One of today's stars is a financial company, the second produces uranium, and the third is a lithium producer.

So, which companies are hitting new high-water marks?

Read on!

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) lifts on positive sentiment

Macquarie shares are up 1.7% at the time of writing, changing hands for $239.14 each.

That's the highest share price for the ASX 200 diversified financial stock since January 2025. And it sees the Macquarie share price up 33% in 12 months. Macquarie shares also trade on a partly franked 2.8% trailing dividend yield.

The last price-sensitive news out from the company was its third-quarter trading update back on 10 February.

But the stock may be getting an added boost this week amid an upgrade from Morgan Stanley. The broker has an overweight weighting on Macquarie shares with a $270 price target. That represents a potential upside of almost 13% from current levels.

PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS) gets a funding boost

PLS Group – formerly known as Pilbara Minerals – is also hitting new highs today.

Shares in the ASX 200 lithium titan are up 3.1% at the time of writing, trading for $5.56 apiece. That's not just a new one-year high, but if PLS can hold these gains to close, it will mark a new all-time high for the stock.

PLS looks to be getting an added boost today after announcing a new US$600 million (AU$847 million) debt funding issuance.

The new senior unsecured notes come due in 2031 at an annual interest rate of 6.88%. The lithium miner intends to use the proceeds to refinance its AU$375 million drawn-on revolving credit facility and for general operating purposes.

Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) shares riding the uranium wave

Paladin Energy shares are also trading in new one-year-plus high territory today.

Shares in the ASX 200 uranium stock are up 4.4%, changing hands for $14.40 each. That's the highest level since June 2024.

There's no fresh news out from Paladin Energy, but the uranium sector is broadly outperforming today amid rising global sentiment for the nuclear fuel.

Looking at some of Paladin's chief rivals, Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE) shares are up 6.1% today, Bannerman Energy Ltd (ASX: BMN) shares are up 4.4%, and Deep Yellow Ltd (ASX: DYL) shares are up 2.3%.

The post 3 ASX 200 titans charging to new one-year-plus highs today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) is surging 6.7% to $11.79 during Wednesday morning trade, adding to what has already been a stunning run. Over the past 12 months, Paladin shares have skyrocketed around 185%, massively outperforming the broader S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).

So, what's behind the latest move?

Legal action Canadian project

First, a quick refresher. Paladin Energy is a uranium producer that focuses on supplying nuclear fuel for power generation. With nuclear energy gaining traction globally as a low-carbon solution, uranium stocks like Paladin have been in strong demand.

Now to the latest update — and it's not what you might expect.

Paladin revealed that the Métis Nation–Saskatchewan has launched legal action over the approval of the Environmental Impact Statement for its Patterson Lake South project in Canada. The challenge relates to a decision made on 19 February 2026 by the Saskatchewan Minister of Environment.

The Métis Nation–Saskatchewan has also sought an interim injunction. This would potentially block the ASX energy stock from acting on the approval until the judicial review is resolved.

Importantly, the announcement didn't include any financial results or immediate operational impacts.

Investors ignoring legal noise

The market may be looking through the legal noise for now.

Paladin emphasised its long-standing engagement with Indigenous communities, noting that its Canadian subsidiary has consulted with the Métis Nation–Saskatchewan for many years as part of the project's development.

The company also acknowledged the importance of Indigenous rights and stated it will continue working collaboratively with stakeholders.

At the same time, management of the ASX energy stock made it clear it intends to defend its position.

While the legal process could affect project timelines depending on the outcome, there's no immediate change to operations — and that may be reassuring investors.

What next for the ASX energy stock?

Looking ahead, the company will respond to the judicial review as it moves through the Saskatchewan courts. Updates on the legal proceedings and progress at the Patterson Lake South project are expected in due course.

Stepping back, the share price momentum of this ASX energy stock highlights just how strong sentiment remains in the uranium sector. Even with potential regulatory hurdles, investors appear focused on the bigger picture — rising global demand for nuclear energy.

Over the past 12 months, Paladin Energy shares have risen 185%, outperforming the ASX 200 Index, which has risen 9% over the same period.

The bottom line? This ASX energy stock continues to charge higher, and for now, investors seem willing to brush off near-term uncertainty in favour of long-term growth potential.

The post Why is this ASX energy stock racing 7% higher today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

What did Paladin Energy report?

• The Métis Nation–Saskatchewan has commenced legal action over approval of Paladin's Environmental Impact Statement for Patterson Lake South.
• The application challenges a 19 February 2026 decision by the Saskatchewan Minister of Environment.
• An interim injunction is sought to prevent Paladin from acting on the approval until the judicial review is decided.
• No financial results or operational impacts were reported in this announcement.

What else do investors need to know?

Paladin Energy has acknowledged the unique rights, cultures, and concerns of Indigenous peoples and emphasised its ongoing efforts to engage with the Métis Nation–Saskatchewan. The company highlighted that Paladin Canada Inc. (formerly Fission Uranium Corp.) has consulted with the MN–S over many years as part of the Patterson Lake South Project development.

The judicial review application is directed towards both the Government of Saskatchewan and Paladin. The legal process could affect the project's timeline, depending on the court's findings. Paladin states that it intends to defend its position in the matter.

What's next for Paladin Energy?

Paladin Energy will now respond to the judicial review as it progresses through the Saskatchewan court. The company remains committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders, including Indigenous communities, to address concerns and build lasting relationships throughout its project development.

Further updates on regulatory or legal matters, alongside developments at the Patterson Lake South Project, are expected in due course.

Paladin Energy share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Paladin Energy shares have risen 192%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 7% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

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By the time trading wrapped up, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) had gained a pleasing 1.85%. That lifts the index up to 8,534.3 points.

This happy Wednesday for the local markets comes despite a far more bearish morning over on Wall Street.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) couldn't quite stick the landing, dropping 0.18%

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) fared even worse, falling by 0.84%.

But let's get back to the ASX now and dig into what was going on amongst the various ASX sectors today.

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

By the time the markets closed this Wednesday, the ASX 200 had risen by another 0.59% after staying in green territory all session, leaving the index at 8,743.5 points. 

This happy hump day for the local markets comes after a nervous morning over on Wall Street.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was volatile, but ended up closing 0.072% lower.

Things were a bit better for the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC), though, which overcame its own shakiness to finish 0.0051% higher.

But let's get back to the Australian share market now and see what was happening amongst the various ASX sectors today.

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

By the time trading wrapped up today, the ASX 200 had gained a healthy 1.09% after initially rallying even harder this morning (up 2% at one point). This session's rise leaves the index at 8,692.6 points.

This happy Tuesday for the Australian markets follows an optimistic start to the American trading week in the early hours of this morning (our time).

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) returned from the weekend with a spring in its step, rising 0.5%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was even more enthusiastic, gaining a rosy 1.38%.

But let's return to the local markets now and take stock of how the different ASX sectors were lifted, or not, by today's market tide.

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

That's according to the team at Shaw and Partners.

Both Paladin and Boss Energy shares are already off to a strong start in 2026.

Year to date at the time of writing, the Paladin share price is up 28.3%, while Boss Energy shares have gained 14%. That compares to a 1.1% gain posted by the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) over this same period.

Why ASX uranium shares could charge higher from here

In a new report, Uranium Super-Cycle, Shaw and Partners recommends investors hold an overweight position in ASX uranium shares.

The broker expects that "a growing disconnect" between global uranium supply and long-term nuclear demand will see a big uptick in uranium prices, which should help lift profits for producers like Boss Energy and Paladin.

Uranium was recently trading for around US$88 per pound, after hitting a two-year high of $101 per pound on 29 January.

But citing structural supply deficits, accelerating nuclear demand, and tightening fuel contracting cycles, Shaw and Partners expects nuclear fuel to surge to US$200 per pound.

In the new report, the broker now forecasts a uranium spot price of US$175 per pound in 2027, up from its prior forecast of US$150 per pound. And in 2028, Shaw and Partners expects uranium will fetch US$200 per pound, up from the prior forecast of US$150 per pound.

Why the uranium price could more than double by 2028

Shaw and Partners' bullish outlook on the price of the nuclear fuel, and the resulting expected strength of ASX uranium shares, follows on what it called a "sharp market signal" when uranium spiked from US$85 per pound to US$102 per pound in only three days at the end of January.

Andrew Hines, head of research at Shaw and Partners, said this big move shows just how sensitive the uranium market is to incremental buying pressure.

According to Hines:

The January spike demonstrated how quickly this market can reprice. A relatively modest amount of financial buying was enough to move the spot price materially. If utilities return to the term market in size, we believe the upside move could be significant.

Shaw and Partners noted that global nuclear capacity currently consumes some 180 million pounds of uranium a year. That's significantly more than the existing mine production of around 150 million pounds a year.

And bringing more uranium to the market isn't something the miners can do overnight.

"On paper there are new projects slated for development, but in practice these are technically complex, capital intensive and often in challenging jurisdictions," Hines said.

Atop Paladin and Boss Energy, Shaw and Partners' preferred exposure to ASX uranium shares includes:

• Bannerman Energy Ltd (ASX: BMN), whose shares are up 28.6% year to date
• NexGen Energy Ltd (ASX: NXG), whose shares are up 24.5% year to date
• Peninsula Energy Ltd (ASX: PEN), whose shares are down 3.3% year to date

"The narrative around nuclear has shifted decisively," Hines said. "Energy security, decarbonisation and AI-driven power demand are converging. Nuclear is no longer a fringe solution. It is becoming central to energy policy."

The post Why ASX uranium shares like Paladin and Boss Energy could be set to rocket appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Paladin reported revenue of US$138.3 million for the first six months of the year, up 79%, but posted a net loss of US$6.6 million driven by spending on ramping up production at its Langer Heinrich mine in Namibia.

The company had previously reported that fourth-quarter production at Langer Heinrich jumped by 16% over the previous quarter to 1.23 million pounds.

Growth plans developing

Managing Director Paul Hemburrow said when releasing the quarterly report that Langer Heinrich was performing well.

As global interest in nuclear energy continues to strengthen, I am delighted by our progress in ramping-up operations at Langer Heinrich Mine. The new level of production achieved during the quarter provides insight into the robust performance that can be achieved from this strategic uranium asset. Our site team's goal is to continue delivering a consistent operational performance for the remainder of this financial year. The capability of our Canadian team is growing under the leadership of Dale Huffman as President Paladin Canada, with exploration and permitting workstreams advancing at PLS.  

PLS refers to the Patterson Lake South Project in the Athabasca region of Canada, which Paladin acquired in 2024.

The company's website states that it is a high-grade, near-surface uranium deposit at an advanced stage of development.

Top-tier projects in focus

It's the combination of the two projects – Langer Heinrich and PLS – which has the Shaw team interested.

As they said in a research note to clients this week:

The combination of Langer Heinrich with Patterson Lake South has the potential to transform Paladin Energy into a 15 million pound per year uranium producer generating over US$2b of EBITDA per annum. At a 10x EBITDA multiple – that would make our $17.50 price target very conservative.  

Shaw said the PLS project currently has a mineral reserve of 93 million pounds, "and Paladin is aiming to bring it into production in 2031 at a rate of 9Mlb/yr over a 10 year mine-life''.

They added:

Paladin's focus will shift to Patterson Lake South, its tier 1 growth project in the Athabasca Basin, post completion of a successful ramp-up of Langer Heinrich to full capacity in mid-2026. The Paladin share price has re-rated as the market recognised that the temporary commissioning issues at Langer Heinrich, were temporary. The next phase of Paladin outperformance will be driven by a strengthening uranium market, and by the market recognising the valuation upside in PLS. Paladin is one of our preferred exposures to the coming uranium market super-cycle.

The Shaw price target of $17.50 compares with Paladin Energy's current share price of $12.58, representing potential upside of 39.1%.

Paladin was valued at $5.65 billion at the close of trade on Wednesday.

The post How much upside is there in Paladin Energy shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

At the time of writing, shares are down 9.55% to $8.31, making it one of the weaker performers on the ASX today.

While this pullback is significant, the uranium miner's shares are still up around 80% over the past 12 months.

So, what is behind the move today?

Uranium is lagging the broader commodity rally

One key reason for the sharp fall in Paladin shares appears to be the uranium price.

Right now, uranium is trading at about US$86.20 per pound. While that remains well above levels seen a few years ago, it has not been moving higher in line with the rest of the commodity market.

Oil, copper, and gold have all strengthened in recent weeks, supported in part by rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Investors have rotated into energy and traditional safe-haven assets, while uranium has largely moved sideways.

There has also been fresh news in the uranium market, including a multi-billion-dollar supply agreement between India and Canada. While the deal highlights ongoing nuclear demand, it also reinforces that additional supply is entering the market.

Increased supply can place pressure on prices, which may be contributing to the softer tone in uranium stocks.

Key levels on the chart

From a technical standpoint, Paladin had been in a clear uptrend for most of the past year.

However, that trend has slowed in recent weeks.

The relative strength index (RSI) has eased back toward neutral levels, which suggests buying momentum has cooled. It is no longer in overbought territory.

The share price is also trading near its lower Bollinger Band, reflecting the recent increase in selling pressure.

In terms of key levels, the $8 area now stands out as important support. If shares hold above that level, the weakness may be contained. If it breaks lower, the next support zone appears closer to the mid $7 range.

On the upside, resistance is likely to emerge between $9 and $9.50, where the stock has previously struggled to move higher.

Foolish Takeaway

It is important to remember that Paladin is a uranium producer. Its earnings outlook is closely tied to uranium prices.

If uranium remains around US$86 per pound or drifts lower, sentiment toward uranium stocks may stay subdued in the short term.

That said, the broader outlook supporting nuclear power, energy security, and rising electricity demand remains firmly in place.

Today's weakness appears to reflect profit taking following a strong 12-month run, rather than a change in Paladin's fundamentals.

The post Why the Paladin share price is sinking 9% today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Over the past 12 months, Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) and Nexgen Energy Ltd (ASX: NXG) shares have surged 77% and 89% respectively.

Investors are once again asking: which ASX uranium stock offers the most upside from here?

Paladin Energy

This ASX uranium stock is the here-and-now story. The company has restarted its Langer Heinrich mine in Namibia and is ramping production into a strengthening price environment.

On Friday the ASX uranium stock confirmed in a release that it has received Ministerial approval for its Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the PLS Project in Saskatchewan, Canada.

The EIS approval is required before the company can secure provincial permits and licences needed for construction and operation. Management of the ASX uranium stock described the decision as an important step forward for the project.

That matters. Paladin is not pitching a feasibility study or a distant dream. It is shipping pounds into a tightening market. If uranium prices stay elevated or push higher, revenue flows directly through the business. Operating leverage is real and immediate.

There is risk, of course. Ramp-ups can disappoint, operational hiccups can sting, and uranium prices remain volatile. Paladin has also carried a complicated history of capital raises and strategic shifts.

But for investors who want exposure to uranium's resurgence without waiting years for first production, Paladin offers torque today.

Bell Potter has just retained their buy rating. The broker has a 12-month price target of $15.30 on this ASX uranium stock, which suggest a 10% upside from current levels.

The team at Bell Potter was pleased with Paladin Energy's half-year result, highlighting that revenue and costs were slightly better than expected. 

Nexgen Energy

This $11 billion ASX uranium stock sits at the opposite end of the spectrum. Its Rook I project in Canada's Athabasca Basin is widely regarded as one of the most exciting undeveloped uranium deposits in the world.

The grades are exceptional. The scale is enormous. On paper, it could become a globally significant supplier. But it is still a development story. Permitting, financing and construction must all fall into place before production begins, and that is a multi-year journey.

That long runway cuts both ways. If uranium demand explodes and long-term contract prices keep climbing, Nexgen's asset could be worth dramatically more by the time it enters production.

Investors today are effectively buying future optionality on a structurally tighter uranium market. But they are also accepting timeline risk, regulatory risk and the ever-present challenge of funding a large-scale build in a cyclical industry.

Bell Potter has a buy rating on this ASX mining stock. Last month, the broker raised its 12-month share price target for Nexgen to $19.30.

This suggests a near 10% potential upside at the time of writing.

Foolish Takeaway

Uranium's momentum is building. The right pick comes down to your time horizon and appetite for risk.

If you expect uranium prices to stay firm in the near term and want direct leverage to cash flow, Paladin stands out.

If you're backing a decade-long nuclear resurgence and can stomach volatility and delays, Nexgen offers higher risk — and potentially higher reward.

The post Which ASX uranium stock is the smarter buy: Nexgen Energy or Paladin Energy? 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.

At the time of writing, the Paladin share price is up 3.7% to $13.72, extending its strong run in 2026. Even before today's move, the stock was already up close to 40% this year.

The trading halt was requested pending an update on the company's Patterson Lake South (PLS) Project in Canada.

Now that the announcement has landed, here's what investors need to know.

Key approval secured for PLS project

According to the release, Paladin confirmed it has received Ministerial approval for its Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the PLS Project in Saskatchewan.

The approval was granted under Saskatchewan's Environmental Assessment Act and marks a major regulatory milestone for the high-grade uranium project in the Athabasca Basin.

The EIS approval is required before the company can secure provincial permits and licences needed for construction and operation.

Paladin said it will now continue working with the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission through the federal licensing process. At the same time, it will advance the technical work required to support future construction approval.

Management described the decision as an important step forward for the project.

What today's decision changes for Paladin

Today's announcement moves Patterson Lake South into the next stage of regulatory progress.

Environmental approval does not mean construction begins immediately. However, it clears a major provincial hurdle and allows the company to focus on federal licensing and detailed planning work.

Large uranium projects can spend years navigating environmental reviews. With this milestone complete, the remaining pathway is more defined.

It also creates clearer project sequencing. Langer Heinrich is ramping up in Namibia, while PLS now advances through formal approvals in Canada. The company is progressing from a single-asset recovery toward a staged project development.

Foolish Takeaway

Paladin shares have rallied strongly this year as uranium fundamentals improve and production ramps up.

Today's environmental approval for Patterson Lake South is another step forward. While further work remains before construction begins, the project is now firmly on a defined path toward development.

Uranium is currently trading around US$89 per pound, after recently hitting a near-2-year high above US$100. Although prices have eased from that peak, they remain well above levels seen in recent years.

With the Paladin share price around $13.72, the company now has a market capitalisation of roughly $5 billion. That valuation reflects both its producing asset in Namibia and expectations around future growth.

The post Paladin share price jumps after major Canadian project approval appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The company's shares last traded at $13.23 on Thursday's close. Even amid recent volatility in the uranium sector, Paladin shares are up almost 40% year to date.

According to the ASX notice, trading will remain halted pending the release of an announcement. The update relates to an approval in relation to the Patterson Lake South (PLS) Project in Canada.

Unless released earlier, trading is expected to resume by Tuesday, 24 February.

Here's what we know.

Halt linked to Canadian project approval

Paladin has not provided additional details on the nature of the approval. However, the reference to the PLS project in Saskatchewan suggests the announcement could relate to a regulatory or development milestone.

The PLS asset is seen as a potential long-term growth project for the company. Any material approval could influence development timelines, funding requirements, or future production expectations.

The halt will remain in place until the announcement is released or normal trading resumes next week.

Recent results showed strong momentum

Earlier this month, Paladin released its December 2025 half-year results to the market.

For the 6 months ended 31 December 2025, the company reported:

• U3O8 sold: 1.96 million pounds

• Average realised price: US$70.5 per pound of uranium

• Sales revenue: US$138.3 million

• Gross profit: US$26.0 million

• Loss after tax: US$6.6 million

The result shows production at the Langer Heinrich Mine in Namibia is continuing to increase after its restart. Although the company is still reporting a net loss, higher revenue and gross profit suggest sales volumes are improving, helped by firm uranium prices.

Paladin finished the period with US$121 million in cash and total liquidity of US$278 million. This position was strengthened by a recent equity raising and share purchase plan.

What investors will be watching

The Patterson Lake South project is viewed as a key growth asset for Paladin over the long term.

Uranium prices remain well above levels seen in recent years. At the same time, governments are backing nuclear energy as part of their decarbonisation plans, so any project approval could lift Paladin's future production outlook.

Investors will want details on exactly what has been approved and how it affects development timing, funding needs, and expected output.

Foolish Takeaway

Paladin shares have rallied strongly in 2026, supported by improving uranium fundamentals and better operational performance.

With trading suspended, attention now turns to what the PLS decision means for Paladin's next stage of development.

The post Paladin share price on ice pending major announcement 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.

With regard to Paladin, the CG team said its Langer Heinrich mine in Namibia continues to perform strongly, following an impressive December quarter in which production beat consensus estimates.

And they believe the company will do even better, as they said:

While Paladin will not update its 4.0-4.4Mlb guidance until after the March quarter, we have revised our FY26 forecast to 4.7Mlb. Commissioning of the mining fleet is trending ahead of estimates and the process is delivering stable results. We retain our buy rating and sum-of-the-parts $16.00 per share price target after incorporating minor changes.

Paladin's current share price is $13.14.

In a separate report looking at Paladin's half-year results, the CG team said it was broadly in line with expectations.

They added:

While operations were only marginally cash flow positive at US$3.3m, we see Langer Heinrich at a key inflection point, with a ramp up in free cash expected over the near term. The mining fleet has now been successfully commissioned, low grade stockpiles are largely run down, and the plant continues to ramp toward full capacity. The site visit provided incremental confidence, and we remain comfortable that a strong 2H will deliver a FY26 beat on both production and costs.

Decision to mine looms

Over at Deep Yellow, the CG team is also bullish on the stock.

Deep Yellow is at a different stage of development, with the company yet to make a final investment decision at its Tumas project in Namibia.

The CG team said the company was playing its cards well, while also getting on with the job.

As they said:

Deep Yellow is being strategically patient regarding a final investment decision for Tumas, but it is very busy on the ground and has demonstrated a willingness to spend on long-lead items, thus retaining 2028 first production flexibility. With the independent technical engineering report complete, lead arranger Nedbank discussing syndication and the term market heating up, confidence in a medium-term final investment decision is growing.

CG said Deep Yellow currently had 100 people on the ground at Tumas, with most involved in bulk earthworks, while noting that detailed engineering for the project was about 60% complete.

They said Namibia was also the only country in sub-Saharan Africa to have a US ambassador on the ground, which could prove to be useful going forward.

CG has a price target of $3.01 on Deep Yellow shares compared with $2.54 currently

The post These two uranium stocks are worth a look, this broker says appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Three ASX shares that brokers have named as buys this week are listed below. Here's why their analysts are feeling bullish on them right now:

Alkane Resources Ltd (ASX: ALK)

According to a note out of Bell Potter, its analysts have retained their buy rating and $1.95 price target on this gold miner's shares. This follows the release of a half-year update that revealed a step-up in operational and financial performance in the second quarter. The broker believes that if Alkane maintains consistent delivery at this level, the market will continue to positively re-rate its shares. Outside this, it likes the company due to it offering multi-mine gold and antimony exposure across three attractive jurisdictions, a strong balance sheet, and an operating platform focused on organic and inorganic growth options. The Alkane Resources share price is trading at $1.67 on Wednesday.

Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN)

Another note out of Bell Potter reveals that its analysts have retained their buy rating and $15.30 price target on this uranium producer's shares. The broker was pleased with Paladin Energy's half-year results, highlighting that revenue and costs were slightly better than expected. This led to a beat on the bottom line. Looking ahead, Bell Potter notes that Paladin Energy is positively exposed to rising uranium markets, with ~53% exposure to spot prices out to 2030. It also points out that production at LHM continues to improve. The only risk it sees is water disruptions as it enters a seasonally tricky period known for algal blooms which impact availability from the desalination plant. The Paladin Energy share price is fetching $11.60 at the time of writing.

Seek Ltd (ASX: SEK)

Analysts at Morgans have upgraded this job listings company's shares to a buy rating with a $27.50 price target. This follows the release of a half-year result that was largely in line with expectations. Seek posted a 12% increase in revenue and a 35% jump in net profit. In light of this, Morgans thinks that recent share price weakness has created a buying opportunity for investors. However, it concedes that Seek still has many questions to answer on the AI threat. The Seek share price is trading at $15.98 this afternoon.

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

During this time, the ASX uranium stock has risen by over 40%.

But if you thought this meant that it was too late to invest, think again!

That's because analysts at Bell Potter are tipping more strong gains over the next 12 months.

What is the broker saying?

Bell Potter notes that the ASX uranium stock released its half-year results last week and delivered numbers largely in line with expectations. It said:

PDN recorded revenue of US$138m (+79% vs PcP, inline with our estimate of US$139m). COGS were US$91.3m, excluding depreciation, (BPe US$93.8m), largely inline with our expectations. Profit before tax was US$9.26m, BPe US$6.2m. Finance costs were US$15m, which were above our expectations, and drove the divergence in the bottom line result.

Underlying loss after tax was -$6.6, with -$7.5m attributable to NCI and members of the parent recording a $0.872m profit, Vs BPe US$4.4m profit. EPS was US$0.2cps PDN finished the half with US$278.4m in cash and short term investments, following the A$300m equity raise, and $100m SPP.

Production ramp-up and stronger second half expected

The broker believes the second quarter was a clear improvement, particularly as the company moves through its stockpile processing phase at Langer Heinrich. The good news is that it should be onwards and upwards from here, according to Bell Potter. It said:

PDN recorded a markedly improved 2Q result, as the business completes the stockpile processing phase. The expectation, once operations rely more heavily on mined ore in the 2H, is for greater visibility on mill performance, grade and production.

We suspect that should 3Q avoid any unforeseen disruptions, PDN will be cum-upgrade. We forecast FY26 production of 4.75Mlbs, above the upper end of guidance of 4.5Mlbs.

Should you buy this ASX uranium stock?

According to the note, Bell Potter has maintained its buy rating and $15.30 price target on Paladin Energy's shares.

Based on its current share price of $11.68, this implies potential upside of 31% for investors between now and this time next year. It concludes:

We retain our Buy recommendation and $15.30/sh TP. PDN is positively exposed to rising uranium markets, with ~53% exposure to spot prices out to 2030. Production at LHM continues to improve, with transition to processing primally fresh ore, milled grades should lift from 501ppm over 1H, as should plant performance and reliability. The only risk we see is water disruptions as we enter a seasonally tricky period known for algal blooms which impact availability from the desalination plant.

The post This top ASX uranium stock could rise 30%+ appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Paladin Energy shares closed yesterday trading for $12.25. During the Thursday lunch hour, shares are swapping hands for $12.64 each, up 3.6%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is up 0.6% at this same time.

Taking a step back, Paladin Energy shares have surged 50.8% over the last 12 months, racing ahead of the 6.3% one-year gains posted by the benchmark index.

And brave investors who waded in and bought the ASX 200 uranium share on 22 April when it was trading at multi-year lows of $3.98 will currently be sitting on gains of 217.6%.

That's enough to turn a $5,000 investment into $15,879. In less than 10 months!

Now, here's what's grabbing investor interest again today.

ASX 200 uranium share jumps on half-year results

Paladin Energy released its half-year results covering the six months to 31 December (H1 FY 2026) before market open this morning.

As a quick overview, Paladin Energy has a 75% ownership of the Langer Heinrich Mine (LHM) in Namibia, along with development assets in Australia and Canada.

The ASX 200 uranium share acquired Canadian company Fission Uranium Corp in late 2024. Paladin shares also now trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX).

Over the half year, Paladin sold 1.96 million pounds of uranium from LHM. The company received an average realised price of US$70.5 per pound, generating sales revenue of US$138.3 million.

Amid the ongoing ramp-up of production at LHM, the cost of those sales came to US$112.3 million.

Paladin reported a gross half-year profit of US$26 million, up from a gross profit of US$900,000 in H1 FY 2025.

However, the ASX 200 uranium share still reported a net loss after tax of US$6.6 million. This was driven by the ongoing production ramp-up at LHM, the miner's business expansion following its acquisition of Fission Uranium (since rebranded Paladin Canada Inc), as well as costs involved with its TSX listing and financing activities.

As at 31 December, Paladin Energy had total unrestricted cash and investments of US$278.4 million, up 213% year on year.

What did management say?

Commenting on the half-year results helping lift the ASX 200 uranium share today, Paladin CEO Paul Hemburrow said, "The first half of the year demonstrated strong and continually improving performance at Langer Heinrich Mine."

Looking ahead, he added:

With the remaining mining fleet arriving on site, the foundations are now in place to successfully complete our ramp-up at Langer Heinrich Mine during the remaining months of the year.

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What did Paladin Energy report?

• Sales revenue of US$138.3 million, driven by 1.96 million pounds of uranium sold at an average price of US$70.5 per pound
• Gross profit rose to US$26.0 million for the half, up from just US$0.9 million a year earlier
• Net loss after tax narrowed to US$6.6 million, impacted by production ramp-up and Canadian expansion
• Total unrestricted cash and investments reached US$278.4 million, up 213%
• Successful A$300 million equity raising and A$100 million share purchase plan completed
• Syndicated debt facility restructured to provide greater financial flexibility

What else do investors need to know?

Paladin's operational ramp-up at its Langer Heinrich Mine has been progressing well, supported by additional mining fleet arriving on site and stronger contract pricing. This underpinned the sharp lift in sales and revenue for the half.

At the same time, the company advanced its Patterson Lake South (PLS) Project in Canada—helped by the equity raising and share purchase plan—laying the groundwork for its next phase of growth. Paladin also restructured its debt, reducing its drawn balance and increasing undrawn capacity.

The balance sheet ended the half in a much stronger position, with US$278.4 million in cash and investments and an undrawn US$70 million revolving credit facility. This gives Paladin added headroom as it continues ramp-up and development activities.

What did Paladin Energy management say?

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Paul Hemburrow said:

The first half of the year demonstrated strong and continually improving performance at Langer Heinrich Mine as our team increased its knowledge and experience of how to optimise the production process, including the mining activities that were gathering pace at the start of this financial year. With the remaining mining fleet arriving on site, the foundations are now in place to successfully complete our ramp-up at Langer Heinrich Mine during the remaining months of the year.

The half year results also highlight the robust financial position of Paladin Energy with increasing revenue from strong sales augmented by a successful equity raising and a restructure of the debt portfolio that will enable us to complete our ramp-up activities at the LHM and continue to progress the PLS Project in Canada, including our winter drilling program.

What's next for Paladin Energy?

Looking ahead, Paladin Energy plans to complete the ramp-up of its Langer Heinrich Mine, taking full advantage of favourable uranium market conditions and strong sales contracts. Management also aims to keep advancing the PLS Project in Canada, including the current winter drilling program, as it moves towards a final investment decision.

With a stronger balance sheet and restructured debt facility, Paladin says it is well positioned to deliver growth from both existing production and new developments, providing flexibility to respond to further opportunities in the uranium sector.

Paladin Energy share price snapshot

Over the past 12 month, Paladin Energy shares have risen 46%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 6% over the same period.

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Here are three of them.

Deep Yellow Ltd (ASX: DYL)

Uranium development company, Deep Yellow, has had a fantastic start to 2026. It was one of the best stock performers on the ASX 200 index in January as tailwinds from its solid quarterly update and overall improving sentiment in the uranium sector drove the share price higher.

The company reported a strong cash balance of A$187.1 million for the quarter ending 31st of December. The company also revealed that engineering and infrastructure at its Tumas project is on track. 

Demand for uranium is expected to continue quietly climbing this year as governments ramp up activity on nuclear power.

Deep Yellow shares jumped 7.14% higher on Tuesday to close the day at $2.55 a piece. And for the year-to-date the shares are now an impressive 30.77% higher.

Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN)

Paladin is another uranium production company that focuses on developing and operating uranium mines globally. Its share price has also been pushed higher off the back of surging demand for uranium so far in 2026. 

The company's production and financials are very strong too. In its December 2025 quarterly report, Paladin announced a 16% quarter-on-quarter increase in uranium production and reaffirmed full-year FY26 production guidance of between 4 and 4.4 million pounds of uranium. The ASX 200 miner is also on track for full mining and processing operations by FY27.

Paladin Energy share closed Tuesday 5.48% higher at $12.13 a piece. The gain pulled the ASX 200 stock's share price up 19.74% for 2026 so far.

Greatland Resources Ltd (ASX: GGP)

Greatland Resources is an ASX 200-listed gold and copper mining stock. It focuses on discovery, development, extraction, processing, and sale of precious and base metals. 

The miner's share price has surged this year as copper shares rally. Demand comes from a jump in demand for safe haven commodities amid global geopolitical uncertainty and a rapid decline in the US dollar. Greatland has also benefited from a gold price rally this year. 

It wasn't the commodity boom which pushed the ASX 200 stock higher though, it also posted record drilling and grades at its Telfer site, a strong Q4 cash flow and progress in its mine expansion plans in January. 

At the close of the ASX on Tuesday, Greatland Resources shares were 3.47% higher at $12.82. For the year-to-date the share price has jumped 21.4%.

The post These 3 ASX 200 stocks have already soared 20% to 30% in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.