Author: openjargon

Australia is in the midst of a new mining boom, largely driven by the green energy transition and the artificial intelligence (AI) build-out.

This is generating significantly higher demand for critical minerals, such as lithium, and batteries to power new infrastructure and EVs.

Lithium prices slumped in 2023-2025 due to an oversupply, but supply/demand finally rebalanced at the start of FY26.  

Lithium went on to top the charts of best-performing commodities in FY26 by a long way.

The lithium spodumene price rose about 280%, and carbonate soared 160% in FY26. 

So, it’s no surprise that ASX 200 lithium shares did well in terms of capital growth last year.

In fact, they shot the lights out.

Here are the top five of FY26.

1. Elevra Lithium Ltd (ASX: ELV)

This ASX 200 lithium share roared 327% higher to $9.60 apiece in FY26.

Elevra has a diversified portfolio of mines and development projects across Québec, North Carolina, Ghana, and Western Australia.

Formed through the merger of Piedmont Lithium and Sayona Mining, Elevra’s flagship is the North American Lithium Project (NAL). 

In 3Q FY26, NAL generated record revenue of US$81 million, up 22% on 2Q FY26.

Year-to-date revenue was US$167 million, up 68% on the prior corresponding period.

Elevra is undertaking an accelerated expansion at NAL to bring additional production online earlier than planned.

2. PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS)

Formerly known as Pilbara Minerals, PLS Group shares rocketed 275% to finish FY26 at $5.02. 

PLS Group is the largest lithium miner on the ASX 200 by market capitalisation. 

The company’s flagship is the Pilgangoora Operation, the world’s largest independent hard-rock lithium mine. 

PLS reported record quarterly production of 232.4kt in 3Q FY26, along with an 11% decline in unit operating costs.

The average estimated realised price for its lithium spodumene increased 61% over the quarter.

Management said the result reflected strong execution, improved plant reliability, increased run times, and consistently high lithium recovery.

3. Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN)

The Mineral Resources share price recovered 188% to finish the year at $62.65.

Value investors returned to Mineral Resources after corporate governance issues and financial concerns plagued the company in FY25. 

Founder Chris Ellison faced board-imposed financial penalties of $8.8 million and loss of remuneration of up to $9.6 million for reputational damage to the company.

The board decided to stop paying dividends in order to improve the balance sheet, and the company delivered its strongest half-year result ever in 1H FY26.

The miner reported record revenue of $3.1 billion and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) of $1.2 billion.

Soaring lithium commodity prices and the ramp-up of MinRes’s Onslow iron ore project contributed to the result. 

4. Liontown Ltd (ASX: LTR)

The Liontown share price jumped 197% to $1.58 in FY26.

Liontown owns one of Australia’s newest lithium operations, the Kathleen Valley Project, which only began production in early FY25. 

The company sought to ramp up production in FY26, and achieved a 70% increase in 1H FY26.

This, along with soaring lithium commodity prices, resulted in a doubling of revenue year over year to $207.5 million.

In 3Q FY26, Liontown became cash flow positive and achieved its 1.5Mtpa annualised underground run-rate early.

5. IGO Ltd (ASX: IGO)

This ASX 200 lithium share ascended 77% in FY26 to close out the year at $7.37.

The highlights of FY26 for IGO included a material improvement at the Kwinana Lithium Hydroxide Refinery.

Prroduction increased to 3,047t in 3Q FY26 vs. 2,120t in 2Q FY26, representing 51% of nameplate capacity.

Also in 3Q, nickel production at Nova increased 11% and the mine generated $52 million of free cash flow.

Greenbushes delivered a 75% EBITDA margin in the quarter.

For 3Q FY26, the lithium and nickel producer reported group underlying EBITDA of $119 million, up from $30 million in 2Q FY26.

Net cash increased to $327 million as at 31 March.

The post Top 5 ASX 200 lithium shares of FY26 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why are PLS shares still falling? Here’s what’s behind the sell-off
• 13 ASX 200 shares that doubled in value in FY26
• Sell alert! Why these experts are calling time on Endeavour and PLS shares
• Buy, hold, sell: BHP, Woodside, PLS Group shares
• Why did ASX 200 lithium stocks like PLS, Liontown and Mineral Resources shares get smashed in June?

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Not many ASX floats have managed to create much excitement lately.

But FDC Consolidated Holdings Ltd (ASX: FDC) has made a pretty strong first impression.

The construction and fit-out group listed on Thursday at an issue price of $3 per share.

Shortly after hitting the market, FDC shares are currently trading at $3.50 apiece.

That represents a 16.7% first-day jump and makes the new ASX stock pretty hard to miss.

Here’s what investors are buying into.

FDC makes its ASX debut

FDC officially hit the ASX boards at 12:30pm AEST today under the ticker code FDC.

The company raised $400 million through the issue of ordinary shares at $3 each.

UBS Securities Australia and MA Moelis Australia Advisory acted as underwriters and joint lead managers, with Ord Minnett as co-lead manager.

The initial public offering (IPO) involved 133.6 million shares, representing around 41% of the company.

Based on the offer price, FDC was valued at about $969 million before trading began.

Today’s strong debut shows investors are firmly backing the company’s profits, history, and position in the construction market.

What does FDC do?

FDC has been around for 35 years and works across construction, interior fit-out, refurbishment, data centres and building services.

It has offices in Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne and Perth.

The company works on offices, commercial buildings, hospitals, hotels, data centres, schools and other major projects.

Among those, data centres are probably the part investors will be watching most closely, given the amount of money still flowing into digital infrastructure.

Why are investors buying?

At this stage, the first-day jump looks like demand simply outstripping supply.

FDC is forecasting revenue of $1.9 billion in FY27, compared with $1.5 billion in FY25. The company also expects EBIT of about $100.1 million in FY27.

For FY25, FDC reported $1.5 billion in revenue and $112 million in profit before tax.

Those numbers give investors something to work with from day one.

The float included a large sell-down by existing holders, although the Cottle family and staff are still expected to retain a sizeable stake.

Can the strong start continue?

Today’s jump is a nice start, but the real test comes after today’s float.

FDC now needs to show it can keep winning work, manage costs, and turn its project pipeline into steady earnings.

There’s an obvious interest in the business, especially after a quiet run for ASX IPOs.

But once the first-day excitement settles, the market will want to see the numbers hold up.

The post This new ASX IPO has jumped 17% on its first day appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Is the ASX 200 heading for a third straight fall as oil prices jump?
• Top 5 ASX 200 lithium shares of FY26
• How low could WiseTech shares go?
• Dump ’em! Morgan Stanley slaps sell ratings on 5 ASX 200 shares
• 9 ASX 200 shares downgraded by analysts this week

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.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) shares have slumped further into the red in Thursday lunchtime trade.

At the time of writing, the shares are down around 0.2% to $34.58 a piece, extending yesterday’s losses. On Wednesday afternoon, the ASX tech shares closed around 8% lower.

The shares have recovered around 20% from a five-year low in late-June, but the recovery hasn’t been sustained and is nowhere near enough to recoup losses shed over the past year.

For the year to date, WiseTech shares are still down around 50%, and they’re almost 70% lower than this time last year.

Why are WiseTech shares struggling to rebound?

WiseTech shares have suffered a steep, sustained price decline over the past 12 months. The decrease has mostly been driven by a tech-sector-wide sell-off and an investor rotation to more stable assets amid global volatility earlier this year. 

The company recently faced headwinds following media reports that the Australian Federal Police is investigating founder Richard White over alleged trafficking matters. The matters relate to a former cleaner at WiseTech.

It has been claimed that White exploited a former cleaner’s immigration status and financial position and provided false information on a visa application. 

The company responded and said that the alleged investigation relates to Richard White in a personal capacity. It added that there is no suggestion in this media commentary of an investigation into WiseTech.

But it hasn’t stopped investors rushing to the exits.

The question now is, how low can WiseTech shares go?

Here’s what the experts think.

Broker forecasts for the ASX tech stock this year

WiseTech shares have suffered a continual tumble this year, but if broker forecasts are anything to go by, the end should be in sight.

Market Index shows that the majority of brokers (seven out of eight) have a buy rating on the shares. The average $72.80 target price implies a potential 111% upside over the next 12 months, at the time of writing.

TradingView data also shows potential for a strong upside ahead. Out of 15 analysts, 12 have a buy or strong buy rating on WiseTech shares. Another three have a hold rating. 

Their average target price is a little lower at $65.60, but that still implies a potential 90% upside at the time of writing. In fact, interestingly, the range between the minimum and maximum target price is huge, but they all agree there will be some element of upside ahead.

The more bullish analysts are tipping an enormous 248% upside to a maximum target price of $120.60. Even the minimum $37.89 target price implies a potential 10% upside at the time of writing.

Bell Potter is one broker who is optimistic about the shares. The broker has a buy rating and a $71.75 target price on the shares.

Analysts are clearly very optimistic about the outlook for WiseTech shares. But I think that the latest sell-off shows that investors are still nervous that the company can deliver.

Even so, WiseTech has a strong competitive advantage in the global logistics industry. I think the company’s future hinges primarily on its FY26 results. If the company manages to reach or exceed its upgraded guidance, I think we’ll see a turnaround in investor sentiment.

The post How low could WiseTech shares go? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why the WiseTech share price is sinking 7% today
• 2 ASX shares tipped to grow 50% or more in the next 12 months
• These ASX tech shares crashed hard. Could they double from here?
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• WiseTech shares surge 10% as Richard White steps back from chair role

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

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares are down 0.7% to 8,726.2 points on Thursday.

With a new financial year now underway, perhaps you are looking for some fresh investment ideas.

Morgan Stanley reckons we shouldn’t go near these ASX 200 shares for now.

Here are five stocks with sell ratings from the broker at the start of FY27.

Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG)

The Fortescue share price is $18.30, down 0.5% today.

The ASX 200 mining share has risen 13% over 12 months.

Morgan Stanley reiterated its sell rating on Fortescue shares today.

The broker cut its 12-month price target from $18.85 to $17.25.

This implies a potential 5% downside ahead.

Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC)

The Westpac share price is $36.09, down 0.4% today.

The ASX 200 bank share has risen 7.1% over the past year.

Morgan Stanley reiterated its sell rating on Westpac shares with a $31.50 target yesterday.

This implies a potential capital decline of 13% ahead.

Deterra Royalties Ltd (ASX: DRR)

The Deterra Royalties share price is $4.39, down 2.1% today.

The ASX 200 materials share has risen 12% over 12 months.

Deterra has a portfolio of 14 royalties and royalty-like offtake assets in seven nations.

It is invested in iron ore, lithium, mineral sands, copper, molybdenum, and gold.

Mining royalties are agreements in which a third party provides financing to a miner in exchange for a portion of future revenues or production.

Morgan Stanley downgraded the stock to a sell rating today.

The broker shaved its 12-month price target from $4.45 to $3.95.

This suggests a potential 10% downside ahead.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

The CBA share price is $167.10, down 0.6% today.

CBA shares have dropped 6.6% over the past 12 months.

Morgan Stanley maintained its sell rating on CBA shares with a $125 target this week.

This suggests a potential 25% downside for FY27.

National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB)

The NAB share price is $38.98, down 1.6% today and down 0.8% over 12 months.

Morgan Stanley kept its sell rating on NAB shares with a $34.50 target this week.

This implies an 11% downside from here.

The post Dump ’em! Morgan Stanley slaps sell ratings on 5 ASX 200 shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• China’s CPI and PPI data drops today. Here is the potential impact for these ASX shares
• I’d buy these 5 ASX dividend investments for retirement income
• These ASX shares could generate $10,000 per year in passive income
• Are NAB shares a buy, hold, or sell this month?
• Why I’d buy BHP and CBA shares in July

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares are down 0.5% to 8,737.7 points on Thursday.

Brokers have reduced their ratings on many ASX 200 shares this week.

Let’s take a look at their new ratings and 12-month share price targets.

Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO)

The Rio Tinto share price is $157.90, down 3.6% today.

Over the past 12 months, this ASX 200 mining share has climbed 47%.

Morgan Stanley downgraded Rio Tinto shares to a sell rating today.

The broker has a 12-month price target of $149.

This implies a potential 5% downside ahead.

Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG)

The Magellan share price is $10.15, down 3.6% today.

Magellan was one of the top 5 ASX 200 financial shares for capital growth in FY26, rising 13%.

The highlight of the year was Magellan’s proposed merger with boutique investment bank, Barrenjoey Capital Partners.

Magellan and Barrenjoey completed the merger on 1 July. 

Morgans downgraded Magellan shares to a hold rating on Monday.

The broker lifted its 12-month price target slightly from $11.19 to $11.29.

This implies a potential 11% upside ahead.

Magellan will ask shareholders to vote on a company rebrand to Barrenjoey Group at the AGM in October.

Lottery Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLC)

The Lottery Corporation share price is $5.48, up 0.2% today.

This ASX 200 consumer discretionary share has risen 2.1% over the past year.

Citi downgraded the stock to a sell rating with a $5 target this week.

This indicates a possible 8% decline ahead.

Transurban Group (ASX: TCL)

The Transurban share price is $14.69, up 0.2% today.

This ASX 200 industrials share has risen 9.5% over 12 months.

UBS downgraded Transurban shares to a hold rating with a $14.50 target.

This suggests a potential 1% downside ahead.

Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN)

The Evolution Mining share price is $11.01, down 3.7% today.

This ASX 200 gold share has stormed 51% higher over the past year.

Macquarie downgraded Evolution shares to a hold rating yesterday.

The broker lowered its 12-month price target from $13 to $12.

This suggests potential capital growth of 8% over the next year. 

Worley Ltd (ASX: WOR)

The Worley share price is $10.78, up 0.5% today.

This ASX 200 industrials share has tumbled 18% over the past 12 months.

Ord Minnett downgraded Worley shares from accumulate to hold with a $12.70 target on Wednesday.

This still implies a potential 18% upside ahead.

The broker said:

There remains considerable uncertainty over short-term earnings for Worley and its peers.

More broadly, we highlight the change in Worley’s business mix, with a modest shift to engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) work, i.e. larger developments and responsibility for full project delivery, a business segment that is higher risk than traditional consultancy and advisory.

Judo Capital Holdings Ltd (ASX: JDO)

The Judo share price is 89 cents, up 0.2% today.

Judo shares were sold off in June after the bank downgraded its profit guidance.

Ord Minnett downgraded Judo shares from a buy to a hold rating yesterday.

The broker slashed its 12-month price target from $2.40 to $1.60.

This implies a potential 80% upside ahead.

Ord Minnett commented:

We also cut our recommendation on Judo to Hold from Buy despite the apparent value on offer, given uncertainty around the company’s processes and the time it will take for management to rebuild market confidence.

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

The Pro Medicus share price is $209.07, down 1.4% today.

Pro Medicus shares hit a 52-week low of $107.75 on 24 February. Since then, the ASX 200 healthcare share has ripped 94% higher.

Jefferies thinks the stock has overshot. The broker downgraded Pro Medicus shares to a hold rating yesterday.

The broker lifted its share price target substantially from $147 to $192.60.

But with Pro Medicus shares already trading well above that, the broker recommends investors sit tight.

Suncorp Group Ltd (ASX: SUN)

The Suncorp share price is $18.79, down 1% today.

This ASX 200 financial share has fallen 9.7% over 12 months.

Jarden downgraded Suncorp shares to a hold rating on Monday.

The broker raised its 12-month price target slightly from $19.10 to $19.60.

This implies a potential 4% upside ahead.

The post 9 ASX 200 shares downgraded by analysts this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX 200 shares with 50% to 100% upside in FY27
• How to build $60,000 in annual passive income from ASX dividend shares
• China’s CPI and PPI data drops today. Here is the potential impact for these ASX shares
• I’d buy these 5 ASX dividend investments for retirement income
• 5 top ASX dividend shares to buy in July

Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in Magellan Financial Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Jefferies Financial Group, Macquarie Group, The Lottery Corporation, and Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Macquarie Group, Pro Medicus, and The Lottery Corporation. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Pantoro Gold Ltd (ASX: PNR) shares are being smashed on Wednesday after the gold miner released its FY26 result and FY27 guidance.

At the time of writing, the Pantoro share price is down a massive 20.59% to $1.755.

The fall adds to a brutal run for the ASX gold stock. Pantoro shares are now down around 34% over the past month and 64% since the start of 2026.

Here’s what the company revealed.

Production misses the mark

According to the release, Pantoro produced 77,408 ounces of gold in FY26, including 18,028 ounces in the June quarter.

The weaker result mainly came down to the underground operations.

Pantoro said production was below expectations at the OK and Scotia underground mines, with contractor performance and labour shortages both weighing on the result.

The OK mine also had a messy finish to the year.

Production in May was hit by the changeover to a new mining contractor. June was better, but Pantoro said the ramp-up under the new contract is still underway.

The company also had to deal with higher ground pressure and unexpected seismic activity in the deeper parts of OK. As a result, Pantoro had to change access plans and adjust the mining sequence.

FY27 guidance fails to settle nerves

Pantoro’s FY27 guidance probably hasn’t helped sentiment either.

The company is expecting production of 90,000 to 105,000 ounces, with all-in sustaining costs (AISC) of $2,800 to $3,400 an ounce.

Pantoro said the first half of FY27 will be more about stabilising the operation as the recent changes start to flow through.

A stronger finish is expected later in the year, helped by new ore sources coming into the mine plan.

Management expects the first half to deliver 40% to 45% of annual production, with the remaining 55% to 60% coming in the second half.

Balance sheet remains a positive

The update was not all bad, though.

Pantoro said cash and gold bullion grew from $175.8 million to $223.4 million during FY26, and the company remains debt-free.

It also put around $14.8 million into an on-market share buyback, invested $54 million in exploration, and spent around $67 million on major projects capital.

Can Pantoro shares recover?

Pantoro still has a few ways to lift production at Norseman.

Green Lantern is expected to restart from the September 2026 quarter, while O’Brien’s Reef, Gladstone, Daisy South, and the Mega Resources partnership are also expected to add ore through FY27.

The debt-free balance sheet helps, but the market isn’t going to care much about extra ore sources unless production starts to improve.

Until then, Pantoro needs to show that the changes underground are actually making a difference.

The post This ASX gold stock just crashed 20%. Here’s why investors are selling appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Are these oversold ASX shares too good to pass up?
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

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.

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares are down 0.7% to 8,726.2 points on Thursday.

Here at The Fool, we’ve been super busy analysing the market’s performance over FY26.

You might like to check out the 13 ASX 200 shares that doubled (or better) in value last year.

Or the best and worst-performing ASX 200 sectors. Or the No. 1 stock for capital growth in each sector.

In this article, we look ahead to FY27.

Experts reckon these ASX 200 shares could be in for an exceptional period of growth in the new financial year.

Here’s why.

Mesoblast Ltd (ASX: MSB) 

The Mesoblast share price rose by a very respectable 18% in FY26 to finish at $1.96 on 30 June. 

Bell Potter reiterated its speculative buy rating last week with an unchanged target of $4.45. 

This implies the Mesoblast share price could more than double over the next 12 months. 

The broker said: 

The key overhang on the stock remains clinical trial risk with three massive valuation events over the next 18 months being adult GvHD, back pain and the BLA approval for the first indication in HF.

None of these are priced in.

The broker added:

The recent clinical trial fail by Cynata and its MSC in adult GvHD highlights yet again the risks involved in drug development.

MSB will shortly enrol the first of 180 patients in its randomised, controlled, double blind label expansion study for Ryoncil, also in adult GvHD, albeit with risk of failure mitigated by numerous factors.

These factors include a tried and tested potency assay, more aggressive dose (up to 300% higher than the Cynata product) and a 2nd line patient population that has progressed following steroid therapy.

Judo Capital Holdings Ltd (ASX: JDO)

The Judo share price fell 40% in FY26 to finish at 94 cents.

Judo was smashed in the final month of FY26 after downgrading its profit guidance.

Morgans renewed its buy rating on the ASX 200 bank share with a drastic cut to its price target, which is now $1.47.

This implies the broker is confident of a strong bounce back of at least 55% over the next year.

Morgans said:

The share price drawdown was vicious (particularly considering the decline that had already occurred since February).

While the earnings growth outlook has moderated, we still forecast c.30% EPS growth across both FY26 and FY27 with the stock now trading on a c.6.8x PER (FY27F) and 0.6x P:BV (end-FY26).

A significant risk premium or probability of failure has been priced into the stock. BUY.

Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP)

The Zip share price rose 5.5% to close out FY26 at $3.24 on 30 June.  

Jonathon Higgins from United Capital Partners (UCPS) says Zip shares are a buy for FY27.

Higgins is impressed with the buy now, pay later company’s turnaround.

In a note, Higgins said Zip was on track to report annual cash earnings of more than $260 million just three years after a $50 million loss. 

Higgins says the market is underappreciating Zip’s cost discipline and its growth prospects in the US.

UCPS has a 12-month target of $4.85. This implies a possible 50% upside over the next year.

Higgins said:

Sustainable earnings momentum against structural growth is hard to find on the ASX currently. 

The post 3 ASX 200 shares with 50% to 100% upside in FY27 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: CAR Group, Judo Capital, and Worley shares
• Forget CBA shares, I’d buy these ASX bank stocks instead
• 2 ASX 200 healthcare shares to buy after sector rebounds 23% in a month
• Judo Bank shares rise despite Morgan Stanley price target cut
• Down 35%+, should you buy Zip and WiseTech shares?

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in Zip Co. 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.

After a huge 12-month run, Cobre Ltd (ASX: CBE) shareholders are seeing some selling pressure on Wednesday.

The ASX copper stock has returned from a trading halt, and investors have not exactly rushed back in.

At the time of writing, the Cobre share price is down 10.61% to 29.5 cents.

Even after today’s fall, Cobre shares are still up 195% since the start of 2026 and around 640% over the past year.

Here’s what the company revealed.

$90 million placement completed

According to the release, Cobre has received firm commitments to raise $90 million before costs through a two-tranche placement.

The company will issue around 300 million new shares at 30 cents each to institutional, sophisticated, and professional investors.

The first tranche is expected to raise about $72 million, while the second tranche is expected to raise a further $18 million.

However, the second tranche will need shareholder approval at an extraordinary general meeting, which is expected to be held in late August or early September.

Cobre said the raising was strongly supported by new and existing shareholders, including global resources specialists and domestic and offshore investors.

Two of its major shareholders, Tribeca Investment Partners and Strata Investment Holdings, helped cornerstone the raising.

Cobre directors are also planning to take part, with board members committing a combined $200,000, subject to shareholder approval.

Where the money is going

A big chunk of the raising is being directed towards Cobre’s Sierra Atacama Copper Project in Chile.

Cobre said the money will go towards increasing its stake in the project, repaying debt, upgrading the plant, and funding more drilling.

The company has set aside $29 million for plant upgrades and other development costs at Sierra Atacama.

Another $26 million is expected to go towards debt repayment, while $17 million will be used to increase Cobre’s ownership in the project.

Cobre also plans to spend $17 million on Sierra Atacama exploration, including resource, near-mine, and high-grade sulphide drilling.

Why are Cobre shares falling?

The selling pressure appears to be coming from the terms of the capital raising.

Cobre priced the placement at 30 cents per share, which is a 9.1% discount to its last close of 33 cents on 6 July. It is also below the 10-day volume weighted average price of 32.8 cents.

Furthermore, the raising will add a large number of new shares.

If both tranches are completed, Cobre will issue around 300 million new shares, adding to the 966 million shares it already has on issue.

After such a strong run over the past year, the discounted placement and extra shares were always going to weigh on the stock.

The next things to watch are the shareholder vote on the second tranche and the next round of work at Sierra Atacama.

The post This ASX stock is tumbling 10% after huge 640% run. Here’s why appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX 200 shares with 50% to 100% upside in FY27
• QBE shares rebound 35% to fresh multi-year high: Buy, sell or hold?
• Why are Fletcher Building shares flying 7% higher today?
• Takeover talk and a boardroom shake-up: Why Northern Star shares are falling today
• Average superannuation balance for 58 year olds in Australia. How does yours compare?

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.

QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE) shares have climbed higher into the green in Thursday morning trade.

At the time of writing, the shares are up around 0.5% and changing hands at $25.49 a piece. At one point this morning, the shares were as high as $25.52.

The current trading price is the highest level seen since early 2009.

QBE shares had a slow start to the year after dropping to a low of $18.83 in December. The shares have rebounded 35% from that dip and are now up around 29% for the year to date and 12% higher than this time last year.

What has driven the QBE share price rebound in 2026?

QBE shares have rebounded off the back of support from stronger insurance earnings and higher premiums.

In May, the company posted its first-quarter FY26 update. It revealed an 11% year-on-year increase in gross written premium (GWP), or 7% on a constant currency basis. 

The insurer also reported total funds under management of $36.1 billion at the end of the quarter.

QBE maintained its FY26 outlook, pointing to mid-single-digit gross written premium growth and a group combined operating ratio of around 92.5%.

Then, just yesterday, the company announced a senior leadership change. In a statement to the ASX, QBE said Sue Houghton will step down from her role as Chief Executive Officer for Australia Pacific at the end of 2026. The move hasn’t seemed to spook investors, and the company’s share price has continued rallying higher.

Are the shares a buy, sell, or hold now?

The experts are divided about the outlook for QBE shares over the next 12 months.

Market Index data shows that around half of brokers have a buy rating on the shares. But the $23.35 average target price currently implies a potential 8% downside ahead.

Sentiment is a little more bullish on TradingView data. Out of 11 analysts, six have a buy or strong buy rating on the shares. Another two rate QBE as a hold, and three have a sell stance.

But the average $24.52 target price also implies a 4% downside at the time of writing, likely due to the latest share price rally.

Some are more optimistic, though, and think QBE shares have the potential to climb another 9% to $27.62 a piece.

Investment firm Market Partners is positive on the outlook for QBE shares and sees an emerging turnaround story ahead. It recently noted that QBE has been working hard to simplify its business over the past 5 to 10 years, including a number of acquisitions, and it’s now paying off. 

The post QBE shares rebound 35% to fresh multi-year high: Buy, sell or hold? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• QBE shares surge again as $37 billion insurance giant faces leadership change
• 3 ASX 200 shares to buy now: experts
• QBE shares soar to fresh multi-year high: Here’s what brokers expect next
• Invested in ASX 200 bank shares for dividends? This fundie prefers other stocks
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

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 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.

Fletcher Building Ltd (ASX: FBU) shares are flying higher into the green in Thursday morning trade.

At the time of writing, Fletcher Building is the best-performing stock on the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO). The shares are up around 7% this morning and changing hands at $2.97 a piece.

Today’s uptick also follows a 1.5% increase in the company’s share price at the close of the market on Wednesday afternoon.

It’s been a great recovery story for the construction management company’s shares over the past couple of months. The stock has now rebounded around 31% in value from a two-decade low recorded in late April.

Over the past month, Fletcher Building shares have climbed nearly 13% higher, and they’re roughly 8% higher than 12 months ago. 

What is driving Fletcher Building shares higher today?

In a statement to the ASX ahead of the market open this morning, the company announced it has raised its full-year EBIT guidance by 6.4% to $400 to $403 million.

The company’s FY26 EBIT from continuing operations (excluding property sales) has also been raised to $348 to $351 million, up around 3.6% from its mid-June guidance.

The company cited positive quarterly volumes across its core manufacturing and distribution segments. The increase was partly driven by customers bringing forward demand ahead of expected price increases.

Clearly, investors were thrilled with the update, and many have rushed to buy the shares today.

Fletcher Building is expected to announce its final FY26 financial results this earnings season in mid-August.

Can the shares keep climbing higher?

If the company can deliver, or even exceed, its latest guidance figures, I think the shares have a lot of potential to keep climbing higher in the near future.

It looks like analysts are relatively neutral on the stock, however.

At the time of writing, 6 of 13 analysts have a hold rating on the shares. Another four rate the shares as a buy or strong buy, and three rate the stock as a strong sell.

After today’s price rally, the average $2.82 target price implies a potential 2% downside at the time of writing.

The range between the minimum and maximum is significant, though. Some forecast the shares to climb around 17% to $3.37 each. Meanwhile, others think the stock could fall as much as 53% to $1.355 a piece.

After today’s announcement, it’s possible we’ll see some brokers revise their outlooks in the coming days. 

The post Why are Fletcher Building shares flying 7% higher today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Fletcher Building lifts FY26 profit guidance as quarterly volumes rise
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Fletcher Building tips stable FY26 as divestments strengthen balance sheet

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 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.