Catapult Sports Ltd (ASX: CAT), EBOS Group Ltd (ASX: EBO), and DigiCo Infrastructure REIT (ASX: DGT) slid between roughly 4.3% and 11% after it was announced they will be removed from the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) later this month.

Index removals can trigger selling pressure as exchange-traded funds and index funds that track the benchmark are forced to offload the stocks. While the move doesn't change the underlying businesses, it can still create short-term volatility.

Here's a closer look at the 3 affected ASX shares.

Catapult Sports: Struggle to deliver consistent profits

This ASX share has lost 51% of its value over 6 months to just $1 billion. Catapult develops performance analytics technology used by professional sports teams around the world. Its wearable tracking devices and video analysis software are widely used across leagues such as the NFL, NBA, and English Premier League.

Catapult operates in a niche but rapidly growing market. As professional sports become increasingly data-driven, demand for performance analytics continues to expand.

The company also benefits from a recurring software revenue model. Subscription income from teams using its analytics platforms helps provide more predictable revenue compared with traditional hardware businesses.

Despite its growth potential, Catapult has historically struggled to consistently deliver strong profits. Investors remain sensitive to execution risk as the company balances growth investments with improving margins.

Another risk is its relatively small size compared with many ASX 200 companies. Smaller technology firms can experience larger share price swings, particularly when sentiment toward growth stocks weakens.

Ebos Group: Defensive business, thin margins

Ebos Group is one of the largest healthcare and pharmaceutical distributors across Australia and New Zealand. The ASX share also owns a growing portfolio of animal care and healthcare brands.

Ebos operates in a defensive sector. Demand for pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, and healthcare services tends to remain relatively stable regardless of broader economic conditions.

The company has also grown significantly through acquisitions, building a diversified healthcare distribution network and expanding its product portfolio across both human and animal health markets.

Strong cash flow generation has helped support consistent dividends, making the stock popular with income-focused investors.

Despite its defensive positioning, Ebos operates on relatively thin margins typical of the distribution sector. Rising costs or pricing pressure from suppliers could impact profitability.

The $3.8 billion ASX share has tumbled 31% in the past 6 months and 22% so far in 2026.

DigiCo Infrastructure REIT: Focus on data centre capacity

DigiCo Infrastructure REIT is a relatively new ASX share and focuses on digital infrastructure assets. It particularly targets data centres that support cloud computing and growing data demand.

Digital infrastructure has become a critical part of the global economy. Rapid growth in cloud services, artificial intelligence, and data storage is driving strong long-term demand for data centre capacity.

As a newer listing, DigiCo has a shorter track record compared with many established ASX infrastructure companies. That can make it harder for investors to assess long-term performance.

Since being listed in December 2024, the ASX share has dropped steadily with 64% to $1.81. DigiCo's market capitalisation has been reduced to just $1 billion.

Foolish Takeaway

Being removed from the ASX 200 Index can create short-term selling pressure, but it doesn't necessarily change a company's long-term prospects.

For investors willing to look beyond the index reshuffle, Catapult Sports, Ebos Group, and DigiCo Infrastructure REIT may still be worth watching closely.

The post 3 ASX shares slide after being cut from the ASX 200 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Catapult Sports Ltd (ASX: CAT)

The Catapult Sports share price is down 11% to $3.53. Investors have been selling this sports technology company's shares after it was kicked out of the ASX 200 index at the quarterly rebalance. Also leaving the benchmark index are DigiCo Infrastructure REIT (ASX: DGT) and EBOS Group Ltd (ASX: EBO). They will be replaced by gold miner Predictive Discovery Ltd (ASX: PDI), engineering services company SRG Global Ltd (ASX: SRG), and lithium developer Vulcan Energy Resources Ltd (ASX: VUL).

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

The CBA share price is down 4% to $165.50. This banking giant and the rest of the big four banks have been caught up in the market selloff on Monday. It is possible that investors are concerned that the spike in oil prices could cause inflation to jump. This could force the Reserve Bank of Australia to increase interest rates higher than expected, which would put pressure on mortgage holders.

Dyno Nobel Ltd (ASX: DNL)

The Dyno Nobel share price is down over 11% to $3.00. This morning, this explosives company announced a binding agreement for the sale of Phosphate Hill to a subsidiary of Mayfair Australia Corporation for just a single dollar. However, up to $100 million will be payable to Dyno Nobel subject to certain conditions and meeting certain performance hurdles. Dyno Nobel's CEO, Mauro Neves, said: "The sale of Phosphate Hill to Mayfair is an important milestone that concludes our separation from the Fertilisers business. This transaction delivers the certainty that we have been working towards and allows us to fully focus on our future as a global explosives leader."

Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN)

The Qantas Airways share price is down 5.8% to $8.40. Investors have been selling the airline operator's shares on Monday in response to surging oil prices. Given that fuel is the company's largest operating expense, a significant rise could have a major impact on its profits in the near term. So much so, if things remain the same way, it is quite likely that analysts will start downgrading their earnings estimates for Qantas.

The post Why Catapult Sports, CBA, Dyno Nobel, and Qantas shares are sinking today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

As we approach the end of the first quarter, the index provider has just revealed the changes that it will be making to the ASX 200 index effective prior to the open of trading on Monday 23 March.

This has seen three ASX 200 shares dumped from the benchmark index.

Which ASX 200 shares are being dumped?

According to the release, sports technology company Catapult Sports Ltd (ASX: CAT), data centre operator DigiCo Infrastructure REIT (ASX: DGT), and pharmacy wholesaler EBOS Group Ltd (ASX: EBO) are leaving the ASX 200 index later this month.

They are being kicked out after their share prices dropped to a level that took them below the threshold required to remain in the index.

Catapult shares are down almost 40% over the past six months, giving the company a market capitalisation of $1.23 billion.

DigiCo Infrastructure REIT shares are down 50% since this time last year, dragging its market capitalisation to $1.12 billion.

Finally, New Zealand-based EBOS' shares are down almost 44% over the past 12 months. However, its exit could be more due to relative liquidity (tradability), rather than market capitalisation.

Which shares are joining the index?

S&P Dow Jones Indices has named gold miner Predictive Discovery Ltd (ASX: PDI), engineering and construction services provider SRG Global Ltd (ASX: SRG), and lithium developer Vulcan Energy Resources Ltd (ASX: VUL) as their replacements.

Predictive Discovery shares are up 185% over the past 12 months, lifting its market capitalisation to $2.41 billion.

SRG Global's shares have risen by 120%, giving it a market capitalisation of $1.7 billion.

Finally, Vulcan Energy Resources shares are only up 11% since this time last year but have a market capitalisation of $1.73 billion and a much stronger balance sheet than a year ago.

What other changes are being made?

Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) shares are joining the exclusive ASX 20 index in place of Santos Ltd (ASX: STO).

Light & Wonder Inc (ASX: LNW) and PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS) are joining the ASX 50 index, with TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE) and Seek Ltd (ASX: SEK) heading out.

Lastly, gold miners Greatland Resources Ltd (ASX: GGP), Regis Resources Ltd (ASX: RRL), and Westgold Resources Ltd (ASX: WGX) are being added to the ASX 100 index. They are replacing Lendlease Group (ASX: LLC), Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL), and Pinnacle Investment Management Group Ltd (ASX: PNI).

The post 3 shares dumped from the ASX 200 index (and 3 new additions) appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

ASX 200 expected to sink

The Australian share market looks set for a disappointing start to the week following declines on Wall Street on Friday. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 156 points or 1.75% lower. In the United States, the Dow Jones was down 0.95%, the S&P 500 dropped 1.3%, and the Nasdaq tumbled 1.6%.

Oil prices surge

It could be a very positive start to the week for ASX 200 energy shares Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) after oil prices surged on Friday night. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price was up 12.2% to US$90.90 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price was up 8.5% to US$92.69 a barrel. This meant that oil futures rallied 35% for the week, which is the biggest gain in futures trading history.

ASX 200 shares going ex-div

A couple of ASX 200 shares are going ex-dividend this morning and could trade lower. These are entertainment giant Nine Entertainment Co Holdings Ltd (ASX: NEC) and private hospital operator Ramsay Health Care Ltd (ASX: RHC). The latter will be paying its shareholders a fully franked 42.5 cents per share interim dividend later this month on 26 March.

Gold price rises

ASX 200 gold shares Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a good start to the week after the gold price pushed higher on Friday night. According to CNBC, the gold futures price was up 1.6% to US$5,158.7 an ounce. The precious metal rose after US economic data wasn't supportive of rate hikes.

ASX 200 rebalance

S&P Dow Jones Indices has announced changes in the S&P/ASX Indices, effective prior to the open of trade on March 23 following its quarterly review. Catapult Sports Ltd (ASX: CAT), DigiCo Infrastructure REIT (ASX: DGT), and EBOS Group Ltd (ASX: EBO) shares are being dumped from the index. Replacing them will be Predictive Discovery Ltd (ASX: PDI), SRG Global Ltd (ASX: SRG), and Vulcan Energy Resources Ltd (ASX: VUL).

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

• Ebos Group Ltd (ASX: EBO) posted half year results on Wednesday
• Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) posted half year results on Wednesday
• Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) released full year results on Tuesday. 

The reaction to these results was mostly positive, with Fortescue and Woodside Energy shares rising more than 4% following their respective announcements.

Meanwhile, Ebos Group shares stayed flat. 

Here's a quick recap of what each company posted, and how experts reacted. 

Ebos Group Ltd (ASX: EBO)

Ebos Group saw its revenue increase by 13.0% to $6.77 billion (HY25: $5.99 billion). 

Additionally, underlying EBITDA increased 3.2% to $300 million, Net Profit After Tax (statutory) rose 13.0% to $125 million and the company announced an interim dividend of NZ 57.0 cents per share. 

Following the result, the team at Morgans released updated guidance on the healthcare stock. 

The broker said 1H26 result was broadly in line with expectations. 

EBO is coming to the end of the heavy investment phase upgrading its DC network and operational efficiencies will start to be seen across the business. Other 1H26 highlights include: strong LFL sales across the TWC network up 8.8% driven in part by greater GLP-1 uptake and shift to higher value medicines; stable market share (29%) in pharmacy wholesaling; and solid performance in animal care.

As a result the broker has lowered its price target to $28.07 (previously $34.82). 

However, it maintained a buy recommendation. 

From yesterday's closing price of $20.01, this indicates a healthy upside of approximately 40.28%. 

Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG)

Fortescue shares climbed yesterday after the company reported record H1 iron ore shipments alongside a 23% lift in underlying EBITDA.

It also reported revenue of US$8.4 billion, up 10%, and a fully franked interim dividend of $0.62 per share, 24% higher than prior interim. 

However while investors gobbled up Fortescue shares, Morgans appear to be less optimistic. 

The hematite business delivered a 5% EBITDA beat; the problem is what happens to the cash after that. A strong hematite result, but 43% of group capex is directed to activities generating zero current earnings, compressing FCF conversion to 48% and ROCE to 19%. NPAT miss reflects rising capital intensity, with a sharp rise in D&A. Dividend solid at A$0.62/share. Post recent pullback we upgrade to HOLD.

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

Woodside Energy shares have also been storming higher this week. 

On Tuesday, the company reported record annual production of 198.8 million barrels of oil equivalent for 2025, with a final dividend of US59 cents per share.

Its share price is now up more than 19% year to date. 

Responding to the result, Morgans said it came in ahead of consensus on both NPAT and dividend. 

Yet another half where WDS outperforms on opex and net debt balance. We see a clear case for value upside remaining in WDS, from a recovering oil price, solid project delivery and FCF harvest as projects come on (CY27-29). We retain our BUY rating, with an upgraded A$30.50 (was A$29.80).

From yesterday's closing price of $28.24, this revised price target indicates an upside of 8%. 

The post How do experts view Fortescue, Ebos Group and Woodside Energy shares after earnings? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

What did EBOS Group report?

• Revenue rose 13.0% to $6.77 billion (HY25: $5.99 billion)
• Underlying EBITDA increased 3.2% to $300 million
• Net Profit After Tax (statutory) up 13.0% to $125 million
• Interim dividend maintained at NZ 57.0 cents per share
• Leverage ratio of 2.2x, within target range
• Healthcare EBITDA up 1.3% to $254 million; Animal Care EBITDA up 15.1% to $68 million

What else do investors need to know?

EBOS' Healthcare division delivered revenue growth, helped by continued customer wins, demand for high-value medicines, and expansion into medical technology and pharmacy networks. The major distribution centre renewal program is nearing completion, with six of eight new sites now operational—including its largest at Kemps Creek in Sydney, which is expected to generate further productivity gains.

Animal Care posted strong growth thanks to the successful acquisition and integration of vet wholesaler SVS and Next Generation Pet Foods, which contributed to a 48.3% jump in segment revenue. Retail Pharmacy Brands also expanded, with the acquisition of MediAdvice and digital engagement initiatives boosting network performance.

The company maintained a disciplined approach to capital management, successfully refinancing debt and keeping leverage within stated targets. The dividend reinvestment plan remains active, giving shareholders flexibility as the group wraps up its current capital investment cycle.

What did EBOS Group management say?

EBOS Group CEO, Adam Hall, said:

Our HY26 performance demonstrates the resilience and diversification of our portfolio as we continue to execute with discipline. We delivered strong revenue growth and reaffirmed our EBITDA guidance, supported by solid customer demand and the early benefits from our strategic investments. This sets us up well for H2 FY26, with additional opportunities from new stores and new products, as well as nearing the end of the current capital investment cycle.

What's next for EBOS Group?

Looking ahead, management has reaffirmed FY26 EBITDA guidance and anticipates further improvement in the second half as productivity and utilisation continue to ramp up. The completion of the distribution centre program in FY26 is expected to improve efficiency and set up a multi-year growth runway, while capex is forecast to fall by around 30% in FY27, supporting stronger cash flows.

EBOS remains focused on its growth strategies for each division, including expanding distribution scale in healthcare, digital engagement in retail pharmacy, innovation in animal care, and medical technology expansion both in Australia/New Zealand and Southeast Asia.

EBOS Group share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, EBOS Group shares have declined 42%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 9% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post EBOS Group posts rising revenue and EBITDA in HY26, keeps dividend steady appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

But some shares are expected to far outpace the index this year. Here are three ASX 200 shares I have my eye on, and analysts are tipping upside of 50% to 60% each!

Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL)

Aristocrat is an Australian gaming technology company licensed in around 340 gaming jurisdictions in more than 100 countries.

Its shares are trading in the green on Tuesday afternoon. At the time of writing, the shares are up 0.58% to $52.31. For the year to date, the shares are 8.61% lower, and they're down 29.25% on the year. 

The gaming company has suffered headwinds from a strengthening Australian dollar this year, but analysts are confident that the business has some great growth prospects ahead.

Analysts are optimistic that the ASX 200 stock can turn its shares around over the next 12 months. 

Data shows a buy consensus among analysts, with a maximum upside of $82.20 per share, implying a potential 56.98% upside at the time of writing.

CAR Group Ltd (ASX: CAR)

CAR is a global digital marketplace business, headquartered in Australia. It operates well-known automotive websites like carsales, Encar, and Trader Interactive. 

The company posted solid revenue and earnings growth in its FY26 half-year result, and reaffirmed its full-year guidance. But a wider market sell-off and overall sector weakness have pushed the stock lower through the first month of 2026. 

At the time of writing, the shares are 1.93% higher at $27.43 each. For the year to date, they've fallen 11.14% and they're now a huge 28.49% lower than this time last year.

But analysts are very optimistic that the share price will see a strong push over the next 12 months. The maximum target price is $42.20, which implies a potential 53.79% upside at the time of writing. 

Ebos Group Ltd (ASX: EBO)

Ebos is the largest pharmaceutical wholesaler and distributor across Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia. The company provides pharmaceutical and wellness products to community pharmacies, public and private hospitals, day surgeries, general practices, aged care facilities, and specialist clinics.

The company is a fairly new player on the ASX 200, after its shares entered the index on the 22nd of September. In August last year, the ASX 200 healthcare stock crashed 14% to a 4-year low after investors were spooked by declines posted in its FY25 results. 

Since entering the index in September, its shares have tumbled another 14%. At the time of writing, the shares are up 0.37% to $21.98 a piece.

But now, some analysts see the oversold stock as severely undervalued. 

Data shows that five out of 9 analysts have a buy or strong buy rating on Ebos shares. Another two have a hold rating, and two have a sell rating. The maximum target price is $34.82, which implies a 58.34% upside at the time of writing. 

The post 3 ASX 200 shares tipped to storm 50% to 60% higher this year appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The shares in the company, which has divisions across human and animal healthcare, are trading at $22.30 at the moment, not far off their 12-month lows of $21.61, and well below their highs over the period of $38.23.

The company's shares took a tumble around the time of their full-year results release last year.

Since then, they have drifted lower, despite some optimistic remarks from management at the annual general meeting in late October.

Reset underway

Chair Elizabeth Coutts pointed out at the time that the company "operate(s) in attractive markets with supportive megatrends across both our healthcare and animal care segments and EBOS' diversified portfolio positions us well for long term growth''.

She added:

Having said that, we are operating in an environment influenced by near-term macro pressures which we do need to work through.

Ms Coutts said the company was "a leading pharmaceutical wholesaler in Australia, and the largest in New Zealand, and one of New Zealand and Australia's largest healthcare-focussed contract logistics providers''.

We are New Zealand and Australia's largest hospital medicines wholesaler, and one of the largest independent medical technology distributors across New Zealand, Australia, and Southeast Asia. In Animal Care, we operate New Zealand and Australia's largest dry dog food brand by volume in the pet specialty category, and leading vet wholesale businesses in both countries.

But Ms Coutts warned that after a solid result in FY25, "the current financial year is set to be a year of transition, as we manage the near-term macro pressures''.

She added:

We will focus on positioning our business for the future by making considered and disciplined investments and achieving operational efficiencies from our investments, enabling us to continue to meet market growth and gain market share. As we then look to FY27 and outer years, we will see the benefits of our distribution centre renewal program which will be substantially completed this year.

Shares looking cheap

Macquarie has issued a research note on the business ahead of its results on February 25, and the analyst team said they believed the company was well-placed to pleasantly surprise the market.

The Macquarie team said risks around catalysts were "skewed to the upside'', and benefits from investments in distribution centres would begin to flow in the current half year.

Macquarie has a price target of NZ$39.78 ($34.16) for the dual-listed company's shares, and, when combined with a dividend yield of 5%, they expect a total shareholder return of 60.5%.

The post Ahead of its earnings results, Macquarie reckons this healthcare company is severely undervalued appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Ebos Group has been hit by weak earnings and lost contracts, while Premier Investments has suffered from soft consumer spending and patchy retail conditions.

After multi-year lows, are both ASX 200 shares now in turnaround mode?

Ebos Group Ltd (ASX: EBO)

The ASX 200 share is a major supplier of healthcare, pharmaceutical and animal care products across Australia and New Zealand. The Ebos Group sits deep in the healthcare supply chain, servicing hospitals, pharmacies, aged-care facilities and veterinary clinics. The TerryWhite Chemmart chain is probably the most recognisable Ebos businesses.

The healthcare division has traditionally provided stability, but recent years have exposed vulnerabilities. Margin pressure in pharmacy distribution and the loss of a major customer have weighed heavily on earnings and sentiment of the ASX 200 share.

Still, Ebos retains important strengths. Its operations are diversified, and demand for healthcare products is structurally supported by ageing populations. The company is also investing heavily in new distribution infrastructure.

These upgrades are hurting short-term cash flow but are designed to improve efficiency and margins over time. The next couple of years are likely to be transitional. A serious recovery depends heavily on successful execution and a stabilisation in competitive pressures.

Brokers are cautiously optimistic that the board of the ASX 200 healthcare stock can turn things around. Most market-watchers rate Ebos a buy or even a strong buy.

The average 12-months price target is $29.53, almost 32% higher than the company's record low of $22.28 at the start of the week.

Premier Investments Ltd (ASX: PMV)

Premier Investments faces a very different challenge. The retail company owns well-known retail brands such as Peter Alexander, Smiggle and Just Jeans, making it far more exposed to discretionary spending.

With households cutting back, sales growth has slowed and earnings expectations have been revised lower. Smiggle, once a standout performer, has been a particular drag on results of this ASX 200 share.

Despite this, Premier is far from broken. The ASX 200 share has a strong balance sheet, valuable brands and the financial flexibility to return capital to shareholders. Peter Alexander continues to perform relatively well.

Management has also shown a willingness to support the share price through buybacks. A recovery, however, will likely depend on an improvement in consumer confidence and a turnaround in underperforming divisions.

Analysts are not all doom and gloom, despite the share exploring new depths at $13.05 this week.

The target price for the ASX 200 share ranges between $14 and $28.96, pointing to an upside between 6% and a whopping 119%. However, the average 12-month target price is $19.43, implying a potential gain of 47%.

The post Can these 2 ASX 200 shares rebound after reaching record lows? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Historically, Australia's benchmark index has risen roughly 9% per year. 

However, this year, it has risen by approximately 4.7%. 

While it's certainly not a bad year by historical standards (2018 and 2020 were significantly worse), investors with large exposure to ASX 200 companies will undoubtedly have seen some individual shares in their portfolio fall.

On the flip side, this can create buy-low opportunities. Historically, strong companies and blue-chip stocks may now be a value. 

As the year draws to a close, I have tried to sift through these companies that have had down years.

Earlier this week, I covered other buy-low opportunities.

Here are two more of Australia's largest companies by market capitalisation that may be value investments heading into the new year. 

Pinnacle Investment Management Group Limited (ASX: PNI)

This ASX 200 stock is an Australian-based multi-affiliate investment management company.

It provides seed funding, distribution services, and infrastructure support to a network of 15 asset managers, or 'affiliates', globally. 

In 2025, its share price has fallen more than 26% and 33% since August 7. 

However, there are positive signs. 

Despite the share price falling, the business is growing with a number of new boutiques as well as funds under management (FUM) increasing. 

At 30 June 2025, private markets FUM was $28.7 billion, up from $1.5 billion, or 6% at 30 June 2016. 

Additionally, the company offers an attractive dividend yield. 

Last month, The Motley Fool's Tristan Harrison also covered the opportunity that dividend shares provide when the share price falls. 

He explained that when a dividend-paying business falls, we can buy it at a lower price, but the dividend yield on offer also increases.

With the business growing steadily and a grossed-up dividend yield of over 4%, I believe there is reason to think the company is a value at its current price. 

Analyst ratings from TradingView suggest that there is upside potential at the current price. 

The one-year price target of $25.32 indicates more than 50% upside for this ASX 200 stock. 

EBOS Group Limited (ASX: EBO)

This ASX 200 stock is the largest pharmaceutical wholesaler and distributor across Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia.

Its share price is down more than 30% year to date. 

This included a 14% crash back in August following the company's FY25 financial results. 

However, analyst price targets suggest it may have been oversold, providing investors with an opportunity to buy this ASX 200 stock at a value. 

TradingView has a one-year price target of $31.95. 

This indicates an upside of roughly 37% from current levels. 

Additionally, online platform SelfWealth rates the stock as "undervalued" by 38%. 

The post 2 undervalued ASX 200 shares to target appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

This hasn't gone unnoticed by the team at Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG).

So much so, the broker has run its takeover screen to see if there are any takeover candidates in the current market.

Macquarie points out that after re-running its takeover screen from five years ago, it found that 46% of the 37 stocks it identified had some form of M&A. It feels that this gives its screening process some merit. It explains:

With the offer for AUB plus media reports of PE interest in DMP, we have re-run our takeover screen from 2020. Looking back at the original, there were 37 stocks on the list and 46% had some sort of M&A (9 completed takeovers, 6 failed or pending, and 2 strategic stakes acquired), so the screen has merit. In our view, we are in an environment conducive to deals as the market is near its highs, credit spreads are tight and confidence in the outlook is improving. Our FOMO Meter is back up to +0.98, marking the strength of equity sentiment.

Which ASX stocks could be takeover targets?

According to the note, Macquarie has identified 16 ASX stocks that it believes could be attractive options for private equity and other suitors.

And from these, there are 11 ASX stocks in particular that standout.

These are pizza chain operator Domino's Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP), pharmaceutical products distributor EBOS Group Ltd (ASX: EBO), Dan Murphy's owner Endeavour Group Ltd (ASX: EDV), language testing company IDP Education Ltd (ASX: IEL), poultry producer Inghams Group Ltd (ASX: ING), intellectual property services provider IPH Ltd (ASX: IPH), packaging company Orora Ltd (ASX: ORA), Smiggle owner Premier Investments Ltd (ASX: PMV), hospital operator Ramsay Health Care Ltd (ASX: RHC), plumping parts company Reliance Worldwide Corporation Ltd (ASX: RWC), and healthcare company Sonic Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SHL).

Other candidates are Australian Clinical Labs Ltd (ASX: ACL), James Hardie Industries plc (ASX: JHX), Reece Ltd (ASX: REH), Spark New Zealand Ltd (ASX: SPK), and Viva Energy Group Ltd (ASX: VEA).

Commenting on the stocks, the broker said:

The result is 16 stocks. Of these, the forward PE is >1 standard deviation below the 10-year average for 11 stocks. Ranked by how far they are below their highs, they are IEL, DMP, IPH, RHC, PMV, EDV, ING, ORA, EBO, SHL and RWC. Two (RHC, ORA) already had failed takeover offers in recent years, while others have been the subject of takeover speculation. Based on the performance of the takeover screen from 2020, we would be surprised if none of the stocks on the list is the subject of takeover interest in the next year.

The post Macquarie names 16 potential ASX takeover targets appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

EBOS is not a widely known name, but it describes itself as the largest and most diversified Australasian marketer, marketer, wholesaler and distributor of healthcare, medical and pharmaceutical products. It's also a leading Australasian animal care brand owner, product marketer and distributor. The TerryWhite Chemmart network may be one of its most recognisable businesses in its stable.

What happened in the FY25 result?

The ASX 300 share reported a difficult set of numbers for investors who were hoping for growth.

Revenue declined by 7% to $12.3 billion, underlying operating profit (EBITDA) fell 6.3% to $585 million , underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) dropped 15.1% to $258 million and statutory net profit after tax sank 20.8% to $215 million.

There were a few positive growth numbers, after excluding the Chemist Warehouse contract earnings for the period ending 30 June 2024. Total revenue increased 12% and underlying operating profit (EBITDA) grew 7.5%. Plus, the TerryWhite Chemmart network added 34 net new stores, taking its overall number to more than 620 stores.

Outlook for the ASX 300 share

Despite "material adjust to business volumes" as management put it, the company said it's well-positioned for long-term growth, with "continued positive healthcare and animal care industry trends".

It noted near-term macro pressures, including a competitive wholesale pharmacy environment, soft hospital capital spending and subdued consumer sentiment impacting discretionary pet categories.

Taking all of the above into account, the company said it's targeting underlying operating profit (EBITDA) of between $615 million to $635 million, which would be 7% growth at the midpoint of that range. It's expecting positive contributions from both its healthcare and animal segments.

Is the ASX 300 share a buy?

One positive was the dividend. The board decided to maintain the dividend that was declared with the FY25 result at the same level as FY24, increasing the dividend payout ratio to do so. The board said that decision was due to its confidence in the company's growth outlook and overall financial capacity.

It has a grossed-up dividend yield of roughly 5%, including franking credits, which is a solid level of passive income.

In terms of analyst ratings, there are currently 11 recommendations on the business. There's only one sell rating, with five hold ratings and five buy ratings.

So, while investors aren't universally bullish on the business, the average rating is positive, so the ASX 300 share could be a turnaround opportunity after the sell-off.

The post This $5 billion ASX 300 share just hit a 52-week low, is it a buy? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

S&P Dow Jones Indices announced its September quarter rebalance after the market closed on Friday.

Telecommunications shares Tuas Ltd (ASX: TUA) and Superloop Ltd (ASX: SLC) have also secured places in the ASX 200 index.

Another business joining the ranks of Australia's top 200 listed companies is the asset manager, GQG Partners Ltd (ASX: GQG).

What is an index rebalance?

Every three months, the S&P Dow Jones Indices team reviews the composition of Australia's leading indices.

Rebalances ensure our indices accurately reflect the performance of Australia's largest companies by market capitalisation.

Indices are important guides for investors. They are a way to measure the market's performance and monitor its momentum over time.

The ASX 200 is the benchmark index for the Australian share market.

However, other indices, like the S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) and S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO), are also very important.

What's the significance of getting into the ASX 200?

Gaining entry into the ASX 200 gives a company a bit of extra prestige.

It's a clear signal to the market that the company is growing, and this new ASX 200 share is one to watch.

A stock has to meet market capitalisation and liquidity requirements to enter the ASX 200.

A share's inclusion in the ASX 200 can sometimes have tangible effects on its price.

One reason is that many exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and managed funds are designed to track the ASX 200.

Therefore, fund managers must adjust their holdings at each rebalance, buying ASX shares added and selling those removed.

This often leads to extra trading activity around the rebalance date, which may influence a stock's price.

Rebalances matter more than ever due to the growing number of Australians investing in ASX ETFs rather than picking individual shares.

Betashares data shows Australians invested a record $5.28 billion into ASX ETFs in July alone.

The ASX ETF industry now has a record $289.2 billion in funds under management.

ETFs are a form of passive, diversified investment that many investors perceive as lower risk.

They allow investors to buy a basket of shares in one trade for a single brokerage fee and low ongoing management fees.

9 ASX shares about to join the ASX 200

This next rebalance will become effective on 22 September.

Here are the new entrants into the ASX 200.

The post 9 ASX shares including Droneshield, GQG, and Tuas about to enter ASX 200 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Well, the two ASX shares in this article could be worth a look according to analysts at Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG).

In fact, they believe that these shares could deliver 20% return over the next 12 months. Let's see what it is recommending:

Siteminder Ltd (ASX: SDR)

This hotel technology company impressed Macquarie with its FY 2025 results and is feeling confident about its prospects in the new financial year. Especially given how strong its annualised recurring revenue (ARR) was. It said:

ARR of $273m has largely derisked FY26 revenue expectations for c$282m, and should accelerate further into FY26 as Smart Platform ramps up. CC ARR growth of +27% accelerated from +22% in 1H25 due to: 1) an improvement in 2H25 sub rev growth; and 2) 2H25 Smart Platform contributions of c$4m.

As a result, Macquarie has retained its outperform rating with a vastly improved price target of $8.11 (from $6.09). Based on its current share price of $6.66, this implies potential upside of 22%.

The broker then concludes:

Outperform. Strong FY25 result and FY26 outlook reinforce our view SDR will rapidly grow rev on continued market share growth and transaction product adoption. Smart Platform represents material upside rev potential and, if successfully executed, should support a long-term re-rating.

EBOS Group Ltd (ASX: EBO)

Another ASX share that Macquarie is bullish on following its results release is EBOS Group. It is the largest trans-Tasman healthcare and animal care company.

It notes that its results in FY 2025 were in line with expectations. And while its guidance for FY 2026 was a touch softer than expected, it remains positive. It said:

2HFY25 uEBITDA in line with guidance and market; final DPS small beat versus market, miss for Macq. FY26E uEBITDA of $615-635m (midpoint 4%/6% below BBG mean/ Macq).

Risks around catalysts still look skewed to the upside. Defensive characteristics likely to be questioned post-result, but LT vol data bears out defensive nature of animal/healthcare segments. DC capex in catchup; costs around programme could have been better communicated. Maintain OP.

According to the note, Macquarie has retained its outperform rating on the ASX share with a NZ$39.78 (A$35.84) price target (from NZ$41.72). Based on its current share price, this suggests that upside of 22% is possible between now and this time next year.

The post These top ASX shares could rise 20%+ appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

At the close of the ASX on Wednesday, EBOS Group's shares dived 14.69% to $30.19 per share. The sell-off also dragged down the company's share price 8.43% lower over the year.

The ASX 200 healthcare stock is the largest pharmaceutical wholesaler and distributor across Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia. The company provides pharmaceutical and wellness products to community pharmacies, public and private hospitals, day surgeries, general practices, aged care facilities, and specialist clinics.

For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Health Care Index (ASX: XHJ) closed 0.81% higher for the day on Wednesday. The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) closed 0.28% higher.

EBOS Group's FY25 results

Here are the key numbers:

• Group revenue declined 7% to $12.2 billion
• Group EBITDA fell 6.3% to $585 million
• NPAT dropped 16.8% to $258 million
• Directors declared a final dividend of NZ$0.615 per share

Here's what happened

For the year to 30 June 2025, EBOS Group reported a 7% drop in underlying group revenue to $12.2 billion. It also posted a 6.3% decline in EBITDA to $585 million and NPAT was down 6.3% to $258 million. The company's results reflected the end of the $2 billion contract to supply the Chemist Warehouse Australia (CWA).

When excluding the CWA contract, the Group's underlying revenue grew 12.0%, underlying EBITDA increased 7.5% on FY24. The FY25 EBITDA result is in line with EBOS Group's guidance range of $575 million to $600 million.

Directors declared a final dividend of NZ 61.5 cents per share, maintaining the dividend at the same level as FY24. This brings the full year dividend to NZ 118.5 cents per share with a dividend payout ratio of 83.8% on an underlying basis. 

"The increased payout ratio reflects the Board's confidence in the Group's growth outlook and overall financial capacity," EBOS Group said.

The Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRP) will be operational for the final dividend. Shareholders can elect to take shares in lieu of a cash dividend at a discount of 2.5% to the volume weighted average share price.

The record date for the dividend is 5 September 2025, and the dividend will be paid on 24 September 2025. The dividend will be imputed to 25% for New Zealand tax resident shareholders. It will be fully franked for Australian tax resident shareholders.

In FY26, the Group is targeting Underlying EBITDA of $615 – 635 million.

Management commentary on the results

EBOS Group chair, Elizabeth Coutts, said:

Despite a material adjustment to business volumes, EBOS continued to deliver a strong underlying performance. The Board has maintained the dividend at the same level as FY24 and the increased payout ratio reflects the Board's confidence in the Group's growth outlook and overall financial capacity.

The post This ASX 200 healthcare stock crashed 14% to 4-year low. Here's what happened appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Meantime, several ASX 200 stocks have set new record high prices.

Let's check them out.

ASX 200 stocks setting new records on Tuesday

National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB)

The ASX 200 bank share hit an 18-year high of $40.70 despite no price-sensitive news today.

National Australia Bank will reveal its latest earnings next Wednesday, 19 February.

NAB shares are expected to pay a slightly higher dividend in 2025.

Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC)

Fellow ASX 200 bank stock Westpac rose to its highest level in eight years today.

The Westpac share price hit $34.28 during intraday trading, with no news out today.

Westpac will release its 1Q FY25 results next Monday, 17 February.

Analysts expect Westpac to cut its dividend in 2025.

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

This ASX 200 communications stock reached a new all-time high of $275.01 today.

REA revealed its 1H FY25 earnings report last week and announced the retirement of its CEO.

Computershare Ltd (ASX: CPU)

Stock in ASX 200 financial services company Computershare reached a new record high of $36.46 today.

Computershare will report to the market tomorrow.

This ASX 200 industrials stock is expected to raise its dividend by 26% in 2025.

SGH Ltd (ASX: SGH)

Formerly known as Seven Group Holdings, SGH shares hit an all-time high of $53.25 today.

The record price followed the diversified investments company releasing its 1H FY25 results.

SGH reported a 2% increase in revenue to $5.5 billion and a 10% lift in EBIT to $843 million.

SGH shares will pay an interim dividend of 30 cents with full franking.

EBOS Group Ltd (ASX: EBO)

This ASX 200 healthcare stock reached a two-year high of $38.09 despite no news on Tuesday.

… What a day for the gold miners!

Several ASX 200 gold stocks have hit multi-year highs following a surge in the gold price.

The gold price is trading at a new record high of US$2,941 per ounce at the time of writing.

Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST)

This ASX 200's largest gold stock peaked at $18.72 today, setting a new all-time high.

Northern Star will reveal its latest earnings next Thursday, 13 February.

Northern Star is tipped to raise its dividend by 19% in 2025.

De Grey Mining Limited (ASX: DEG)

Stock in Northern Star's takeover target, De Grey Mining, rose to an 18-year high today.

The De Grey Mining share price lifted to $2.17 per share.

The miners announced an acquisition deal in December, under which De Grey Mining shareholders will receive 0.119 new Northern Star shares for each De Grey share held.

Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN)

The charging gold price also propelled Evolution shares to a two-decade high of $6.34.

Evolution will report its latest earnings to investors on Wednesday, 12 February.

Analysts tip this ASX 200 gold stock to pay a 60% higher dividend in 2025.

Capricorn Metals Ltd (ASX: CMM)

Another ASX 200 gold miner, Capricorn Metals, reached an all-time high share price of $8.13.

Gold Road Resources Ltd (ASX: GOR)

Gold Road shares rose to a new all-time high of $2.66 per share.

The post 11 ASX 200 stocks streaking to multi-year highs today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is up 1.05% at the time of writing, as the first week of earnings season continues on Thursday.

With dividend announcements on investors' minds, let's check out the forecast for ASX 200 healthcare dividends this year.

Dividend forecasts for ASX 200 healthcare shares

Let's take a look at the forecast 2025 dividend yields for ASX 200 healthcare shares.

In this article, we'll focus on the top 10 ASX 200 healthcare shares by market capitalisation.

The following chart shows the consensus analysts' forecasts for 2025 dividends, as published on the CommSec trading platform today.

We've calculated the dividend yields these forecasts equate to based on share prices at the time of writing.

We've also included the dividend amounts paid in 2024 so you can compare them to the 2025 predictions.

These ASX 200 healthcare shares are listed in order of market cap from largest to smallest.

So, Sonic Healthcare is expected to pay the highest dividend yield of this group in 2025.

The pathology and radiology provider will announce its 1H FY25 results and interim dividend on 20 February.

What's up with the low dividends?

As you can see, the ASX 200 healthcare sector generally does not pay high dividend yields.

In 2024, dividends made up just 1.5% of the healthcare sector's total return of 7.51%.

One reason healthcare stocks do not pay high dividends is the capital investment required to keep these businesses going.

Healthcare companies spend a lot of money on the research and development (R&D) of new medicines, technological advancements, and maintenance of expensive equipment.

This is particularly true of the ASX biotechs, such as CSL, which need a huge amount of capital to develop drugs and conduct medical trials in order to gain approval for public use.

The post Which ASX 200 healthcare share will pay the best dividend yield in 2025? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Morgans analyst Andrew Tang named five such stocks this week that his team is happy to continue backing:

• Domino's Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP)
• Corporate Travel Management Ltd (ASX: CTD)
• Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR)
• Qualitas Ltd (ASX: QAL)
• EBOS Group Ltd (ASX: EBO)

Let's check out what he had to say about some of these ASX shares:

Profit slashed, but on the way up again

The 2023 financial year was unflattering for Domino's Pizza, with net profit plunging 74%.

But that just gives it upside, as far as Tang is concerned.

"We get the sense the worst has passed for Domino's," Tang said in his Best Calls To Action memo. 

"Order counts are starting to move up following the removal of delivery service fee and reset of the menu to appeal to the value-focused customer."

The company was in serious trouble over the past year, with Tang noting it went perilously close to breaking its banking covenant.

"Domino's Pizza has stated that debt is now on the way down and it is 'confident' there will be no breach — and no capital raise — in FY24."

Investors can already see "green shoots of recovery", he added.

"Growth swung positive in ANZ and Europe in early FY24, driven by better volumes. It will take longer in Asia, but we think Domino's Pizza will achieve its 3% to 6% same store sales target in FY24."

Timing is everything

Corporate Travel Management shares have sunk more than 11% since the start of the month.

"Stock is oversold, and we maintain an add rating," said Tang.

"There were few surprises in Corporate Travel's FY23 result given its recent trading update. However, cash flow was materially weaker than expected due to a timing issue. 4Q23 trends bode well for strong earnings growth in FY24."

The targets for the current year are well within reach.

"While there is now a guidance range for FY24, we still think $265 million of EBITDA is achievable."

Meanwhile, the 2024 financial year could end up "a bumper year" for Karoon Energy, with "increased production, lower unit costs and much lower capex". 

Tang was pleased with what he saw in reporting season.

"Karoon delivered a strong FY23 result ahead of expectations.

"Not rushing into an acquisition demonstrates good capital discipline. Karoon Energy finished FY23 with cash of US$74.8m and next to no debt."

The company remains Morgans' top pick in the energy sector.

The post 'Stock is oversold': 5 ASX shares to buy now before resurgence appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.