The fastest rising ASX 200 shares today are 4D Medical Ltd (ASX: 4DX), up 10%, and Deep Yellow Ltd (ASX: DYL), up 7.3%.

Among the biggest fallers are Alcoa Corporation CDI (ASX: AAI), down 3.8%, and Pexa Group Ltd (ASX: PXA), down 3.6%.

Let's check out 3 shares with new ratings from the experts today (courtesy The Bull). 

SKS Technologies Group Ltd (ASX: SKS)

The SKS Technologies share price is $7.95, down 5% today but up 250% over 12 months.

Mark Elzayed from Investor Pulse has a buy rating on this ASX 200 industrials share. 

He said: 

SKS specialises in electrical technologies and digital infrastructure. It offers services across audio visual, communications and electrical solutions in Australia.

In our view, it's a compelling buy in response to Australia's data centre electrification boom.

Sales revenue rose 13.6 per cent in the first half of 2026 when compared to the prior corresponding period, while profit before tax increased 52.8 per cent. EBITDA was up 42.9 per cent.

The company is forecasting full year revenue of $340 million in full year 2026 at a profit before tax margin of 10 per cent.

The forecast is underpinned by a robust order book and the Delta Elcom acquisition expanding its Sydney data centre footprint and representing a significant percentage of the domestic market.

Yancoal Australia Ltd (ASX: YAL)

The Yancoal share price is $5.69, up 6.1% today and down 6.5% over 12 months.

The coal producer is the third fastest-rising share of the ASX 200 today.

Elzayed has a hold rating on this ASX 200 energy share. 

He explained:  

Yancoal is balancing strong fundamentals against a near term overhang.

In April, YAL announced it would acquire 80 per cent of the Kestrel metallurgical coal mine in the Bowen Basin for $US2.4 billion. The acquisition is accretive over the long term, but adds leverage.

Diesel cost inflation threatens to push 2026 unit costs toward the top end of its guidance range.

Consensus targets of about $7.02 on July 15 imply upside, but integration and coal price risks argue for holding the stock rather than adding.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) 

The Wesfarmers share price is $92.64, down 0.2% today and up 10.6% over 12 months.

Tony Locantro from Alto Capital has a sell rating on the ASX 200's largest consumer discretionary share.

He said:

The company delivered a strong first half result in full year 2026, reporting net profit after tax of $1.603 billion, up 9.3 per cent, reflecting continued earnings growth across its retail portfolio amid disciplined operational execution.

Despite these strong fundamentals, much of the company's quality and long term growth outlook appear fully reflected in its premium valuation.

While Wesfarmers remains an outstanding long term business, future upside may be constrained by elevated market expectations.

Given the strong share price performance and demanding valuation, the current risk-reward balance supports taking profits at current levels.

The post Buy, hold, sell: SKS Technologies, Yancoal, Wesfarmers shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

On Wednesday: 

• BMC Minerals Ltd (ASX: BMC) rose 12% to a new all-time high
• SKS Technologies Group Ltd (ASX: SKS) jumped 5% to a new record high
• APA Group Ltd (ASX: APA) hit a record high. 

Lets see what sparked investor interest, and if there is any further upside in store. 

BMC Minerals continues hot start

BMC Minerals engages in the exploration and development of mineral properties. It operates the Kudz Ze Kayah Project located in the Finlayson Lake District of south-eastern Yukon, Canada.

It debuted on the ASX back in December last year, and has climbed more than 50% since its initial listing. 

Most of this increase has come following its quarterly report in late April. 

Investors have seemingly been scooping up shares in this exploration company after it announced a positive Decision Document for development of the ABM Mine issued by the Government of Yukon, Natural Resources Canada and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. 

This was a major de-risking milestone for the Company, allowing the continuation of the permitting process for all remaining permits and licences for the project.

Once in production, the ABM Mine is expected to be Canada's largest silver and zinc producer and a top 15 Canadian copper producer.

A recent report from Morgans suggested a price target of $5.70 for these ASX shares. 

This would indicate a further 48% upside from current levels. 

SKS nearing peak

SKS Technologies engages in the development and distribution of technology products. It provides audiovisual products & solutions and electrical and communications cabling for the commercial, retail, health, defence and education market.

In 2026, it has already risen 122%, and it is now up 438% in the last year after yesterday's rise. 

This has been spurred on by continued contract wins for the company. 

However targets from brokers indicate the stock could be close to fully valued. 

Morgans recently placed a revised price target of $8.95 on these ASX shares, which is only slightly above the current share price of $8.78. 

APA benefits from federal budget

APA is Australia's largest energy infrastructure company, owning and/or operating an extensive portfolio of gas, electricity, solar, and wind assets.

It hit new record highs during trading on Wednesday, and could be set to benefit from changes in the federal budget. 

As reported by Bernd Struben on Tuesday, UBS equities strategist Richard Schellbach said the proposed CGT changes will favour the likes of quality ASX 200 dividend shares such as APA.

According to Schellenbach, ASX stocks with strong capital gain potential are likely to become less attractive following the CGT changes. 

ASX 200 dividend shares in the banking and real estate sectors could be set to benefit over high-growth stocks.

The post Can these ASX shares hitting record highs keep climbing? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Since the start of 2026, it has risen 110%. 

SKS Technologies engages in the development and distribution of technology products. It provides audiovisual products & solutions and electrical and communications cabling for the commercial, retail, health, defense and education market.

In the last 12 months, it has exploded more than 400%. 

After such a rapid rise, prospective investors are likely questioning if it's too late to jump on board this runaway train. 

Last week, the company released key announcements regarding new contracts.

What did this ASX industrials stock announce?

SKS Technologies has received written confirmation from Buildcorp Group Pty Ltd for the award of a contract to supply and install a fully integrated electrical technology solution for a major retailing group for its new headquarters in Melbourne's Docklands precinct. 

The project is valued at approximately $22 million. 

SKS Technologies Chief Executive Officer, Matthew Jinks, said:

The awarding of this project reflects our reputation and position in the market for quality and capability, reinforcing our business as a trusted partner for complex, large-scale commercial developments. It also further strengthens market confidence in our team's ability to execute critical infrastructure with precision, safety and efficiency.

The project is due for completion in 1Q28.

This catapulted the share price to a new record high last week, and prompted updated guidance from the team at Morgans. 

Here's what the broker had to say. 

$1.2bn pipeline sparks further confidence 

Morgans said SKS's $22m contract win for the new Coles head office sees the group work in hand expand to $355m ($270m for FY27), with SKS's Tenders pipeline exceeding $1.2bn (of which >$1bn relates to prospective data centre projects). 

SKS's share price momentum increasingly reflects confidence in the group's strong FY27 outlook, and ability to win a greater share of its healthy pipeline of prospective data centres. We lift our PBT forecasts by ~12-15% in FY27-28F, reflecting our expectations for further conversion of SKS's share of this pipeline over the year ahead.

Based on this guidance, Morgans retained its accumulate rating, with a revised price target of $8.95.

While this optimism is reassuring for holders of the stock, those on the outside looking in have likely missed the majority of growth.  

From yesterday's closing price of $8.32, this updated price target indicates a modest upside of 7% for this ASX industrials stock.

The post This ASX industrials stock has doubled in 2026 – is there any more upside according to Morgans? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

This adds to what has already been a massive run for shareholders.

At the time of writing, the SKS share price is up 7.68% to $8.13. The stock traded as high as $8.20 earlier this morning, before easing slightly from that level.

That still leaves SKS shares up around 101% in 2026 and about 345% over the past 12 months.

Another contract lands

In its ASX release, SKS said it has received written confirmation from Buildcorp Group for a new contract.

The contract is worth about $22 million.

It covers the supply and installation of a fully integrated electrical technology solution for a major retailer's new headquarters in Melbourne's Docklands precinct.

The project is expected to take about 13 months to complete, with final completion due in the first quarter of 2028.

The scope includes core electrical infrastructure, distribution systems, advanced lighting, communications and IT, and smart building system integration.

Chief Executive Matthew Jinks said the contract reflects the company's reputation for quality and delivery capability. He also said it reinforces SKS as a trusted partner on complex, large-scale, commercial developments.

Order book keeps growing

SKS also said its order book now sits at $355 million. That includes about $270 million of work extending beyond the traditional 12-month horizon into the second half of FY27.

Since February 2026, SKS said its work tenders have increased by almost 120%, from $572.26 million to $1.25 billion.

Data centre tenders now account for more than $1 billion of that pipeline.

More funding room

SKS also released a separate update, giving investors another reason to look at the stock.

The company said it has been approved by Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) for a further $20 million in its bank guarantee facility.

That lifts its total bank guarantee facility to $48 million. Including equipment finance, its total facilities now sit at $52 million.

Management said the extra capacity will support the company's growth plans and help it manage working capital through larger projects.

That is worth noting because SKS is now dealing with a much larger order book and tender pipeline than it did a year ago.

Its total bank debt facilities have increased by 6.5 times in less than 4 years.

The company also said the expanded bank facilities will support its organic growth strategy over the next 4 years.

The post This ASX rocket just hit a record high. Here's why investors are still buying appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

At the time of writing: 

• Elevra Lithium Ltd (ASX: ELV) is up 7% to fresh highs of $13.80
• SKS Technologies Group Ltd (ASX: SKS) is up 1.6% to $7.20
• Vitrafy Life Sciences Ltd (ASX: VFY) is up 10% to $2.19

These ASX shares are now hitting fresh yearly highs. Many investors might now be questioning if it's too late to gain positions in these companies. 

Let's see what analysts are projecting. 

Elevra Lithium

Elevra Lithium engages in the exploration, development, and mining of lithium raw materials. Its portfolio includes projects in Québec, Canada, the United States, Ghana, and Western Australia. 

It has been one of the many ASX lithium shares charging higher this year. 

A key catalyst has been the global oil shock linked to the Iran conflict, which has increased interest in electric vehicles (EVs) as an alternative to expensive fossil fuels. This shift is boosting expected demand for lithium, a critical battery material.

At the time of writing, this ASX lithium stock is up 72% year to date. 

However, experts are suggesting that there is limited further upside. 

The average analyst forecast via TradingView indicates a fair price target of $14.03. 

This is just 2% higher than today's share price. 

SKS Technologies

SKS Technologies engages in the development and distribution of technology products. It provides audiovisual products & solutions and electrical and communications cabling for the commercial, retail, health, defence, and education markets.

It has been drawing positive outlooks from brokers thanks to its exposure to the booming data centre (DC) market.

At the time of writing, it is up 81% year to date and sits at $7.18 per share. 

This is significantly above recent price targets from Morgans, which recently retained its accumulate rating on its shares with a revised price target of $6.70.

Other analysts' ratings are hovering around $6.47 per share, which is 9.8% below current levels. 

Vitrafy Life Sciences

Vitrafy Life Sciences developed a range of proprietary smart cryopreservation hardware devices and Lifechain, an integrated, cloud-based software platform, to provide a complete, vertically integrated cryopreservation solution to retain the quality of cryopreserved biomaterials.

At the time of writing, its share price is up 71% year to date. 

Unlike the previous two ASX shares mentioned above, VFY shares may still have modest upside. 

According to analyst ratings via TradingView, VFY could rise a further 6% from current levels. 

The post What are brokers saying about these ASX shares hitting 52-week highs appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

That's because Morgans has just put buy ratings on two small-cap ASX shares. Here's what it is recommending to clients:

Many Peaks Minerals Ltd (ASX: MPK)

Morgans thinks this gold developer could be a small-cap ASX share to buy now.

Following the release of a stronger than expected mineral resource estimate (MRE) for the Ferke Gold Project, it has reaffirmed its speculative buy rating with an increased price target of $2.48 (from $1.92). The broker commented:

MPK delivered a maiden MRE of 26.7Mt at 1.54g/t Au for 1.32Moz at the Ferke Gold Project, a material beat vs our estimate of 1Moz at 1.1g/t Au. Importantly, 1.1Moz of the MRE sits within the Measured and Indicated category, forming the basis of our production scenario. We expect 80-90% of this to convert to reserve given the ideal geometry of the resource and its amenability to mining.

We see further upside as assumptions are refined (geotechnical inputs, process recoveries and additional drilling) as the project progresses toward PFS. We maintain our SPECULATIVE BUY recommendation and lift our price target to A$2.48ps (previously A$1.92ps).

SKS Technologies Group Ltd (ASX: SKS)

Another small-cap ASX share that is highly rated by Morgans is SKS Technologies. It designs, supplies and installs audio visual, electrical, and communication products and services.

The broker likes the company due to its exposure to the booming data centre (DC) market. It believes SKS is well-placed to deliver strong growth through to at least FY 2028.

In light of this, it has retained its accumulate rating on its shares with a revised price target of $6.70. Commenting on the small cap, Morgans said:

SKS's recent contract expansion with its major customer has bolstered the group's outlook, adding a further $80m of work, and broadening its pipeline of FY27 work in hand to $240m. DC sector demand remains robust, with various operators continuing to expand their capex/build activity over the coming years, and we continue to see a significant pipeline of DC build opportunity into FY27-28+.

We upgrade our forecasts by ~13+14% in FY27-28F, reflecting our expectations for SKS to continue building on strong forward levels of work in hand / BAU run-rate into FY27+. We retain our ACCUMULATE rating with a revised PT of $6.70.

The post Morgans gives its verdict on these small-cap ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The stock is currently up 14.64% to $6.50, with buying picking up through the day. Earlier in the session, it climbed to a fresh record high of $6.57 before easing slightly as sellers stepped in.

That pullback followed a steady climb, with the stock pushing higher across most of the past 2 weeks.

Momentum continues to build

The latest move adds to what has already been a powerful run.

SKS shares are now up around 60% in 2026 alone. Over the past 12 months, the gain stretches to almost 300%, putting it among the top performers on the ASX over that period.

Short-term price action also points to consistent demand. The stock has now closed higher for 8 straight sessions, with daily gains reaching as much as 6.76% during that stretch.

Even without a fresh announcement today, buyers have continued to step in.

Last week's update still filtering through

While there has been no news released today, the company did update the market late last week.

That announcement outlined a $210 million contract tied to data centre projects across Victoria and New South Wales. The deal expanded on earlier work, increasing the overall scope tied to an existing development.

Despite the size of the contract, the initial reaction was limited. The share price slipped 0.18% on the day, closing at $5.67.

The current move suggests the market is still adjusting to what that update could mean.

Data centre work driving the outlook

SKS operates across electrical and communications infrastructure, with growing exposure to large-scale data centre builds.

That part of the market has been gaining attention as demand for digital infrastructure continues to lift. Projects of this scale require complex electrical systems, which aligns with the company's core capabilities.

The latest contract adds to a growing pipeline of work.

Following recent wins, SKS reported work on hand of roughly $350 million. That figure has been trending higher, supported by repeat contracts and expanding project scope.

Valuation back in focus

After a run of this size, the stock is attracting more attention from a broader group of investors.

SKS now carries a market capitalisation of around $747 million. At the same time, intraday moves like today's pullback from record highs show that shorter-term trading activity is increasing.

Even so, the overall trend continues to hold up. Buying interest has continued to emerge on dips, with the stock holding above prior levels as momentum builds.

The post Up nearly 300% in a year, this ASX stock just hit another record high appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Most investors immediately think of technology companies such as chipmakers, cloud providers, or software developers as ways to gain exposure to the theme.

But the AI boom is much bigger than just tech stocks.

Behind the scenes, artificial intelligence requires enormous physical infrastructure. Data centres, logistics hubs, power connections, and specialised electrical systems all play a critical role in enabling AI computing.

That means some ASX shares benefiting from the AI revolution are not traditional technology stocks at all.

Here are two examples.

Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

One of the most important pieces of infrastructure for the AI economy is the data centre.

These facilities house the servers and computing power required to run artificial intelligence models, cloud platforms, and digital services. As AI adoption accelerates, demand for data centre capacity is expected to surge globally.

This is where Goodman Group comes in. The industrial property giant has increasingly positioned itself as a developer and owner of infrastructure that supports the digital economy. Its global portfolio now includes logistics facilities and rapidly expanding data centre projects.

The company's latest results highlight just how significant this opportunity is becoming. Data centres now represent 73% of Goodman's development work in progress, reflecting the scale of investment being directed into digital infrastructure.

Demand for this infrastructure appears extremely strong. Goodman has been expanding its pipeline of powered development sites and currently has a global "power bank" of 6.0 gigawatts across major cities, which is critical for supporting future hyperscale data centres.

In other words, while Goodman is technically a property company, it is increasingly acting as a landlord and developer for the AI economy.

SKS Technologies Group Ltd (ASX: SKS)

Another ASX share benefiting from the rise of AI infrastructure is SKS Technologies.

SKS specialises in the design and installation of electrical systems and digital infrastructure used in large-scale projects such as data centres, communications networks, and specialised facilities.

The company has quickly established itself in Australia's fast-growing data centre construction market. In fact, it recently secured its largest contract ever, a $130 million project to design and construct electrical infrastructure for a hyperscale data centre in Melbourne.

Demand in this sector appears extremely strong. According to management, the data centre market is "growing exponentially and poised to remain in such a state for many years."

This demand has helped drive strong financial momentum for SKS. In its latest half-year results, the company reported a 52.5% increase in net profit and a record $325 million order book, reflecting the pipeline of infrastructure projects underway.

Rather than building AI software, SKS is helping build the physical backbone that allows those systems to operate.

The post How to invest in AI without buying tech stocks appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

As hyperscalers expand data centres and governments invest in electrification and transport upgrades, billions of dollars are flowing into the physical backbone that powers AI. For investors, that opens the door to companies that build and wire the infrastructure rather than design the software.

Here are three ASX-listed ideas exposed to that trend.

Southern Cross Electrical Engineering 

Southern Cross Electrical Engineering Ltd (ASX: SXE) is an electrical, instrumentation, and communications services provider with exposure to infrastructure, resources, energy, and increasingly, data centres.

In December, the company announced it had secured approximately $90 million in new contracts across data centres and rail. That included works at DigiCo Infrastructure REIT (ASX: DGT)'s SYD1 data centre project in Sydney's inner west, where the facility is being expanded with additional levels and increased power capacity.

The company's subsidiary, Heyday, was awarded design and construct works for low-voltage switchboards, busways, generators, UPS systems, and general power systems. On the rail side, Southern Cross secured electrical and communications works linked to Sydney Metro's St Marys Station Project.

As data centres scale up to handle AI workloads and transport infrastructure modernises, companies like Southern Cross are directly involved in delivering the power and systems that make it all work.

SKS Technologies 

SKS Technologies Group Ltd (ASX: SKS) is another contractor positioned at the heart of the digital infrastructure buildout.

The company provides structured cabling, audiovisual, electrical, and communication solutions, with a growing footprint in data centres. While it is smaller than some industrial peers, its exposure to mission-critical infrastructure projects makes it a leveraged play on data centre expansion.

As AI models become more complex, demand for high-performance computing infrastructure continues to rise. That means more server rooms, more connectivity, and more integrated systems. Contractors like SKS sit at the implementation layer, helping deliver the physical networks and environments that support these facilities.

Rather than betting on which AI platform dominates, SKS offers exposure to the broader theme: more data, more processing power, and more infrastructure to house it.

Global AI Infrastructure ETF 

For investors seeking diversified exposure, the Global X AI Infrastructure ETF (ASX: AINF) provides a different angle.

The ETF is designed to track companies globally that build and enable AI infrastructure. That can include data centre operators, semiconductor manufacturers, networking hardware providers, and power and cooling specialists.

Instead of selecting individual stocks, AINF spreads exposure across the ecosystem supporting AI's growth. That may help reduce single-company risk while still capturing the broader structural theme.

As global investment in AI infrastructure accelerates, including new data centres and upgrades to energy and grid capacity, the ETF offers a way to participate in that buildout through a single ASX-listed vehicle.

The Foolish big picture

AI and electrification are not overnight stories. They are multi-year, potentially multi-decade shifts that require vast physical infrastructure.

While software companies may capture much of the attention, the engineering firms installing switchboards and cabling, and the global suppliers of servers and semiconductors, are integral to the process.

Of course, project-based businesses can face margin pressure and cyclical swings, and thematic ETFs can be volatile. Still, as capital continues flowing into data centres and grid upgrades, investors may keep a close eye on who is being paid to build the backbone of the AI age.

The post 3 ASX shares riding the AI infrastructure buildout appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

These ASX industrials companies rose by 2.45% and 9.6% yesterday respectively following half-year results.

Here's what both companies reported. 

SKS Technologies Group Ltd (ASX: SKS) 

The company develops and distributes technology products. It provides audiovisual products & solutions and electrical and communications cabling for commercial, retail, health, defence and education markets.

For the half year to 31 December 2025, it reported: 

• A 52.5% increase on pcp in net profit after tax (NPAT) to $8.81 million
• EBITDA of $14.02 million, up 42.9% on pcp
• An earnings per share increase of 49.6%
• A 3.5 cents per share fully franked interim dividend.

Investors reacted positively to this result, with the share price climbing 2.45%. 

It is now up 16.6% year to date and 120% over the last 12 months. 

Tasmea Ltd (ASX: TEA)

Tasmea is a skilled services company. 

It provides essential maintenance, engineering, and specialised project services and solutions across the following four service streams to the mining and resources; oil and gas; waste and water; power and renewable energy; and defence and infrastructure industries.

Yesterday, it reported its H1 FY26 Results.

This included: 

• Revenue A$400.5m, increase of 62.4% on A$246.7m in H1 FY25
• Underlying EBIT A$44.3m, increase of 35.8% on A$32.6m in H1 FY25
• Underlying NPAT A$26.5m, increase of 31.8% on A$20.1m in H1 FY25
• Interim fully franked dividend of 6.0 cents per share, up 20% on 5.0 cents in H1 FY25.

Investors gobbled up shares in this ASX industrials stock following this announcement. 

Its share price is now up 31.5% over the last year. 

What did Morgans have to say about these ASX Industrials stocks?

Following these results, Morgans provided updated guidance. 

For SKS Technologies, the broker said NPAT and PBT margins, net cash generation, and the interim dividend all beat expectations. 

We upgrade our FY26-28F EPS forecasts by +19%/+15%/+14% based on SKS' recent FY26 revenue & improved margin guidance. Our blended DCF/P/E-based price target lifts to $5.10/sh (from $4.25). This sees SKS now trading with a TSR of ~15%, we therefore move to an ACCUMULATE rating.

From yesterday's closing price of $4.60, this revised price target indicates a further upside of 10.87%. 

Meanwhile, for ASX industrials stock Tasmea, the team at Morgans said 1H26 was modestly below its expectations. 

Strong performances in Civil (EBIT +92% YoY) and Electrical (+29% YoY) were encouraging, though these gains were more than offset by softer earnings in the seemingly lumpy Mechanical segment (-24% YoY).

The broker lowered its price target to $5.25 (previously $5.40). 

From yesterday's closing price, that indicates an upside of approximately 35%. 

The post How does Morgans view these soaring ASX industrials stocks following earnings results appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Amcor (ASX: AMC)

The Amcor share price is up 6% to $69.30. This morning, analysts at Morgans responded positively to the packaging giant's quarterly update. It has retained its buy rating with a slightly trimmed price target of $75.80. It said: "Following the renegotiation of several customer contracts on better terms, segment performance should improve in 2H26. AMC also noted that discussions around portfolio optimisation are progressing well, and we view any future announcement in this area as a potential positive catalyst for the stock."

Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV)

The Lovisa share price is up 4.5% to $32.19. This may have been driven by a broker note out of Citi. According to the note, the broker has retained its buy rating and $38.45 price target on this fashion jewellery retailer's shares. Citi expects Lovisa to deliver sales growth ahead of consensus estimates during the first half of FY 2026.

Regal Partners Ltd (ASX: RPL)

The Regal Partners share price is up 5% to $3.06. Investors have been buying the fund manager's shares after it announced an on-market buyback program of up to $75 million. It stated: "The decision to implement a buy-back program reflects the strength of the RPL balance sheet and the continued delivery of operating cash flows and demonstrates the Board's and management's confidence in RPL's outlook for continued profitable growth. The Board believes that a buy-back program is appropriate as part of its overall capital management strategy and remains focused on maximising shareholder returns, whilst preserving balance sheet strength and ensuring that RPL maintains the ability to pursue strategic growth opportunities."

SKS Technologies Group Ltd (ASX: SKS)

The SKS Technologies share price is up over 10% to $3.90. This morning, this electrical technologies and digital infrastructure specialist announced two big contract wins. This has led to SKS upgrading its revenue guidance to $340 million (from $320 million) and net profit before tax guidance to $34 million (from $28.8 million). The company's CEO, Matthew Jinks, commented: "The revised outlook is based on a combination of new contract awards, a further record level of $325 million of work on hand, and a realistic confidence in future conversions from pipeline to contract award."

The post Why Amcor, Lovisa, Regal Partners, and SKS shares are pushing higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

In morning trade, the ASX 300 stock is up 13% to $4.00.

Why is this ASX 300 stock jumping?

Firstly, if you are not familiar with SKS Technologies, it is a specialist in electrical technologies and digital infrastructure. It offers a diverse range of services across audio visual, communications, and electrical solutions throughout Australia.

It highlights that it supports a broad spectrum of industry sectors, including data centres, defence, mining, healthcare, retail, and commercial buildings.

This morning, the ASX 300 stock revealed that it has been awarded a range of contracts totalling $60 million across data centre and corporate clients. In light of this, it has upgraded its earnings guidance for FY 2026.

The recent contract awards include a package for the NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT) M3 (Stage 4) data centre project and the full suite of SKS Technologies services for the new Melbourne office of Ernst and Young.

The company points out that the NextDC M3 project has been awarded by Kapitol Group, which is a Melbourne-based construction group that specialises in high-tech sectors.

The 150MW Tier IV facility will support rapidly growing artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing demand through high-density, fault-tolerant infrastructure.

Management believes this contract award endorses the reputation that SKS Technologies has built as a dominant provider of critical electrical solutions for the data centre sector over a short period of time. In addition, it supports the company's consistently high level of repeat business, which sat at 94% for FY 2025.

The commercial office project for Ernst and Young is in the landmark, 20 level tower at 111 Bourke Street, Melbourne. It was awarded by Shape Australia, which is a large modular construction and fitout company.

The contract requires a fully integrated solution across audio visual, communications, and electrical solutions. Management feels that this demonstrates SKS Technologies' continued and unwavering pursuit of work across all of its traditional sectors.

Guidance upgrade

In light of the above, the ASX 300 stock has upgraded its revenue and earnings guidance for FY 2026.

Revenue is expected to increase to $340 million (from $320 million previously), while its net profit before tax margin is expected to lift from 9% to 10%. These increases are expected to produce a profit before tax of $34 million (from $28.8 million previously).

The company's CEO, Matthew Jinks, said:

The revised outlook is based on a combination of new contract awards, a further record level of $325 million of work on hand, and a realistic confidence in future conversions from pipeline to contract award.

The post This ASX 300 stock is jumping 13% on earnings guidance upgrade appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Power networks are being upgraded, data centres are expanding, electric vehicles are becoming more common, and commercial buildings are getting smarter and more energy-intensive.

All of this requires one thing Australia cannot avoid: more electrical infrastructure. That creates demand for the businesses that supply equipment and deliver the work on the ground.

Here are two ASX-listed companies exposed to that trend from different angles.

IPD Group Ltd (ASX: IPG)

IPD Group sits in the supply chain for electrical and automation equipment. It distributes products used in power distribution, industrial systems, data centres, renewables, and mining operations.

In December, IPD Group announced the acquisition of Platinum Cables for $37.5 million upfront, with potential earn-out payments of up to $7.5 million tied to profit growth through to December 2026. Platinum Cables reported FY2025 revenue of $44.8 million and operating earnings (EBITDA) of over $8 million. IPD Group management also said the acquisition is expected to be earnings accretive by around 11.5% on a pro forma FY 2025 basis, before any synergies.

The acquisition expands IPD Group's footprint in specialist electrical cabling, particularly in mining, infrastructure, and large-scale projects. Platinum Cables will continue operating as a standalone business, with its management team retained.

Beyond the deal itself, IPD Group has highlighted improving conditions across commercial construction and engineering work. Management recently pointed to growth in non-residential building activity and stronger momentum in engineering construction, alongside demand linked to data centres, EV charging infrastructure, and broader grid upgrades.

In simple terms, IPD Group benefits when Australia builds or upgrades the systems that move electricity safely and efficiently.

SKS Technologies Group Ltd (ASX: SKS)

SKS Technologies focuses on delivering the infrastructure rather than supplying the components.

The company provides electrical, IT, communications, and audio-visual services, handling everything from design and installation through to integration and ongoing maintenance. Much of its work is project-based, and management reports that around 94% of revenue comes from repeat customers.

In recent years, data centres have become a major part of the business. SKS Technologies has said data centre-related work made up more than half of FY2025 revenue, driven by large-scale investments from global technology companies. Revenue from data centre projects rose sharply, from $31 million in FY 2024 to over $140 million in FY 2025, according to company materials.

In May 2025, SKS Technologies secured a $100 million contract to deliver a third data centre facility in Melbourne for an international hyperscale operator, following earlier stages of the same development.

Most recently, SKS provided an update at its annual general meeting, where management outlined expectations for the year ahead. The company said it is estimating revenue of around $320 million, supported by a healthy project pipeline.

Why this tailwind matters for Australia

Australia cannot afford to stand still on energy and digital infrastructure.

Electricity demand is rising as transport, industry, and buildings become more electrified. At the same time, data usage continues to grow rapidly, driven by cloud computing, artificial intelligence, streaming, and enterprise digital systems. These trends place increasing pressure on power grids, backup systems, cooling, and network reliability.

Unlike discretionary spending, this infrastructure is essential. Businesses, households, hospitals, and governments all rely on it functioning smoothly. Delaying upgrades only increases future costs and risks.

What's driving this long term

Several forces are at work:

• Electrification of transport and industry, including EV charging networks and electric machinery
  
• Data centre expansion, as Australia builds capacity to support digital services and AI
  
• Grid modernisation, to handle renewable energy, higher loads, and reliability requirements
  
• Urban growth and commercial construction, which increase baseline power needs
  

These are multi-decade trends rather than short-term cycles.

Foolish Takeaway

IPD Group and SKS Technologies operate in different parts of the same system, but both are linked to Australia's need to build, upgrade, and maintain critical electrical infrastructure.

For investors interested in long-term national trends rather than short-term market themes, these types of businesses highlight how electrification shows up in the real economy.

The post 2 under-the-radar ASX small caps engineering Australia's electrification push appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Four ASX shares that are rising more than most today are listed below. Here's why they are storming higher:

Meeka Metals Ltd (ASX: MEK)

The Meeka Metals share price is up 7% to 23 cents. This follows the release of drilling results from the gold miner's Andy Well Underground Mine. Commenting on the drilling, Meeka's managing director Tim Davidson said: "The high gold grades in this drilling are typical of the Andy Well mineralisation and are likely to extend the mining footprint by 450m to the south, a significant increase to the current mine plan. The high-grade gold remains open down plunge and we see strong potential to further expand the Resource and production plan in this area."

Nufarm Ltd (ASX: NUF)

The Nufarm share price is up 9% to $2.59. This appears to have been driven by the release of a number of bullish broker notes this morning. One of those came from Morgans. In response to its full year results, the broker has upgraded Nufarm's shares to a buy rating with a $3.20 price target. It said: "While NUF's FY25 result was weak, it was slightly above guidance. A solid Crop Protection result was overshadowed by a poor Seed Technologies performance. Gearing was far too high at 2.7x, however it was better than feared Outlook comments were upbeat. In FY26, material earnings growth and a reduction in leverage ratios is expected. We have upgraded our forecasts."

SKS Technologies Group Ltd (ASX: SKS)

The SKS Technologies share price is up 5% to $3.49. This follows the release of an update at the technology solutions provider's annual general meeting. Management revealed that it is forecasting revenue of around $320 million and a profit before tax of $28.8 million. This is being underpinned by "strong demand across all market sectors, with significant and accelerating growth forecasts in the data centre sector."

TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE)

The TechnologyOne share price is up 6% to $31.06. Investors have been flooding back into the beaten down tech sector today after Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) released a stronger than expected quarterly update. This has eased concerns that there could be an AI bubble that is about to burst. At the time of writing, the S&P/ASX All Technology Index is up by a sizeable 3.3%.

The post Why Meeka, Nufarm, SKS, and TechnologyOne shares are storming higher appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

James Hardie Industries PLC (ASX: JHX)

The James Hardie share price is up 7% to $27.22. This follows the release of a strong second quarter update from the building materials company today. James Hardie posted a 34% increase in net sales to US$1,292.2 million and 25% lift in adjusted EBITDA to US$329.5 million. This was driven largely by the inclusion of the recently acquired AZEK business. Looking ahead, management has lifted its earnings guidance for FY 2026. It is now targeting adjusted EBITDA of US$1.2 billion to US$1.25 billion. This is up from its previous guidance of US$1.05 billion to US$1.15 billion.

Meteoric Resources NL (ASX: MEI)

The Meteoric Resources share price is up 4% to 18.25 cents. This morning, this rare earths developer revealed that it has completed the wet commissioning of its pilot plant at the 100%-owned Caldeira Rare Earth Ionic Clay Project in Brazil. The company's managing director, Stuart Gale, said: "The development of the Pilot Plant marks an important step in the development and derisking of the Caldeira Project. […] The Pilot Plant is important for Meteoric as it provides validation of the process flowsheet at scale, produces MREC for distribution to offtake partners and allows us to further assess downstream processing options to separate rare earths on site."

Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS)

The Pilbara Minerals share price is up 3% to $4.09. This follows a strong night of trade for US lithium peers on Wall Street on Monday. The catalyst for this has been another rise in lithium prices in China overnight. The Spodumene Concentrate Index (CIF China) price was up 1.8% to US$1,024 per tonne. This means that it is now up more than 20% over the past month. The battery making ingredient has been boosted by news that China will be providing new support to its electric vehicle industry.

SKS Technologies Group Ltd (ASX: SKS)

The SKS Technologies share price is up almost 4% to $3.37. This has been driven by news that the electrical technologies and digital infrastructure company has agreed to acquire Delta Elcom for up to $15 million. It is a specialist in data centre infrastructure and electrical solutions based in Sydney. CEO, Matthew Jinks, said, "We believe that we've found a business in Delta Elcom that is an advantageous strategic and cultural fit with SKS Technologies."

The post Why James Hardie, Meteoric Resources, Pilbara Minerals, and SKS shares are rising today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

It is true the ASX is dominated by financial companies (like the big four banks) and mining/resources companies. However the growth-oriented tech space offers investors plenty of opportunities.

One ASX technology stock that has provided market beating returns in 2025 is SKS Technologies Group Ltd (ASX: SKS). 

It provides audiovisual products & solutions and electrical and communications cabling for the commercial, retail, health, defense and education market.

At the start of the year, this ASX technology stock was trading for roughly $1.81 and today, shares are trading for approximately $3.29 each. 

That means its share price has risen more than 80% so far in 2025. 

Meanwhile, S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has risen by just 7% year to date.

The team at Morgans currently have an accumulate rating on this technology stock. It also just upgraded its price target, suggesting the growth is set to continue. 

Strong pipeline

It seems the team at Morgans is optimistic this ASX technology stock is set to benefit from a boom in data centre construction in Victoria (driven by cloud and AI demand). 

Morgans says there's about $18–28 billion worth of data centre projects planned in Victoria, creating strong demand for electrical work. 

The broker estimates this could mean around $3.6 billion in potential contracts that companies like SKS could compete for over the next few years.

This in our view provides strong visibility over the outlook for the company and the sector over the coming years.

Earlier this year, SKS Technologies Group also expanded its Northern Territory operations. It secured a number of project wins in different market sectors totalling in excess of $21 million.

Price target upgrade

The team at Morgans has reiterated its accumulate rating on this ASX technology stock. 

It has upgraded its price target to $3.80 (previously $3.15). 

Today, SKS shares are changing hands for approximately $3.29 each. 

Based on the price target of $3.80, Morgans sees an upside of approximately 15.50%. 

The post This ASX technology stock is up 80% YTD and is set to keep rising appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

That makes electrical contractors one of the more quietly enduring industries on the ASX. It isn't glamorous, but it is essential. 

And as infrastructure demand evolves, some lesser-known players are starting to look like genuine growth stories. Two such "hidden gems" are Southern Cross Electrical Engineering Ltd (ASX: SXE) and SKS Technologies Group Ltd (ASX: SKS).

From mining to megawatts

Southern Cross Electrical Engineering, or SCEE, has transformed itself in recent years. Once seen largely as a mining services contractor, the company has steadily diversified into renewables, commercial fit-outs, and — most notably — data centres and battery storage projects.

The growth is showing up in the numbers. In FY25, SCEE delivered record revenue of $801.5 million, up 45.2% on the prior year, and record operating earnings (EBITDA) of $54.8 million, up 36.6%. Looking ahead, management has guided to FY26 EBITDA of $65 to $68 million — implying growth of 18% to 24% on FY25 — and is actively exploring multiple acquisition opportunities to keep the momentum going.

The opportunity set is vast. SCEE's infrastructure markets encompass federal, state, and private investments in areas such as transportation, healthcare, aged care, defence, education, agriculture, water, renewables, and utilities. But perhaps the standout driver is data centres.

These facilities are experiencing exponential growth thanks to cloud computing and AI. They are also incredibly power-hungry, with electrical work representing the single largest component of construction cost. With over two decades of experience in data centre projects, SCEE is well-positioned to benefit from this surge in demand.

Small cap, big ambitions

If SCEE represents scale and stability, SKS Technologies brings fast growth and entrepreneurial energy.

Headquartered in Melbourne, SKS specialises in integrated technology and electrical solutions, from audiovisual and IT systems through to large-scale electrical works. Recently, its biggest growth driver has been data centres, which accounted for more than half of revenue in the first half of FY25.

The numbers from FY25 tell the story. Sales revenue surged 92% to $261.7 million, while operating earnings (EBITDA) leapt 161% to over $23 million. Profit before tax climbed 220% to $20.8 million.

Importantly, SKS is winning repeat business at scale. In FY25, repeat work rose to 94% of activity, up from 75% the year before. Its order book doubled to $200 million, providing visibility well into FY27. Management has also forecast FY26 revenue of $300 million, suggesting the growth story is far from over.

The company also has a broad customer base, from defence to aged care, with repeat business estimated at nearly 80%. Its tender pipeline sits at $570 million, with data centres, defence, and healthcare offering long-term opportunities.

Foolish Takeaway

Electrical infrastructure may not grab headlines like game-changing AI stories. But without it, none of those megatrends work.

Both Southern Cross Electrical Engineering and SKS Technologies highlight the importance of this sector and how investors can find growth opportunities in previously overlooked areas of the ASX. 

They're not without risks — contractors can face thin margins and cyclical challenges — but as Australia transitions to a more electrified future, these hidden gems could have a bright future ahead.

The post 2 hidden ASX gems powering Australia's electrification boom appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

With the August reporting season in the rearview mirror, dozens of companies have ex-dividend dates next week.

Here's a sample of the ASX shares going ex-dividend soon.

23 ASX shares going ex-dividend next week

How to make ex-div dates work for you

To receive an ASX company's next dividend, you must buy or already own the shares before the ex-dividend date.

If you're interested in buying a stock trading cum dividend, you have two options.

Buy it before the ex-dividend date, and earn a quick return with the upcoming dividend payment.

Alternatively, buy the stock on its ex-dividend date, when it will likely trade lower because the dividend entitlement is no longer attached.

We've seen examples of this recently, with CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) shares dropping 2.15% on their ex-dividend date.

TV network owner Nine Entertainment Co Holdings Ltd (ASX: NEC) plummeted 36% yesterday after going ex-dividend, too.

Sometimes there are exceptions, like we are seeing with WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) shares today.

The post 23 ASX shares with ex-dividend dates next week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

That's because they have just been named as buys by analysts at Morgans. Here's what they are recommending to clients:

Credit Corp Ltd (ASX: CCP)

The team at Morgans believes that this debt collector's shares are still undervalued despite rocketing higher since the release of a strong full year result.

The broker has put a buy rating and $21.50 price target on its shares. It commented:

CCP's FY25 NPAT of A$94.1m, +16% on pcp, was inline. The upper-end of FY26 NPAT guidance of A$100-110m (mid-point +12%) was above consensus expectations. CCP's guidance reflects management's incremental confidence in the US operations and growth path. CCP's FY26/27 growth outlook is reliant on strong growth being delivered from the US.

The investment pipeline is more secure and diverse; and operational efficiency has improved. Group guidance implies >40% US segment growth in FY26. Execution in the US looks to be on track, with incremental investment in Lending and stabilised domestic earnings. Continuing to deliver earnings momentum in the US is the key catalyst. We view the valuation as undemanding.

ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD)

Morgans was impressed with another strong result from ResMed last week. It notes that the sleep disorder treatment company delivered a result ahead of expectations.

In light of this, the broker has reaffirmed its accumulate rating with an improved price target of $47.86. It said:

4Q results were above expectations, with high-single digit revenue growth, expanding operating leverage, and strong operating cash flow. Sleep and respiratory sales were solid, with resupply and new patient set-ups supporting Americas mask growth, while ROW tracked the market and residential care software sales surprised to the upside posting high-single digit gains.

GPM continues to expand, underpinned by procurement gains, manufacturing efficiencies and favourable FX, while OPM grew on good cost control. Notably, FY26 GPM is pegged at 61-63% (200bp at mid-point yoy), highlighting management's confidence in a solid outlook, with strong cash flow supporting growing dividends and share buy backs, we continue to view the fundamentals as sound and the company in a strong position.

SKS Technologies Group Ltd (ASX: SKS)

Another ASX share that Morgans is positive on is SKS Technologies. It specialises in the design and installation of electrical, audio visual, and communication networking solutions.

Morgans notes that SKS technologies has pre-released its results and revealed strong growth in FY 2025. In light of this, the broker has reaffirmed its buy rating with an improved price target of $2.75. It said:

SKS recently pre-reported FY25 revenue of $259.5m (+90% vs FY24), in line with guidance. The group also delivered better than expected operating leverage for FY25, delivering PBT of $20.8m, +15% ahead of MorgF $18.2m (PBT margin 8%). We see SKS' margins as sustainable as the group continues to scale and rebase our forecasts for this new PBT margin baseline, driving ~15% PBT upgrades in FY25-27F. We retain our BUY rating with a revised PT of $2.75/sh (from $2.30/sh).

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

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

Capstone Copper Corp (ASX: CSC)

The Capstone Copper share price is up 8% to $9.26. Investors have been buying this copper miner's shares following the release of its quarterly update. Capstone Copper reported record total copper production of 57,416 tonnes at C1 cash costs of $2.45 per pound. This underpinned record adjusted EBITDA of $215.6 million for the second quarter, which is up from $123.1 million a year earlier. CEO Cashel Meagher commented: "Our second quarter was defined by several key accomplishments, including achieving record copper production, generating significant cash flow, and completing our balance sheet refinancing strategy. Earlier this month we also announced another significant milestone with receipt of the Mantoverde Optimized permit."

Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT)

The Flight Centre share price is up 2% to $12.18. This may have been driven by a broker note out of Macquarie this morning. According to the note, in response to its full year update, the broker has retained its outperform rating with a reduced price target of $15.20. It said: "A disappointing update, but recent US/ME volatility created some downside risk heading into FY25 result. Broader travel activity, while volatile, is improving post these events creating a better outlook into FY26. The mkt. will expect to see some benefits from Prod. Ops. in FY26."

ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD)

The ResMed share price is up over 2% to $43.45. This follows the release of the sleep disorder treatment company's full year results. ResMed posted a 10% increase in full year revenue to US$5.1 billion and a 28% increase in income from operations to US$1,685.4 million. ResMed's chair and CEO, Mick Farrell, said: "Our strong finish to fiscal year 2025 reflects ongoing momentum across our business, driven by robust global demand for our market-leading sleep and breathing health devices, as well as our expanding digital health ecosystem."

SKS Technologies Group Ltd (ASX: SKS)

The SKS Technologies share price is up 5% to $2.33. Investors have been buying this technology solutions company's shares following the release of a market update. The company revealed that it expects to achieve an unaudited profit before tax of $20.8 million for FY 2025. This represents a 15.6% increase on the $18 million guidance provided to the market in May. It is also more than three times greater than the $6.5 million achieved in FY 2024.

The post Why Capstone Copper, Flight Centre, ResMed, and SKS shares are pushing higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.