Why is everyone talking about Guzman Y Gomez, Tuas and Appen shares on Friday?

Guzman Y Gomez (ASX: GYG), Tuas Ltd (ASX: TUA) and Appen Ltd (ASX: APX) shares are turning head today.

Two of the popular stocks are charging ahead of the 0.6% gains posted by the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) as we head into the Friday lunch hour, while one is mired in the red.

Here’s what’s catching investor interest.

Appen shares rocket on bullish AI outlook

Appen shares are off to the races today.

At time of writing, shares in the ASX All Ords AI applications data solutions provider are trading for $1.27 apiece up 13.4%.

The stock is turning heads following its annual general meeting (AGM) today.

Amid the ongoing artificial intelligence revolution, Appen CEO Ryan Kolln noted, “Appen plays a critical role in the AI ecosystem by providing high quality data that is used to build and monitor AI models.”

Pleasingly, the ASX tech stock also reaffirmed its fully year FY 2026 revenue guidance to be in the range of $270 million to $300 million. That compares to FY 2025 revenue of $231 million.

“We remain confident in the AI data market and in Appen’s ability to meaningfully contribute to the development of leading foundation models,” Kolln said, offering a bullish outlook for Appen shares.

Tuas shares sink further on axed M1 acquisition

Tuas shares are sliding today.

Shares in the ASX 200 Singapore-based telecom stock are down 1.3%, changing hands for $2.28 each.

This comes after the company announced the termination of its agreement to acquire Singapore telecom company M1 Limited. Tuas had reported its intentions to acquire M1 last year.

Today, management said that with several conditions precedent remaining unfulfilled by the required date, the company would not move forward with that purchase.

Tuas shares closed down a sharp 16.9% on Wednesday, when news broke that the company’s SIMBA mobile business “may have been using radio frequency bands that it was not authorised to use”.

Which brings to…

Guzman Y Gomez shares surge on US exit news

Joining Tuas and Appen shares in turning heads today we find Guzman Y Gomez shares.

Shares in the ASX 200 Mexican fast food restaurant chain are up 15.4% at time of writing, swapping hands for $20.87 apiece.

Investors are piling into Guzman Y Gomez shares after the company reported that it was exiting the United States market, where it’s been struggling to achieve sales growth.

But investors look to applauding the move, with management stating that the company’s Australian business is in “a solid position, with strong growth, world class unit economics and a significant network growth opportunity”.

With renewed focus on Australia, Guzman Y Gomez increased its full year FY 2026 Australia Segment earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) guidance to around $85 million. That’s 29% higher than FY 2025 earnings in Australia.

The post Why is everyone talking about Guzman Y Gomez, Tuas and Appen shares on Friday? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 7 ASX shares with strengthened buy ratings this week
• This ASX AI stock is surging 9% today after a wild month
• Why are Guzman Y Gomez shares surging more than 15% higher?
• Tuas terminates M1 acquisition
• Guzman y Gomez exits US market, boosts Australia growth outlook

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 Appen. 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.