Author: openjargon

The Australian Foundation Investment Co Ltd (ASX: AFI) share price is in focus today after the ASX-listed giant announced a leadership transition, with CEO and Managing Director Mark Freeman set to retire at the end of the 2026 financial year. AFIC also named Alison Gibson as his successor, effective 13 July 2026.

What did Australian Foundation Investment Company report?

• Mark Freeman to retire as CEO and Managing Director at end of FY26 after over 31 years with AFIC and related LICs
• Alison Gibson appointed incoming Managing Director and CEO, effective 13 July 2026
• Gibson brings over 25 years’ experience in investment management, including a decade at AFIC
• AFIC’s funds under management have grown from $1 billion to $12 billion under Freeman’s leadership
• More than 200,000 shareholders currently invest in AFIC and related listed investment companies

What else do investors need to know?

Alison Gibson will take charge not only at AFIC but also as CEO and Managing Director of Australian Investment Company Services Limited (AICS). This group provides investment and administration services to AFIC and three other listed investment companies: Djerriwarrh Investments, Mirrabooka Investments, and AMCIL Limited.

Gibson previously served as portfolio manager at AFIC from 2011 to 2021 before joining HESTA. She has a strong background in portfolio management, equity research, and investment strategy, leading investment teams in both institutional and funds management settings.

Her employment package includes a base salary of $850,000 per annum plus a potential annual incentive of up to 100% of her fixed remuneration, along with standard notice and post-employment restrictions.

What’s next for Australian Foundation Investment Company?

With Freeman’s retirement planned for the end of FY26, the leadership transition will take place over the coming year. Alison Gibson is expected to build on AFIC’s established investment approach, supported by her experience and familiarity with the business.

The Board has highlighted its confidence in Gibson’s ability to lead AFIC and its affiliates, continuing their focus on long-term value for shareholders at low cost.

Australian Foundation Investment Company share price snapshot

Over the past 12 month, AFIC shares have declined 7%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 5% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post AFIC announces CEO transition: Alison Gibson to succeed Mark Freeman in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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.

ASX retail shares are underperforming on Tuesday as earnings season continues.

The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) is up 0.3% while the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is up 0.5%.

Meantime, brokers have revealed two ASX retail shares to buy and two to sell.

Let’s take a look.

Nick Scali Ltd (ASX: NCK) 

The Nick Scali share price is $19.14, up 3.9% on Tuesday and up 8.6% over the past 12 months.

The furniture retailer reported 36% increase in profit in its 1H FY26 results last week.

Nick Scali revealed a 7.2% year-on-year increase in revenue to $269.3 million and an 18.8% uplift in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) to $96.6 million.

The statutory net profit after tax (NPAT) was $41 million, and there was a 14.1% improvement in gross margin to 59.2%.

Nick Scali announced a fully franked interim dividend of 39 cents per share, up 30% on 1H FY25.

Bell Potter said first-half NPAT came in 11% above expectations.

The broker retained its buy rating on the ASX retail share but lowered its 12-month share price forecast by 11% to $25 “due to softer growth into the second half, earnings revisions and the rising interest rate environment”.

Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG)

The Breville share price is $32.17, down 0.5% on Tuesday and down 13% over the past 12 months.

The white goods manufacturer released its 1H FY26 results last week.

The company revealed a 10.1% increase in total sales revenue to $1,098.7 million.

EBITDA grew by 2.9% to $182.8 million and NPAT lifted 0.7% to $98.2 million.

Breville announced a fully franked interim dividend of 19 cents per share, up from 18 cents in 1H FY25.

Following the report, Morgans maintained a buy rating on this ASX retail share.

The broker commented:

1H26 was better-than-feared, with double-digit sales growth (+10%) largely offset by tariff costs (~130bp GM impact) to deliver a flat NPAT outcome (+1% on pcp).

Crucially, FY26 EBIT growth guidance provides much-needed earnings visibility, alleviating some concerns for an extended transition year and improving our confidence for a resumption of sustainable EPS growth from FY27+.

We continue to be impressed by BRG’s strong operational execution, green shoots in Food Prep, and powerful medium-term tailwinds (geographic expansion, espresso tailwinds, NPD, Best Buy developments).

Collins Foods Ltd (ASX: CKF)

The Collins Foods share price is $10.14, up 1.2% today and up 24% over the past 12 months.

On The Bull this week, Michael Gable from Fairmont Equities revealed a sell rating on the KFC franchise owner.

Gable explained:

We expect cost pressures to hit margins. Cost of living pressures and rising interest rates in Australia may pressure sales.

The company delivered group revenue and statutory net profit after tax growth in the first half of 2026 when compared to the prior corresponding period.

However, market reaction to the result has been negative.

The shares have fallen from $11.60 on December 1, 2025 the day prior to the half year result, to trade at $10.425 on February 12, 2026.

Share price rallies are followed by selling pressure, a sign that investors are seeking out other opportunities.

Cettire Ltd (ASX: CTT)

ASX retail share Cettire is trading at 48 cents apiece, down 2% today and down 60% over the past 12 months.

Cettire will release its 1H FY26 results next Thursday.

Christopher Watt from Bell Potter Securities reckons the luxury goods online retailer is a sell.

Watt explained:

Fiscal year 2025 was challenging in response to a slowdown in demand, macroeconomic headwinds and a heightened competitive environment.

The company posted a statutory net loss after tax of $2.6 million.

The shares have fallen from $4.66 on February 12, 2024 to trade at 51 cents on February 12, 2026.

In our view, the lack of near term catalysts suggest elevated risk, particularly if macroeconomic headwinds dampen luxury demand. 

The post ASX retail shares: Experts rate 2 to buy and 2 to sell appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 8 ASX All Ords shares just upgraded to strong buy status
• Why experts think this ASX 200 share can rise 20% after its result
• What have we learned from earnings season so far?
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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 recommended Collins Foods and Nick Scali. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Shares in Pexa Group Ltd (ASX: PXA) are higher on Tuesday after the company outlined changes to its Digital Solutions division.

At the time of writing, the Pexa share price is up 4.83% to $14.54.

The stock is now up around 7% for 2026, with today’s move marking one of its stronger single-day gains this year.

The rally follows an announcement released after market close on Monday.

Exit from Digital Solutions confirmed

In its update, Pexa confirmed it will exit its majority-owned Digital Solutions businesses. These assets will be classified as “held for sale” and treated as discontinued operations.

The decision follows a previously announced strategic review, in which management concluded that Pexa is not the best long-term owner of those businesses. Instead, the company will concentrate capital and resources on its core Exchange platform across Australia and the United Kingdom.

Pexa expects to recognise around $26 million in net impairments as part of the exit. It also flagged significant items of between $7 million and $8 million in the first half of FY26, excluding the impairment.

Despite the one-off charges, investors appear focused on the clearer earnings profile.

Pexa has begun the divestment of majority-owned Value Australia, which is expected to be completed by mid-2026.

FY26 guidance updated

Alongside the restructure, Pexa restated its FY26 guidance to reflect discontinued operations and the performance of its core business.

On a restated basis, group revenue is now expected to be between $395 million and $415 million, compared to previous guidance of $405 million to $430 million.

Group EBITDA margin is forecast at 34% to 37%, up from the earlier 32% to 35% range.

Core net profit after tax from continuing operations is now expected to be between $15 million and $25 million. Previously, guidance was for $5 million to $15 million.

Group capex remains at $50 million to $55 million, while international operating cash flow is expected to be between negative $59 million and negative $63 million.

For the first half of FY26, Pexa expects significant items of between $7 million and $8 million, excluding the $26 million impairment.

Cost savings and upcoming results

The company said the divestment will enable greater focus on its core Exchange operations. It plans to direct capital and resources toward growth in Australia and the United Kingdom.

The company is also undertaking a cost optimisation program in Australia, which is expected to deliver more than $10 million in annual cash savings.

Digital Solutions products that align with the Exchange business will be absorbed into the Australian segment. FY25 comparatives have been restated to reflect the revised structure.

Management said further detail will be provided at its first-half FY26 results on 27 February 2026.

The post Why the Pexa share price is on the rise today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• PEXA Group: Divestment drives strategy shift

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 PEXA Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended PEXA 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 All Ords Index (ASX: XAO) shares are in the green, up 0.4% as earnings season continues on Tuesday.

Meantime, brokers have identified some stocks that they think are good buys for the year ahead.

Let’s check them out.

8 ASX All Ords shares with strong buy consensus ratings

The following stocks have been recently upgraded to ‘strong buy’ consensus ratings among analysts on the CommSec platform.

A consensus rating is the average rating based on a number of analysts’ opinions.

Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP)

The Zip share price is $2.50, down 0.4% on Tuesday.

This ASX All Ords financial share is up 2% over the past 12 months.

UBS is among the brokers recommending investors buy Zip shares.

The broker has a 12-month share price target of $5.20 on the buy now, pay later (BNPL) provider.

Citi also has a buy rating with a much lower target of $4.30.

Zip will report its earnings on Thursday.

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

The Xero share price is at a three-year low of $77, down 2.7% today as the global tech downturn continues.

The ASX All Ords tech share has halved in value over the past six months.

In February, several brokers have reiterated their buy ratings but with vastly different 12-month price targets.

Jefferies has a target of $82.70 and Citi is tipping $144.80 per share.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

The Wisetech share price is also at a three-year low of $45.49, down 5.6% on Tuesday.

Wisetech shares have lost 63% of their value over the past year.

This month, Jefferies reiterated its buy rating with a 12-month price target of $65.

Citi is far more ambitious with a target of $109.15.

Wisetech will release its 1H FY26 results next Wednesday.

Westgold Resources Ltd (ASX: WGX)

The Westgold Resources share price is currently $7.20, down 0.8%.

The ASX All Ords gold share is up 193% over the past 12 months.

Macquarie is among the brokers with a buy rating on Westgold shares. Its 12-month target is $9.90.

Ord Minnett also has a buy recommendation with a target of $8.65.

Some experts believe the gold price could rise above US$7,000 per ounce this year.

Capricorn Metals Ltd (ASX: CMM)

This ASX All Ords gold share is $13.32 apiece on Tuesday, down 0.9%.

Capricorn Metals shares have soared 68% over the past 12 months.

This month, Macquarie upgraded its rating to buy and lifted its price target from $15.20 to $16.20.

AGL Energy Ltd (ASX: AGL)

The AGL share price is $10.43, down 0.6% today and down 2.7% over the past 12 months.

Last week, AGL reported an underlying profit of $353 million for 1H FY26, down 6% on 1H FY25.

The energy retailer announced a fully franked interim dividend of 24 cents per share.

Citi has a buy rating on the ASX All Ords utilities share with a price target of $11.80. 

RBC Capital also has a buy recommendation with a target of $11.50.

Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX)

The Telix Pharmaceuticals share price is $8.33, down 3.5% on Tuesday.

The ASX All Ords healthcare share is down 70% over the past 12 months.

Citi just reiterated its buy rating on Telix with a price target of $34.

TD Cowen also has a buy rating but lowered its price target from $25 to $20.

WA1 Resources Ltd (ASX: WA1)

This ASX All Ords copper share is $15.62 apiece, down 2% today and up 18% over the past 12 months.

Copper is in high demand due to the green energy transition and rising debasement trade amid geopolitical and trade uncertainties.

The red metal is essential for electrification and a key input in new infrastructure like wind turbines and data centres.

This month, Canaccord Genuity reiterated its buy rating and lifted its 12-month price target from $28 to $32.

The post 8 ASX All Ords shares just upgraded to strong buy status appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in Zip Co. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group, Telix Pharmaceuticals, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group, WiseTech Global, and Xero. 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.

Shares in Qualitas Ltd (ASX: QAL) are trading more than 5% higher after the company announced a significant jump in revenue and net profit.

The alternative investment manager said in a statement to the ASX on Tuesday that funds management revenue had come in at $42.7 million, up 38%, while normalised net profit was up 30% to $21.2 million for the first half.

The company said the first half of the year was “a standout period of accelerated growth in fee related recurring earnings, driven by higher base management and transaction fees, together with improved platform efficiency”.

Qualitas added that investment activity hit new highs, with $3.7 billion deployed during the half, up 57% compared with the same period on FY25.

Fee earning funds under management was up 38% to $10.9 billion.

The company added:

Operational leverage from prior platform investments, combined with disciplined cost management, drove a record gross operating margin of 46%, the highest since IPO. Net performance fee revenue increased by 75% on 1H25, reflecting strong credit funds’ performance, with $12 million of previously accrued performance fees received in cash during the period.

The company also said it had increased its fully franked interim dividend from 2.5 cents per share to 3.5.

Management optimistic

Qualitas managing director Andrew Schwartz said it was a solid result.

He added:

Qualitas achieved key milestones in capital raising and deployment in 1H26, securing new mandates from offshore pension funds and increased allocations from existing investors, despite a moderating capital raising environment. This underscores our proven investment track record and further reinforces our standing with global institutional investors. Deployment reached record levels despite more market entrants, highlighting the structural barriers to scale and sustainable profitability in the sector. Opportunities are shifting towards larger investments, with approximately 78% of FY26 year-to-date closed and pipeline deals over $100 million, including seven above $200 million. This trend boosts investment efficiency and sustainable growth.

Mr Schwartz said increased regulatory scrutiny for the sector would be a positive for Qualitas, with some players likely to withdraw from the sector.

On the outlook the company said it was starting the year on a positive footing.

It added:

Following a strong first half, we are well positioned for continued growth in 2H26, underpinned by enhanced earnings visibility. Strong investment activity supports half-on-half growth in base management fees and drives higher principal income through increased co-investment drawdowns, further supported by the recent rate rise. Performance fees from our credit funds are expected to increase, reflecting strong deployment across credit strategies, with recognition and cash receipts becoming increasingly consistent as these funds mature.

Qualitas shares jumped 6.7% in early trade before settling back to be 4.8% higher at $3.24.

Qualitas was valued at $931.4 million at the close of trade on Monday.

The post Qualitas shares surge on profit, increased dividend announcement appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Why experts think this ASX 200 share can rise 20% after its result
• Seek shares edge higher on HY results and sale of Employment Hero stake
• Even after tripling there’s still plenty of upside for this mining stock, Morgans says

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.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares are roaring higher on Tuesday morning.

At the time of writing, the mining giant’s shares are up 8% to a record high of $54.20.

This follows the release of a strong half-year result this morning.

What did BHP report?

As we covered here, BHP delivered an 11% increase in revenue to US$27.9 billion during the first half. This was driven primarily by the significant increase in copper prices, and higher iron ore prices.

Things were even better for its profits, with underlying EBITDA rising 25% to US$15.46 billion and attributable profit increasing 28% to US$5.64 billion.

For the half, BHP’s copper operations contributed record underlying EBITDA of US$8 billion. This represents 51% of total EBITDA and was the first time the majority of group underlying EBITDA was generated from copper. And with management increasing its FY 2026 group copper guidance to the range of 1.9 Mt to 2.0 Mt, it could be an even larger contributor to full-year earnings.

This strong performance allowed the BHP board to declare a bumper, fully franked interim dividend of 73 US cents per share, which is up 46% on the prior corresponding period and well ahead of consensus expectations.

What was the market expecting?

According to a note out of Morgans, its analysts expect the Big Australian to report revenue of US$51.26 billion, EBITDA, of US$25.98 billion, and an underlying net profit of US$5.07 billion. It adds:

BHP is well funded for its current projects at WAIO, Escondida and Jansen, with the upside in metal prices amassing free cash flow. As a result, we estimate a USD 60 cent interim dividend, representing a higher-than-usual first half payout ratio.

What are experts saying?

Totality’s market strategist, Aaron Zanchetta, was impressed with the half. This was particularly the case with the copper business, which was a standout.

Mr Zanchetta told The Motley Fool Australia:

BHP delivered a strong half-year result, with underlying EBITDA up 25% and underlying attributable profit rising more than 20%, driven by higher copper and iron ore prices and continued operational outperformance. Copper was the standout, contributing 51% of group EBITDA for the first time and highlighting BHP’s growing leverage to the energy transition alongside resilient margins across iron ore.

A 60% payout interim dividend underscores balance sheet strength and confidence in cash flow sustainability as the group continues to invest in its copper and potash growth pipeline.

The post BHP shares jump 8% on strong half-year result and big dividend increase appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 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.

The Judo Capital Holdings Ltd (ASX: JDO) share price is taking off today.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) challenger bank stock closed yesterday trading for $1.85. In earlier trade, shares leapt to $2.07 each, up 11.9%. After some likely profit-taking, in later morning trade on Tuesday, shares are swapping hands for $2.01 apiece, up 8.7%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is up 0.3% at this same time.

Here’s what’s piquing investor interest today.

Judo share price leaps on profit and earnings growth

Before market open this morning, the ASX 200 bank released its half-year results, covering the six months to 31 December (H1 FY 2026).

And investors are sending the Judo share price soaring after the company reported a 46% year-on-year increase in earnings per share (EPS) to 5.4 cents per share.

In other strong growth metrics, Judo reported a 15% year-on-year increase in gross loans and advances (GLA) to $13.4 billion. GLA were up 7% from H2 FY 2025.

And the bank reported a net interest margin (NIM) for the half of 3.03%, broadly in line with the prior half and up 0.22% from last year. Pleasingly, management upgraded their guidance for the second half-year NIM to approximately 3.15%.

And the Judo share price certainly looks to be catching some added tailwinds with the bank achieving a statutory net profit after tax (NPAT) of $59.9 million, up 46% from H1 FY 2025. Profit before tax (PBT) of $86.5 million was up 53%.

Management credited the strong profit result to continued scaling of the loan book, a stable NIM, and a lower cost of risk.

Looking ahead, the ASX 200 bank reaffirmed its full-year FY 2026 guidance of PBT in the range of $180 million to $190 million, indicating an even stronger second half to come.

What did management say?

Commenting on the results sending the Judo share price soaring today, CEO Chris Bayliss said:

Today’s result demonstrates that Judo continues to successfully execute against its clear and simple strategy. We are on track to achieving our existing FY26 guidance for significant profit growth and realising the operating leverage inherent in our business model.

As for the big boost in loans, Bayliss added:

A strong SME lending franchise, combined with our ability to stay nimble in a competitive market, has seen our lending book continue to grow above system. This momentum is being further supported by emerging productivity gains and banker enablement initiatives as we continue to expand into regional and agribusiness lending.

The post Why is the Judo share price surging 12% on Tuesday? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) share Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG) recently reported its result and investors were impressed by what they saw.

Breville reported that in the first six months of FY26, revenue grew by 10.1% to $1.1 billion, gross profit rose 6.3% to $389.5 million, operating profit (EBITDA) rose 2.9% to $182.8 million, earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) rose 0.7% to $145.8 million, net profit increased 0.7% to $98.2 million and the dividend per share was increased 5.6% to 19 cents.

The coffee machine and coffee bean business guided that it expects FY26 EBIT to see a “slight increase” compared to FY25, which is ahead of what the market was expecting, though it was in line with what broker UBS expected.

What did UBS think of the ASX 200 share’s result?

The broker said that global product revenue growth of 10.9% was “strong” and led by ‘direct’ countries and the coffee categories.

Direct countries grew revenue by double-digits, while the coffee segment also grew by double-digits.

UBS also noted that US tariffs have been a key concern for Breville, which the broker thinks have been “well managed”.

The gross profit margin compression (151 basis points (1.51%) in the global product segment) in HY26 is a “function of some China sourced products” sold in the first half of FY26 and no price rises in the core US range, but this was “well managed” in a few different ways.

First, the ASX 200 share has executed a production shift of 80% of 120v product from China to lower tariff markets such as Cambodia, Indonesia and Mexico at a pace that has been “well handled”.

Second, the distribution/retailer mix has been “optimised”.

Third, price rises for tail products has had a neutral gross profit outcome in dollar terms, assisted by competitor pricing and range decisions.

Looking ahead to FY27, the gross profit margin upside exists due to the shift to a full 12 months to lower US tariff countries, although uncertainty is “likely to continue”. In the longer-term, AI adoption by the company is expected to assist cost management and operating leverage tailwinds.

How much could the Breville share price rise?

After seeing the report, UBS said:

Retain Buy rating due to attractive double digit EBIT growth & ROIC expansion from FY27E (growing TAM [total addressable market] & share gains drive revenue, production efficiencies & execution drive margins & capital efficiency).

UBS has a price target of $39 on the ASX 200 share, suggesting the business could rise by around 20% over the next year.

The post Why experts think this ASX 200 share can rise 20% after its result appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• BHP Group posts 28% profit jump and higher dividend in half-year earnings
• Sims FY26 half-year earnings: Profit surges, dividend rises
• A rare opportunity to buy 1 of Australia’s top shares?
• SEEK delivers double-digit growth and record dividend in FY26 half-year results
• Deterra Royalties declares record profit and bigger dividend for 1H26

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Breville Group. 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 SEEK Ltd (ASX: SEK) share price is pushing higher on Tuesday morning, rising 2% at the time of writing following the release of its FY26 half-year results and an update on its stake in Employment Hero.

Today’s gain adds to what has already been a strong week for the online employment marketplace operator. SEEK shares are now up around 10% this week, as part of a broader relief rally across ASX-listed technology stocks.

That said, the stock remains down approximately 22% year to date, having been caught up in the recent tech rout that has weighed on growth-focused names.

Relief rally meets solid numbers

SEEK delivered double-digit revenue growth in the first half, with net revenue up 12% to $601 million and EBITDA climbing 19% to $267 million. Adjusted profit surged 35% to $104 million, while the board declared a record fully-franked interim dividend of 27 cents per share, up 13% on the prior period.

Although the company reported a statutory loss due to a $356 million impairment related to Zhaopin, underlying operating performance remained strong. Yield growth of 17% across ANZ and Asia more than offset softer job ad volumes, reflecting the impact of AI-enabled product upgrades and pricing initiatives.

Importantly, management upgraded its FY26 guidance, now expecting net revenue of $1.19 billion to $1.23 billion and EBITDA of $530 million to $550 million.

Employment Hero stake in focus

There was also an update from SEEK’s Growth Fund, which has commenced a process to divest its stake in Employment Hero.

The Fund will open a liquidity window in calendar year 2026, providing a pathway to potential capital returns or balance sheet flexibility. Since inception, the Fund has delivered a 33% return on invested capital, with Employment Hero representing a significant component of the portfolio.

This could build on a record fully-franked interim dividend of 27 cents per share, which the company announced and will be paid on the 1st of April 2026.

Looking ahead, investors will be focused on improving earnings momentum and the prospect of value realisation from its investment portfolio.

The post Seek shares edge higher on HY results and sale of Employment Hero stake appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Kevin Gandiya has no positions 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.

Bauxite project developer VBX Ltd (ASX: VBX) earlier this month updated its mineral resource estimate for its Wuudagu project, resulting in a 108% increase in contained ore, with the new figures piquing the interest of the analyst team at Morgans.

VBX only listed on the ASX in the middle of last year, and its shares have performed well since, currently changing hands for $1.02, not far off their record highs of $1.20. This compares with lows over the period of 34 cents.

Project scope coming together

The company is expecting to release a definitive feasibility study into the Wuudagu project in the Kimberley region of Western Australia in the first quarter of this year, and the most recent exploration results support an extended mine life at the project, the company said, with a processing rate of 8 to 9 million tonnes of ore per year.

The company said last week that new bauxite discoveries had been made at the D, E, and F prospects, with the mineral resource now standing at 131.9 million tonnes at a grade of 40.2% aluminium oxide.

The company added:

The Wuudagu mineral resource estimate is reported on an in-situ basis and the reported grades do not take into account the significant quality improvements that are achieved at Wuudagu through simple, industry standard beneficiation methods.

Managing Director Ryan de Franck said the exploration drilling had delivered a good result.

The 2025 drilling program has led to a more than doubling of the measured and indicated mineral resource estimate at Wuudagu. This is an exceptional outcome …The Wuudagu D, E and F deposits are thicker and have less overburden than the Wuudagu B and C deposits. They are also higher in alumina and lower in silica which has resulted in an improved, higher grade total Wuudagu mineral resource estimate.

Mr Franck said the expanded resource base removed the key constraint that had previously limited the mine life to 10 years, and mine planning was already underway to rescope the mine life and production profile as part of the ongoing definitive feasibility study.

Mr Franck said there was also further exploration prospectivity at the project.

Shares looking cheap

The analyst team at Morgans have run the ruler over the new exploration results, and they like what they see.

As they said:

Pure plays in bulk commodities are rare – pure plays indicative of 1st quartile cost production and low capex are rarer and drive significant economic returns for investors. We are attracted to VBX for the former, plus: 1) significant capital upside; 2) premium indicative product specification; 3) rapid payback period; 4) clear M&A appeal; 5) structurally changing commodity market; and 6) expansion potential.

Morgans has a 12-month price target of $2.10 on VBX shares, which would be a 105.9% return if achieved.

The post Even after tripling there’s still plenty of upside for this mining stock, Morgans says appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 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.