After spending the entire session in red territory, the ASX 200 ended up closing down a nasty 1.18%. That leaves the index at 8,843.6 points at this mid-week point.

Today's unhappy performance from the Australian markets follows a similarly negative night up on Wall Street.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) closed down 0.59% after initially rising during morning trading.

In a rare coincidence, the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) also finished up with a 0.59% loss.

But let's return to the local markets now and dive a little deeper into how today's pessimism filtered down into the various ASX sectors.

Winners and losers

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

The trick is in deciding which shares to invest in.

I've had a look at some of the stocks that UBS' broking house has a buy recommendation on, which might be worth including in your portfolio.

In no particular order, here they are.

Cleanaway Waste Management Ltd (ASX: CWY)

Cleanaway this week hosted an investor day, where it introduced the second phase of its Blueprint 2030 strategy, aimed at generating better returns for shareholders.

The company said it was aiming to expand margins by 260 basis points by optimising its branch network and leveraging the scale of its assets.

It was also looking to accelerate growth through investments in new technology, automation, data, and analytics.

UBS said in its note to clients this week that Cleanaway shares had been weak year to date, "which we see as largely attributable to Cleanaway's more recent history of inconsistent delivery against cash and earnings expectations, alongside heightened investor caution on Middle East related fuel cost inflation''.

UBS said on the positive side, the company flagged that free cash flow was at an inflection point, "and improvements will be supported by the completion of one-off restructuring costs and catch-up tax, reduced capital intensity (post network investment) and benefits from strategic initiatives''.

UBS has a price target of $3.05 on Cleanaway shares, compared with $2.44 currently.

Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC)

Lynas reported its quarterly production and sales results this week, and UBS said that, despite a number of positive strategic updates throughout the quarter, the company missed consensus estimates for rare earths production.

UBS said sales revenue of $265 million "disappointed" and led it to downgrade the company's full-year earnings outlook.

The UBS team added:

Still, we remain positive the thematic and with the view that current operational hurdles will ultimately be overcome and expectation of further earnings growth from heavies and magnets, we remain buy rated.

UBS downgraded its price target for Lynas shares from $23.90 to $23.65, still comfortably higher than the current share price of $19.50.

Challenger Ltd (ASX: CGF)

Challenger also released a third-quarter update this week, in which it revealed that its funds under management had fallen by 10% to $104.5 billion.

Managing Director Nick Hamilton said the company had maintained "strong momentum" though, with sales in annuities performing well.

UBS said the update "revealed continued solid momentum across Life sales including longer-duration/higher margin annuity sales''.

The UBS team said Challenger's price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio was "undemanding" and "we continue to see compelling value and reiterate our Buy rating''.

UBS increased its price target on Challenger shares by 5 cents to $10.10, compared with the current share price of $8.39.

The post UBS names 3 ASX 200 shares to buy right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Shares in the waste management giant rose 3% to $2.385 during Tuesday afternoon trade, extending a recent recovery that has pulled the stock further away from its five-year lows.

While Cleanaway is still down around 8% year to date, lagging the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which is up roughly 2.5%, sentiment appears to be shifting.

So, what's driving the interest in this ASX stock today?

Tighten cost, drive efficiency

The key catalyst is Cleanaway's refreshed strategy, which is giving investors a clearer path to improved profitability. On Tuesday, the ASX stock unveiled its "Blueprint 2030 2.0" plan, focused on margin expansion, stronger cash flow, and more disciplined execution.

Management highlighted that underlying EBIT has already lifted 60% since FY22, suggesting the business has momentum heading into its next phase.

The updated strategy rests on three pillars: lifting customer value, optimising the branch network, and using data and digital tools to boost performance. In practice, that means targeting higher-value revenue, tightening costs, and investing in automation and analytics to drive efficiency.

Sales overhaul

One of the standout initiatives of the ASX stock is a major overhaul of its sales approach. Cleanaway is rolling out a centralised "One Sales Engine" model aimed at improving customer retention and increasing cross-selling opportunities.

At the same time, its ongoing digitisation program is targeting better fleet utilisation, real-time tracking, and enhanced safety outcomes.

There's also a significant push in its hazardous waste division. Cleanaway is streamlining its site network while expanding into higher-margin technical services and decommissioning work. These areas are expected to see strong demand growth in the years ahead.

What next for the ASX stock?

Looking forward, management has set some ambitious targets. The company is targeting at least 260 basis points of margin expansion and 10% to 15% EPS growth in FY27 as cost cuts take hold. It's also pushing to deliver steadier free cash flow through tighter capital allocation and better asset use.

Cleanaway is backing its integrated network and growing use of technology to strengthen its lead in sustainable waste. Especially in higher-value areas like hazardous waste.

Fluctuating fuel cost

Of course, challenges remain. The ASX stock is still navigating a volatile operating environment, including fluctuating fuel costs and broader economic uncertainty. Management is focused on tightening operational efficiency, optimising its fleet, and using procurement strategies to better manage costs.

For investors, the story is shifting from turnaround to execution. Cleanaway's strategy has laid out a clearer roadmap for growth. And if it can deliver, the recent price recovery of the ASX stock may have further to run.

The post New strategy sparks rebound in this $5bn ASX stock – what's next? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Four ASX shares that are not letting that hold them back today are listed below. Here's why they are rising:

Artrya Ltd (ASX: AYA)

The Artrya share price is up over 11% to $4.65. This appears to have been driven by a bullish broker note out of Bell Potter this morning. According to the note, the broker has initiated coverage on the medical technology company's shares with a buy rating and $6.10 price target. It said: "AYA's unique offering creates an opportunity to achieve rapid growth and a material share of c.4.4m annual CCTA scans in the US market, growing at a CAGR of c.6.2%. AYA has three foundation customers in the US that should deliver c.15k scans annually by FY27. Through the SAPPHIRE study group, AYA has created a warm pipeline of six potential customers and c.400k annual scans that could generate c.10% market share and c.A$450m in annual revenue over the next decade. We expect AYA to reach EBITDA breakeven in FY28."

Cleanaway Waste Management Ltd (ASX: CWY)

The Cleanaway share price is up 3% to $2.39. This follows the release of the waste management company's investor day update. Cleanaway unveiled its new Blueprint 2030 2.0 strategy, which is built around three pillars. These are delivering customer value, optimising its branch network, and leveraging advanced ways of working through digital and data capabilities. This includes a major upgrade to sales processes, with a centralised One Sales Engine model that is designed to lift customer retention and cross-sell rates.

DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO)

The DroneShield share price is up almost 8% to $3.89. Investors may have been buying the counter-drone technology company's shares due to concerns that the US and Iran could fail to sign a peace deal before the ceasefire agreement ends. If tensions flare up again in the Middle East, it could lead to increased demand for DroneShield's suite of products.

Nuix Ltd (ASX: NXL)

The Nuix share price is up 4.5% to $1.32. This follows news that the investigative analytics and intelligence software provider has completed the $27 million acquisition of Linkurious SAS following Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) approval in France. Linkurious provides technology that allows customers to visually explore and investigate graph data, to detect patterns of interest and investigate alerts. Incorporating Annualised Contract Value (ACV) associated with Linkurious, Nuix advises that it now expects full year ACV to be in the range $252 million to $272 million.

The post Why Artrya, Cleanaway, DroneShield, and Nuix shares are pushing higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

What did Cleanaway Waste Management report?

• Underlying EBIT rose 60% between FY22 and FY25, with margin expanding 260 basis points to 12.5%
• Return on capital employed improved by 220 basis points to 9.1% from FY22 to FY25
• EBIT margin reached a record 12.5% in FY25
• Free cash flow is expected to strengthen from FY27 onwards as one-off costs wind down
• Dividend payout ratio maintained at 50–75% of underlying NPAT

What else do investors need to know?

Cleanaway's new "Blueprint 2030 2.0" strategy is built around three pillars: delivering customer value, optimising its branch network, and leveraging advanced ways of working through digital and data capabilities. Management outlined plans to focus on high-value revenue growth, tighter cost controls, and further investment in automation and analytics to drive efficiencies.

Key highlights include a major upgrade to sales processes, with a centralised "One Sales Engine" model designed to lift customer retention and cross-sell rates. The company also flagged its ongoing digitisation program, targeting improved fleet utilisation, real-time tracking, and safety enhancements.

Cleanaway is actively reshaping its hazardous waste business, streamlining its site network while expanding high-margin technical services and decommissioning work—sectors where industry growth is forecast to continue.

What's next for Cleanaway Waste Management?

Looking ahead, Cleanaway is targeting ongoing margin expansion of at least 260 basis points and 10–15% EPS growth in FY27 as cost-saving initiatives gain traction. The company expects to deliver stronger, more stable free cash flow through disciplined capital allocation and optimised asset utilisation.

Management is confident its integrated network and planned technology investments will continue to underpin Cleanaway's leadership in sustainable waste management, providing a pathway for profitable growth in critical sectors such as hazardous waste and technical services.

Cleanaway Waste Management share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Cleanaway shares have declined 9%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 15% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Cleanaway Waste Management shares in focus as strategy refresh targets margin growth appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Three that the broker has been looking at are named below. Let's see if it is bullish on these:

A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M)

Morgans was disappointed to see this infant formula company downgrade its guidance this week. However, it acknowledges that the reasons for the downgrade were out of A2 Milk's control.

And with concerns that the issues could linger, the broker has trimmed its forecasts. Nevertheless, due to share price weakness, Morgans has upgraded A2 Milk's shares to an accumulate rating with an $8.70 price target. It said:

A2M's FY26 earnings downgrade was due to factors largely out of its own control, being higher freight/supply chain costs associated with the conflict in the Middle East and delays getting product released (enhanced testing and customs clearance) following peer recalls. Importantly, the demand for its products is strong. Guidance has been revised due to supply constraints (lower sales and product mix issues dilute margins) and higher costs.

We have revised our forecasts. In our view, while some of the issues are one-off in nature, increased costs associated with the conflict are likely to continue into FY27. Despite this, we still expect strong growth in FY27 given A2 Pokeno is expected to break even and new China label (CL) IF products will be launched. Following material share price weakness, we upgrade to an ACCUMULATE recommendation with a new price target of A$8.70 (was A$9.50).

BMC Minerals Ltd (ASX: BMC)

Morgans notes that this mineral exploration company has received a major boost from authorities in Yukon, Canada.

This has de-risked the Kudz Ze Kayah Project, leaving it well-placed to benefit from strong precious metal prices. As a result, it has retained its speculative buy rating with an improved price target of $5.70. It said:

BMC has received a positive Decision Document from the Government of Yukon for development of the ABM deposit at the Kudz Ze Kayah (KZK) Project. This represents the key de-risking milestone for KZK, addressing what has historically been the primary development headwind.

We maintain our SPECULATIVE BUY rating and A$5.70ps price target (previously A$4.90), with the uplift driven by refreshed precious metals price assumptions and reduced permitting risk. The recent de-risking supports our assumption of future equity funding at 0.7x NAV (previously 0.6x NAV), resulting in lower dilution and a reduced forecast SOI.

Cleanaway Waste Management Ltd (ASX: CWY)

The broker highlights that this waste management company has downgraded its guidance due to negative impacts from the war in the Middle East.

While the broker has downgraded its forecasts to reflect this, it remains positive and has put a buy rating and $2.95 price target on its shares. It commented:

CWY has revised down its FY26 EBIT guidance as a result of the impacts of the war in the Middle East. We have updated our forecasts for the EBIT guidance downgrade and higher interest rate environment.

EBITDA downgrades are relatively small but EPS downgrades are material in the short term given the funding and depreciation costs of CWY's asset base. Target price $2.95/sh. BUY retained. Potential upside catalyst is next Tuesday's strategy briefing.

The post What is Morgans saying about A2 Milk and these ASX shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Both ASX shares have fallen so far in 2026, but the broker is confident these companies can rebound.

Buy rating retained for Cleanaway Waste Management

Cleanaway Waste Management is Australia's largest waste management business, with a national footprint. Its services span collection, midstream waste processing, treatment, recycling, and downstream waste disposal.

Its share price is down 13% year to date.

Yesterday, the company released a trading update due to the impacts of the conflict in the Middle East. 

The company said the war has increased fuel, supplier, and logistics costs, reduced Middle East Contract Resources activity, and created uncertainty, especially in projects. 

Cleanaway expects to recover much of the fuel cost increases over time but is closely monitoring impacts. The combined effect is an estimated ~$20 million reduction in FY26 EBIT, with revised guidance of $460 to $480 million (down from $480 to $500 million).

In response, the team at Morgans updated its forecasts for the EBIT guidance downgrade and higher interest rate environment. 

EBITDA downgrades are relatively small but EPS downgrades are material in the short term given the funding and depreciation costs of CWY's asset base. Target price $2.95/sh. BUY retained. Potential upside catalyst is next Tuesday's strategy briefing.

From the current share price of approximately $2.26, the price target from Morgans indicates an upside potential of 30%. 

Capstone Copper Corp still a buy

Capstone Copper shares also received updated guidance from the team at Morgans. 

The company operates as a copper producer with a diversified portfolio of operating assets focused in the Americas, with an extensive pipeline of near-term organic growth opportunities.

In 2026, its share price has fallen roughly 11.5%. 

However over the last 12 months, it has benefited from rising global copper prices and its stock price is up more than 80% in that span. 

Today, its share price has climbed approximately 1.4%. 

The team at Morgans slightly reduced its share price target for Capstone Copper shares. 

We have adjusted our CY26 production forecasts to better reflect the phasing of maintenance across assets and a revised production mix between cathode and sulphide output at Mantos Blancos and Mantoverde. Net these changes our target price moves to A$15.40ps (previously A$16ps) and we maintain our BUY rating.

From today's share price of $12.84, the updated price target indicates an upside potential of approximately 20%. 

The post What does this broker have to say about Cleanaway Waste Management and Capstone Copper shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

During afternoon trade, the share price fell by 2.2% to $2.28, just a fraction above the 52-week low of $2.23 recorded at the end of March.

So, what's behind the sell-off?

A $20 million hit

It comes down to costs and geopolitics. The ASX stock revealed it expects a $20 million EBIT hit, driven by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and elevated fuel, supplier, and logistics costs.

That has forced management to trim its FY26 earnings guidance, now forecasting EBIT between $460 million and $480 million, down from the previous $480 million to $500 million range.

That downgrade was enough to rattle investors.

Fuel levies, indexed picing

But the situation isn't as straightforward as it first appears. While costs are rising, Cleanaway isn't simply absorbing the hit. The company has built-in protections through contractual cost pass-through mechanisms, allowing the ASX stock to recover a significant portion of higher fuel expenses over time. Many of its customer agreements include fuel levies or indexed pricing, which adjust as input costs change.

There's just a catch — timing. Most of these pricing adjustments don't flow through immediately. Cleanaway expects the bulk of contract repricing to take effect by 1 July 2026, meaning there's a lag between when costs rise and when they are recovered.

That's why the current hit is being framed as largely temporary rather than structural.

No fuel supply issues

Importantly, the company also confirmed there are no fuel supply issues across its operations, despite the volatile global backdrop. It continues to benefit from a long-term strategic partnership with a major fuel supplier, helping secure access to competitively priced fuel during this period of disruption.

Still, uncertainty remains. The Middle East conflict isn't just pushing up costs. It's also weighing on activity levels in that region. Lower project activity has contributed to the earnings impact and could remain a headwind if conditions don't stabilise.

Looking ahead, management of the ASX stock is focused on navigating the volatility. That includes tightening operational efficiency, optimising its fleet, and leveraging procurement strategies to manage costs more effectively.

The expectation is that as fuel markets settle and contracts reset, margins should recover.

What next for the ASX stock?

For now, the market is focused on the near-term hit.

And that's been reflected in the share price performance. Over the past 12 months, Cleanaway shares are down almost 13%, lagging the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has risen around 15% over the same period.

Cleanaway's earnings downgrade has spooked investors, pushing the ASX stock lower. But much of the pressure appears tied to timing and external factors rather than a breakdown in the business model.

If cost recovery flows through as expected, this could prove to be a short-term setback rather than a long-term shift. For now, though, the market isn't waiting around to find out.

The post Why is this $5 billion ASX stock sliding to a 52-week low today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

As we head into the Tuesday lunch hour, all three of the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) stocks are underperforming the current 0.4% gain posted by the benchmark index.

Here's what's happening.

Qantas shares slide on surging jet fuel costs

Qantas shares are slipping today, down 1.3% at time of writing at $8.90 each.

This follows an update this morning in which the ASX 200 airline stock warned that fast rising energy costs are going to impact its full year costs assumptions.

Indeed, since the outbreak of the Iran war, the Brent crude oil price has surged from US$71 per barrel to US$98 per barrel today. Brent crude oil traded near US$113 towards the end of March, having kicked off 2026 at just US$61 per barrel.

And that's going to have a material impact on fuel guzzling jetliners.

How much of an impact will that have on Qantas shares?

Well, enough so that the airline has more than doubled its previous expectations for second half year (H2 2026) jet fuel costs to the range of $3.1 billion to $3.3 billion.

To mitigate the impact of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East on its operations, Qantas said it is taking steps that include international network changes, capacity adjustments and fare increases.

With the current uncertainty in mind, Qantas planned $150 million on-market share buyback has not yet commenced.

Which brings us to…

Cleanaway shares slip on earnings downgrade

Cleanaway shares are also grabbing investor interest today, and for a related reason to Qantas shares.

Shares in the ASX 200 waste management and environmental services company are down 1.1% at time of writing, changing hands for $2.31 apiece.

Investors are bidding down Cleanaway shares after the company announced that it was downgrading full year FY 2026 earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) guidance to between $460 million and $480 million. That's down from prior full year earnings guidance of $480 million to $500 million.

The reason?

You guessed it. The Iran war.

The company estimates earnings will take a full year hit of some  $20 million, catching headwinds from higher fuel prices, increased supplier and logistics costs, and lower Middle East project activity.

Westpac shares in focus amid rising inflation and interest rates

Atop Cleanaway and Qantas shares, investors are tuning into Westpac today after the ASX 200 bank stock released an update detailing items impacting its first-half 2026 (H1 2026) results.

These include, wait for it, the initial impacts of the Middle East conflict.

Westpac noted:

With the supply shock from the energy market disruption expected to result in higher inflation and higher interest rates, an expected slowing in economic growth will create a more challenging environment for some customers.

The bank said its "strong financial position" enables it to support customers during these uncertain times while accelerating the execution of its strategic priorities.

The post Why Westpac, Cleanaway and Qantas shares are catching ASX investor interest on Tuesday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

What did Cleanaway Waste Management report?

• Estimated FY26 EBIT now forecast between $460 million and $480 million (previously $480 million to $500 million)
• Approximately $20 million adverse EBIT impact from higher fuel, supplier and logistics costs, and lower Middle East activity
• Contractual cost pass-through mechanisms helping recover a substantial portion of higher fuel costs
• No reported fuel supply issues across operations despite market volatility
• Cleanaway's pricing structures allow staged cost recovery, with most contracts adjusting by 1 July 2026

What else do investors need to know?

Cleanaway has a long-term strategic partnership in place with a major fuel supplier, ensuring steady access to competitively priced fuel throughout this period of disruption. Cost pass-through mechanisms, such as customer contracts with fuel levies and indexed repricing, support the company in offsetting input cost volatility.

While higher fuel costs are being felt, Cleanaway says most of this impact is timing-related rather than long-term margin pressure. Recovery of elevated fuel costs should occur as contracts are repriced and fuel markets stabilise, though there may be further uncertainty in Middle East project activity.

What's next for Cleanaway Waste Management?

Looking ahead, Cleanaway will keep monitoring fuel markets and trading conditions, particularly any further impacts from the Middle East conflict. Management expects most contracts to reflect fuel price increases by the start of FY27, which should help recover the bulk of the current cost challenges.

The business intends to maintain its focus on operational efficiency, using levers like fleet optimisation and procurement actions to help navigate volatility. Strategic relationships and contractual protections are expected to support resilient long-term performance.

Cleanaway Waste Management share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, the Cleanaway Waste Management share price has declined 10%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 15% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Cleanaway Waste Management trims FY26 outlook on fuel challenges appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More than 400 companies in the ASX All Ords fell yesterday, with some hitting new 52-week lows.

Brokers say these ASX All Ords shares are good buys in today's market.

Here are their 12-month share price targets on each stock.

Objective Corporation Ltd (ASX: OCL)

The Objective Corporation share price fell to a 52-week low of $11.68 on Thursday.

The ASX All Ords tech share is down 29% in the year to date (YTD), and down 22% over the past 12 months.

Following the stock's recent fall, Morgans upgraded its rating from accumulate to buy.

However, the broker reduced its 12-month price target from $20 to $16.70.

Morgans said:

We see tailwinds remaining supportive of OCL's long-term growth momentum.

Generation Development Group Ltd (ASX: GDG)

The Generation Development Group share price fell to a 52-week low of $3.71 yesterday.

The ASX All Ords financial share is down 35% YTD, and down 21% over the past 12 months.

Morgans recently retained its buy rating but reduced its 12-month price target from $7.97 to $6.66.

The broker said:

We believe GDG has a great story, and management has executed well over time.

Jumbo Interactive Ltd (ASX: JIN)

The Jumbo Interactive share price dropped to a 52-week trough of $7.66 yesterday.

This ASX All Ords gaming share has fallen 32% YTD, and is down 25% over the past 12 months.

Jarden has a buy rating on Jumbo Interactive shares with a price target of $12.70.

Cleanaway Waste Management Ltd (ASX: CWY)

The Cleanaway Waste Management share price fell to a 52-week low of $2.31 on Thursday.

The ASX All Ords industrials share has fallen 11% YTD, and dropped 9% over 12 months.

Morgans has a buy rating with a 12-month price target of $3.11.

The broker commented:

1H26 was a mixed bag, with a minor bottom-of-the-range EBIT guidance upgrade.

Next catalyst is the investor strategy day planned for 21 April.

Earnings forecast adjustments are minimal, cashflow downgrades more material.

Sonic Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SHL)

The Sonic Healthcare share price fell to a 52-week low of $20.50 on Thursday.

The ASX All Ords healthcare share has deteriorated 8% YTD and 20% over the past year.

Macquarie has an outperform rating on Sonic Healthcare with a price target of $27.50.

Saluda Medical Inc (ASX: SLD)

Fellow ASX All Ords healthcare share, Saluda Medical, dropped to a 52-week low of 80 cents yesterday.

The Saluda Medical share price has tumbled 42% YTD, and is down 35% over 12 months.

Morgans has a speculative buy rating with a 12-month price target of $3.07.

The broker said:

1H26 showed solid revenue momentum, improving margins, and continued expansion of the US sales force, supporting confidence in a stronger 2H.

Reiteration of FY26 revenue guidance (US$85m) added further comfort and now expects to exceed IPO metrics for gross margin, adjusted EBITDA and cash burn.

The post 6 ASX All Ords shares at 52-week lows: Experts say buy 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 rise

The Australian share market looks set to rise again on Wednesday despite a poor night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 33 points or 0.4% higher. In late trade in the United States, the Dow Jones is down 0.05%, the S&P 500 is down 0.25%, and the Nasdaq is 0.1% lower.

Oil prices sink again

ASX 200 energy shares Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) could have a poor session on Wednesday after oil prices sank overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 8.6% to US$86.63 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 8.4% to US$90.65 a barrel. Optimism over a resumption of supply from the Strait of Hormuz put pressure on prices.

ASX 200 shares going ex-div

Another group of ASX 200 shares are going ex-dividend today and could trade lower. This includes supply chain solutions company Brambles Ltd (ASX: BXB), appliance manufacturer Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG), waste management company Cleanaway Waste Management Ltd (ASX: CWY), and mining technology company Imdex Ltd (ASX: IMD). Breville is paying eligible shareholders a 19 cents per share fully franked interim dividend later this month on 27 March.

Gold price jumps

ASX 200 gold shares such as Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a good session on Wednesday after the gold price jumped overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is up 1.9% to US$5,201.7 an ounce. Easing inflation worries and US dollar weakness were drivers of this gain.

Buy Eagers Automotive shares

Eagers Automotive Ltd (ASX: APE) shares are good value according to analysts at Bell Potter. This morning, the broker has upgraded the automotive retailer's shares to a buy rating with a $28.50 price target. It said: "Our updated TP of $28.50 is >15% premium to the share price so we upgrade our recommendation from Hold to Buy. Yes, we acknowledge Eagers is consumer facing but we see resilience in the both the new and used vehicle market in Australia as well as Canada."

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

For you to be entitled to a stock's next dividend, you must own it before its ex-dividend date.

Here are some of the ASX shares going ex-dividend next week.

ASX shares with ex-dividend dates next week

The post 32 ASX shares about to go ex-dividend appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

We've picked three of these that stand out from the pack as providing potential large returns for shareholders.

So let's see what they are.

AUB Group Ltd (ASX: AUB)

This is an ASX 200 company that operates retail and wholesale insurance brokers and underwriting agencies globally.

The company's shares are currently trading at $23.45, not far off their 12-month lows of $22.72 and a long way from the highs of $40.28 reached over the past year.

AUB last month reported a 14% increase in net profit and raised its FY26 profit guidance to $220 to $230 million, representing 9.9% to 14.9% growth over FY25.

The Macquarie team said the result beat consensus forecasts across all segments except New Zealand, with the other segments outperforming.

They added that the company "offers attractive growth at a valuation discount'', and they have a price target of $35.81 on AUB shares, while also forecasting a 4% dividend yield.

Cleanaway Waste Management Ltd (ASX: CWY)

This ASX 200 waste management company reported first-half results ahead of expectations, Macquarie said, while also tightening its full-year earnings expectations from $470 to $500 million to $480 to $500 million.

The Macquarie team said they think that "earnings momentum should inflect", with Cleanaway Management commenting on a favourable backdrop from project work and favourable price dynamics.

The Macquarie team added:

Margin improvement in Solid Waste is a key indicator of the better operating efficiencies resulting from improvement interventions. Health Services was a key disappointment, which is expected to see a 2H improvement. Contract Resources is bedding down well. Cost-out is progressing.

Macquarie has a price target of $3.40 on Cleanaway shares, compared with a price of $2.54 currently, and is forecasting a full-year dividend yield of 2.8%.

Capstone Copper Corp (ASX: CSC)

Capstone Copper's recently-released EBITDA of US$308 million was in line with consensus estimates, Macquarie said, but the net profit of US$79 million was 28% lower than expected due to higher tax expenses.  

Macquarie said they saw value in the company because its shares were trading at an implied copper price that was well below the spot price.

After running the ruler over Capstone's first-half results, Macquarie downgraded its price target on Capstone shares by only 1% to $15.40, which compares to $13.20 currently.

Macquarie said the current valuation was "not demanding''.

The post Three stocks to buy for double-digit returns, according to Macquarie appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The analyst teams at Macquarie, Barrenjoey and Morgans have all had a look at the result, and all three believe the shares are currently trading at a discount.

Results beat expectations

We'll get to where they think the shares will go later, but first, let's have a look at the profit result.

Cleanaway this week reported first-half revenue of $2.205 billion, up 13.7%, driven by the strong performance of its solid waste segment, the company said.

Profit from operations fell 21.2% to $137.2 million, with this result including $91 million in one-off items, while underlying net profit was 17.8% higher at $109.7 million.

Cleanaway also boosted its interim dividend by 19.6% to 3.35 cents per share, fully franked.

Cleanaway Managing Director Mark Schubert said regarding the result:

We are pleased to upgrade our FY26 underlying EBIT guidance to between $480 million and $500 million following a robust first half and outlook. This upgrade to guidance demonstrates both the underlying strength of our business and the delivery on commitments we have made to shareholders to build a stronger, more profitable business. We have a track record of growing revenue, expanding margins, improving capital efficiency, and returning value to shareholders, and we have a strategy and plan to continue this performance in the years ahead. Our refreshed strategy is designed to deliver strong and growing free cash flow.

The previous EBIT guidance range was for earnings of $470 to $500 million.

Mr Schubert said the new strategy would deliver "at least" $35 million in annualised cost savings from FY27, "with initial benefits of $15 million to be realised in the second half of FY26''.

Cleanaway shares looking cheap

Now to the brokers, and Barrenjoey is the least bullish on the company, with a neutral rating and a 12-month price target of $2.80 on Cleanaway shares, compared with $2.55 currently.

Barrenjoey said the company's EBIT of $228 million was 3% ahead of consensus expectations, but it had reduced its price target to $3 due to changes in cash flow forecasts.

Over at Morgans, they have a price target of $3.11 on Cleanaway shares, saying the result was a mixed bag and the next catalyst for the shares would be Cleanaway's investor day, which will be held in April.

Morgans said the strong performance of the solid waste services division, which contributes about 75% of earnings, was a positive.

And lastly, the Macquarie team has the most bullish price target on Cleanaway shares at $3.40.

Macquarie said the valuation was looking attractive given the company's growth prospects and, "visibility is improving as conditions firm, efficiency gains momentum and cost-out accelerates''.

The post This waste management company should deliver double-digit returns according to three brokers appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

After launching into positive territory with gusto this morning, the ASX 200 spent the entire day there, closing 0.51% higher at 9,175.3 points. That's after the index clocked a new all-time high of 9,202.9 points during intra-day trading.

This euphoric session for Australian investors follows a similarly happy morning over on Wall Street.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was in fine form, rising 0.63%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was more enthusiastic, gaining a solid 1.26%.

But let's return to the local markets now and dive deeper into how today's market optimism has trickled down into the different ASX sectors.

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

That ASX 200 stock is Cleanaway Waste Management Ltd (ASX: CWY).

Cleanaway is, as its name implies, one of the ASX's largest waste management stocks. It provides an extensive network of waste management services across Australia.

As we covered this morning, this ASX 200 stock reported some pretty impressive numbers for the six months ending 31 December 2025.

Cleanaway revealed that it enjoyed revenues of $1.88 billion over the period, which was a 13% rise over the same period in 2024. Underlying earnings were up 16.9% to $228.2 million, while underlying net profit after tax surged 17.8% to $109.7 million.

Clearly, investors were impressed, seeing as the Cleanaway stock price is currently up a robust 7.92% at $2.59.

But it's the new Cleanaway dividend that might be the most impressive metric in this earnings report.

This ASX 200 stock just hiked its dividend by 20%

Cleanaway has just revealed that its interim dividend for 2026 will be worth 3.35 cents per share. This is a significant payout for a few reasons. Firstly, it represents a happy 19.6% rise over 2025's interim dividend, which was worth 2.8 cents per share. It's also an increase over last year's final dividend of 3.2 cents per share.

This dividend is also the largest Cleanaway has paid out in almost two decades. Considering the company was a very different beast back in 2008 (the last time Cleanaway paid out a dividend larger than the one announced today), we could arguably say this is the ASX 200 stock's largest-ever dividend.

Cleanaway's latest payout will be fully franked. It represents a payout ratio of 68.4% of Cleanaway's underlying profits.

Cleanaway shares will trade ex-dividend on 11 March for this payment. The dividend will then land in eligible shareholders' bank accounts on 16 April.

Today, Cleanaway shares are trading at a trailing dividend yield of 2.32% (at the time of writing). However, this new dividend means we can now give this ASX 200 stock a forward dividend yield of 2.53%.

The post This ASX 200 stock just boosted its dividend by 20% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

What did Cleanaway Waste Management report?

• Net revenue up 13.0% to $1,875.3 million
• Underlying EBIT up 16.9% to $228.2 million
• Underlying net profit after tax up 17.8% to $109.7 million
• Underlying EBIT margin improved by 40 basis points to 12.2%
• Interim fully franked dividend of 3.35 cents per share, up 19.6%
• Statutory EBIT down 21.2% to $137.2 million due to significant one-off items

What else do investors need to know?

The company's upgraded FY26 underlying EBIT guidance, now expected between $480 million and $500 million, reflects strong operational momentum and early integration benefits from the Contract Resources acquisition. The Solid Waste Services segment delivered earnings and margin growth, supported by robust price discipline, labour productivity improvements, and lower fleet costs.

Cleanaway rolled out advanced AI pedestrian detection technology and in-vehicle monitoring systems across its fleet, furthering its focus on health, safety, and efficiency. The company maintained its capital expenditure guidance and remains on track with key projects, including integrating recent acquisitions.

What did Cleanaway Waste Management management say?

Cleanaway CEO & Managing Director Mark Schubert said:

We are pleased to upgrade our FY26 underlying EBIT guidance to between $480 million and $500 million following a robust first-half and outlook. This upgrade to guidance demonstrates both the underlying strength of our business and the delivery on commitments we have made to shareholders to build a stronger, more profitable business. Our core solid waste business delivered earnings growth and margin expansion. Price increases, strong contract management, improved labour productivity and lower fleet costs drove the result. The period included a five-month contribution from Contract Resources that exceeded our expectations. Having built positive momentum in the first half, we are confident that earnings and free cash flow will accelerate in the second half.

What's next for Cleanaway Waste Management?

Looking ahead, Cleanaway expects positive earnings growth in the second half of FY26, driven by organic volume and price growth, benefits from recent acquisitions, and the first phase of indirect cost reduction. The company will continue to focus on strategy execution, efficiency improvements, and synergy delivery from acquisitions. An investor strategy briefing is planned for April 2026, with the aim of sustaining free cash flow growth and returns through 2030.

Cleanaway Waste Management share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Cleanaway Waste Management shares have risen 2%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 11% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Cleanaway Waste Management reports half-year profit and upgrades FY26 guidance appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

On Wednesday, the Cleanaway share price fell 2.03% to $2.41, after touching an intraday low of $2.38. That marks the lowest closing price for the stock since early November 2023 and extends its recent slide to around 7% over the past month.

The move comes despite Cleanaway operating in a traditionally defensive sector, where earnings are usually more resilient during periods of economic uncertainty.

What does Cleanaway actually do

Cleanaway is Australia's largest waste management and environmental services provider. The company employs more than 10,000 people and operates across over 350 sites in Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East.

Its services include municipal waste collection, recycling, landfill operations, liquid waste treatment and industrial services. Because waste still needs to be collected regardless of economic conditions, Cleanaway is typically viewed as a defensive industrial stock.

Why the share price is under pressure

There has been no single negative announcement behind the latest drop. Instead, a combination of smaller factors appears to be weighing on investor sentiment.

Brokers have pointed to softer trading conditions early in FY26, which has tempered near term expectations. As a result, earnings are now expected to skew more heavily toward the second half of the year.

Cleanaway has also underperformed the broader S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) over the past year. That kind of underperformance often pushes investors toward stronger stocks and can reinforce selling pressure.

A look at the share price

The chart shows Cleanaway shares remain in a clear downtrend.

The stock is trading below its long-term moving averages and recently broke below support in the mid $2.40 range. The $2.38 level now becomes an important area to watch. If that level holds, it could signal that selling pressure is easing.

In addition, the relative strength index (RSI) is moving toward levels that often suggest a stock is becoming oversold.

The fundamentals still look steady

Despite the weak share price, Cleanaway's underlying business remains relatively stable.

Analysts are forecasting modest revenue and earnings growth over the coming years, supported by population growth, infrastructure activity and increasing environmental regulation. The company continues to focus on operational efficiency and cost control.

The dividend yield sits around 3%, which is not huge but has been reasonably consistent. While is not a high growth stock, it does offer predictable cash flows compared with many other industrial businesses.

What brokers think

Broker sentiment remains broadly supportive. Several major brokers currently rate Cleanaway as a 'buy' or 'outperform', with price targets generally clustered between $3.10 and $3.30.

From current levels, that implies potential upside of roughly 30%, assuming earnings recover as expected.

Some analysts also highlight the strategic value of Cleanaway's assets, noting that waste management infrastructure is difficult to replicate.

Foolish takeaway

The downtrend may not be over yet, but current prices may appeal to investors seeking exposure to a defensive industrial business with steady demand.

Some patience may be required, though the recent pullback could prove attractive for longer term investors.

The post This ASX 200 defensive stock just hit a multi-year low. Buy the dip or stay away? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

That's because analysts at Morgans have just named two ASX 200 shares as buys with the potential to rise strongly from current levels.

Here's what the broker is recommending:

Amcor (ASX: AMC)

Morgans sees a lot of value in this packaging company's shares following its 5:1 share consolidation.

In response to the consolidation, the broker has retained its buy rating and updated its price target to $76.00. Based on its current share price of $63.76, this implies potential upside of almost 20% between now and this time next year.

It highlights that the ASX 200 share is trading on very low forecast earnings multiples with a generous forward dividend yield. It said:

Following AMC's recent 5:1 share consolidation, we update our per share estimates (EPS and DPS) to reflect the new share count. Our underlying earnings forecasts change marginally (between 0-1%), largely reflecting updates to FX assumptions. Our target price increases to $76.00 (from $15.20 previously) following the share consolidation.

With a 12-month forecast TSR of 21%, we maintain our BUY rating. Following AMC's solid 1Q26 result, management's increased confidence in delivering FY26 synergy targets, and the reaffirmation of FY26 guidance, we believe the outlook remains positive. Trading on 10x FY27F PE with a 5.8% yield, we continue to view the valuation as attractive. AMC is due to report its 1H26 result in early February.

Cleanaway Waste Management Ltd (ASX: CWY)

Another ASX 200 share that Morgans is positive on this week is waste management leader Cleanaway.

It has upgraded its shares to a buy rating with a $3.11 price target. This implies potential upside of 23% for investors over the next 12 months before dividends.

Morgans sees scope for even more upside should Cleanaway become a takeover target in the future. In light of this, it sees recent share price weakness as a buy rating opportunity for investors.

Commenting on the ASX 200 share, the broker said:

We update our FY26 half-year earnings splits ahead of CWY's 1H26 result on 26 February. 12 month target price unchanged at $3.11/sh. Valuation upside is evident from the takeover bid for QUB that implies a takeover value for CWY of c.$4/sh. Given CWY's recent share price weakness we upgrade from ACCUMULATE to BUY, with total potential return of c.25% at current prices.

The post Morgans says these ASX 200 shares can rise 20%+ appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.