Author: openjargon

  • How much passive income could I make with $10,000 in Qantas shares?

    Happy couple looking at a phone and waiting for their flight at an airport.

    Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN) shares have fallen sharply in recent months.

    At $8.76 on Thursday, the airline’s share price is well below its 52-week high of $12.62. Much of that weakness has been driven by surging oil prices and concerns about travel disruption linked to the Middle East conflict.

    But with a peace deal now on the table, there is growing optimism that conditions could improve.

    So, if I invested $10,000 into Qantas shares today, how much passive income could I make?

    The numbers

    At $8.76 per share, a $10,000 investment would buy approximately 1,141 Qantas shares.

    According to CommSec, consensus estimates are for Qantas to pay fully franked dividends of 39.6 cents per share in FY26, 44.8 cents per share in FY27, and 56.2 cents per share in FY28.

    Based on those forecasts, a $10,000 investment could generate around $452 in dividends in FY26.

    In FY27, the forecast dividend income would rise to approximately $511.

    And in FY28, it could increase again to around $642.

    That would imply potential forward dividend yields of about 4.5%, 5.1%, and 6.4% based on the current share price.

    Of course, these are forecasts, not guarantees. Airlines are cyclical businesses, and dividends can change quickly if conditions deteriorate.

    Why the passive income could grow

    What makes Qantas shares interesting to me is that the dividend forecasts are not standing still.

    The market appears to expect the dividend to grow meaningfully over the next few years. That suggests analysts see scope for stronger cash generation, assuming fuel prices, travel demand, and operational conditions remain supportive.

    I think the recent share price fall also changes the equation.

    At a higher share price, Qantas may not have looked as appealing from a passive income perspective. But at $8.76, the forecast dividend yield starts to look more attractive, particularly if the business can keep returning cash to shareholders.

    More than just dividends

    But I would not buy Qantas shares only for passive income.

    The bigger opportunity, in my view, is the combination of income and possible capital growth.

    If oil prices ease and travel disruption concerns fade, investor sentiment could improve. That could help the share price recover from recent weakness.

    Qantas also has a few longer-term strengths. It has a powerful domestic market position, a valuable loyalty business, and a fleet renewal program that could improve efficiency, customer experience, and route flexibility over time.

    That does not remove the risks, but it gives the business more to work with than a simple airline story.

    Foolish takeaway

    Qantas is not a low-risk dividend share, and the payout will depend on earnings, fuel prices, travel demand, and management decisions. 

    But for investors who can handle some volatility, I think the current weakness could offer a useful mix of income and recovery potential.

    The post How much passive income could I make with $10,000 in Qantas shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Qantas Airways right now?

    Before you buy Qantas Airways shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Qantas Airways wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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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 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.

  • Guess which ASX 300 gold stock is lifting off today on big New Zealand news

    Woman with gold nuggets on her hand.

    The S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO) is up a welcome 1% in morning trade today, with plenty of help from this surging ASX 300 gold stock.

    The outperforming stock in question is Santana Minerals Ltd (ASX: SMI).

    Santana Minerals shares closed yesterday trading for 60.5 cents. At thea time of writing, shares are swapping hand for 63.7 cents apiece, up 5.3%.

    Here’s what’s piquing investor interest.

    ASX 300 gold stock jumps on land approval

    Santana Minerals shares are storming higher today after the miner reported that New Zealand’s Overseas Investment Office (OIO) has granted consent for it to purchase 3,680 hectares of freehold land for its Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project.

    The ASX 300 gold stock is operating via its wholly owned local subsidiary, Matakanui Land Ltd.

    According to the release, the purchased land will include the proposed open pits, engineered landform, and related infrastructure areas, as well as administration offices, infrastructure, processing plant, and the tailings storage facility.

    Santana Minerals also highlight that its land purchase will include 1,263 hectares to be set aside for ecological offsetting by native planting, managed sheep grazing, pest and weed control, and habitat enhancement over the 35 years of consent applied for under the miner’s FTA application.

    Over the 13 to 14 year lifespan, the ASX 300 gold stock expects direct capital investment of more than NZ$500 million in the project. It also forecasts the project will deliver around 350 full-time equivalent jobs over the construction phase and operating life of the mine.

    The OIO consent remains subject to several conditions which Santana Minerals said it expects will be met.

    The final decision on the gold miner’s application under the FTA is scheduled for 29 October 2026. Santana Minerals is aiming for first gold production in early 2028.

    What did Santana Minerals management say?

    Commenting on the land purchase consent sending the ASX 300 gold stock soaring today, Santana Minerals CEO Damian Spring said, “This decision is a strong signal that New Zealand is open to foreign investment and recognises the importance of responsible mineral development for regional and national prosperity.”

    Spring added:

    Ownership of the land, together with a granted 30-year mining permit from New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals, provides long-term certainty for the project and enables Santana to responsibly develop the value of the Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project for employees, local businesses, the New Zealand government and shareholders alike.

    Importantly, it also supports the delivery of a lasting environmental legacy through predator-proof sanctuaries and large-scale ecological enhancement initiatives for generations to come.

    The post Guess which ASX 300 gold stock is lifting off today on big New Zealand news appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Santana Minerals right now?

    Before you buy Santana Minerals shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Santana Minerals wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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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.

  • Tabcorp shares crash 25% as watchdog probe hits

    Several fingers point at stressed looking man in the middle.

    Tabcorp Holdings Ltd (ASX: TAH) shares are being hammered on Thursday after the wagering group released a serious update.

    At the time of writing, the Tabcorp share price is down 24.78% to 86.5 cents, wiping out a large chunk of the stock’s recent recovery.

    Despite today’s sell-off, Tabcorp shares are still up around 28% over the past 12 months. But with the stock now down about 13% in 2026, investors are clearly worried about what comes next.

    Here’s what investors are reacting to.

    AUSTRAC opens an enforcement investigation

    According to the release, Tabcorp advised it has received a letter from AUSTRAC in relation to a compliance assessment.

    AUSTRAC is Australia’s financial crimes watchdog. Its role includes monitoring compliance with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing rules.

    Tabcorp said AUSTRAC has raised serious concerns with the company’s ability to identify, mitigate, and manage money laundering and terrorism financing risks.

    As a result, AUSTRAC has started an enforcement investigation.

    The investigation will initially look at whether Tabcorp is complying with its obligations under the AML/CTF Act. It will also assess whether the company has a compliant AML/CTF program, whether it follows that program, and how it monitors customers.

    Investors are pricing in the unknown

    Tabcorp noted that AUSTRAC’s investigation is still at an early stage.

    The company also said all potential outcomes remain open. That includes the possibility that no further enforcement action is taken.

    But that has not settled investor nerves, and the share price reaction shows they are not treating this as a minor update.

    Keep in mind that regulatory issues can be hard to price because the final outcome is uncertain. There may be no further action, or there may be penalties, extra costs, and more scrutiny.

    The update also brings back older concerns. In 2017, Tabcorp paid a $45 million civil penalty after breaching AML/CTF laws on 108 occasions over more than 5 years.

    What management is saying

    Tabcorp Chairman Brett Chenoweth said the company takes its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing obligations very seriously.

    Managing Director and Chief Executive Gillon McLachlan said he is committed to leading a compliant and safe company.

    He also said lifting risk capability has been an ongoing part of the company’s transformation.

    That may be true, but the market wants evidence that the risks are under control.

    Foolish Takeaway

    I can understand why investors are selling first and asking questions later.

    Tabcorp has had a strong 12-month run, so major regulatory uncertainty was always likely to test that momentum.

    The issue here is not just the investigation itself. It is the lack of clarity around where this goes next.

    I would want to see more detail from AUSTRAC before taking a closer look.

    The post Tabcorp shares crash 25% as watchdog probe hits appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Tabcorp right now?

    Before you buy Tabcorp shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Tabcorp wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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    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.

  • Why are Amcor shares surging higher today?

    Man holding out Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.

    Shares in Amcor Plc (ASX: AMC) are trading more than 4% higher after the company boosted its dividend on strong earnings results.

    Strong sales figures

    The packaging company said net sales for the third quarter came in at US$5.91 billion, up 77%, driven by the company’s acquisition of Berry, which was finalised in April last year.

    Net income was US$278 million, and adjusted EBITDA was US492 million, up 87%.

    Amcor said synergies from the Berry deal came in at US$77 million, “at the upper end of expectations”.

    Amcor Chief Executive Peter Konieczny said regarding the result:

    Third quarter results were in line with expectations and reflect the resilience of our business as we mark the first anniversary of bringing legacy Amcor and Berry together as One Amcor. Over the past year, we have executed a smooth integration, built a strong leadership structure, and made meaningful progress on synergy delivery and portfolio optimization. While we continue to operate in a challenging market environment, our global scale, diversified portfolio, and strong customer and supplier partnerships position us well.

    Mr Konieczny said the company was pricing responsibly to offset inflation and it had “clear visibility to additional synergy benefits”.

    Amcor, he said, had a proven ability to navigate volatility and “we are confident in our outlook and the continued strength of our business”.

    While the company’s financial results were stronger, Amcor estimated that volumes were about 1.5% lower than for the combined Amcor and Berry businesses in the March quarter last year.

    Amcor said regarding its dividend:

    The Board’s confidence in Amcor’s near and long term growth opportunities and ability to generate significant free cash flow is reflected in today’s declaration of a quarterly cash dividend of 65.0 cents per share, compared with 63.75 cents per share in the same quarter last year, declared as 12.75 cents per share before adjusting for the 1-for-5 reverse stock split effected on January 14, 2026. Holders of CDIs trading on the ASX will receive an unfranked dividend of 91.0 Australian cents per share.

    The ex-dividend date is May 27.

    Cash flow downgrade

    Amcor downgraded its free cash flow outlook for the full year to the end of June from the previous US$1.8 to US$1.9 billion to US$1.5 to US$1.6 billion, which “reflects higher inventory levels at higher cost to secure customer service levels given the impact of the Middle East conflict”.

    Amcor shares traded as high as $55.45 early on Thursday before settling to be 4.1% higher at $54.54.

    Amcor is valued at $24.13 billion.

    The post Why are Amcor shares surging higher today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Amcor Plc right now?

    Before you buy Amcor Plc shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Amcor Plc wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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    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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Amcor Plc. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Superloop lifts revenue and customer base

    a woman sits at a computer with a satisfied expression on her face in a white room with greenery outside her window.

    The Superloop Ltd (ASX:SLC) share price is in focus today following its latest Macquarie Conference update, which highlighted a 21.2% increase in customers and a 23.3% lift in revenue compared to the prior year.

    What did Superloop report?

    • Revenue grew 23.3% year-over-year to $317.6 million in FY26
    • Customer numbers up 21.2% to 805,000 as at June 2026
    • Underlying EBITDA rose 45.9% to $55.8 million in FY26
    • EBITDA margin improved to 17.6% from 16.9% last year
    • Operating expenses to revenue ratio reduced further to 13.4%

    What else do investors need to know?

    Superloop reported disciplined operating cost management, supported by digital and AI investment, which has improved operating leverage as the customer base expands. The company continues to focus on scaling up its infrastructure-on-demand platform, supporting both retail and wholesale growth across its consumer, business, and wholesale market segments.

    A notable development is Superloop’s agreement to acquire Lightning Broadband, anticipated to add 54,000 contracted FTTP lots and accelerate Superloop’s presence in the fibre-to-the-premise market. The acquisition is expected to complete in the fourth quarter of FY26, pending regulatory approvals.

    What’s next for Superloop?

    Looking ahead, Superloop is prioritising the expansion of its Smart Communities portfolio and leveraging its enhanced metro fibre footprint. The integration of Lightning Broadband will bolster its scale and annuity revenue base, enabling it to reach more homes and businesses.

    Management remains optimistic about continuing to grow market share through product innovation, sustained investment in AI and digital tools, and focused cost discipline as Superloop seeks to solidify its place amongst Australia’s leading internet providers.

    Superloop share price snapshot

    Over the 12 months, Superloop shares have risen 34%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 9% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post Superloop lifts revenue and customer base appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Superloop right now?

    Before you buy Superloop shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Superloop wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart 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. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

  • Why are Light & Wonder shares sinking 11% today?

    A disappointed man slumps in his chair and holds his head while playing an online game.

    Light & Wonder Inc (ASX: LNW) shares are having a tough session on Thursday.

    At the time of writing, the ASX 200 gaming stock is down 11% to $100.08.

    What is weighing on Light & Wonder shares?

    The catalyst for the selling has been the release of a mixed first-quarter result.

    According to the release, Light & Wonder reported revenue of US$790 million for the quarter, up 2% on the prior corresponding period.

    Also growing was its consolidated adjusted EBITDA, which rose 5% to US$327 million, while adjusted NPATA per share increased 7% to US$1.45.

    Reported profit falls

    Despite the adjusted earnings growth, statutory earnings were significantly weaker.

    Net income fell 37% to US$52 million, while diluted net income per share declined 30% to US$0.66.

    Management attributed the decline largely to approximately US$50 million in legal reserve contingencies associated with legacy legal matters.

    This appears to be one reason the market is reacting negatively today.

    Gaming machine sales disappoint

    There were also signs of weakness in parts of the Gaming division.

    While Gaming revenue increased 3% to US$512 million, Gaming machine sales revenue fell 25%. Management advised that this reflects the timing of international and North American video lottery terminal shipments in the prior year period.

    Gaming Systems revenue also declined 14%, mainly due to lower hardware sales.

    The ASX 200 stock also revealed that the SciPlay business remains under pressure.

    Revenue fell 7% to US$187 million, driven by continued weakness in JACKPOT PARTY Casino.

    Management notes that the mature social casino market remains challenging, although SciPlay did deliver higher adjusted EBITDA and margin expansion.

    Management commentary

    The ASX 200 stock’s CEO, Matt Wilson, was pleased with the quarter. He said:

    The first quarter of 2026 marks the beginning of the next phase of the Company’s growth trajectory: one defined by our content-centric operating model, deepening customer relationships, disciplined execution, expanding margins and enhanced capital structure. We are seeing the benefits of our continued investment in studios and content, as our franchises drive strong game performance across the portfolio.

    Gaming momentum remained robust, with our North American premium installed base growing for the 23rd consecutive quarter, and Grover continued its expansion into the recently legalized Indiana market. iGaming delivered another double-digit growth quarter in both revenue and AEBITDA, while SciPlay continued to expand its DTC revenue.

    Cash flow a brighter spot

    On the positive side, adjusted free cash flow increased 86% to US$207 million, reflecting strong underlying cash generation.

    The company also maintained its net debt leverage ratio within its target range and reiterated its intention to reduce leverage below 3.0 times during the first half of 2027.

    Outlook

    Light & Wonder expects full year consolidated adjusted EBITDA growth in the mid to high single digits.

    However, management warned of ongoing macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty, including tariff-related cost pressures and a pending increase in UK iGaming gambling duties.

    Wilson concludes:

    Looking ahead, we remain focused on investing in product innovation and talent to further strengthen our recurring revenue model and enhance our global competitive position as we progress toward our 2028 financial targets.

    The post Why are Light & Wonder shares sinking 11% today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Light & Wonder Inc right now?

    Before you buy Light & Wonder Inc shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Light & Wonder Inc wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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  • BWP Group announces successful entitlement offer

    Ecstatic woman on her phone giving a fist pump after reading some good news.

    The BWP Trust (ASX: BWP) share price is in focus following its announcement of a successful $122 million institutional entitlement offer and strong 98% take-up by institutional investors.

    What did BWP Group report?

    • Raised approximately $122 million via the Institutional Entitlement Offer at $3.77 per new security
    • Offer was fully underwritten, part of a total $228 million capital raising
    • Wesfarmers took up its full $53 million entitlement
    • Approximately 32 million new securities to be issued
    • New securities will rank equally with existing BWP securities

    What else do investors need to know?

    BWP Group completed the institutional component of its 1 for 12 pro rata entitlement offer, showing continued support from large shareholders. Any shortfall was quickly picked up by other existing and new institutional investors.

    Trading in BWP securities resumed today. The new securities issued are set to begin trading on 18 May 2026, offering increased liquidity and access for investors.

    The retail entitlement offer, which aims to raise an additional $106 million, opens for eligible retail investors on 12 May 2026, closing on 22 May 2026.

    What’s next for BWP Group?

    Attention now turns to the retail entitlement offer, giving eligible investors a chance to participate on the same terms as institutional investors. The proceeds from the capital raising are expected to support BWP Group’s ongoing investment strategy and strengthen its balance sheet.

    Management will be sharing more details in the upcoming retail offer booklet and is providing a dedicated support line for shareholder queries.

    BWP Group share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, BWP Group shares have risen 4%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 9% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post BWP Group announces successful entitlement offer appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in BWP Trust right now?

    Before you buy BWP Trust shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and BWP Trust wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart 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. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

  • Why are Zip shares storming higher on Thursday?

    A young woman looks happily at her phone in one hand with a selection of retail shopping bags in her other hand.

    Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) shares are charging higher today.

    Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) buy now, pay later (BNPL) stock closed yesterday trading for $2.52. In early morning trade on Thursday, shares are changing hands for $2.64 apiece, up 4.8%.

    For some context, the ASX 200 is up 1.1% at this same time.

    Here’s what’s catching investor interest.

    Zip shares lift on strong April performance

    Zip shares are jumping higher following the company’s presentation at the annual Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) Conference.

    That presentation included a trading update for April.

    Investors are reacting positively after Zip reported ongoing strong growth in April.

    In its core growth market of the United States, the ASX 200 BNPL company reported a year-on-year total transaction volume (TTV) increase in April of more than 40% (in US dollar terms).

    And management said that Zip’s US credit outcomes have been performing in line with expectations and are on track to be at least 1.75% of TTV for Q4 FY 2026.

    And in its Australia and New Zealand segment, Zip said it now serves 1.9 million “highly engaged customers”, which the company noted represents some 10% of the Australian adult population.

    Zip shares also look to be getting support today, with the company reaffirming its full-year FY 2026 guidance.

    Zip expects to achieve full-year cash earnings before taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBTDA) of $260 million, with at least 40% TTV growth in its US markets (in US dollar terms). The company expects an operating margin of 18% and a revenue margin of 8%.

    As for bad debts, the company forecasts its fourth-quarter losses will be around 1.75% of TTV.

    How has the ASX 200 BNPL share been tracking in FY 2026?

    Zip shares closed up 13.7% on 17 April following the release of the company’s third-quarter results.

    Highlights for the three months included record cash EBTDA of $65.1 million, up 41.5% year on year. And TTV of $4.0 billion was up 22.4%.

    At the end of the quarter, Zip had 6.5 million active customers, up 3.5% year on year. And the number of merchants on Zip’s platforms increased by 12.7% to 93,900.

    Commenting on the quarterly results, Zip CEO and managing director Cynthia Scott said:

    Zip’s resilient business model continues to drive increased profitability at scale, delivering record cash earnings of $65.1 million, up 41.5% year on year. Operating margin expanded 292bps to 19.4%, reflecting strong unit economics and significant operating leverage.

    Momentum continued across both markets, underpinned by deepened customer engagement and disciplined execution.

    The post Why are Zip shares storming higher on Thursday? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Zip Co right now?

    Before you buy Zip Co shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Zip Co wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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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 positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. 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.

  • Why are Super Retail shares crashing 13% today?

    A man sitting at a computer is blown away by what he's seeing on the screen, hair and tie whooshing back as he screams argh in panic.

    Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL) shares are under pressure on Thursday morning.

    At the time of writing, the ASX 200 stock is down 13% to a 52-week low of $10.08.

    Why are Super Retail shares crashing?

    Investors have been selling the retailer’s shares this morning following the release of a trading update after the market close on Wednesday.

    Investors appear to be reacting to softer trading momentum across the group and a lift in expected corporate costs.

    According to the update, group like-for-like sales growth was just 0.4% for the first 18 weeks of the second half. Total sales growth for the same period was 1.9%.

    Management revealed that sales momentum across all four brands was impacted by the onset of the Middle East conflict, with inflationary pressures, higher fuel prices, rising interest rates, and concerns around fuel availability weighing on consumer sentiment.

    The impact was most pronounced over the key Easter trading period.

    BCF hit hardest

    The weakest performer in the second half has been the BCF brand, which reported a 3.3% decline in like-for-like sales for the half to date.

    Management said BCF was the brand most affected by elevated fuel prices and fuel supply constraints, particularly in regional areas.

    This reduced customer participation in outdoor activities during the Easter and school holiday period.

    The ASX 200 stock also noted that trading was hurt by the unfavourable calendar caused by the separation of Easter and Anzac Day.

    Mixed performance across other brands

    Supercheap Auto delivered like-for-like sales growth of 1.6% for the second half to date, but management noted that trading conditions in the auto category moderated through March and April.

    Discretionary categories such as power tools were weaker, though this was partly offset by increased demand in fuel-related and DIY categories.

    The Rebel brand posted 1.4% like-for-like sales growth and gained market share despite weaker category sales through March and April.

    Finally, Macpac recorded 2.5% like-for-like growth, but its momentum was also affected by reduced outdoor activity in March and April as it prepared for the key winter trading period.

    Margins and costs

    Also weighing on the ASX 200 stock on Thursday is news of margin pressure.

    Super Retail advised that group gross margin for the second half to date is modestly below the prior comparable period.

    In addition, total group and unallocated costs for FY 2026 are now expected to be $66 million, up from the previous estimate of $60 million.

    This includes project costs related to the transition to a new Victorian distribution centre and implementation of a new HR Core and Payroll system.

    The post Why are Super Retail shares crashing 13% today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Super Retail Group right now?

    Before you buy Super Retail Group shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Super Retail Group wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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

  • Tabcorp faces AUSTRAC compliance probe

    A hip young man with a beard and manbun sits thoughtfully at his laptop computer in a darkened room, staring at the screen with his chin resting on his hand in thought.

    The Tabcorp Holdings Ltd (ASX: TAH) share price is under the spotlight today as the company revealed it is the subject of an AUSTRAC enforcement investigation related to anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) compliance.

    What did Tabcorp report?

    • Tabcorp has received a formal notification from AUSTRAC regarding a compliance assessment.
    • AUSTRAC expressed serious concerns about Tabcorp’s money laundering and terrorism financing risk management controls.
    • An enforcement investigation has commenced, focusing on the effectiveness of Tabcorp’s AML/CTF program and customer monitoring processes.
    • The review is currently at an early stage, with all potential outcomes still open—including the possibility of no further enforcement action.

    What else do investors need to know?

    While the investigation is still in its early days, AUSTRAC’s concerns relate to Tabcorp’s ability to identify and manage risks around money laundering and terrorism financing. The focus will be on compliance with legal obligations and the effectiveness of current policies and monitoring systems.

    Tabcorp’s Board and management say they are committed to full cooperation with AUSTRAC, highlighting that ongoing improvements to risk management have been a priority as part of the company’s transformation. There is no indication yet of financial penalties or operational restrictions, but investigations of this type may involve significant scrutiny and resources.

    What’s next for Tabcorp?

    Tabcorp will work closely with AUSTRAC as the investigation unfolds, with management reaffirming their commitment to raising risk management standards across the business. Shareholders will be keenly watching for further updates from the company or AUSTRAC as more information becomes available over the coming months.

    There are no changes to ongoing operations at this stage, but regulatory compliance and the results of the investigation will remain key investor watchpoints in the near term.

    Tabcorp share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, Tabcorp shares have risen 72%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 9% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post Tabcorp faces AUSTRAC compliance probe appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Tabcorp right now?

    Before you buy Tabcorp shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Tabcorp wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart 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. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.