2025 saw Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) shares deliver a record amount of passive income to eligible stockholders.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) energy stock paid a fully franked interim dividend of 3 cents per share on 31 March. If you owned shares, you’d then have received the all-time high final dividend of 6 cents per share on 30 September.

That equates to a full year passive income payout of 9 cents per share, up from 4 cents per share in 2024.

In late morning trade today, Beach Energy shares are down 2.4%, trading for $1.225 apiece. This sees the ASX 200 energy stock trading on a juicy, fully franked trailing dividend yield of 7.5%.

For some comparison, rival Aussie energy giant Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) shares trade on a fully franked trailing dividend yield of 6.5%. And Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) shares trade on a partly franked trailing dividend yield of 5.2%.

On the share price front, Beach Energy stock is down some 18% over the past 12 months, while Santos shares are just about flat, and Woodside shares are up around 4%.

Now, that’s the year just past. As for those upcoming Beach Energy dividends…

What’s the interim dividend for 2026?

Beach Energy shares are under some pressure today after the company released its half year results for the six months to 31 December (H1 FY 2026).

The ASX 200 energy stock reported a 7% year on year decline in production to 9.5 million barrels of oil equivalent (MMboe). Revenue for the half year was down 1% to $981.7 million.

And with underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) down 8% to $219.0 million, management cut the fully franked interim dividend to 1.0 cent per share, down from last year’s 3.0 cents.

If you’d like to bank that passive income you’ll need to own shares by market close on 25 February. The stock trades ex-dividend on 26 February.

While that’s not the best start to FY 2026 for passive income, Beach Energy is forecasting a significantly stronger second half to the year, with plans to increase gas production from its Waitsia plant. That could deliver a material uptick in the final dividend.

According to Beach Energy CEO Brett Woods:

Our steady financial footing and safe operational performance through a challenging half positions Beach for an active second half, particularly as Waitsia ramps up and offshore campaigns progress.

The ASX 200 energy stock reaffirmed its fully year FY 2026 guidance of production in the range of 19.7MMboe to 22.0 MMboe.

Beach Energy shares: buy, hold, or sell?

Having recently run his slide rule over the ASX 200 energy stock, prior to today’s results release, Baker Young’s Toby Grimm said (courtesy of The Bull), “The oil and gas producer, BPT, remains constrained by its large exposure to less than favourable domestic gas markets, in our view.”

Explaining his hold recommendation on Beach Energy shares, Grimm said:

However, the continuing successful development of the Waitsia gas project in Western Australia underpins material production growth and increasing exposure to export pricing in coming years.

Relatively low debt and an improved profitability outlook substantiates our reason to hold for now.

The post Are Beach Energy shares a good buy for passive income today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Which company does Macquarie prefer, Woodside or Santos?
• Beach Energy H1 FY26 earnings: Profit drops as costs rise and volumes slip
• Here’s 3 ASX dividend stars yielding over 5%
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
• Here’s the dividend forecast out to 2029 for Woodside shares

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Nufarm Ltd (ASX: NUF) shares have had a tough 12 months, with the agricultural chemicals company’s share price falling sharply from its highs.

However, with the ASX 200 stock trading at $2.26 today, Bell Potter believes the outlook may be improving for investors.

Here’s what the broker is saying following Nufarm’s recent annual general meeting (AGM) update.

What is the broker saying?

Bell Potter highlights that comments made at Nufarm’s AGM point to a strong start to the new year, with management reaffirming guidance and highlighting improving conditions across key markets. The broker said:

NUF’S AGM comments were positive pointing to a strong year. We note two key AGM comments as well as recent movements in indicators:

Reaffirmation of guidance: NUF has made a positive start to the year. Reaffirming all elements of the guidance statement at the time of the FY25 result, which were: (1) Expect strong FY26e underlying EBITDA growth under normal conditions; (2) Crop protection EBITDA continuing to grow, moderating on the +18% YOY growth in FY25; (2) Seed technologies growth in EBITDA from hybrid Seed and targeting a $30m YOY improvement in the emerging platforms; and (4) Expect positive free cashflow in FY26e and net debt/EBITDA of ~2.0x (vs. 2.7x in FY25).

Bell Potter also believes FY26 is shaping up as a year of solid earnings growth, supported by a sharper focus on cash generation and balance sheet repair. It adds:

FY26 a strong year of growth: FY26 promises to be a year of strong growth in profitability. With NUF focused on free cash flow generation and delivering a significant reduction in leverage by year end.

Early indicators look supportive

The broker also highlighted early activity indicators that suggest demand conditions are improving, particularly in the higher-margin northern hemisphere crop protection markets. Bell Potter said:

Early activity indicators: In general, initial acreage reports in the northern hemisphere have been supportive of demand for crop protection products and this is indicative of increased import activity into these markets, where YTD volumes are demonstrating double digit YoY gains. Australian soil moisture profiles are below average as is the three-month outlook. Omega-3 pricing indicators remain at levels broadly consistent with those seen at the FY25 result and demonstrating double digit YoY gains.

Is it time to buy this ASX 200 stock?

According to the note, the broker has retained its buy rating on Nufarm’s shares with a price target of $3.60. Based on its current share price of $2.26, this implies potential upside of 59% for investors over the next 12 months.

Commenting on its buy recommendation, Bell Potter said:

Our Buy rating is unchanged. NUF continues to trade at a material discount to global peers (crop inputs ~9.3x FY26e EBITDA and seeds at ~10.0x FY26e EBITDA), despite favourable indicators for omega-3 returns in FY26e and demand indicators in the higher margin northern hemisphere crop protection markets looking generally supportive.

The post Bell Potter says this ASX 200 stock could rise 50%+ appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

As we come into reporting season, analysts have a pretty good view on where major energy companies lie, given that they report their production and revenue ahead of time.

With that in mind, we’ve had a look at Macquarie’s recent research notes to see how they rank Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS).

Firstly, though, let’s have a look at how the stocks have fared so far this year.

Santos shareholders are sitting pretty well, with the stock increasing from $6.17 to $7.07, or 14.6%, over the year to date.

In comparison, Woodside shares are up from $23.59 to $25.85, for a 9.6% gain.

What do the analysts think        

Looking at Santos first, the Macquarie team has an outperform rating on the stock and a 12-month price target of $7.77, which would be a 9.9% return from the current share price.

Keep in mind that the company is also expected to pay a 4.7% unfranked dividend yield this year.

Macquarie said it expected Santos to deliver an underlying net profit of US$1.01 billion and free cash flow from operations to come in at US$1.8 billion.

The company’s gearing has already been reported at 26.8%, which is slightly higher than the company’s target of 15% to 25% the Macquarie team said, but with Santos’ Barossa gas project off the coast of the Northern Territory now generating cash flow, “Santos’s gearing should re-enter the range in 2026”.

The Macquarie team said that now that Santos had “recovered” from the failed takeover lobbed by the XRG Consortium, the company was “derisking rapidly”, including by bringing Barossa online and soon the Pikka oil project in Alaska.

Follow-up projects could include a final investment decision at Papua New Guinea liquefied natural gas or further development at Moomba in South Australia’s Far North, they said.

The Macqaurie team said they’d also like to see “more active trading of certain assets” which could be sold to smaller players such as Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT).

What about Woodside?

When it comes to Woodside, the Macquarie team expects weakness in the share price, with a price target of $25, compared with $25.85 currently.

The 6.2% dividend yield brings this up to almost breakeven.

The Macquarie team expects underlying net profit to come in at US$2.69 billion, with several non-cash items expected to boost the result.

They said the upcoming results could be interesting with regard to whether possible Chief Executive Officer candidates will step up, after it was announced that current boss Meg O’Neill will be leaving to go to BP.

And while Woodside shares underperformed versus Santos in January, Macquarie is warning the company could shed more than its franked dividend amount in value during the reporting season due to its run-up over January.

The post Which company does Macquarie prefer, Woodside or Santos? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Are Beach Energy shares a good buy for passive income today?
• Here’s 3 ASX dividend stars yielding over 5%
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
• Here’s the dividend forecast out to 2029 for Woodside shares
• 3 ASX ETFs to target following the RBA interest rate hike

Motley Fool contributor Cameron England has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended BP. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares are down 1.18% to $51.78 at the time of writing on early Thursday morning. It means the shares are now 13.18% higher for the year to date and up 29.21% over the year. 

So if I bought $5,000 of BHP shares 5 years ago, what would it be worth now?

The miner’s shares are now trading 32.95% above where they were this time five years ago. This means that $5,000 invested back then would be worth a total of $6,647.50 today.

What happened to BHP shares this year?

The mining giant took the crown as the biggest stock on the ASX in January. BHP shares closed 2025 at $45.49 per share, but jumped 11.2% over the first month of the year to close January at $50.57. It was also one of the most-traded shares on the ASX.

The increase was mostly fuelled by the miner’s latest half-year results. It revealed it had achieved record copper and iron production for the half-year ending 31 December 2025. Its iron ore production increased 2% to 134 million tonnes, with its Western Australia Iron Ore (WAIO) operations achieving record high shipments.

Copper production was steady at 984,000 tonnes, but the miner lifted its full year FY26 copper guidance to 1,900kt to 2,000 kt (up from guidance of 1,800kt to 2,000 kt previously).

Copper prices rose 32% to US$5.28/lb and iron ore prices were up 4% to US$84.71/wmt during the same period.

Investors were clearly pleased with the result, with many scrambling to get their hands on BHP shares. 

What’s ahead for 2026?

The miner said it is focused on growing its copper and iron ore production in 2026, while also maintaining disciplined cost control. Major projects like Jansen Stage 1 are progressing, and further investments support BHP’s plans to increase copper output to 2 million tonnes within the next decade.

But, analyst sentiment is mixed on whether the miner can deliver. TradingView data shows that most (10 out of 18) analysts have a hold rating on BHP shares. Another two have a sell or strong sell rating and six have a buy or strong buy rating.

The target price is also varied. Some expect the shares to climb to $56.56 a piece over the next 12 months. This implies a potential 9.26% upside ahead, at the time of writing. Whereas others think there is potential for the shares to drop 27.36% to just $37.60 a piece by this time next year.

The post $5,000 invested in BHP shares 5 years ago is now worth… appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Every so often, an ASX dividend stock falls far enough that it starts to look less like a short-term disappointment and more like a long-term opportunity. 

That’s how I’m starting to think about Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE).

Its share price is around $5.16, roughly 50% lower than this time last year. That kind of decline usually scares investors away. But when I take a step back and look at the business, the brands it owns, and the income it is expected to generate over time, I think this ASX dividend stock is worth serious consideration in the current environment.

Why this ASX dividend stock has fallen so hard

The sell-off in Treasury Wine Estates has not come out of nowhere.

Over the past year, the company has been dealing with softer conditions in two key markets, the US and China. Demand for premium and luxury wine has weakened, customer inventory levels have been too high, and parallel imports in China have disrupted pricing for Penfolds. On top of that, changes to distribution in California created short-term earnings pressure in the US business.

More recently, management has also reset expectations, flagged elevated leverage for a period, and cancelled a planned share buyback to focus on balance sheet strength and long-term brand health. None of this has been easy for investors to digest, and sentiment has taken a hit.

That said, much of this pain is now well known and, in my view, largely reflected in the share price.

Why I think the long-term income case still stacks up

Despite near-term challenges, Treasury Wine Estates still owns some of the world’s strongest wine brands, led by Penfolds. These brands have pricing power, global recognition, and long lives. Wine demand may fluctuate year to year, but premium brands tend to endure over decades.

What stands out to me for an income investor is that this ASX dividend stock is still expected to pay meaningful dividends as the business works through its reset. According to consensus estimates from CommSec, dividends per share are expected to be 21.5 cents in FY26, rising to 24.5 cents in FY27 and 25 cents in FY28.

At the current share price of $5.16, that implies dividend yields of roughly 4.2% in FY26, 4.7% in FY27, and just under 4.9% in FY28. For a globally recognised consumer brand business, those are respectable yields, particularly if conditions improve over time.

A business in transition

What gives me some confidence here is that Treasury Wine Estates is not standing still.

The company has begun a broad transformation program aimed at simplifying operations, optimising costs, and protecting brand strength. Management is targeting meaningful cost improvements over the next few years, while also taking deliberate action to rebalance inventory and stabilise key markets.

This is unlikely to be a straight-line recovery. There will probably be more noise along the way. But if the business can stabilise earnings and gradually rebuild momentum, the combination of income and potential share price recovery could be attractive for long-term investors.

For me, that’s the hallmark of a lifetime ASX dividend stock. One that can pay you to wait while the cycle turns.

Foolish Takeaway

Treasury Wine Estates is not without risk, and it is clearly dealing with a difficult period. But at around $5.16, a lot of bad news already appears to be priced in.

With globally recognised brands, a renewed focus on long-term sustainability, and dividend yields that look increasingly attractive over the next few years, this ASX dividend stock stands out to me as one worth considering for buy-and-hold investors.

The post 1 ideal ASX dividend stock, down 50%, to buy and hold for a lifetime appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

ASX All Ords gold stock Antipa Minerals Ltd (ASX: AZY) is sliding today.

Antipa Minerals shares closed yesterday trading for 72 cents. In morning trade on Thursday, shares are changing hands for 70 cents apiece, down 2.8%.

For some context, the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is down 0.3% at this same time.

With today’s dip factored in, shares in the ASX All Ords gold stock remain up an impressive 94.4% over 12 months.

The Aussie gold miner has been an obvious beneficiary of the surging gold price. While down from its recent record highs, gold is currently trading for US$4,965 per ounce. That sees the yellow metal up 74% in a year.

And Antipa Minerals has hardly been sitting idle.

Here’s what the miner just reported.

ASX All Ords gold stock hits new copper and gold zones

Antipa Minerals shares have yet to lift after the miner announced the final batch of assay results from the 2025 drilling campaign at its Minyari Gold-Copper Project, located in Western Australia.

The ASX All Ords gold stock said the results included high-grade intersections, newly identified zones of mineralisation, several thick gold-copper-silver intersections, and a new copper discovery.

Among those high-grade results, Antipa reported intercepting 24.7 metres at 1.4 grams of gold per tonne and 0.07% copper from 39.3 metres, including 2.3 metres at 6.8 g/t gold and 0.18% copper from 39.3 metres. And the lode remains open in all directions.

Drilling at the new copper discovery, at the Yolanda prospect, intersected 44 metres at 0.07% copper from 40 metres to end-of-hole, which the miner said confirmed a 1.2-kilometre-long anomalous copper trend.

Antipa Minerals aims to incorporate the 2025 drilling results into an updated Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) this month.

What did management say?

Commenting on the results reported by the ASX All Ords gold stock today, Antipa managing director Roger Mason said, “The final batch of CY2025 results are a tremendous way to wrap up last year’s drilling program, delivering multiple new gold discoveries in close proximity to our planned Minyari development.”

Mason added:

The identification of a new high-grade lode at Fiama and confirmation of a large-scale northern repeat structure strongly indicate the potential for additional Minyari style deposits to emerge close to the immediate development footprint. This reinforces the opportunity we have to materially grow the Mineral Resource base around future planned infrastructure.

On the copper front, Mason noted:

At the same time, intersecting thick copper mineralisation across a potential 1.2-kilometre open trend at Yolanda is a major breakthrough, highlighting the presence of a previously unrecognised, potentially very large scale, copper system beneath shallow cover.

Mason said that Antipa Minerals’ 2026 drill program is “well advanced”, with field activities set to commence this quarter.

The post Up 94% in a year, ASX All Ords gold stock strikes ‘thick gold-copper-silver intersections’ appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• 1 ideal ASX dividend stock, down 50%, to buy and hold for a lifetime
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Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

SKS Technologies Group Ltd (ASX: SKS) shares are having a strong session on Thursday.

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.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Nextdc. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Sks Technologies Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

These 2 ASX energy stocks have quietly regained favour in the past year as investors hunt for income with resilience.

After lagging high-growth sectors, Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG) and APA Group (ASX: APA) both benefited from easing inflation fears, firmer energy demand and a renewed focus on dependable cash flows. Origin’s share price ascended 7.5% over 12 months, while APA Group gained 32% in value.

So which ASX energy stock looks better placed from here.

Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG)

This $20 billion ASX utility stock offers investors a blend of income and growth. The company has benefited from strong performance across its energy markets and gas operations.

Origin’s stake in Octopus Energy adds a long-term growth lever beyond Australia. Management has also leaned into batteries and renewables, positioning the ASX energy stock to remain relevant as the energy transition accelerates.

That momentum has translated into improved earnings and a reinstated fully franked dividend of around 5%, which currently delivers a competitive yield for a utility stock. The upside is clear: if operating conditions remain supportive, the ASX energy stock can continue to grow profits while rewarding shareholders.

The risk, however, is that much of the good news may already be priced in. After a sharp rally, the valuation looks fuller, leaving less room for disappointment. Origin is also more exposed to energy price volatility and regulatory intervention, particularly in retail markets where margins can tighten quickly.

Most brokers see the ASX energy stock as a hold. The average 12-month price target is set at $12.16, a potential gain of 9% at the current share price.  

APA Group (ASX: APA)

APA Group sits at the other end of the spectrum. It owns and operates critical gas and energy infrastructure, with long-dated contracts that generate stable and predictable cash flows. This makes APA one of the most defensive ASX energy stocks, appealing to investors prioritising income and capital preservation.

Its dividend yield remains one of the highest in the sector – 6.8% at the time of writing – and distributions are supported by infrastructure assets that are difficult to replicate. Gas may be politically contentious, but it continues to play a vital role in Australia’s energy system, giving the $12 billion ASX energy share a strategic edge during the transition to renewables.

The trade-off is growth. APA’s earnings profile is steady rather than exciting, and that has been reflected in its share price.

Analysts don’t see much upside for the ASX energy stock in the next 12 months. The average price target of $8.65 is below the current share price of $8.87.

Foolish Takeaway

In the end, the better energy stock depends on what an investor values most. APA looks better suited to those seeking reliable income and lower volatility. Origin, while riskier, offers stronger growth potential and a more dynamic earnings outlook.

For income purists, APA may win. For investors chasing total returns, Origin could still have the edge.

The post Which ASX energy stock to own: Origin or APA Group? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Apa Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Neuren Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: NEU) shares have returned from their trading halt and are deep in the red.

In morning trade, the ASX 200 pharma stock is down 9% to $13.30.

Why is this ASX 200 stock sinking?

Investors have been selling the pharmaceuticals company’s shares on Thursday after it provided an update from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on the next steps for its second drug candidate, NNZ-2591.

According to the release, the FDA has given Neuren a clear pathway forward for advancing NNZ-2591 in two rare neurological conditions, though some additional work will be required.

What is NNZ-2591?

NNZ-2591 is the ASX 200 stock’s follow-on drug behind trofinetide (DAYBUE), which is already approved in the US for Rett syndrome.

It is being developed for multiple serious childhood neurological disorders, including hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and Pitt Hopkins syndrome (PTHS).

Neuren recently met with the US Food and Drug Administration to clarify what is required to move these programs into later-stage clinical development.

For HIE, which is a severe form of brain injury in newborns, Neuren plans to submit an Investigational New Drug (IND) application so it can begin clinical trials in infants.

The FDA generally agreed with Neuren’s proposed initial study design and dosing. However, it asked the company to provide additional juvenile animal study data to better support dosing in newborn babies before trials can begin.

Neuren said it plans to generate this data before submitting the IND and still expects to commence the first HIE clinical study later in 2026. Importantly, management said this feedback does not materially change the cost or funding position of the program.

Pitt Hopkins

Pitt Hopkins syndrome is an extremely rare and severe neurodevelopmental disorder.

The FDA has provided guidance on how the ASX 200 stock could structure a future trial to prove NNZ-2591 works.

The regulator indicated that Neuren may use a condition-specific clinical global assessment, as long as it is paired with an observer-reported functional measure. This is similar to the approach already being used in Neuren’s ongoing Phase 3 trial for Phelan-McDermid syndrome.

Because Pitt Hopkins is rarer and more disabling than related conditions, Neuren is still assessing the best trial design and expects further discussions with the FDA. Even so, the company still plans to initiate the next Pitt Hopkins trial in 2026.

Disappointment continues

This update comes just two days after the ASX 200 stock fell sharply following news that its partner, Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD), received a negative trend vote from European regulators for trofinetide in Rett syndrome.

That development weighed on sentiment, even though trofinetide is already approved and generating revenue in the US and other markets.

The post ASX 200 healthcare stock sinks 9% on FDA update appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Elders Ltd (ASX: ELD) shares are on the slide on Thursday.

In morning trade, the ASX 200 stock is down 1% to $7.29.

Why is this ASX 200 stock falling?

Today’s decline is likely to have been driven by a leadership update from the agribusiness company.

Current Elders CEO, Mark Allison, tried to resign in 2022 but a suitable replacement was not found. He then signalled that he would be willing to stay on until September 2026.

The good news for Allison and Elders is that a suitable replacement has finally been found.

According to the release, Elders has named Rene Dedoncker as its new CEO, commencing 1 October 2026. Allison will continue to lead Elders until Dedoncker’s commencement.

Elders notes that Mr Dedoncker is coming over from Fonterra Group, where he has served for approximately 20 years. He held several senior executive roles, most recently CEO of Mainland Group. Prior to Fonterra, he held senior manager roles at Mars Corporation.

Commenting on the appointment, the ASX 200 stock’s chair, Glenn Davis, said:

We are delighted to welcome Rene as our next CEO. He brings deep agricultural roots and outstanding leadership experience to Elders. He has proven expertise from his years with Fonterra and Mars, where he drove operational excellence and strategic growth on a global scale. The Board has great confidence in his ability to lead Elders into its next phase of success.

Davis highlights that the appointment followed a comprehensive international and domestic search process and “aligns with Elders’ strategy to combine agribusiness expertise with operational excellence.”

He notes that the new CEO’s “strong strategic acumen, operational discipline and genuine passion for agriculture make him an excellent choice to lead Elders into the future.”

Dedoncker appears up for the challenge of leading this ASX 200 stock. He said:

I am truly honoured that the Elders Board has placed its trust in me. Elders is an iconic name with a proud history in Australian agriculture, and I have long admired its commitment to farmers and rural communities. I look forward to working with the Board, Mark, and the entire Elders team to continue delivering value for our clients, shareholders and people. Together, we will build on Elders’ strong foundations and drive its next stage of growth.

Outgoing CEO, Mark Allison, said:

This is the right time to hand over the leadership of Elders. The Board has chosen a strong successor in René who has my full support and endorsement. We have worked to position Elders for long-term success and I’m confident Rene will further that momentum. It has been a great privilege to serve as Managing Director and CEO of Elders – I’m incredibly proud of what our team has achieved, and I remain committed to supporting a smooth transition.

The post Guess which ASX 200 stock is falling on CEO news appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Elders. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.