Wanting some exposure to the gold sector after recent weakness? If you are, it could pay to listen to what Bell Potter is saying about the ASX gold stock in this article.

That’s because the broker believes its shares could rise materially from current levels.

Which ASX gold stock?

The gold stock that is rated highly by Bell Potter is Minerals 260 Ltd (ASX: MI6).

It is the Western Australia-based exploration and development company behind the Bullabulling Gold Project (BGP). It currently has a mineral resource estimate (MRE) of 4.5Moz. However, Bell Potter believes that recent drilling activities could support an increase in its resource estimate.

Commenting on this, the broker said:

The results are both infill and extension drilling and will be included in the August 2026 MRE update. They continue to confirm and upgrade the confidence within the current MRE and build the case for extensions beyond it. In the August MRE we primarily expect an upgrade from Inferred to Indicated categories, making more of the Resource available for conversion to Reserves, supporting the Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) ahead of an FID in early CY27.

The additional opportunity emerging is the continuity and increasing geological understanding of high-grade zones within the footwall zones at the Phoenix and Bacchus deposits. We see potential for an improved development case that brings high grade ounces into the mine plan earlier than expected.

Bell Potter was also pleased to see the commencement of early construction and development activities at the project. It adds:

This shows a strong focus on project development and production readiness. These are key milestones that de-risk the development schedule by kicking them off as early as possible and locking in costs. We note that a key enabler is the strategic funding agreement with Franco Nevada, which sees MI6 with $250m cash (end March 2026).

Big potential returns

In light of this, Bell Potter has retained its speculative buy rating and $1.35 price target on the ASX gold stock.

Based on its current share price of 84 cents, this implies potential upside of 60% for investors over the next 12 months.

Commenting on its investment thesis, the broker said:

MI6 offers gold exposure via the 4.5Moz Bullabulling Resource, valuation uplift through discovery success, project advancement and de-risking as the BGP progresses towards production. It holds ~$250m cash, sufficient to fund to Final Investment Decision (FID) in early CY27, long-lead items and early site works. We retain our $1.35/sh Valuation and Speculative Buy recommendation.

The post This ASX gold stock could be a cheap buy with 60% upside appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy right now
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• Why Judo Capital, Minerals 260, Santos, and Worley shares are dropping today
• 7 ASX gold stocks to buy now
• Why might Pro Medicus shares soon be under pressure?

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.

It has been a positive session for a few of the ASX’s best-known dividend shares on Friday.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW), Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL), and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Ltd (ASX: SOL) are all pushing higher in afternoon trade.

They are often viewed as defensive or income-focused ASX shares because of their reliable earnings, dividends, and long track records.

At the time of writing, the Woolworths share price is up 0.24% to $40.03 after hitting a 52-week high of $40.10.

Coles shares are up 1.06% to $24.31 after trading as high as $24.35.

Meanwhile, Soul Patts shares are up 0.13% to $45.09 after reaching a yearly high of $45.60.

Here’s what is putting these 3 ASX 200 shares in focus today.

Woolworths shares just keep climbing

Woolworths shares are back near their best levels of the past year.

That’s a strong result for a business that was under pressure not that long ago from weaker margins, cost pressures, and a softer share price.

However, the market now appears more comfortable with the supermarket giant’s reset.

And while Woolworths still faces a competitive grocery market, investors appear to be taking a more positive view of its trading outlook.

Coles reaches fresh highs

Coles is also trading higher today and has pushed to a fresh 52-week high.

That comes after a solid run for the supermarket operator, which continues to appeal to investors looking for steadier earnings.

Coles also offers a 3% dividend yield, compared to Woolworths’ 2.24% yield.

That may help explain why some investors still prefer Coles, especially if they are looking for a more predictable income stream.

Soul Patts offers something different

Soul Patts is also edging higher today after reaching a fresh 52-week high.

Unlike Woolworths and Coles, this is not a supermarket business. It is an investment house with exposure across listed shares, private companies, property, credit, and other assets.

That gives investors a different type of defensive exposure.

The company is closely watched for its dividend record, which has made it a popular name with long-term income investors.

But with the stock now trading near the top of its 52-week range, investors are clearly paying up for that stability.

Are investors getting defensive?

Today’s moves suggest defensive and income-focused shares are still finding support.

Woolworths and Coles both benefit from everyday customer demand, while Soul Patts gives investors a diversified portfolio.

But that doesn’t mean these stocks are cheap.

All 3 are trading at 52-week highs, which means a lot of the good news is already reflected in their share prices.

The post 3 ASX dividend favourites are hitting 52-week highs today. Are investors getting defensive? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Are Woolworths shares still a buy at a 52-week high?
• How to invest $8,000 for passive income in superannuation?
• This ASX 200 giant just hit a 52-week high. Is it getting too expensive?
• Want passive income? These 3 ASX dividend stocks could deliver
• How much is needed in superannuation to target an $11,000 monthly passive income?

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras 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 Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

It has been a busy week for many of Australia’s top brokers. This has led to a number of broker notes hitting the wires.

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:

Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

According to a note out of Citi, its analysts have retained their buy rating and $40.00 price target on this industrial property company’s shares. The broker highlights that over in the UK, Prologis (NYSE: PLD) has made a takeover offer for industrial property company Segro (LSE: SGRO). Citi believes this offer highlights the strategic value of Goodman’s portfolio of development sites and data centre pipeline. It also shows the scarcity of these types of assets as global data centre demand accelerates. And given its belief that Goodman is better positioned than many of its peers, with a significant development pipeline, the broker sees plenty of value in the company’s shares at current levels. The Goodman share price is trading at $31.98 on Friday afternoon.

Judo Capital Holdings Ltd (ASX: JDO)

A note out of Morgans reveals that its analysts have retained their buy rating on this small business lender’s shares with a heavily reduced price target of $1.47. The broker notes that Judo Capital has downgraded its earnings guidance for FY 2026. However, the biggest disappointment for Morgans was the company’s guidance for FY 2027, which fell well short of consensus estimates. Nevertheless, the broker thinks the vicious selloff has been an overreaction. It highlights that Judo Capital’s shares are trading at under 7x FY 2027 earnings despite its guidance pointing to 30% growth across both FY 2026 and FY 2027. Morgans suspects that the market has now priced in a significant risk premium or probability of failure. The Judo Capital share price is fetching 88 cents at the time of writing.

Minerals 260 Ltd (ASX: MI6)

Analysts at Bell Potter have retained their speculative buy rating and $1.35 price target on this gold explorer’s shares. According to the note, the broker was pleased with drilling results from the ongoing resource definition program at its 100% owned, 4.5Moz Bullabulling Gold Project. Bell Potter highlights that they continue to confirm and upgrade the confidence within the current mineral resource estimate and build the case for extensions beyond it. The broker also notes that the company holds ~$250 million in cash, which it believes is sufficient to fund it through to a final investment decision in early 2027. The Minerals 260 share price is trading at 83 cents on Friday.

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

More reading

• Why 4DMedical, Centuria Capital, Judo Capital, and Worley shares are dropping today
• Why DroneShield, WiseTech and Judo shares are leading the ASX 200 lower this week
• Where to invest your Westpac dividends
• Could Goodman shares rise more than 20%?
• What on earth’s going on with Judo Capital shares?

Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Goodman Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Goodman Group and Prologis. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Segro Plc. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Goodman Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

VanEck has just announced the next round of distributions (dividends) for its ASX exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

The ex-dividend date for the distributions listed below is next Wednesday, 1 July. The record date is 2 July.

The indicative payment date for most of these ETFs is 27 July.

There are some absolute whopper dividends available for investors who own or buy these ASX ETFs before their ex-dividend dates.

Let’s take a look.

How does a 14% to 16% dividend yield in a single payment sound?

The stand-out is VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat (AUD Hedged) ETF (ASX: MHOT), which will pay $20.54 per unit.

That’s not a typo.

Today, the MHOT ETF is $138.40 per unit, which means this next distribution, on its own, represents a 14.8% dividend yield.

Let’s just take a moment to let that soak in.

Also paying a massive dividend this time around is VanEck Gold Miners ETF (ASX: GDX).

GDX ETF will pay $17.99 per unit.

At the time of writing, ASX GDX is $111.09 per unit, which means the next dividend represents a 16.2% yield.

Why are these payments so big?

In the case of MHOT, this next dividend is the fruits of mainly US companies with major competitive advantages (moats), benefiting from a record-high market, turbocharged by the US dollar’s weakness against an ascendant Aussie dollar this year.

In the case of GDX, the dividend is the result of miners’ supercharged earnings from a skyrocketing gold price over the past two years.

Other dividends for VanEck ASX ETF investors

Here is a condensed list of estimated distributions that VanEck will pay ASX ETF investors on 27 July.

VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT) will pay $11.61 per unit.

The VanEck MSCI International Value ETF (ASX: VLUE) will pay $6.65 per unit.

VanEck MSCI Multifactor Emerging Markets Equity ETF (ASX: EMKT) will pay $4.64 per unit. 

The VanEck Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF (ASX: GOAT) will pay $2.68 per unit.

VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF (ASX: QUAL) will pay $2.16 per unit.

The VanEck Video Gaming and Esports ETF (ASX: ESPO) will pay $1.93 per unit.

VanEck Global Defence ETF (ASX: DFND) will pay $1.20 per unit. 

The VanEck FTSE China A50 ETF (ASX: CETF) will pay $1.19 per unit.

VanEck MSCI International Sustainable Equity ETF (ASX: ESGI) will pay $1.02 per unit.

But wait, there’s more!

VanEck Australian Property ETF (ASX: MVA) will pay 79 cents per unit.

The VanEck MSCI Australian Sustainable Equity ETF (ASX: GRNV) will pay 65 cents per unit.

The VanEck Australian Resources ETF (ASX: MVR) will pay 56 cents per unit.

VanEck Small Companies Masters ETF (ASX: MVS) will pay 27 cents per unit.

The VanEck Australian Banks ETF (ASX: MVB) will pay 15 cents per unit.

VanEck MSCI International Small Companies Quality ETF (ASX: QSML) will pay 13 cents per unit.

The VanEck 5-10 Year Australian Government Bond ETF (ASX: 5GOV) will pay 12 cents per unit.

VanEck Global Clean Energy ETF (ASX: CLNE) will pay 7 cents per unit.

The VanEck Global Healthcare Leaders ETF (ASX: HLTH) will pay 4 cents per unit.

The post Own GDX, MOAT, or ESPO? VanEck just announced ASX ETF dividends appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 excellent ASX ETFs for easy buy and hold investing
• Where to invest $5,000 in ASX ETFs in July
• How to build a winning ASX portfolio with just 3 investments
• Which ASX ETFs are good options for a $1,000 investment?
• 10 amazing ASX ETFs for the next decade

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in Vaneck Global Defence Etf. 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 VanEck Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF and VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

It has been another bruising week for investors in DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO) shares.

The ASX defence stock was down another 5% to $2.29 in Friday afternoon trading, extending its weekly decline to roughly 15%.

The recent sell-off has been relentless. DroneShield shares have tumbled around 28% over the past month, erasing much of this year’s spectacular rally.

Even so, the ASX stock remains up approximately 4.6% over the past 12 months.

Why are DroneShield shares falling?

The biggest shift has been investor sentiment.

Earlier this year, DroneShield shares were one of the market’s hottest defence plays. Rising geopolitical tensions, growing military spending across Europe and elsewhere, and surging demand for counter-drone technology helped fuel a powerful rally in the company’s share price.

But markets don’t just price in growth — they price in expectations.

Following the stock’s rapid rise, investors appear to have started questioning whether DroneShield can grow quickly enough to justify its lofty valuation. That’s left the shares particularly vulnerable to any disappointment.

Perhaps most notably, a steady stream of contract announcements has done little to halt the selling. Normally, fresh customer wins would be expected to support a high-growth defence stock.

Instead, investors have largely shrugged them off, suggesting concerns now centre more on valuation than on the strength of the underlying business.

Adding to the pressure has been an easing in geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, reducing some of the urgency around defence-related investments after months of heightened enthusiasm.

ASIC investigation rattled investors

Governance concerns have also weighed on sentiment. A major turning point came in May when DroneShield revealed that the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) had requested the company provide reasonable assistance in connection with an investigation under the Corporations Act.

The investigation relates to market announcements and share trading during November 2025. Importantly, DroneShield has not been accused of wrongdoing. Nevertheless, regulatory investigations often create uncertainty, and uncertainty is something investors rarely reward.

Combined with the elevated valuation of DroneShield shares, the announcement was enough to trigger a sharp reversal in momentum.

So, are DroneShield shares a buy?

Broker opinion is anything but unanimous. According to TradingView data, just four analysts currently cover DroneShield, and they’re evenly split. Two have strong buy recommendations, while the other two rate the stock as either a sell or strong sell.

That wide divergence highlights just how polarising the investment case has become. Despite the split, analysts generally agree there is upside from current levels. The average 12-month price target sits at $3.41, implying potential upside of around 49%.

The most bullish analyst has a target price of $4.80, suggesting the shares could more than double from current prices. Among the optimists is Canaccord Genuity, which last week reaffirmed its buy rating on DroneShield shares. The broker has a 12-month price target of $3.75, implying upside of approximately 62%.

The post After a horror week: Are DroneShield shares a buy, hold or sell? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why DroneShield, WiseTech and Judo shares are leading the ASX 200 lower this week
• Is DroneShield the ASX growth share investors should be buying?
• Should I invest $5,000 in DroneShield shares before the end of June?
• Own DroneShield shares? Here’s some news you might have missed
• DroneShield shares lifting off on Monday amid big leadership news

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 positions in and has recommended DroneShield. 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.

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares slipped into the red at lunchtime on Friday.

ASX 200 shares are currently down 0.003% to 8.748.4 points.

Meanwhile, brokers have indicated new confidence in several ASX shares this week.

Here are six stocks that have been upgraded.

Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT)

The Flight Centre share price is $12.05, down 0.08% today.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 consumer discretionary share has ripped 22%.

Jarden upgraded Flight Centre shares to a buy rating with a $15.90 target price.

This suggests a potential 30% upside ahead.

Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR)

The Karoon Energy share price is $1.27, down 1.5% today.

Karoon Energy shares tumbled 11% last Tuesday when the company issued production downgrades.

Calendar year 2026 total production guidance was revised to a range of 7.2 MMboe to 8.2 MMboe.

That’s down from 8.1 MMboe to 9.2 MMboe previously.

Macquarie upgraded the ASX 200 energy share to a hold rating this week.

The broker’s 12-month target is $1.50, suggesting an 18% upside ahead.

Oil prices have slumped back to pre-war levels following the signing of the US-Iran interim peace deal.

Iluka Resources Ltd (ASX: ILU)

The Iluka Resources share price is $6.95, down 3.2% today.

This ASX 200 mining share has risen 18% in the calendar year to date (YTD).

Canaccord Genuity upgraded Iluka Resources shares to a buy rating on Wednesday.

The broker upped its 12-month price target from $8.10 to $8.45.

This implies a potential 20% upside ahead.

Baby Bunting Group Ltd (ASX: BBN)

The Baby Bunting share price is $1.41, up 0.7% today.

Over the past six months, this ASX consumer discretionary share has tumbled 43%.

Ord Minnett upgraded Baby Bunting shares on Thursday.

The broker has a 12-month price target of $2.30.

This implies a potential 60% upside ahead.

Collins Foods Ltd (ASX: CKF)

The Collins Food share price is $8.16, down 1.3% on Friday.

Over the past six months, the KFC fast food restaurant operator has lost 23% of its market valuation.

Citi upgraded Collins Foods shares to a buy rating on Tuesday.

The broker shaved its 12-month price target from $10.45 to $10.30.

This indicates capital gains of 26% over the next year. 

Sims Ltd (ASX: SGM)

The Sims share price is $28.13, up 0.3% today.

Over the past month, this ASX industrial share has ascended 15%.

Jefferies upgraded Sims shares to a hold rating this week.

The broker has a 12-month price target of $31.

This indicates a potential 10% upside over the next year. 

The post 6 ASX shares with upgraded ratings from experts this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 2 of the best ASX dividend shares to buy in July
• Morgans says these ASX shares could rise 5%, 20%, and 55%
• Buy, hold, sell: Karoon Energy, Brambles, REA shares
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy now

Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen 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 Jefferies Financial Group and Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Collins Foods, Flight Centre Travel Group, and Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Lendlease Group (ASX: LLC) shares are slipping on Friday after the property and investment group released another market update.

At the time of writing, the Lendlease share price is down 2.52% to $3.09.

That comes after a big move on Thursday, when the ASX 300 stock rocketed 8.93% following its previous update.

Even after today’s pullback, Lendlease shares are still up around 10% over the past month.

However, it has been a much tougher year for shareholders. The stock remains down roughly 40% since the start of 2026, which shows how much ground still needs to be recovered.

Here’s what the company told investors today.

Lendlease completes another asset sale

According to the release, Lendlease has completed the portfolio recycling of its UK build-to-rent assets, which will bring in more cash before the end of FY26.

The sale covers 404 residences at Elephant Park in London. These were developed between 2021 and 2024 through Lendlease’s investment partnership with Canada Pension Plan Investments.

With the project itself now largely complete, and the assets fully stabilised, the company has been able to recycle capital from the portfolio.

Management said the transaction is in line with the December 2025 book value and should settle before 30 June.

Once that goes through, Lendlease expects to receive around $260 million in cash proceeds in FY26.

Still a long road back

The sale gives Lendlease more cash to work with, which is a positive. But the size of the share price fall this year shows investors are still looking at the bigger picture.

Lendlease is trying to rebuild confidence after a difficult period, and that will take more than one completed transaction.

The company has been selling assets, recycling capital and trying to simplify the business. Those steps should help, especially if they give management more room to reduce debt.

However, investors will still want to see whether these moves lead to a stronger balance sheet and a cleaner business over time.

Can the recovery continue?

That is the harder question after such a big fall this year.

Lendlease shares have had a better month, and yesterday’s jump showed investors are willing to reward signs of progress.

However, the market isn’t going to get carried away just yet.

The company is still in repair mode. More asset sales should help, especially if they bring in cash, reduce debt, and make the business easier for investors to follow.

Lendlease needs to show that the turnaround is leaving the business in better shape, and fewer unwanted surprises for shareholders.

The post Lendlease shares slide after yesterday’s big jump. Is this ASX 300 stock running out of steam? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
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• Why A2 Milk, EchoIQ, Lendlease, and Qantas shares are racing higher today
• Lendlease offloads Keyton stake in $525m deal
• Lendlease Group shares paused pending further announcement

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras 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.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is ending the week in a disappointing fashion. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is down 0.4% to 8,713 points.

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

Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT)

The Beach Energy share price is up 2.5% to 85.5 cents. This is despite there being no news out of the energy producer. However, with its shares down heavily over the past month, some investors may believe that the selling has been overdone. Beach Energy shares are down 22% since this time last month.

Ioneer Ltd (ASX: INR)

The Ioneer share price is up 7% to 15 cents. This morning, this ASX lithium stock announced that it has received a conditional award from the United States Army. This relates to a long-term land lease on the Tooele Army Depot for the purpose of establishing a critical mineral processing facility. The company highlights that it is one of only four companies to be selected for the award and “is proud to be partnering with the U.S. Army to help build a secure, domestic boron supply chain.” Ioneer’s construction ready Rhyolite Ridge Lithium-Boron Project hosts the largest undeveloped boron ore reserve in the world outside of Turkiye. It is also the only undeveloped boron ore reserve in North America.

Solstice Minerals Ltd (ASX: SLS)

The Solstice Minerals share price is up 27% to $1.99. Investors have been buying this mineral exploration company after it announced multiple wide, high-grade copper-gold intercepts from its first diamond drillhole at the Nanadie Copper-Gold Project in Western Australia. Management notes that this confirms it as an extraordinarily well mineralised drillhole. Solstice Minerals’ CEO and managing director, Nick Castleden, said: “We are delighted to release an outstanding set of wide, high-grade copper-gold intercepts in our first diamond drillhole at Nanadie, providing strong validation of our geological model and providing definitive evidence that this part of the deposit hosts multiple zones of high-grade mineralisation that extend to substantial depths beyond the current MRE limits.”

Transurban Group (ASX: TCL)

The Transurban share price is up 1% to $15.33. This follows the release of an update on its North American operations. Transurban revealed that 95 Express Lanes, which Transurban indirectly holds a 50% interest, has entered a development framework agreement with the Virginia Department of Transportation. This will see the two parties assess an enhanced Bi-Directional Project on the I-95 Express Lanes. It notes that the proposed project scope would add approximately 120 additional new lane miles.

The post Why Beach Energy, Ioneer, Solstice Minerals, and Transurban shares are pushing higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• This small-cap ASX stock is soaring after a major US Army boost
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• Downgrade alert! 4 ASX shares re-rated by experts this week
• 2 ASX dividend shares I’d buy for passive income that can last
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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 positions in and has recommended Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Transurban Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to end the week with a small decline. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is down 0.2% to 8,735.1 points.

Four ASX shares that are falling more than most today are listed below. Here’s why they are ending the week in the red:

4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX)

The 4DMedical share price is down almost 11% to $4.08. This is despite the respiratory imaging technology company announcing that its non-contrast ventilation-perfusion imaging solution, CT:VQ, has been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). The TGA has also included the product in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), which enables commercial deployment across Australia. Broad weakness in the tech sector on Friday could be overshadowing this news.

Centuria Capital Group (ASX: CNI)

The Centuria Capital share price is down 2.5% to $1.98. This has been driven by the property company’s shares going ex-dividend this morning for its latest payout. Eligible shareholders can now look forward to receiving Centuria Capital’s 5.2 cents per share final dividend in a couple of months. The company is expecting to make the payment on 27 August.

Judo Capital Holdings Ltd (ASX: JDO)

The Judo Capital share price is down a further 1.5% to 90 cents. This small business lender’s shares have been sold off this week after it increased its cost of risk and downgraded its earnings guidance. Judo Capital revealed that it now expects its FY 2026 cost of risk to be in the range of $116 million to $122 million. This has been caused by three exposures across different sectors that have recently emerged. As for its earnings, Judo Capital now expects its profit before tax in FY 2026 to be between $163 million and $169 million. This is down from its previous guidance of between $180 million and $190 million. The company’s CEO, Chris Bayliss, said: “While today’s update is partly a result of the macro environment, it is nevertheless disappointing.”

Worley Ltd (ASX: WOR)

The Worley share price is down 4% to $10.64. This may have been driven by the release of a broker note out of Ord Minnett. According to the note, the broker has downgraded the professional services company’s shares to a hold rating (from accumulate) with a trimmed price target of $12.70 (from $13.10). This was driven by a profit guidance downgrade this week due to the negative impacts of the Middle East conflict.

The post Why 4DMedical, Centuria Capital, Judo Capital, and Worley shares are dropping today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why DroneShield, WiseTech and Judo shares are leading the ASX 200 lower this week
• What on earth’s going on with Judo Capital shares?
• 8 ASX 200 shares with reaffirmed buy recommendations this week
• Centuria Capital Group opens $35m retail offer, targets growth in AI and real estate
• This ASX 200 stock has soared 1,800%. Is there more to come?

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.

With just a few hours of trade left before Friday’s closing bell, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is down 0.7% for the week, with DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO), WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) and Judo Capital Holdings Ltd (ASX: JDO) shares all falling far harder.

Here’s why investors have been bidding down the ASX 200 heavyweights this week.

Judo shares plunge on profit downgrade

Judo shares are down 2.2% in intraday trade today, changing hands for 90 cents apiece. That sees shares in the ASX 200 challenger bank down a sharp 39.9% since last Friday’s close.

All of those losses can be pinned to Thursday’s decidedly underwhelming market update.

Judo shares closed down a precipitous 40.4% yesterday after the bank increased it forecast full year FY 2026 cost of risk to between $116 million and $122 million.

And investors were overheating their sell buttons after Judo downgraded is FY 2026 profit before tax guidance to be between $163 million and $169 million. While that still represents year on year profit growth of around 30%, the revised guidance was down from prior FY 2026 profit expectations of between $180 million and $190 million.

Commenting on the downgrade, Judo Bank CEO Chris Bayliss said:

We continue to see strong underlying momentum in the business. Recent credit outcomes have been driven by a small number of customers, who we are actively working with.

DroneShield shares losing altitude

DroneShield shares also had a week to forget, though not nearly so bad a Judo shares.

Shares in the ASX 200 drone defence company are down 4.8% at time of writing, trading for $2.30 each. That sees the DroneShield share price down 16.4% since last Friday’s close.

There was no market sensitive news out this week to explain the sharp decline. Though the company did announce the appointment of retired Rear Admiral Lee Goddard as an independent non-executive director.

But investors may have been favouring their sell buttons amid expectations that the peace deal in the Middle East could impact future demand for drone defence systems.

Which brings us to…

WiseTech shares sink on new White allegations

Joining DroneShield and Judo shares on the decline this week is WiseTech.

Shares in the ASX 200 logistics software solutions company are down 1.7% at time of writing, trading for $30.85 apiece. That sees the WiseTech share price down 16.4% for the week.

WiseTech shares plunged 18.4% on Monday following concerning new media reports involving founder and executive chairman Richard White.

Investors were heading for exit following news that the Australian Federal Police are investigating White over allegedly exploiting a female employee’s immigration status and financial position and providing false information on a visa application.

The post Why DroneShield, WiseTech and Judo shares are leading the ASX 200 lower this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why 4DMedical, Centuria Capital, Judo Capital, and Worley shares are dropping today
• What on earth’s going on with Judo Capital shares?
• 8 ASX 200 shares with reaffirmed buy recommendations this week
• Down almost 75%, are WiseTech shares really cheap?
• Is DroneShield the ASX growth share investors should be buying?

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 positions in and has recommended DroneShield and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.