Why is everyone talking about Sandfire, Bendigo Bank, and DroneShield shares on Thursday?

Sandfire Resources Ltd (ASX: SFR), Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Ltd (ASX: BEN), and DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO) shares are catching plenty of investor interest today.

In late morning trade on Thursday, two of the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) stocks are outpacing the 0.1% losses posted by the benchmark index while the other is trailing behind.

Here’s what’s happening.

DroneShield shares lift on growth outlook

DroneShield shares are outperforming today. Shares in the ASX 200 drone defence company are up 1.2% at time of writing, trading for $3.49 apiece.

The stock is grabbing headlines again today following a market update highlighting the immense growth potential of its defence oriented business model.

Indeed, the company estimates that the global counter-drone market is worth some US$60 billion, with both national defence and civilian customers seeking to secure potentially vulnerable assets.

Today’s update follows on yesterday’s news that CEO Oleg Vornik was exiting the top role after more than 10 years at the helm. Angus Bean, who’s been working as chief product officer, has stepped in as the new CEO.

DroneShield shares closed down 13.5% on Wednesday following the leadership shakeup but remain up a whopping 315% since this time last year.

Sandfire shares sink amid weather woes

Unlike DroneShield shares, Sandfire Resources shares are taking a tumble today following the release of the miner’s March quarter results.

Shares in the ASX 200 copper miner are down 4.1% at time of writing, trading for $17.39 each.

Sandfire reported copper equivalent (CuEq) production of 34,500 tonnes for the three months. The miner had a net cash balance of $76 million as at 31 March.

But Sandfire shares look to be under pressure, with the company citing persistent high rainfall and unplanned maintenance as likely seeing its full year CuEq production come in towards the lower half of its guidance range of 149,000 to 165,000 tonnes.

Sandfire shares remain up 114% over 12 months.

Which brings us to the third ASX 200 stock grabbing headlines today.

Bendigo Bank shares rocket on earnings boost

Bendigo Bank shares are outperforming the benchmark and DroneShield shares today following the release of the challenger bank’s March quarter trading update (Q3 FY 2026).

Bendigo Bank shares are up 8.3% at time of writing, changing hands for $11.33 apiece.

Investors are bidding up the ASX 200 bank stock with Bendigo reporting unaudited cash earnings of $137.9 million for the quarter. That’s up 7.6% from the quarterly average achieved in the first half of FY 2026.

On the bottom line, the bank reported a statutory net profit after tax (NPAT) of $109.4 million.

Bendigo Bank shares are up 14.0% in 12 months.

The post Why is everyone talking about Sandfire, Bendigo Bank, and DroneShield shares on Thursday? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• ASX bank stock jumps 7% on strategic partnerships and trading update
• DroneShield shares rebound on investor update
• Bendigo and Adelaide Bank lifts profit and launches strategic partnerships
• Sandfire Resources posts Q3 FY26 operations highlights and maintains guidance
• Why surging ASX 200 copper stocks like Sandfire and BHP shares are ‘vulnerable’

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 is short shares of DroneShield. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Bendigo And Adelaide Bank. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.