REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA) shares are down around 13% year to date, while Light & Wonder Inc (ASX: LNW) has fallen roughly 21%.

Both are leaders in their fields. Both ASX shares have strong long-term growth stories.

So, is this weakness an opportunity?

REA Group: a digital powerhouse

When it comes to dominant platforms, this ASX share is hard to beat.

The company sits at the centre of Australia's property market through realestate.com.au. That position gives it significant pricing power and a highly scalable business model.

Agents need eyeballs and REA controls them. That dynamic has allowed the company to consistently lift prices through premium listings and depth products, even when property volumes fluctuate.

While the housing cycle can create short-term volatility, the long-term trajectory remains intact. Growth is also supported by international expansion, adding another lever beyond the domestic market.

And the recent pullback hasn't gone unnoticed. Trading View data show that 12 out of 16 brokers rate REA Group as a buy or strong buy. They have set a 12-month average price target of $213.62, which points to a 32% potential gain.

Analysts at Morgan Stanley currently have an overweight rating on the ASX share, with a $230.00 price target. That suggests potential upside of roughly 44% from current levels.

For long-term investors, that's a strong signal that the market may be underestimating REA's staying power.

Light & Wonder: growth across multiple fronts

Light & Wonder offers a different kind of growth story, but one that's just as compelling.

The company operates across land-based gaming, iGaming, and social gaming through its SciPlay division. That diversified model allows it to tap into both traditional casino revenue and the fast-growing digital gaming market.

It's a powerful combination. By straddling physical and digital channels, the ASX share is positioned to capture multiple industry tailwinds at once. And that's exactly why analysts are paying attention.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) has named the ASX share its top pick in the Australian gaming sector, pointing to its ability to win market share and its "wide moat from disruption." That's a big call in a competitive space.

The upside case is hard to ignore. Macquarie has set a $205 price target on the stock, compared to its current price of $122.77. That implies potential upside of more than 65%.

Of course, risks remain. Consumer spending cycles, regulatory changes, and execution all matter. But the long-term positioning is clear.

Foolish Takeaway

REA Group and Light & Wonder have both taken a hit in 2026. But their core strengths haven't disappeared. These are dominant businesses with scalable models, strong competitive advantages, and clear growth pathways.

For investors willing to look beyond short-term volatility, they could be the kind of shares you buy — and forget about for years.

The post Buy and forget? 2 top ASX shares built for the long term appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL) is down around 19% year to date, while Light & Wonder Inc (ASX: LNW) has dropped roughly 20% over the same period.

So, is this just a cooling-off phase or a setup for the next leg higher?

Let's take a closer look.

Aristocrat: a quality name under pressure

The $28 billion ASX gaming stock has long been one of the highest-quality names in the gaming sector. It generates the bulk of its earnings from gaming machines and digital content, particularly in the lucrative US market.

And while sentiment has softened, the underlying business hasn't shown the same weakness. Demand for gaming machines and casino content remains resilient, especially in North America. That's important, because it's the engine room of Aristocrat's earnings.

Recent data backs that up. Analysts at Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) have pointed to year-on-year growth in US casino gaming activity. That's a positive signal for Aristocrat's core land-based segment.

At the same time, its digital division continues to expand, giving the company exposure to the fast-growing online gaming market. There are also positives on the capital management front. Management has been disciplined, supporting share buybacks and working to reduce debt. That focus can improve earnings quality over time.

Macquarie remains bullish on the ASX gaming stock. The broker has retained its outperform rating and set a $63.00 price target on the stock, implying potential upside of around 35% from current levels.

In other words, the market may be underestimating the strength of Aristocrat's underlying business.

Light & Wonder: diversified and gaining ground

Light & Wonder tells a similar story, but with a slightly different angle.

The company operates across three key segments: land-based gaming, iGaming, and social gaming through its SciPlay division. That diversified model allows it to generate revenue from both traditional casino floors and the rapidly growing digital gaming space.

It's a powerful combination. By straddling physical and digital gaming, the ASX gaming stock is positioned to capture multiple growth trends at once.

And that's a big reason why analysts are paying attention. Macquarie has named it its top pick in the Australian gaming sector, citing its ability to win market share and its "wide moat from disruption." That's a strong endorsement in a competitive industry.

The upside case is compelling. Macquarie has set a $205 price target on the stock, compared to its current price of $122.77. That suggests potential upside of more than 65%.

Foolish Takeaway

Of course, risks remain. Both ASX gaming stocks are still exposed to consumer spending trends. If economic conditions weaken, discretionary spending – including gaming – could come under pressure.

There's also ongoing competition and the ever-present risk of regulatory changes in key markets.

But for now, the key takeaway is this. The pullback in these stocks appears to be driven more by sentiment and valuation resets than by a breakdown in fundamentals.

Aristocrat and Light & Wonder have both taken a hit. But their core businesses remain strong, and analysts are still firmly in their corner. If sentiment stabilises, these beaten-down ASX gaming stocks could be well placed to bounce back.

The post Down 20%, are these ASX gaming stocks ready to surge? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

But with cocoa prices soaring and Easter eggs costing more than ever, investors might want to consider saving the money (and the calories) and putting it to work in the share market instead.

Here are three ASX shares that could be worth considering this month.

Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG)

The first ASX share that could be a smart buy this Easter is Breville.

Breville designs and sells premium kitchen appliances across global markets, with its products found in countless homes throughout North America, Europe, and Australia. Its focus on innovation and quality has helped it build a strong brand and loyal customer base.

One of the key drivers of its long-term growth is its expansion in the United States. As it continues to deepen relationships with major retailers and increase brand awareness, Breville has a significant opportunity to grow its market share. This is especially the case in the booming coffee market, where Breville is having significant success.

With a scalable business model and exposure to global consumer demand, Breville could continue delivering solid growth over the years ahead.

Light & Wonder Inc. (ASX: LNW)

Another ASX share that could be worth considering is Light & Wonder.

Light & Wonder operates across gaming, digital, and social casino markets, creating content and platforms that generate recurring revenue from players around the world.

A key strength of the business is its diversification. It earns revenue from land-based gaming machines as well as digital channels, which provides multiple avenues for growth.

The company is also benefiting from the ongoing shift towards digital gaming, where engagement levels and monetisation opportunities are strong.

With a growing portfolio of popular games and platforms, Light & Wonder appears well placed to build on its momentum. And with its shares down heavily from their highs, now could be an opportune time to invest.

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

A third ASX share that could be a top pick this Easter is Xero.

Xero provides cloud-based accounting software to small and medium-sized businesses, with a strong presence across Australia, New Zealand, and international markets.

Its platform plays a critical role in helping businesses manage their finances, which makes it deeply embedded in customer operations. This leads to high retention rates and recurring subscription revenue.

Looking ahead, Xero still has a large opportunity to expand globally and increase its average revenue per user through additional services. Combined with the ongoing shift towards cloud-based software, this could support long-term growth.

And while there are fears about AI disruption, Xero's recent deal with AI giant Anthropic is starting to allay these concerns. So, with its shares down 60% from their high, this could be one to consider when the market reopens.

The post Forget Easter eggs, these ASX shares could be your best buys this month appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Is it bullish, bearish, or something in between? Let's find out:

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)

The team at Morgans believes that this supermarket giant could be worth considering following recent share price weakness.

Although its half-year result was a touch softer than it was expecting, the broker has put an accumulate rating and $22.90 price target on Coles' shares. It said:

While COL's 1H26 result was slightly softer than expected, execution remains strong in the core Supermarkets division. […] Despite the slight downgrade to earnings, our target price remains unchanged at $22.90 due to a roll-forward of our valuation to FY27 forecasts. With a 12-month forecast TSR of 15%, we upgrade our rating to ACCUMULATE (from HOLD).

In our view, COL continues to perform well with key Supermarkets metrics such as customer scores, sales growth, cost discipline and store execution remaining solid. We hence view the recent share price pullback as an attractive entry point.

Light & Wonder Inc. (ASX: LNW)

Another ASX 200 share that Morgans has been looking at is gaming technology company Light & Wonder.

The broker has been pleased with the company's performance and believes it is well-placed to build on this. Morgans recently put a buy rating and $195.00 price target on its shares.

It named four reasons why it thinks investors should snap up Light & Wonder's shares. They are:

In our view, LNW trades on an undemanding valuation given: (1) supportive NA EGM demand; (2) litigation overhang behind it; (3) a balance sheet set to de-lever through 2026 (MorgansF: ~2.9x); and (4) Grover providing a high-return, recurring revenue vertical growing ahead of expectations. We upgrade to BUY, however lower our price target to A$195 (previously A$200).

TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPG)

Finally, the broker notes that this telco delivered a full-year result in line with expectations.

It was particularly pleased with TPG Telecom's subscriber growth after a period of underperformance. It has put an accumulate rating and $4.40 price target on its shares. It said:

TPG's FY25 result was in line with guidance and consensus expectations, as was its underlying EBITDA and capex guidance for FY26. The highlight was continued strong mobile subscriber growth. For many years TPG/Vodafone has struggled to grow mobile market share. However, over the course of 1HCY25 and 2HCY25 it has ignited growth and outpaced peers in terms of mobile subscriber growth.

Its network quality and brands are resonating with consumers and medium-term mobile growth could soon become a trend. We make non-material underlying forecast changes. Our target price lifts to $4.40 from $4.20 and we retain our Accumulate recommendation.

The post Should you buy Coles, Light & Wonder, and TPG Telecom shares in April? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Light & Wonder Inc (ASX: LNW)

According to a note out of Macquarie, its analysts have retained their outperform rating on this gaming technology company's shares with a trimmed price target of $205.00. Macquarie believes that Light & Wonder is well-positioned to continue its strong growth in 2026. However, it suspects that growth will be weighted to the second half of the year due to new product launches and easing cost pressures. In light of this and its current valuation, Light & Wonder is the broker's top pick in the industry right now. The Light & Wonder share price is trading at $123.87 on Friday.

Liontown Ltd (ASX: LTR)

A note out of UBS reveals that its analysts have retained their buy rating and $2.20 price target on this lithium miner's shares. The broker is feeling positive about the lithium industry and believes now is an attractive time for investors to consider a position. This is because UBS sees scope for another upcycle for lithium prices due to surging oil prices and supply disruptions caused by the war in the Middle East. It suspects that the impact this is having on the fuel market could lead to increased demand for electric vehicles. This would be good news for lithium demand and prices. In fact, the broker sees potential for the spodumene price to reach US$4,000 per tonne by the end of the year. The Liontown share price is fetching $1.65 at the time of writing.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

Another note out of Macquarie reveals that its analysts have retained their outperform rating on this telco giant's shares with an improved price target of $5.64. This follows the announcement of mobile plan increases by Telstra this week. Macquarie believes that these price increases will support average revenue per user growth. And with its budget offering, Belong, also increasing prices, the broker sees only low risks of churn. Macquarie expects this to underpin fully franked dividends of 21 cents per share in FY 2026 and then 21.5 cents per share in FY 2027. The Telstra share price is trading at $5.30 on Friday.

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

The analysts at Macquarie have taken a look at the gaming company's business and believe there's some serious share price upside to be had. We'll get to what their exact price target on the shares is later.

But firstly, why the cause for optimism?

Profit to grow

Macquarie is predicting calendar-year net profit of US$638 million for Light & Wonder, with the broader broker consensus estimate at US$640 million.

This compares with the company's CY25 full-year result of US$567 million, which was itself an 18% rise from the previous year, on revenues of US$ 3,314 million, up 4%.

Light & Wonder Chief Executive Officer Matt Wilson said regarding the 2025 result:

We closed out 2025 with another strong quarter, delivering double-digit year-over-year growth in both revenue and cash flows. We also achieved several important milestones, including the successful acquisition and integration of Grover, accelerating our expansion in the Charitable Gaming market, and our transition to a sole primary listing on the ASX. We also continued to invest in our studios, which is paying dividends as our franchises drive strong game performance across the portfolio. Gaming momentum remained robust, with more than 700 North American Gaming operations units(6) added sequentially and over 12,300 units shipped globally during the quarter, while iGaming delivered another quarterly revenue and AEBITDA records. Looking ahead, we will remain focused on investing in product innovation and talent to strengthen our recurring revenue model(5), build on this momentum, and enhance our global competitive position as we progress toward our 2028 financial targets.

Shares looking cheap

The Macquarie team said they expected Light & Wonder to deliver improved quarter-to-quarter earnings growth in 2026, giving overall earnings growth a skew towards the second half of the year.

They added:

Revenues have 2H drivers, and with costs, there are some one-offs within 1H including legal and Grover's Indiana entry, whilst tariff impacts will annualise in 3Q26. Importantly, the backdrop is mostly robust with US casino revenue trends and North America iGaming showing growth, but with Social Casino there are headwinds, meaning that SciPlay needs to win market share to grow.

Macquarie said Light & Wonder was Macquarie's top pick in the Australian gaming sector, as it was well-positioned to win market share and had a "wide moat from disruption''.

Macquarie has a price target of $205 on Light & Wonder shares, compared with the current share price of $123.94. If achieved, this would represent a return of 65.4%.

Light & Wonder was valued at $10 billion at the close of trade on Thursday.

The post How high does Macquarie think this gaming stock will go? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Seek Ltd (ASX: SEK)

Seek reported robust double-digit revenue growth for the first half of FY26, but investors were underwhelmed, and the share price dived once again. The ASX 200 company's shares are now down 50% from a multi-year high recorded in September last year. 

But it looks like after a sharp pullback, Seek shares are now trading well below fair value. Analysts are expecting to see a slow improvement to hiring activity, and as a company so closely linked to the employment market, this is great news for Seek. Meanwhile, the company's engagement with AI technology could help to drive user engagement.

Analysts are tipping a 68% upside to an average target price of $24.45.

Light & Wonder Inc (ASX: LNW)

Light & Wonder posted a 4% revenue lift and 18% increase in adjusted NPATA in its FY25 results last month. It didn't do anything to boost sentiment though, and the share price has continued tumbling.

The stock is now down 37% from an all-time high posted in mid-January this year. The ASX 200 company's shares leapt 25% on announcement that it has settled its legal dispute with Aristocrat Leisure. 

Analyst sentiment still appears to be optimistic, however. Earnings results have reinforced confidence in management's execution, but some are still concerned about revenue consistency. It's also likely that a lot of pullback in the share price is investors taking gains off the table after large spikes in the company's value.

Analysts are tipping a 78% upside to $204.29 a piece.

Web Travel Group Ltd (ASX: WEB)

The ASX travel stock has recently crashed to a six-year low after a Spanish audit into Web Travel Group sent sentiment spiralling. The audit will review direct taxes paid (and owed) between April 2021 and March 2024, as well as indirect taxes for the period between January 2022 and December 2025. The news sent tongues wagging, and investors rushed to hit the sell button in a state of panic.

It looks like the selloff has been way overdone now, and the shares are very cheap.

Analysts are tipping a 125% upside to $15.01 a piece.

The post Top 3 ASX 200 shares I'd buy today with $12,000 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Market pullbacks like this can be unsettling in the short term, but we often look back on them and realise they were incredible buying opportunities.

With that in mind, here are 10 ASX 200 shares that could be worth considering after the recent selloff.

Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH)

Cochlear is a global leader in implantable hearing solutions. Its products help people with severe hearing loss regain the ability to hear. With an ageing global population and strong demand for hearing solutions, Cochlear has a long runway for growth.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

CSL is one of Australia's most successful healthcare companies. Its plasma therapies division and vaccines business provide life-saving treatments to patients around the world. Demand for the biotech's therapies is expected to grow steadily as global healthcare needs expand. And while its recent performance has been disappointing, it could be worth being patient with this ASX 200 share.

Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

Goodman Group develops and manages logistics facilities and data infrastructure across major global cities. Its warehouses support ecommerce supply chains while its data centre developments benefit from the rapid growth of cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI).

Light & Wonder Inc. (ASX: LNW)

Another ASX 200 share to look at is Light & Wonder. It is a global gaming technology company operating across casino gaming, digital gaming, and social gaming. Its portfolio of games and platforms provides exposure to the growing global gaming and entertainment industry.

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

Pro Medicus could be worth a shout after recent weakness. It develops medical imaging software used by hospitals and healthcare providers around the world. Its Visage platform is widely regarded as one of the most advanced radiology imaging systems available, supporting strong contract wins and long-term growth.

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

REA Group operates realestate.com.au, Australia's leading online property marketplace. Its dominant position gives it strong pricing power and recurring revenue from real estate listings and related services.

ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD)

ResMed specialises in devices and software for treating sleep apnoea and other respiratory conditions. Millions of people remain undiagnosed globally, providing significant long-term demand for this ASX 200 share's sleep therapy products.

TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE)

TechnologyOne is a leading enterprise software provider focused on government, education, and large organisations. Its transition to a cloud-based software model has improved recurring revenue and strengthened customer retention.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

WiseTech develops logistics software used by freight forwarders and global supply chains. Its CargoWise platform helps businesses manage complex international trade processes, positioning the company to benefit from long-term growth in global logistics.

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

A final ASX 200 share that could be a buy is Xero. It provides cloud-based accounting software for small and medium-sized businesses. With millions of subscribers across multiple markets, the company continues to expand its ecosystem of financial tools and services. And with an estimated total addressable market of 100 million businesses, it has a very long growth runway.

The post 10 ASX 200 shares to buy after the market selloff appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

This has seen the ASX growth share down 36% from its 52-week high.

While this is disappointing for existing shareholders, it could be a buying opportunity for growth investors.

That's the view of analysts at Bell Potter, who are tipping this gaming technology company's shares to rise strongly from current levels.

What is the broker saying about this ASX growth share?

Bell Potter was pleased with Light & Wonder's performance during FY 2025. It notes that its profits were ahead of expectations thanks to margin expansion initiatives. The broker explains:

LNW reported AEBITDA [adjusted EBITDA] of US$1,443m, +1% above BPe and VA consensus. [..] LNW reported +4% YoY revenue growth to US$3,314m below BPe of US$3,337m and consensus of US$3,330m, supported by +6% YoY growth in Gaming (BPe +7%), -3% YoY growth in SciPlay (BPe -2%) and +13% YoY growth in iGaming (BPe +11%). Adj. NPATA of US$567m was up +18% YoY (+1% beat vs. BPe). The Nth. Am. install base grew units to 48.33k, ahead of BPe of 48.00k, with the base business growing by 700 units. The beat to consensus was driven by margin expansion initiatives.

Also going down well with the broker was management's outlook commentary. It notes that the ASX growth share is working towards its US$2 billion AEBITDA target and is expecting another year of strong profit growth. It adds:

LNW continues to work towards US$2.0b AEBITDA target. For CY26 LNW forecasts another year of strong Adjusted NPATA and EPSa growth. The company anticipates the shape of earnings to be broadly similar to CY25 reflective of a growing recurring revenue base and industry cyclicality. Strategic investments, tariff costs in Gaming and legacy costs pertaining to legal matters are anticipated in 1H26 (1Q26 in particular.)

Outsized returns

In light of this, Bell Potter has a buy rating and $220.00 price target on the ASX growth share.

Based on its current share price, this implies potential upside of over 75% for investors over the next 12 months.

The broker revealed that it is bullish on the stock due to its belief that artificial intelligence (AI) will not disrupt its business model. It explains:

We rate LNW a Buy due to a compelling GARP profile relative to the ASX 100 and ALL. We expect a continuation in the re-rate observed since the ASX sole listing in November 2025, as long as the company executes on its strategy. We believe LNW's heightened investment in R&D will drive continued growth, particularly in the Premium leased market. Further, we believe LNW's R&D engine is difficult to replicate by AI and therefore gives the company an enduring moat.

The post 1 ASX growth share down 36% to buy right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Australia's benchmark index swung heavily throughout the week, ultimately finishing 2.95% lower on Friday's close than Monday's open. 

Three ASX shares in particular that bounced around were: 

• Light & Wonder Inc (ASX: LNW)
• Domino's Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP)
• 4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX)

When stocks crash and recover on a daily basis, it can be difficult for investors to pinpoint true value. 

Here's what experts are saying about these ASX shares. 

Light & Wonder

Light & Wonder shares crashed more than 7% at the start of last week. They then recovered by Thursday, before falling again on Friday. 

All in all, they finished the week down 1.35%. 

It's been a rough start to the year for the game developer, down 28% since the middle of January. 

Holders of this ASX 200 stock will be pleased to know that analysts have a positive outlook, meaning there is the possibility of a larger recovery. 

Last week, Morgans had a buy rating and $195 price target on the company. 

Unlike other sectors, the broker thinks AI disruption will strengthen its competitive edge. 

From Friday's closing price of $129.97, the Morgans price target indicates an upside of 50%. 

Elsewhere, Bell Potter is tipping even more upside for the ASX 200 stock. 

The broker has a $220 price target on Light and Wonder shares. 

Domino's Pizza Enterprises

It was also a turbulent week for Domino's shares. 

The ASX 200 stock initially dropped 12% before recovering significantly. 

It finished the week 3.74% lower than Monday's open. 

This is a snapshot of what Domino's shareholders have endured over the last year. 

The share price is ultimately down 29% for the last 12 months. 

Outlook is mixed amongst experts moving forward. 

Morgans currently has a buy rating and $25 price target on Domino's shares. 

Meanwhile, Morgan Stanley has a sell rating on Domino's Pizza shares with a target of just $15.20.

The ASX 200 company closed last week in between these targets at $19.07. 

4DMedical

This ASX stock was another up-and-down company last week. 

It endured heavy rises and falls but finished the week more than 13% above Monday's open. 

The medical technology company is up an astounding 1000% in the last year. 

Following such a run, there are now questions on valuation vs revenue. 

Meanwhile, Bell Potter is optimistic that the growth can continue. 

The broker set a $4.50 price target and issued a buy recommendation.  

That indicates an upside of roughly 4% from last week's close. 

The post What to make of these volatile ASX shares 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.

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

Catapult Sports Ltd (ASX: CAT)

According to a note out of Bell Potter, its analysts have retained their buy rating on this sports technology company's shares with a trimmed price target of $4.85. Catapult has been named by Bell Potter as one of its preferred tech stocks in the mid cap space. This is partly due to its strong position in a pro sports technology market, which was valued at US$36 billion in 2025 and is forecast to double to US$72 billion by 2030. In addition, the broker doesn't believe that artificial intelligence (AI) is going to disrupt its business and believes that its shares could rally strongly when the tech sector rebounds, especially given the lack of other good quality tech stocks in the mid cap space. The Catapult share price ended the week at $3.99.

Life360 Inc (ASX: 360)

Another note out of Bell Potter reveals that its analysts have retained their buy rating on this family safety technology company's shares with a trimmed price target of $40.00. Bell Potter was impressed with Life360's performance in FY 2025, highlighting that its results were ahead of forecasts. In addition, the broker was pleased with Life360's guidance for FY 2026, highlighting that it was in line with both the broker's and consensus estimates. In light of this and the significant share price weakness recently, Bell Potter sees now as a good time for investors to pick up shares in this rapidly growing company. The Life360 share price was fetching $21.87 at Friday's close.

Light & Wonder Inc. (ASX: LNW)

Analysts at Morgans have upgraded this gaming technology company's shares to a buy rating with a trimmed price target of $195.00. According to the note, Light & Wonder's full-year results were in line with expectations. Morgans notes that this was driven by strong Gaming and iGaming performances, which offset continued softness in SciPlay. Another positive was management's articulation of AI as both an offensive growth lever and a defensive moat. Morgans believes AI will enhance Light & Wonder's competitive edge rather than erode it. As a result, it views the recent share price weakness as disconnected from the durability of its land-based earnings base. And with an undemanding valuation, it thinks investors should be buying shares. The Light & Wonder share price ended the week at $129.97.

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

But which ASX shares could be buys?

Three that Morgans is bullish on are named below. Here's what it is recommending to clients:

Catalyst Metals Ltd (ASX: CYL)

Morgans thinks that this gold miner could be a good option for investors looking for exposure to this side of the market.

In response to its half-year results, the broker has retained its buy rating and $14.56 price target. It said:

1H26 result was broadly in line with expectations, with FY26 shaping as a foundation year ahead of a step-change in ounce growth from FY27 and beyond, underpinned by ~10 years of reserves. Key positive: Continued uplift in the price of gold has delivered a material uplift in revenue (+50% pcp) and underlying EBITDA (+92%) despite ounce production effectively being flat pcp. Key negative: legal settlement fees regarding Plutonic's K2 prospect (A$49m) eroded NPAT which was not fully captured in our forecasts. We maintain our BUY rating and A$14.56ps price target.

Light & Wonder Inc. (ASX: LNW)

Another ASX share that has been given a buy rating (with a $195.00 price target) by Morgans is gaming technology company Light & Wonder.

The broker was pleased with management commentary relating to AI disruption and agrees that it will strengthen its competitive edge. As a result, it thinks recent share price weakness has created an opportunity. It explains:

We were encouraged by management's articulation of AI as both an offensive growth lever and a defensive moat. Net/net, we view AI as enhancing LNW's competitive edge rather than eroding it, and the recent share price weakness appears disconnected from the durability of its land-based earnings base.

In our view, LNW trades on an undemanding valuation given: (1) supportive NA EGM demand; (2) litigation overhang behind it; (3) a balance sheet set to delever through 2026 (MorgansF: ~2.9x); and (4) Grover providing a high-return, recurring revenue vertical growing ahead of expectations. We upgrade to BUY, however lower our price target to A$195 (previously A$200).

Objective Corporation Ltd (ASX: OCL)

Finally, Morgans has named information technology software and services provider Object Corp as a buy with a $16.70 price target.

The broker believes there are tailwinds that will be supportive of its long-term growth momentum. It explains:

OCL's FY26 ARR guidance has been reset to 10-14% (CC basis). Our EBITDA forecasts reduce by -4% across FY26-FY28F, driven by adjustments for ARR guidance and our expectations around timing of investment/margins and currency movements. Our blended DCF/EV/EBITDA based price target revises to $16.70/sh (from $20.00/sh). We see tailwinds remaining supportive of OCL's long-term growth momentum. Following the recent pullback in OCL's share price we move to a Buy rating (from Accumulate).

The post Morgans names 3 ASX shares to buy in March appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

By the time trading wrapped up this session, the ASX 200 had fallen a horrid 1.34%, leaving the index at 9,077.3 points.

This rather calamitous drop for the ASX comes after a far calmer morning over on Wall Street to kick off the American trading week.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) had a volatile session but closed 0.15% lower.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was luckier, managing to close 0.36% higher.

But let's get back to the local markets now and take stock of how today's nasty falls affected the various ASX sectors this session.

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

After climbing to record levels late in 2025, Light & Wonder Inc (ASX: LNW) has seen its stock pull back almost 20% year to date. The ASX 200 gaming stock started the trading week with another loss of 7% to $124.85 at the time of writing.

The pullback suggests investors are balancing valuation concerns and market volatility against otherwise solid operating results. Let's have a closer look.

Diversified gaming model

Light & Wonder operates across three core segments: land-based gaming, iGaming, and social gaming through its SciPlay division.

The ASX 200 stock supplies slot machines, gaming cabinets, and casino systems to physical venues around the world, while also developing and distributing digital casino content.

This diversified model enables Light & Wonder to capture revenue from traditional casino floors and the fast-growing digital gaming market.

Substantial share buybacks

Financially, the business has continued to deliver growth. In its latest full-year results, Light & Wonder reported revenue of US$3.314 billion, alongside an 18% lift in adjusted net profit to US$567 million.

Earnings per share rose strongly, and free cash flow jumped more than 40% year on year. The ASX 200 stock used that cash generation to fund substantial share buybacks, returning hundreds of millions of dollars to shareholders.

Recurring revenue, digital exposure

A key strength of Light & Wonder is its recurring revenue base. A significant portion of revenue comes from installed gaming machines and ongoing content agreements. This provides a more stable earnings profile than one-off equipment sales alone.

Its growing digital exposure also gives it a foothold in markets where online gaming is expanding rapidly. Strong cash flow generation further enhances flexibility, enabling debt reduction or additional returns for ASX 200 stockholders over time.

Meaningful debt, legal risks

However, risks remain. The company carries a meaningful debt load following past acquisitions and corporate restructuring. And while manageable, leverage is something investors continue to monitor.

As a global gaming operator, Light & Wonder also faces regulatory and legal risks across multiple jurisdictions. Changes to gaming laws, tax rates, or compliance requirements could affect profitability.

In addition, not all segments of the company perform evenly, with some variability in growth rates across divisions.

What next for the ASX 200 stock?

Analyst sentiment appears optimistic, with most market watchers rating the ASX 200 stock a strong buy. Earnings beats have reinforced confidence in management's execution, but some market watchers remain mindful of valuation levels and revenue consistency.

After a strong multi-year run, the ASX 200 stock's recent pullback may reflect a reset in expectations rather than a deterioration in fundamentals. The key question for 2026 is whether continued earnings expansion will be enough to reignite share price momentum after its recent stumble.

In February 2026, RBC Capital initiated coverage with an outperform rating. The broker set a 12-month price target of $190, implying 52% upside from current levels.

The post Can this beaten-down ASX 200 stock bounce back in 2026? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Three top ASX shares that leading brokers have named as buys this week are listed below. Here's why they are bullish on them:

Catalyst Metals Ltd (ASX: CYL)

According to a note out of Bell Potter, its analysts have retained their buy rating and $14.60 price target on this gold miner's shares. This follows the release of its half-year result, which revealed revenue and EBITDA that were up strongly on the prior corresponding period and in line with expectations. In light of this, Bell Potter continues to view Catalyst Metals as an undervalued gold producer (versus peers) with a clear line of sight in expanding its gold production, mineral reserves, and lowering its cost base through the hub and spoke model. The Catalyst Metals share price is trading at $8.79 on Monday afternoon.

Light & Wonder Inc. (ASX: LNW)

A note out of Morgans reveals that its analysts have upgraded this gaming technology company's shares to a buy rating with a trimmed price target of $195.00. This follows the release of full-year results that were in line with expectations. Morgans notes that this was driven by strong Gaming and iGaming performances, which offset continued softness in SciPlay. One highlight according to the broker was management's articulation of AI as both an offensive growth lever and a defensive moat. Morgans views AI as enhancing Light & Wonder's competitive edge rather than eroding it. As a result, it views the recent share price weakness as disconnected from the durability of its land-based earnings base. And with an undemanding valuation, it thinks investors should be snapping up shares today. The Light & Wonder share price is fetching $132.13 at the time of writing.

NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT)

Analysts at Macquarie have retained their outperform rating on this data centre operator's shares with a trimmed price target of $20.80. According to the note, the broker was pleased with NextDC's half-year results and highlights that its forward order book demonstrates strong demand and execution. Looking ahead, the broker feels that the company has a significant growth opportunity, a strong market position, and optionality with regard to funding. The NextDC share price is trading at $13.45 on Monday.

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

That's because the team at Bell Potter believes this growing company could rise over 60% between now and this time next year.

Which ASX 200 stock?

The stock that Bell Potter is tipping as a buy is Light & Wonder Inc. (ASX: LNW).

It is a leading global cross-platform games company that operates three segments in the gaming sector.

Bell Potter notes that these divisions include land-based gaming, where it is a top three supplier of slot machines in the outright sales and lease markets and the number one supplier of both casino management systems and table products.

There is also the SciPlay business, which is a top three developer and publisher of social casino games on mobile and web platforms.

The final division is the iGaming division, which is a leading supplier of real money online gaming content and iGaming content aggregation platforms. It operates globally with over 67% of its revenue historically derived from the US.

What is the broker saying?

Bell Potter was relatively pleased with the ASX 200 stock's performance in FY 2025. It said:

LNW reported +4% YoY revenue growth to US$3,314m below BPe of US$3,337m and consensus of US$3,330m, supported by +6% YoY growth in Gaming (BPe +7%), -3% YoY growth in SciPlay (BPe -2%) and +13% YoY growth in iGaming (BPe +11%). Adj. NPATA of US$567m was up +18% YoY (+1% beat vs. BPe). The Nth. Am. install base grew units to 48.33k, ahead of BPe of 48.00k, with the base business growing by 700 units. The beat to consensus was driven by margin expansion initiatives.

It was also pleased to see that management has reiterated its earnings target. The broker adds:

LNW continues to work towards US$2.0b AEBITDA target. For CY26 LNW forecasts another year of strong Adjusted NPATA and EPSa growth. The company anticipates the shape of earnings to be broadly similar to CY25 reflective of a growing recurring revenue base and industry cyclicality. Strategic investments, tariff costs in Gaming and legacy costs pertaining to legal matters are anticipated in 1H26 (1Q26 in particular.)

Time to buy

According to the note, Bell Potter has retained its buy rating on the ASX 200 stock with a trimmed price target of $220.00 (from $230.00).

Based on its current share price of $134.21, this implies potential upside of 64% for investors over the next 12 months.

Bell Potter believes that Light & Wonder represents a great example of growth at a reasonable price (GARP). It concludes:

We rate LNW a Buy due to a compelling GARP profile relative to the ASX 100 and ALL. We expect a continuation in the re-rate observed since the ASX sole listing in November 2025, as long as the company executes on its strategy. We believe LNW's heightened investment in R&D will drive continued growth, particularly in the Premium leased market. Further, we believe LNW's R&D engine is difficult to replicate by AI and therefore gives the company an enduring moat.

The post Why this growing ASX 200 stock could rise 60%+ appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

But which Australian growth stocks tick these boxes?

Listed below are three that analysts are bullish on and are tipping as buys:

Light & Wonder Inc. (ASX: LNW)

The first Australian growth stock to consider in 2026 is Light & Wonder.

This is not just a gaming machine manufacturer. It is a content company operating across land-based casinos, online real money gaming, and social gaming platforms.

The real strength of Light & Wonder lies in intellectual property. Successful game franchises can be rolled out across physical cabinets, digital channels, and new markets. That multiplies the lifetime value of each piece of content.

As gaming continues shifting toward digital channels and hybrid models, Light & Wonder is positioned across multiple touchpoints rather than relying on a single revenue stream. That diversification gives it more levers to pull over time.

Bell Potter currently rates Light & Wonder shares as a buy with a price target of $220.00.

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

Another Australian growth stock worth serious consideration is Pro Medicus.

Pro Medicus provides imaging software to hospitals and healthcare providers. Its Visage platform allows medical professionals to view and analyse complex imaging data quickly and efficiently.

Healthcare systems do not replace core software lightly. Once embedded, switching costs are high and contracts are often long term.

The company continues to win large hospital networks, expanding its footprint in the US market. With healthcare demand rising and digital imaging volumes growing, Pro Medicus is benefiting from structural tailwinds rather than cyclical ones.

Morgans is a big fan and has a buy rating and $275.00 price target on Pro Medicus' shares.

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

A final Australian growth stock to consider in 2026 is REA Group.

REA is best known for operating Australia's leading online property platform. But the real story is its ecosystem.

The company has built a marketplace that connects buyers, sellers, agents, and increasingly data-driven services around property transactions. Premium listings, data insights, and digital tools give REA multiple revenue streams tied to property activity.

Even though property markets can fluctuate year to year, the long-term shift toward digital advertising and data services remains firmly in place. REA's dominant position gives it pricing power that smaller competitors struggle to match.

The team at UBS is bullish and has a buy rating and $218.90 price target on REA Group's shares.

The post 3 Australian growth stocks to buy in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Will the market be able to build on this on Friday and end the week on a high? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 expected to edge higher

The Australian share market looks set to edge higher on Friday following a mixed night in the United States. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open 4 points higher this morning. In late trade on Wall Street, the Dow Jones is up 0.1%, but the S&P 500 is down 0.5% and the Nasdaq is down 1.15%.

Oil prices mixed

It could be a subdued finish to the week for ASX 200 energy shares Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) after a mixed night for oil prices. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 0.15% to US$65.31 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 0.05% to US$70.89 a barrel. Traders appear undecided on where US-Iran nuclear talks are heading.

Coles half-year results

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) shares will be on watch on Friday when the supermarket giant releases its half-year results. According to a note out of Morgans, its analysts are expecting a 3.5% increase in revenue and a 16.5% jump in underlying net profit after tax to $699 million. The broker said: "We expect COL's 1H26 result to be largely in line with expectations, following a solid 1Q26 sales update. The company continues to execute well, with Supermarkets sales rising 4.8% in 1Q26 and maintaining momentum into early 2Q26. […] We forecast Supermarkets EBIT margin to increase by 60bp to 5.8% in 1H26."

Gold price falls

ASX 200 gold shares Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) could have a soft finish to the week after the gold price dropped overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is down 0.45% to US$5,202.9 an ounce. Traders continue to wait for further developments between the US and Iran.

Buy Light & Wonder shares

Light & Wonder Inc (ASX: LNW) shares could be undervalued according to analysts at Bell Potter. In response to its full-year results, the broker has retained its buy rating with a slightly trimmed price target of $220.00. It said: "We rate LNW a Buy due to a compelling GARP profile relative to the ASX 100 and ALL. We expect a continuation in the re-rate observed since the ASX sole listing in November 2025, as long as the company executes on its strategy. We believe LNW's heightened investment in R&D will drive continued growth, particularly in the Premium leased market. Further, we believe LNW's R&D engine is difficult to replicate by AI and therefore gives the company an enduring moat."

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

What did Light & Wonder report?

• Full-year revenue up 4% to US$3,314 million
• Consolidated AEBITDA rose 16% to US$1,443 million, with margins expanding to 44%
• Adjusted NPATA up 18% to US$567 million
• Earnings per share (EPSa) increased 27% year-on-year, reaching US$6.69
• Free cash flow grew 42% to US$452 million
• Returned US$877 million to shareholders through share repurchases

What else do investors need to know?

Light & Wonder's earnings were underpinned by strong growth in its Gaming and iGaming segments, offsetting a slight revenue dip at SciPlay. The company finalised its acquisition of Grover Gaming, which added over 11,600 units to its installed base and contributed US$102 million in revenue for the year.

The business also transitioned to a sole ASX primary listing, returning most of its available capital to shareholders while maintaining a net debt leverage ratio at 3.5 times AEBITDA—well within its target range. Recurring revenue represented 67% of overall sales, demonstrating the benefits of an ongoing focus on high-quality, stable earnings streams.

What's next for Light & Wonder?

Looking ahead, the company expects to again deliver strong adjusted NPATA and EPSa growth in FY26, emphasising recurring revenue and ongoing expansion in both hardware and digital content. Strategic investment will continue, with a focus on launching new cabinets in Australia and New Zealand, further integrating Grover, and delivering more first-party iGaming content.

Light & Wonder also aims to reduce debt levels over 2026, following major legal settlement payments, and will remain disciplined with capital management. Management maintains confidence in achieving its ambitious 2028 targets of US$2 billion AEBITDA and over US$10.55 per share in EPSa.

Light & Wonder share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Light & Wonder shares have declined 11%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 9% over the same period.

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The post Light & Wonder FY25 profit rises on Gaming and iGaming strength appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.