares after reviewing the company's FY26 earnings.

The broker increased its 12-month target from $5.95 to $7.30.

This suggests a possible 30% upside ahead.

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Ltd (ASX: BEN)

The Bendigo and Adelaide Bank share price is $10.33, up 1.1% today and down 21% over 12 months.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 bank share has fallen 3%.

Jarden upgraded Bendigo Bank shares to a buy rating after the bank released its FY26 report.

The broker has an $11 target, which implies about 6% upside ahead.

Further reading

Check out 10 ASX 200 shares downgraded by analysts this week.

Learn of 7 ASX 200 shares that received reaffirmed buy ratings this week.

The post 8 ASX shares just upgraded by the experts appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

I like businesses with established positions in important areas of medicine and clear opportunities to reach more patients or healthcare providers over time.

Here are three shares I would be happy to buy.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

CSL is going through a major reset, but following the release of its results this week, I still believe the foundations of the business are strong.

The most important part of the long-term story remains CSL Behring. Demand for immunoglobulin (Ig) continues to grow, and management expects Ig sales to increase at a mid-to-high-single-digit rate in FY27. CSL is also investing around US$1.5 billion to expand its US plasma manufacturing presence and improve yields.

I think that investment makes sense because plasma products remain difficult to manufacture at scale. CSL has spent decades building its collection network, manufacturing expertise, and relationships with healthcare providers.

There are newer products to watch as well. Andembry generated US$240 million of sales in its first full year on the market, while Hemgenix continued to grow.

FY26 was messy, with large impairments and weaker performance in parts of the group. But management is simplifying CSL and expects underlying profit to return to growth in FY27.

I think a successful recovery could remind investors why CSL became one of Australia's great healthcare businesses in the first place.

Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH)

Cochlear is another company where the long-term opportunity interests me more than any one year of earnings.

A huge number of people with severe hearing loss could benefit from an implant but never receive one. Cochlear is trying to change that by making diagnosis, referral, and treatment more systematic, particularly for adults. I think that could be a powerful growth driver.

In the US, medical and professional channels currently account for only around 40% of adult cochlear implant referrals. Cochlear is working with clinicians to improve those pathways and make it easier for suitable patients to progress from diagnosis to treatment.

Product development gives me another reason to be positive. The Nucleus Nexa System became more than 95% of implant sales across developed markets by June. More importantly, the platform has been designed to support future developments including more personalised stimulation, a drug-eluting electrode, and eventually a totally implantable cochlear implant.

If Cochlear can make implants accessible to more people while continuing to improve the technology, I think the business has plenty of growth ahead.

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

Pro Medicus may have the clearest growth runway of the three.

Its Visage imaging software has become trusted by some of the largest healthcare systems in North America, yet management estimates it still has only around 11% of the US market. That leaves considerable room to keep winning customers.

What I like is how the opportunity is expanding once Pro Medicus gets through the door. Most of its new FY26 contracts included the full Visage stack, while customers are also beginning to add its cardiology offering.

The company signed $407 million of new contracts during FY26 and renewed every contract that came up for renewal, generally with higher minimums and transaction fees.

For me, that says a lot about how valuable the software has become to customers.

Foolish takeaway

I think healthcare can be a great place to look for businesses capable of compounding for many years because better treatments and technology can create value well beyond the next economic cycle.

That is what attracts me to these three shares. I would be comfortable buying them with the intention of giving their long-term opportunities plenty of time to develop.

The post Why I'd buy CSL, Cochlear, and Pro Medicus shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

After plunging from $228.30 in October to a low of $90, the recovery is gathering serious pace. Yet CSL remains down 4% year to date and 32% over 12 months.

Can the rebound last?

Why are CSL shares surging?

The big catalyst was CSL's FY26 result, released on Tuesday.

At first glance, the numbers looked ugly. CSL reported a US$2.6 billion net loss after tax. But that loss wasn't an operating disaster.

It reflected US$7.1 billion of pre-tax impairments and another US$799 million in restructuring costs, largely non-cash. Most of the impairments related to CSL Vifor intangibles and under-utilised property, plant and equipment.

Investors had already been warned. In May, CSL flagged roughly US$5 billion of impairments and cut its FY26 guidance.

Strip away those exceptional items and the picture looks much healthier. Underlying NPATA came in at US$3.1 billion, down just 2%, while revenue slipped 1% to US$15.8 billion — still ahead of analyst expectations.

That gave investors in CSL shares something they had been waiting for: a reset year, a cleaner balance sheet and guidance that finally beat expectations.

CSL Behring remains the powerhouse. Its plasma division generated US$11.4 billion in revenue, down 1%, while immunoglobulin revenue held steady at US$6.2 billion. That's crucial to the bull case.

CSL Vifor grew revenue 3% to US$2.4 billion, while Seqirus struggled, with revenue falling 8% to US$2 billion.

Meanwhile, CSL's transformation program delivered US$176 million of cost savings, and management committed US$1.5 billion to expand US plasma collection capacity.

Guidance is driving the recovery

Here's where things get interesting. CSL expects underlying NPAT to grow approximately 5% in FY27. Consensus had been closer to 2%.

After 18 months of downgraded expectations, that upgrade was a welcome surprise for shareholders in CSL shares. Behring is expected to deliver mid-single-digit growth, with immunoglobulins growing at a mid-to-high single-digit rate.

The weak spot remains Vifor, where revenue is expected to fall about 25% as iron generics arrive.

Are CSL shares fully valued?

Not everyone is convinced the rally can continue. Bell Potter retained its hold rating but lifted its price target from $120 to $150, suggesting CSL shares are now fully valued.

The broker said:

Based on the new underlying NPAT metric, CSL trades on a PE multiple of ~19x FY26 and ~18x FY27 earnings, with flat revenue growth and low-to-mid single digit earnings growth expected for FY27. While the result today suggests the worst (by way of earnings declines) is in the rear-view for CSL, we find it difficult to justify a greater premium than is now being attributed relative to global biopharma peers.

So, while CSL's recovery looks encouraging, the shares have already priced in plenty of optimism. The next challenge is proving that earnings growth can accelerate enough to justify the rally.

The post CSL shares are flying higher. Is it too late to buy? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Let's see what Morgans is saying about three of these shares after reviewing their results.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

Morgans was pleased with BHP's FY 2026 results, noting that it maintained a solid operating performance and benefitted from higher commodity prices.

However, due to its current valuation, the broker has downgraded BHP shares to a trim rating with a $55.30 price target. It said:

A solid FY26 result, with an upsized final dividend of US 99cps, against a share price that appears to already factor in more upside, we lower our rating to TRIM. Metal prices were a key driver, but BHP also maintained a solid operating performance on controllable factors against a tough backdrop in FY26.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

The broker notes that biotech giant CSL delivered a result broadly in line with expectations in FY 2026. 

It was particularly pleased to see that immunoglobulins demand has remained strong, the Seqirus business delivered seasonal influenza vaccine growth, and cost savings ahead of target.

In response, Morgans has retained its buy rating with a $187.71 price target. It commented:

The FY26 result was broadly in line with expectations, with revenue of US$15.8bn (+3% vs guidance) and underlying NPATA of US$3.1bn. Importantly, underlying Ig demand remains strong, Seqirus delivered seasonal influenza growth despite lower US immunisation rates and transformation savings reached US$176m ahead of target, although Vifor continues to face challenges. 

While FY27 targets flat top line growth, as Vifor remains a significant drag, the earnings trajectory is becoming increasingly skewed towards recovery, supported by stabilising plasma economics, cost-outs and improved commercial execution. We make modest changes to FY27-28 estimates and increase our blended DCF, PE and EV/EBITDA-based target price to A$187.71 on a multiple roll forward. BUY.

Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB)

Finally, Morgans was pleased with this investment platform provider's FY 2026 results. 

It highlights that its EBITDA was up 30% and in line with expectations, while its net profit after tax was slightly ahead of estimates. 

Following a review of the results, Morgans has retained its accumulate rating with a $92.00 price target. It said:

HUB's FY26 Group result was largely in line with expectations with underlying EBITDA of A$211.4m, up 30% on pcp, consistent with MorgansF/Consensus A$212m, and underlying NPAT of A$137.3m slightly ahead of MorgansF A$131.9m. Platform EBITDA however fell short of expectations due to slower revenue momentum in 2H26, which was outpaced by 2H26 Platform Opex growth. HUB's FY28 FUA target of A$186-200bn points to FY28 net flows of ~A$18-19bn, however momentum through to Aug'26 appears to be running behind this due to elevated discretionary gross outflows. 

Whilst the timing of this roll-off remains uncertain, we see this as a near-term headwind and likely to abate, although it does suggest FY27 flows will track lower than FY26 (particularly vs. 1H26). Our EPS forecast moves by +/-1% in FY27-28F, which sees our price target revised to A$92.00/sh. We retain our Accumulate rating.

The post Buy, hold, sell: BHP, CSL, and HUB24 shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The shares are still more than 25% down over a 12-month period however, begging the question, is there still more recovery to come?

It's fair to say brokers are split on the question, with those surveyed having a wide range of views on where the shares will go over the next 12 months.

First let's have a quick look at what CSL announced this week.

Steady results in reset year

The blood products company posted total revenue of US$15.8 billion, down 1%, and underlying net profit of US$3.1 billion, down 2%.

After significant one off costs and write downs were included, the company made a net loss of US$2.6 billion.

Interim Chief Executive Officer Gordon Naylor called FY26 a "reset" year for the company.

On the outlook, the company said it expected underlying net profit to grow by about 5% in FY27.

Wide range of views on CSL Shares

Among the brokers, UBS has the most bullish share price target for CSL at $181, compared to $163.51 late on Wednesday.

The broker said:

CSL has endured a challenging period that required significant restructuring to reduce costs and address the underperforming Vifor division. While more work remains, improving trends in the core plasma business suggest the worst is behind the group and that CSL is on track to return to at least market level growth. The separation of Seqirus is now complete, providing the incoming CEO with additional strategic flexibility.

Morgan Stanley also believes the price will appreciate, with a $172 price target.

They said:

On balance, we see the FY26 result and FY27 guidance as highlighting incremental improvement within CSL Behring, the key driver of group earnings growth over the medium to longer term. Our forecasts imply solid underlying NPATA/NPAT growth, supplemented by an ongoing buyback program.

Meanwhile, Bell Potter has a hold recommendation on CSL, with a price target of $150.

They said:

While the result today suggests the worst (by way of earnings declines) is in the rear-view for CSL, we find it difficult to justify a greater premium than is now being attributed relative to global biopharma peers.

And most bearish on CSL is Macquarie, which has a neutral rating and a price target of just $133.

They said:

Despite signs of stabilisation, we see ongoing uncertainty across core business segments (immunoglobulin, albumin) and medium-term competitive risks.

The post How much are CSL shares worth? 4 brokers have their say appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

A soft quarter becomes less important, and what matters instead is whether a business will still be comfortably growing its earnings in 2036.

Here are three ASX 200 companies I think comfortably pass that test.

Why I hold ASX shares for a decade

Time is one of the few advantages a retail investor has over a professional fund manager.

Nobody is grading my portfolio every quarter.

That freedom lets me own good businesses through the messy years when the market loses patience.

The three companies below each have a structural growth driver that should still be running long after this reporting season is forgotten.

Wesfarmers: the compounding machine

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) may be the closest thing the local market has to a true compounder.

The company's half-year result delivered revenue of $24.2 billion and net profit after tax of $1.6 billion, up 9.3%.

The interim dividend rose 7.4% to 102 cents per share.

Bunnings did the heavy lifting again, with higher sales across every product category, region and customer segment.

Managing director Rob Scott said:

The result reflects strong operational performance and disciplined execution of the Group's strategies to create shareholder value.

The real appeal is capital allocation. Wesfarmers has repeatedly recycled cash out of mature businesses and into newer ones, moving from coal into lithium and health.

At today's prices the stock is not cheap on a price-to-earnings ratio in the low 30s.

But I would rather pay up for a management team that has proven it can redeploy capital sensibly across multiple cycles.

The conglomerate reports its FY26 numbers on 27 August.

Goodman Group: an industrial landlord turned power broker

Goodman Group (ASX: GMG) has become one of the most important data centre developers in the world.

The company's first-half result delivered $1.2 billion in operating profit. The group's power bank also expanded from 5GW to 6GW.

By June 2026, more than $14 billion of its roughly $18 billion work in progress is expected to be in data centre projects.

Founder and CEO Greg Goodman said of the strategy:

Power, sites and capital are critical to being able to service demand and provide delivery certainty.

Goodman owns scarce, powered land in exactly the cities where artificial intelligence infrastructure needs to be built.

The units are down roughly 16% over the past year, which strikes me as an opportunity rather than a warning sign.

Goodman reports its FY26 result today.

CSL: a reset year with a long runway

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) just posted the ugliest headline number in its ASX history.

FY26 revenue slipped 1% to US$15.8 billion, and impairments of US$7.1 billion pushed the company to a US$2.6 billion statutory loss. Underlying NPATA still landed at US$3.1 billion.

Investors looked past the write-downs to FY27 guidance of roughly 5% underlying profit growth, comfortably ahead of the 2% consensus.

The shares surged 17.9% on results day.

Interim CEO Gordon Naylor framed the year as a clearing of the decks:

CSL is positioned for a return to sustainable growth, supported by solid plasma market fundamentals.

Plasma collection remains a true moat, because it takes years and enormous amounts of capital to build a competing network of donor centres.

On top of that, a US$1 billion buyback and a flat US$2.92 dividend suggest management believes the worst is now behind it.

The risks of buying these ASX shares today

None of this is free money.

Wesfarmers carries a premium valuation that leaves little room for a consumer downturn.

Goodman is making enormous capital commitments into a data centre market that could eventually oversupply.

Meanwhile, CSL still has to prove Vifor can stabilise after guiding to a roughly 25% revenue decline.

Foolish takeaway

I am not trying to pick the best performers of the next 12 months, but to own businesses that will be much larger in 2036 than they are today.

Wesfarmers, Goodman Group and CSL each have a credible path to that outcome.

For patient investors interested in long-term compounding, that is the bar these ASX shares need to clear.

The post 3 ASX 200 shares I'd buy for the next decade appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

After opening sharply lower this morning, the ASX 200 spent the entire session in red territory. By the time the closing bell rang, the index had dropped 0.18% to finish at 9,053.8 points.

This miserable Wednesday for the local markets came after a similarly pessimistic night up on the American markets.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) couldn't hold water, dropping 0.22%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was hit far harder though, falling 1.33%.

But let's return to ASX shares now and dive into how the different ASX sectors handled today's tough trading conditions.

Winners and losers

The losers easily outnumbered the winners this Wednesday.

Leading said losers were tech stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) had a shocker, plunging 3.15%.

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) were also hit hard, with the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) cratering by 1.15%.

Financial shares fared a little better. The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) still tanked 0.64%, though.

Consumer discretionary stocks were in a similar boat, as you can see by the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ)'s 0.58% dive.

Gold shares weren't much of a safe haven either. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) saw its value shrink 0.18%.

We could almost say the same for broader mining stocks, with the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) retreating 0.04%.

Let's turn to the winners now.

Leading the team were healthcare shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) roared 2.6% higher today.

Energy stocks also ran hot, as evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ)'s 0.77% surge.

Utilities shares were a little tamer. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) jumped 0.35% this session.

Consumer staples stocks were right behind that, with the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) advancing 0.31%.

Industrial shares got out unscathed this hump day. The S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) ended up lifting 0.05%.

Finally, communications stocks notched a dodge, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ)'s 0.04% bump.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

It was REIT Stockland Corporation Ltd (ASX: SGP) that took out today's top spot. Stockland units shot up 12.35% this Wednesday to finish at $4.55 each.

This came after the REIT reported its latest earnings, which clearly delighted the market.

Here's how the other top shares landed their planes:

Our top 10 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary that shows which companies made big moves on the day. Check in at Fool.com.au after the weekday market closes to see which stocks make the countdown.

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

By the end of yesterday's session, the CSL share price had rocketed a massive 17.25% for its best day in 20 years.

As we covered yesterday, there were a lot of lukewarm numbers in this ASX 200 healthcare stock's latest report. The company reported total revenues of US$15.89 billion for the year ended 30 June 2026. That was down 1% year on year. Underlying net profits after tax dropped 2% to US$3.1 billion.

A number of one-off costs and impairments drove CSL to a statutory net loss after tax of US$2.6 billion.

However, as my Fool colleague Mark discussed yesterday, it seems that the unbridled optimism we have seen for CSL shares this week has stemmed from its optimistic guidance for FY 2027 and beyond.

CSL told investors to expect underlying net profits after tax growth of around 5% over FY27. This indicates a return to form is on the cards for a company that repeatedly dazzled investors for the decade leading up to 2020, before a series of events tanked the company's fortunes.

Hopefully, CSL can deliver this turnaround. But now, I want to focus on one metric that has caught my eye in CSL's latest numbers.

CSL shares surge despite a dividend hold

That metric is the final dividend that CSL will pay out in October. Yesterday, CSL revealed that this dividend will be worth US$1.60 per share. Coupled with April's interim dividend of US$1.30 per share, the company is set to dole out a total of US$2.92 in dividends per share in 2026.

That metric is significant because it marks only the second time that CSL will not be delivering a dividend hike to its shareholders. In fact, the last time that CSL didn't increase its year-on-year payouts was in 2022, largely thanks to the aftermath of the pandemic. You'd have to go back at least another decade to find any more instances of a dividend hold from this company.

This is a personal disappointment for me. I bought CSL shares many years ago, in part thanks to its strong history of dividend growth. As such, I was rather dismayed to see another hold on CSL's 2026 payout. A company's dividend growth is, in my view, one of the most vital indicators of a company's health. It is difficult to fudge and provides a sharp insight into the health of a company. Not to mention the fact that ASX shares that consistently grow their dividends over time tend to be market beaters.

Now, CSL has been upfront about its challenges for a while now. So this hold isn't really a surprise. But it is still something I didn't want to see. That's why I'll be watching the payouts that this company declares next year like a hawk.

The post CSL shares: 1 number that investors shouldn't ignore appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

At the time of writing, the ASX biotech shares are up another 5%, and are changing hands for $165.76 a piece.

Today's increase follows a huge 17% share price rally on Tuesday after CSL posted its FY26 results. The day goes down in history as the shares best day in 20 years.

CSL reported total revenue of US$15.8 billion and NPAT of US$2.6 billion. It also recorded a net loss after tax of US$2.6 billion for FY26, coming from pre-tax impairments and restructuring costs. 

The result came in way ahead of guidance. In May, the company cut its FY26 revenue guidance to around US$15.2 billion and NPAT to around US$3.1 billion. IT also flagged US$5 billion of impairments.

CSL management describes FY26 as a 'reset year', with FY27 marking a return to growth.

Clearly investors are thrilled with the update, and many are rushing to snap up the shares while they're still trading for cheap.

CSL shares have now rebounded 79% from a multi-year low of $92.24 each in early-June. They're now just 4% lower for the year-to-date, but still around 27% lower than 12 months ago.

Can they keep climbing higher?

Here's what the experts think.

What's the outlook for CSL shares over the next 12 months?

I think there is a lot of potential for the company to grow over the next few years. CSL is operating in a high-growth market, and its blood plasma division dominates the market for rare blood disorders and immunoglobulin products.

The company's growth initiatives are clearly working, but it's likely it will take a while longer to see the financial benefits.

I think we'll see an upside ahead, but I don't think we'll see a material increase in the share price from here until we get more visibility into the company's earnings over the first half of FY27.

It's possible that some experts could revise their outlook on CSL shares in the coming days, off the back of the company's results announcement.

But at the moment, forecasts suggest that they're on the fence.

Market Index data shows that the majority have a hold rating on CSL shares. The $132 average target price now implies a potential 20% downside, after this week's share price rally.

It's the same case on TradingView. The majority (10 out of 17) have a hold rating on the stock. However, the other seven rate CSL shares as a buy/strong buy.

The average $160.28 target price is higher, but it still implies a potential downside of around 3%, at the time of writing.

However the range between the maximum and minimum target price is quite large. Some tip the shares to climb another 26% to $206.91 but others think CSL shares could drop 35% to just $106.80 over the next 12 months.

The post CSL shares rebound 79% from multi-year low: Here's what brokers tip next appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The stock changed hands around $157.40.

That is an extraordinary move for a company of this size, and it becomes stranger still once you read the headline numbers.

CSL reported a net loss after tax of US$2.6 billion for FY26.

A record loss and a record rally, on the same morning.

So what did the market see that the headline missed?

Why CSL shares looked past a US$2.6 billion loss

The loss was not in any way an operating problem.

It came from US$7.1 billion in pre-tax impairments and a further US$799 million in restructuring costs, none of which involved cash leaving the business.

Most of that writedown was due to CSL Vifor intangibles and under-utilised property, plant, and equipment.

Investors had also been warned well in advance, because back in May the company flagged roughly US$5 billion of impairments alongside a cut to FY26 guidance.

Strip the one-offs away and the underlying picture was far steadier.

Underlying NPATA stood at US$3.1 billion, down just 2% on the prior year.

Revenue of US$15.8 billion slipped 1%, but still came in ahead of what most analysts had predicted.

Operating cash flow was a healthy US$3.5 billion.

Inside the FY26 result

CSL Behring remains the engine room of the business.

The plasma division generated US$11.4 billion in revenue, down 1%, while immunoglobulin sales held flat at US$6.2 billion.

That immunoglobulin line is a key pillar of the CSL bull case.

CSL Vifor lifted 3% to US$2.4 billion.

Seqirus was weak, with the influenza vaccine business shrinking 8% to US$2 billion.

In better news, CSL's transformation program delivered US$176 million of cost savings during the year.

Management also committed US$1.5 billion to expanding plasma collection capacity across the United States.

The final dividend left the full-year payout unchanged at US$2.92 per share.

The guidance that drove the CSL share price craze

Here is where the enthusiasm came from.

CSL guided to underlying NPAT growth of approximately 5% in FY27.

Consensus had been sitting closer to 2%, so for a company that has spent 18 months walking its guidance backwards, an upgrade of any kind is a welcone plot twist.

Behring is expected to grow at a mid-single-digit rate, with immunoglobulins running in the mid-to-high single digits.

The offset is CSL Vifor, where revenue is tipped to fall around 25% as iron generics arrive.

Interim chief executive Gordon Naylor set the tone for this reset back in May.

Growth initiatives are working, but the financial benefits will take longer than previously anticipated to materialise.

Are CSL shares still worth a look?

Even after Tuesday's surge, CSL shares remain down roughly 8% in 2026, and they still sit well below the highs they set a few years ago.

Investors should still be considering the bear case. The company is still operating without a permanent chief executive, Seqirus is shrinking, and the Vifor acquisition has now been written down heavily.

One guidance beat does not undo two years of disappointment.

Ahead of the result, my Foolish colleagues asked whether the healthcare giant could arrest the slide.

On the evidence of a single session, the answer is yes. However, sustaining this recovery is a very different question.

Foolish takeaway

Tuesday was not really a case of the market missing something.

It was a case of the market finally being handed something to hold onto: a reset year, a cleaner balance sheet, and guidance that beat expectations for the first time in a while.

The plasma business is still growing, and the cost program is still delivering.

Whether CSL shares can build on that will come down to execution over the next 12 months.

The post CSL shares just had their best day in 20 years. What did I just miss? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The biotech giant's shares ended the day 17% higher at $157.82 following the release of its FY 2026 results.

Is it too late to buy CSL shares? Let's see what Bell Potter is saying.

What is the broker saying?

Bell Potter notes that CSL delivered a result in line with guidance for FY 2026. And while weak on paper, the broker was pleased to see the key CSL Behring business rebound in the second half. It said:

NPATA declined -2% to $3.14b (cc) and was in line with $3.1b guidance. Revenue declined -1% to $15.37b (cc) and was above the $15.2b guidance. FX lifted reported revenue to $15.8b (above VA cons and BPe of $15.4b) but dragged down reported NPATA to $3.10b (in line with VA cons and BPe of $3.1b). 

The biggest highlight was in Behring, particularly the rebound in 2H26 Ig sales (+7% at cc or +11% reported) and to a lesser degree albumin declining less than feared (-5% at cc or -1% reported). The excess Ig supply imbalance that was prevalent earlier in CY26 now appears to have largely returned to normalcy based on comments from CSL and its main rivals Takeda and Grifols. Behring gross margin however continued to face pressures, with 2H gross margin of 48.2% the lowest half-yearly result since at least FY17.

The broker also highlights that CSL's FY 2027 guidance was above expectations. It adds:

FY27 guidance for underlying NPAT +5% (cc) is above the +1% growth consensus had been expecting based on the old metric of NAPTA, hence the downgrade cycle has likely eased for the first time in several results despite the expected drag from Vifor in FY27. Investors will have also been buoyed by FY27 guidance for Behring growth at mid-single digits and an expectation of a turnaround in the Behring GM by ~70bps. We have revised our forecasts following the result and guidance, resulting in upgrades of 8%/6%/6% at the NPATA line across FY27/28/29.

Is the CSL share price in the buy zone?

Despite the positives, Bell Potter is sitting on the fence when it comes to the CSL share price.

According to the note, the broker has retained its hold rating with an improved price target of $150.00 (from $120.00).

Commenting on its recommendation, Bell Potter believes that CSL's shares are fully valued at current levels. It said:

Based on the new underlying NPAT metric, CSL trades on a PE multiple of ~19x FY26 and ~18x FY27 earnings, with flat revenue growth and low-to-mid single digit earnings growth expected for FY27. While the result today suggests the worst (by way of earnings declines) is in the rear-view for CSL, we find it difficult to justify a greater premium than is now being attributed relative to global biopharma peers.

The post Is the CSL share price in the buy zone after the biotech giant's results? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

ASX 200 to fall

The Australian share market looks set for a poor session on Wednesday following a disappointing night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 18 points or 0.2% lower. In the United States, the Dow Jones fell 0.2%, the S&P 500 dropped 0.7%, and the Nasdaq tumbled 1.3%.

Oil prices rise again

ASX 200 energy shares Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) could have another positive session on Wednesday after oil prices rose again overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 0.8% to US$85.20 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 0.3% to US$91.14 a barrel. Fading US-Iran peace deal hopes were behind this.

CSL shares rated hold

In response to its results on Tuesday, Bell Potter has retained its hold rating on CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) shares with an improved price target of $150.00 (from $120.00). It said: "Based on the new underlying NPAT metric, CSL trades on a PE multiple of ~19x FY26 and ~18x FY27 earnings, with flat revenue growth and low-to-mid single digit earnings growth expected for FY27. While the result today suggests the worst (by way of earnings declines) is in the rear-view for CSL, we find it difficult to justify a greater premium than is now being attributed relative to global biopharma peers."

Gold price tumbles

ASX 200 gold shares such as Westgold Resources Ltd (ASX: WGX) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a poor session on Wednesday after the gold price tumbled. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is down 1.8% to US$4,394 an ounce. Traders were selling gold after bond yields surged to their highest levels in decades.

More ASX 200 results

Another group of ASX 200 shares are releasing their results on Wednesday and will be on watch. This includes gold miner Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN), mineral sands producer Iluka Resources Ltd (ASX: ILU), lotteries company Lottery Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLC), energy giant Santos, and coal miner Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC).

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

This miserly finish for the Australian markets this Tuesday followed a rough start to the American trading week on Wall Street last night (our time).

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was not feeling Monday-fresh, dropping 0.51%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) fared slightly better, but still fell 0.32%.

But let's get back to our local markets now and take stock of what the various ASX sectors were up to this session.

Winners and losers

With the market's falls, there were unsurprisingly more red sectors than green ones today.

Leading those red sectors were gold stocks. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) had a rough one, cratering by 1.57%.

Communications shares weren't popular either, with the S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) plunging 1.26%.

We could say the same for consumer staples stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) saw a 1.16% dive this session.

Financial shares weren't much better, evident from the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ)'s 1.1% wipeout.

Consumer discretionary stocks came next. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) suffered a 1.03% reduction this Tuesday.

Tech shares were right behind that, with the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) dipping 1.02%.

Industrial stocks had a day to forget, too. The S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) endured a 0.75% dip today.

Let's turn to the winners now. Leading the charge were healthcare shares, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ)'s whopping 7.81% surge. We can thank CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) for that.

Energy stocks enjoyed some time in the sun too. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) jumped up 0.99% today.

Utilities shares also got a reprieve, with the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) advancing 0.89%.

Mining stocks were another safe haven. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) rose 0.15% by the closing bell.

Finally, real estate investment trusts (REITs) got in under the wire, as you can see by the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ)'s 0.05% inch higher.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

Our winner this session was manufacturing stock Reliance Worldwide Corporation Ltd (ASX: RWC).

Reliance shares exploded 24.65% higher today to close at $4.50 each. This came after the company posted its latest earnings, which included the revelation that it had received a takeover offer.

Here's how the other winners pulled up at the kerb:

Our top 10 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary that shows which companies made big moves on the day. Check in at Fool.com.au after the weekday market closes to see which stocks make the countdown.

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

By comparison, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has gained around 2% over the same period.

Investors appear encouraged by CSL's latest full-year results and, in particular, management's outlook following what the company describes as a 'reset year'.

CSL's reset year

For the year ended 30 June 2026, CSL reported total revenue of US$15.8 billion, down 1% year-over-year. Underlying NPATA fell 2% to US$3.1 billion.

The headline statutory result was considerably weaker, with CSL reporting a net loss after tax of US$2.6 billion. However, this reflected significant one-off costs and impairments.

CSL spent FY26 undertaking a broad transformation program, including about US$176 million in cost savings, the integration of its Behring and Vifor operations and US$799 million in restructuring costs.

The company also booked US$7.1 billion of pre-tax asset impairments, largely reflecting changes to commercial outlooks, generic competition, regulatory developments and site-utilisation assumptions.

What comes next for CSL shares?

Importantly, management expects FY27 to mark a return towards growth. Revenue is forecast to remain broadly steady, while underlying NPAT is expected to increase by approximately 5%.

CSL Behring is expected to deliver mid-single-digit revenue growth, supported particularly by immunoglobulin demand. CSL Seqirus is targeting low-single-digit growth, although softer US immunisation rates remain a headwind.

Vifor, meanwhile, is expected to decline amid generic competition and regulatory changes.

CSL is also continuing to invest for the longer term. The company announced a new US$1.1 billion share buyback and remains focused on developing new therapies and expanding its US plasma manufacturing network.

It has also entered a strategic partnership with VarmX for a novel blood-coagulation treatment.

What did management say?

Interim CEO and Managing Director Gordon Naylor said:

FY26 has been a year of reset. We have taken decisive action and created a clear path to return to sustainable growth.

Plasma market fundamentals and demand remain robust and momentum is building behind our newer therapies, such as ANDEMBRY® and HEMGENIX.

We have made solid progress on our transformation program and continue to simplify the business. We have also invested in our commercial capabilities and development programs to drive top line growth in the future.

For CSL shareholders, the sharp share price rebound suggests the market is willing to look beyond FY26's difficult numbers and focus instead on the company's potential return to sustainable growth.

The post CSL shares surge 18% as 'reset year' points to a return to growth appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

In morning trade on Tuesday, all three of the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) heavyweights are charging ahead of the 0.1% gains posted by the benchmark index.

Here's what's piquing investor interest.

BHP shares jump on 30% profit surge

BHP shares are leaping higher today, up 3.1% and changing hands for $64.12 apiece.

This follows the release of the ASX 200 mining giant's full-year FY 2026 results.

Among the highlights that look to have investors reaching for their buy buttons, BHP reported a 15% year-on-year increase in revenue to US$58.8 billion. And underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of US$32.9 billion were up 27%.

The mining giant also achieved a 17% increase in its operating cash flow to US$21.8 billion.

On the bottom line, BHP shares are catching tailwinds with the miner reporting a 30% increase in underlying profit to US$13.2 billion.

On the passive income front, FY 2026 saw US$8.7 billion in dividends determined, equivalent to US$1.72 per share for a 66% payout ratio.

Pro Medicus shares leap on earnings increase

Like BHP shares, Pro Medicus shares are charging higher today following the release of the company's own FY 2026 results.

Shares in the ASX 200 health imaging company are up a whopping 10.8% at the time of writing, changing hands for $194.78

Investors are piling into Pro Medicus shares after the company reported a 22.9% year-on-year increase in revenue to $261.7 million. And underlying earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) of $196.1 million were up 24.4% from FY 2025.

This helped drive a 24.1% increase in the company's underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) to $144.7 million.

Pro Medicus also increased its cash and financial assets by 19.7% over the year to $252.3 million.

And the company's final fully-franked dividend of 37 cents per share is up 23.3% from last year's payout.

Which brings us to…

CSL shares rocket on profit outlook

Joining Pro Medicus and BHP shares in turning heads – and rocketing higher – today we find CSL.

Shares in the ASX 200 biotech giant are up an impressive 15.4% at the time of writing, trading for $155.37 each. This strong outperformance also follows on CSL's full-year earnings results.

CSL shares are shooting higher despite the company reporting a 1% year-on-year decline in revenue to US$15.8 billion. And underlying NPATA of US$3.1 billion was down 2% from FY 2025.

Still, management declared a final dividend of US$1.62 per share, in line with last year's payout.

The big uplift in CSL shares today looks to be driven by the more positive outlook for FY 2027.

"FY26 has been a year of reset. We have taken decisive action and created a clear path to return to sustainable growth," CSL interim CEO Gordon Naylor said.

Management is forecasting steady revenue in the financial year ahead, while underlying NPAT is forecast to grow by around 5%.

The post Why is everyone talking about CSL, Pro Medicus and BHP shares on Tuesday? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Of course, we cannot know which ASX shares Buffett would actually buy. He may look at the Australian market very differently from me, and price would also play a major role in any investment decision.

What we can do is look at the types of businesses he has historically favoured and ask which ASX shares appear to share some of those characteristics.

Here are three that stand out to me.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

One trait I associate strongly with Buffett is a preference for businesses that are relatively easy to understand.

Wesfarmers certainly fits that description in my opinion.

Its portfolio includes consumer businesses such as Bunnings, Kmart, and Officeworks, which sell products millions of Australians regularly buy. These are established brands with large customer bases and strong positions in their respective markets.

I think Bunnings is particularly interesting from a Buffett-style perspective. Its scale, brand recognition, and store network would be extremely difficult for a new competitor to replicate.

Wesfarmers also has a long history of allocating capital across different businesses. That is another characteristic I would look for when trying to identify a company Buffett might appreciate. Strong management teams can create significant value when they have the discipline to invest heavily in attractive opportunities while avoiding poor ones.

The price still has to make sense, but I think Wesfarmers has many of the business qualities I would expect a Buffett-style investor to value.

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

Buffett has often invested in companies with powerful competitive advantages.

REA Group is one ASX share I think fits that profile particularly well.

Its realestate.com.au platform has become an important part of the Australian property market. Buyers naturally want to search where the largest number of properties are listed, while sellers and real estate agents want to advertise where the largest audience is looking.

That creates a powerful network effect. As more buyers use the platform, it becomes more valuable to advertisers. That in turn can attract more listings, which helps keep buyers coming back.

Businesses with this type of competitive advantage can potentially protect their market position for a very long time.

REA Group also benefits from a relatively capital-light digital business model, meaning growth does not necessarily require huge spending on physical assets.

For me, those qualities make it the kind of ASX business that deserves a closer look through a Buffett-style lens.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

Another Buffett characteristic I would look for is a business with a sustainable leadership position in an industry where replacing an established operator would be difficult.

CSL fits that description for me. The healthcare company has spent decades building its plasma collection network, manufacturing capabilities, scientific expertise, and relationships across global markets.

Those assets cannot simply be recreated overnight.

Demand for many of CSL's therapies is also connected to serious medical needs, giving the business exposure to healthcare demand that can persist through different economic environments.

There is also potential for long-term growth as the company expands production, develops new therapies, and reaches more patients around the world.

CSL is more complicated than some classic Buffett investments, but I think its competitive position, global scale, and long-term focus give it several qualities he has historically looked for in businesses.

Foolish takeaway

Trying to guess exactly what Warren Buffett would buy is unlikely to get investors very far.

I think the more valuable exercise is studying the qualities behind his investments.

Strong competitive advantages, understandable business models, capable management, and the ability to generate attractive returns over many years are all characteristics worth looking for.

Wesfarmers, REA Group, and CSL each appear to tick several of those boxes in my view.

The post How to find ASX shares that Warren Buffett might buy appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.