Author: openjargon

Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1), Lendlease Group (ASX: LLC), and JB Hi Fi Ltd (ASX: JBH) shares have had a week to forget.

As have their shareholders.

With just a few hours of trade left before Friday’s closing bell, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is down 0.7% for the week, with all three of these ASX 200 stocks suffering far bigger falls.

Here’s what caught investor attention this week.

JB Hi-Fi shares sink on growth outlook

At time of writing, JB HI-FI shares are trading for $69.25 apiece, down 15.3% since last Friday’s close.

Investors were reaching for their sell buttons on Monday following the release of JB Hi-Fi’s FY 2026 results, sending the ASX 200 electronics retailer down 12.3% on the day.

That came despite the company reporting all-time high revenue of $11.06 billion, up 4.8% year on year.

And on the bottom line, JB Hi-Fi achieved a net profit after tax (NPAT) of $490 million, up 6% from FY 2025.

But JB Hi-Fi shares may have come under pressure, with the final fully franked dividend of $1.27 per share down 38% from last year’s final payout.

Investors also appear to have been concerned with 1.4% decline in comparable sales growth for JB Hi-Fi Australia for the month of July (the first month of FY 2027).

Lendlease shares fall on full year loss

Getting walloped alongside JB Hi-Fi shares this week, Lendlease shares are down 14.2% since last Friday’s close, currently trading for $2.77 apiece.

The ASX 200 international property developer also reported its FY 2026 results on Monday, with shares closing down 11.2% on the day.

While the company’s Investments, Development and Construction (IDC) segment reported earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of $542 million, at the top end of guidance, investors were selling Lendlease shares amid the material one-off impairments in the company’s Capital Release Unit (CRU).

On the bottom line, Lendlease reported a statutory loss after tax of $749 million for the 12-month period.

Megaport shares tumble on mixed results

Joining Lendlease and JB Hi-Fi shares in the doghouse this week we find Megaport.

At time of writing, Megaport shares are changing hands for $18.41 each, down 14.3% for the week.

The ASX 200 network services company has closed in the red every day this week, with shares tumbling 5.1% on Thursday on the heels of Megaport’s own FY 2026 results release.

Some of that selling may come down to profit taking. On Wednesday, the day before the results release, Megaport shares had gained around 79% since 2 January.

Indeed, the company reported $312 million in full year revenue, up 37% from FY 2025. And EBITDA of $77 million was up by 24%.

However, on the bottom line, Megaport’s statutory net loss climbed from $300,000 in FY 2025 to $39 million in FY 2026, which clearly didn’t escape investors’ notice.

The post Why Megaport, Lendlease and JB Hi-Fi shares all crashed 14% to 15% this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 16 ASX 200 shares with ex-dividend dates next week
• 8 ASX shares just upgraded by the experts
• 3 ASX shares UBS says will return better than 36%
• Buy, hold, sell: Fortescue, Northern Star, and Megaport shares
• Why Megaport, Northern Star and Zip shares are turning heads on Thursday

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Megaport. 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 0.3% to 9,053.8 points on Friday.

As the earnings season continues, more companies are announcing their next dividends.

We’ll help you keep track of ex-dividend dates with an article every Friday over the next two months.

Here are the ASX 200 shares going ex-dividend next week.

ASX shares with ex-dividend dates ahead

Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX: IAG)

This ASX 200 financial share will pay an 80% franked dividend of 20 cents per share on 28 September.

IAG shares go ex-dividend on Monday, 24 August.

QBE Insurance Ltd (ASX: QBE)

QBE will pay a 30% franked dividend of 33 cents per share on 2 October.

The ex-dividend date is Monday, 24 August.

Santos Ltd (ASX: STO)

This ASX 200 energy share will pay an unfranked dividend of 11.6 US cents per share on 23 September.

Santos shares go ex-dividend on Monday, 24 August.

Amotiv Ltd (ASX: AOV)

This ASX 200 retail stock will pay a 100% franked dividend of 23 cents per share on 15 September.

Amotiv shares go ex-dividend on Tuesday 25 August.

Deterra Royalties Ltd (ASX: DRR)

This ASX 200 materials share will pay a 100% franked dividend of 10.8 cents per share on 22 September.

The ex-dividend date is Tuesday 25 August.

AGL Energy Ltd (ASX: AGL)

This ASX 200 utilities stock will pay a 100% franked dividend of 26 cents per share on 24 September.

AGL shares go ex-dividend on Tuesday 25 August.

Challenger Ltd (ASX: CGF)

This ASX 200 financial stock will pay a fully franked dividend of 17.5 cents per share on 17 September.

Challenger shares go ex-dividend on Tuesday 25 August.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

This ASX 200 telco will pay a 90% franked dividend of 10.5 cents per share on 24 September.

The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, 26 August.

The Lottery Corporation (ASX: TLC)

This ASX 200 consumer discretionary share will pay a 100% franked dividend of 8.5 cents per share on 24 September.

Lottery Corp shares go ex-dividend on Wednesday, 26 August.

JB Hi-Fi Ltd (ASX: JBH)

This ASX 200 retail share will pay a 100% franked dividend of $1.27 per share on 11 September.

JB Hi-Fi shares go ex-dividend on Thursday, 27 August.

SRG Global Ltd (ASX: SRG)

This ASX 200 industrial stock will pay a 100% franked dividend of 4 cents per share on 11 September.

The ex-dividend date is Thursday, 27 August.

Ebos Group Ltd (ASX: EBO)

This ASX 200 healthcare share will pay a 97% franked dividend of 63.7 NZD cents per share on 18 September.

Ebos shares go ex-dividend on Thursday, 27 August.

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

This ASX 200 communications share will pay a fully franked dividend of $1.73 per share on 11 September.

The ex-dividend date is Thursday, 27 August.

Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT)

This ASX 200 energy stock will pay a fully franked dividend of 2 cents per share on 30 September.

The ex-dividend date is Friday, 28 August.

Orora Ltd (ASX: ORA)

This ASX 200 materials stock will pay an unfranked dividend of 4 cents per share on 6 October.

The ex-dividend date is Friday, 28 August.

Iress Ltd (ASX: IRE)

This ASX 200 tech stock will pay a 100% franked dividend of 14 cents per share on 28 September.

The ex-dividend date is Friday, 28 August.

The post 16 ASX 200 shares with ex-dividend dates next week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 8 ASX shares just upgraded by the experts
• Telstra shares hit fresh 52-week low: What’s next for the ASX 200 telco stock?
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• What is Morgan’s view on these ASX 300 shares following earnings results?
• How much is needed in superannuation for $1500 in weekly passive income?

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 The Lottery Corporation. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Telstra Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Challenger, Srg Global, 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.

With less than half a day of trade left on Friday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is down 0.7% since last week’s close, but don’t blame these three surging ASX 200 stocks.

Here’s why they’ve managed to leap higher despite this week’s sliding market.

Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN)

In afternoon trade today, Evolution Mining shares are changing hands for $15.23, putting this ASX 200 stock up 15.3% for the week.

Among this week’s tailwinds, the gold miner has benefited from a 3.5% increase in the gold price since last Friday. The yellow metal is currently fetching US$4,527 per ounce, according to data from Bloomberg.

Evolution shares also grabbed investor interest following the release of the miner’s FY 2026 results on Wednesday.

Highlights included underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of $3.17 billion, up 44% year on year. And the ASX 200 gold stock notched a record statutory profit after tax of $1.48 billion, up 59% from FY 2025.

With profits soaring, management increased the final fully-franked dividend by 62% to 21 cents per share.

Regis Resources Ltd (ASX: RRL)

The second ASX 200 stock leaping higher in this week’s sliding market is Regis Resources.

Shares in the gold miner are currently trading for $8.47 each, up 15.2% since last Friday’s close.

Atop benefiting from the rising gold price over the week, Regis also released its FY 2026 results this morning, with shares up 3.9% in intraday trade today.

The financial year just past saw Regis sell 373,879 ounces of gold for an average price of $6,283 per ounce.

The company reported revenue of $2.35 billion, up 43% year on year. And net profit after tax (NPAT) leapt 181% to a new record $715 million.

The gold miner declared a fully-franked final dividend of 20 cents per share.

Which brings us to our top-performing stock of the week…

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

Currently trading for $167.60, CSL shares are up 22.8% for the week.

Shares in the Aussie biotech giant closed up a whopping 17.3% on Tuesday following the release of CSL’s FY 2026 results.

Investors were piling into the ASX 200 stock despite CSL reporting revenue of US$15.8 billion, down 1% from FY 2025. And on the bottom line, NPATA of US$3.1 billion was down 2%.

However, CSL shares look to have benefited from the positive outlook management forecast for FY 2027.

“FY26 has been a year of reset. We have taken decisive action and created a clear path to return to sustainable growth,” CSL interim CEO Gordon Naylor said.

CSL expects steady revenue in FY 2027, while forecasting a 5% increase in underlying NPAT.

The post 3 ASX 200 stocks, including CSL, leaping 15% to 23% in this week’s sliding market appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 8 ASX shares just upgraded by the experts
• 3 ASX 200 gold stocks jumping higher on big news today
• Regis Resources delivers record FY26 profit and dividends
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL. 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.

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares are 0.3% lower at 9,055.3 points on Friday.

As earnings season continues, brokers have declared greater confidence in several ASX 200 shares this week.

Let’s review. 

A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M)

The A2 Milk share price is $6.76, up 0.8% today and down 23% over 12 months.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 consumer staples share has fallen 4%.

Citi upgraded A2 Milk shares to a buy rating on Tuesday.

The rating change came after A2 Milk released its FY26 results.

The broker increased its 12-month price target from $7 to $7.40.

This implies a potential 9% upside ahead.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

The CSL share price is $167.94, down 1.9% today and down 26% over 12 months.

This ASX 200 healthcare share has ripped 38% amid a broader sector rebound over the past month.

Jarden upgraded CSL shares to a buy rating following the company’s FY26 report.

The broker has a 12-month price target of $207, suggesting 23% upside ahead.

Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX: IAG)

The IAG share price is $7.88, up 1% today and down 10% over 12 months. 

Over the past month, this ASX 200 financial share has fallen 6%.

Citi upgraded IAG shares to a buy call following the insurer’s FY26 results.

The broker reduced its 12-month price target from $9 to $8.80.

This implies a potential 11% upside ahead for IAG shares.

Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG)

The Fortescue share price is $17.88, down 0.4% today and down 9% over 12 months.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 iron ore mining share has fallen 4%.

Jefferies upgraded Fortescue shares to a hold rating yesterday.

This followed Fortescue’s FY26 earnings report.

Jefferies has a 12-month price target of $16.

This suggest a potential 10% downside ahead.

Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1)

The Megaport share price is $18.50, down 4.2% today and up 34% over 12 months.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 tech share has fallen 2%.

Morgan Stanley upgraded Megaport shares to a buy rating with a $25 target today.

The change followed Megaport’s FY26 report this week.

This implies a potential 35% upside ahead.

Mirvac Group (ASX: MGR)

The Mirvac share price is $1.90, down 0.2% today and down 21% over 12 months.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 real estate share has risen 10%.

Jefferies upgraded Mirvac shares to a buy call after reviewing the developer’s FY26 report.

The broker raised its 12-month price target from $1.80 to $2.09.

This indicates potential capital gains of 9% over the next year. 

Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE)

The Treasury Wine Estates share price is $5.64, up 0.9% today and down 31% over 12 months.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 wine share has skyrocketed 22%.

Morgans upgraded Treasury Wine Estates shares after reviewing the company’s FY26 earnings.

The broker increased its 12-month target from $5.95 to $7.30.

This suggests a possible 30% upside ahead.

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Ltd (ASX: BEN)

The Bendigo and Adelaide Bank share price is $10.33, up 1.1% today and down 21% over 12 months.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 bank share has fallen 3%.

Jarden upgraded Bendigo Bank shares to a buy rating after the bank released its FY26 report.

The broker has an $11 target, which implies about 6% upside ahead.

Further reading

Check out 10 ASX 200 shares downgraded by analysts this week.

Learn of 7 ASX 200 shares that received reaffirmed buy ratings this week.

The post 8 ASX shares just upgraded by the experts appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 16 ASX 200 shares with ex-dividend dates next week
• 3 ASX 200 stocks, including CSL, leaping 15% to 23% in this week’s sliding market
• 3 ASX shares UBS says will return better than 36%
• Buy, hold, sell: Fortescue, Northern Star, and Megaport shares
• Are Fortescue shares in the buy zone after its results?

Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. 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 CSL, Jefferies Financial Group, Megaport, and Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Bendigo And Adelaide Bank and Treasury Wine Estates. 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 Guzman Y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG) dividend has been announced along with the FY26 result. The numbers give shareholders a cash payout, along with insights into company performance.

Excluding the US operations that are being closed, the company reported network sales growth of 17.9% to $1.38 billion, revenue increased 21.8% to $520.4 million, underlying operating profit (EBITDA) rose 28.7% to $85 million, and statutory net profit soared 31.6% to $40.6 million.

The company also noted that it opened 35 new restaurants across Australia and Asia this year and added 62 new sites to its Australian development pipeline.

With its profit generation in Australia, the business was able to declare a large final dividend with the FY26 result.

Guzman Y Gomez dividend

GYG has declared an FY26 final dividend of 40.6 cents per share and includes a special dividend of 14.4 cents per share.

The special dividend retrospectively increases the implied dividend payout ratio for the interim dividend (which was 7.4 cents per share) to an implied dividend payout ratio of around 90% of underlying earnings to reflect the removal of US losses from its earnings.

The increase of the dividend also reflects an increase in earnings and reduced Guzman Y Gomez share count after the completion of its share buyback.

GYG’s board of directors also approved the extension of the share buyback program to a further $100 million.

At the time of writing, following the jump of the Guzman Y Gomez share price, the final dividend represents a dividend yield of 1.6%, excluding franking credits, and 2.2%, including franking credits.

When will this be paid?

Before getting to the exciting payment date for the upcoming GYG dividend, we need to look at the ex-dividend date.

The ex-dividend date is the cut-off day for investors who want to receive the payout. Investors need to own shares before this date to be entitled to the dividend.

Guzman Y Gomez’s ex-dividend date for the FY26 final dividend is 15 September 2026, which is less than a month away. Therefore, investors have until the end of trading on 14 September 2026 to buy shares.

The dividend will then be paid on 30 September 2026, which is just over a month away, so investors won’t have a long time to wait.

There is no dividend reinvestment plan (DRP) relating to this upcoming dividend.

What is the full-year GYG dividend yield?

Based on the interim and final dividends, the business will deliver a full-year dividend of 48 cents per share. At the time of writing, that translates into a dividend yield of 1.9%, excluding franking credits, and 2.7%, including franking credits.

The post Everything you need to know about the Guzman Y Gomez dividend appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Guzman Y Gomez, Pro Medicus and James Hardie shares are turning heads on Friday
• Guzman y Gomez delivers record FY26 results, launches new buyback
• 2 top ASX shares to buy and hold for the next decade
• 5 ASX shares downgraded by brokers this week
• Consumer staples and discretionary shares are rallying: These stocks could be top buys

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Guzman Y Gomez. 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.

Three fast-rising S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) gold stocks released their full-year FY 2026 earnings results this morning.

And investors have responded by bidding all three stocks higher as we head into the Friday lunch hour, despite the 0.2% fall in the ASX 200 at this same time.

Here’s what’s happening.

Ramelius Resources Ltd (ASX: RMS)

Ramelius Resources shares are up 0.8% at time of writing, swapping hands for $3.95 apiece.

That sees this ASX 200 gold stock up 37% since this time last year.

For FY 2026, Ramelius reported a 1% year-on-year increase in revenue to $1.03 billion.

Underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of $765 million were down 7%.

On the bottom line, the gold miner reported a 33% year-on-year decline in underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) to $320 million.

Profits and earnings were impacted in part by the lower production volumes associated with the completion of operations at the company’s Edna May project.

Regis Resources Ltd (ASX: RRL)

Regis Resources shares are also attracting attention today after the miner released its FY 2026 results.

Shares in the ASX 200 gold stock are up 3.2%, trading for $8.49 each. That sees the Regis Resources share price up 90% in 12 months.

Over the 12 months, Regis Resource produced 379,050 ounces of gold at an all-in sustaining cost (AISC) of $2,945 per ounce.

The miner sold 373,879 ounces over the year, receiving an average price of $6,283 per ounce.

This saw revenue increase by 43% from FY 2025 to $2.35 billion. And it helped the miner set a new record NPAT of $715 million, up a whopping 181% year on year.

With profits soaring, management declared a fully-franked final dividend of 20 cents per share.

Regis ended the year with cash and bullion holdings of $1.18 billion, up $667 million from the close of FY 2025.

Genesis Minerals Ltd (ASX: GMD)

The third ASX 200 gold stock making moves following the release of its full-year results is Genesis Minerals.

Genesis Minerals shares are up 2%, trading for $8.17 apiece. That puts the share price up 93% since this time last year.

FY 2026 was an eventful period for the miner, with gold production up 33% from FY 2025 to 285,402 ounces. Genesis produced the gold at an AISC of $2,670 per ounce.

And earnings hit a new record high, with the company reporting a 110% lift in EBITDA to $952 million.

Profits surged as well, with underlying NPAT up 147% to $547 million.

And with profits rocketing, the ASX 200 gold stock delivered its first ever dividend, fully franked at 5 cents per share.

Genesis Minerals ended the financial year with cash and equivalents of $520 million, up 81% from last year.

The post 3 ASX 200 gold stocks jumping higher on big news today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Ramelius Resources reports profit drop, expands growth plans in FY26 earnings
• Regis Resources delivers record FY26 profit and dividends
• Genesis Minerals FY26 earnings: profit, growth, maiden dividend
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday

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

Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX) shares are tumbling on Friday, falling 8% to $16. That is a sharp reversal after the stock climbed 5% on Thursday following the release of its half-year results.

Despite today’s decline, Telix shares remain up around 42% year to date, although they are down roughly 4% over the past 12 months.

So, why are Telix shares plunging despite another strong set of numbers?

Telix delivers strong first-half growth

On Thursday, Telix reported a 22% year-on-year increase in revenue to US$477 million, tracking towards the upper end of its FY26 guidance. The company’s gross margin improved to 55%, while its Precision Medicine segment delivered an impressive 65% margin.

Adjusted EBITDA jumped 146% to US$52 million, while profit after tax reached US$38 million. That included a US$40 million payment from Regeneron.

Operationally, Precision Medicine remained the key growth engine, with flagship products Illuccix and Gozellix continuing to gain market share.

The biotech company also achieved several important clinical milestones, including completing enrolment for late-stage trials and making regulatory progress across the US, China, Europe, and Japan.

The business is simultaneously expanding its global manufacturing footprint through new and upgraded facilities in Australia, Belgium, Japan, and the US.

Telix shares reaffirmed FY26 revenue and other income guidance of more than US$1 billion, with Research & Development expenditure expected to come in between US$230 million and US$270 million.

Why are Telix shares falling?

One clue for the plummeting Telix share price comes from Bell Potter.

The leading broker was pleased with Telix’s first-half performance, but warned that competition could weigh on revenue later in the year. It said:

1H26 increased by 22% to $477m, dominated by US sales of PSMA imaging agents. FY26 revenue guidance range is unchanged at $950m – $970m with the company guiding to the upper end. We expect the launch of a competitor product (TruVu – Lantheus) will impact 4Q26 revenues, nevertheless, the top end of the guidance is realistic. We do not anticipate a change in guidance irrespective of 3Q26 revenues.

Importantly, Bell Potter now believes Telix shares are approaching fair value. As a result, it has downgraded the stock from buy to hold, while retaining its $19 price target.

That target still represents potential upside of roughly 17% from $16, but the downgrade may be giving investors pause after Telix’s substantial gains this year.

In other words, today’s sell-off may have less to do with disappointing results and more to do with valuation, competition, and expectations for future growth.

The post Telix shares are tumbling. Is the stock finally at fair value? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why were Telix shares just downgraded?
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• 7 ASX 200 shares with reaffirmed buy ratings this week
• Telix Pharmaceuticals delivers robust half-year earnings and pipeline progress
• These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares

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

The analyst team at UBS has been hard at work this week analysing the deluge of profit reports which have come out, and have issued a number of buy recommendations on companies.

I’ve selected three of those which UBS believes will perform particularly well from a share price perspective, which I’ll run through now.

Let’s have a look.

Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP)

Zip on Thursday announced record cash EBTDA of $268.9 million, up 57.9% on the previous year.

The buy now, pay later provider said total transaction volume (TTV) grew to $16.7 billion, up 27.2%, while the number of merchants on its platforms increased 13.8%.  

On the outlook, Chief Executive Officer Cynthia Scott said the company was targeting cash earnings of $340 million in FY27, which would be a 26% increase.

UBS said in a note to clients that the outlook for the current year was better than expected, providing comfort around the defensive qualities of the buy now, pay later business model through slowing economic times.

UBS said:

Whilst macro remains key uncertainty into FY27, we have increased confidence around Zip’s defensive quality and ability to drive customer growth and transaction frequency. Our US TTV growth forecast of +30% in FY27 is comprised of 9% customer growth and 19% TTV/customer growth, which we view achievable.

UBS has a price target on ZIP shares of $4.70 compared to $2.76 currently.

Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1)

This cloud computing company this week announced FY26 revenue of $312.2 million, up 37%, while EBITDA was up 24% to $77.1 million.

Megaport Chief Executive Officer Michael Reid said:

Our team delivered an exceptional result in FY26. The Network business produced its strongest commercial performance to date, Latitude.sh expanded rapidly following acquisition, and our combined capabilities secured major long-term customer contracts across Compute, Network, and Storage. We have materially increased the scale of the business, broadened the markets we can serve, and created a much larger opportunity. Now our job is to execute against it.

UBS said the net outcome of the results report was “firmly in the positive”, and they are estimating EBITDA of $624 million for Megaport in FY28.

The broker has a price target of $26.40 on Megaport shares, up from $24.20, compared to the current share price of $18.60.

MA Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MAF)

UBS said MA Financial Group delivered an in-line FY26 result, “though we think the share price reaction (+18%) reflects material potential for upside towards new FY29 targets, and a stronger 2H outlook”.

UBS has a price target on MA Financial Group of $10.10 compared to $7.07 currently.

The post 3 ASX shares UBS says will return better than 36% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How high do UBS and Macquarie think Zip shares will go?
• Buy, hold, sell: Fortescue, Northern Star, and Megaport shares
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• 7 ASX 200 shares with reaffirmed buy ratings this week
• Buy, sell, hold: Dexus, APA, Zip shares

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

Guzman Y Gomez (ASX: GYG), Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME), and James Hardie Industries PLC (ASX: JHX) shares are making waves today.

Two of the big name ASX shares are outpacing the 0.2% losses posted by the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) in late morning trade on Friday, while one is charging higher.

Here’s what’s grabbing investor interest.

James Hardie shares lift on $1.4 billion asset sale

James Hardie shares are in the green today, up 0.6% at $43.05 apiece.

Investors are responding positively after the ASX 200 building materials company announced that it is divesting its European operations.

The company will sell its Fermacell business to Holcim for €840 million (AU$1.38 billion). James Hardie also intends to close its European fibre cement operations.

The ASX 200 stock will use the proceeds to pay down some $600 million in debt as well as funding a new $250 million share buyback. The company expects the deal to close in the first half of calendar 2027.

Commenting on the sale helping lift James Hardie shares today, CEO Aaron Erter said:

We believe this divestiture will strengthen our balance sheet, deliver compelling value for our shareholders and position the Fermacell business for long-term success under Holcim’s ownership.

Guzman Y Gomez shares jump on earnings surge

Like James Hardie shares, Guzman Y Gomez shares are outperforming today.

And strongly.

At the time of writing, shares in the ASX 200 Mexican fast-food restaurant chain are up 8%, changing hands for $25.89 each.

This follows the release of Guzman Y Gomez’s full-year FY 2026 results.

Investors look to be supporting the stock, with GYG now having completed its painful exit from its US operations and eying growth in its core Aussie markets.

While GYG achieved a statutory net profit after tax (NPAT) increase of 31.6% from FY 2025 to $40.6 million, the company reported a statutory group NPAT loss of $26.7 million due to its US exit.

In other core financial metrics, Guzman Y Gomez shares are likely attracting attention, with the company reporting a 28.7% year-on-year increase in underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) to $85 million.

Management also announced an additional $100 million share buyback.

Which brings us to…

Pro Medicus shares slide despite new contract win

Joining Guzman Y Gomez and James Hardie shares in turning heads today, we find Pro Medicus.

At the time of writing, shares in the ASX 200 health imaging company are down 3.1%, trading for $199.71 apiece.

Pro Medicus shares are sliding despite the company announcing a new $25 million, seven-year contract with United States-based healthcare provider Valley Health. The contract covers the full range of Pro Medicus’ cloud-based medical imaging solutions.

The post Why Guzman Y Gomez, Pro Medicus and James Hardie shares are turning heads on Friday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Pro Medicus signs A$25m US contract: What it means for investors
• Guzman y Gomez delivers record FY26 results, launches new buyback
• James Hardie sells European business, launches share buyback
• Investing in AI stocks on the ASX? Here’s what you should buy
• My top 5 ASX 200 shares to buy and hold

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 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.

Global Lithium Resources Ltd (ASX: GL1) shares have jumped substantially in recent weeks, as the company has secured key approvals for its Manna lithium project in Western Australia.

The shares are up slightly more than 200% over the past 12 months, but the analyst team at Shaw and Partners believe the share price has a long way to go yet.

They’ve got a buy rating on the shares, and a very bullish share price target, which I’ll get to shortly.

First, let’s look at the company’s recent announcements.

Approvals coming thick and fast

Firstly, in early August, GL1 announced that it had received approval for the Mining Development and Closure Proposal (MDCP).

The company said at the time:

The approved MDCP enables the establishment of important early works and critical infrastructure at the Manna mine site, directly supporting the integrated Manna-Nova strategy. The proposed Manna mine, located 110km east of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, is planned to operate for at least 14 years. The Project’s MDCP approval contemplates the development of multiple open pits, comprising one main (Manna Main) and two satellites (Manna North and Manna South), waste rock and dry stack tailings, ore stockpiles, accommodation village, bore field, topsoil stockpile areas and associated mining infrastructure.

The company said the approval would also give more confidence to a final investment decision for the mine, which is targeted for the fourth quarter of 2026, with the first direct shipping ore then targeted for the second quarter of 2027.

Then on 20 August, GL1 announced it had received the Native Vegetation Clearing Permit for the mine, completing the primary state approvals needed to begin early works. The company’s groundwater licence was also approved.

GL1 Managing Director Dr Dianmin Chen said:

Three major approvals in a fortnight is a credit to the professionalism of DMPE and DWER and to the depth of our own team’s technical work. Manna is now cleared on the ground, cleared to take water, and ready to move into construction. These approvals pave the way for starting early works and then mining operations at Manna, which will generate jobs, boost economic activity in the region, and benefit all stakeholders including our local communities for many years to come.

Global Lithium Resources shares looking cheap

Shaw and Partners said GL1 had substantially derisked the Manna project by securing the approvals.

The broker added:

Instead of committing to a standard greenfield build, GL1 management’s capital-light approach has successfully preserved Manna’s cash and strategic optionality. This positions Manna to capture the near-term market window, where lithium prices are expected to benefit from sustained supply deficits and growing demand over the next three years.

Shaw and Partners has a price target of $1.75 on GL1 shares, compared to 67.5 cents currently.

The post Up more than 200% over a year, could this ASX lithium company double again? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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