Category: Stock Market

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) gold stocks, including Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN), Newmont Corp (ASX: NEM), and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) shares are charging higher today.

In late morning trade on Thursday, Evolution Mining shares are up 3.8% at $12.79; Newmont shares are up 2.5% at $159.67, and Northern Star shares are up 2.2% at $21.25 apiece.

For some context, the ASX 200 is up 0.7%.

And, as witnessed by the 3.5% intraday gains posted by the S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD), it’s not just Evolution, Newmont, and Northern Star shares that have their shine back today.

Here’s how these other top ASX 200 gold stocks are tracking at this same time:

• Ramelius Resources Ltd (ASX: RMS) shares are up 5.0% at $3.59
• Bellevue Gold Ltd (ASX: BGL) shares are up 2.7% at $1.60
• Genesis Minerals Ltd (ASX: GMD) shares are up 4.2% at $6.15
• Perseus Mining Ltd (ASX: PRU) shares are up 2.4% at $5.56
• Vault Minerals Ltd (ASX: VAU) shares are up 5.1% at $4.68
• Westgold Resources Ltd (ASX: WGX) shares are up 5.0% at $5.72
• Ora Banda Mining Ltd (ASX: OBM) shares are up 4.1% at $1.33

So, why are the big Aussie gold miners back to outperforming today?

ASX 200 gold stocks jump on Iran peace talk hopes

While each company has its own unique strengths and challenges, the common thread lifting all the above ASX 200 gold stocks looks to be renewed hopes of a peace deal between the United States and Iran.

Overnight news reports indicate that Iran is currently reviewing the latest proposal from the US in an effort to end the conflict.

The gold price jumped more than 3.5% on that news to top US$4,700 per ounce. The yellow metal has retraced a touch since then, trading for US$4,694 per ounce at the time of writing, according to data from Bloomberg.

Despite its haven appeal, gold – and by connection ASX 200 gold stocks – came under heavy selling pressure following the outbreak of the Middle East conflict. Indeed, on 27 February, bullion was fetching US$5,279 per ounce.

One of the biggest headwinds facing gold following the outbreak of the war has been the global surge in energy prices.

Why is that of particular importance to the gold price?

Well, as the RBA reminded investors this week, rocketing energy costs are in turn stoking inflation and leading to rising interest rates. And gold, which pays no yield itself, tends to perform better in a low or falling rate environment.

The post How ASX 200 gold stocks like Newmont, Evolution Mining and Northern Star shares have their shine back today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Are Regis Resources shares a buy amid its mega gold merger with Vault Minerals
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
• The Aussie dollar just hit a 4-year high. Which ASX shares will benefit?
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• This ASX 200 gold stock rose 10% yesterday: Is it a buy, hold or sell?

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 team at Morgans has been looking at a number of updates this week.

Let’s see if the broker has responded positively or negatively to them. Here’s what you need to know:

Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT)

Morgans was surprised to see this travel agent giant reaffirm its earnings guidance given the disruption caused by the Middle East conflict.

However, with the leisure business struggling, the broker has concerns that its FY 2027 performance could be impacted.

Nevertheless, it has retained its buy rating on Flight Centre shares with a reduced price target of $14.55. It said:

Surprisingly, FLT has maintained its FY26 earnings guidance. It noted that the conflict is creating near-term uncertainty and temporarily disrupting international travel patterns. It is having a more significant impact on Leisure (April profit was down ~A$10m on the pcp). While the reiteration of guidance was better than feared, our concern is that following its key trading period (May-June), FLT will likely need to revise guidance as we expect leisure demand will remain weak. If it wasn’t for this conflict, FLT would have had a great year given its results for the first nine months were strong.

We have made material revisions to our forecasts and now sit well below guidance. We assume that the conflict and a subdued consumer environment continue to impact the 1H27. We are buyers of FLT post the earnings downgrade given the company is worth materially more than the current share price. We know from past economic and geopolitical events, that after a downturn, travel demand rebounds.

Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG)

Morgans was pleased with a trading update from Chemist Warehouse owner Sigma Healthcare this month.

However, due to recent share price strength, the broker has downgraded Sigma shares to an accumulate rating with a trimmed price target of $3.30. It commented:

SIG has provided a solid trading update to 30 April (domestic) and to 31 March (international), noting continuing GLP-1s tailwinds. SIG continues its international expansion with entry into the UK market and expanding distribution capacity in New Zealand. We have made minor upgrades to forecasts however a higher risk-free rate sees our valuation reduce modestly to A$3.30 (was $3.36). Recent share price strength sees us move to an ACCUMULATE (from BUY) recommendation.

Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC)

Finally, in response to this banking giant’s results, Morgans has reduced its earnings and dividend estimates.

However, it has lifted its recommendation from sell to trim with a price target of $33.07. It said:

Strong volume momentum but earnings leverage dissipated with margin compression and credit risk pressures. FY27-28F EPS/DPS downgraded 4-5% on 2% lower revenue and 1% higher cost base. FY28F EPS/DPS unchanged. Target price down c.3% to $33.07. We moderate from SELL to TRIM, given potential TSR of c.-8% at current prices.

The post What is Morgans saying about Flight Centre, Sigma, and Westpac shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• Warning! Experts name 3 ASX 200 shares to sell
• Why the ASX 200 is charging higher today
• 2 top ASX shares to buy and hold for the next decade
• 3 key takeaways from Westpac’s half-year results

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

Austral Resources Australia Ltd (ASX: AR1) recently reported initial drilling results from its Snow Queen prospect, and the copper grades reported have one broker sitting up and taking notice.

The team at Shaw and Partners had a look at the drilling results announced this week and has maintained their buy recommendation and a very bullish share price, which we’ll get to later.

First, let’s look at what was announced earlier this week by the company.

Exceptional copper grades

Austral said the first drill hole at Snow Queen hit 10m of copper mineralisation at a grade of 7.52% from a depth of 35m, including 4m at 15.9%.

The Snow Queen prospect is also only 60km from the company’s Rockland processing facility, the company said.

Austral Chief Operating Officer Shane O’Connell said regarding the result:

This result is a clear demonstration of Austral’s ability to generate and drill high-quality copper targets within our tenure. Snow Queen sits within a broader portfolio of satellite opportunities that underpin our strategy of building regional scale around the Rocklands Processing Facility. As an established copper producer, Austral is focused not only on discovery but on converting these opportunities into mineable inventory that can be efficiently integrated into our existing production and processing infrastructure. This producer mindset ensures that exploration success is aligned with practical development pathways and near-term value realisation.

Mr O’Connell said the company saw significant value in testing these targets, “with the aim of identifying additional sources of copper mineralisation that could complement and sustain our current operations”.

Australia said Snow Queen was just one of 35 historical copper workings it was aiming to drill test over the next 12 to 18 months.  

Shares looking cheap

The analyst team at Shaw and Partners said the Snow Queen result was an encouraging start to a broader regional exploration program.

They said regarding the Snow Queen result:

This is genuinely high grade in a global context where there have been no major, tier one, copper discoveries in the past decade. Although just one hole, the result validates the targeting model and gives AR1 good reason to continue drilling. A follow-up hole has already been completed with assays pending in the next 2-4 weeks.

The Shaw team said the infrastructure pathway to production would be straightforward given the prospect’s proximity to production facilities.

The Shaw team added:

Austral Resources is building one of Australia’s most compelling copper growth stories against a backdrop of strong copper demand and increasingly tight supply.

Shaw has a price target of 42 cents for Austral shares, compared with 9.8 cents currently.

Austral is currently valued at $227.1 million.

The post One broker is tipping this ASX copper explorer to jump more than 300% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How ASX 200 gold stocks like Newmont, Evolution Mining and Northern Star shares have their shine back today
• What is Morgans saying about Flight Centre, Sigma, and Westpac shares?
• Is this ASX industrials stock a buy, hold or sell after soaring 6% yesterday?
• How to become a millionaire with ASX shares starting with $0
• How much passive income could I make with $10,000 in Qantas shares?

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.

ASX industrials stock McMillan Shakespeare Ltd (ASX: MMS) shot higher yesterday, rising more than 6% during Wednesday’s trading session. 

This was despite no price-sensitive news out of the company. 

Company overview

McMillan Shakespeare is a leading provider of employee benefits, end-to-end fleet management, and disability support services with under 400,000 salary packages and 80,000 novated leases under management. 

The company operates a vertically integrated model by offering standalone and complementary products for administration, vehicle sourcing and life-cycle management, finance procurement, and the sale of secondary consumables.

The employer customer base sees healthcare, government, education, not-for-profit, and corporate sector clients.

This ASX industrials stock has experienced some volatility in 2026, and is ultimately up just over 2% in that span. 

For comparison, the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) is down over 2% in that same period. 

A new report from Bell Potter suggests that yesterday’s spike could be a sign of what’s to come for this ASX industrials stock. 

Here’s what the broker had to say. 

Solid growth 

In a recent report, Bell Potter noted that the ASX industrials company has reported stronger-than-expected momentum in novated leasing, with new vehicle lease growth rising 7% in 3Q26 despite difficult prior-year comparisons. 

Bell Potter noted improving sales momentum, continued customer wins, and increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), with trading conditions expected to strengthen further as government policy uncertainty eases.

The broker believes earnings growth guidance is now lower risk, supported by customer growth and operational efficiencies. The continuation of favourable Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) exemption settings for EVs is also expected to support demand.

Non-electric vehicle volumes performed better in relative terms, while electric vehicle volumes correlated with data. Given the mix shift, initial revised policy targets should support ongoing demand.

Based on this guidance, earnings per share (EPS) has been increased +0%/+2%/+3% over the next 3 years, reflecting higher novated volumes. 

Buy recommendation unchanged

Based on this guidance, the team at Bell Potter has retained their buy recommendation on this ASX industrial stock. 

It also increased its price target to $19.90 (previously $18.50). 

From yesterday’s closing price of $17.65, this indicates an upside potential of approximately 13% for this ASX industrials stock. 

The earnings multiple remains undemanding, with positive developments now in place and key uncertainties resolved. No colour on Oly was offered. However, the addressable customer base continues to grow. Further details on broadening demand, and increasing automation, would be another catalyst for the share price.

The post Is this ASX industrials stock a buy, hold or sell after soaring 6% yesterday? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How ASX 200 gold stocks like Newmont, Evolution Mining and Northern Star shares have their shine back today
• What is Morgans saying about Flight Centre, Sigma, and Westpac shares?
• One broker is tipping this ASX copper explorer to jump more than 300%
• How to become a millionaire with ASX shares starting with $0
• How much passive income could I make with $10,000 in Qantas shares?

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell 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 McMillan Shakespeare. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Starting with $0 does not mean the end goal has to stay small.

In fact, I think one of the most encouraging things about investing is that the starting balance is only one part of the story. The bigger drivers are the amount added over time, the return earned, and how long the money is left to compound.

That is where ASX shares can be powerful.

Start with the first $100

If I were starting from scratch, I would not focus too much on the $1 million target at first.

I would focus on the first $100 invested.

Then the first $1,000.

Then the first $10,000.

That might sound too simple, but I think this is how most real wealth is built. Not through one dramatic decision, but through repeated small ones.

The first stage is about getting money into the market and building the habit. A diversified ASX exchange-traded fund (ETF) like the iShares S&P 500 AUD ETF (ASX: IVV), a broad global ETF like the Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF (ASX: QLTY), or a handful of quality ASX shares could all play a role.

The key is to avoid waiting for the perfect moment.

Let the portfolio do more of the work

The early years can feel slow because most of the progress comes from contributions.

But over time, the balance starts doing more of the heavy lifting.

For example, an investor putting in $1,000 a month would contribute $12,000 in the first year. At that stage, the investment returns may not look life-changing.

But once the portfolio reaches $200,000, a 9% return would represent $18,000 in a year. At $500,000, the same return would represent $45,000.

That is when compounding starts to feel very different.

Of course, a 9% annual return is not guaranteed. Some years will be negative, and some will be much stronger. But as a long-term assumption, I think it shows why time in the market matters so much.

The millionaire maths

Here is what the path could look like from a $0 starting point, assuming a 9% average annual return.

Investing $500 a month could reach $1 million in about 32 years.

Investing $750 a month could reach $1 million in about 27 and a half years.

Investing $1,000 a month could reach $1 million in about 24 and a half years.

Investing $1,500 a month could reach $1 million in about 20 and a half years.

The lesson I take from this is not that everyone needs to invest a huge amount from day one.

It is that every increase in the monthly investment can bring the target closer. Even small raises, bonuses, or reduced expenses can help if they are redirected into the portfolio.

Foolish takeaway

Starting with $0 can feel like a disadvantage, but it also gives investors the chance to build good habits from the beginning.

The aim is not to become a millionaire overnight. It is to create a system that keeps buying productive assets month after month.

If the portfolio earns an average return of 9% per annum over the long run, regular investing could do much of the hard work.

That is why I think the most important step is simply getting started, then giving compounding enough time to surprise you.

The post How to become a millionaire with ASX shares starting with $0 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 iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN) shares have fallen sharply in recent months.

At $8.76 on Thursday, the airline’s share price is well below its 52-week high of $12.62. Much of that weakness has been driven by surging oil prices and concerns about travel disruption linked to the Middle East conflict.

But with a peace deal now on the table, there is growing optimism that conditions could improve.

So, if I invested $10,000 into Qantas shares today, how much passive income could I make?

The numbers

At $8.76 per share, a $10,000 investment would buy approximately 1,141 Qantas shares.

According to CommSec, consensus estimates are for Qantas to pay fully franked dividends of 39.6 cents per share in FY26, 44.8 cents per share in FY27, and 56.2 cents per share in FY28.

Based on those forecasts, a $10,000 investment could generate around $452 in dividends in FY26.

In FY27, the forecast dividend income would rise to approximately $511.

And in FY28, it could increase again to around $642.

That would imply potential forward dividend yields of about 4.5%, 5.1%, and 6.4% based on the current share price.

Of course, these are forecasts, not guarantees. Airlines are cyclical businesses, and dividends can change quickly if conditions deteriorate.

Why the passive income could grow

What makes Qantas shares interesting to me is that the dividend forecasts are not standing still.

The market appears to expect the dividend to grow meaningfully over the next few years. That suggests analysts see scope for stronger cash generation, assuming fuel prices, travel demand, and operational conditions remain supportive.

I think the recent share price fall also changes the equation.

At a higher share price, Qantas may not have looked as appealing from a passive income perspective. But at $8.76, the forecast dividend yield starts to look more attractive, particularly if the business can keep returning cash to shareholders.

More than just dividends

But I would not buy Qantas shares only for passive income.

The bigger opportunity, in my view, is the combination of income and possible capital growth.

If oil prices ease and travel disruption concerns fade, investor sentiment could improve. That could help the share price recover from recent weakness.

Qantas also has a few longer-term strengths. It has a powerful domestic market position, a valuable loyalty business, and a fleet renewal program that could improve efficiency, customer experience, and route flexibility over time.

That does not remove the risks, but it gives the business more to work with than a simple airline story.

Foolish takeaway

Qantas is not a low-risk dividend share, and the payout will depend on earnings, fuel prices, travel demand, and management decisions. 

But for investors who can handle some volatility, I think the current weakness could offer a useful mix of income and recovery potential.

The post How much passive income could I make with $10,000 in Qantas shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• Down 33%: Here are 3 reasons I’d buy Qantas shares

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 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 300 Index (ASX: XKO) is up a welcome 1% in morning trade today, with plenty of help from this surging ASX 300 gold stock.

The outperforming stock in question is Santana Minerals Ltd (ASX: SMI).

Santana Minerals shares closed yesterday trading for 60.5 cents. At thea time of writing, shares are swapping hand for 63.7 cents apiece, up 5.3%.

Here’s what’s piquing investor interest.

ASX 300 gold stock jumps on land approval

Santana Minerals shares are storming higher today after the miner reported that New Zealand’s Overseas Investment Office (OIO) has granted consent for it to purchase 3,680 hectares of freehold land for its Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project.

The ASX 300 gold stock is operating via its wholly owned local subsidiary, Matakanui Land Ltd.

According to the release, the purchased land will include the proposed open pits, engineered landform, and related infrastructure areas, as well as administration offices, infrastructure, processing plant, and the tailings storage facility.

Santana Minerals also highlight that its land purchase will include 1,263 hectares to be set aside for ecological offsetting by native planting, managed sheep grazing, pest and weed control, and habitat enhancement over the 35 years of consent applied for under the miner’s FTA application.

Over the 13 to 14 year lifespan, the ASX 300 gold stock expects direct capital investment of more than NZ$500 million in the project. It also forecasts the project will deliver around 350 full-time equivalent jobs over the construction phase and operating life of the mine.

The OIO consent remains subject to several conditions which Santana Minerals said it expects will be met.

The final decision on the gold miner’s application under the FTA is scheduled for 29 October 2026. Santana Minerals is aiming for first gold production in early 2028.

What did Santana Minerals management say?

Commenting on the land purchase consent sending the ASX 300 gold stock soaring today, Santana Minerals CEO Damian Spring said, “This decision is a strong signal that New Zealand is open to foreign investment and recognises the importance of responsible mineral development for regional and national prosperity.”

Spring added:

Ownership of the land, together with a granted 30-year mining permit from New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals, provides long-term certainty for the project and enables Santana to responsibly develop the value of the Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project for employees, local businesses, the New Zealand government and shareholders alike.

Importantly, it also supports the delivery of a lasting environmental legacy through predator-proof sanctuaries and large-scale ecological enhancement initiatives for generations to come.

The post Guess which ASX 300 gold stock is lifting off today on big New Zealand news appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• This ASX gold stock is being tipped to rise almost 200%
• 6 ASX All Ords shares elevated to strong buy status after March sell-off

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.

Tabcorp Holdings Ltd (ASX: TAH) shares are being hammered on Thursday after the wagering group released a serious update.

At the time of writing, the Tabcorp share price is down 24.78% to 86.5 cents, wiping out a large chunk of the stock’s recent recovery.

Despite today’s sell-off, Tabcorp shares are still up around 28% over the past 12 months. But with the stock now down about 13% in 2026, investors are clearly worried about what comes next.

Here’s what investors are reacting to.

AUSTRAC opens an enforcement investigation

According to the release, Tabcorp advised it has received a letter from AUSTRAC in relation to a compliance assessment.

AUSTRAC is Australia’s financial crimes watchdog. Its role includes monitoring compliance with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing rules.

Tabcorp said AUSTRAC has raised serious concerns with the company’s ability to identify, mitigate, and manage money laundering and terrorism financing risks.

As a result, AUSTRAC has started an enforcement investigation.

The investigation will initially look at whether Tabcorp is complying with its obligations under the AML/CTF Act. It will also assess whether the company has a compliant AML/CTF program, whether it follows that program, and how it monitors customers.

Investors are pricing in the unknown

Tabcorp noted that AUSTRAC’s investigation is still at an early stage.

The company also said all potential outcomes remain open. That includes the possibility that no further enforcement action is taken.

But that has not settled investor nerves, and the share price reaction shows they are not treating this as a minor update.

Keep in mind that regulatory issues can be hard to price because the final outcome is uncertain. There may be no further action, or there may be penalties, extra costs, and more scrutiny.

The update also brings back older concerns. In 2017, Tabcorp paid a $45 million civil penalty after breaching AML/CTF laws on 108 occasions over more than 5 years.

What management is saying

Tabcorp Chairman Brett Chenoweth said the company takes its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing obligations very seriously.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Gillon McLachlan said he is committed to leading a compliant and safe company.

He also said lifting risk capability has been an ongoing part of the company’s transformation.

That may be true, but the market wants evidence that the risks are under control.

Foolish Takeaway

I can understand why investors are selling first and asking questions later.

Tabcorp has had a strong 12-month run, so major regulatory uncertainty was always likely to test that momentum.

The issue here is not just the investigation itself. It is the lack of clarity around where this goes next.

I would want to see more detail from AUSTRAC before taking a closer look.

The post Tabcorp shares crash 25% as watchdog probe hits appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Tabcorp faces AUSTRAC compliance probe
• Why is everyone buying Tabcorp shares this week?
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
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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.

Shares in Amcor Plc (ASX: AMC) are trading more than 4% higher after the company boosted its dividend on strong earnings results.

Strong sales figures

The packaging company said net sales for the third quarter came in at US$5.91 billion, up 77%, driven by the company’s acquisition of Berry, which was finalised in April last year.

Net income was US$278 million, and adjusted EBITDA was US492 million, up 87%.

Amcor said synergies from the Berry deal came in at US$77 million, “at the upper end of expectations”.

Amcor Chief Executive Peter Konieczny said regarding the result:

Third quarter results were in line with expectations and reflect the resilience of our business as we mark the first anniversary of bringing legacy Amcor and Berry together as One Amcor. Over the past year, we have executed a smooth integration, built a strong leadership structure, and made meaningful progress on synergy delivery and portfolio optimization. While we continue to operate in a challenging market environment, our global scale, diversified portfolio, and strong customer and supplier partnerships position us well.

Mr Konieczny said the company was pricing responsibly to offset inflation and it had “clear visibility to additional synergy benefits”.

Amcor, he said, had a proven ability to navigate volatility and “we are confident in our outlook and the continued strength of our business”.

While the company’s financial results were stronger, Amcor estimated that volumes were about 1.5% lower than for the combined Amcor and Berry businesses in the March quarter last year.

Amcor said regarding its dividend:

The Board’s confidence in Amcor’s near and long term growth opportunities and ability to generate significant free cash flow is reflected in today’s declaration of a quarterly cash dividend of 65.0 cents per share, compared with 63.75 cents per share in the same quarter last year, declared as 12.75 cents per share before adjusting for the 1-for-5 reverse stock split effected on January 14, 2026. Holders of CDIs trading on the ASX will receive an unfranked dividend of 91.0 Australian cents per share.

The ex-dividend date is May 27.

Cash flow downgrade

Amcor downgraded its free cash flow outlook for the full year to the end of June from the previous US$1.8 to US$1.9 billion to US$1.5 to US$1.6 billion, which “reflects higher inventory levels at higher cost to secure customer service levels given the impact of the Middle East conflict”.

Amcor shares traded as high as $55.45 early on Thursday before settling to be 4.1% higher at $54.54.

Amcor is valued at $24.13 billion.

The post Why are Amcor shares surging higher today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Amcor earnings surge on Berry acquisition
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• 5 ASX shares scoring upgraded ratings this week
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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 positions in and has recommended Amcor Plc. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Superloop Ltd (ASX:SLC) share price is in focus today following its latest Macquarie Conference update, which highlighted a 21.2% increase in customers and a 23.3% lift in revenue compared to the prior year.

What did Superloop report?

• Revenue grew 23.3% year-over-year to $317.6 million in FY26
• Customer numbers up 21.2% to 805,000 as at June 2026
• Underlying EBITDA rose 45.9% to $55.8 million in FY26
• EBITDA margin improved to 17.6% from 16.9% last year
• Operating expenses to revenue ratio reduced further to 13.4%

What else do investors need to know?

Superloop reported disciplined operating cost management, supported by digital and AI investment, which has improved operating leverage as the customer base expands. The company continues to focus on scaling up its infrastructure-on-demand platform, supporting both retail and wholesale growth across its consumer, business, and wholesale market segments.

A notable development is Superloop’s agreement to acquire Lightning Broadband, anticipated to add 54,000 contracted FTTP lots and accelerate Superloop’s presence in the fibre-to-the-premise market. The acquisition is expected to complete in the fourth quarter of FY26, pending regulatory approvals.

What’s next for Superloop?

Looking ahead, Superloop is prioritising the expansion of its Smart Communities portfolio and leveraging its enhanced metro fibre footprint. The integration of Lightning Broadband will bolster its scale and annuity revenue base, enabling it to reach more homes and businesses.

Management remains optimistic about continuing to grow market share through product innovation, sustained investment in AI and digital tools, and focused cost discipline as Superloop seeks to solidify its place amongst Australia’s leading internet providers.

Superloop share price snapshot

Over the 12 months, Superloop shares have risen 34%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 9% over the same period.

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