Author: openjargon

Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1) shares have been one of the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO)’s big comeback trades in 2026.

The Megaport share price is up 2.38% to $18.48 at the time of writing.

That puts the ASX tech share up around 15% over the past week and almost 60% since the start of the year.

But the biggest move has come from the lows in April.

Megaport shares hit an intraday low of $6.40 on 13 April before closing that session at $6.86.

Since then, the stock has staged a major rebound, helped by new AI infrastructure contracts and renewed broker interest.

The rally even took Megaport shares to a 52-week high of $21.16 last Friday.

So, what would a $10,000 investment near the April low be worth today?

Why Megaport shares have taken off

The main driver has been a significant shift in sentiment toward Megaport’s growth outlook.

The company recently announced four new AI infrastructure contracts with a total contract value of approximately $458.9 million.

Those contracts have helped put Megaport back in front of investors looking for ASX exposure to AI, cloud infrastructure, and data centre demand.

Megaport also launched a fully underwritten $827.3 million entitlement offer to help fund the capital expenditure needed to deliver the new work and build out its global GPU pool.

The retail entitlement offer opened today and is priced at $14.30 per new share.

That’s below the current share price, which helps explain why eligible shareholders may be paying close attention.

Furthermore, Megaport narrowed its FY26 revenue guidance to between $307 million and $315 million.

How much would that investment be worth?

If an investor had put $10,000 into Megaport shares at the April intraday low of $6.40, they would have bought about 1,562 shares.

At today’s price of $18.48, that holding would now be worth about $28,875.

That means the investment would have increased by roughly $18,875 in less than two months, before brokerage and any tax.

Even if the investor bought at the 13 April closing price of $6.86, the result would still be significant.

A $10,000 investment at that price would have bought about 1,458 shares. At today’s price, that parcel would be worth about $26,940.

Either way, it shows how quickly sentiment has turned around for Megaport shares.

Foolish bottom line

Megaport has delivered an extraordinary short-term gain since April.

But after such a fast rally, investors are no longer buying the same beaten-down stock they were looking at two months ago.

UBS has reportedly lifted its price target to $24.20, while Macquarie has a higher target of $27.80.

Morgans has been more cautious, downgrading the stock to accumulate while still lifting its target to $21.

That suggests brokers still see upside in Megaport, but most of the gains appear to be already behind it.

The post If you invested $10,000 in Megaport shares in April, here’s how much you’d have now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Megaport launches retail entitlement offer after $827 million capital raise
• Megaport shares soar 194% in 2 months. What’s ahead for the remainder of 2026?
• 2 ASX growth shares to buy with big growth potential!
• Up 90% in a month, why did Megaport shares just get downgraded?
• Why are ASX 200 tech stocks like WiseTech, Life360 and Xero shares getting hammered 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 Macquarie Group and Megaport. The Motley Fool Australia 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.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) is a staple blue-chip stock in many Australian investors’ portfolios, and it’s not hard to see why.

The company has a strong stable of retail brands across its Bunnings, Kmart, and Officeworks operations and is also diversified into lithium mining through its Western Australian Mt Holland operations.

While the shares are broadly flat over the past year, according to CMC Markets data, Wesfarmers has returned a compound 22.7% over three years and 11.4% over five.

So are the shares good value at the moment?

AI the focus of strategy day

Wesfarmers, earlier this week, held a strategy briefing day where it laid out its plans for the future.

One of the key messages that came out of the day, and which would be implemented across the business, was the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to help team members do their jobs, increase the effectiveness of marketing, and improve supply chain operations.

Within Bunnings, the company said it could use AI to help people plan and carry out do-it-yourself projects, while online, it would enable customers to find and buy products more easily.

The company will also be bolstering its in-store media offerings, growing the network to more than 560 in-store screens across more than 250 stores.

Within the Kmart division, the company now has 16 stores trading in its new Kmart Plan C+ format and expects to grow that number to 40 by the end of FY27.

Wesfarmers shares looking fully-priced

Regarding how the strategy briefing was received by analysts, all three I surveyed issued a neutral recommendation on the stock following the strategy day.

The team at Jarden said it was a steady-as-she-goes message.

They added:

WES’s Strategy Day provided a consistent, clear message with no trading updates and a strategic agenda that was iterative vs. a step-change. The overall tone was one of optimism and readiness to be a leader across digital, AI and data, as opposed to its historical position as a fast-follower (i.e. online). We came away more positive, but are cutting FY27 EPS c3%, while raising FY28+ modestly.

Jarden has a neutral rating on the stock with a 12-month price target of $79.30.

Macquarie has a more bullish price target of $85 on Wesfarmers shares, but also has a neutral rating, saying there were no near-term catalysts that would see the stock break out.

UBS, meanwhile, has an $84 price target on Wesfarmers, upgrading that from $81 on the company’s increasing confidence in the retail growth outlook.

Wesfarmers shares are currently changing hands for $83.35. The company is valued at $94.7 billion.

The post Are Wesfarmers shares a buy, sell or hold after this week’s update? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• How high could Wesfarmers shares go?
• Why Develop Global, IDP Education, JB Hi-Fi, and Wesfarmers shares are pushing higher today
• Why are Wesfarmers shares pushing higher today?
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday

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

Are you on the hunt for outsized returns for your ASX share portfolio?

If you are, it could be worth looking at the shares in this article that Morgans has been recommending to clients. Here’s what the broker is saying:

GQG Partners Inc (ASX: GQG)

The first ASX share to look at is GQG Partners. Morgans has put an accumulate rating and $1.64 price target on this fund manager’s shares this week.

Based on its current share price of $1.45, this implies potential upside of 13% for investors over the next 12 months. However, a dividend yield of around 10% is also expected, boosting the total potential return to 23%. It commented:

GQG has provided a May FUM update. Overall, monthly outflows appear to be stabilising in the -A$1.5bn to -A$2.0bn range, although investment performance remains highly volatile. While FUM is effectively flat calendar year-to-date, with outflows offset by positive market movements, we acknowledge it will be difficult for GQG to re-rate until the current outflow cycle ends. We lower our GQG FY26F/FY27F EPS forecasts by 1%-5% and reduce our price target to A$1.64 (from A$1.92). While the near-term operating environment remains difficult, we continue to see long-term value in the GQG franchise, trading at ~9x FY1 PE with a ~10% dividend yield. ACCUMULATE.

Helloworld Travel Ltd (ASX: HLO)

Another ASX share the broker has been looking at is Helloworld. Morgans has put a buy rating and $2.23 price target on this travel company’s shares.

Based on its current share price of $1.39, this implies potential upside of around 60% for investors over the next 12 months. It said:

Given recent profit downgrades from other travel industry peers due to the conflict in the Middle East, HLO’s downgrade wasn’t a surprise. It has revised its FY26 EBITDA guidance by 11-14%. We have downgraded our forecasts. We assume that the conflict and a subdued consumer environment continue to impact the 1H27, followed by a strong recovery in the 2H27. This could prove conservative given HLO’s strong 1Q27 bookings. We are buyers of HLO during this period of short-term uncertainty and share price weakness because when operating conditions ultimately improve, both its earnings and share price leverage to the upside will be material.

Tetratherix Ltd (ASX: TTX)

A higher risk option for investors is regenerative medicine company Tetratherix.

Morgans has a speculative buy rating and $7.15 price target on the company’s shares. Based on its current share price of $5.31, this implies potential upside of approximately 35%. It commented:

TTX successfully completes a placement to fund the expansion of its production facility and build on its customer success team. We have updated our model to reflect the new capital and take a more optimistic stance on FDA approval for its dental/orthopedic products. Independent research shows TTX’s drug delivery platform can safely carry and protect fragile drugs when delivered through the nose. Future licensing opportunities are likely. Our valuation has increased to A$7.15 (was A$6.84). SPECULATIVE BUY.

The post Morgans says these ASX shares could deliver 23% to 60% returns appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Are these rocketing ASX healthcare shares a must buy?
• Is now the time to buy ASX travel shares with brokers tipping up to 100% upside?
• 4 ASX All Ords shares expected to rise 65% to 95% in a year

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Gqg Partners. 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 Gqg Partners. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares are slipping today.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) mining giant closed yesterday trading for $60.20. In morning trade on Thursday, shares are swapping hands for $59.86 apiece, down 0.6%.

Goodman Group (ASX: GMG) shares are under pressure as well. Shares in the integrated property group are down 0.8% at the time of writing, trading for $31.45 each.

For some context, the ASX 200 is down 0.7% at this same time, with global stock markets broadly in retreat following renewed military strikes in the Middle East.

Taking a step back, BHP shares have delivered some outsized gains in 2026, while the ASX 200 has shed 1.4%.

Shares in the ASX 200 mining stock have leapt 30.8% year to date. And that’s not including the fully-franked $1.04 per share dividend the miner paid to eligible stockholders on 26 March.

Goodman shares have lagged far behind BHP’s this year, but with the Goodman share price up 2% in 2026, the property giant has materially outperformed the benchmark index. Goodman also paid out a 15 cents per share unfranked dividend on 25 February.

But casting his gaze ahead, Alto Capital’s Tony Locantro believes investors would do well to take profits on both ASX 200 stocks (courtesy of The Bull).

Here’s why.

Time to take profits on BHP shares?

“BHP is Australia’s largest diversified mining company, with significant exposure to iron ore, copper and metallurgical coal,” Locantro said.

And he noted the Aussie mining giant has been ramping up its earnings, driven in part by surging global copper prices and BHP’s increasing exposure to the red metal.

According to Locantro:

The company delivered a strong first half result in fiscal year 2026, reporting underlying EBITDA [earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation] of US$15.5 billion, up 25% on the prior corresponding period. A major milestone was copper contributing 51% of group EBITDA for the first time.

While the long-term outlook for copper remains attractive, investor enthusiasm surrounding electrification and AI-related demand has contributed to a strong share price performance.

Explaining his sell recommendation on BHP shares, Locantro said, “In our view, the strong operational result, elevated expectations and risk-reward balance support taking some profits.”

Should I sell Goodman shares?

Alongside his sell recommendation on BHP shares, Locantro also issued a sell recommendation on Goodman shares.

“Goodman Group is a global industrial property and data centre developer with significant exposure to logistics infrastructure and the rapidly expanding artificial intelligence (AI) theme,” he said.

Commenting on Goodman’s H1 FY 2026 results, Locantro noted:

Results highlighted an operating profit of $1.203 billion in the first half of 2026, with data centres representing about 73% of the company’s development pipeline. Total work in progress is expected to reach about $18 billion by June 30, 2026.

However, based on current valuations, Locantro believes investors would do well to take some profits off the table.

He concluded:

While the long-term outlook for digital infrastructure remains highly attractive, investor enthusiasm surrounding AI and data centres has driven a substantial re-rating in the share price. With significant growth expectations already reflected in the valuation, future returns may become increasingly dependent on flawless execution of large-scale projects.

Given the strong share price performance and elevated market expectations, the risk-reward balance supports taking profits at current levels, in our view.

The post Time to cash out? Why this expert is bearish on Goodman and BHP shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Is this ASX mining stock a better buy than BHP shares?
• Up 58% in a year, are BHP shares still a good buy today?
• Goodman shares rise as another insider sells $18.9 million. Should investors care?
• Do experts rate BHP, Cochlear, and ResMed shares as buys, holds, or sells?
• If you invested $10,000 in BHP shares 10 years ago, here is what they would be worth 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 Goodman Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group and Goodman Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX) shares have climbed further into the green in Thursday morning trade.

At the time of writing, the shares are up around 0.5% for the day and trading at $13.57 a piece. The latest increase means Telix shares have now rebounded over 11% from the latest dip in early June, and are now 57% higher from a three-year low recorded in mid-February. For the year to date, Telix shares are now 19% higher.

What has happened to Telix shares this year?

Telix shares tumbled 24% at the start of the year after some disappointing financial results. News of delayed regulatory approvals for key radiopharmaceutical products also dampened investor sentiment.

But it looks like February was a turning point for Telix, and its share price started climbing higher. 

The rebound came off the back of a series of good-news announcements out of the biotech company. 

In late February, the company confirmed that it had filed for a key regulatory approval in Europe. 

Later in March, Telix posted several announcements about its growth and development plans. 

In early April, Telix announced that the FDA had accepted its NDA for TLX101-Px (Pixclara®) and also announced a major collaboration with US-based Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. 

It also announced a 56% increase in revenue and issued FY26 guidance in the range of US$950 million to US$970 million. 

How high can the shares go?

I think there is plenty more room for Telix shares to run this year. And it looks like brokers agree too.

Market Index data shows that all analysts have a strong buy consensus on Telix shares, with a 74% upside to an average target price of $23.60.

It’s a very similar story on TradingView, although analysts expect the share price to climb even higher.

All 17 analysts have a buy or strong buy rating on the shares. The average $24.23 target price implies a potential 80% upside, while the maximum $30.92 target price suggests the stock could climb 129%. That’s more than double the current trading price.

What’s more, I think we could start to see these gains sooner rather than later.

Here’s why.

What could drive Telix shares higher this year?

It’s clear that analysts still view Telix shares as significantly undervalued.

Morgans has a $24.33 price target on the healthcare stock and recently said that industry consolidation could spark additional interest in the company’s shares.

The broker commented that recent news flow on its convertible note refinancing, solid 1Q26 sales, and collaboration with American biotech company Regeneron suggests there is plenty happening at Telix. 

There are also several potential milestones ahead for Telix this year, including FDA clearance for its Zircalix kidney cancer imaging production and Pixclara for brain cancer imaging.

There is plenty of potential ahead for the remainder of 2026.

The post Prediction: I think Telix shares could double in value in 2026. Here’s why appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• Canaccord Genuity has just added these two ASX 200 shares to its best ideas list
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Here are the 10 most shorted ASX shares

Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies 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 Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Novonix Ltd (ASX: NVX) shares are on fire on Thursday morning.

At the time of writing, the battery materials technology company’s shares are up 24% to 26 cents.

This means Novonix is outperforming the market by some distance today. For comparison, the ASX 200 index is down 1% following a selloff on Wall Street overnight.

Why are Novonix shares rocketing?

Investors have been buying the company’s shares after it announced an important milestone with Panasonic Energy.

According to the release, the ASX battery materials technology stock has delivered a mass production qualification sample, known as a C-sample, of synthetic graphite anode active material to its lead customer Panasonic.

This is a key step in the qualification process for the company’s battery materials.

Novonix said this milestone marks the first known delivery of a synthetic graphite anode active material C-sample produced in North America.

This is significant because the industry is currently dominated by China, and Novonix is seeking to support the development of a North American battery materials supply chain.

What does this mean?

The ASX battery materials technology stock advised that its testing shows the material meets all of Panasonic’s required specifications.

This is a big deal because the qualification of anode active materials is a rigorous process and timelines can vary depending on customer requirements and protocols.

Management believes the delivery of the C-sample represents a significant step in the final stages of its qualification process with Panasonic. It also underscores its progress toward full-scale commercial production.

However, it is worth noting that formal validation is still subject to Panasonic’s assessment over the coming months.

The company has reaffirmed earlier guidance that it expects mass production for Panasonic to begin in the second half of 2027.

Management commentary

Novonix’s CEO, Mike O’Kronley, was pleased with the achievement of this milestone. He said:

The delivery of a mass production C-sample to Panasonic is an important moment for NOVONIX and for the development of a secure North American battery materials supply chain. This Milestone was achieved as a result of our dedicated team working closely with Panasonic to develop a new source of this critical mineral. We are now one step closer to realizing a fully domestic supply chain in the U.S.

Despite today’s strong gain, Novonix shares are down around 40% since this time last year.

The post Why is this ASX battery materials technology stock rocketing 24% today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Morgans says these ASX shares could deliver 23% to 60% returns
• Time to cash out? Why this expert is bearish on Goodman and BHP shares
• Prediction: I think Telix shares could double in value in 2026. Here’s why
• Could oil really hit US$150 a barrel?
• Why are shares in this Gina Rinehart-backed ASX media company falling?

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.

Oil prices are back making headlines after climbing strongly overnight.

At the latest check, crude oil was up 5.2% to US$92.80 a barrel, while brent crude was up 4.4% to US$95.50 a barrel.

The move has been driven by rising tensions between the United States and Iran, with attention again turning to the Strait of Hormuz.

According to The Australian, energy researcher Rystad has warned that a resumption “in earnest” of US-Iran hostilities could lift oil prices towards US$150 a barrel.

While that’s not where oil sits today, it does give investors a clear number to watch if the situation deteriorates further.

Why traders are watching Iran

Oil moved higher after reports that the US targeted Iranian air defence and radar infrastructure following an Apache helicopter incident near the Strait of Hormuz.

Oilprice.com said officials and analysts described the operation as a limited warning, rather than the start of a wider war.

The Australian also reported that US President Donald Trump has warned Iran it will be hit “very hard”.

Rystad’s Jorge Leon said it was still too early to say whether the current escalation marked a full resumption of hostilities or a dangerous but limited conflict.

Leon added that the probability of a near-term US-Iran peace deal had narrowed from Rystad’s previous estimate of around 40% a few weeks ago.

The Strait of Hormuz is the key risk

Trading Economics reported that fears of disruption through the waterway have added to concerns about global supply.

It noted that a near-total closure of the strait could still affect oil flows, even though some crude is still moving through the Persian Gulf.

There are still some limits on how far prices have moved.

The Australian reported that record Strategic Petroleum Reserve releases have helped lift US exports, while China has reduced crude imports.

It also said around 5 million barrels per day of crude is bypassing the Strait of Hormuz through Saudi Arabia’s Yanbu port.

At the same time, US crude inventories fell by 7.2 million barrels last week, marking the seventh straight weekly decline.

What happens now?

The oil price is now being driven less by normal supply and demand and more by what’s happening in the Middle East.

If hostilities resume, Rystad’s warning shows why the market is taking a closer look.

Even though US$150 oil isn’t where prices are today, the fact that it’s being discussed at all tells us how quickly the risk has changed.

The post Could oil really hit US$150 a barrel? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Morgans says these ASX shares could deliver 23% to 60% returns
• Time to cash out? Why this expert is bearish on Goodman and BHP shares
• Prediction: I think Telix shares could double in value in 2026. Here’s why
• Why is this ASX battery materials technology stock rocketing 24% today?
• Why are shares in this Gina Rinehart-backed ASX media company falling?

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.

Shares in the Gina Rinehart-backed Southern Cross Media Ltd (ASX: SXL) are trading lower after the company said earnings would fall in a difficult trading environment, while it also announced massive staff cuts.

Revenue under pressure

The company, which merged with Seven West Media earlier this year to create a media conglomerate that includes the Seven Network, Triple M in radio, and a number of other digital and audio assets, said group revenue for FY26 was now expected to be $1.86 to $1.87 billion, down from the previous guidance of $1.91 to $1.92 billion.

The company added:

Proactive cost management has partly mitigated the revenue shortfall. However, underlying FY26 EBITDA is now expected to be $185 to $190 million versus previous guidance of $200 to $220 million. Reported EBITDA is expected to be $190 to $195 million.  

Southern Cross also announced a new, “significant”, cost reduction program on top of its merger synergy activities, which it said had delivered savings of $30 million, in line with expectations and earlier than expected.

The company said:

Including those merger synergies, the expanded cost reduction program is expected to deliver annual run-rate benefits of $145 to $150 million upon its conclusion, offsetting future cost inflation and funding targeted growth investments. Subject to finalising consultation and other processes, the program will lead to 250 to 300 FTE leaving the Group before 30 June 2026, which will result in a FY26 restructuring charge of around $20 million.

The company also said it had reviewed the outcomes expected from its legacy television contracts and expects to raise an onerous contract provision of $65 to $75 million.

Southern Cross Managing Director Rohan Lund said of the measures:

We must reset our cost base to meet current market conditions and capture the full benefits of scale across our trusted platforms for our audiences and advertisers, now and into the future. Unfortunately, this means saying goodbye to some talented colleagues who have helped build our business. We are deeply grateful for their contributions, and we are committed to supporting them through this transition.

The company said its media assets were delivering strong audience outcomes, but the advertising market was challenging and had softened more than was expected in the fourth quarter, particularly in television.

The staff to be let go would largely be mid and back office and corporate staff, the company said.

Southern Cross shares traded as low as 55 cents on the news before recovering to be 4.2% lower at 56.5 cents.

Billionaire buys in

It emerged in late May that iron ore magnate Gina Rinehart had bankrolled the purchase of a 9.15% stake in Southern Cross Media by former Seven Network commercial director Bruce McWilliam.

Documents lodged with the ASX list Mr McWilliam as the owner of the shares, with Ms Rinehart’s company, Hanrine Finance, holding a “security deed” – a loan agreement – over the shares.

Ms Rinehart has previously owned interests in Network Ten and Fairfax Media.

The post Why are shares in this Gina Rinehart-backed ASX media company falling? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Billionaire Gina Rinehart is behind the buy up of a big stake in which ASX media company?

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.

Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL) shares are pushing higher on Thursday morning.

At the time of writing, the ASX 200 stock is up 3% to $12.62.

Why is this ASX 200 stock charging higher?

Investors have been buying the retail conglomerate’s shares after its release of a new group strategy went down well with the market/ was overshadowed by a selloff on Wall Street overnight which has spread to the local bourse.

The ASX 200 stock’s new strategy outlines how it intends to capture a greater share of its $65 billion addressable market opportunity across automotive, sport, and outdoor through growth in its core categories and expansion into adjacent categories within those markets.

New strategy

There are four key drivers of brand growth within the strategy.

The first aims to expand Supercheap Auto’s range to capture more of the brands that its customers want. This includes a focus on meeting future demand created through growth in electric vehicles.

Supercheap Auto plans to introduce new store formats and extend fitment capabilities to a broader range of existing products.

Another is a step change in growth for rebel’s store network with a stronger focus on regional opportunities. It will also double down on range optimisation and a relentless focus on owning sport.

Another initiative will see the ASX 200 stock extend BCF’s roll out of superstores, as well as new large-format stores, and unlocking access to the 4WD market through fitment.

The final initiative will be the ongoing growth of Macpac’s store network, increasing its brand awareness in Australia, and a continued focus on technical product innovation.

The company notes that this means the store portfolio is planned to increase from 790 stores to over 900 stores by 2031, focusing on opportunities in underrepresented regional areas, new formats and fitment alongside increased online penetration.

This will be supported by a disciplined store renewal program, optimising store space, expanding the offer in key locations and online. It also expects the increased store footprint to enable the accelerated growth of the brands omni-channel offers, expanding the customer reach for click and collect.

‘Significant transformation’

Super Retail Group’s managing director and CEO, Paul Bradshaw, appears very positive on the new strategy. He said:

Our new Group Strategy puts the customer at the centre of everything we do as we build our business for its next phase of growth. We are determined to be closer to our customers than ever before – understanding and meeting their needs as they continue to evolve. Together, our four brands capture $4 billion of a $65 billion market opportunity in Australia and New Zealand. We have an incredible opportunity to pursue growth across our core auto, sport and outdoor markets, both in traditional and adjacent categories.

Our 13 million active club members account for 85% of our sales and these deep customer relationships are a clear competitive advantage. Our strategy focuses on building businesses that best serve our customers and their communities through range, store format, brand networks and fitment, and importantly meeting them where and how they shop. We have launched a significant transformation program to help power this growth. This will require deliberate short-term investments in our systems and unlock a sustainable cost advantage over time.

The post Guess which ASX 200 stock is avoiding the selloff and charging higher on big news appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Super Retail Group outlines 5-year growth strategy and transformation plans
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• 5 ASX dividend stocks for passive income investors
• Why did ASX 200 retail shares lead the market last week?

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.

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) stock Lendlease Group (ASX: LLC) has had a tough year of it.

As have its stockholders.

But in morning trade on Thursday, Lendlease shares are taking a positive turn, up 4.6%, trading for $2.74 apiece.

That leaves the Lendlease share price down 52.6% over the past 12 months, giving it a market cap of just over $1.8 billion.

For some context, the ASX 200 is down 0.8% today and down 0.1% since this time last year.

Following this year to forget, investors will be pinning their hopes that a shakeup of the top leadership can turn this floundering ship around.

With that in mind…

ASX 200 stock welcomes new CEO

Lendlease shares are marching higher after chairman John Gillam announced that Nick O’Neil will take over as CEO and managing director commencing on 10 September.

Tony Lombardo will now step down from the top role at the ASX 200 stock on or before 30 June.

“The board and I are deeply grateful to Tony for his significant contribution to Lendlease over nearly two decades,” Gillam acknowledged.

O’Neil is reported to have more than 25 years of experience across corporate and investment strategy, M&A, governance, capital markets, and real asset management. He is currently the head of Australian Real Assets at Australian Super.

Commenting on O’Neil’s appointment as the new Lendlease CEO, Gillam said:

With our strategy reset, portfolio simplification and foundations firmly in place, Nick is ideally positioned to lead the next phase of revitalising and strengthening Lendlease. He brings deep real asset management experience, a strong track record in global investment and innovation in aligning capital to market opportunities, as well as the leadership experience needed to drive execution and growth.

“I join Lendlease at a pivotal moment in its transformation with significant progress already made and a clear ambition for what comes next,” O’Neill said of his new role at the ASX 200 stock.

He added:

The technical capability of Lendlease’s people is broad, deep and unique. I am excited by the opportunity to work with that world class capability to deliver the services and investment opportunities that our clients are looking for.

What else is impacting Lendlease shares today?

In a separate market announcement this morning that could be supporting the Lendlease share price, the ASX 200 stock reaffirmed its full-year FY 2026 earnings per security guidance for its IDC business at 28 cents to 34 cents per security (or share). Management noted that guidance remains subject to targeted FY 2026 completions.

However, the company remains highly leveraged in a world of rising interest rates.

Lendlease noted that “due to the timing of transactions, and more challenging market conditions”, it expects its underlying gearing to be in the mid-30% range.

The post Down 53% in a year, guess which $1.8 billion ASX 200 stock is jumping today on big leadership news appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Lendlease reaffirms FY26 earnings guidance
• Lendlease Group appoints Nick O’Neil as next CEO and MD
• Buy, hold, sell: Ampol, Lendlease, BHP shares
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Short sellers are targeting these 3 ASX shares this week. Are they right?

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.