Category: Stock Market

With just a few hours of trade left in the week, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is virtually flat since last Friday’s closing bell, but don’t blame these three surging ASX 200 stocks.

One of this week’s outperformers is involved in the critical metals space, the second is investing in AI infrastructure, and the third is a major Aussie gold miner.

Which outperforming ASX 200 stocks am I talking about?

I’m glad you asked!

Capricorn Metals Ltd (ASX: CMM) shares continue strong momentum

First up we have Capricorn Metals.

Shares in the ASX gold miner closed last Friday trading for $11.77. At time of writing, shares are changing hands for $13.65 apiece. That puts this ASX 200 stock up 16.0% in this weeks’ flat market.

There was no fresh price sensitive news out from Capricorn Metals this week.

But the stock will have enjoyed an improving gold price and outlook amid rising hopes for a Middle East peace deal this week.

Capricorn Metals released its quarterly results after market close on 28 April.

With the miner reporting record quarterly cash flow from operations of $143.1 million and declaring its first ever dividend, investor interest remained strong this week.

Moving on…

ASX 200 stock Infratil Ltd (ASX: IFT) rockets on data centre news

The second best performing ASX 200 stock on my list for the week is infrastructure investment company Infratil.

Infratil shares closed last week trading for $10.45 and are currently trading for $12.42, up 18.9%.

Most of those gains were delivered on Wednesday.

Infratil shares closed up 15.0% on the day after announcing that data centre operator CDC had inked a 30-year contract for 555MW in new data centre capacity with a major United States customer.

Infratil is the largest shareholder in CDC.

Investors reacted positively to Wednesday’s announcement, which amounts to Australia’s largest data centre contract in history. Indeed, the contract is equivalent to some 40% of Australia’s total data centre capacity in 2025.

Commenting on the contract that sent the ASX 200 stock surging on Wednesday, Infratil CEO Jason Boyes said:

This contract reflects the strong global track record CDC has established in delivering large-scale, future-proofed and sustainable data centre campuses, and consolidates its position as the largest data centre provider across Australia and New Zealand.

Which brings us to…

IperionX Ltd (ASX: IPX) shares attract director interest

The best performing ASX 200 stock on my list for the week is titanium products producer IperionX.

IperionX shares closed last Friday at $4.50. At time of writing, shares are swapping hands for $5.59, up 24.2% in this week’s flat market.

There was no fresh price sensitive news out from IperionX this week. But investor interest remains strong, with the company potentially enjoying long-term support from increased global defence spending, ramping up demand for critical metals.

Investors may also have noted that the company’s directors have been snapping up shares.

As The Motley Fool reported last Friday, IperionX executive chairman Todd Hannigan bought $2.07 million worth of shares in late April. And CEO Anastasios Arima also bought more shares, valued at some $494,000.

The post 3 ASX 200 stocks storming higher in this week’s flat market appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Why DigiCo, HMC Capital, Infratil, and Qantas shares are taking off today
• Why is this $10 billion ASX stock racing 12% higher today?
• Infratil shares: CDC inks Australia’s largest data centre contract

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.

In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to end the week in the red. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is down 1.7% to 8,726.5 points.

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

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)

The Macquarie share price is down 1.5% to $238.24. This follows the release of the investment bank’s full-year results, which have been overshadowed by a market selloff. Macquarie reported net profit after tax of $4.85 billion for FY 2026, which is up 30% on FY 2025. This was driven by a very strong second half, with net profit coming in at $3.19 billion. This was a record half-year result and represented a 93% increase on the first half.

QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE)

The QBE Insurance share price is down 1.5% to $22.28. Investors have been selling the insurance giant’s shares following the release of its quarterly update. QBE reported gross written premium (GWP) growth of 11% year-on-year. However, taking some of the shine off the result was its net cost of catastrophe claims. It was approximately $300 million for January to April. This reflects multiple events in Australia and storms in the Northern Hemisphere.

Tabcorp Holdings Ltd (ASX: TAH)

The Tabcorp share price is down a further 10% to 79 cents. Investors have been selling this gambling company’s shares amid news that it has become the subject of an AUSTRAC enforcement investigation. This relates to anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing compliance. AUSTRAC has stated that the investigation is at an early stage and its approach will be determined once sufficient evidence has been collected and assessed. Tabcorp’s CEO, Gillon McLachlan, said: “I am committed to leading a compliant and safe company that understands its risk obligations. Uplifting our risk capability has been an ongoing part of the Company’s transformation and we will work constructively with AUSTRAC through this process.”

Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC)

The Westpac share price is down 4% to $37.70. This has been driven by the banking giant’s shares going ex-dividend this morning. This month, the big four bank released its half-year results and declared a 77 cents per share fully franked dividend. Eligible shareholders can now look forward to receiving this next month on 26 June.

The post Why Macquarie, QBE, Tabcorp, and Westpac shares are dropping today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 7 ASX 200 shares just upgraded this week
• New Macquarie dividend: Here’s everything you need to know
• The ASX 200 just suffered its biggest fall in 7 weeks. Here’s what’s going on
• Why is the Westpac share price falling today?
• Why QBE, Block and Macquarie shares are grabbing headlines on Friday

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 Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares are 1.6% lower at 8,733.6 points on Friday.

Every one of the 11 market sectors is in the red today.

Losses range from 0.03% for the ASX communications sector to 2.47% for property shares.

The world is waiting for Iran’s response to a US peace plan that would end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, brokers have indicated new confidence in several ASX 200 shares with rating upgrades this week.

Let’s take a look.

Lottery Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLC)

The Lottery Corporation share price is $5.33, down 0.5% today.

This ASX 200 consumer discretionary share has risen 2% in the year to date (YTD).

Morgans upgraded Lottery Corporation shares from hold to accumulate yesterday.

The broker raised its 12-month price target from $5.70 to $6, suggesting 12% upside from here.

Morgans said:

The Lottery Corporation (TLC) has secured a 40-year extension of its Victorian Public Lottery Licence to 30 June 2068, paying a $1.145bn upfront premium funded entirely by debt.

The duration and timing of the renewal was a mild surprise given the licence was historically offered on 10-year terms and wasn’t expiring until June 2028.

We view the deal as strategically positive, but near-term earnings absorb the cost. 

Light & Wonder Inc (ASX: LNW)

The Light & Wonder share price is $110.18, up 7.3% today.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 gaming share has fallen 13%.

Morgans upgraded Light & Wonder shares to a buy rating yesterday.

The broker shaved its 12-month price target from $140 to $138.

This implies a healthy potential 25% upside ahead.

ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ)

The ANZ share price is $36.87, down 1.3% today.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 bank share has fallen 3.8%.

Morgans upgraded ANZ shares from a sell to trim rating this week.

The broker lifted its 12-month price target by 4% to $31.85.

This suggests a potential 13% downside ahead.

After reviewing the bank’s 1H FY26 results, Morgans said:

1H26 revenues were flat on an underlying basis, but cost decline and credit impairment charges were better than expected.

Target price increased 4% to $31.85/sh, given 3-6% earnings upgrades and decision to recommence neutralising the DRP.

National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB)

The NAB share price is $38.53, down 2.5% today.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 financial share has fallen 13.5%.

Morgans upgraded NAB shares from a sell to a trim rating this week.

The broker lifted its 12-month price target by 4% to $36.10.

This implies a potential 6% moderation ahead.

Morgans said 1H FY26 earnings “were a mixed bag and a touch below expectations”.

Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC)

The Westpac share price is $37.84, down 1.9% for multiple reasons on Friday.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 bank share has fallen 9.8%.

Morgans upgraded Westpac shares from a sell to a trim rating this week.

The broker cut its price target by 3% to $33.07, implying a 13% fall ahead.

Morgans commented on Westpac’s 1H FY26 results:

Strong volume momentum but earnings leverage dissipated with margin compression and credit risk pressures.

TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE)

The TechnologyOne share price is $28.37, up 3.4% on Friday.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 tech share has fallen 3.6%.

Bell Potter upgraded TechnologyOne shares to a buy rating yesterday.

The broker raised its 12-month price target from $31 to $31.75, suggesting 12% upside ahead.

Atlas Arteria Ltd (ASX: ALX)

The Atlas Arteria share price is $4.80, down 0.1% today.

This ASX 200 industrials stock surged recently on news of a hostile takeover bid from IFM Investors.

Atlas Arteria’s independent directors have recommended that investors reject the $4.75 per share offer.

Morgans upgraded Atlas Arteria shares from trim to hold this week.

The broker said:

ALX recommended its investors ignore IFM’s hostile off-market takeover bid, citing the offer price as too low, the timing opportunistic, and the offer highly conditional. It also disclosed it initiated a sale process for its interest in Chicago Skyway which, if successful, could be value accretive (at least to our valuation).

While the Chicago Skyway divestment process is underway we moderate our rating from TRIM to HOLD given potential for value realisation above what we consider to be the intrinsic value of the asset and hence driving our ALX valuation up close to where the share price is currently trading.

Morgans has a share price target of $4.22 on the toll roads operator.

This suggests a 12% downside from here.

The post 7 ASX 200 shares just upgraded this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Macquarie, QBE, Tabcorp, and Westpac shares are dropping today
• The ASX 200 just suffered its biggest fall in 7 weeks. Here’s what’s going on
• Why is the Westpac share price falling today?
• Down 35%: Is this ASX 200 share a strong buy now?
• ASX 200 tech stock upgraded by Bell Potter after AI contract win

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 Light & Wonder Inc, Technology One, and The Lottery Corporation. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Light & Wonder Inc, Technology One, 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.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) likes to be a little bit different when it comes to its corporate schedule. Whilst most ASX 200 shares reported half-year earnings back in February or March, Macquarie has chosen to release its full-year earnings today, including the revelation of the latest Macquarie dividend, a good two months after most other ASX shares. These results cover the 12 months to 31 March 2026.

Strange calendar aside, Macquarie shares are faring a little worse than the broader market today (thus far anyway). At the time of writing, Macquarie stock is down 2.07% at just under $237 a share. That compares with the ASX 200’s current 1.67% sell-off.

This is despite some objectively solid numbers out of the ASX 200 financial stock.

As we covered earlier today, Macquarie posted a net profit after tax of $4.85 billion for the year, up a robust 30% on FY 2025’s profit. $3.19 billion of that profit came from the second half of the financial year, which was up 93% on the company’s first-half profit.

Overall, Macquarie posted earnings per share (EPS) of $12.77, up 30% on the prior year, helped by an improved return on equity metric of 14% (up from 11.2% in FY 2025).

But let’s talk about the new Macquarie dividend.

Macquarie announces massive new dividend

In a pleasing result for income investors in particular, Macquarie unveiled a monster dividend this morning. The company’s final dividend for FY 2026 will come in at $4.20 per share. That represents a 7.69% rise over last year’s final dividend of $3.90 per share. Together with December’s interim dividend of $2.80 per share, it takes Macquarie’s 12-month payouts to a flat $7 per share, a healthy 27.27% rise over the FY 2025 total of $5.50 per share.

This latest final dividend is the second-largest Macquarie has ever paid out, only topped by the $4.50 per share final dividend from 2023.

Like most Macquarie dividends, though, this payout will not come with full franking credits attached. It will be partially franked at 35%, in line with the company’s last three dividends. It represents a payout ratio of 50% of Macquarie’s profits for the half. The company’s $7 per share worth of dividends over FY2026 comes in at a payout ratio of 55%.

Investors who don’t yet own Macquarie shares (or wish to buy more) have a few days to secure this payout on any new purchases. Macquarie is scheduled to trade ex-dividend for this payout on 18 May later this month. Payment day will then roll around on 2 July.

Eligible investors also have until 20 May to elect to participate in Macquarie’s optional dividend reinvestment plan (DRP). That’s if they wish to receive additional Macquarie shares in lieu of a cash payment, of course.

At current pricing, Macquarie shares are trading on a trailing dividend yield of 2.83%. However, we can now give the company a nominal forward yield of 2.96%.

The post New Macquarie dividend: Here’s everything you need to know appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Macquarie, QBE, Tabcorp, and Westpac shares are dropping today
• The ASX 200 just suffered its biggest fall in 7 weeks. Here’s what’s going on
• Why QBE, Block and Macquarie shares are grabbing headlines on Friday
• Macquarie shares slip despite FY26 profit jump
• Macquarie Group posts strong FY26 earnings growth

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie 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 rough Friday for investors trading on the ASX.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is down 1.6% to 8,736 points at the time of writing, with most of the market trading in the red.

That has been enough to put the benchmark index to record its biggest one-day fall in 7 weeks. It also comes just one day after the ASX 200 climbed 0.96% to close at 8,878.1 points.

So, why are investors suddenly heading for the exits?

Oil price jump rattles investors

One of the main pressure points today is the rebound in oil prices.

According to Trading Economics, brent crude oil futures rose more than 2% to around US$102 a barrel after renewed concerns over reports of naval skirmishes involving the US and Iran in the Strait of Hormuz.

That is getting investors’ attention because the Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes. Around 20% of global oil flows pass through the waterway, but this has been halted since March.

Oil prices have already been elevated over recent months, and higher fuel costs are already flowing through to transport, freight, and everyday goods.

Unfortunately, another jump in oil prices only adds to those inflation concerns, which is not what investors want to see.

Banks and miners drag the market lower

The selling is being led by some of the market’s biggest names.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) is down 2.37% to $174.98, while Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) is falling 3.94% to $37.79.

National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) is down 2.61% to $38.48, while ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) is trading 1.37% lower at $36.84.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) is also weaker, falling 1.84% to $237.42.

The major miners are also adding to the pressure.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) is down 2.15% to $57.26, while Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) is down 1.43% to $177.67.

Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) is also in the red, falling 1.14% to $21.175.

Foolish bottom line

Today’s fall shows how quickly the market can move when oil prices and geopolitical risks rise at the same time.

The ASX 200 had bounced strongly on Thursday, but that move has been completely unwound. With banks, miners, and retailers all under pressure, the selling has not been limited to one corner of the market.

The next thing to watch is whether the index can hold above the 8,700 point level.

The post The ASX 200 just suffered its biggest fall in 7 weeks. Here’s what’s going on appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Macquarie, QBE, Tabcorp, and Westpac shares are dropping today
• 7 ASX 200 shares just upgraded this week
• New Macquarie dividend: Here’s everything you need to know
• Why is the Westpac share price falling today?
• Why QBE, Block and Macquarie shares are grabbing headlines on Friday

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 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.

ASX growth shares can be volatile, but I think some are still worth considering when they are exposed to powerful long-term trends.

One share that stands out to me is DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO).

A counter-drone specialist

DroneShield is not a traditional defence company.

It does not build ships, fighter jets, or tanks. It develops counter-drone and electronic warfare technology, helping customers detect, track, and respond to drone threats.

I think that makes it one of the more interesting ASX growth shares today.

Drones are changing modern conflict and security planning. They are relatively cheap, increasingly capable, and can be used in ways that create serious challenges for defence forces, airports, prisons, public events, and critical infrastructure.

That is where DroneShield’s opportunity comes from.

A market with a long runway

What I like about DroneShield is that counter-drone technology could become far more mainstream over the next decade.

This is no longer a niche issue limited to one battlefield. Governments, military customers, and security organisations are having to rethink how they protect people, assets, and infrastructure from unmanned systems.

In my view, that gives DroneShield a large and expanding addressable market.

The company has already shown it can win attention in a fast-growing category. The next step is execution. It needs to keep converting demand into contracts, scaling production, maintaining technology leadership, and deepening customer relationships.

If it can do that, I think the business could be much larger in five or 10 years.

It can be volatile

I would not describe DroneShield as a quiet blue-chip investment.

The share price can move sharply, contract timing can be uneven, competition could increase, and the market may punish the stock if growth does not meet expectations.

That is why I would treat it as a higher-risk growth share rather than a core portfolio holding.

Even so, I think it remains worth considering.

The appeal is the combination of a powerful defence trend, specialist technology, and the possibility of strong long-term revenue growth if customer adoption keeps building.

I would not rely on DroneShield for dividends or stability. But I would be willing to own it for growth.

If counter-drone technology becomes a standard part of military and security spending, I think DroneShield could be well placed to benefit.

Foolish takeaway

DroneShield shares will not suit every investor.

The company still needs to prove that it can turn a strong thematic position into durable earnings growth.

But I think the long-term opportunity is compelling. Drones are changing the security landscape, and the need for counter-drone systems could keep rising for many years.

For investors comfortable with higher risk, I would be happy to consider buying DroneShield shares today.

The post Why I’d buy DroneShield shares in May appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why I think these ASX 200 shares could outperform the market over 10 years
• Why I’d buy DroneShield and this ASX share in May
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Why did DroneShield shares tumble more than 7% in April?
• These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in DroneShield. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended 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 Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) share price is down 2.2% versus a 1.6% decline for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) today.

Westpac shares are trading at $37.70 apiece at the time of writing.

So, why are Westpac shares underperforming today?

Why is the Westpac share price in the red?

Firstly, all the major ASX 200 bank shares are underperforming today, and financials are the weakest of the 11 sectors, down 2.3%.

This follows three days of gains for the banks after the Reserve Bank lifted interest rates, and hopes grew of a US-Iran peace deal.

The Westpac share price rose 2.34% between Tuesday and Thursday.

That’s all changed today, with fresh clashes between the US and Iran overnight threatening to derail a peace plan under consideration.

The US is awaiting Iran’s response to a plan aimed at reopening the critical oil shipping channel, the Strait of Hormuz, and ending the war.

Trading Economics analysts said:

According to reports, Tehran is expected to deliver its response through Pakistan within the next two days.

Separately, the IEA warned that the war was disrupting roughly 14 million barrels per day of global oil supply and noted that any post-conflict production recovery would likely proceed gradually.

However, Middle East tensions are not the only thing weighing on the Westpac share price today.

It’s also ex-dividend day, which means Westpac shares are no longer trading with the next dividend entitlement attached.

Westpac shares are among 16 ASX stocks with ex-dividend dates this month.

Westpac shares will pay a fully-franked interim dividend of 77 cents per share on 26 June.

That’s 1.3% lower than last year’s interim dividend, and represents a payout ratio of 77.1%.

A recap on Westpac’s 1H FY26 results

The bank revealed its 1H FY26 results earlier this week.

Westpac reported statutory net profit of $3.4 billion, up 3% on 1H FY25 and down 5% on 2H FY25.

The net profit excluding notable items was $3.5 billion, up 1% on 1H FY25.

Westpac said total lending and deposits both grew by 7% year over year.

The bank’s common equity tier 1 (CET1) capital ratio was 12.4%, which is above the 11.25% target.

Westpac CEO Anthony Miller said:

Our strong balance sheet and disciplined focus will allow us to support customers through global uncertainty.

Growth is solid across lending and deposits, with several highlights.

We are managing costs while backing Australians through current challenges.

Westpac share price snapshot

The Westpac share price is up 24% over 12 months and down 3% in 2026 to date.

The post Why is the Westpac share price falling today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Macquarie, QBE, Tabcorp, and Westpac shares are dropping today
• 7 ASX 200 shares just upgraded this week
• The ASX 200 just suffered its biggest fall in 7 weeks. Here’s what’s going on
• What is Morgans saying about Flight Centre, Sigma, and Westpac shares?
• Warning! Experts name 3 ASX 200 shares to sell

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.

QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE), Block (ASX: XYZ) and Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) shares are stirring up investor interest today.

Two of the blue-chip ASX shares are outpacing the 1.6% losses posted by the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) as we head into the Friday lunch hour, while one is trailing that performance.

Here’s what’s happening.

Macquarie shares slide following Thursday’s record close

After notching a new all-time closing high yesterday, Macquarie shares are down 2.2% at time of writing, trading for $236.45 apiece.

Investors are pressuring the ASX 200 diversified financial stock despite the company reporting some strong full year FY 2026 results.

For the 12 months to 31 March, Macquarie achieved growth across all of its operating groups.

This saw the company post a 30% year on year increase in net profit after tax (NPAT) to $4.85 billion. The second half of the financial year was particularly strong, with Macquarie reporting H2 NPAT of $3.19 billion, up 93% from the first half.

On the passive income front, management declared a final partly franked dividend of $4.20 a share, up 7.7% from last year’s final dividend payout.

Commenting on the results that have yet to boost Macquarie shares today, CEO Shemara Wikramanayake said:

Each of our businesses used its specialist expertise in navigating the current environment, identifying opportunities that support long-term growth and delivering positive outcomes for our clients and communities

Block shares charge higher rising profits

Also grabbing headlines, and bucking the broader market sell down today, Block shares are up 5.1% at time of writing, changing hands for $103.38 each.

Investors are bidding up the ASX 200 buy now, pay later (BNPL) company, which acquired Afterpay in 2022, following the release of its first quarter update (Q1 2026).

Highlights for the first quarter included 5% year on year increase in  net revenue to US$6.06 billion. And Block’s adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) hit a record US$1.01 billion for the quarter.

On the bottom line, Block’s gross profit was up 27% from Q1 2025 to US$2.91 billion.

“We continued to deliver strong financial performance in the first quarter as AI became more central to how Block operates and what we build for customers,” Block CEO Jack Dorsey said.

Which brings us to…

QBE shares slip on Q1 update

Joining Block and Macquarie shares in turning heads today, QBE also released its first quarter update this morning.

Shares in the ASX 200 insurance giant are modestly outpacing the losses on the benchmark index today, down 1.4% at $22.33 apiece.

Highlight for the quarter include an 11% year on year increase in QBE’s gross written premium (GWP), or 7% on a constant currency basis.

The insurer reported total funds under management of $36.1 billion at the end of the quarter.

And with interest rates on the rise, QBE’s core fixed income yield increased to 4.1% over Q1. That’s up from an average of 3.7% achieved in FY 2025.

The post Why QBE, Block and Macquarie shares are grabbing headlines on Friday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Macquarie shares slip despite FY26 profit jump
• Afterpay and Square owner Block shares jump 6% on strong results
• Block shares: Profit jumps 27% as outlook upgraded
• QBE Insurance Group reports Q1 2026 earnings
• Macquarie Group posts strong FY26 earnings growth

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

The market has pushed parts of the ASX higher over the past year, but not every growth share has joined in.

Some former market favourites have been sold down heavily as investors reassess valuations, growth expectations, and the potential impact of artificial intelligence (AI).

I think that has created a buying opportunity for WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) shares.

A sticky software platform

WiseTech Global has been one of the ASX’s great technology success stories.

The company is best known for CargoWise, its software platform used by logistics companies to manage complex global freight operations.

That might not sound as exciting as consumer technology, but it is very important. Global logistics is messy, document-heavy, highly regulated, and operationally complex. Freight forwarders, customs brokers, carriers, and warehouse operators need systems that can handle that complexity across multiple countries.

WiseTech sits right in the middle of that.

For me, the most important point is that CargoWise is not a lightweight tool that customers can easily swap out. Once a logistics business has built workflows, staff training, customer processes, and compliance systems around it, changing providers can be disruptive.

That creates stickiness, and I think sticky software businesses can be very valuable over the long term.

Why the sell-off interests me

WiseTech shares have fallen 55% over the last year, and I can understand why some investors have stepped back.

The market has become less forgiving toward growth stocks. There have also been concerns about acquisitions, leadership changes, valuation, and the potential for AI to disrupt traditional software models.

Those are real questions.

But I do not think they automatically destroy the long-term investment case.

In my view, WiseTech still has several qualities I want in an ASX growth share. It operates in a huge global market, has a specialist product, generates recurring revenue, and serves customers that rely on its software to run important parts of their operations.

That is a strong base to build from.

AI could help rather than hurt

The AI question is probably one of the biggest issues investors are thinking about.

Could AI reduce the need for logistics software? I am not convinced.

I think it is more likely that AI becomes another layer inside platforms like CargoWise. Logistics involves routing, compliance, documentation, exception management, customs rules, pricing, and workflow automation. These are areas where smarter tools could make the platform more useful.

WiseTech already has the industry knowledge, customer base, data, and workflow position. I think that gives it a reasonable chance of using AI to strengthen its product rather than being pushed aside by it.

Of course, execution matters. Management still needs to prove that investment in AI and product development translates into better outcomes for customers and stronger earnings over time.

The valuation looks interesting

WiseTech is unlikely to look cheap on traditional valuation metrics. High-quality software shares rarely do.

But after such a large fall, I think the share price now gives investors a better chance of attractive long-term returns than it did when sentiment was much stronger.

The key is patience.

WiseTech is not a share I would buy for a quick bounce. I would buy it because I think the business could be materially larger in five to 10 years if it keeps deepening its position in global logistics software.

Foolish Takeaway

WiseTech is still facing uncertainty, and I would not pretend the risks have disappeared.

But I think the market may be giving investors a chance to buy a high-quality ASX tech share at a far more reasonable price than before.

The post Down 55%, why WiseTech shares could be a bargain hiding in plain sight appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino 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 WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Another contract win has sent SKS Technologies Group Ltd (ASX: SKS) shares to a record high on Friday.

This adds to what has already been a massive run for shareholders.

At the time of writing, the SKS share price is up 7.68% to $8.13. The stock traded as high as $8.20 earlier this morning, before easing slightly from that level.

That still leaves SKS shares up around 101% in 2026 and about 345% over the past 12 months.

Another contract lands

In its ASX release, SKS said it has received written confirmation from Buildcorp Group for a new contract.

The contract is worth about $22 million.

It covers the supply and installation of a fully integrated electrical technology solution for a major retailer’s new headquarters in Melbourne’s Docklands precinct.

The project is expected to take about 13 months to complete, with final completion due in the first quarter of 2028.

The scope includes core electrical infrastructure, distribution systems, advanced lighting, communications and IT, and smart building system integration.

Chief Executive Matthew Jinks said the contract reflects the company’s reputation for quality and delivery capability. He also said it reinforces SKS as a trusted partner on complex, large-scale, commercial developments.

Order book keeps growing

SKS also said its order book now sits at $355 million. That includes about $270 million of work extending beyond the traditional 12-month horizon into the second half of FY27.

Since February 2026, SKS said its work tenders have increased by almost 120%, from $572.26 million to $1.25 billion.

Data centre tenders now account for more than $1 billion of that pipeline.

More funding room

SKS also released a separate update, giving investors another reason to look at the stock.

The company said it has been approved by Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) for a further $20 million in its bank guarantee facility.

That lifts its total bank guarantee facility to $48 million. Including equipment finance, its total facilities now sit at $52 million.

Management said the extra capacity will support the company’s growth plans and help it manage working capital through larger projects.

That is worth noting because SKS is now dealing with a much larger order book and tender pipeline than it did a year ago.

Its total bank debt facilities have increased by 6.5 times in less than 4 years.

The company also said the expanded bank facilities will support its organic growth strategy over the next 4 years.

The post This ASX rocket just hit a record high. Here’s why investors are still buying appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Up nearly 300% in a year, this ASX stock just hit another record high

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