Category: Stock Market

Shares in offshore services provider Bhagwan Marine Ltd (ASX: BWN) have not exactly set the world on fire since the company listed on the ASX in mid-2024.

But according to the team at Shaw and Partners, the company is deeply undervalued and is looking good following a recent acquisition.

Complementary acquisition

Bhagwan, in February, announced to the ASX that it would buy Riverside Marine Holdings for $130 million.

The company said at the time that it “represents a step-change in scale and scope for Bhagwan, strengthening the company’s position as a preferred marine solutions provider”.

Bhagwan said the 100-year-old Riverside operated about 30 vessels across five brands and had longstanding clients in the industrial resources, scientific research, transport, and logistics sectors.

It also said that 88% of Riverside’s revenue was repeatable, while its forecast EBITDA for FY26 was $26.2 million.

Bhagwan Managing Director Loui Kannikoski said regarding the deal:

This is a transformational milestone for our company. Riverside is an excellent strategic and cultural fit. Its highly complementary operations enhance diversification across service offerings, commodity exposure and geographic presence, creating meaningful synergies that strengthen our collective capabilities.

Mr Kannikosi said they were also excited by Riverside’s long-term growth potential.

Shares looking cheap

The Shaw team said the acquisition was a good fit.

Riverside significantly boosts repeatable revenue for Bhagwan from 40%-50% through long-term multi year contracts with tier- 1 clients. Riverside also geographically diversifies Bhagwan into North QLD and the Pilbara and diminishes Bhagwan’s exposure to oil and gas (from 66% of rev to about 50%.) Riverside operates a capital-light business model whereby it manages vessels owned by its clients. Finally, Riverside achieves industry-leading EBITDA margins of about 40%.

The Shaw team said Riverside’s industrial sands business could benefit from the construction boom in the lead up to the Brisbane Olympics, and it also had good growth opportunities in its Port Hedland business in Western Australia.

They added that Riverside had key relationships with BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Mitsubishi in the region, while Bhagwan offered sub-sea services to the oil and gas sector.

Shaw has a price target of 90 cents on Bhagwan Marine shares, which it has increased by 10 cents following the announcement of the Riverside deal.

Bhagwan shares were trading at 44 cents on Friday, compared to the 63 cents listing price in mid-2024.

The company was valued at $137.1 million at the close of trade on Thursday.  

The post Looking for a 100%-plus gain? This offshore services company might fit the bill appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Brokers review 12-month price targets for 3 ASX 200 mining shares post-results
• Buying BHP shares? Here’s why this was a HUGE week for the ASX mining giant
• BHP share price lifts amid brokers re-rating the miner post-results
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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.

Three ASX 200 mining shares that are the largest players in their segments have been re-rated by analysts this week.

This follows all three companies releasing their 1H FY26 earnings.

Let’s take a look.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

The BHP share price is up 0.8% to $53.66 on Friday.

BHP is the largest ASX 200 mining share on the market. The company is a major iron ore and copper producer.

This week, BHP reported a 28% profit lift to US$5.64 billion for 1H FY26, and also announced a US$4.3 billion silver streaming agreement.

The news sent the BHP share price to a near-record high of $54.20. The all-time high is $54.55, set in mid-2021.

Following the 1H FY26 report, brokers reviewed their ratings and 12-month price targets for BHP shares.

Bank of America reiterated its buy rating and raised its target from $57 to $60.

Morgan Stanley kept its buy rating but cut its target from $56.50 to $55.50.

Ord Minnett retained its buy rating and lifted its price target from $51 to $54.

RBC Capital reiterated its hold rating on the ASX 200 mining share and lifted its target from $51 to $55.

Macquarie reiterated its hold rating and lifted its price target from $51 to $52.

UBS kept its hold rating but increased its target from $47 to $52.

Citi also kept its hold rating and raised its price target from $48 to $52.

Morgans maintained its hold rating and lifted its target from $48.60 to $49 per share.

Sandfire Resources Ltd (ASX: SFR)

The Sandfire Resources share price is down 0.63% to $18.85 on Friday.

Sandfire is the largest ASX 200 copper mining share on the market.

This week, Sandfire reported a 94% increase in net profit after tax (NPAT) to US$96.3 million for 1H FY26.

After reviewing the numbers, several brokers have revised their ratings and 12-month targets.

Morgans kept its hold rating on Sandfire Resources shares and increased its price target from $18.90 to $20.40.

Macquarie reiterated its hold rating with a price target of $20.10.

Morgan Stanley kept its sell rating on the ASX 200 copper mining share with a price target of $16.20.

Canaccord Genuity upgraded Sandfire Resources shares to a buy. The broker lifted its 12-month target from $19.50 to $21.

UBS maintained its sell rating and raised its target from $17.75 to $18.05.

The Sandfire Resources share price hit a record high of $21.75 last month.

PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS)

The PLS Group share price is down 0.8% to $4.35 at the time of writing.

PLS Group, formerly known as Pilbara Minerals, is the largest ASX 200 lithium mining share on the market.

This week, PLS Group reported a 241% lift in underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) to $253 million for 1H FY26.

The positive result prompted brokers to rethink their ratings and 12-month price targets.

Citi reiterated its hold rating with a price target of $5.25.

Morgan Stanley retained its buy rating on the ASX 200 lithium mining share with a price target of $5.

Bell Potter maintained its hold rating with a price target of $4.60.

RBC Capital reiterated its buy rating and lifted its PLS Group share price target from $5.10 to $5.20.

The PLS Group share price reached a two-and-a-half-year high of $5.16 last month.

The post Brokers review 12-month price targets for 3 ASX 200 mining shares post-results appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Looking for a 100%-plus gain? This offshore services company might fit the bill
• Should you buy PLS shares after its results?
• Buying BHP shares? Here’s why this was a HUGE week for the ASX mining giant
• BHP share price lifts amid brokers re-rating the miner post-results
• I never thought I’d buy BHP shares, but I’m reconsidering. Here’s why

Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Bank of America is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in BHP Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to end the week in the red. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is down 0.15% to 9,072.5 points.

Four ASX shares that are falling more than most today are listed below. Here’s why they are dropping:

Guzman Y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG)

The Guzman Y Gomez share price is down 10% to $18.33. Investors have been selling the burrito seller’s shares following the release of its half-year results. Guzman Y Gomez reported global network sales growth of 18% to $681.8 million and net profit after tax growth of 44.9% to $10.6 million. Investors may be disappointed with the performance of its US operations, which recorded an EBITDA loss of $8.3 million. This is up from a loss of $5 million a year earlier.

Inghams Group Ltd (ASX: ING)

The Inghams share price is down 16% to $2.05. This has been driven by the release of the poultry producer’s half-year results. Inghams reported largely flat revenue of $1.61 billion and a 64.9% decline in net profit after tax to $18.1 million. The latter was driven primarily by higher operating costs in Australia. Looking ahead, management has downgraded its EBITDA guidance for FY 2026. It now expects underlying EBITDA of $180 million to $200 million, which is down from $215 million to $230 million previously. Inghams’ CEO and managing director, Ed Alexander, said: “Pre AASB 16 earnings of $80.6 million for the first half of FY26 were disappointing, with the results impacted by the cost of managing excess inventory and supply chain transition inefficiencies as the business implemented an operational reset following customer changes experienced in FY25.”

Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1)

The Megaport share price is down 5% to $10.37. This is despite the release of its half-year results, which revealed record revenue and earnings. Megaport reported a 26% increase in revenue to $134.9 million and EBITDA growth of 28% to $35.3 million. The company’s CEO, Michael Reid, said: “Our global business continues to scale, with the United States delivering exceptional momentum, pushing the Americas to 24% YoY ARR growth. This performance was driven by rising NRR and consistent new logo acquisition.”

Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO)

The Rio Tinto share price is down over 3% to $163.18. This follows the release of the mining giant’s full-year results. Rio Tinto reported a 9% increase in underlying EBITDA to US$25.36 billion. However, underlying earnings were flat at US$10.87 billion, which led to the Rio Tinto board holding its total dividends at US$4.02 per share. This was short of the market’s expectations. Nevertheless, Rio Tinto’s chief executive, Simon Trott, was pleased with the year. He said: “Our solid financial results demonstrate clear progress as we embed our stronger, sharper and simpler way of working. We achieved an 8% uplift in CuEq production driven by the ongoing ramp-up of the Oyu Tolgoi underground copper mine and record iron ore production since April from our Pilbara operations.”

The post Why Guzman Y Gomez, Inghams, Megaport, and Rio Tinto shares are tumbling today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Inghams shares plunge 13% as earnings slump and FY26 guidance cut
• Megaport shares tumble despite record results
• Guzman y Gomez shares crash to a record low following half-year results
• Guzman y Gomez posts 1H26 earnings
• Why are Rio Tinto shares sinking today?

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

In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to record a small decline. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is down slightly to 9,081.3 points.

Four ASX shares that are not letting that hold them back are listed below. Here’s why they are rising:

PWR Holdings Ltd (ASX: PWH)

The PWR share price is up 12% to $9.85. This follows the release of the advanced cooling technology company’s half-year results. PWR reported a 27.8% increase in revenue to $80.4 million and a 38.6% lift in net profit after tax to $5.7 million. Management advised that this was driven by higher volumes across the Motorsports and Aerospace and Defence (A&D) market sectors. PWR’s acting CEO, Matthew Bryson, said: “This result reflects strong revenue performance across Motorsports and Aerospace & Defence, together with the early operating leverage from our new, purpose-built Stapylton facility. The move to a significantly larger and more advanced manufacturing platform is a structural step-change for the business, positioning PWR to capture further growth in these key market sectors while strengthening our position in technically complex, niche advanced cooling markets.”

QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE)

The QBE share price is up 8% to $21.71. This morning, QBE released its full-year results and reported gross written premium growth of 7% to US$23.96 billion and a 21% jump in net profit after tax to US$2.158 billion. QBE’s CEO, Andrew Horton, said: “QBE delivered strong performance in 2025, exceeding our financial plan for the year. Profitability remains attractive across the majority of lines and the year ahead appears constructive for further growth, and a continuation of solid returns.”

Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX)

The Telix share price is up 9% to $9.94. Investors have been buying the radiopharmaceuticals company’s shares following the release of its full-year results. Telix posted a 56% increase in revenue to US$803.8 million, which was in line with its upgraded guidance. And while Telix’s adjusted EBITDA was down 41% to US$39.5 million, this is reflective of increased operating expenditure driven by strategic acquisitions, investment in commercial infrastructure, and research and development. Looking ahead, the company is guiding to revenue of US$950 million to US$970 million.

Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP)

The Zip share price is up 2% to $1.89. This has been driven by news that the buy now pay later provider is launching a $50 million on-market share buyback. Zip’s CEO and managing director, Cynthia Scott, said: “Today’s announcement reflects Zip’s disciplined and balanced approach to capital management. The Buy-Back program is consistent with our capital management framework and objective to maximise shareholder value. It demonstrates confidence in the strength of our balance sheet, and long-term strategy. We remain focused on investing in growth and driving sustainable profitability, while also returning surplus capital to shareholders where appropriate.”

The post Why PWR, QBE, Telix, and Zip shares are storming higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• QBE shares race 7% higher on strong full-year result
• Why are Zip shares rebounding 5% today?
• QBE Insurance posts 2025 profit and dividend increase in FY25
• Recap: Winners and losers from earnings season week 3
• Buy, hold, or sell? Goodman Group, Wesfarmers, Zip 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 positions in and has recommended PWR Holdings and Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended PWR Holdings. 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.

QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE) shares jumped 7.3% higher to $21.52 during Friday lunch hour trade.

The share price surge comes after the insurance company reported a 21% profit increase for the full year 2025.

Solid jump in profit and premiums

QBE is Australia’s second-largest international insurer. It offers a broad suite of products across personal, commercial, corporate and institutional markets, spanning underwriting and reinsurance.

The ASX financial company delivered a strong FY 2025 performance. It managed to lift statutory net profit after tax about 21% to US$2.16 billion from US$1.78 billion a year earlier, comfortably ahead of market expectations.

Gross written premiums climbed roughly 7% to nearly US$24 billion, reflecting solid rate momentum and broader portfolio growth. The combined operating ratio improved to 91.9%, indicating healthier underwriting margins and a better balance between premiums and claims costs.

Lower catastrophe claims

The combined operating ratio improvement reflects successful portfolio optimisation and lower catastrophe claims, with the net cost from catastrophes at just 4.1% of net insurance revenue, well below the group’s allowance

QBE Group CEO, Andrew Horton said:

Driven by our purpose to enable a more resilient future, 2025 has been a year of meaningful progress for QBE. Underpinned by disciplined execution of our strategic priorities, our efforts to rebalance the portfolio and stabilise performance have delivered tangible improvements, and the business has built strong momentum.

Investment income remained resilient, supporting overall profitability alongside underwriting gains. QBE lifted its full-year dividend by about 25% to $1.09 per share, with a roughly 50% payout ratio, underscoring strong capital generation.

What next for QBE Insurance?

Looking ahead, management reaffirmed guidance for mid-single-digit premium growth and a combined operating ratio of around 92.5% for FY 2026. It’s signalling confidence in continued disciplined execution.

The insurer is doubling down on underwriting discipline and portfolio optimisation, having largely exited its North American non-core book.

Mr Horton commented:

Our Portfolio Optimisation efforts have delivered meaningful change over the last few years. The exit of our North America non-core portfolio progressed well and broadly concluded this year, leaving us with a more focused business with substantially less property catastrophe exposure.

 It also plans to step up investment in digital, cloud and AI to lift efficiency and sharpen underwriting performance.

QBE shares snapshot

In the past year QBE shares have had many ups and downs, with the share price moving roughly between $18 and $24. Since the start of the year the ASX financial stock has found its way up again, gaining 9%.

Over the past 12 months QBE shares increased value with almost 6%. However, they’re still trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 9% over the same period.

The post QBE shares race 7% higher on strong full-year result appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why PWR, QBE, Telix, and Zip shares are storming higher today
• QBE Insurance posts 2025 profit and dividend increase in FY25
• Are Suncorp or QBE shares a better buy after yesterday’s sell-off?
• ASX 200 financials flew but tech and mining shares faltered last week
• What the stronger Australian dollar means for your 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 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.

Amid ongoing strength in the Aussie labour market, should ASX investors brace for further interest rate hikes from the Reserve Bank of Australia?

According to Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) senior economist Ashwin Clarke, that wouldn’t be a bad idea.

Yesterday, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released the latest jobs data. With the number of workers increasing by 17,800 in January, unemployment stayed steady at 4.1%.

However, CBA noted that the trend unemployment rate, which takes out month‑to‑month “noise” to show the underlying direction, declined to 4.1% in January from 4.2% in December.

Following on strong jobs data in December, CBA said the January figures point “to a labour market that remains slightly tighter than the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) would prefer”.

As you’re likely aware, earlier this month the RBA lifted interest rates for the first time since November 2023, boosting the official cash rate to the current 3.85%.

“The board has been closely monitoring the economy and judges that some of the increase in inflation reflects greater capacity pressures,” the RBA said at the time.

And the RBA is keeping a close eye on those unemployment figures. “Various indicators suggest that labour market conditions remain a little tight,” the board said in making its 3 February decision to boost interest rates.

A tighter labour market puts upwards pressure on wages and adds fuel to the inflation fire.

What CBA now expects from interest rates

“While the monthly gains in employment look modest, the underlying trend shows the labour market remains a little too tight to bring inflation back to the RBA’s target midpoint,” Clarke said.

The RBA has a mandate to keep inflation with the range of 2% to 3%.

CBA noted that trend employment increased by 24,700 in January, and the trend underemployment rate held steady at 5.9%, close to its lowest level in three decades.

The bank added, “The continued strength in hiring suggests monetary policy may still need to do more work to contain inflation.”

As for what ASX investors should expect from RBA interest rates, Clarke said:

The December print highlighted the risk that the labour market was strengthening at the end of 2025, and [Thursday’s] data confirms that this was the case with a gradual strengthening continuing in early 2026. This strengthening likely reflects the lagged effects of momentum building in the real economy over 2025.

Importantly, this data was before interest rates were increased by 25bps in February, but this will likely be cold comfort for the RBA.

CBA expects the RBA will likely keep rates on hold at its next meeting in March.

As for the May meeting, Clarke said, “The release reinforces our expectation that rates will be increased by the RBA in May and that the risks sit for further rate increases from there.”

Stay tuned!

The post With trend unemployment falling, here’s the latest RBA interest rate forecast from CBA appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Recap: Winners and losers from earnings season week 3
• Are ASX bank stocks back in favour after earnings season?
• Why are CBA shares falling today?
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• 3 high-quality blue-chip ASX shares I would buy right now

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.

The Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) share price reached an 18-month high of $27.34 in early trading on Friday.

That’s the highest share price for the market’s largest oil and gas company since September 2024.

By comparison, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is down 0.1% as the market takes a breather following yesterday’s record high.

Woodside and other ASX oil shares are rising today on fears that US military action in Iran may be imminent.

This could impact the global oil supply because Iran could disrupt oil export shipments along the critical Strait of Hormuz.

More than 20% of global oil and gas exports, mostly from Iran, Iraq, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), pass through the strait.

The strait runs between Iran in the north and Oman and the UAE in the south.

It is the only sea channel linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.

What’s the latest on US-Iran nuclear talks?

US President Donald Trump has set a deadline for Iran to reach a nuclear agreement.

Analysts at Trading Economics said:

Trump signaled that negotiations would likely have no more than 10 to 15 days to advance.

At the same time, the US has deployed its largest military buildup in the Middle East since the 2003 Iraq invasion, raising the prospect of a broader and more sustained operation than last June’s overnight strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities.

The move has heightened the risk of supply disruptions, with investors concerned that a US-Iran conflict could prompt Iran to restrict traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical corridor for crude exports from the region.

Reports indicate US intervention would likely be limited to a one-week campaign.

Israel’s government is hoping for regime change in Iran. 

Oil price rises to a 6-month high

Fears of disruption to the global oil supply sent Brent crude oil futures to a 6-month high above US$71.60 per barrel today.

Brent crude is now on track for a weekly gain of more than 5%.

WTI crude oil futures are trading above US$66.45 per barrel, which is also a 6-month high.

WTI crude is also heading for a weekly gain of more than 5%.

The analysts said the largest drawdown in US crude inventory since early September is adding to today’s bullish market momentum.

Government data shows US crude inventory fell by 9 million barrels last week.

Right now, the Woodside share price is up 0.11% to $27.13 per share.

Meantime, earnings season continues, with Woodside scheduled to release its full-year FY25 results next Tuesday.

The post Why did the Woodside share price just hit an 18-month high? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• 3 ASX ETFs for investors chasing yield and growth
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday

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

S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) shares are 0.24% lower at 9,294 points at the time of writing on Friday.

ASX All Ords shares have risen 1.7% over the week as more companies revealed strong earnings results and dividends.

Next week, a large group of ASX shares go ex-dividend. We provide a sample of these stocks below.

To pick up a dividend payment, you must own the share before the ex-dividend date.

ASX shares about to go ex-dividend

Here are 16 ASX shares going ex-dividend next week.

ASX share	Ex-dividend date	Dividend amount	Payment date
Ansell Ltd (ASX: ANN)	23 February	37.5 cents per share	13 March
Suncorp Group Ltd (ASX: SUN)	23 February	17 cents per share	31 March
Hansen Technologies Ltd (ASX: HSN)	23 February	5 cents per share	27 March
Vicinity Centres Ltd (ASX: VCX)	23 February	6.2 cents per share	12 March
Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG)	23 February	39.5 cents per share	10 March
Santos Ltd (ASX: STO)	23 February	14.6 cents per share	25 March
Amcor Plc (ASX: AMC)	24 February	93 cents per share	17 March
AGL Energy Ltd (ASX: AGL)	24 February	24 cents per share	26 March
Challenger Ltd (ASX: CGF)	24 February	15.5 cents per share	24 March
Deterra Royalties Ltd (ASX: DRR)	24 February	12.4 cents per share	24 March
The Lottery Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLC)	25 February	8 cents per share	26 March
Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT)	26 February	1 cent per share	31 March
Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)	26 February	32 cents per share	20 March
JB Hi-Fi Ltd (ASX: JBH)	26 February	$2.10 per share	13 March
Orora Ltd (ASX: ORA)	27 February	5 cents per share	2 April
AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP)	27 February	2 cents per share	2 April

Which companies are reporting next week?

According to the calendar, we will hear from Adairs Ltd (ASX: ADH), Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD), and Nib Holdings Ltd (ASX: NHF) on Monday.

On Tuesday, ARB Corporation Ltd (ASX: ARB), Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS), and Monadelphous Group Ltd (ASX: MND) are up.

On Wednesday, we’ll get reports from Bapcor Ltd (ASX: BAP), Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP), and Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG).

Light & Wonder Inc (ASX: LNW), Wisetech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC), and Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) will also report on Wednesday.

On Thursday, Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR), Monash IVF Group Ltd (ASX: MVF), and Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN) will release their earnings.

Ramsay Health Care Ltd (ASX: RHC), Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL), and Worley Ltd (ASX: WOR) will also be in the spotlight.

On Friday, we’ll see reports from Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL), Star Entertainment Group Ltd (ASX: SGR), and TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPG).

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

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: NAB, Santos, and Suncorp shares
• Buy, hold, sell: Bravura, ASX, Lottery Corporation shares
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Down 12% in 2026, are Suncorp shares undervalued?

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in Domino’s Pizza Enterprises and Magellan Financial Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended ARB Corporation, Adairs, Domino’s Pizza Enterprises, Light & Wonder Inc, Super Retail Group, The Lottery Corporation, and WiseTech Global. 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 Adairs, Amcor Plc, NIB Holdings, Super Retail Group, WiseTech Global, and Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended ARB Corporation, Ansell, Challenger, Domino’s Pizza Enterprises, Light & Wonder Inc, Orora, Pro Medicus, and The Lottery Corporation. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

A number of big names released updates this week and Morgans has been busy running the rule over them.

In response, let’s see whether the broker now rates these ASX 200 shares as buys, holds, or sells.

National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB)

Morgans was pleased with this big four bank’s performance during the first quarter and has upgraded its forecasts to reflect this and its positive outlook.

However, due to its current valuation, the broker has reaffirmed its sell rating with a $37.27 price target. It said:

Like its peers that reported in February, NAB’s 1Q26 trading update showed it is benefitting from a supportive interest rate, credit growth, and asset quality environment. We make upgrades to our forecasts to reflect performance and outlook. 12 month target price set at $37.27/sh. With more aggressive assumptions than previously we estimate a higher fundamental value for NAB. However, the share price is still trading far ahead of this revised estimate. SELL retained, with potential TSR of -17% (including 3.6% cash yield).

Santos Ltd (ASX: STO)

Another big name that Morgans has been looking at is energy giant Santos. Morgans thought the company delivered a solid result given the difficult trading conditions.

However, with its shares trading at fair value, the broker has retained its hold rating and $6.80 price target. It explains:

A solid CY25 earnings result from STO under difficult conditions, with lower commodity prices partly offset by solid cost controls and operating performances. Surprisingly large final dividend versus our estimate, with full year dividend payout equivalent to 86% of earnings and funded majority through debt. FCF was back in positive territory at US$208m, with a FCF breakeven of US$58.90/bbl. Strategic review on non-core assets could see some changes to the portfolio (Cooper, WA, Narrabri all being reviewed). We maintain a HOLD rating and A$6.80 target price.

Suncorp Group Ltd (ASX: SUN)

This insurance giant posted a sharp decline in profits during the first half due to unfavourable weather conditions. And while Suncorp also downgraded its guidance for FY 2026 slightly, Morgans remains positive.

It has retained its accumulate rating with a $17.01 price target. It said:

SUN’s 1H26 NPAT (A$263m) was well down on the pcp ($1.1bn) due to bad weather, but it was only -2% below consensus ($268m). Overall, we saw this as a reasonable result, albeit similar to key peer IAG, SUN did deliver a mild downgrade to FY26 top-line growth guidance. We make relatively nominal changes to our SUN FY26F/FY27F EPS of -2%/+1% on a review of our earnings assumptions. Our PT is reduced to A$17.01 (previously A$19.28). With >10% upside to our valuation, we maintain our Accumulate rating on SUN.

The post Buy, hold, sell: NAB, Santos, and Suncorp shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• Recap: Winners and losers from earnings season week 3
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Down 12% in 2026, are Suncorp shares undervalued?

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) is down 0.3% today, despite the best lifting efforts of two ASX 200 gold stocks.

Ramelius Resources Ltd (ASX: RMS) shares are up 0.2% in late morning trade at $4.52 each. That sees the Ramelius Resources share price up 71.9% over 12 months, smashing the 9% one-year gains posted by the ASX 200.

Perseus Mining Ltd (ASX: PRU) shares are enjoying an even stronger run today. Perseus Mining shares are changing hands for $5.91 apiece, up 4.4%. Perseus Mining shares have gained 104.1% in 12 months.

Here’s what’s happening with the ASX 200 gold stocks today.

Ramelius Resources shares in the green on earnings boost

Ramelius shares are outperforming today following the release of the miner’s half-year results for the six months to 31 December (H1 FY 2026).

The ASX 200 gold stock reported record first-half underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of $347.7 million, up 13% year on year.

Operating cash flow of $311.6 million was down 3% from H1 FY 2025.

And on the bottom line, the miner’s underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) slipped 6% year on year to $160 million.

On the passive income front, management declared a fully-franked interim dividend of 3 cents per share, in line with last year’s interim payout.

As at 31 December, Ramelius held cash and bullion of $694.3 million, down 14% since the end of June.

Commenting on the results, Ramelius managing director Mark Zeptner said:

It is pleasing to be able to report such strong financial results in what remains a transitional period for Ramelius following the combination with Spartan last year. Operationally, performance was in line with our expectations highlighted in the 5-Year Growth Pathway released in October 2025…

The company’s current growth projects, including the development of the Never Never underground at Dalgaranga and the Mt Magnet processing plant upgrades, are progressing well with first ore from Never Never delivered to Mt Magnet this week and engineering / early site works underway for the plant upgrade.

Which brings us to…

ASX 200 gold stock lifts on doubled dividend

Perseus Mining also reported its half-year results this morning.

Revenue for the six months came in at US$608.5 million, up 5% year on year.

But the ASX 200 gold stock saw earnings and profits slip from H1 FY 2025.

EBITDA of US$315.5 million was down 10.5%, while profit after tax of $185.5 million declined by 7.8%.

Perseus reported operating cash flow of US$193.4 million for the half year, and held net cash and bullion of US$755 million as at 31 December.

Management declared an unfranked interim dividend of 5 Aussie cents per share. That’s up 100% from last year’s interim payout.

Looking at what could impact the ASX 200 gold stock ahead, the Aussie gold miner reaffirmed its full-year FY 2026 market guidance of 400,000 to 440,000 ounces of gold production at an all-in sustaining cost (AISC) of US$1,600 to US$1,760 per ounce.

“As we have flagged, the first half of 2026 reflected a period where our mine sites transitioned into new mining areas along with significant advancement of our capital growth projects,” Perseus CEO Craig Jones said.

Jones added:

With a strong balance sheet, high-margin operations, and a clear growth path, we believe we are well-positioned to continue delivering long-term value for our shareholders.

The post 2 ASX 200 gold stocks outperforming on big news on Friday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Ramelius Resources delivers first Never Never ore, cuts major gold hedges
• These 3 ASX gold stocks jumped 100% in a year. Is there more upside ahead?
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday
• 3 ASX mining shares to buy: brokers
• 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.