Author: openjargon

Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) shares roared higher on Thursday, closing the day at $168.63.

This leaves the mining giant’s shares close to a record high.

While this is great for shareholders, it could mean the rest of us have missed the boat on this one.

But never fear, Bell Potter has named another ASX copper stock with major upside potential.

Which ASX copper stock?

The stock that Bell Potter is bullish on is Aeris Resources Ltd (ASX: AIS).

It was pleased with its half-year results release this week but concedes that it fell short of consensus estimates. The broker said:

AIS has released its 1HFY26 financial report, with key metrics in-line with our forecasts but a miss vs consensus. Key metrics included: revenue: $306m vs BPe $299m (cons. $311m); EBITDA: $116m vs BPe $114m (cons. $128m); NPAT: $48m vs BPe $53m (cons. $72m). Following an equity raise during the period and debt repayment, AIS is now debt free. At end December AIS held cash and metal receivables of $113m with nil drawn debt for net cash $113m. This was up from a net cash position of $14m at end June 2025.

Overall, the broker felt that this was a good result from the ASX copper stock. It adds:

We view this as a good result, with the financial performance reflecting the strengthening outlook for the business and demonstrating earnings leverage to rising copper and gold prices. EBITDA margins lifted to 37% from 28% vs PcP as a result of good cost control and rising copper and gold prices. Operating cash flow lifted 67%, to $97.3m from $58.3m vs PcP. Earnings lifted by 62% vs the PcP, to $48m as this performance flowed through.

We point out that new / current AIS shareholders have the benefit of historic tax losses. On our forecasts we do not expect AIS to pay cash tax until 2HFY27. AIS has maintained its FY26 guidance, implying strong production growth and steady costs to finish the year.

Big returns could be on the way

According to the note, the broker has retained its buy rating and 90 cents price target on Aeris’ shares.

Based on its current share price of 53 cents, this implies potential upside of 70% for investors over the next 12 months.

Commenting on its buy recommendation, Bell Potter said:

AIS is a copper-dominant producer, with its near-term outlook highly leveraged to the copper price, increasing production at Tritton and gold production at Cracow. Tritton is a strategic regional asset and potential corporate target, in our view. With upside to our Target Price supported by low valuation multiples it remains a key pick for CY26. Our Target Price of $0.90/sh is unchanged on this update and we maintain our Buy recommendation.

The post Why this ASX copper stock could be a better buy than Rio Tinto appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 9,200 points: ASX 200 hits fresh new record high
• How to target earnings season winners with ASX ETFs
• Own Rio Tinto or Mineral Resources shares? Here are the updated expert ratings post-results
• Which ASX stock is pushing higher after strong half-year results
• Here’s the dividend forecast out to 2030 for Rio Tinto shares

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

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) enjoyed yet another record-breaking session this Thursday, continuing a momentous week for ASX shares and the Australian share market.

After launching into positive territory with gusto this morning, the ASX 200 spent the entire day there, closing 0.51% higher at 9,175.3 points. That’s after the index clocked a new all-time high of 9,202.9 points during intra-day trading.

This euphoric session for Australian investors follows a similarly happy morning over on Wall Street.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was in fine form, rising 0.63%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was more enthusiastic, gaining a solid 1.26%.

But let’s return to the local markets now and dive deeper into how today’s market optimism has trickled down into the different ASX sectors.

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Fund manager reveals views on Life360, Catapult, and Xero shares amid tech turmoil
• What are the experts saying about Domino’s Pizza, Wisetech, and Woolworths shares?
• Why Ramsay Health Care shares are storming 10% higher
• This ASX 200 stock just boosted its dividend by 20%
• Why Accent Group, DroneShield, IDP Education, and Sigma shares are jumping today

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 Domino’s Pizza Enterprises, DroneShield, Megaport, Telix Pharmaceuticals, and Xero. 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 Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Domino’s Pizza Enterprises, Generation Development Group, Pro Medicus, and Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN) has released its half-year results today, and with them, it announced another fully franked dividend for shareholders.

Let’s break down what was declared, how it compares to prior payouts, key dates to remember, and what it could mean for income investors.

Qantas reports profit growth

Qantas delivered an underlying profit before tax of $1.46 billion, up 5.1% or $71 million on the prior corresponding period.

Underlying earnings per share increased 7% to 68 cents. Statutory profit after tax came in at $925 million.

Management advised that it continues to benefit from strong domestic travel demand, improved on-time performance, growing loyalty earnings, and the ongoing fleet renewal program.

The Qantas dividend

In light of its strong profits, the board approved a fully franked interim dividend totalling $300 million for the half, which equates to 19.8 cents per share.

While this is a decline on what was paid a year ago, it is important to note that last year’s interim dividend and final dividend included special dividends of 9.9 cents each.

Excluding those special dividends, the comparable base dividends were 16.5 cents per share each. On that basis, the latest 19.8 cent dividend represents a sizeable increase of 20% over the prior corresponding period.

But the capital returns did not stop there. In addition to the dividend, Qantas announced a further on-market share buyback of up to $150 million. This takes total shareholder returns for the half to $450 million.

When will it be paid?

The interim dividend will be paid to eligible shareholders on 15 April.

Qantas shares will trade ex-dividend before then on 11 March. The ex-dividend date is the cut-off day after which new buyers are no longer entitled to receive the upcoming dividend.

This means you must own Qantas shares before they trade ex-dividend to receive this payment.

What does this mean for dividend yield?

The Qantas share price ended today’s session at $9.67.

Based on the interim dividend of 19.8 cents per share alone, this implies a half-year dividend yield of approximately 2%.

If Qantas were to pay a matching 19.8 cent final dividend with its full-year results, consistent with last year’s base dividend structure, total FY 2026 dividends would come to 39.6 cents per share.

At a $9.75 share price, that would represent a forward fully franked dividend yield of almost 4.1%.

The post Everything you need to know about the latest Qantas dividend appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Cettire, Objective Corp, Qantas, and Worley shares are falling today
• Qantas shares tumble 6% despite first-half earnings beat
• Qantas earnings: Profit up, higher dividends, and bigger fleet for FY26
• Up 97% in 2 years, can Qantas shares keep the momentum going when the airline reports results on Thursday?
• Why I would buy Qantas and these ASX 200 shares with $5,000

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

Two of the most popular options in the resources sector are Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) shares.

These two giants feature in countless portfolios across Australia and internationally.

But are they in the buy zone right now? Let’s see what analysts at Morgans are saying about the two large-cap resources shares.

Fortescue shares

The team at Morgans was pleased with Fortescue’s performance during the first half of FY 2026.

This was particularly the case for the hematite business, which it notes delivered a 5% beat to its operating earnings estimate. However, it concedes that these earnings are then being spent on activities that currently generate zero returns, which is compressing its free cash flow conversion.

In light of this, the broker has seen enough value to upgrade Fortescue’s shares, but only to a hold rating with a price target of $20.60. This is just a touch below where the iron ore miner’s shares are trading at the time of writing.

Commenting on the company, Morgans said:

The hematite business delivered a 5% EBITDA beat; the problem is what happens to the cash after that. A strong hematite result, but 43% of group capex is directed to activities generating zero current earnings, compressing FCF conversion to 48% and ROCE to 19%. NPAT miss reflects rising capital intensity, with a sharp rise in D&A. Dividend solid at A$0.62/share. Post recent pullback we upgrade to HOLD.

Woodside shares

Morgans is much more positive on Woodside and sees value in its shares at current levels.

The broker felt that the energy producer delivered a full-year result that was strong, highlighting that both its net profit after tax and dividend were ahead of consensus estimates.

In addition, it was pleased to see the company outperform on operating expenses and debt levels.

So, with oil prices recovering and management delivering on project developments, the broker thinks investors should buy Woodside shares today.

It has retained its buy rating with an increased price target of $30.50 (from $29.80). Based on its current share price of $27.96, this implies potential upside of 9.1% for investors over the next 12 months. It also expects a 5.1% dividend yield in FY 2026, bringing the total potential return beyond 14%.

Commenting on Woodside, the broker said:

A strong CY25 result, coming in ahead of consensus on both NPAT and dividend. Yet another half where WDS outperforms on opex and net debt balance. We see a clear case for value upside remaining in WDS, from a recovering oil price, solid project delivery and FCF harvest as projects come on (CY27-29). We retain our BUY rating, with an upgraded A$30.50 (was A$29.80).

The post Why Fortescue was upgraded and Woodside shares could be a buy appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 6% fully-franked yield! Is this ASX income share a buy?
• How do experts view Fortescue, Ebos Group and Woodside Energy shares after earnings?
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• 5 ASX 200 stocks including NAB, Woodside and BHP shares charging to new 52-week plus highs today
• Everything you need to know about the latest Fortescue dividend

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Woodside Energy 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.

ASX tech shares are leading the market on Thursday, up 4.3% amid a new record for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).

The tech sector has been in turmoil for several months.

The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) has fallen by more than 40% over a six-month period.

Last year, investors were worried about stretched stock valuations and whether mega capex on artificial intelligence (AI) would pay off.

This year, investors are fearful that AI might end up replacing, or at least seriously undermining, software-as-a-service (SaaS) companies.

Earlier this month, Anthropic’s new legal plug-in for its agentic AI assistant, Claude, sparked fears of a global ‘SaaSpocalypse’.

Within a week, shares in Thomson Reuters, whose SaaS platforms Westlaw and Practical Law serve legal professionals, were down 22%.

Portfolio manager Ron Shamgar from Australian fund manager, Tamim, explains the threat:

The core fear: AI agents could replace human workflows, eroding seat-based/per-user pricing models that underpin SaaS giants.

One AI agent might handle tasks previously requiring multiple licensed users, enabling in-house builds or cheaper alternatives. 

The Saas-specific fear is particularly problematic for ASX tech shares because four of our six largest companies are SaaS providers.

They are: logistics software platform provider WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC), accounting software platform provider, Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO) ERP software provider, TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE), and family location app developer, Life360 Inc (ASX: 360).

Significant price movements in a sector’s largest companies tend to drag the whole sector down, impacting broader investor sentiment.

Volatility this month

Amid ASX earnings season this month, some ASX tech shares have rebounded after positive news reassured the companies’ investors.

Fund manager, Blackwattle, said a “better-than-expected” trading update from Life360 led to a 27% share price jump on 23 January.

Last week, TechnologyOne shares soared by more than 20% after the company upgraded its FY26 guidance at the annual general meeting.

Yesterday, Wisetech shares leapt 11% after management reported a 76% revenue surge in 1H FY26, while also speaking of “a deep AI transformation” that would see 2,000 jobs cut in FY26 and FY27.

Last week, we saw a 7% bounce back for ASX tech shares.

On Monday and Tuesday, the tech index fell 7.9%. Yesterday, it surged 5.75%.

Today, we’re seeing another lift — up 4.3%.

Anyone dizzy yet?

Fundie describes ‘indiscriminate’ ASX tech share sell-off

The portfolio managers at Blackwattle Investment Partners have been busily assessing how to protect their clients from the tech sector rout while also seizing opportunities to buy good-quality companies cheaply.

Blackwattle mid-cap portfolio managers Tim Riordan and Michael Teran explained:

The speed and magnitude of the improvement in agentic AI surprised us, and we have reconsidered our views on some of the technology holdings in the portfolio.

The indiscriminate sell-down across ASX technology stocks has provided the fund the opportunity to redirect capital to technology businesses which have stronger barriers, namely network effects, at highly discounted valuations.

There were several portfolio changes in January, reflecting our change in view of AI disruption.The changes are focused on avoiding downside earnings risk and seeking Quality companies with earnings upside risk.

As ASX tech share investors seek clarity around AI, it’s interesting to learn how the professionals view some of their tech holdings today.

Xero shares

Riordan and Teran said Xero shares were the largest negative contributor to the mid-cap fund’s performance in January, falling 18%.

They commented:

XRO fell 18% in January as technology stocks sold off globally on AI fears, which are seemingly reaching crescendo levels, following further releases of agentic AI models.

The new releases of AI agents have shown significant improvement in the space of recent weeks and their current trajectory could be highly disruptive to legacy technology companies.

XRO had been a solid performer until mid-2025, but the acquisition of the loss-making Melio business created uncertainty for investors, which has now been compounded by AI fears.

Short term, the managers expect Xero to remain a market-leading, global accounting SaaS software provider with strong financial metrics.

But they add:

However, the recent AI agent updates have created significant disruption implications, and it has become difficult to have confidence in the terminal value of some legacy technology companies.

As such we have focused the portfolio on those which we assess to have the strongest network effects.

Life360 shares

Joe Koh and Elan Miller, who run Blackwattle’s large-cap quality fund, speak highly of Life360 shares despite their 26.5% year-to-date fall.

Life360 (360) was once again a major detractor from Fund performance [in January], despite a sound (and better-than-expected) trading update which initially saw the stock up 27% on the day.

Nevertheless, 360 gave up virtually all its share price gains in the subsequent week (and more in February), as the market indiscriminately – in our view — sells down any technology stock that has any risk of being disrupted by AI.

We continue to believe that 360 has an extremely strong franchise with multiple, long-term growth options and – perhaps just as importantly – is executing very well.

ASX tech share bought during rout

Blackwattle’s small-cap fund managers, Robert Hawkesford and Daniel Broeren, bought Catapult Sports Ltd (ASX: CAT) in November.

The managers said:

We took our initial position in November as the share price dropped 45% from its October high after reporting its interim result.

The result showed strong operational performance; however, the company guided near-term earnings per share impacts as it funds recent acquisitions.

Hawkesford and Broeren have a positive long-term view of this ASX tech share.

… recent acquisitions strengthen the company’s competitive advantage and should accelerate market share gains from weaker competitors.

Shares in the company remained volatile in January, however we see these prices as attractive and will look to average into the position.

The post Fund manager reveals views on Life360, Catapult, and Xero shares amid tech turmoil appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why ASX tech shares still deserve a place in your portfolio in 2026
• 3 unmissable Aussie stocks to buy before they pop
• The easiest way to get rich and retire a millionaire with ASX shares
• 3 exciting ASX growth shares to buy now
• 3 beaten-down ASX 200 stocks tipped to rocket over 100% higher 

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 Catapult Sports, Life360, Technology One, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Thomson Reuters. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Catapult Sports, Life360, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Technology One. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) shares have been rebounding this week.

But if you thought the gains were over, think again.

That’s because the team at Bell Potter believes the logistics software provider’s shares could rise strongly from current levels.

What is the broker saying?

Bell Potter was pleased with WiseTech Global’s performance during the first half, noting that its revenue and earnings were a touch ahead of expectations. It said:

1HFY26 revenue of US$672m was 4% ahead of our forecast and 3% above VA consensus. Statutory EBITDA of US$252m was 1% above our forecast and 3% ahead of VA consensus. NPAT of US$68.2m was not comparable with our forecast as we had not included acquired amortisation of US$41.0m. Interim dividend of US6.8c ff was modestly ahead of our forecast of US6.7c ff.

It also highlights that its guidance for FY 2026 has been reaffirmed, and management has announced a major reduction in its headcount. It adds:

WiseTech reaffirmed its FY26 guidance of revenue b/w US$1.39-1.44bn, EBITDA b/w US$550-585m and EBITDA margin b/w 40-41%. The company also announced up to a 50% headcount reduction in product & development and customer service. On the call CEO Zubin Appoo said the company did not expect any material net impact from the reduction in FY26.

Big potential returns

According to the note, the broker has retained its buy rating on WiseTech shares with a trimmed price target of $83.75 (from $87.50).

Based on its current share price of $48.70, this implies potential upside of 72% for investors over the next 12 months.

Commenting on its buy recommendation, the broker said:

There are no changes in our key assumptions and we continue to apply multiples of 55x and 30% in our PE ratio and EV/EBITDA valuations and an 8.6% WACC in the DCF. We do, however, now apply underlying rather than reported EPS in our PE valuation. The net result is a 4% decrease in our target price to $83.75 which has been driven by the modest downgrades. This TP is >15% premium to the share price so we maintain our BUY recommendation.

The key potential catalyst is the release of the FY26 result in August where, firstly, we expect the guidance to be met and, secondly, expect FY27 guidance to be provided. The latter has the potential to positively surprise given it will provide some visibility around the expected cost savings from the headcount reduction and likely show the company is well on track to return to an EBITDA margin of 50% or more in the next two to three years.

The post Why WiseTech Global shares could rise a further 70% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• What are the experts saying about Domino’s Pizza, Wisetech, and Woolworths shares?
• Why ASX tech shares still deserve a place in your portfolio in 2026
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
• Are WiseTech shares a buy, hold or sell after announcing 2,000 job cuts?
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in WiseTech Global. 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.

If you are searching for reliable income on the ASX, one blue-chip energy stock stands out right now.

The Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) share price is down 0.35% today to $28.14. At that level, the oil and gas giant is offering a dividend yield of around 6%.

Following its full-year results on Tuesday, is this ASX income share worth buying?

A 6% yield backed by cash flow

Woodside declared a fully-franked final dividend of 59 US cents per share, bringing total FY25 dividends to 112 US cents per share.

That equates to roughly a 6% yield at current prices.

This payout is supported by strong underlying earnings and cash flow. For FY25, Woodside generated:

• $9.3 billion in EBITDA
• $7.2 billion in operating cash flow
• $1.9 billion in free cash flow

Despite lower average realised oil and LNG prices during the year, the company still delivered underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) of $2.6 billion.

Management continues to target a dividend payout ratio of 50% to 80% of underlying NPAT, and FY25’s dividend sat at the top end of that range.

Balance sheet strength supports the dividend

Dividend yields mean little if the balance sheet is stretched.

Woodside finished FY25 with liquidity of $9.3 billion and gearing of 18.2%, comfortably within its 10% to 20% target range. The company also retains investment-grade credit ratings.

Management estimates a breakeven oil price of around US$34 per barrel for 2026 to 2027.

This suggests Woodside can cover operating costs, capital commitments, and dividends even if oil prices retreat materially from current levels.

It also provides resilience through periods of weaker commodity prices and reduces the risk that softer markets would force a sharp cut to shareholder returns.

Growing production while protecting dividends

Major projects, including Scarborough, Trion, and Louisiana LNG, continue to advance, while Beaumont New Ammonia achieved first production in December.

These projects are expected to support long-term production and cash flow growth. Management is guiding for volumes of 172 to 186 million barrels of oil equivalent in 2026, alongside disciplined capital spending.

Is this ASX income share a buy?

Energy stocks always carry commodity price risk. Oil and LNG prices can move quickly based on global growth, geopolitics, and supply dynamics.

However, Woodside combines a solid 6% yield with strong cash generation, investment-grade credit metrics, and a clear capital management framework.

At $28.14, the stock offers income today and exposure to long-term LNG demand growth.

If you’re seeking dependable dividends with global energy exposure, Woodside could be one ASX income share worth serious consideration.

The post 6% fully-franked yield! Is this ASX income share a buy? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How do experts view Fortescue, Ebos Group and Woodside Energy shares after earnings?
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• 5 ASX 200 stocks including NAB, Woodside and BHP shares charging to new 52-week plus highs today
• How to target earnings season winners with ASX ETFs
• 3 ASX All Ords shares I’d buy with $5,000 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.

Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL) shares jumped 9.3% higher to $15.38 on Thursday afternoon.

The ASX retailer reported record half-year sales of $2.2 billion, but profits are feeling the squeeze.

Over the past year, Super Retail Group shares have climbed 6%. They’re still lagging the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has gained 11% over the same period.

Cautious consumer backdrop

The retailer delivered record first half-year 2026 sales of roughly $2.2 billion. This was a 4.2% increase on the prior year, with like-for-like growth in positive territory.

Across Supercheap Auto, Rebel, BCF, and Macpac, customers kept spending despite a cautious consumer backdrop. Online sales and club member engagement continued to rise. Membership climbed by 8% to 13 million members, and this reinforced the strength of its omni-channel model and sticky loyalty ecosystem.

Super Retail Group Managing Director and CEO Paul Bradshaw was pleased with the results:

Super Retail Group delivered first half sales growth of four per cent—a solid outcome considering the competitive retail environment and challenging conditions, notably for rebel and BCF, during the period. We were pleased with the continued momentum from Supercheap Auto, delivering steady growth, market share gains in its core auto category, and benefiting in market from the new Spend & Get loyalty program… I would like to acknowledge the dedication and contribution of our 16,000 team members, whose efforts have been central to delivering this result.

Net profit squeezed

But this wasn’t a clean beat-and-raise result. Net profit after tax slipped 6.8% to $121.9 million as operating costs climbed. Investment in a new distribution centre, systems upgrades, and higher wage and rent expenses chewed into margins.

Promotional intensity across the retail sector also kept gross margin expansion in check. Revenue momentum was strong. Earnings leverage, less so.

Super Retail Group reshaped its footprint, opening 16 new stores and closing 10 as it fine-tunes the network. At the same time, it continues to invest in omni-channel capabilities and is rolling out a new national distribution centre in Truganina. That’s a move that should unlock meaningful efficiency gains.

The balance sheet remains a clear strength, with no drawn bank debt and $108 million in cash, providing management with ample flexibility.

Investors focus on positives

The market, however, chose optimism. Investors appeared to focus on the top-line growth, resilient cash generation, and a healthy balance sheet. A solid, fully-franked dividend helped seal the deal. The message from traders was clear: this is a business investing through the cycle, not retrenching.

That context matters. Over the past few years, Super Retail has navigated pandemic distortions, supply chain disruption, surging freight costs, and now a cost-of-living squeeze that has pressured discretionary spending.

Margins have ebbed and flowed. Promotional competition has intensified. Yet the group has consistently grown sales and expanded its store footprint.

What next for Super Retail Group shares?

The ASX retail business isn’t standing still.

Super Retail Group plans to open 12 new stores in the second half of FY26 while pushing ahead with major projects, including a new distribution centre and upgraded HR and payroll systems.

Trading has also started strongly. Over the first eight weeks of the half, like-for-like sales lifted 3.5% and total sales jumped 5% — a solid sign that demand remains resilient.

Management has locked in $155 million in FY26 capex to target store network expansion and digital investment. With a strong balance sheet behind it, the company believes it has the firepower to invest in growth while handling tough competitive conditions.

The post Super Retail Group shares blast 9% higher on record sales appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Super Retail Group lifts sales, grows club members in 1H26 earnings
• 2 beaten-down ASX dividend shares to buy right now
• Why these ASX dividend shares could be top picks for income investors in February
• Which ASX retail stocks look like good buying ahead of the looming reporting season?

Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Super Retail Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Super Retail Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to record another solid gain. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is up 0.55% to 9,177.9 points.

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

Cettire Ltd (ASX: CTT)

The Cettire share price is down 24% to 34 cents. Investors have been selling this online fashion retailer’s shares amid concerns that it could go bust. This morning, Cettire reported a modest decline in sales revenue to $382.8 million and a net loss of $1.1 million. The company also included a going concern statement in its financial accounts, acknowledging a major net current asset deficiency. It said: “The net current asset deficiency and the net loss after tax for the current period gives rise to a material uncertainty in relation to going concern that may cast significant doubt on the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern and to realise its assets and settle its liabilities in the ordinary course of business. Despite these material uncertainties, the directors have considered the performance and position of the Group and consider that the going concern basis is appropriate.”

Objective Corporation Ltd (ASX: OCL)

The Objective Corporation share price is down 7% to $12.91. This follows the release of the information technology software and services provider’s half-year results. Objective Corp posted a 9% lift in revenue to $66.7 million and a 10% increase in net profit after tax to $18.7 million. The company also revealed annualised recurring revenue (ARR) growth of 12% to $120 million. However, this is short of its 15% ARR target.

Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN)

The Qantas share price is down 9% to $9.71. This is despite the airline operator releasing its half-year results and revealing a profit before tax ahead of consensus expectations. Thanks to growth across the business, Qantas delivered a 6.3% increase in revenue to $12.9 billion. This underpinned a 5.1% increase in underlying profit before tax to $1,456 million, which was around 2% ahead of consensus estimates. A fully franked interim dividend of 19.8 cents per share was declared. This is up 20% on the prior corresponding period.

Worley Ltd (ASX: WOR)

The Worley share price is down 10% to $11.77. This morning, the professional services company reported aggregated half-year revenue of $6,312 million, up 5.4% on the prior corresponding period. However, underlying NPATA was down 4.2% to $207 million and statutory NPATA was down 29.6% to $152 million.

The post Why Cettire, Objective Corp, Qantas, and Worley shares are falling today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Hipages Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: HPG) reported its profits this week, and while the results were solid, the analyst team at Shaw and Partners think what they’re doing with artificial intelligence is the real story going forward.

Firstly, let’s have a look at the results.

Profits solidly higher

Hipages, which runs an online marketplace where users can advertise trade jobs and tradies can bid on them, increased its first-half revenue by 11% to $44.9 million.

The company’s EBITDA came in at $11.2 million, up 29% on the previous corresponding period, while net profit increased from $100,000 to $2.7 million.

Hipages Chief Executive Roby Sharon-Zipser said it was a solid result.

The first half of FY26 was a period of focused execution by the hipages team, as we navigated a volatile macroeconomic environment to deliver double-digit revenue growth … EBITDA margin expansion and a significant step-up in free cash flow generation to $4.3 million. We continued to execute our platform strategy, completing the migration of 100% of our tradie customer base to new pricing plans, which helped to drive double-digit ARPU (average revenue per user) growth. We also rebranded our tradie app as ‘hipages for business’ to target a wider universe of potential customers and expanded ‘hipages Perks’ to offer exclusive deals and benefits to both tradies and households. Both are showing encouraging early signs.

But what really piqued the interest of the Shaw team was what Mr Sharon-Zipser said around artificial intelligence.

As he said:

Up next in H2, we will further deploy AI workflows into our product to enhance the user experience on both sides of the marketplace, including an AI job posting assistant and tradie location tracker for households, and a voice plugin for even faster quoting, and workday route optimisation for tradies. These are only a few examples, with many further developments coming to drive user engagement and retention.

The company said it expected full-year revenues to come in at $90 to $91 million, generating free cash flow of $8 to $10 million and an EBITDA margin of 24% to 26%.

Hipages shares looking cheap

The Shaw team said the revenue guidance was a decline, which was unfortunate, “but the reasons were specific and don’t change long term targets and haven’t impacted operating leverage of free cash flow”.

And they were particularly enamoured of the company’s approach to AI.

As they said:

Hipages management provided a clear and confident message around AI, the opportunity it sees and the benefits it is already realising. At now 11x FY27 Cash EBITDA this category leader is too cheap.

Shaw and Partners has a $2.50 target price on Hipages shares, compared with 81 cents currently.

Hipages was valued at $110.9 million at Wednesday’s close.

The post More than 100% upside predicted for this online marketplace which is using AI to its advantage 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 positions in and has recommended Hipages Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Hipages Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.