** Shares of Australian bourse operator ASX ASX.AX advance as much as 1.7% to A$53.5

** Analysts at Citi lift target price for co to A$56.50 and nudge up their EPS growth estimates for FY27 and FY28 by 0.5 and 0.6 percentage points, respectively

** Says co’s core business continues to perform well, with strong top-line growth and a reasonable valuation

** Still retains 'neutral' rating on subdued near-term earnings profile

** With ASX's ASIC settlement resolved and greater clarity on the Accelerate transformation program , much of the regulatory overhang appears to have dissipated, while further strategic clarity from new CEO is awaited -- Citi

** Up ~4% YTD, including the session's moves