Author: openjargon

It has been another busy week for many of Australia’s top brokers. This has led to the release of a number of broker notes.

Three broker buy ratings that you might want to know more about are summarised below. Here’s why brokers think these ASX shares are in the buy zone right now:

Aeris Resources Ltd (ASX: AIS)

According to a note out of Bell Potter, its analysts have retained their buy rating on this copper miner’s shares with an improved price target of 82 cents. This follows news that the company has been granted development consent for its Constellation Project. Bell Potter notes that this is a major permitting milestone for Constellation, de-risking its pathway to production and the company’s objective of commencing mining operations from mid-2026. This is good news given how strong copper prices have been over the past 12 months. Outside this, Bell Potter highlights that Aeris Resources could be an attractive corporate target, supported by low valuation multiples. The Aeris Resources share price is trading at 62 cents on Friday.

Premier Investments Ltd (ASX: PMV)

Another note out of Bell Potter reveals that its analysts have retained their buy rating on this retailer’s shares with a reduced price target of $20.00. It notes that the Peter Alexander and Smiggle owner released its guidance for the first half and expects EBIT of $120 million. This was 10% short of consensus estimates for the period. Bell Potter points out that the Smiggle business is acting as a drag on its performance, particularly in the United Kingdom. And while the broker suspects that things could get worse for Smiggle before they get better, it still thinks investors should be snapping up shares. Especially given how it values the Peter Alexander brand at $2 billion. This compares to the company’s market capitalisation of $2.2 billion. The Premier Investments share price is fetching $13.56 at the time of writing.

Suncorp Group Ltd (ASX: SUN)

Analysts at Morgan Stanley have retained their overweight rating on this insurance giant’s shares with a trimmed price target of $22.25. According to the note, the broker thinks that a buying opportunity has opened up following share price weakness during the back end of 2025. And while it does see some risk to Suncorp’s dividends, it is pleased with the overall business. It highlights that its earnings quality could improve materially given its reinsurance options. This could support a re-rating of its shares in 2026. The Suncorp share price is trading at $17.41 this afternoon.

The post Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
• Why this beaten down ASX 200 stock could rise 50%
• Which ASX insurance stock to buy in 2026: QBE or Suncorp?
• Bargain hunting – these ASX shares are trading near 52-week lows
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday

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 Premier Investments. 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 rose by 7.11% and produced total returns, including dividends, of 10.56% last year.

The All Ords outperformed the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which rose 6.8% and gave a total return of 10.32%.

The All Ords’ superior performance can be attributed to strongly rising small caps, as we discussed earlier in the week.

Looking ahead, here are three ASX All Ords shares that the experts are backing for growth in the new year.

3 ASX All Ords shares buy-rated for 2026

Nuix Ltd (ASX: NXL)

This ASX All Ords tech share was the worst performer out of the 500 companies making up the index in 2025.

The Nuix share price crumbled 72% to finish 2025 at $1.80.

Moelis Australia is confident that the investigative analytics and intelligence software provider can bounce back in the new year.

Moelis said the current Nuix share price “undervalues the company” after the stock was oversold due to an underwhelming report.

The broker commented:

Nuix’s share price has retraced significantly as recent operating performance fell below market expectations.

On our estimates the current price undervalues the company.

On Friday, Nuix shares are $1.86 apiece, down 1.5%.

The broker has a buy rating on Nuix shares with a 12-month price target of $3.37.

This implies a potential upside of 81% in the new year.

Myer Holdings Ltd (ASX: MYR)

ASX All Ords retail share Myer had a rough year in 2025.

The Myer share price fell 61% over the 12 months as consumer discretionary spending dropped, leading to a weaker profit.

Myer reported an underlying net profit of $37 million for FY25, down 30% on FY24, and a statutory net loss of $211 million due to a goodwill write-down for its new division, Apparel Brands.

Myer completed its purchase of Apparel Brands from Premier Investments Ltd (ASX: PMV) in January 2025.

Apparel Brands includes clothing labels Just Jeans, Jay Jays, Portmans, Dotti, and Jacqui E.

Myer bought the brands in exchange for 890.5 million new Myer shares, which were distributed to Premier Investments shareholders.

Morgan Stanley equity analyst Julia de Sterke thinks the Apparel Brands’ integration and other factors will see Myer rebound this year.

On Friday, Myer shares are steady at 48 cents apiece.

The broker has a buy rating on Myer with a 12-month share price target of 69 cents.

This suggests a potential upside of 44% in 2026.

Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB)

This investment and superannuation platform provider had one of the best share price gains of the financials sector in 2025.

The Hub24 share price lifted 38% to finish the year at $96.25 per share.

Today, the Hub24 share price is $95.50, down 0.07%.

Bell Potter has a buy rating on Hub24 shares with a price target of $125.

This suggests a potential gain of 31% this year.

The post 3 ASX All Ords shares tipped to rise 30% to 80% in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 ASX financial shares to buy in 2026
• I would invest $5,000 in these ASX 300 shares in January
• 5 worst ASX All Ords shares of 2025, and why brokers rate 4 of them a buy
• Top 5 ASX 200 financial shares of 2025
• 2 stocks to help turn $100,000 into $1 million

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 Hub24. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Hub24, Myer, Nuix, and Premier Investments. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Getting started in the share market does not need to be complicated.

For beginners, exchange traded funds (ETFs) can offer an easy way to gain diversification, reduce risk, and get exposure to high-quality investments without having to pick individual shares.

With $1,000, it is possible to build a small but well-rounded portfolio that blends quality, value, and long-term growth themes.

Here are three ASX ETFs that could suit investors taking their first steps.

VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat AUD ETF (ASX: MOAT)

The VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF is often described as an ETF version of Warren Buffett’s style of investing.

Rather than focusing on short-term trends, this fund invests in US stocks that are judged to have sustainable competitive advantages or wide economic moats. These are businesses with strong brands, high switching costs, or scale advantages that help protect profits over time.

The portfolio is relatively concentrated, holding around 50 stocks. Examples include Huntington Ingalls Industries (NYSE: HII), United Parcel Service (NYSE: UPS), and Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY).

To highlight how this works in practice, let’s look at UPS. Its global logistics network would be extremely difficult and expensive for a competitor to replicate. That kind of structural advantage is exactly what the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat AUD ETF is designed to capture.

VanEck MSCI International Value ETF (ASX: VLUE)

Another ASX ETF for beginners to look at is the VanEck MSCI International Value ETF. It takes a different approach by focusing on international stocks that appear undervalued based on fundamentals.

The fund holds around 250 developed market companies selected for their value characteristics, such as lower price-to-earnings and price-to-book ratios relative to peers. It also offers a forecast dividend yield of around 3%, which can appeal to investors who want some income alongside growth.

Some of its largest holdings include Micron Technology (NASDAQ: MU), Cisco Systems (NASDAQ: CSCO), and Intel (NASDAQ: INTC).

Cisco is a good example of the type of company the VanEck MSCI International Value ETF targets. It operates critical networking infrastructure used by businesses around the world, generates strong cash flow, and often trades at more conservative valuations than high-growth technology peers.

This fund was recently recommended by analysts at VanEck.

Betashares Crypto Innovators ETF (ASX: CRYP)

The Betashares Crypto Innovators ETF could be another ASX ETF for beginners to consider. However, this ETF is best suited for those comfortable with higher risk options.

Rather than investing directly in cryptocurrencies, this fund provides exposure to stocks that are building the infrastructure of the crypto economy. This includes crypto exchanges, mining firms, and service providers that benefit from increased adoption of digital assets.

The ETF holds up to 50 stocks, with major positions including Iris Energy (ASX: IRE), MicroStrategy (NASDAQ: MSTR), and Coinbase Global (NASDAQ: COIN).

Coinbase is a useful example. As one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, it benefits from higher trading volumes and broader adoption, without investors needing to hold crypto assets themselves.

The post 3 top ASX ETFs for beginners to buy with $1,000 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 2 ETFs that are good bets to beat the ASX 200 in 2026
• Where to invest $10,000 in ASX ETFs this month
• 3 strong ASX ETFs to buy for your SMSF
• Where I’d invest $10,000 in 2026 in ASX shares aiming to beat the market
• 10 excellent ASX ETFs to buy in 2026

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Bristol Myers Squibb, Cisco Systems, Intel, and United Parcel Service. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Coinbase Global. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

2025 was a decent year for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) and most ASX shares. Last week, the ASX 200 closed at 8,714.3 points, up approximately 6.8% for the year. That’s decent, although it could have been better if the index had held to the 9,114 point record high that we saw it hit back in June. But today, let’s discuss an Australian dividend stock that ended the year down 15% from its 2025 high, which I believe represents a compelling opportunity for a buy-and-hold investment today.

That Australian dividend stock is none other than Lottery Corp Ltd (ASX: TLC).

Lottery Corp is a relative ASX newcomer, having been listed in its own right since just May of 2022. Since then, it has performed sluggishly, rising 6.25% since 2022 as of today’s pricing.

Much of this sluggishness can be blamed on the 2025 slump that Lottery Corp endured late last year. Back in September, Lottery Corp hit a new all-time post-float high of $6 a share, putting it up about 25% from its 2022 ASX debut. However, since then, this Australian dividend stock has come off the boil, and quite dramatically. At today’s $5.09 (at the time of writing), Lottery Corp shares are down roughly 15% from that September high.

A lukewarm reception of Lottery Corp’s full-year earnings last August seems to be the culprit for this Australian dividend stock’s share price slump since.

An Australian dividend stock down 15%

To be fair, these earnings were not great. Lottery Corp reported a 6.2% drop in revenues, a 9.4% fall in earnings, and an 11.2% decline in net profits after tax. The one positive for shareholders was a 3.1% hike to the company’s dividend.

Given these numbers, it makes sense for Lottery Corp’s share price to take a hit.

Yet this hit might have created a buying opportunity for long-term investors. Lottery Corp has one of the most reliable earnings bases on the ASX. It holds exclusive licenses to run lotteries and Keno games in most Australian states and territories. Many of these licenses are valid for decades into the future.

Despite year-to-year fluctuations, history has shown that the popularity of lotteries and the like is enduring. I can’t see the appeal of winning a jackpot fading into irrelevance in the years ahead. As such, Lottery Corp is looking tempting as an Australian dividend stock today. With a dividend yield of 3.25% at current pricing (which comes with full franking credits too), I think we are looking at a decent buy-and-hold opportunity for dividend investors.

The post 1 magnificent Australian dividend stock down 15% to buy and hold forever appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Forget term deposits and buy these ASX dividend shares

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen 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 The Lottery Corporation. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended The Lottery Corporation. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

If you had $5,000 to invest in 2026, where could you put it to work on the ASX?

Rather than betting everything on one idea, many investors prefer a balanced mix of quality, defensiveness, and upside potential. This approach can help smooth returns when markets turn volatile, while still leaving room for growth.

With that in mind, here are 3 Australian stocks from different sectors that could make sense as part of a diversified portfolio this year, depending on your risk tolerance and time horizon.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

CSL is one of Australia’s highest-quality global businesses, operating across blood plasma products, vaccines, and specialist medicines.

The share price had a tough run through 2025, falling sharply after management downgraded earnings expectations. Weaker vaccine demand in the US and higher costs weighed on sentiment.

However, that pullback has caught the attention of brokers. Several analysts believe CSL’s long-term growth story remains intact, driven by rising global demand for plasma therapies and ongoing investment in research and development. Broker consensus ratings still lean towards a ‘buy’ rating, with some price targets implying solid upside if earnings recover over the next 12 to 24 months.

For investors with patience, CSL could appeal as a defensive growth stock trading below previous highs.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

Woolworths is about as close as it gets to a defensive blue-chip on the ASX.

As Australia’s largest supermarket operator, Woolworths benefits from steady demand for everyday essentials. No matter what the economy is doing, people still need to buy food and household goods.

While Woolworths is not a high-growth stock, it offers reliability. Brokers often point to its strong market position, resilient cash flows, and consistent dividend payments as key attractions. Cost pressures and competition remain challenges, but Woolworths’ scale gives it pricing power that smaller rivals lack.

For a $5,000 portfolio, Woolworths can provide stability and income, helping balance out more volatile investments elsewhere.

Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST)

Northern Star adds a different flavour to the mix through gold exposure.

The gold miner enjoyed a strong 2025, but shares pulled back early in 2026 after the company lowered production guidance due to operational issues. That disappointed investors and dragged the share price lower.

Even so, many analysts see Northern Star as a quality operator within the gold sector. If production stabilises and gold prices remain firm, earnings could recover. Gold also tends to perform well during periods of economic uncertainty, which can support miners like Northern Star.

This makes Northern Star the higher-risk, higher-reward option on this list.

Final thoughts

With $5,000 to invest in 2026, these 3 stocks each bring something different to the table. CSL offers long-term growth through global healthcare, Woolworths provides defensive income and earnings stability, and Northern Star adds exposure to gold and cyclical upside.

Combined, this mix offers investors a diversified ASX starting point, balancing risk and opportunity across multiple sectors.

The post Top Australian stocks to buy with $5,000 in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buying Northern Star shares? Here’s the latest on the gold miner’s production woes
• 2 strong ASX 200 blue chip shares to buy with $7,000
• Why I think this ASX small-cap stock is a bargain at $2.55
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• How I’d build a high-conviction ASX share portfolio

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 CSL. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL. 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 on course to end the week on a positive note. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is up 0.1% to 8,729 points.

Four ASX shares that have failed to follow the market higher today are listed below. Here’s why they are falling:

Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO)

The Core Lithium share price is down 1.5% to 33 cents. This may have been driven by profit taking from some investors after strong gains this week. In fact, the gain was so strong that the Australian stock exchange asked for it to explain the rise on Thursday. Core Lithium responded, stating that it “is not aware of any other explanation that it may have for the recent trading in its securities.” But with lithium prices rebounding strongly in recent months, investors may believe that Core Lithium could soon restart its lithium mining operations.

Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN)

The Paladin Energy share price is down 3.5% to $10.52. This is despite there being no news out of the uranium producer on Friday. However, it is worth noting that most ASX uranium stocks are falling today. This could be due to short sellers increasing their positions. Paladin Energy is one of the most shorted shares on the Australian share market.

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

The Pro Medicus share price is down 2% to $211.46. This follows a poor night for US tech stocks, with investors rotating out of the sector and into other areas. It isn’t just Pro Medicus that is falling on Friday. The S&P/ASX Information Technology index is now down by 6% since this time last month.

Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO)

The Rio Tinto share price is down 6% to $143.44. Investors have been selling this mining giant’s shares after it revealed that it is looking at a potential merger with Glencore (LSE: GLEN). It said: “Rio Tinto and Glencore have been engaging in preliminary discussions about a possible combination of some or all of their businesses, which could include an all-share merger between Rio Tinto and Glencore. The parties’ current expectation is that any merger transaction would be effected through the acquisition of Glencore by Rio Tinto by way of a Court-sanctioned scheme of arrangement.” Though, it warned that there is no certainty that an offer will be made or as to the terms of any such offer, should one be made. Given the share price reaction, investors don’t appear keen on the potential merger.

The post Why Core Lithium, Paladin Energy, Pro Medicus, and Rio Tinto shares are dropping today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Rio Tinto locks in key 2026 dates. What investors should watch next
• Rio Tinto shares sink 6% on Glencore merger bombshell
• Rio Tinto confirms preliminary merger talks with Glencore
• Why these ASX growth stocks could be much bigger in 2030 than today
• 12 ASX lithium shares rip to 52-week highs

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

Investors holding iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV) and iShares Global 100 ETF (ASX: IOO) will receive their dividends today.

As will a slew of other investors holding iShares ASX exchange-traded funds (ETFs) comprised of international shares.

Here’s how much you can expect to receive, according to the final distributions schedule.

If you’ve chosen to reinvest your dividends via the distribution reinvestment plan (DRP), we’ve also included those DRP unit prices below.

Here’s how much you’ll receive in dividends

Here is a summary of the dividend amounts that investors in these iShares ETFs will receive today.

The iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV) will pay 20.14 cents per unit. The DRP price is 68.66 cents.

The iShares Global 100 ETF (ASX: IOO) will pay 56.02 cents per unit. The DRP price is 187.62 cents.

The iShares Asia 50 ETF (ASX: IAA) will pay 102.25 cents per unit. The DRP price is 142.61 cents.

The iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (ASX: IEM) will pay 60.22 cents per unit. The DRP price is 81.78 cents.

The iShares Europe ETF (ASX: IEU) will pay 111.47 cents per unit. The DRP price is 101.12 cents.

The iShares MSCI Japan ETF (ASX: IJP) will pay 463.45 cents per unit. The DRP price is 1120.14 cents.

The iShares S&P Mid-Cap ETF (ASX: IJH) will pay 20.52 cents per unit. The DRP price is 50.12 cents.

The iShares S&P Small-Cap ETF (ASX: IJR) will pay 72.41 cents per unit. The DRP price is 183.87 cents.

The iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF (ASX: IXI) will pay 70.97 cents per unit. The DRP price is 96.034 cents.

The iShares Global Healthcare ETF (ASX: IXJ) will pay 72.35 cents per unit. The DRP price is 144.79 cents.

The iShares S&P China Large-Cap ETF (ASX: IZZ) will pay 47.14 cents per unit. The DRP price is 56.91 cents.

More dividends to come

If you hold iShares ETFs comprised of ASX shares, you will receive your dividend payments on 19 January.

Blackrock finalised the amounts to be paid this week.

Some examples of these ETFS include the iShares Core S&P/ASX 200 ETF (ASX: IOZ), which will pay 18.37 cents per unit.

iShares S&P/ASX 20 ETF (ASX: ILC) will pay 19.91 cents per unit.

iShares S&P/ASX Small Ordinaries ETF (ASX: ISO) will pay 4.78 cents per unit.

iShares Yield Plus ETF (ASX: IYLD) will pay investors 38.01 cents per unit.

iShares 15+ Year Australian Government Bond ETF (ASX: ALTB) will pay 64.48 cents per unit.

iShares S&P/ASX Dividend Opportunities ESG Screened ETF (ASX: IHD) will pay 14.52 cents per unit.

The post Own IVV or IOO ETFs? It’s dividend payday for you! appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• 4 pros and cons of buying the iShares S&P 500 ETF (IVV) in 2026!
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Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended iShares International Equity ETFs – iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

With less than three hours to go in the first full week of trading in 2026, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is up a slender 0.1% since last Friday’s close, with these three ASX 200 stocks racing ahead of those gains.

So, which three stocks are already delivering outsized returns in the new year?

Read on!

Two ASX 200 stocks smashing the benchmark this week

The first company pleasing its shareholders in these early days of 2026 is BlueScope Steel Ltd (ASX: BSL).

Shares in the painted and coated steel products manufacturer closed last Friday trading for $24.14. At the time of writing, shares are changing hands for $29.29 apiece. This sees the ASX 200 stock up an impressive 21.3% over the week.

The bulk of those gains were delivered on Tuesday.

BlueScope shares closed up 20.8% on the day after the company announced that it had received a Non-Binding Indicative Offer from a consortium comprised of SGH Ltd (ASX: SGH) and Steel Dynamics Inc (NASDAQ: STLD) to acquire 100% of its shares.

SGH and the United States-based Steel Dynamics offered $30 per share in cash in their takeover bid. This values BlueScope at $13.2 billion.

But the BlueScope board may be holding out for an even better offer, saying they were still reviewing the takeover proposal.

Commenting on the takeover offer, SGH CEO Ryan Stokes said:

We believe BlueScope’s Australian business is a strong strategic fit for SGH and we have a proven track record of driving performance improvement in domestic industrial businesses. We intend to leverage our disciplined operating model and capital allocation approach to deliver better outcomes for stakeholders.

Which brings us to the second ASX 200 stock shooting the lights out this week, Liontown Resources Ltd (ASX: LTR).

Liontown shares closed last Friday trading for $1.62. Shares are currently trading for $2.03 each. This puts the Liontown share price up 25.3% for the week.

There was no fresh news out from the Aussie lithium miner. But we do know that lithium prices have soared some 14% since last Friday amid expectations of increased demand, particularly out of China. Lithium carbonate is now trading at its highest levels since November 2023.

Leading the charge…

Moving on to the top-performing ASX 200 stock on my list for the week, we have Codan Ltd (ASX: CDA).

Shares in the communications and metal detection company closed last week at $29.02 and are currently changing hands for $36.90 apiece. This sees the Codan share price up a whopping 27.2% in this first full trading week of 2026.

Most of those gains are being delivered today.

Codan shares are up 16.9% at the time of writing after the ASX 200 stock released some strong, unaudited H1 FY 2026 results.

Highlights for the six months include a 29% year-on-year increase in revenue to around $394 million.

And on the bottom line, Codan’s underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) surged some 52% from H1 FY 2025 to “not less than” $70 million.

The post 3 ASX 200 stocks rocketing higher in the first full trading week of 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Codan, DroneShield, Mesoblast, and Woodside shares are storming higher today
• What’s the real value of BlueScope shares? Jarden analysts weigh in
• Guess which ASX 200 stock is rocketing 24% on impressive half year profit update
• AustralianSuper boosts its stake in takeover target BlueScope Steel
• Codan posts strong first-half FY26 revenue and profit growth

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 recommended Steel Dynamics. 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.

Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR) shares are back in the spotlight on Thursday. This comes after the offshore oil producer confirmed its key reporting and shareholder dates for 2026.

At the time of writing, Karoon shares are up 5.82% to $1.545, comfortably outperforming the broader energy sector. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) is up around 2% today.

While the update does not change guidance or outlook, it does clarify when the company will next report to the market.

Locking in the roadmap for 2026

In its ASX release this morning, Karoon confirmed the timing of its main financial and shareholder events for the year ahead.

The first major milestone is the release of full-year 2025 results on Thursday, 26 February 2026. That update will provide the market with a clearer view of how Karoon’s assets are performing and the level of financial flexibility the business retains.

Beyond results season, Karoon has scheduled its annual general meeting for Thursday, 21 May 2026, with director nominations closing on Tuesday, 31 March 2026.

The next formal financial update is expected later in the year, when Karoon releases its half-year 2026 results on Thursday, 27 August 2026.

Why investors are paying attention

The company has generated strong cash flows from its Brazilian operations in recent periods and has positioned itself as a dividend-paying energy stock. As a result, investors are increasingly focused on when earnings updates and dividend announcements are likely to occur.

Today’s share price strength also coincides with improving sentiment across the energy sector. Oil prices have stabilised following a recent sell-off, prompting renewed interest in producers with operating leverage to crude prices.

Global energy prices have been under pressure heading into 2026, with Brent crude trading near US$60 a barrel following a prolonged downturn from 2025 highs, as supply continues to outpace demand. Natural gas prices have been more volatile, recently easing from seasonal peaks as storage levels remain ample and demand moderates.

The bigger question for shareholders

While today’s announcement provides visibility, it does not answer the key questions investors are asking.

How resilient are Karoon’s margins if oil prices remain volatile? How much cash will be returned to shareholders? And how disciplined will management remain on capital spending?

Those answers will start to emerge with the February results.

In the meantime, I’ll be watching closely, especially if global energy prices stabilise and provide a more supportive backdrop for the stock.

The post Karoon shares surge 6% as investors eye a busy 2026 calendar appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• Buying ASX energy shares like Woodside and Santos? Here’s why Venezuela matters
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday
• ASX 200 energy sector leads the market ahead of OPEC+ meeting
• 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 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.

In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to record a decent gain. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is up 0.25% to 8,742.7 points.

Four ASX shares that are rising more than most today are listed below. Here’s why they are pushing higher:

Codan Ltd (ASX: CDA)

The Codan share price is up 16% to $36.76. Investors have been buying this metal detector and communications products company’s shares following the release of a trading update. Codan revealed that it expects to report a 29% increase in revenue to $394 million for the first half. And thanks to stronger margins, its profit after tax is expected to grow at the even quicker rate of 52% to at least $70 million. Management advised that its revenue and profit growth for the first half of FY 2026 were underpinned by “outstanding results achieved by the metal detection business and ongoing strong performance in the communications segment.”

DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO)

The DroneShield share price is up 4% to $4.01. This follows a strong night of trade for US defence stocks after Donald Trump revealed that he is aiming for a US$1.5 trillion defence budget by 2027. On TruthSocial, the US President wrote: “After the long and difficult negotiations with Senators, Congressmen, Secretaries, and other Political Representatives, I have determined that, for the Good of our Country, especially in these very troubled and dangerous times, our Military Budget for the year 2027 should not be $1 Trillion Dollars, rather $1.5 Trillion Dollars.”

Mesoblast Ltd (ASX: MSB)

The Mesoblast share price is up 9.5% to $3.23. Investors have been buying this biotechnology company’s shares following the release of a sales update. The allogeneic cellular medicines developer generated gross revenue of US$35.1 million on Ryoncil (remestemcel-L-rknd) sales for the quarter ended 31 December 2025. This represents a 60% increase on the prior quarter ended 30 September. Mesoblast’s chief executive, Dr. Silviu Itescu, said: “Our strong balance sheet, continued growth in quarterly sales of Ryoncil, and a new lower-cost financing facility provides greater flexibility for strategic partnerships and pursuit of label expansion for Ryoncil.”

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

The Woodside share price is up 3% to $23.62. This has been driven by a jump in oil prices overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price was up 3.9% to US$58.15 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price was up 4.1% to US$62.41 a barrel. The catalyst for this was supply worries in Russia, Iraq, and Iran.

The post Why Codan, DroneShield, Mesoblast, and Woodside shares are storming higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX 200 stocks rocketing higher in the first full trading week of 2026
• Aussie defence stocks tick higher on bullish Trump comments
• Why are Mesoblast shares jumping 10% to a 52-week high?
• Guess which ASX 200 stock is rocketing 24% on impressive half year profit update
• Codan posts strong first-half FY26 revenue and profit growth

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Woodside Energy Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended DroneShield. 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.