If you do, I think Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW), Catapult Sports Ltd (ASX: CAT), and Web Travel Group Ltd (ASX: WEB) could be top picks.

This is why I would be happy to buy all three ASX 300 shares with the money.

Temple & Webster shares

I think Temple & Webster has become more interesting after its 77% share price decline over the past year.

The online furniture and homewares retailer offers an enormous selection of products without carrying the store network of a traditional retailer. Its supplier-led model also gives it freedom to add products quickly and learn what customers want.

Repeat purchases accounted for 62% of first-half orders, while exclusive products represented almost half of revenue.

That suggests to me that Temple & Webster is becoming somewhere people return to, rather than a website they visit once for a sofa.

Home improvement, trade customers, and the early New Zealand expansion give it additional ways to grow. Profit margins remain modest, but I think the shift towards buying household products online has much further to run.

Catapult Sports shares

Catapult is often described through its wearable devices, but I think that now misses much of the opportunity.

Professional teams make connected decisions about recruitment, tactics, training, injuries, and player development. This ASX 300 share is building software across more of that process.

Its recent launch of IMPECT Video Scouting is a good example. The product helps football clubs assess players and teams through video and performance data, taking Catapult further into recruiting and opposition analysis.

I like the possibility that different departments inside the same club could rely on Catapult products. A customer may begin with athlete monitoring and later add video, scouting, or strength-training technology.

That could lift revenue from existing teams while making the relationship harder to replace.

Catapult still needs to keep converting recurring revenue growth into cash and profit. I think its widening role inside professional sport makes the story more interesting than another discussion about wearable trackers.

Web Travel Group shares

Web Travel Group should not be confused with Webjet Group Ltd (ASX: WJL). Its WebBeds business operates a global marketplace connecting hotels with travel companies that need rooms for their customers.

I like the model because Web Travel does not need to own hotels or sell directly to holidaymakers. It becomes more valuable by adding accommodation supply, attracting more travel buyers, and helping both sides complete more bookings.

Its update this week gave me greater confidence. Management expects first-half revenue to rise by 11% to 15%, while transaction margins are forecast to improve.

The board also announced a share buyback of up to $90 million because it believes the market is undervaluing the company's trading performance and outlook.

Travel disruptions and currency movements can make results uneven. Even so, I think organic growth, improving margins, and strong cash conversion make Web Travel an attractive ASX 300 share.

Foolish takeaway

I think Temple & Webster, Catapult, and Web Travel are all at stages where strong execution could lead to much larger businesses over time.

There are likely to be setbacks along the way. However, I think their expanding markets and improving business models give patient investors plenty to be excited about.

For me, all three ASX 300 shares look like buys today.

The post 3 growing ASX 300 shares I'd buy with $5,000 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

However this week, both have rallied strongly behind positive news out of the Iran conflict and a more optimistic cash rate outlook. 

A different story in 2026

In 2026, consumer staples and consumer discretionary stocks have diverged sharply as investors have favoured defensive businesses over economically sensitive ones. 

Consumer staples companies, such as food, beverage, and household goods producers, have generally outperformed. 

This is because demand for essential products has remained resilient amid persistent economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions and cautious consumer spending. 

Several consumer staples companies have also delivered stronger-than-expected earnings, reinforcing their appeal as stable, lower-volatility investments. 

Year to date, the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) is up almost 15%. 

In contrast, consumer discretionary stocks, which depend on spending for non-essential goods and services, have struggled. 

This has come as households have become more selective with purchases and investors have reassessed the high valuations of many growth-oriented companies. 

Why the tides could be turning

The ASX 200 has risen around 2% over the past two trading sessions as investor confidence improved, driven by easing geopolitical tensions and growing expectations that Australian interest rates may remain lower for longer. 

This broad market recovery is encouraging for both the consumer staples and consumer discretionary sectors. 

A stronger share market typically reflects improving investor confidence, which can lift valuations across defensive sectors such as consumer staples while also boosting more economically sensitive consumer discretionary stocks. 

For discretionary companies in particular, lower interest rate expectations can improve household confidence and reduce borrowing costs, supporting spending on non-essential goods and services. 

These consumer staples and discretionary shares could be a buy

For investors who are anticipating a long-term rise, there are several compelling opportunities. 

Firstly, Web Travel Group Ltd (ASX: WEB) jumped 17% higher yesterday. 

The market reacted positively to its strong revenue guidance for the first half of FY27. 

Even after yesterday's massive gain, Web Travel Group shares remain down almost 30% over the last 12 months. 

The emerging tailwinds and improved investor sentiment bode well for discretionary stocks like Web Travel Group. 

Another option in the discretionary sector is Guzman y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG). 

It has also been heavily sold off recently and looks to be a value play as a result. 

Guzman Y Gomez shares rose almost 8% during Tuesday's session and are tipped as a buy by many experts. 

Moving to the staples sector, Elders Ltd (ASX: ELD) shares could be appealing. 

The agribusiness company saw its share price rise 4% yesterday, and is tipped to keep rising.

Finally, Graincorp Ltd (ASX: GNC) shares also rose 4% yesterday, and has been identified by the team at Bell Potter as a buy candidate. 

The post Consumer staples and discretionary shares are rallying: These stocks could be top buys appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

And all three are solidly outpacing the 0.4% losses posted by the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) as we head into the lunch hour.

Here's what's catching ASX investor interest.

Web Travel shares leap on positive guidance

Web Travel shares are topping the charts today, up 12.6% and trading for $3.17 each.

While that leaves shares in the ASX 200 travel stock down 31.6% over 12 months, shares have now rocketed 37.7% since last Monday, 20 July.

Today, investors are responding positively to the company's first-half FY 2027 guidance update and share buyback news.

The company forecasts its WebBeds business to deliver an 11% to 15% year-on-year increase in H1 revenue (in euros).

And management expects H1 underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) in the range of AU$80 million and AU$86 million.

"Our WebBeds business continues to deliver TTV growth with enhanced margin," managing director John Guscic said.

Web Travel shares also look to be getting a lift from the company announcing an on-market buyback of up to $90 million worth of shares.

Iluka shares jump on H1 results

Joining Web Travel shares in turning heads today, Iluka Resources released its first-half (H1 2026) results this morning.

Shares in the ASX 200 rare earths miner are up 5% on the heels of those results, changing hands for $6.12 apiece.

Iluka shares are outperforming despite the miner reporting a 22.4% year-on-year decline in mineral sands revenue to $433 million.

Unaudited underlying mineral sands EBITDA for H1 came in at around $40 million.

Which brings us to…

IGO shares lift on revenue boost

Like Iluka and Web Travel shares, the IGO share price is outperforming today.

At the time of writing, shares in the ASX 200 mining stock are up 1.8% at $6.87 apiece.

This follows the release of IGO's fourth-quarter update (Q4 FY 2026).

Highlights for the three months included an 18% quarter-over-quarter increase in sales revenue to $141 million.

And on the lithium front, IGO reported a 10% increase in spodumene production from Greenbushes to 387,000 tonnes.

"IGO finished FY26 with strong operational momentum across key parts of the business, improved Group safety performance and a stronger cash position," IGO CEO Ivan Vella said.

"Greenbushes also delivered a stronger final quarter, with improved production, stronger realised pricing and an 80% EBITDA margin," he added.

The post Why is everyone talking about IGO, Iluka Resources and Web Travel shares on Tuesday? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Web Travel Group is bouncing back

In a statement to the ASX on Tuesday morning, the company said that its first-half revenue for FY27 was expected to be up 11% to 15% on the same period last year.

The company's underlying earnings were also likely to be up on the same period last year, with Web Travel predicting underlying EBITDA of $80 to $86 million despite currency headwinds compared with the first half last year.

For the first half last year, underlying EBITDA was $81.7 million.

The company also said its total transaction volume (TTV) margin was expected to be about 6.7%, up from 6.5%.

Web Travel also announced a buyback of up to $90 million worth of shares, saying, "The Board does not believe the current share price appropriately reflects the Company's trading performance, cash generation and medium-term earnings outlook''.

Web Travel Group Managing Director John Guscic said regarding the company's performance:

Our WebBeds business continues to deliver TTV growth with enhanced margin. 1H27 is on track to be the third consecutive 6-month period where TTV margins have improved over the prior corresponding period. The optimisation initiatives and investments we made in FY26 are delivering and AI-led investments continue to drive our operating leverage. The Company is focused on maximising shareholder value. We have strong liquidity following redemption of the convertible notes in April and a share buy-back demonstrates the Board and management's confidence in the Company's financial strength and outlook.

A further trading update will be provided at the company's annual general meeting on August 27, the company said.

The buyback will be targeting just less than 10% of the company's shares, given it is currently valued at $1.02 billion, and will be funded out of the company's cash reserves.

Web Travel Group shares have been underperforming

Web Travel Group shares have been on the slide recently, and over a 12-month period, are down 39.3%.

They were trading 11.4% higher at $3.12 on Tuesday morning.

Broker Morgans recently upgraded Web Travel Group, and has a $3.75 price target on the stock.

The broker said:

After material share price weakness, we upgrade WEB to a BUY rating. The company is worth materially more than the current share price. We know from past economic and geopolitical events, that after a downturn, travel demand rebounds and so will its earnings and share price.

The post Why are Web Travel Group shares surging more than 10%? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

What did Web Travel Group Ltd report?

• WebBeds 1H27 TTV margin forecast at approximately 6.7%, up from 6.5% in 1H26
• WebBeds 1H27 revenue (in EUR) expected to increase 11–15% compared to 1H26
• Group 1H27 underlying EBITDA anticipated between AUD 80 million and AUD 86 million
• Cash conversion forecast to exceed 100% for the half
• On-market share buy-back to a maximum of $90 million announced

What else do investors need to know?

Web Travel Group's Board believes the current share price does not reflect the company's trading performance, cash generation, or medium-term outlook. As a result, the company has announced a substantial on-market buy-back to enhance shareholder value.

The buy-back, scheduled to begin in August 2026, will use existing cash reserves and will not affect the business's flexibility to invest in growth opportunities. Shares will be bought at no more than 5% above the five-day volume weighted average price, and up to 10% of issued capital may be repurchased without shareholder approval.

The company will provide a further trading update at its AGM on 27 August 2026.

What did Web Travel Group Limited management say?

The company's managing director, John Guscic, said:

Our WebBeds business continues to deliver TTV growth with enhanced margin. 1H27 is on track to be the third consecutive 6-month period where TTV margins have improved over the prior corresponding period. The optimisation initiatives and investments we made in FY26 are delivering and AI-led investments continue to drive our operating leverage.

The Company is focused on maximising shareholder value. We have strong liquidity following redemption of the convertible notes in April and a share buy-back demonstrates the Board and management's confidence in the Company's financial strength and outlook.

What's next for Web Travel Group Ltd?

Looking ahead, Web Travel Group plans to continue investing in digital and operational improvements, especially AI-driven initiatives, to support further growth and margin expansion. The share buy-back reflects both the company's ongoing business strength and management's confidence in future prospects.

Investors can expect further updates at the company's AGM and ongoing communication regarding progress with the buy-back and trading performance.

Web Travel Group Ltd share price snapshot

The Web Travel Group share price has had a tough 12 months, falling almost 40%. This compares unfavourably to the All Ordinaries index (ASX: XAO), which is up around 1.1%.

View Original Announcement

The post Web Travel Group flags higher first-half profits and $90m buy-back 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:

Actinogen Medical Ltd (ASX: ACW)

The Actinogen Medical share price is up 9% to 3.5 cents. Investors have been bidding the biotechnology company's shares higher after it received its third positive Data Monitoring Committee recommendation for the XanaMIA Alzheimer's disease pivotal trial. Actinogen's CEO, Dr Steven Gourlay, said: "With the third positive independent safety review complete we are confident of the suitability of Xanamem for longer-term treatment. Xanamem has the potential to be a game-changer for Alzheimer's disease given its potential product profile as a safe and effective oral medication with the ability to slow disease course progression significantly more than any approved therapy."

Devex Resources Ltd (ASX: DEV)

The Devex Resources share price is up over 10% to 28.2 cents. This appears to have been driven by a bullish broker note out of Bell Potter this morning. Its analysts have initiated coverage on the uranium developer's shares with a speculative buy rating and 41 cents price target. It said: "The key value catalysts for DEV include uranium market fundamentals, exploration results and M&A-led growth. We have a positive medium- to long-term outlook for the uranium market, supported by barriers to new supply and demand growth linked to electrification, energy security and AI-related power requirements."

Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS)

The EOS share price was up 5% to $9.34 before being placed in a trading halt. Commenting on the trading halt request, the defence and space company said: "EOS requests the trading halt pending an announcement by EOS in relation to entry into a material contract for the sale of Remote Weapon Systems and a material contract to establish a joint venture, the disclosure of both of which is presently being finalised."

Web Travel Group Ltd (ASX: WEB)

The Web Travel share price is up 2.5% to $3.09. This is despite there being no news out of the travel technology company. But with the US and Iran confirming that a peace deal has been signed, investors may believe that trading conditions will improve markedly in FY 2027 and are buying shares while they are down in the dumps.

The post Why Actinogen, Devex, EOS, and Web Travel shares are charging higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

It was a happy hump day for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) and many ASX shares this Wednesday, as investors continue to bask in worldwide market optimism.

After yesterday's close call and slight rise, investors were more decisive today, sending the ASX 200 up a confident 0.54%. That leaves the index at 8,966.3 points, its highest level in two months.

This optimistic midweek session for Australian shares follows a mixed night on the American boards.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was on fire, gaining 0.64% after hitting a new record high.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) wasn't so lucky, though, and fell 1.15%.

But let's return to the local markets now and examine 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.

If you do, it could be worth considering the three shares listed below that Morgans rates as buys.

Here's why the broker is bullish on these names:

Judo Capital Holdings Ltd (ASX: JDO)

Morgans thinks this small business lender could be a top ASX share to buy.

In response to its capital relief securitisation transaction, the broker put a buy rating and $2.15 price target on its shares. It said:

JDO announced its second capital relief securitisation transaction backed by SME business loans. The transaction is significant as it shows JDO's ability to again source and its willingness to utilise capital relief securitisations to support its CET1 capital ratio without the need for equity raisings. Target price of $2.15 per share, with strong double digit earnings growth forecast across FY26-28F. BUY retained, with potential TSR at current prices of c.38% (driven entirely by capital growth).

Nick Scali Limited (ASX: NCK)

Another ASX share that Morgans is bullish on is furniture retailer Nick Scali. It recently initiated coverage on its shares with a buy rating and $17.84 price target.

Morgans likes Nick Scali due to its attractive valuation and positive growth outlook. It said:

We initiate with a BUY and $17.84 PT on Nick Scali. We use an FY28 PER and DCF when setting our price target as we opt to look through near-term consumer weakness, with the current price providing an attractive entry point. High-quality retailer with a long track record. Nick Scali has delivered long-term EPS growth through disciplined store rollout, LFL growth, best-in-class margins, and operating leverage. Strong cash generation and balance sheet.

Structural negative working capital supports high cash conversion, while the low capital intensity of new store rollouts leaves ample cash flow for dividends and property purchases and/or growth ventures. Store rollout optionality. Further Plush and Nick Scali rollout in ANZ and the Nick Scali rollout opportunity in the UK provide an attractive growth leg.

Web Travel Group Ltd (ASX: WEB)

A third ASX share that Morgans is positive on is travel technology company Web Travel. It recently upgraded the WebBeds owner's shares to a buy rating with a $3.75 price target.

It was pleased with its FY 2026 results and believes the market is seriously undervaluing its shares. It explains:

Given the Middle East conflict affected trading in March, WEB's FY26 result came in at the lower end of guidance, albeit better than consensus, proving its resilience. Unsurprisingly, WEB's FY27 update showed that trading has slowed materially given the conflict. Adverse FX has been another headwind. Given the uncertainty, WEB did not provide any formal FY27 earnings guidance. We have made significant downgrades to our forecasts. We assume that the conflict and a subdued consumer environment impacts WEB's 1H27 (seasonally stronger half), followed by a recovery in the 2H27.

After material share price weakness, we upgrade WEB to a BUY rating. The company is worth materially more than the current share price. We know from past economic and geopolitical events, that after a downturn, travel demand rebounds and so will its earnings and share price.

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

Index changes loom

That's because S&P Dow Jones has just issued its quarterly rebalancing of the various indices, and Pro Medicus is set to be dropped from the S&P/ASX 50 Index (ASX: XFL), with minerals analysis company ALS Ltd (ASX: ALQ) to join.

The removal of Pro Medicus comes despite the company recently announcing several contract wins, including a five-year, $28 million contract renewal with Allegheny Health Network in the US.

Removal from an index can trigger the selling of a stock, as funds that track indices sell out of dropped stocks and buy into added ones.

With regard to the S&P/ASX 100 Index (ASX: XTO), uranium company Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) will join the index, while grocery company Metcash Ltd (ASX: MTS) will be dropped.

Paladin shares are currently up 43.9% over a 12-month period, with Macquarie recently issuing a price target of $13.25 for Paladin shares compared to $9.52 currently.

Macquarie said Paladin had successfully ramped up production at its Langer Heinrich mine in Namibia and was also making "real progress" on its Patterson Lake South approvals in Canada.

Paladin recently reported that for the March quarter it had produced 1.29 million pounds of uranium at Langer Heinrich, up 5% from the previous quarter, "driven by strong processing plant performance".

The Patterson Lake South Project had also had its environmental impact statement approved.

In the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), there will be nine changes in all, with Elevra Lithium Ltd (ASX: ELV), Electro Optic Systems Ltd (ASX: EOS), Firefly Metals Ltd (ASX: FFM), and Kingsgate Consolidated Ltd (ASX: KCN) being added.

The companies being removed are Minerals 260 Ltd (ASX: MI6), Guzman Y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG), IDP Education Ltd (ASX: IEL), SiteMinder Ltd (ASX: SDR), Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW), and Web Travel Group Ltd (ASX: WEB).

Elevra shares are up an impressive 310.4% over the past year; however, the stock has come off a bit recently.

The company raised $275 million in an institutional placement in mid-May at $12.20 per share; however, the shares are now changing hands for $10.46.

Another large capital raise

Electro Optic Systems, meanwhile, is in the midst of a capital raise, having raised $150 million at $8 a share.

Shareholders in the company were also able to subscribe for up to $30,000 worth of shares at the same price, with that process ongoing this week.

EOS shares are currently changing hands for $9.98, meaning the raise is well in the money at the moment. Shareholders will find out on Friday how many shares they have been allocated.

The index rebalances will take effect from 22 June.

The post Why might Pro Medicus shares soon be under pressure? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

These changes will be effective prior to the open of trading on 22 June.

Unfortunately for a number of ASX 200 shares, they have been kicked out of the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).

This could put downward pressure on their shares, as index funds will be forced to sell them to mirror the changes. In addition, some fund managers have strict investment mandates. This could include only being able to buy shares in the ASX 200 index.

Which ASX 200 shares have been kicked out of the index? S&P Dow Jones Indices has named five shares that will exit later this month. They are as follows:

Guzman Y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG)

This Mexican-focused quick service restaurant operator's shares are leaving the index in June. Over the past 12 months, Guzman Y Gomez's shares have lost 35% of their value. This is despite a recent rebound amid news that the company is closing its loss-making US operations.

IDP Education Ltd (ASX: IEL)

After losing more than 90% of their value over the past five years, this struggling language testing and student placement company's shares are leaving the ASX 200 index. IDP Education has been battling unfavourable student visa changes and general industry weakness.

Siteminder Ltd (ASX: SDR)

The Siteminder share price is down 37% since the start of the year, dragging its market capitalisation down to $1.1 billion. Concerns over the threat of AI disruption has weighed heavily on the hotel technology platform provider's shares.

Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW)

Another ASX 200 share heading out of the index later this month is online furniture retailer Temple & Webster. Its shares are down 80% since this time last year amid concerns over consumer spending, housing market weakness, and the potential for AI disruption.

Web Travel Group Ltd (ASX: WEB)

Finally, Web Travel shares have halved in value over the past 12 months. The Web Beds owner's performance has been relatively positive, but concerns over the Middle East conflict and its impact on travel markets has weighed on investor sentiment.

The post These shares are being dumped from the ASX 200 index appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

While that is undoubtedly a great return, investors don't necessarily have to settle for targeting it.

That's because there are some ASX 200 shares that are being recommended as buys and tipped to rise considerably more.

Here are two shares that analysts are recommending to Aussie investors this month:

Nufarm Ltd (ASX: NUF)

The team at Morgans believes that agricultural chemicals company Nufarm could be an ASX 200 share with considerable upside.

The broker was pleased with the company's half-year results, which revealed that its earnings were at the high end of its guidance range.

Morgans believes this leaves Nufarm well-placed to deliver strong earnings growth in FY 2026.

As a result, it has put a buy rating and $4.15 price target on its shares. Based on its current share price, this implies potential upside of almost 50%.

Commenting on its recommendation, the broker said:

NUF's 1H26 result was at the higher end of guidance with the company reporting strong earnings growth. Seed Technologies reported a particularly strong result. NUF is on track to deliver strong underlying EBITDA growth in FY26. Pleasingly, the company upgraded its Seed Technology guidance. NUF is our key pick of the ag and chemical sector. The company is materially undervalued and we reiterate our BUY rating with a new price target of A$4.15.

Web Travel Group Ltd (ASX: WEB)

Morgans is also bullish on this travel technology company and believes it could be an undervalued ASX 200 share.

It was pleased to see the WebBeds owner's FY 2026 results come in ahead of expectations.

In response, the broker upgraded its shares to a buy rating with a $3.75 price target. Based on its current share price, this suggests that upside of almost 60% is possible between now and this time next year.

Speaking about its upgrade, Morgans said:

Given the Middle East conflict affected trading in March, WEB's FY26 result came in at the lower end of guidance, albeit better than consensus, proving its resilience. Unsurprisingly, WEB's FY27 update showed that trading has slowed materially given the conflict. Adverse FX has been another headwind.

Given the uncertainty, WEB did not provide any formal FY27 earnings guidance. We have made significant downgrades to our forecasts. We assume that the conflict and a subdued consumer environment impacts WEB's 1H27 (seasonally stronger half), followed by a recovery in the 2H27. After material share price weakness, we upgrade WEB to a BUY rating. The company is worth materially more than the current share price. We know from past economic and geopolitical events, that after a downturn, travel demand rebounds and so will its earnings and share price.

The post These ASX 200 shares could rise around 50% to 60% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Guzman Y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG)

According to a note out of Bell Potter, its analysts have upgraded this Mexican-focused quick service restaurant operator's shares to a buy rating with an improved price target of $24.50. Bell Potter was pleased with Guzman Y Gomez's decision to close its struggling US business. The broker notes that it was a previous overhang on the stock, and sees the switch to focusing on the core Australia opportunity as more beneficial to shareholders. In addition, Bell Potter is confident in the medium-term Australia opportunity, backed by a pipeline of 108 restaurants, as well as the successful master franchising operation in Singapore and Japan. The Guzman Y Gomez share price ended the week at $19.66.

Life360 Inc. (ASX: 360)

A note out of Bell Potter reveals that its analysts have retained their buy rating on this family safety and location technology company's shares with an improved price target of $33.00. After doing a deep dive into Life360's quarterly update, the broker thinks the market was focusing on the wrong thing. Instead of negatively reacting to its soft monthly active user (MAU) growth, which it notes was explainable, Bell Potter thinks investors should have responded positively to its strong growth in paying circles (paid subscribers). The broker believes the latter has been driven by better quality MAUs due to management now using artificial intelligence in A/B testing to help optimise marketing and subscription plans. The Life360 share price was fetching $19.33 at Friday's close.

Web Travel Group Ltd (ASX: WEB)

Analysts at Morgans have upgraded this travel technology company's shares to a buy rating with a reduced price target of $3.75. According to the note, Morgans was pleased with Web Travel's FY 2026 results this week. It highlights that the WebBeds owner delivered a resilient result that was ahead of consensus expectations. And while the broker wasn't surprised to see that the Middle East conflict is impacting its performance early in FY 2027, it remains positive. Morgans is expecting the conflict to lead to a soft first half but expects a recovery in the second half. Furthermore, it points out that after past economic and geopolitical events, travel demand has rebounded. So, with its shares down heavily, it thinks now is a great time to snap them up. The Web Travel share price ended the week at $2.61.

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

Ten that were given the equivalent of buy ratings are listed below. Here's what is being recommended:

Dicker Data Ltd (ASX: DDR)

In response to this computer hardware and software distributor's trading update, Morgan Stanley has upgraded Dicker Data's shares to an overweight rating with an improved price target of $11.00.

Eagers Automotive Ltd (ASX: APE)

This auto retailer released a trading update at its annual general meeting this week. In response, Macquarie retained its outperform rating on the ASX share with a trimmed price target of $27.10.

Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

The team at Morgans was relatively pleased with this industrial property giant's third-quarter update. In response to the update, the broker reiterated its buy rating with a $36.00 price target.

Guzman Y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG)

Ord Minnett is positive on this quick service restaurant operator's decision to exit the US market. It responded to the news by retaining its buy rating with a $31.00 price target.

Life360 Inc. (ASX: 360)

Bell Potter was busy reviewing this location technology company's quarterly update this week. It thinks the post-results selloff was an overreaction and has created a buying opportunity. This is especially the case given its strong growth in paying circles (paid subscribers). Bell Potter put a buy rating and $33.00 price target on Life360's shares.

Liontown Ltd (ASX: LTR)

Over at UBS, its analysts are bullish on this lithium miner. This week, the broker retained its buy rating on Liontown's shares with a $2.70 price target.

Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN)

This mining and mining services company announced the expansion of its Mt Marion lithium operation last week. Bell Potter was pleased with the plan and has retained its buy rating with an improved price target of $80.50.

Nufarm Ltd (ASX: NUF)

Morgans was pleased with this agricultural chemicals company's half-year results and believes it is "on track to deliver strong underlying EBITDA growth in FY26." As a result, the broker believes Nufarm shares are "materially undervalued" at current levels. It has put a buy rating and $4.15 price target on them.

Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN)

Macquarie has turned bullish on this uranium producer. This week, the broker upgraded the ASX uranium share to an outperform rating with a $13.25 price target.

Web Travel Group Ltd (ASX: WEB)

UBS responded to this travel technology company's FY 2026 results by retaining its buy rating with a trimmed price target of $4.60. It felt the company delivered a solid result given the challenging finish to the year.

The post 10 ASX shares given buy ratings this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

While the world waits for further news, the global oil shock continues to cause direct economic ramifications worldwide.

The conflict between the US and Israel against Iran has resulted in the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

That's a key global shipping channel through which about 20% of the world's oil and gas supply is transported.

We are now in the third month of the conflict, which has exacerbated already resurgent inflation in Australia.

Despite today's recovery, ASX 200 shares remain just inside the red for 2026 so far.

Experts say some stocks have strong potential upside ahead, despite the impact of the war.

Here is a selection of them.

Web Travel Group Ltd (ASX: WEB)

The Web Travel share price is $2.71, up 6.5% today.

This ASX 200 travel share is down 44% in the calendar year to date (YTD).

In a new note this week, Morgans gave Web Travel shares a buy rating with a price target of $3.75.

This suggests 38% capital growth over the next 12 months.

The broker said:

Given the Middle East conflict affected trading in March, WEB's FY26 result came in at the lower end of guidance, albeit better than consensus, proving its resilience.

Unsurprisingly, WEB's FY27 update showed that trading has slowed materially given the conflict. Adverse FX has been another headwind.

Given the uncertainty, WEB did not provide any formal FY27 earnings guidance.

We have made significant downgrades to our forecasts. We assume that the conflict and a subdued consumer environment impacts WEB's 1H27 (seasonally stronger half), followed by a recovery in the 2H27.

After material share price weakness, we upgrade WEB to a BUY rating. The company is worth materially more than the current share price.

We know from past economic and geopolitical events, that after a downturn, travel demand rebounds and so will its earnings and share price.

Graincorp Ltd (ASX: GNC)

The Graincorp share price is $5.04, up 2.3% today.

This ASX 200 consumer staples share has tumbled 30% YTD.

Canaccord Genuity has a buy rating with a $6.88 target.

This implies potential capital growth of 37% over the next year.

Nexgen Energy (Canada) CDI (ASX: NXG)

Nexgen shares are $15.86, up 2.9% today.

The ASX 200 uranium share has lifted 10.9% YTD.

In light of the Iran war, energy security is a hot topic these days.

Nations are highly motivated to develop new domestic energy supplies, and modern nuclear reactors are one way to do it.

This trend bodes well for ASX 200 uranium shares like Nexgen.

UBS has a buy rating on Nexgen shares with a $21 target.

This indicates a potential 32% upside ahead.

Charter Hall Group (ASX: CHC)

The Charter Hall share price is $20.33, up 4.5% today.

This ASX 200 real estate investment trust (REIT) has declined 16.8% YTD.

Morgan Stanley has a buy rating with a price target of $26.89.

This implies a potential 32% upside ahead.

The post 4 ASX 200 shares tipped to rise 30% or more in the year ahead appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

They've issued a bunch of new research notes, and I've selected three focused on ASX 200 companies that Macquarie has given an outperform rating to.

Let's see what they're saying.

Santos Ltd (ASX: STO)

Santos held its annual investor briefing this week, which focused on the company's growing free cash flow.

The company's Barossa and Pikka projects are also now producing, with Macquarie saying Santos was now past "peak capex".

Santos' break-even oil price is now US$45 to US$50 per barrel, compared to current prices of about US$88 per barrel.

Macquarie said Santos outlined US$4.9 billion in shareholder returns over CY26-30 and a US$2.5 billion reduction in debt by 2030.

Macquarie said in its research note:

Santos now has a suite of higher-quality opportunities to pursue in Alaska, PNG, Beetaloo (potentially Bedout). This focus should see it create currently unrecognised value from its existing footprint.

Macquarie has a price target of $9.15 on Santos shares compared to the current price of $7.73.

Web Travel Group Ltd (ASX: WEB)

Web Travel Group earlier this week delivered a strong set of full-year numbers, reporting that total transaction volume (TTV) was up 20% year over year to $5.8 billion, driven by "significant organic growth in the Americas and Europe", while TTV margins improved by 0.1% to 6.8%.

Revenue increased 20% to $394.1 million while net profit was up from $11.1 million in FY25 to $35.5 million.

Macquarie said while TTV was in line with consensus estimates, TTV margins were better than expected.

They said margins could come under pressure as the Middle East conflict drags on, but that the company's ongoing investment should position them well for any recovery in travel activity.

As Macquarie said:

Outlook continues to be impacted by ongoing conflict disruption and uncertainty, continued investment supports WEB's ability to improve margins as it scales over the medium term.

Macquarie has a price target of $4.05 on Web Travel Group shares compared with $2.70 currently.

Infratil Ltd (ASX: IFT)

Infratil, which invests in data centre and renewable energy businesses, this week reported that full-year EBITDAF rose 11% to NZ$989 million, while total asset value increased 13% to NZ$20.6 billion.

The company said its earnings were mainly driven by investments in its Australasian data centre business CDC and its US renewable energy business Longroad Energy, and it expected earnings to increase by 21% in FY27.

Macquarie said there were several potential catalysts to boost the share price, including the possible sell-down of an additional $1 billion in assets, which would simplify the company.

Further announcements around contracting for signings to CDC could also be a positive, they said.

Macquarie has a price target of $17.23 on Infratil shares compared to $13.17 currently.

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

Brokers have also run the ruler over the company's figures and have come up with quite divergent views on how the stock will perform. We'll have a look at what they're saying shortly.

First, let's have a look at what Web Travel Group reported.

Volumes looking good

In a statement to the ASX, the company said that total transaction volume (TTV) was up 20% compared with FY25 to $5.8 billion, driven by "significant organic growth in the Americas and Europe", while TTV margins improved 0.1% to 6.8%.

Revenue increased 20% to $394.1 million while net profit was up from $11.1 million in FY25 to $35.5 million.

Web Travel Group Managing Director John Guscic said:

FY26 was a terrific year for the WebBeds business. We continue to win share, TTV margins continue to improve, and our scalable business model is delivering higher operating leverage. WebBeds' EBITDA margin remains world class. We have been able to maintain our market-leading TTV growth rate with no margin pressure. WebBeds delivered $1 billion incremental TTV1 this year at an improved margin compared with last year, demonstrating disciplined growth and margin resilience. This impressive result was delivered in an environment where the conflict in the Middle East placed downward pressure on Bookings and TTV in March 2026. The key driver of our FY26 result was the outstanding performance of our Americas business which saw Bookings 41% higher than the previous year. Europe also performed well with Bookings up 19%.

Mr Guscic said while APAC and MEA were both impacted by the Middle East conflict, they both increased bookings during the period.

On the outlook, for the first eight weeks of FY27, bookings were up 6%.

Brokers divided on the outlook

The analyst team at Macquarie had a look at these results and they like what they see.

They said while TTV was in line with consensus estimates, TTV margins were better than expected.

They did say that margins could come under pressure as the Middle East conflict drags on, but they said the company's ongoing investment should position them well for any recovery in travel activity.

Macquarie has a price target of $4.05 on Web Travel Group shares compared with $2.69 currently.

Morgans is also bullish on the stock, saying the share price weakness has made it a buy.

They added:

The company is worth materially more than the current share price. We know from past economic and geopolitical events, that after a downturn, travel demand rebounds and so will its earnings and share price.

Morgans has a price target of $3.75 on the shares.

And lastly Morgan Stanley, which believes the shares are fully priced at the moment, has a price target of just $2.60 on the shares.

They noted that the company has a larger share of the market in the Middle East region than its peers, and said margins would come under pressure as the company invested to maintain growth.

Web Travel Group is valued at $919.3 million.

The post How high could Web Travel Group shares go? 3 brokers weigh in appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN)

According to a note out of Bell Potter, its analysts have retained their buy rating on this mining and mining services company's shares with an improved price target of $81.00. The broker was pleased to see the Mt Marion expansion has been approved and the Bald Hill operation will restart. It expects this to support a meaningful increase in lithium spodumene production in the coming years. In addition, given the rapid balance sheet deleveraging, paired with cash flows from persistent iron ore and lithium market prices, the broker believes that Mineral Resources will start to pay dividends again in the near future. The Mineral Resources share price is trading at $72.32 on Friday.

Tabcorp Holdings Ltd (ASX: TAH)

A note out of Morgans reveals that its analysts have upgraded this gambling company's shares to a buy rating with a trimmed price target of $1.07. The broker made the move on valuation grounds following a sharp pullback this year. And while Morgans concedes that an investigation by AUSTRAC is likely to weigh on sentiment in the near term, it still believes its shares are being seriously undervalued by the market. This is even after factoring in additional costs that are likely for compliance activities. The Tabcorp share price is fetching 77 cents at the time of writing.

Web Travel Group Ltd (ASX: WEB)

Another note out of Morgans reveals that its analysts have upgraded this travel technology company's shares to a buy rating with a reduced price target of $3.75. This follows the release of the WebBeds owner's FY 2026 results this week. Morgans highlights that the company delivered a resilient result that was ahead of consensus expectations. Looking ahead, the broker wasn't surprised to see that the Middle East conflict is impacting its performance early in FY 2027. Morgans is expecting the conflict to lead to a soft first half but expects a recovery in the second half. Furthermore, the broker points out that after past economic and geopolitical events, travel demand rebounds. So, with its shares down heavily, it thinks now is a great time to snap them up. The Web Travel share price is trading at $2.68 on Friday.

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

This awful Thursday for the local markets follows a much rosier night over on Wall Street.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) fared decently, rising 0.36%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was a little more tentative, inching up just 0.07%.

But let's get back to the unhappier market now and take a closer look at what was happening amongst the various ASX sectors today.

Winners and losers

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

Over the past 12 months, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has returned a relatively tepid 2.8%. But that's a stellar performance compared to these three crashing stocks.

Here's how these ASX 200 consumer focused stocks have performed over this same time:

• Online hotel booking travel agency Web Travel shares are down 52.3%
• Online furniture and homewares retailer Temple & Webster shares are down 75.6%
• Mexican fast food restaurant chain Guzman Y Gomez shares are down 36.1%

Atop some of their own operational issues, all three companies have faced stiff headwinds amid resurgent inflation and fast rising interest rates, which could see consumers continue to cut back on their discretionary spending.

And despite the past year's sharp falls, those share price losses might keep coming in the months ahead.

Here's why.

Temple & Webster, Web Travel, and Guzman Y Gomez shares facing headwinds

Bell Potter institutional sales and trading director Richard Coppleson believes that Australia is approaching a recession that could continue to see investors exit ASX consumer stocks.

According to Coppleson (quoted by The Australian Financial Review):

I have grave fears that we are heading down that [recession] road and my view remains the same for now: avoid domestic cyclicals, retail and anything tied to the consumer because this could get ugly, really ugly.

We have had the market slapping us in the face and warning us that it may be coming; the selling of retail stocks has been savage and going for a long time. The market can see it coming, even if we can't yet

Ten Cap's Jun Bei Liu also expects ASX consumer-oriented shares are likely to face ongoing headwinds this year.

Liu noted:

The consumer was already under pressure prior to recent geopolitical uncertainty, and we expect conditions to soften further as higher interest rates continue to work through the economy.

As if this isn't enough of a concern for Temple & Webster, Web Travel, and Guzman Y Gomez shares, the AFR reported that Morgan Stanley expects all three stocks to get booted from the ASX 200 as part of the S&P Dow Jones Indices quarterly rebalance next week.

Losing their spots on the benchmark Aussie index could place these beleaguered stocks under further selling pressure as ASX 200 Index tracking ETFs, and some fund managers limited to the larger end of the market, will have to sell their existing holdings.

The post Why Temple & Webster, Web Travel and Guzman Y Gomez shares could have even further to fall appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

This morning, the broker named three ASX shares as buys. Here's what it is recommending to clients:

Eagers Automotive Ltd (ASX: APE)

Morgans remains positive on this auto retailer despite the release of a mixed trading update this week.

In response, the broker has retained its buy rating with a reduced price target of $27.25. It said:

APE delivered a mixed AGM update. Key OEM supply constraints tempered 1H26 expectations, with ANZ 1H26 PBT guided flat/slightly ahead yoy (7-11% below cons), while record order intake (>29% ahead of deliveries YTD) and ANZ/CAD acquisition contributions support a robust 2H outlook. We expect guidance may prove conservative, with the group yet to work through the peak May/June trading period (~50% of 1H profit) and supply conditions remaining constrained across key OEMs.

Despite some near-term earnings uncertainty, we continue to view a meaningful structural opportunity across consolidation (AUS/CAD), strategic alliances (Mitsubishi Corporation), used vehicles (EA123) and ongoing NEV leadership. We see recent share price pressure (~18x FY27F PE) as an attractive entry point given the earnings trajectory ahead (CY27F EPS growth ~19%).

Nufarm Ltd (ASX: NUF)

Another ASX share that Morgans is positive on is agricultural chemicals company Nufarm.

It was pleased with its half-year results and highlights that the company is on track to deliver strong earnings growth in FY 2026.

As a result, the broker has reiterated its buy rating with a $4.15 price target. It said:

NUF's 1H26 result was at the higher end of guidance with the company reporting strong earnings growth. Seed Technologies reported a particularly strong result. NUF is on track to deliver strong underlying EBITDA growth in FY26. Pleasingly, the company upgraded its Seed Technology guidance. NUF is our key pick of the ag and chemical sector. The company is materially undervalued and we reiterate our BUY rating with a new price target of A$4.15.

Web Travel Group Ltd (ASX: WEB)

This travel technology company delivered an FY 2026 result ahead of expectations this week.

And while FY 2027 will be impacted by the Middle East conflict, Morgans remains positive.

So much so, it has upgraded this ASX share to a buy rating with a $3.75 price target. It explains:

Given the Middle East conflict affected trading in March, WEB's FY26 result came in at the lower end of guidance, albeit better than consensus, proving its resilience. Unsurprisingly, WEB's FY27 update showed that trading has slowed materially given the conflict. Adverse FX has been another headwind. Given the uncertainty, WEB did not provide any formal FY27 earnings guidance. We have made significant downgrades to our forecasts. We assume that the conflict and a subdued consumer environment impacts WEB's 1H27 (seasonally stronger half), followed by a recovery in the 2H27.

After material share price weakness, we upgrade WEB to a BUY rating. The company is worth materially more than the current share price. We know from past economic and geopolitical events, that after a downturn, travel demand rebounds and so will its earnings and share price.

The post Morgans says these ASX 200 shares are buys appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.