Author: openjargon

NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT) shares are edging higher again on Friday.

The data centre operator rose 1% to $14.87 during afternoon trade, extending a strong run that has seen the tech stock jump 22% over the past month. Over 12 months, NextDC shares are up 36%, comfortably outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has gained around 13%.

So what’s behind the latest move?

Multi-billion dollar funding

The catalyst is fresh funding – and plenty of it.

NextDC announced on Friday that it has successfully priced and allocated a $750 million wholesale subordinated notes offer. The deal lifts its pro forma liquidity, including cash and undrawn facilities, to around $6.6 billion. That’s a big number, and investors interested in NextDC shares are paying attention.

The capital raise forms part of NextDC’s broader $2.2 billion funding plan. It follows on from a recent entitlement offer and a $1.7 billion hybrid securities deal, completing a multi-pronged strategy to secure capital for growth. In simple terms, the company is loading up the balance sheet to fund its next phase.

Surging demand for data centres

That matters because NextDC operates in one of the fastest-growing segments of the market. Demand for data centres continues to surge, driven by cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and digital infrastructure needs across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. To keep up, the company needs scale, and scale requires capital.

This latest funding round strengthens and diversifies its financing base. The subordinated notes sit below senior debt but above hybrid securities and equity, adding another layer to its capital structure. While the notes won’t be listed on the ASX and are aimed at wholesale investors, they play an important role in improving financial flexibility.

Record capacity locked in

The result is a stronger position to execute. With $6.6 billion in available liquidity, NextDC shares now have significant firepower to fund major data centre developments, support expansion projects, and respond to new opportunities as they arise.

Importantly, this comes at a time when demand is already building. The company has flagged record contracted utilisation across its portfolio, suggesting existing capacity is being filled quickly.

That creates a clear runway for growth.

What next for NextDC shares?

Of course, there are risks for NextDC shares. Large-scale infrastructure projects require significant upfront investment, and returns can take time to materialise. Higher interest rates and funding costs also remain a factor, particularly as the company continues to expand.

But for now, the market appears focused on the positives.

Strong demand, a clear growth strategy, and a well-funded balance sheet are combining to support sentiment. Investors are backing NextDC’s ability to execute, and today’s update reinforces that confidence.

If the company continues to deliver on its expansion plans, this funding boost could prove to be a key catalyst for the next leg of growth.

The post NextDC just raised $750 million, here’s why the shares are climbing appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• NEXTDC launches $750m wholesale notes to boost growth funding
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Buy, hold, sell: NextDC, Hub24, PLS Group shares
• NextDC shares rocket 27% higher: Buy, hold or sell?
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

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 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 are in the red for a fourth consecutive day, down 0.46% to 8,752.8 points.

The world is waiting for a fresh round of negotiations between the US and Iran to begin, as the global oil shock continues.

Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund has warned of a global recession given the long-tail impact of energy supply shocks.

Amid this ongoing turmoil, brokers have reduced their ratings on six ASX 200 shares this week.

Let’s take a look.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)

The Macquarie share price is $231.83, up 0.5% today.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 bank share has lifted substantially, up 19%.

UBS downgraded Macquarie shares to a hold rating yesterday.

The broker considers the stock almost fully valued, given its 12-month price target of $235.

4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX)

The 4DMedical share price is 7% lower on Friday at $4.91.

This ASX 200 healthcare share has skyrocketed 1,650% over 12 months.

Jefferies downgraded 4DMedical shares to a hold rating yesterday.

However, the broker believes this stock’s value can continue to grow.

Its 12-month price target is $5.90, implying a potential 17% capital gain ahead.

QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE)

The QBE share price is $22.39, up 0.09% today.

The ASX 200 insurance share has lifted 13% in the year to date (YTD).

Macquarie downgraded QBE shares to a hold rating with a $25.10 price target on Friday.

Sandfire Resources Ltd (ASX: SFR)

The Sandfire Resources share price is $17.26, up 0.2% today.

The ASX 200 copper share has experienced a remarkable run over the past 12 months, rising 73%.

The copper commodity price climbed 42% in 2025 due to rising demand amid the green energy transition.

Sandfire Resources shares reached an all-time high of $21.75 per share in January.

Copper was sold off alongside other metals in February but has rebounded strongly since mid-March.

UBS downgraded Sandfire Resources shares to a sell rating today.

The broker reduced its 12-month price target from $17.70 to $16.75.

TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE)

The TechnologyOne share price is $28.64, down 3.8% today.

TechnologyOne lost a quarter of its valuation amid the tech wreck that began in 1H FY26.

The ASX 200 tech share is down 26% over the past six months but has rallied 4.5% this month amid a sector turnaround.

Morgans downgraded TechnologyOne shares to a hold rating today.

The broker has a price target of $31.20, implying a potential 9% upside ahead.

Reece Ltd (ASX: REH)

The Reece share price is $13.63, up 1% today.

This ASX 200 industrial share is down 12% year over year, but has lifted 13.6% over the past six months.

Morgans downgraded Reece shares to a hold rating today.

The broker reduced its 12-month price target from $17.70 to $14.10.

This still suggests a near-5% upside ahead.

The post 6 ASX 200 shares downgraded by brokers this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX shares I’d buy if the market dropped again
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Sandfire Resources lifts cash and revenue in March quarter update
• What are experts saying about these red hot ASX 200 shares?
• 3 stellar ASX growth shares to buy now with 30% to 70% upside

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 Macquarie Group and Technology One. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Technology One. 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 in the week, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is down 2.2% since last Friday’s close, despite the best lifting efforts of these three surging ASX 200 stocks.

One of this week’s top performers provides building materials, one is a global wine maker, and the third earns its keep providing residential aged care.

Here’s how these ASX shares have managed to charge higher in this week’s sinking market.

ASX 200 stocks jumping in this week’s sliding market

First up, we have James Hardie Industries PLC (ASX: JHX).

Shares in the building materials company closed last Friday at $28.04 and are currently trading at $30.95 apiece. That sees this ASX 200 stock up 10.4% for the week.

There was no price-sensitive news from James Hardie this week. But after hitting four-month lows of $26.10 a share on 31 March, investors appear to believe the stock has been oversold.

This brings us to our second outperformer of the week, Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE) shares.

Shares in the global wine company closed last week at $4.01 and are currently trading at $4.53 each, putting this ASX 200 stock up 13.0%.

Treasury Wine shares closed up a whopping 16.5% on Wednesday after the company announced its transition to a new regional operating model.

Judging by the share price action, investors clearly approved of the move, which is intended to improve operational efficiency for the struggling wine distributor.

Treasury Wine will transition to its new regional operating model on 1 October. It will then operate four regional divisions: The Americas, Australia and New Zealand (ANZ), Europe, Greater China, and Emerging Markets (Rest of Asia, Middle East and Africa).

“We are reshaping TWE to drive clearer accountability for performance and to enable faster, more market-connected decision-making as a foundation for consistent depletions growth,” Treasury Wine CEO Sam Fischer said.

Leading the charge

Moving on, the top performing ASX 200 stock on my list for this week is Regis Healthcare Ltd (ASX: REG).

Shares in the residential aged care provider closed last Friday at $5.89 and are currently trading for $6.69 apiece. That puts Regis Healthcare shares up 13.6% in this week’s retreating market.

Shares in the ASX 200 healthcare stock closed up 16.4% on Thursday.

While there was no direct price-sensitive news from the company, the Motley Fool’s Cameron England noted that the surge appears to be driven by pending changes to how the Federal government funds residential aged care.

On Wednesday, health minister Mark Butler announced that the government would spend an additional $3 billion to provide more aged care beds and improve overall care for older Australians.

The post 3 ASX 200 stocks storming higher in this week’s sinking market appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX 200 shares too cheap to ignore after sell-offs
• 2 ASX 200 shares newly upgraded this week
• Why is everyone buying this beaten-down ASX wine stock now?
• A Budget announcement has put a rocket under this ASX aged care provider’s shares
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

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 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.

Tetratherix Ltd (ASX: TTX) recently updated shareholders with its quarterly report, which broker Morgans says shows the ASX biotech company continues to tick off key milestones towards commercialisation.

Morgans has this week issued a new research report to its clients, slightly reducing its price target on Tetratherix shares, which we’ll get to later.

Progress on several fronts

So what did the company say this week?

Tetratherix’s key technology is a fluid matrix that can be used in regenerative medicine across multiple applications.

Chief executive Will Knox said in this week’s statement to the ASX that the third quarter was “another strong quarter for Tetratherix as we continued to deliver against key commercial, clinical and strategic milestones”.

He added:

We confirmed readiness to commercialise Tegenix through a global quality and supply agreement with Henry Schein. We also expanded into precision medicine with STEPP, our drug‑delivery platform that has been under stealth development for more than five years. This was folowed by an exclusive R&D agreement with Superpower, under which Tetratherix wil receive licence fees of US$3 milion per year for up to 10 years, together with ongoing purchases of STEPP to support R&D formulation for the US market.

Mr Knox said the company also advanced multiple clinical programs, with encouraging results across tissue healing, “including positive outcomes from the TetraDerm Cohort 1 and 2 studies, and [the company] accelerated the Tutelix pivotal trial program following the successful Series A capital raise by our joint‑venture partner”.

The company was also expecting Food & Drug Administration clearance for its bone regeneration technology this calendar year.

Shares looking cheap

The analyst team at Morgans agreed it was a strong quarter, “achieving multiple clinical, commercial and operational milestones as it advances toward commercialisation”.

The broker said:

Using its innovative Tetramatrix platform technology TTX can develop solutions for multiple medical conditions. TTX is looking to partner with specialist companies to assist with clinical trial, regulatory approvals and market access. We use a discounted cash flow method to value TTX at $6.84. We have set the target price at the same level. We have a speculative buy recommendation on TTX.

Morgans said the company had multiple catalysts for a share price rerating, although it cautioned that positive clinical trial results were not certain and navigating regulatory pathways can be complex.

If the share price were to hit Morgans’ price target, it would be a 45.8% return from the current level of $4.69.

Tetratherix is currently valued at $126.9 million.

The post This ASX biotech stock could deliver 40%-plus returns Morgans says appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 6 ASX 200 shares downgraded by brokers this week
• 3 ASX 200 stocks storming higher in this week’s sinking market
• Why Brainchip, Fortescue, IGO, and Life360 shares are tumbling today
• 3 ASX 200 blue-chip shares I’d buy with $5,000 in May
• ASX 200 energy shares lift as pessimism over Iran war deepens

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 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 having a poor finish to the week. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is down 0.5% to 8,751.3 points.

Four ASX shares that are falling more than most today are listed below. Here’s why they are tumbling:

Brainchip Holdings Ltd (ASX: BRN)

The Brainchip share price is down 3% to 15 cents. This follows the release of another disappointing update from the struggling semiconductor company. For the three months ended 31 March, Brainchip recorded customer cash inflows of US$700,000. However, this couldn’t stop the company from recording an operating cash outflow of US$5.3 million for the three months. This led to its cash balance reducing to US$25.3 million from US$31.7 million.

Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG)

The Fortescue share price is down 5% to $19.93. For the third quarter of FY 2026, Fortescue reported total iron ore shipments of 48.4 million tonnes (Mt). This was below consensus estimates of approximately 49Mt, which may have disappointed investors. Fortescue Metals and Operations CEO, Dino Otranto, was pleased with the quarter. He said: “We delivered a solid quarter, contributing to record shipments of 148.7 million tonnes for the nine months to March. That reflects a significant effort from the team right across the business.” Fortescue also separately announced that it has approved a US$680 million investment to expand its green energy capacity in the Pilbara.

IGO Ltd (ASX: IGO)

The IGO share price is down 15% to $7.28. This battery materials company’s shares have been sold off following the release of its quarterly update. Although it posted a 45% increase in group sales revenue to $119.7 million, the market appears disappointed with an update on its guidance. IGO has updated full-year guidance for Greenbushes spodumene production to 1,375kt to 1,425kt (down from 1,500kt to 1,650kt). IGO’s CEO, Ivan van Vella, said: “Fundamental changes to operating approaches and systems take time to be effective and improvements are typically not linear. Greenbushes is a world-class asset and generated 75% EBITDA margin this quarter. I am confident the work underway will deliver the required performance and overall value optimisation.”

Life360 Inc (ASX: 360)

The Life360 share price is down 4% to $20.89. This follows another selloff of software stocks on Wall Street overnight. The catalyst for this may have been the release of GPT-5.5 by ChatGPT owner OpenAI. It stated: “We’re releasing GPT‑5.5, our smartest and most intuitive to use model yet, and the next step toward a new way of getting work done on a computer.”

The post Why Brainchip, Fortescue, IGO, and Life360 shares are tumbling today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Newmont, PLS and Fortescue shares are grabbing headlines on Friday
• Guess which ASX iron ore stock could rise 85% (hint, not Fortescue shares)
• IGO shares sink 14%. Here’s what just spooked investors?
• Why are Fortescue shares falling today?
• Fortescue invests $680m in Pilbara Green Energy Project

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Life360. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Life360. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

With May just around the corner, I have been thinking about where I would put fresh money to work in the current market.

If I had $5,000 to invest, I would be looking for a mix of scale, earnings potential, and clear drivers over the next few years.

Here are three ASX 200 blue-chip shares I would consider.

Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG)

Sigma has changed a lot over the past couple of years.

The Chemist Warehouse merger has transformed the business into a much larger and more integrated healthcare and retail platform. That has created a very different earnings profile compared to Sigma’s past.

What I find interesting is how this positions the company going forward.

It now has significant exposure across both wholesale distribution and retail pharmacy, which can create scale benefits and improve margins over time. As the integration progresses, there is also potential for cost savings and operational improvements.

With earnings expected to grow strongly over the next few years, I think Sigma could look very different as the combined business settles in.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

BHP is one of the largest and most established companies on the ASX, and I think it offers a compelling setup right now.

Iron ore continues to generate strong cash flow, but copper is becoming the most important contributor. And with demand growing due to electrification and infrastructure, copper could be a meaningful growth driver over the next decade.

There is also the Jansen potash project, expected to come online in mid-2027, which adds another long-term growth lever.

When I look at those pieces together, I see a business that is positioning itself for where demand will be strong in the future.

Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN)

Qantas is another ASX 200 blue-chip share I’d consider in May.

The airline operates in a relatively rational domestic market, which supports pricing and profitability. At the same time, demand for travel remains strong, both domestically and internationally.

One area I think is important is its fleet renewal program. Management has described it as the largest in the company’s history, with newer aircraft expected to improve fuel efficiency and reduce operating costs over time. That should support margins and earnings as the program progresses.

Qantas has also been strengthening its balance sheet and returning capital to shareholders, which I think adds another layer to the investment case.

Foolish takeaway

If I were putting $5,000 to work in May, I would look for strong, long-term opportunities.

Sigma offers exposure to a transformed healthcare and retail platform, BHP provides scale, strong cash flow, and long-term commodity demand, and Qantas adds a business with strong demand, improving efficiency, and ongoing investment in its future operations.

Together, I think they offer a balanced way to approach the market right now.

The post 3 ASX 200 blue-chip shares I’d buy with $5,000 in May appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How to generate monthly income using ASX ETFs
• Is the Qantas share price a buy? Here’s an expert’s view
• 5 years ago, $5,000 bought 118 BHP shares. How many would it buy now?
• 2 ASX mining shares to buy with $2,000
• Why Black Cat, Mirvac, Qantas, and Temple & Webster shares are falling today

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 recommended BHP Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

ASX 200 energy shares are leading the market again today as investors feel increasingly pessimistic that the Iran war will end anytime soon.

The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is down 0.34%, while the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) is up 1.3%.

The only other market sector in the green today is utilities.

ASX 200 utilities shares are up 1.1%, indicating the appeal of defensive shares amid the ongoing global energy shock.

A second round of negotiations between the US and Iran in Islamabad is expected to begin within days.

However, investors appear unconvinced that a resolution is near.

This lack of confidence is reflected in the ASX 200’s fourth consecutive day in the red.

ASX 200 shares are down 2.2% since Monday’s close.

Energy commodity prices up 15% to 18% this week

We’ve also seen a sharp increase in energy commodity prices this week.

The Brent Crude oil price has lifted 17.6% this week to US$106.31 per barrel, at the time of writing.

The WTI Crude oil price has also risen 17.3% to US$96.91 per barrel.

Also this week, US heating oil is up 18.1%, US gas prices are up 15.7%, and European gas prices are up 15.1%.

The price spike reflects continued supply disruption, with the Strait of Hormuz remaining effectively shut down.

The scale of the price increase likely also reflects market pessimism that the conflict will be resolved quickly.

Trading Economics analysts said the stalled US-Iran talks and military activities in the Strait were raising anxiety over fuel supply.

Reports indicated that President Donald Trump’s Truth Social posts, along with his decision to maintain a naval blockade of Iranian ports, have complicated prospects for renewed negotiations with Tehran.

In a post on Thursday, Trump said he had ordered the US Navy to “shoot and kill” vessels laying mines in the strait, while US forces also boarded a supertanker carrying Iranian oil in the Indian Ocean.

The ceasefire has been extended indefinitely, with the US claiming it is awaiting a revised peace proposal from Iran.

The US blockade of Iranian ports continues, which means Iran cannot export any of its own oil to its biggest buyer, China.

The effective shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted 20% of the world’s oil and gas exports.

How are ASX 200 energy shares performing today?

At the time of writing:

The Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) share price is up 1.9% on Friday to $32.38.

The Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) share price is $7.83, up 1.5% today.

Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR) shares are 1.6% higher at $2.24, after reaching a two-year high of $2.26 in earlier trading.

The Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD) share price is 2.1% higher at $34.19.

The Viva Energy Group Ltd (ASX: VEA) share price is up 2.3% to $2.40.

Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) shares are up 1% to $1.23.

The post ASX 200 energy shares lift as pessimism over Iran war deepens appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why the Woodside share price has climbed 40% in 2026
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• What key update is fueling Ampol shares today?
• Why Deep Yellow, Develop Global, Resolute Mining, and Santos shares are pushing higher today

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 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.

Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM), PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS), and Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) shares are making financial headlines on Friday.

Two of the large-cap ASX shares are racing ahead of the 0.6% losses posted by the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) during the Friday lunch hour while one is trailing those losses.

Here’s what’s grabbing investor interest today.

Fortescue shares slide on shipments dip

Fortescue shares are taking a hit today, down 3.8% at $20.16 apiece.

This follows the release of the ASX 200 mining stock’s March quarter update (Q3 FY 2026).

Over the three months, the miner reported total iron ore shipments of 48.4 million tonnes (Mt). While that’s up 5% from Q3 FY 2025, it’s down 4% from last quarter.

Still, Fortescue has notched record shipments of 148.7Mt in the nine months to 31 March. That’s up 4% from the same period last year.

On the cost front, the company’s hematite C1 unit cost of US$18.29 per wet metric tonne (wmt) over the quarter was down 4% quarter on quarter

Fortescue had a cash balance of US$4.2 billion and net debt of US$1.6 billion as at 31 March 2026.

Management reaffirmed full year FY 2026 guidance for total shipments at 195Mt to 205Mt.

Fortescue shares may be under some added pressure today after the miner separately announced a US$680 million cash splash to accelerate the development of its 200MW Pilbara Green Energy Project. That comes atop the miner’s existing US$6.2 billion decarbonisation program.

Management expects the green energy project to be completed by 2028.

 PLS shares jump on revenue surge

Unlike Fortescue shares, PLS shares are charging higher today, up 3.5% at $5.88 each.

PLS shares are also making headlines after the ASX 200 lithium stock released its third quarter update.

Highlights for the March quarter included a whopping 52% quarter on quarter increase in revenue to $567 million. This was fuelled by a 61% increase in the average realised spodumene price PLS received over the three months, which rose to US$1,867 per tonne (SC5.2 equivalent).

PLS shares are also likely getting a lift today, with the miner reporting a 12% increase in production to 232,400 tonnes. The miner sold 195,700 tonnes of spodumene over this period.

As at 31 March, the lithium miner had a cash balance of $1.45 billion, up 52% from 31 December.

Which brings us to…

Newmont shares lift on earnings leap

Joining PLS and Fortescue shares in the financial headlines today, we find Newmont.

Shares in the ASX 200 gold mining giant are up 2.1% at time of writing, changing hands for $157.73 apiece. This also follows the release of the miner’s March quarter update (Q1 2026).

On the negative side of the scale, Newmont’s gold production was down 10% quarter on quarter to 1.3 million ounces.

But the average realized gold price Newmont received increased by US$684 per ounce over the quarter to US$4,900 per ounce.

And net income rocketed to $3.3 billion, an increase of $2.0 billion from the prior quarter.

On the earnings front, Newmont reported adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of US$5.15 billion, up from US$2.63 billion in Q1 2025.

The post Why Newmont, PLS and Fortescue shares are grabbing headlines on Friday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Newmont, Nuix, PLS, and Vulcan Energy shares are rising today
• Newmont shares jump again as record cash flow and buyback boost sentiment
• Guess which ASX iron ore stock could rise 85% (hint, not Fortescue shares)
• PLS shares jump 6% on record quarter and massive cash generation
• Why are Fortescue shares falling today?

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.

A fresh contract win is putting this ASX infrastructure stock back in focus on Friday.

Genusplus Group Ltd (ASX: GNP) shares are moving higher after the company released a new project update.

The stock is up 2.16% and touched an intraday high of $8.99. That continues a strong run, with the share price now up around 40% in 2026.

Here’s what came through.

New battery project contract secured

Genusplus has been awarded the Koolunga Battery Energy Storage System project in South Australia.

The contract covers engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning across both the balance of plant and battery installation.

The total contract value is approximately $110 million.

The project will deliver a 200MW/800MWh battery system, adding large-scale storage capacity to the grid.

It is located near Koolunga, north-east of Brinkworth, and will connect into South Australia’s electricity network.

Construction is expected to begin shortly, with completion targeted for September 2027.

Backing from major infrastructure investor

The project is owned by Equitix, a large infrastructure investor with a focus on energy and essential assets.

Genusplus will act as the turnkey contractor across the full delivery scope.

That gives it exposure across multiple stages of the project lifecycle, from design through to final commissioning.

The announcement also points to continued demand for battery storage as more renewable energy enters the grid.

Large-scale storage is becoming more important in balancing supply and demand, particularly in test markets such as South Australia.

Momentum building across the business

This latest contract adds to a growing pipeline of energy and infrastructure work.

Genusplus operates across transmission, distribution, and communications infrastructure.

And battery and grid-related projects are quickly becoming a larger part of that mix.

The company has been building exposure to energy transition work, including renewables and storage.

That shift is showing up in the share price performance over the past year, with the stock up over 220%.

At current levels, Genusplus has a market capitalisation of around $1.6 billion.

What the market is watching

The focus now turns to the delivery of the project.

Large contracts like this bring revenue visibility, but execution is what really matters.

Timing, cost control, and project delivery all feed into the company’s margins.

Furthermore, investors will also be watching how quickly new work comes through.

Battery storage is a growing segment, and competition for these projects is only increasing.

Genusplus is starting to build a track record in this space, which could help with future wins.

Foolish takeaway

The latest contract adds to a growing pipeline and shows the company is winning relevant work in energy infrastructure.

But share price already reflects a lot of that momentum after a strong run.

I’d be watching from here and would be more interested on a pullback or after a few more projects are completed.

The post This ASX stock just landed a $110 million battery project. Shares near record highs. appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday

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 GenusPlus Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended GenusPlus 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 in the red. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is down 0.4% to 8,758 points.

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

Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM)

The Newmont share price is up 1.5% to $156.84. This follows the release of the gold miner’s first-quarter update. The company achieved production of 1.5 million ounces of gold during the quarter, which was broadly in line with expectations. Newmont reported an average realised gold price of around US$2,944 per ounce, which underpinned net income of US$3.2 billion and adjusted EBITDA of US$5.2 billion. Looking ahead, for FY 2026, Newmont is still targeting 5.6 million ounces of gold with costs of US$1,650 per ounce on an all-in sustaining basis.

Nuix Ltd (ASX: NXL)

The Nuix share price is up 12% to $1.49. This has been driven by news that the Federal Court has dismissed the ASIC disclosure case against the investigative analytics and intelligence software provider. The company’s chair, Robert Mactier, said: “We are pleased that the Federal Court has resolved the allegations concerning Nuix’s early 2021 market disclosure and that the cases against both Nuix and the then directors of the company have been dismissed. We are committed to driving shareholder value, supporting our people and customers and using our products and services as a force for good.”

PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS)

The PLS share price is up almost 4% to $5.90. Investors have been buying this lithium miner’s shares following the release of a strong third-quarter update. The company posted a 12% quarter-on-quarter increase in spodumene concentrate production to 232.4kt. But the big positive was a 61% increase in its realised price to US$1,867 per tonne. This underpinned a 52% jump in revenue to A$567 million. And with costs reducing to A$520 per tonne, its cash margin from operations came in at A$461 million. This is up 178% quarter-on-quarter. PLS has reaffirmed its guidance for FY 2026. It expects production of 820kt to 870kt with unit operating costs of A$560 per tonne to A$600 per tonne.

Vulcan Energy Resources Ltd (ASX: VUL)

The Vulcan Energy share price is up 3% to $3.66. This follows news that the lithium developer has officially broken ground at its Lionheart lithium chemicals facility in Germany. The company notes that this marks the start of major construction at the site. Vulcan’s CEO, Cris Moreno, commented: “We are delighted to move beyond preparatory works and start full scale construction at our commercial lithium chemical plant. This groundbreaking event follows a similar ceremony held at our upstream lithium extraction plant in Landau late last year and highlights the progress towards our construction schedule and our 2028 commercial start of production target.”

The post Why Newmont, Nuix, PLS, and Vulcan Energy shares are rising today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Newmont, PLS and Fortescue shares are grabbing headlines on Friday
• Newmont shares jump again as record cash flow and buyback boost sentiment
• This ASX lithium stock is bouncing back today. Here’s why
• Guess which ASX tech stock is rocketing 22% on big news
• PLS shares jump 6% on record quarter and massive cash generation

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 Nuix. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.