Category: Stock Market

In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to record a small decline. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is down 0.25% to 8,666.1 points.

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

Appen Ltd (ASX: APX)

The Appen share price is down 27% to $1.13. Investors have been selling this artificial intelligence (AI) data services company’s shares following the release of its quarterly update. Although the company posted a 9% increase in revenue to $54.8 million, it is still barely profitable at an EBITDA level. In addition, the performance of its Appen Global business may have spooked investors. It reported a 37% decline in revenue to $19.9 million.

Catalyst Metals Ltd (ASX: CYL)

The Catalyst Metals share price is down a further 7% to $5.26. Investors have been selling this gold miner’s shares this week following the release of its quarterly update. Catalyst reported gold production of 26,127 ounces with an all-in sustaining cost (AISC) of A$2,901 per ounce. And while the company has reaffirmed its production guidance of 100,000 ounces to 110,000 ounces, it has lifted its cost guidance. It now expects its FY 2026 AISC to come in at A$2,750 per ounce to A$2,950 per ounce. This compares to its previous guidance range of A$2,200 per ounce to A$2,650 per ounce.

South32 Ltd (ASX: S32)

The South32 share price is down 7% to $3.96. This follows the release of an update on the first development of its Hermosa project in Arizona, United States. Management revealed that it has increased development costs by 50%. It said: “Our expected growth capital expenditure for Taylor has been updated to ~US$3,300M. This includes scope changes with the addition of decline access, revised shaft construction costs, materially higher inflation, industry-wide increases in key input costs such as steel, piping, concrete and electrical, and United States tariffs.”

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

The Woolworths share price is down almost 7% to $34.75. Investors have been selling the supermarket giant’s shares following the release of its third-quarter sales update. Woolworths reported a 4.5% lift in group sales to $18.1 billion, led by a 5.9% increase in Australian Food sales and a 20.2% jump in ecommerce sales. However, CEO Amanda Bardwell revealed that Australian Food earnings are no longer expected to be as strong as previously thought. She said: “Reported F26 Australian Food EBIT growth is still expected to be in the mid to high single digit range but no longer at the upper end of the range.”

The post Why Appen, Catalyst Metals, South32, and Woolworths shares are sinking today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Mineral Resources, Woolworths and Boss Energy shares are turning heads on Thursday
• Why Appen shares just crashed 28% despite a return to growth
• Why did Woolworths shares just crash 10%?
• This ASX 200 mining stock is sinking 8% after a big project update. Here’s why
• Broker tips this ASX materials stock to rise 139% after yesterday’s crash

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Appen. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Australian shares have come under pressure this week amid concerns about rising inflation and interest rates, spooking investors. The S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is down another 0.44% at the time of writing on Thursday morning, continuing on seven consecutive days of index declines.

But here are two ASX All Ords shares bucking the trend and travelling in the other direction. And they’re both tipped to climb over 70% higher over the next 12 months, too.

Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1)

Megaport shares are up 3.42% at the time of writing, to $9.37. The shares have rebounded 40% from an annual low of $6.71 earlier this month, sparking signs of a continued recovery. 

There is still a long way to go, though. The ASX All Ords shares are still 24% lower year to date and down 18% from this time last year.

Megaport was caught up in the sector-wide sell-off of technology stocks in late 2025 and early 2026. 

At the time, many investors were also concerned that AI could disrupt traditional software models. There was also concern that AI tools might replace or reduce demand for subscription-based software. 

The beaten-down tech stock was also battered by high investor expectations and heavy acquisition spending, which raised concerns about near-term costs and profits. 

But long-term drivers of AI and tech-sector growth haven’t gone away. Technology is rapidly advancing, and businesses are investing in AI more than ever before. It looks like investors are finally coming around to the idea that AI adoption could benefit technology development.

According to Market Index data, brokers have a strong buy rating on the ASX All Ords shares and tip a 68% upside to $15.74 over the next 12 months.

Catapult Sports Ltd (ASX: CAT) 

Catapult shares are up 1.56% at the time of writing to $3.26 per share. It’s a step in the right direction and good news for investors. The shares have shed 56% of their value since peaking at an all-time high in late October. 

The ASX All Ords shares are still down 24% year to date and 20% lower than this time 12 months ago.

The company posted its half-year results shortly after spiking to an all-time high, reporting a 50% jump in operating profit. It looks like the result came in below expectations, though, and investors rushed to sell up their stake in the company. 

Shortly after, the global sports data company was caught up in the tech-sector-wide sell-off, which pushed its share price further south. 

It was also removed from the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) as part of a quarterly rebalance in March.

It looks like sentiment shifted last month after its trading update revealed a 27% to 28% expected increase in its closing annual contract value (ACV) for FY26 and a predicted 50% year-on-year increase in EBITDA.

It’s clear that Catapult is quickly gaining traction, in part thanks to its recurring subscriptions and strong customer retention. 

Brokers have a strong buy rating on the stock. They also tip a 72.38% upside to an average price target of $5.64 over the next 12 months.

The post These 2 ASX All Ords shares are flying higher today, and tipped to jump another 70% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• 3 ASX growth shares I’d buy with $7,000
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Why Atlas Arteria, Forrestania, Megaport, and WA1 shares are charging higher today
• Why are Megaport shares jumping 9% today?

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

Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN), Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW), and Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE) shares are turning heads today.

One of the large-cap ASX stocks is smashing the 0.3% losses posted by the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), while two are significantly trailing those losses.

Here’s what’s grabbing investor interest.

Boss Energy shares tumble on production woes

Boss Energy shares are down 3.9% at the time of writing, changing hands for $1.48 apiece.

That underperformance follows the release of the ASX 300 uranium stock’s March quarter update (Q3 FY 2026).

It was a difficult three months for the Aussie uranium miner, with operations at its Honeymoon mine in South Australia impacted by inclement weather and lower ore grades.

This led to a 53% quarter-on-quarter decline in drummed uranium production to 203,000 pounds. Sales volumes fell 7% from Q2 to 325,000 pounds.

And while the miner’s average realised price of US$74 per pound was in line with the prior quarter, costs were up around 100%, with Boss reporting a C1 cost of $60 per pound.

Boss Energy shares are also likely under pressure after management cut full-year FY 2026 production guidance to the range of 1.40 million pounds to 1.45 million drummed uranium. That is down from prior guidance of 1.6 million pounds.

Which brings us to…

Mineral Resources shares jump on guidance upgrades

Mineral Resources shares are turning heads today as the stock shakes off the broader market malaise to charge higher.

Shares in the ASX 200 lithium miner and diversified resources producer are up 6.5% at the time of writing, trading for $65.91 each.

This strong performance follows the release of Mineral Resources’ third-quarter update.

Investors are reacting positively today, following a range of full-year guidance upgrades.

In its iron ore division, Mineral Resources reported that Onslow Iron shipped 7.2 million tonnes over the three months. The company upgraded FY 2026 guidance to the range of 17.7 to 19.4 million wet metric tonnes (wmt).

Management also increased production guidance at Mineral Resources Mining Services to 320 million to 330 million tonnes. That’s up from prior guidance of 305 million to 325 million tonnes.

The ASX 200 miner also boosted its full-year lithium volume guidance.

Woolworths shares sink on growing cost-of-living pressures

Woolworths is joining Mineral Resources and Boss Energy shares in making headlines today.

Woolworths shares are down 6.2% at the time of writing, swapping hands for $34.99 apiece.

This follows the release of the ASX 200 supermarket giant’s own March quarter update.

Although total sales for the Q3 were up 4.5% year on year to $18.1 billion, management noted that they are seeing “signs of increased customer caution”.

Investors will also have noted that, amid a strengthening Australian dollar, the company’s New Zealand Food sales fell 5.2% year on year in Aussie dollar terms to $1.81 billion.

“The conflict in the Middle East is creating greater uncertainty for our customers, suppliers and team at a time when cost-of-living pressures are already acute,” Woolworths CEO Amanda Bardwell said.

The post Why Mineral Resources, Woolworths and Boss Energy shares are turning heads on Thursday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Appen, Catalyst Metals, South32, and Woolworths shares are sinking today
• Mineral Resources shares jump 7% on guidance upgrade
• Boss Energy shares tumble on guidance downgrade
• Why did Woolworths shares just crash 10%?
• Woolworths Group Q3 sales grow as shoppers turn to value and convenience

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

Shares in Westgold Resources Ltd (ASX: WGX) have been on the slide since the company released its quarterly report this week, but if you ask the analysts at Macquarie, that’s just more reason to buy.

Macquarie ran the ruler over the company’s quarterly and issued a note to their clients with an outperform rating on Westgold shares and a bullish price target, which we’ll get to shortly.

First, let’s have a look at what Westgold reported this week.

Production hitting targets

The company said in its third-quarter report that it had produced 93,145 ounces of gold, down markedly from the 111,418 ounces produced in the previous quarter.

The company said the lower production was largely driven by lower head grades at its Starlight mine, from its New Murchison operations and from Beta Hunt in the Southern Goldfields.

The company said production was as expected.

As it said:

Production from Westgold’s assets was in line with expectations in Q3 FY26. With no immediate impediments to the ramp up in mining rates at Bluebird and Beta Hunt, ventilation upgrades at Big Bell completed, and no major plant shutdowns scheduled for Q4, the Company is in a strong position to achieve its production targets for the year. Westgold maintains its production guidance for FY26 of 345,000 – 385,000oz, having produced 288,500oz for the financial year to the end of Q3 FY26.

The company finished the quarter with cash, bullion, and liquid investments worth $856 million, up $202 million over the period.

Westgold said the result “was driven by an increase in realised gold price to $7,080/oz and a competitive AISC margin of $3,742/oz”.

These figures also do not include the company’s significant stake in Valiant Gold Ltd (ASX: VAL), which listed on the ASX on March 27.

Shares looking cheap

Macquarie said in its note to clients that Westgold’s production was in line with consensus estimates and 4% up on what they were expecting.

They added:

Production from Murchison beat our estimates by 11%, and Southern Goldfields missed by 10% which was driven by lower gold grades milled (offset slightly by higher throughput).

Macquarie reduced its price target on Westgold shares by 5% due to short-term earnings per share changes, but still has a bullish target of $9 per share on the company.

If the shares were to reach that level, it would be a new 12-month high, with the current high watermark sitting at $8.16.

On Thursday, the shares were changing hands for $5.41, down 8.3% on the day. Westgold is valued at $5.57 billion.

The post Down 8% today, does Macquarie think Westgold Resources shares are a buy? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Catalyst Metals, G8 Education, Meteoric Resources, and Westgold shares are falling today
• 4 ASX 200 stocks rated a strong buy with an upside over 50%
• Why is this ASX 100 gold stock under pressure today?
• Westgold Resources posts $285M quarterly cash build
• Why this top ASX gold share could rise 50% from here

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 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.

Appen Ltd (ASX: APX) shares are getting hit hard on Thursday after the company released its latest quarterly update.

At the time of writing, the Appen share price is down 28.06% to $1.115.

That is a brutal drop in a single session, especially when you consider the stock is still up around 40% in 2026.

Here’s what spooked investors.

Early signs of growth are starting to show

Looking at the numbers, there are some encouraging signs starting to come through.

Appen reported revenue of $54.8 million for the March quarter, which is up 9% on the same period last year. That follows a long run of declines and is an early sign things may be stabilising.

Profitability also moved in the right direction. The company posted underlying EBITDA of $1 million, compared to a $1.5 million loss a year ago, showing some early improvement as activity picks up.

That said, margins are still under a bit of pressure. Gross margin slipped to 36.5%, down from 37.4% last year, which means cost pressure has not eased yet.

China is doing the heavy lifting

When you dig a little deeper, there’s a clear split between the regions, and it explains a lot.

Appen’s China business is already its largest and is clearly where the momentum is right now.

Revenue there jumped 88% to $34.9 million, driven by demand tied to generative AI projects. The business also exited the quarter with an annualised run rate above $144 million.

Earnings followed the same trend, with China delivering $5.2 million in EBITDA for the quarter. That’s a solid improvement and gives a better sense of how the business looks when demand is there.

But outside the Asian giant, things are still uneven.

The Appen Global segment saw revenue fall 37% to $19.9 million, reflecting the stop-start nature of project work. It also posted an EBITDA loss of $3.1 million, which weighed on the overall result.

No changes to outlook disappoints the market

Another piece that likely didn’t help is the outlook.

Appen kept its FY26 guidance unchanged, with revenue expected to land between $270 million and $300 million. Underlying EBITDA margins are expected to sit between -5% and -10%.

There were no upgrades to reflect the stronger China performance, which may have caught some investors off guard given the recent run in the share price.

Cash flow pulls back from last quarter

On the balance sheet side, Appen finished the quarter with $59 million in cash, down slightly from $59.8 million at the end of December.

Operating cash flow also came in lower at $3.8 million, compared to $14.7 million in the prior quarter, largely reflecting typical seasonal patterns.

Foolish takeaway

There are some better numbers in here, but I am not convinced the turnaround is locked in yet.

Right now, the China business is doing most of the work, and that leaves the overall result feeling a bit one-sided.

Until the global segment starts to stabilise, it is hard to get too confident in the recovery.

I would be watching this from the sidelines for now.

The post Why Appen shares just crashed 28% despite a return to growth appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Appen, Catalyst Metals, South32, and Woolworths shares are sinking today
• 3 under-the-radar ASX AI shares that could be the next WiseTech
• ASX 200 tech shares rocket 13% as long-awaited sector rebound accelerates

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 Appen. 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.

Not every stock that falls 50% is a bargain. 

Some deserve the decline. But occasionally, the market becomes overly focused on near-term issues and loses sight of the bigger picture.

These two ASX 200 shares stand out to me right now for that reason.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

WiseTech is a stock that has gone from market darling to heavily scrutinised.

The share price has pulled back 50% from its high, and I think a lot of that comes down to concerns around growth, acquisitions, and how artificial intelligence (AI) could reshape the software landscape.

But when I look at the business itself, I still see an ASX 200 share with a very strong position.

CargoWise remains deeply embedded in global logistics workflows, and that is not something that is easy to replace. Once systems like this are integrated, switching becomes complex and risky for customers.

What I find particularly interesting is how management is leaning into AI rather than being threatened by it. The company is actively embedding AI into its platform to improve automation, productivity, and customer outcomes.

At the same time, it is shifting its commercial model toward transaction-based pricing, which I think could better align revenue with customer value over time.

There are also signs that the business continues to grow, with revenue and EBITDA both increasing, even if margins have been impacted in the short term.

For me, this looks like a company going through a transition rather than one that is losing its edge. If it executes well, I think the current weakness could prove to be an opportunity.

Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE)

Treasury Wine Estates is a very different type of story.

The share price has been under pressure for some time and is down 50% over the past year. Sentiment has clearly been weak, but I think there are early signs that the business is starting to stabilise.

Its recent update suggests that underlying demand is improving in key markets, with depletions returning to growth in areas like the US and continuing to perform strongly in China.

I think this is important. This is a business that has been working through a transformation, and improving sales momentum is often one of the first signs that things are heading in the right direction.

There are also structural changes underway. The company is moving to a new regional operating model designed to improve execution and simplify the business.

At the same time, it continues to focus on its premium and luxury brands, particularly Penfolds, which still appears to be performing well.

I think this looks like a turnaround story that could be in the early chapters, but has the potential to be very rewarding for patient investors.

Foolish takeaway

Both WiseTech and Treasury Wine Estates have fallen a long way from their highs, and in both cases, there are valid reasons for that.

But I think the key question is whether their long-term positioning has fundamentally changed.

Right now, I do not think it has.

WiseTech still looks like a leader in a complex, global industry, while Treasury Wine Estates appears to be making progress in stabilising and reshaping its business.

For investors willing to look beyond short-term uncertainty, I believe both could be worth considering at these levels.

The post 2 ASX 200 shares down 50% that I would buy today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why I think the WiseTech share price has plenty of upside
• Why Cochlear, Karoon Energy, Origin Energy, and WiseTech shares are falling today
• These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares
• Nervous investors turn to ASX 200 defensives as global energy shock drags on
• 1 ASX dividend stock down 50% I’d buy

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

It’s been another red opening for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) today. 

However, two ASX 200 stocks that are bucking the trend and charging higher are Yancoal Australia Ltd (ASX: YAL) and Regis Healthcare Ltd (ASX: REG). 

At the time of writing, Regis Healthcare shares are almost 7% higher on Thursday, while Yancoal shares are rising 4%. 

Why are these ASX 200 stocks rising?

It seems investors are scooping up Regis Healthcare shares this morning after the company announced that FY26 underlying EBITDA is expected to be about $135 million, hitting the top end of its guidance amid strong occupancy across its mature homes.

As The Motley Fool’s Laura Stewart reported earlier today, Regis Healthcare announced: 

• FY26 underlying EBITDA expected to be approximately $135 million
• Average Q3 FY26 occupancy in mature homes reached 95.9%, up on the prior period
• Net refundable accommodation deposit (RAD) inflows of $223 million year to date (March FY26)
• Total paid-up RAD balance at $2.3 billion as at 31 March 2026
• One-off profit before tax of $25 million from divestment of two homes in Far North Queensland

This has sent the stock price soaring more than 6% higher. 

Its share price is now up 18% since April 20. 

It’s worth noting that the ASX 200 company also named a new CEO yesterday.

Meanwhile, ASX 200 company Yancoal is also storming higher this morning. 

This marks a third consecutive day in the green, despite no price-sensitive news out of the company this week. 

The coal miner is now up 55% year to date. 

What are experts saying?

At the time of writing, Yancoal shares are trading for $7.78 per share. 

This is below yearly highs of $8.70 hit by the coal miner in late March. 

However, estimates from brokers indicate it could race past this price in the next 12 months. 

Huatai Securities has a buy rating on Yancoal with a $14.40 share price target.

This indicates an upside potential of 85% from current levels. 

Meanwhile, for Regis Healthcare, the company is being tipped to benefit from ageing populations in the long term. 

The ASX 200 company offers aged care facilities, retirement villages, home care, day therapy, and day respite program. 

At the time of writing, Regis Healthcare shares are trading at $6.76 per share. 

This is down 26% from 12-month highs. 

However, 5 analysts’ forecasts via TradingView place a fair price estimate of $8.48 on the ASX 200 stock. 

This indicates upside potential of 25% from current levels. 

The post What are experts saying about these ASX 200 stocks soaring higher today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Regis Healthcare expects FY26 EBITDA to hit top end of guidance
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Regis Healthcare names Andrew Kinkade as new CEO
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• 3 ASX 200 stocks storming higher in this week’s sinking market

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 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 All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is down 0.3% in late morning trade on Thursday, but don’t blame this rocketing ASX All Ords healthcare share.

The high-flying stock in question is Aroa Biosurgery Ltd (ASX: ARX).

Shares in the soft-tissue regeneration company closed yesterday trading for 55 cents. At time of writing, shares are changing hands for 65 cents apiece, up 18.2%.

Here’s what’s piquing investor interest today.

ASX All Ords healthcare share rockets on guidance beat

Investors are bidding up Aroa shares today following the release of the company’s preliminary full year results (FY 2026). Aroa’s financial year runs through to 31 March.

The ASX All Ords healthcare share reported full year revenue of NZ$104 million in actual terms. On a constant currency basis, FY 2026 revenue came in at NZ$101 million.

That sees revenue coming in above Aroa’s full year guidance range of NZ$92 million to NZ$100 million (constant currency). It’s also 21% higher than FY 2025 total revenue.

Management credited the strong growth to a 52% year-on-year boost (constant currency) in sales in its Myriad portfolio, which was stronger than they had expected. Myriad is the company’s propietary biological surgical implant used to regenerate soft tissue.

On the earnings front, the ASX All Ords healthcare share expects FY 2026 normalised earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) to be in the range of NZ$11million to NZ$12 million on an actual basis. Or NZ$10 million to NZ$11 million on a constant currency basis.

That also materially exceeds Aroa’s FY 2026 constant currency earnings guidance of NZ$5 million to NZ$8 million.

The earnings boost was primarily driven by the increased revenue. The company noted that changes in the timing of project related costs, particularly its Enivo and TelaBio development projects, also had some impact. Aroa now expects these costs to be realised in FY 2027.

In other core financial metrics, Aroa has a positive net cash flow of NZ$5 million over the full year.

And on the balance sheet, the company held NZ$27 million at 31 March, up from NZ$23 million at 30 September.

What did Aroa management say?

Commenting on the preliminary results sending the ASX All Ords healthcare share surging today, Aroa CEO Brian Ward said:

We are delighted with the strong performance reflected in these preliminary results, driven by continued growth in the Myriad portfolio. We look forward to providing further details on the release of our audited full year results at the end of May.

Aroa is scheduled to release its fully audited FY 2026 results on 26 May.

The post Guess which ASX All Ords healthcare share is rocketing 18% in Thursday’s sinking market appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• What are experts saying about these ASX 200 stocks soaring higher today?
• CSL, Resmed, Cochlear shares crash to multi-year low: Buy, sell or hold?
• ASX tech stock charges higher on big acquisition news
• This ASX 200 copper stock is pushing higher on record profits
• Mineral Resources shares jump 7% on guidance upgrade

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 S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has slumped again in early morning trade on Thursday, continuing on a run of seven consecutive days of losses.

The latest weakness has been driven, in part, by declines in major ASX healthcare shares. Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH), CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL), and Resmed CDI (ASX: RMD) shares have all tumbled to multi-year lows this week.

Cochlear shares are 1.21% lower to $88.88 at the time of writing on Thursday morning. The latest share price represents the lowest trading price since November 2015. For the year to date, Cochlear shares are now down 67%, and they’re 68% lower for the year.

It’s a similar story for CSL shares. The beaten-down biotech stock is down 0.88% today to a 10-year low of $124.76 a piece. For the year to date, CSL shares are now down 27%, and they’re 50% lower for the year.

Resmed shares have tumbled another 3.82% in early-morning trade, to a two-year low of $29.19 a piece. The latest update means the medical equipment company’s shares are now 19% lower for the year to date, and they’re 20% lower than this time 12 months ago. 

Why are these ASX healthcare shares slumping?

ASX healthcare shares are facing significant headwinds right now. These include disappointing earnings results and structural headwinds such as a weaker US dollar, higher US tariffs, and increased labour costs.

Concerns about overinflated share prices also caused concern that some ASX shares were overvalued and due for a sharp correction.

These headwinds have seen investors increasingly turn away from healthcare shares this year and instead reposition themselves towards ASX energy stocks, resources, and defensive assets. 

On top of a sector-wide sentiment shift, the three companies have also faced their own business-based headwinds.

Cochlear posted a softer-than-expected half-year result in February, triggering a share sell-off. The shares crashed again last week after the company downgraded its FY26 earnings guidance, citing weaker conditions across developed markets and softer demand.

Meanwhile, CSL has experienced a notable slowdown in earnings growth, loss of investor confidence, and operational challenges. More recently, CSL has faced headwinds such as lower vaccine demand, a surprise restructure, and even a shock CEO exit.

There hasn’t been any price-sensitive news out of Resmed to explain the company’s share price declines this year. It’s likely that the healthcare stock has been swept up in a general sector-wide sell-off. 

Is the latest dip a buying opportunity for investors? Or is there more to come? Here’s what the analysts think.

What to expect from Cochlear, CSL, and Resmed shares next

It looks like now is a great buying opportunity to get into the ASX 200 shares for cheap. 

Analysts are mostly bullish across the board.

TradingView data shows that eight out of 18 analysts have a buy or strong buy rating on Cochlear shares, with an average target price of $130.70 a piece. That time plies a 47% upside at the time of writing.

Analysts are even more positive about the potential outlook for CSL shares. Out of 18 analysts, 12 have a buy or strong buy rating on the stock, and they tip an average 60% upside to $199.11 a piece.

Resmed shares are also expected to fly around 42% to an average target price of $41.67 over the next 12 months. Out of 31 analyst ratings, 22 have a buy or strong buy rating on Resmed shares.

The post CSL, Resmed, Cochlear shares crash to multi-year low: Buy, sell or hold? 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 CSL, Cochlear, and ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL and Cochlear. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Gentrack Group Ltd (ASX: GTK) shares are on the rise on Thursday.

In morning trade, the ASX tech stock is up 3% to $4.95.

This follows the announcement of an acquisition, which is offsetting broad market weakness.

What did the ASX tech stock announce?

This morning, the utilities software provider announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Dubai Technology Partners (DTP).

It is a premier airport technology and services provider based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

According to the release, the acquisition will be integrated into Gentrack’s airports division, Veovo, expanding its product portfolio, its global delivery scale, and its footprint in the Middle East.

It highlights that DTP’s innovative technologies will be integrated as high-value bolt-ons to Veovo’s AI-enabled portfolio.

In addition, DTP brings around 60 highly skilled professionals with deep domain expertise in airport operations and flagship Middle Eastern customers including Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabian airports.

The ASX tech stock is paying US$10 million, subject to customary completion adjustments. This will be funded entirely from Gentrack’s existing cash reserves.

Management advised that, depending on the final completion date, it expects the acquisition of DTP to add around NZ$3.5 million of revenue to Gentrack’s Veovo business across the four months remaining in FY 2026.

It also expects the acquisition to be marginally EBITDA accretive (before acquisition costs) in FY 2026. The good news is the cost of integration will be low and focused on cross sales activities aimed at driving growth in FY 2027 and onwards.

Commenting on the deal, the ASX tech stock’s CEO, Gary Miles, said:

DTP is a highly complementary acquisition—technologically, commercially, and culturally. By adding DTP’s technologies to Veovo’s AI-enabled portfolio and leveraging their prestigious expertise, we can deliver smarter, more automated solutions to our 150+ airports worldwide while establishing a powerful growth engine in the Middle East.

DTP’s chair, HE Sultan Al Mansoori, added:

Gentrack and Veovo have demonstrated a proven track record as a leading airport technology provider, underpinned by strong and enduring cooperation with DTP over many years. This partnership represents the natural next step in DTP’s development, enabling the team to enhance service delivery for our existing clients while extending the global reach of our high-quality solutions as part of Gentrack. It also provides an excellent platform for the continued growth and development of our highly skilled and motivated personnel.

The post ASX tech stock charges higher on big acquisition news 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 positions in and has recommended Gentrack Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Gentrack Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.