Category: Stock Market

It’s been a very good day indeed for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) and the Australian share market more broadly. At the time of writing, the ASX 200 has lifted by a confident 0.95% to just under 9,100 points after hitting a new all-time record high of 9,118.3 points during intraday trading. It’s been an even better day for Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) shares, though.

Telstra shares closed at $4.96 each yesterday afternoon, an unremarkable price for anyone who has been watching this ASX 200 telco over the past six months. But what has been remarkable is Telstra’s journey today.

The telco opened at $5.02 this morning before rising up as high as $5.26 a share. Not only is that a new 52-week high for Telstra, but the highest its stock has traded at since way back in early 2017, just before the infamous dividend cut that Telstra implemented later that year. Yes, Telstra shares are at a nine-year high this Thursday. It’s been a long time coming for investors. At the time of writing, Telstra shares have cooled off a little, but are still up a comfortable 4.44% at $5.18 each.

But why is this telco making such a dramatic move today?

Well, investors can thank the telco’s latest earnings, which were released this morning before market open.

What’s pushing Telstra shares to a nine-year high today?

As we covered earlier today, there wasn’t much to not like in what Telstra reported for the second half of 2025. The telco revealed that its earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation after leases (EBITDAaL) came in at $4.2 billion for the half, an increase of 4.9% from the same period in 2024. Cash earnings were $2.5 billion, a 14% rise. On an earnings per share (EPS) basis, Telstra reported EPS of 9.9 cents per share, a rise of 11%. Cash EPS was 14 cents per share, up 20%.

That helped Telstra report a net profit after tax (NPAT) of $1.2 billion, up 8.1% on the previous period.

This profit enabled Telstra to announce an interim dividend of 10.5 cents per share for the period, a healthy 10.5% increase over last year’s interim dividend of 9.5 cents per share. The telco has also expanded its ongoing share buyback program. After buying back $637 million worth of stock over the back half of last year, Telstra has increased its buyback cap from “up to $1 billion” to “up to $1.25 billion” going forward.

All of these measures are probably pulling their weight in lifting Telstra shares to their new highs this Thursday. But the guidance that Telstra provided wouldn’t be hurting matters either.

Telstra has told investors to expect underlying earnings (EBITDAaL) of $8.2 to $8.4 billion for the full 2026 financial year. If that does occur, it would represent a tangible jump from the $8.02 billion Telstra reported for FY 2025.

ASX investors like dividend hikes and share buybacks, but they love certainty. Telstra has delivered all three today, so it’s arguably no surprise to see the shares break new ground.

The post Telstra shares just hit a 9-year high. Here’s why appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

It has been a difficult start to 2026 for Suncorp Group Ltd (ASX: SUN) shareholders.

After releasing its half-year results on Wednesday, the insurer’s share price fell 4.38% to close at $15.28.

Today, the stock has edged higher and is trading around $15.42, up 0.92%.

Even with that rebound, Suncorp shares remain down about 12% this year amid concerns about the company’s earnings and outlook.

Profit slumps after heavy weather losses

For the half, Suncorp reported net profit after tax (NPAT) of $263 million. That is a significant drop from $1.1 billion in the same period last year. Cash earnings came in at $270 million, down from $828 million a year ago.

The main reason for the decline was higher natural hazard costs. Suncorp said it dealt with 9 major weather events during the half, including severe storms and hail. Natural hazard costs totalled $1.31 billion, which was well above its allowance.

Net incurred claims rose 23.4% to $5.48 billion. At the same time, investment income fell to $259 million from $374 million last year, partly due to market impacts from higher yields.

Despite the earnings pressure, some underlying metrics remained solid.

Gross written premium increased 2.7% to $7.69 billion. The underlying insurance trading ratio was 11.7%, which sits within the company’s target range of 10% to 12%.

Chief Executive Steve Johnston said higher natural hazard costs and weaker investment returns hurt profits, though the underlying business performance remained resilient.

Dividend reduced as earnings fall

Suncorp declared a fully-franked interim dividend of 17 cents per share, equal to 68% of cash earnings for the half. That is down from 41 cents in the prior corresponding period.

The company also completed $168 million of its on-market share buyback and continues to target around $400 million in buybacks across FY26.

Suncorp ended the half with capital above the midpoint of its Common Equity Tier 1 target range, supporting balance sheet flexibility despite elevated claims costs.

Management expects gross written premium growth to be at the lower end of the mid-single digit range for the full year.

What the brokers are saying

Broker reaction has been mixed following the result.

Macquarie upgraded Suncorp shares to outperform, pointing to solid underlying margins despite elevated catastrophe costs.

However, several brokers reduced their price targets.

Morgan Stanley cut its target to $17.01. Barrenjoey lowered its target to $18, and Jefferies trimmed its target to $17. Citi lifted its target slightly to $18.90 and upgraded the stock to outperform.

With shares trading around $15.40, most broker targets still imply upside.

Are Suncorp shares undervalued?

At current levels, Suncorp is trading on a reduced earnings base after a difficult half.

If natural hazard costs ease and investment returns improve, earnings could recover in the second half. However, recent years suggest extreme weather events are becoming more frequent, adding uncertainty to forecasts.

After falling 12% in 2026, the shares may appear cheaper on forward metrics. But the outlook remains closely tied to weather patterns and market conditions.

The post Down 12% in 2026, are Suncorp shares undervalued? 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 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.

Healthcare shares are 1.8% higher on Thursday as earnings season continues and the ASX 200 sets a new record.

Sector heavyweight Sonic Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SHL) is pushing healthcare higher after revealing an 11% profit increase in 1H FY26.

The Sonic Healthcare share price rocketed 14% to an intraday high of $24.14 per share earlier in trading.

Meantime, brokers have reviewed the results of three other sector giants to determine whether they are a buy, hold, or sell.

Let’s check them out.

Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH)

The Cochlear share price is $200.14, up 1.15% today and down 28% over the past 12 months.

This ASX 200 healthcare share was smashed on results day and continues to suffer this week.

The Cochlear share price reached a 3-year low of $197.10 today.

Morgans reviewed the hearing implant company’s results:

The 1H26 result was softer than expected, with revenue, margins and profit negatively impacted mainly on longer than anticipated contracting for the newly launched Nucleus Nexa system (Nexa).

Soft Cochlear Implants (CI) growth mis-matched sales, reflecting unfavourable emerging market mix and delayed developed market momentum, while Services was flat and Acoustics surprised to downside on increased competitive pressures.

While Nexa adoption accelerated late in the half and management maintained FY26 guidance, but now is targeting the lower end of the range, it increases reliance on a strong 2H recovery which appears optimistic, especially in light of flat GM and FX headwinds.

The broker retained its hold rating but reduced its 12-month share price target on Cochlear to $214.93.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

The CSL share price is $153.62, up 0.57% today and down 42% over 12 months.

Like Cochlear, this ASX 200 healthcare share was beaten up on results day, when the company also revealed its CEO’s resignation.

The healthcare sector’s largest company fell to a 7-year low of $149.85 per share on Monday.

On The Bull this week, Christopher Watt from Bell Potter Securities put a hold rating on CSL shares.

Watt commented on CSL’s results and outlook:

This plasma and vaccines giant reported revenue of $US8.3 billion in the first half of 2026, down 4 per cent on the prior corresponding period.

Underlying net profit after tax and amortisation (NPATA) of $US1.9 billion, excluding restructuring costs and impairments, was down 7 per cent.

The company has maintained full year guidance, with revenue forecast to increase between 2 per cent and 3 per cent and NPATA between 4 per cent and 7 per cent at constant currency. 

CSL trades below its historical price/earnings ratio and peers. Longer term product pipelines remain attractive. 

Following the results, Bell Potter cut its price target on CSL from $195 per share to $175 per share.

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

The Pro Medicus share price is $127.95, up 4% today and down 57% over 12 months.

The ASX 200 healthcare share sank to a 2-year low of $113.67 on Monday.

Michael Gable from Fairmont Equities has a sell rating on Pro Medicus shares.

Gable commented:

This medical technology business is one we have successfully traded on several occasions during the past few years.

However, since mid-2025, we have stayed away from expensive technology companies, such as PME, due to negative market sentiment.

Pro Medicus reported revenue from ordinary activities of $124.8 million in 1H FY26, an increase of 28.4%.

Underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) lifted 29.7% to $67.3 million.

Despite these increased earnings, Gable said the healthcare share was “severely punished” on results day.

He commented:

Perhaps, the result fell short of market expectations.

The shares have fallen from $330.48 on July 17, 2025 to trade at  $132.86 on February 12, 2026.

The shares may fall further if sentiment doesn’t improve. 

The post Buy, hold, sell: CSL, Pro Medicus, Cochlear shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 and Cochlear. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL, Cochlear, Pro Medicus, and Sonic Healthcare. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Analysts from Canaccord Genuity have recently been on site visits with both Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) and Deep Yellow Ltd (ASX: DYL) and have come away impressed with what they saw.

With regard to Paladin, the CG team said its Langer Heinrich mine in Namibia continues to perform strongly after an impressive December quarter during which production beat consensus estimates.

And they believe the company will do even better, as they said:

While Paladin will not update its 4.0-4.4Mlb guidance until after the March quarter, we have revised our FY26 forecast to 4.7Mlb. Commissioning of the mining fleet is trending ahead of estimates and the process is delivering stable results. We retain our buy rating and sum-of-the-parts $16.00 per share price target after incorporating minor changes.

Paladin’s current share price is $13.14.

In a separate report looking at Paladin’s half year result the CG team said it was broadly in line with expectations.

They added:

While operations were only marginally cash flow positive at US$3.3m, we see Langer Heinrich at a key inflection point, with a ramp up in free cash expected over the near term. The mining fleet has now been successfully commissioned, low grade stockpiles are largely run down, and the plant continues to ramp toward full capacity. The site visit provided incremental confidence, and we remain comfortable that a strong 2H will deliver a FY26 beat on both production and costs.

Decision to mine looms

Over at Deep Yellow and the CG team is also bullish on the stock.

Deep Yellow is at a different stage of development, with the company yet to make a final investment decision at its Tumas project in Namibia.

The CG team said the company was playing its cards well, while also getting on with the job.

As they said:

Deep Yellow is being strategically patient regarding a final investment decision for Tumas, but it is very busy on the ground and has demonstrated a willingness to spend on long-lead items, thus retaining 2028 first production flexibility. With the independent technical engineering report complete, lead arranger Nedbank discussing syndication and the term market heating up, confidence in a medium-term final investment decision is growing.

CG said Deep Yellow currently had 100 people on the ground at Tumas with most involved in bulk earthworks, while noting that detailed engineering for the project was about 60% complete.

 They said Namibia was also the only country in sub-Saharan Africa to have a US ambassador on the ground which could prove to be useful going forward.

CG has a price target of $3.01 on Deep Yellow shares compared with $2.54 currently

The post These two uranium stocks are worth a look, this broker says 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.

Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC) shares are marching higher today.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) rare earths miner closed yesterday trading for $15.51. In afternoon trade on Thursday, shares are changing hands for $15.71 each, up 1.3%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is up 1.1% today, with the benchmark index just breaking into new all-time highs.

Over the past year, the ASX 200 has now gained 8.1%, which pales in comparison to the 135.2% one-year gains achieved by Lynas shares. That’s enough to turn a $10,000 investment into $23,518.

Looking to the year ahead, however, Bell Potter Securities’ Christopher Watt believes the rare earths miner could face some stiff headwinds (courtesy of The Bull).

Here’s why.

Time to sell Lynas shares?

“While Lynas boasts strategic positioning in rare earths amid a positive long-term theme, execution risks, in our view, remain elevated,” said Watt, who has a sell recommendation on Lynas shares.

According to Watt:

The consensus among market watchers is for significant volatility ahead. Operational challenges, including power supply disruptions at the Kalgoorlie processing plant and geopolitical uncertainty, add further complexity.

Watt also pointed to the highly volatile price moves Lynas Rare Earths investors have weathered over the last year.

“The share price has been volatile. It rose from $6.89 on February 12, 2025 to $21.64 on October 15. LYC was trading at $15.92 on February 12, 2026,” he said.

And, unlike many ASX 200 mining stocks, Lynas doesn’t bring any passive income to the table.

“There’s no dividend yield,” Watt concluded.

What’s been happening with the ASX 200 rare earths miner?

Lynas shares closed up 6.7% on 21 January after the company reported its second-quarter (Q2 FY 2026) update.

Investors were clearly pleased with the rare earth miner’s $201.9 million gross sales revenue, up 43% from Q2 FY 2025.

Revenue got a big boost from the 74% year-on-year increase in the average selling price Lynas received across all its rare earths products over the three months. The average price was $85.60 per kilogram.

However, as Watt noted above, Lynas did encounter significant operational challenges over the quarter.

Lynas ran into power supply disruptions at its Western Australia-based Kalgoorlie plant in November. And operations were also hindered by planned kiln maintenance at the miner’s Malaysian Kuantan facility.

This led to a 9% year-on-year decrease in total rare earth oxide (REO) production in Q2 FY 2026 to 2,382 tonnes. REO production was down a sharp 40% from the prior quarter.

The post Sell alert! Why this expert is calling time on Lynas shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

ASX property shares are underperforming on Thursday as earnings season continues and the market sets a new record.

The S&P/ASX 200 Real Estate Index (ASX: XPJ) is down 3.6% while the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is up 1.1%.

The ASX 200 hit a record 9,118.3 points in earlier trading, surpassing its previous record of 9,115.2 points on 21 October.

Stronger-than-expected jobs data released today has added to the case for further interest rate hikes in 2026.

Interest rate increases do not bode well for ASX real estate shares.

However, Morgans reckons there are three real estate stocks worth looking at following their latest earnings reports.

The broker gives all of them a buy rating.

Let’s find out why.

Dexus Industria REIT (ASX: DXI)

This ASX property share is trading at $2.53 apiece, down 1.4% today and 9.8% over the past 12 months.

Dexus Industria reported its 1H FY26 results last week.

Morgans said:

DXI continues to deliver strong operational results, with fixed/CPI rent escalators providing visibility for medium-term earnings growth, despite a normalisation in some industrial markets.

The balance sheet is a key differentiator, with gearing below the target range, and no near-term debt maturities, DXI is afforded the flexibility to pursue value-accretive developments such as the Jandakot.

Whilst these factors underpin DXI’s ability to grow income organically and recycle into higher-quality industrial assets, the current interest rate environment is likely to cap near-term valuation momentum across the A-REIT sector.

Morgans has an accumulate rating on this real estate investment trust (REIT) with a $2.80 price target.

The broker said:

On balance, DXI’s secure income, development-led value creation, and a 26% discount to NTA justify a stance more constructive than Hold, but rate-driven macro constraints prevent a Buy; we therefore retain an ACCUMULATE rating with a $2.80 price target.

Centuria Industrial REIT (ASX: CIP)

This ASX property share is trading at $3.20 apiece, up 0.16% today and 9.04% over the past 12 months.

Centuria Industrial REIT released its 1H FY26 results last week.

Morgans said:

The CIP portfolio continues to perform well, with +44% rental spreads and a further 20% under-renting to continue driving net property income growth over the medium term.

Offsetting the strong property fundamentals, higher interest costs continue to impact CIP (and peers).

Albeit, CIP’s debt book remains in good condition, benefiting from the recently issued exchangeable note ($350m at 3.5% coupon).

To this end, the prospect of higher rates will likely continue to weigh on the sector, offsetting some of the positive fundamentals.

Morgans kept its accumulate rating on this ASX property share with a $3.60 price target.

HomeCo Daily Needs REIT (ASX: HDN)

This ASX property share is trading at $1.31 apiece, down 0.2% today and up 8.4% over 12 months.

HomeCo Daily Needs REIT also reported its 1H FY26 earnings last week.

Morgans commented:

HDN delivered a consistent set of results, with property fundamentals seeing NOI growth at +4.6% (vs pcp) and NTA growth of 5.4% (vs Jun-25).

However, higher rates and increased debt saw FFO growing a more modest 2.8% – a trend we expect to continue as the business navigates potentially higher rates.

Given HDN is trading at a 17% discount to NTA, with a 6.7% distribution yield (FY26), there is cause to see value.

However, it appears FFO growth greater than inflation may remain elusive for the medium term.

Morgans retained its accumulate rating with a $1.40 per share price target.

The post 3 ASX property shares to buy appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 recommended HomeCo Daily Needs REIT. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

I’ve never liked buying or investing in ASX mining shares like BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP).

As I’ve written about before, I don’t like the inherent cyclicality of mining companies and their limited ability to compound their earnings over long periods of time that results from it. There’s nothing wrong with investing in miners in principle. It has just never been for me.

However, after seeing BHP’s earnings report that was released earlier this week, I am reconsidering that bias.

As we covered on Tuesday, it was a stellar set of earnings that BHP dropped. The ‘Big Australian’ reported an 11% rise in revenues to US$27.9 billion. Underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) were up 25% to US$15.46 billion, while the company’s underlying profits spiked 22% to US$6.2 billion.

This all enabled BHP to hike its 2026 interim dividend by a pleasing 46% to 73 US cents per share.

None of those figures prompted me to reconsider buying BHP shares, though. What did was where this miner’s earnings came from.

A few years ago, BHP was primarily an iron ore miner, with some other operations providing supplemental earnings. Today, the company is a different beast. Over the six months to 31 December 2025, BHP made more money from its copper operations than from iron ore. BHP reported underlying earnings (EBITDA) worth US$7.5 billion from its iron ore division over that period, behind its copper division’s US$7.95 billion.

That copper division is firing on all cylinders, with that US$7.95 billion up from US$5.01 billion over the same period in 2024.

Why I might buy BHP shares in 2026

Even more pleasingly, BHP’s copper expansion has given the company a windfall of other commodities. Copper mining is a process that tends to produce significant byproducts. Alongside copper, BHP reported a big increase in production of gold, silver, and uranium over the back half of last year. Its South Australian copper mines produce 400,000 ounces of gold over the period alone, putting it in the top five ASX producers. It also contributed 5% of the entire global supply of uranium over the period.

BHP is turning itself into one of the world’s most diversified miners. Additionally, it focuses on commodities that will be essential to future-facing technologies like electrification and nuclear power generation.

It’s likely that these commodities will see sustained demand over the decades ahead. And BHP is positioning itself to be at the forefront of this trend. As such, I am rethinking my general distaste for ASX mining shares on these latest numbers. And if I had to pick an ASX miner to invest in today, it would probably be BHP shares.

The post I never thought I’d buy BHP shares, but I’m reconsidering. Here’s why appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 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 team at Morgans has been busy running the rule over a number of ASX shares this week following the release of updates.

Let’s take a closer look at three and see if the broker rates them as buys, holds, or sells. Here’s what you need to know:

A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M)

This infant formula company delivered a stronger than expected half-year result this week. In addition, Morgans notes that management has upgraded its FY 2026 guidance again.

While the broker is a fan of A2 Milk, it thinks its shares are fairly valued now. As a result, it has put a hold rating and $9.50 price target on them. It said:

A2M’s 1H26 result was stronger than expected. The beat for us reflected stronger than expected Other Nutritionals and Liquid Milk sales. FY26 guidance was upgraded once again. NPAT growth should accelerate in FY27 given A2 Pokeno is expected to breakeven and new China label (CL) IF products will be launched. While we rate the company and its management team highly, we believe that the stock is trading on fair multiples (FY27 PE of 29.3x and PEG of 1.9x). We maintain a Hold rating with a new price target of A$9.50 (previously $9.40).

Capstone Copper Corp (ASX: CSC)

This copper miner disappointed with its production guidance earlier this week. It notes that its production volumes were softer than expected and its costs were higher.

Nevertheless, the broker remains positive and sees plenty of value in Capstone shares. This has seen Morgans retain its buy rating with a trimmed price target of $16.60. It said:

CY26 production guidance is well below expectations with higher costs and capex reflecting lower grades at Pinto Valley and Mantos Blancos, and strike and tie-in impacts at Mantoverde driving likely near-term earnings revisions. CY26 headwinds are largely sequencing and one-off in nature, with MV-O ramp-up and higher grades positioning CSC for volume growth and lower unit costs from CY27 onward. Maintain BUY with a A$16.60ps target price (previously A$17.40).

Judo Capital Holdings Ltd (ASX: JDO)

Finally, Morgans has downgraded this small business lender’s shares to an accumulate rating (from buy) with a $2.09 price target. The broker made the move on valuation grounds following a sizeable rise in the Judo share price in response to a strong half-year result. It said:

Strong 1H26 profit growth provided evidence of improving operating leverage. Forecast NPAT changes across FY26-28F are within +3% to -4% on a mildly higher revenue and costs scenario than previously assumed. 12 month target price lifted to $2.09/sh mostly on valuation roll-forward. Rating moved down from BUY to ACCUMULATE given recent share price strength.

The post Buy, hold, sell: A2 Milk, Capstone Copper, and Judo Capital 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.

Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB) shares have stormed higher today following the company’s half-year results announcement this morning. The increase has helped push the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) to a new all-time high in lunchtime trade.

At the time of writing, Hub24 shares are up 12.15% to $96.71 a piece. The latest uptick means the diversified financial services company’s shares are now 0.89% higher year-to-date and 13.13% higher than their trading price this time last year.

Investors are flocking to the stock after the company posted a significant increase across the board. 

In its announcement ahead of the ASX open this morning, Hub24 reported a 26% hike in revenue for the six months ended 31st December 2025. It also reported a huge 60% increase in its group underlying net profit after tax (NPAT), an 80% increase in statutory NPAT, and a 35% rise in its group underlying EBITDA.

The strong results meant the company was able to hike its full-franked interim dividend payment 50% higher to 36 cents per share.

The result beat market estimates across nearly every metric.

And investors are thrilled.

The good news comes on the back of record Q2 FY26 inflows, which the company posted last month.

So, are the shares a buy, sell or hold following the result?

Here’s what analysts think of the Hub24 shares for 2026

Analysts were already bullish on Hub24 shares, and we will likely see many of them confirm or adjust their positions on the stock in the coming days. 

Even after today’s upswing, analysts think there is plenty more room for the shares to run this year.

At the time of writing, 10 out of 17 analysts have a buy or strong buy rating on Hub24 shares. The average target price is $112.58 per share, implying a potential 16.97% upside for investors. 

But some analysts are even more optimistic about the stock this year. The maximum target price is $138.10 a piece, implying the shares could soar 43.93% over the next 12 months from the current trading price.

Earlier this week, the team at Bell Potter said it believes Hub24 is well-positioned for strong growth this year, thanks to structural tailwinds and the quality of its platform.

Hub24 also upgraded its FY27 Platform FUA target to $160 billion to $170 billion (excluding PARS FUA), up from the previous target of $148 billion to $162 billion. However, this is mostly in line with current analyst estimates. 

The post HUB24 shares jump 12% higher. Are the shares still a buy for 2026? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Hub24. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Hub24. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

ASX shares are in focus right now as we near the end of the third week of earnings season. The All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is 1.01% higher at the time of writing in early-afternoon trade on Thursday, and it’s tipped to keep climbing. 

There are some ASX shares that analysts think will hugely outpace the index this year, rising 50% higher, or even more.

IDP Education Ltd (ASX: IEL) 

It was one of the worst-performing shares on the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) in 2025. Its performance saw the stock crash out and exit the index amid a reshuffle in September.

Unfortunately, the company’s lacklustre share price performance translated through to early-2026 too. At the time of writing, the shares are 0.99% higher at $5.08 a piece. Despite the increase, the shares are down 11.65% year to date and 58.56% year over year.

While there hasn’t been much good news out of the international education services business over the past year, it looks like the company could stage a turnaround in 2026.

Some analysts think visa caps and declines in student volume may have peaked, particularly in key markets like Canada and Australia. This means the volume of student placements could start rebounding, and it could drag revenue and the company’s share price up with it. 

Analysts are mostly positive on the stock, with five out of eight holding a buy or strong buy rating. The average target price is $7.30, and the maximum is $11.50. That implies the shares could soar 43.98% to 126.82% higher over the next 12 months, at the time of writing.

IPH Ltd (ASX: IPH)

Shares in the intellectual property provider are storming higher today off the back of its latest results. This morning, IPH reported a 6.5% increase in revenue for the six months ended 31st December 2025.

The company also declared an interim dividend of 19 cents per share, up 11.8% on the prior period.

Investors are clearly happy with the result. Its shares are 13.31% higher at the time of writing to $3.83 a piece. The uplift means the shares are now 6.69% higher for the year to date but 20.04% below where they were last year.

Analysts think there is plenty more to come, too. Out of six analysts, five have a buy or strong buy rating on the ASX company and its shares. The average target price is $5.03, and the maximum is $6.05. That implies a potential upside of 30.60% to 57.14% over the next 12 months, at the time of writing.

The post 2 ASX shares tipped to soar 50% (or more) higher in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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