Author: openjargon

Starting out in the share market can feel like a lot to take in.

For me, the focus would be on finding businesses that are easy to understand, have clear long-term drivers, and offer a mix of stability and growth. That kind of foundation can make it easier to stay invested and build confidence over time.

Here are four ASX 200 stocks I think fit that approach.

Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB)

Hub24 is a platform business that sits behind how many Australians invest their money.

It provides technology and administration services to financial advisers, allowing them to manage client portfolios more efficiently. That might not be something most investors see directly, but it plays an important role in the broader investment ecosystem.

What stands out to me is the structural shift taking place. More advisers are moving toward platform-based solutions, and funds under administration tend to grow as more clients and assets come onto the platform. That creates a growth profile that builds over time.

For a beginner, I think this is a useful example of a business that benefits from a broader industry trend rather than relying on a single product or outcome.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

BHP offers exposure to something very different. It is one of the world’s largest mining companies, producing commodities like iron ore and copper that are essential to the global economy.

What I like here is the simplicity of the underlying demand. These are materials that support infrastructure, construction, and the transition toward electrification. While commodity prices can move around, the long-term need for these resources remains.

BHP also provides income through dividends, which can be appealing for investors looking to build income over time.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)

Macquarie is a more complex business, but I think it is a good example of how diversification can work within a single company.

This ASX 200 stock operates across asset management, infrastructure, energy, and financial services, with a global footprint.

What I like is its ability to evolve. Macquarie has a long history of identifying areas of growth and allocating capital accordingly. That flexibility allows it to adapt as markets change, which I think is valuable over the long term.

For a beginner, it offers exposure to a wide range of activities without needing to pick each one individually.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

Lastly, Commonwealth Bank is one of the most recognisable companies on the ASX.

It has a dominant position in the Australian banking sector and generates earnings through lending, deposits, and financial services.

What I like here is the consistency. The bank has delivered strong returns over time and pays regular dividends, which can help provide a steady foundation for a portfolio.

It also gives beginners exposure to the financial sector, which plays a central role in the economy.

Foolish Takeaway

For a beginner, building a portfolio comes back to choosing businesses that are understandable and supported by long-term trends.

Hub24 benefits from the shift toward platform-based investing, BHP provides exposure to essential global resources, Macquarie offers diversification and adaptability, and Commonwealth Bank adds stability and income.

They are not the only ASX 200 stocks worth considering, but I think they provide a solid starting point for anyone looking to begin their investing journey.

The post Why I’d buy these ASX 200 stocks if I were a beginner appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• $5,000 invested in CBA shares two years ago is now worth…
• 10 years to retirement? Here’s how to build a solid income
• 3 excellent ASX ETFs for income investors to buy
• How I would build the ultimate beginner portfolio with $10,000

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Commonwealth Bank Of Australia and Hub24. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Hub24 and Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group and Hub24. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP) share price is in the spotlight today, with first quarter 2026 results showing 45% growth in Platforms net cashflows to $1.1 billion and improved Superannuation & Investments (S&I) net cash outflows down to $80 million, a 26% year-on-year improvement.

What did AMP report?

• Platforms net cashflows increased 45% to $1.1 billion (1Q25: $740 million)
• Superannuation & Investments net cash outflows improved 26% to $80 million (1Q25: $108 million)
• New Zealand Wealth Management net cashflows were $41 million (1Q25: $57 million)
• China Life Pension Company AUM up 17% to ~RMB 2.4 trillion (~A$515 billion)
• AMP Bank GO deposits rose to $942 million, up $632 million from 4Q25
• Total AUM across wealth businesses at $155.9 billion; AMP Bank loan book steady at $24.1 billion

What else do investors need to know?

AMP has launched a $150 million on-market share buyback, aiming to return surplus capital to shareholders. The release of the North Interactive Wealth Portal is one of several enhancements to AMP’s Platforms, delivering new features for advisers that have contributed to positive cashflow momentum.

In the superannuation space, AMP expanded its employer offer for small and medium businesses, in partnership with leading payroll providers, to enhance member retention and acquisition. In New Zealand, cashflows reflected market uncertainty, but the company is targeting opportunities in the retirement segment.

What did AMP management say?

AMP Chief Executive Blair Vernon said:

Accelerating organic growth in our wealth businesses is one of my top priorities. The continued improvement in cashflows across Platforms and Superannuation & Investments demonstrates the momentum that we have… I’m pleased that our $150 million share buyback is now commencing, demonstrating our commitment to returning surplus capital to our shareholders.

What’s next for AMP?

Looking ahead, AMP expects AMP Bank GO deposits to surpass $1.5 billion for the full year 2026 while maintaining its existing market guidance elsewhere, subject to broader market conditions. The company is focused on deepening adviser relationships, improving operational leverage in its platforms, and exploring capital relief strategies for the bank to enhance returns.

AMP is also planning to build on its position in China and leverage retirement expertise in New Zealand, responding to ongoing sector tailwinds despite recent market headwinds and shifts in client sentiment.

AMP share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, AMP shares have risen 26%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 16% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post AMP posts Q1 2026 results, launches $150m buyback appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Whitehaven Coal announces US$900m notes issue and debt refinancing
• Viva Energy share price halted pending update on Geelong Refinery fire
• Netwealth Group lifts FUA to $125.8B with strong quarterly flows
• PLS Group prices US$600m in senior notes for growth and refinancing
• Genesis Minerals posts March 2026 quarterly results

Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

The Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL) share price is in focus today as the wealth management platform posted $4.0 billion in FUA net flows and boosted total funds under administration (FUA) to $125.8 billion, up 20.9% year-on-year.

What did Netwealth Group report?

• Total FUA at 31 March 2026 of $125.8 billion, up 20.9% on the prior corresponding period (PCP)
• FUA net inflows of $7.6 billion for the quarter, up 19.4% on PCP
• Managed Account net flows reached $1.2 billion, up 34.8% on PCP
• Total number of accounts rose 13.4% year on year to 176,675
• Total FUM (funds under management) increased to $31.8 billion, up 28.5% on PCP
• Non-custodial FUA up 56.6% year on year to $1.2 billion

What else do investors need to know?

Netwealth’s positive flow momentum came despite a tough quarter for markets, with the ASX All Ordinaries sliding 3.7%. The business added 41 new intermediary relationships and 4,454 new client accounts during the period, indicating strong ongoing demand for its platform.

Key strategic initiatives progressed during the quarter included the pilot phase of Netwealth’s individual HIN solution for private wealth clients and numerous platform enhancements, such as new onboarding, workflow, and reporting capabilities. These innovations aim to boost adviser efficiency and client satisfaction.

What’s next for Netwealth Group?

Looking ahead, Netwealth expects FUA net flows for FY26 to remain broadly in line with FY25, and projects an EBITDA margin of approximately 49% (excluding any First Guardian impacts). The business is investing around $12 million in capitalised software development and plans to base future dividends on underlying earnings, excluding any one-off items.

Management says the business remains highly profitable and cash generative, supported by recurring revenue and a strong balance sheet. They also see a sizeable opportunity in the Australian broking market as they prepare to launch the individual HIN solution more broadly in July 2026.

Netwealth Group share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Netwealth shares have declined 6%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 16% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Netwealth Group lifts FUA to $125.8B with strong quarterly flows appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Whitehaven Coal announces US$900m notes issue and debt refinancing
• Viva Energy share price halted pending update on Geelong Refinery fire
• AMP posts Q1 2026 results, launches $150m buyback
• PLS Group prices US$600m in senior notes for growth and refinancing
• Genesis Minerals posts March 2026 quarterly results

Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Netwealth Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Netwealth Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

The PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS), formerly known as Pilbara Minerals, share price is in focus today as the company announced the successful pricing of its US$600 million 6.875% Senior Notes due 2031, up from earlier plans for a US$500 million offer.

What did PLS Group report?

• Priced US$600 million Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2031, at 6.875% annual interest
• Initial offer size increased by US$100 million from US$500 million
• Settlement expected on 22 April 2026, subject to customary closing conditions
• Interest payable semi-annually, starting 1 November 2026
• Certain wholly-owned subsidiaries will guarantee the Notes
• Proceeds to refinance A$375 million drawn on revolving credit facility and for general use

What else do investors need to know?

The move will allow PLS Group to refinance its existing A$375 million balance on its A$1 billion revolving credit facility. Upon closing the Notes offering, the size of this facility will be reduced to A$500 million, strengthening the company’s capital structure and flexibility.

PLS Group remains a major player in global lithium supply with its large-scale Pilgangoora operation in Australia and a strategic joint venture with POSCO in South Korea to produce battery-grade lithium hydroxide. The company’s assets and partnerships put it at the forefront of the fast-growing battery materials sector.

What’s next for PLS Group?

With proceeds from the Notes partially allocated to refinance existing debt and the remainder for broader corporate purposes, PLS Group looks set to maintain its investment in current projects and potential new opportunities in lithium. The company remains committed to advancing its role in the global energy transition and building on relationships with leading international partners.

Investors can expect PLS Group to focus on sustainable growth and maintaining a competitive position in battery materials, supported by prudent capital management and a robust asset base.

PLS Group share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, PLS Group shares have risen 293%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 16% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post PLS Group prices US$600m in senior notes for growth and refinancing appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Genesis Minerals posts March 2026 quarterly results
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• Contact Energy lifts sales and generation in March 2026 monthly update
• New Hope launches $300m convertible notes offer and buyback
• National Storage REIT to exit ASX 200 after takeover announcement

Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

The Genesis Minerals Ltd (ASX: GNE) share price is on the move today after the gold miner released its March 2026 quarterly results, highlighting a cash balance rising to $600 million and quarterly gold production of 67,497 ounces at an all-in sustaining cost of A$2,685 per ounce.

What did Genesis Minerals report?

• Gold sales of 65,049 ounces at an average price of A$6,755/oz, generating revenue of $439.4 million
• Quarterly (unaudited) NPAT between $145 million and $155 million
• Cash and equivalents rose by $196 million over the quarter to $599.9 million, with Genesis remaining bank debt-free
• Quarterly gold production reached 67,497 ounces across Leonora and Laverton operations
• All-in sustaining cost for the quarter was A$2,685/oz
• Underlying cash build of $252.8 million for the quarter before investing $56.6 million in growth and exploration

What else do investors need to know?

Genesis completed all third-party ore purchases during the quarter, with production from its Genesis mines ramping up in their place. The company continues to invest in sector-leading growth, including the Tower Hill open pit project, which is moving ahead of schedule with site works underway.

A major highlight was the proposed acquisition of Magnetic Resources for $639 million, anticipated to complete by June 2026 subject to conditions. This transaction will boost Genesis’ growth strategy, potentially lifting group milling capacity to 8–9 million tonnes per annum. Additionally, Genesis has expanded its undrawn corporate financing facility to $300 million, further strengthening its balance sheet ahead of this deal.

What did Genesis Minerals management say?

Executive Chair Raleigh Finlayson said:

We continue to generate exceptional free cashflow while also investing in the ongoing growth of our business. This reflects an ideal combination of rising production from our mines, tight cost control, a robust gold price and no bank debt. We are also laying the foundations for the next chapter of growth, including the start of site works at the Tower Hill project, and look forward to providing an update on our long-term plan in the September quarter.

What’s next for Genesis Minerals?

Genesis remains on track for its FY26 production outlook of 260,000–290,000 ounces at an AISC of A$2,500–A$2,700/oz. The company expects to finalise the Magnetic Resources acquisition in June and release an updated long-term production and cost plan—including FY27 guidance—in the September quarter 2026.

Site works and procurement at Tower Hill are well underway, aiming for first ore in FY28. Further, drilling and resource conversion work continues at other growth projects like Bruno Lewis, as Genesis looks to maintain its strong operating and financial momentum.

Genesis Minerals share price snapshot

Over the past 12 month, Genesis Minerals shares have declined 11%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 16% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Genesis Minerals posts March 2026 quarterly results appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• PLS Group prices US$600m in senior notes for growth and refinancing
• Fletcher Building posts positive Q3 volumes amid new global risks
• Contact Energy lifts sales and generation in March 2026 monthly update
• New Hope launches $300m convertible notes offer and buyback
• National Storage REIT to exit ASX 200 after takeover announcement

Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

Morgans has busy looking closely at a number of ASX shares this week.

Three of which are named below. Does the broker rate them as buys, holds, or sells? Let’s find out:

Bank of Queensland Ltd (ASX: BOQ)

Morgans has been looking ahead to this regional bank’s half-year results. Unfortunately, it is predicting a sharp decline in profits for the first half.

Combined with recent share price strength, the broker feels this makes its shares fully valued now. As a result, Morgans has downgraded Bank of Queensland’s shares to a hold rating with a $7.39 price target. It said:

We expect a material decline in 1H26 earnings, with recent share price strength driven by the expected capital return from the equipment finance whole-of-loan sale. Share price strength has compressed total return potential to c.5%. As such, we moderate our rating from ACCUMULATE to HOLD. Target price $7.39.

The Koala Company (ASX: KOA)

This newly listed furniture seller has caught the eye of Morgans.

This week, it has initiated coverage on Koala’s shares with a buy rating and $5.13 price target. Morgans highlights that its shares are trading at a discount to peers despite having a strong growth profile. It explains:

We initiate coverage on Koala Company with a BUY recommendation and $5.13 target price. We think there is a degree of conservatism embedded in both our forecasts and valuation, with the balance of risk skewed to the upside.

Koala offers an attractive growth profile, underpinned by strong sales growth, margin expansion and significant NPAT growth. The stock screens cheap on a multiple basis, trading on 18.5x FY27 PER versus the peer set average at 27.0x, despite offering one of the strongest growth profiles.

Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC)

Morgans notes that Australia’s oldest bank released a trading update this week.

It was disappointed with the update and in response has downgraded Westpac’s shares to a sell rating with a $34.06 price target  It said:

WBC published a trading update ahead of its 1H26 result due for release on 5 May. Implied revenues were weaker, costs lower, and credit impairment charges higher than our and market expectations.

We revise our rating from TRIM to SELL as total return expectations at current prices have fallen below the -10% trigger. We estimate c.18% price downside risk partly offset by c.3.8% forecast cash yield. Target price $34.06.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Bank of Queensland, Koala, and Westpac shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has 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.

It hasn’t been an easy year for some of the highest-quality ASX shares.

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA) shares are down around 13% year to date, while Light & Wonder Inc (ASX: LNW) has fallen roughly 21%.

Both are leaders in their fields. Both ASX shares have strong long-term growth stories.

So, is this weakness an opportunity?

REA Group: a digital powerhouse

When it comes to dominant platforms, this ASX share is hard to beat.

The company sits at the centre of Australia’s property market through realestate.com.au. That position gives it significant pricing power and a highly scalable business model.

Agents need eyeballs and REA controls them. That dynamic has allowed the company to consistently lift prices through premium listings and depth products, even when property volumes fluctuate.

While the housing cycle can create short-term volatility, the long-term trajectory remains intact. Growth is also supported by international expansion, adding another lever beyond the domestic market.

And the recent pullback hasn’t gone unnoticed. Trading View data show that 12 out of 16 brokers rate REA Group as a buy or strong buy. They have set a 12-month average price target of $213.62, which points to a 32% potential gain.

Analysts at Morgan Stanley currently have an overweight rating on the ASX share, with a $230.00 price target. That suggests potential upside of roughly 44% from current levels.

For long-term investors, that’s a strong signal that the market may be underestimating REA’s staying power.

Light & Wonder: growth across multiple fronts

Light & Wonder offers a different kind of growth story, but one that’s just as compelling.

The company operates across land-based gaming, iGaming, and social gaming through its SciPlay division. That diversified model allows it to tap into both traditional casino revenue and the fast-growing digital gaming market.

It’s a powerful combination. By straddling physical and digital channels, the ASX share is positioned to capture multiple industry tailwinds at once. And that’s exactly why analysts are paying attention.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) has named the ASX share its top pick in the Australian gaming sector, pointing to its ability to win market share and its “wide moat from disruption.” That’s a big call in a competitive space.

The upside case is hard to ignore. Macquarie has set a $205 price target on the stock, compared to its current price of $122.77. That implies potential upside of more than 65%.

Of course, risks remain. Consumer spending cycles, regulatory changes, and execution all matter. But the long-term positioning is clear.

Foolish Takeaway

REA Group and Light & Wonder have both taken a hit in 2026. But their core strengths haven’t disappeared. These are dominant businesses with scalable models, strong competitive advantages, and clear growth pathways.

For investors willing to look beyond short-term volatility, they could be the kind of shares you buy — and forget about for years.

The post Buy and forget? 2 top ASX shares built for the long term appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Could these ASX stocks double by the end of 2026?
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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 Light & Wonder Inc. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Light & Wonder Inc. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Fletcher Building Ltd (ASX: FBU) share price is in focus as the company reports early signs of improvement in Light Building Products and positive momentum in Australian operations for the March 2026 quarter.

What did Fletcher Building report?

• Light Building Products volumes up versus both Q2 and prior corresponding period (pcp); Waipapa Pine volumes rose 16.5% vs pcp and Iplex NZ up 15.9% vs pcp
• Australian Light Building Products saw continued improvement, with Laminex AU, Iplex AU, and Fletcher Insulation all reporting positive trends
• Heavy Building Materials remained subdued; Winstone Aggregates down 10.4% vs pcp, Humes down 4.8% vs pcp, but some pockets of project-driven activity emerging
• Distribution saw Frame & Truss sales up 6.6% vs pcp, driven by increased building consents and market share gains
• Residential units taken to profit in Q3 were 93, 24% lower than pcp, mainly due to the timing of long-standing developments

What else do investors need to know?

The bulk of Fletcher Building’s Q3 FY26 results reflect trading before the recent escalation in Middle East conflict, which has since heightened geopolitical risk in supply chains, energy, and freight. Management is actively monitoring impact risks and has already secured short-term supply for plastics and fuel, while exploring sourcing diversification and pricing adjustments where needed.

Input cost pressures remain a challenge, with plastic-related price increases up to 36% and fuel-linked surcharges introduced to offset higher costs. Early signs of softening demand have started to appear, particularly through project delays and cautious customer behaviour, though direct impacts to staff and operations have been limited so far.

What did Fletcher Building management say?

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Andrew Reding said:

Quarterly volumes for the March quarter continued to show early signs of improvement across the portfolio, with the important caveat that this quarter largely preceded the current geopolitical escalation. Light Building Products benefited from improved Alterations & Additions (A&A) activity in New Zealand and a broad-based uplift in Australia. Heavy Building Materials remains subdued overall, although we’re seeing pockets of activity tied to project work. Distribution, particularly frame & truss, continues to show steady improvement as underlying demand gradually returns. As was the case in prior quarters, trading conditions remained competitive, with ongoing margin pressure and compression continuing across business units and most notably in the Distribution division, Firth and the Steel business units.

What’s next for Fletcher Building?

Looking ahead, the company’s near-term performance will depend on the continued evolution of global events, particularly through supply chain costs and construction sector demand. Management has flagged uncertainty, but says Fletcher Building is focused on agile planning and prudent risk responses.

The business remains committed to maintaining supply continuity, protecting cash flow, and leveraging its strong balance sheet to manage through any prolonged market volatility. Investors should watch for further updates as the full impacts of geopolitical disruptions become clearer.

Fletcher Building share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Fletcher Building shares have declined 17%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 16% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Fletcher Building posts positive Q3 volumes amid new global risks appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• PLS Group prices US$600m in senior notes for growth and refinancing
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• Contact Energy lifts sales and generation in March 2026 monthly update
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• National Storage REIT to exit ASX 200 after takeover announcement

Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO) shares were back in demand on Wednesday, finishing the session 9% higher at $3.72.

The rebound adds another twist to what has already been one of the ASX’s most volatile high-flyers in 2026.

Even after a rough past month that has seen the stock fall 11%, DroneShield shares are still up an extraordinary 227% over the past year and more than 20% year-to-date.

That still leaves the counter-drone specialist among the ASX’s standout performers despite the recent pullback.

Here’s what appears to be driving the latest move.

Leadership shock triggered the recent slide

The biggest hit came on 8 April, when the DroneShield share price plunged 14% and touched a one-month low of $3.20 after founder and chief executive Oleg Vornik stepped down effective immediately.

The company announced that chief product officer Angus Bean would take over as CEO, while chairman Peter James also flagged he would not seek re-election at the upcoming AGM.

The sell-off came despite the company releasing a very strong quarterly trading update the same day, including record cash receipts and significantly higher revenue.

DroneShield shares, already prone to sharp swings, were clearly unsettled by the sudden executive reshuffle.

Investors appeared to look past the result and focus instead on Vornik’s departure and what it could mean for leadership continuity.

That uncertainty has kept trading choppy since, with sharp rebounds often followed by quick profit-taking.

The bigger picture still looks strong

Despite the turbulence, the broader operating backdrop still appears supportive.

DroneShield remains one of the ASX’s most direct listed exposures to the fast-growing global counter-drone market.

The business provides AI-powered systems designed to detect and neutralise drones and autonomous threats across military, intelligence, government, and critical infrastructure settings.

That theme has remained in focus as geopolitical tensions continue pushing defence spending higher globally.

Importantly, this recent volatility follows a massive rerating from last year’s lows, when the stock traded near $1.72 before surging as high as $6.71 during its explosive run.

After that kind of move, periods of consolidation are not unusual.

Foolish takeaway

Yesterday’s rebound suggests buyers are still willing to back DroneShield on weakness.

The recent CEO departure clearly shook confidence and triggered a fast reset in sentiment.

The bigger driver remains DroneShield’s ability to convert growing international defence demand into new contract wins.

Rising defence budgets and DroneShield’s expanding international sales pipeline mean new deals can still have a major impact on the share price.

If that contract momentum continues, a move back toward $6 by year-end looks achievable.

The post Why DroneShield shares are roaring back after last week’s leadership shock appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended DroneShield and is short shares of DroneShield. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Contact Energy Ltd (ASX: CEN) share price is in focus after the company’s March 2026 operating report revealed higher electricity and gas sales volumes but slightly lower customer margins compared to last year. Wholesale volumes and generation capacity also increased, with lower unit generation costs providing a boost.

What did Contact Energy report?

• Mass market electricity and gas sales rose to 359 GWh (March 2025: 282 GWh).
• Mass market netback was $172.45/MWh, down from $182.13/MWh a year ago.
• Contracted wholesale electricity sales climbed to 903 GWh (March 2025: 701 GWh).
• Total electricity and steam net revenue was $130.99/MWh (March 2025: $135.72/MWh).
• Unit generation cost decreased to $56.24/MWh (March 2025: $70.12/MWh).
• Electricity generated or acquired grew to 925 GWh (March 2025: 767 GWh).

What else do investors need to know?

Contact Energy has seen healthy growth in total customer connections, reaching 684,000 in March 2026. Gas sales volumes and telco connections also increased compared to the same time last year.

Controlled hydro storage remains strong, especially in the North Island (182% of mean), helping to support elevated electricity generation. Contracted gas volumes for the next 12 months now total 8.5 PJ, including contracted swaps.

The Glenbrook-Ohurua Battery 1 came online in March, marking progress in Contact’s renewable development. Other major projects, such as Kōwhai Park Solar and Te Mihi Stage 2 geothermal, remain under construction, aiming for completion from late 2026 to 2028.

What’s next for Contact Energy?

Contact Energy continues to advance its renewables strategy, with several large-scale solar, geothermal, and battery projects underway. The successful commissioning of Battery 1 demonstrates ongoing delivery on these plans.

Looking ahead, the company will focus on maximising benefits from increased generation capacity and storage, as well as navigating wholesale price fluctuations. Investors can expect updates as the major renewable projects near completion.

Contact Energy share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Contact Energy shares have declined 7%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 16% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Contact Energy lifts sales and generation in March 2026 monthly update appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.