Category: Stock Market

BWP Group (ASX: BWP) shares are not moving on Wednesday after the property group requested a trading halt.

The BWP share price is frozen at $3.94, where it last traded before the halt. That leaves the stock up about 8% over the past month, after a stronger run into May.

BWP is best known as a major landlord to Bunnings. It owns and manages a portfolio of large-format retail properties across Australia.

The trading halt follows a capital raising announcement released before market open.

Here’s what investors are looking at today.

BWP launches $228 million cap raising

BWP has announced a fully underwritten accelerated non-renounceable pro rata entitlement offer to raise about $228 million.

Eligible securityholders can subscribe for 1 new security for every 12 existing BWP securities. The offer price has been set at $3.77 per new security, which is below the last closing price of $3.94 on 5 May.

BWP said the offer price represents a 4.3% discount to that closing price. It also represents a 4% discount to the theoretical ex-rights price of $3.93.

The group said around 60 million new securities will be issued under the offer.

The retail component is due to open later this month.

BWP expects normal trading to resume on Thursday, 7 May, after the institutional offer results are announced.

Why the group is raising money

BWP said the proceeds will support future capital deployment across its portfolio, including a pipeline of about $163 million in committed capital projects.

These include repurposing developments, asset expansions, and upgrades across older properties.

Assuming the committed capital spend goes ahead, BWP expects pro forma gearing to sit at 20.3%. That would be at the low end of its 20% to 30% target range.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES), BWP’s largest securityholder, has also committed to take up its full entitlement. Wesfarmers holds a 23.4% stake and is expected to contribute about $53 million in total.

Distribution guidance held steady

BWP also reaffirmed its FY26 distribution guidance of 19.41 cents per security.

New securities issued under the offer will rank equally with existing securities. They will also be entitled to the second-half FY26 distribution, which is expected to be 9.83 cents per security.

That should help ease some concern around dilution from the cap raising. Still, investors will want to see how the market prices the stock once trading resumes tomorrow.

Keep in mind, a discounted raising can still put pressure on a share price, even if the money is being directed towards growth projects.

The post Why this Bunnings landlord is frozen on the ASX today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• BWP Group launches $228 million entitlement offer

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.

The S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) is down 1.2% today, but that’s not holding back this surging ASX gold stock.

The rocketing junior gold miner in question is Caprice Resources Ltd (ASX: CRS).

Caprice Resources shares closed yesterday trading for 7.5 cents. In earlier trade on Wednesday, shares were trading for 12.25 cents apiece, up 63.3%. After some likely profit taking, at the time of writing, shares are changing hands for 11.5 cents each, up 53.3%.

That puts shares in this ASX gold stock up an impressive 130% since this time last year.

Here’s what’s piquing investor interest today.

ASX gold stock surges on strong drilling results

Caprice Resources shares are off to the races today after the miner announced “exceptional” shallow gold mineralisation from ongoing drilling at its Island Gold Project, located in Western Australia.

The ASX gold stock said the latest reverse circulation (RC) drill results have defined a new high-grade zone just 120 metres parallel to the project’s primary Vadrians lode.

The miner reported top results from one hole that intersected 22 metres at 66.2 grams of gold per tonne, including 8 metres at 181 g/t gold from 42 metres downhole. That marks the highest-grade intercept so far at the Island Gold Project.

Caprice Resources said it has sent the holes drilled directly beneath this top intercept for fast-track assays. The ASX gold stock is currently awaiting those results, which it noted could represent potential extensions to this “bonanza grade mineralisation”.

The miner is planning to kick off follow-up drilling in the area next week as it continues apace with its 50,000 metres drilling program, aimed at defining a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) at Island Gold.

What did Caprice Resources management say?

Commenting on the strong intercepts boosting the ASX gold stock today, Caprice Resources managing director Luke Cox said, “Intercepting 22 metres at 66.2 g/t gold, including 8 metres at 181 g/t gold, from just 42 metres downhole in the hanging wall parallel to Vadrians is an exceptional result by any measure.”

Cox added:

The combination of grade, thickness, shallow depth, and proximity to the main Vadrians mineralisation reinforces our view that Island is evolving into a multi-lode system with significant scale potential.

Looking ahead, Cox concluded:

With follow-up RC and diamond drilling already underway, including testing of northern strike extensions, depth extensions, and additional targets across the Island corridor, we are in an exciting phase of discovery and growth.

The ongoing 50,000 metre drill program is systematically unlocking this potential and building scale across this yet-to-be contained system.

Stay tuned!

The post Guess which ASX gold stock is rocketing 63% today on ‘bonanza grade’ results appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has 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.

Unless you emerged from under a rock this morning, you’re likely aware of the latest Reserve Bank of Australia interest rate hike.

On Tuesday afternoon, many ASX shares came under pressure after the RBA announced its third consecutive rate hike in 2026.

Having boosted the official cash rate by 0.25% to the new 4.35%, Australia’s official interest rate is now back at its post pandemic 2024 highs. Indeed, you’d have to go back to November 2011 to find higher rates.

With inflation showing signs of picking back up even before the onset of the Middle East conflict sent global energy prices soaring, the RBA is looking to get ahead of the curve.

The board noted:

There are early signs that many firms experiencing cost pressures are looking to increase prices of their goods and services. Short-term measures of inflation expectations have also risen.

So, does this mean ASX investors should expect a fourth interest rate increase when the BA meets again on 16 June?

Probably not, according to the economists at Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA).

Here’s why.

Why CBA expects the RBA to now sit tight on interest rates

CBA head of Australian economics Belinda Allen said that following on Tuesday’s cash rate increase, the RBA now has some time to sit back and see what happens with inflation and the economy from here.

Allen noted that the RBA’s post meeting guidance reinforced this view.

According to Allen:

The RBA press conference reiterated that the board now has space to monitor the economic impact of the conflict in the Middle East, and this reaffirms our view that the RBA will now be on hold for the remainder of 2026.

However, Allen said that the added inflationary pressures from the Middle East conflict will likely see inflation remain above the RBA’s 2% to 3% target range for some time, so another interest rate increase in 2026 isn’t entirely off the table.

CBA also expects Australia’s economic growth will slow.

Allen said:

A further rate hike cannot be ruled out, depending on the data. Economic outcomes will dictate the path of policy. The key things to watch are federal and state budget outcomes, wage decisions, consumer spending and the June quarter inflation data.

With CBA forecasting that inflation will gradually ease as higher interest rates and cost‑of‑living pressures drag on household spending, and employment growth slows, the bank’s base case sees interest rates remaining at 4.35% in 2026 before possibly easing in 2027.

“From here we do see a period of ‘on hold’ from the RBA, depending on economic outcomes and global developments,” Allen concluded.

The post Interest rates are back at 15-year highs. Here’s what CBA expects now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has 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.

Emerald Resources NL (ASX: EMR) shares are pushing higher on Wednesday after the gold miner released a project update.

At the time of writing, the Emerald share price is up 2.09% to $5.85.

That gives the company a market capitalisation of about $3.8 billion.

The move offers some relief after a softer start to the year. Emerald shares are still down about 5% in 2026, but remain up around 35% over the past 12 months.

Here’s what investors are looking at today.

Final green light for Dingo Range

Emerald advised that Works Approval has been granted for its 100%-owned Dingo Range Gold Project in Western Australia.

The approval came from the Western Australian Government’s Department of Water and Environmental Regulation.

This was the final regulatory approval needed for the project.

With that now in hand, Emerald said Dingo Range can move towards development once debt funding is completed.

The approval covers key infrastructure across the project. That includes the processing plant, power station, tailings storage facility, and other related infrastructure needed to support construction and operations.

Emerald has already completed and commissioned the project’s camp. This will house construction workers and operational staff once production begins.

The company said drilling programs are continuing through 2026. These are aimed at supporting mineral resource updates, testing open pit extensions, and assessing underground development potential.

What the approval means

While the update moves Dingo Range closer to development, it also gives investors a better look at what comes next.

Approvals do not guarantee a smooth build or strong production result. But they do remove a major hurdle from the development timeline.

That is enough to get some attention from investors, especially with Emerald looking to build beyond its existing gold operations.

Emerald is already a gold producer through its Okvau operations in Cambodia. The company has now poured more than 440,000 ounces of gold from its operations.

Dingo Range gives the company another potential production base, this time in Western Australia.

The project sits across the Dingo Range greenstone belt and has been a key part of Emerald’s growth plans since the Bullseye Mining takeover.

The company is also moving ahead on long lead items.

Emerald has committed to buy two 8,000kW Metso SAG mills. One is for Dingo Range and the other is for the Memot Gold Project in Cambodia.

The total cost is about $30 million, with supply expected to take up to 13 months.

Foolish takeaway

This is a positive milestone, but the main focus now is financing.

Emerald has the key approval it needs for Dingo Range, but development still depends on debt funding being completed.

That is where I would be focused.

Once the balance sheet is sorted, investors can get a better read on timing, costs, and how quickly construction can begin.

The post Why this $3.8 billion ASX gold stock is climbing today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Emerald Resources gets the green light for Dingo Range Gold Project
• Emerald Resources delivers record cash flow and project progress in March 2026 quarter
• Emerald Resources hits more high-grade gold at Dingo Range and Memot

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.

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) stock Atlas Arteria (ASX: ALX) is ticking higher on Wednesday, rising 0.6% to $4.82 during early afternoon trading.

The modest gain follows a key update on a takeover approach from IFM Investors. Atlas Arteria’s independent directors have formally recommended that securityholders reject IFM’s hostile offer. They argue it undervalues the business and comes with significant conditions.

IFM’s proposal stands at $4.75 per stapled security, which is below the current trading price, a factor that may also be supporting the share price.

So, what exactly did Atlas Arteria say?

The board described the bid as opportunistic, noting it comes at a time of recent market volatility and follows a period where the ASX 200 stock has traded well above the offer price over the past year.

Independent directors believe the proposal fails to reflect the true value of Atlas Arteria’s global toll road portfolio and its future growth potential. The company owns and operates major infrastructure assets across North America and Europe, generating stable, inflation-linked cash flows.

Over 50 extra conditions

Another major sticking point is the structure of the offer itself. The $7 billion ASX 200 stock highlighted that IFM’s takeover proposal includes more than 50 separate sub-conditions, some of which are already incapable of being satisfied. That level of conditionality introduces uncertainty and reduces the likelihood of the deal proceeding in its current form.

In a separate but related development, Atlas Arteria has issued a Right of First Offer over its interest in the Chicago Skyway. While not directly tied to the takeover bid, this move is relevant to certain conditions within IFM’s proposal. It also signals the company is continuing to actively manage its asset portfolio.

Exploring asset recycling

Management also reiterated that it is exploring broader value-enhancing initiatives for investors. These include potential asset recycling and strategic options for its US operations, which could unlock additional value over time.

Chair Debbie Goodin was direct in her assessment of the bid:

This hostile, highly conditional takeover offer from IFM is opportunistic and materially undervalues Atlas Arteria. The Offer is designed to accelerate IFM’s creep to effective control of Atlas Arteria without paying a fair premium to securityholders. The Independent Directors of Atlas Arteria recommend that securityholders reject the Offer. The Boards and management remain focused on continuing to deliver on the strategy to optimise company value and create value for all securityholders.

What next for the ASX 200 stock?

Atlas Arteria is now preparing a formal Target’s Statement, which will include an independent expert’s report and outline the board’s detailed recommendation. This will be provided to investors at least 14 days before the offer closes.

Looking at recent performance, Atlas Arteria shares have rallied nearly 14% over the past month. However, over the past year, the ASX 200 stock is still down around 7%, lagging the S&P/ASX 200 Index, which has gained about 6%.

For now, the market appears to be backing the board’s view that the offer undervalues the company. That could explain why the share price is holding above the bid.

The post Which ASX 200 stock is lifting after a hostile takeover update? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Buying an exchange-traded fund (ETF) at a 52-week high can feel uncomfortable.

It is natural to wonder whether the easy gains have already been made. But I do not think a new high automatically means an ETF is too expensive or should be avoided.

Sometimes, a 52-week high simply tells us that momentum has returned to a theme with genuine long-term support.

That is how I am thinking about the ASX ETFs in this article. Both have climbed to new 52-week highs on Wednesday, but I would still consider buying them for the long term.

Global X Artificial Intelligence ETF (ASX: GXAI)

The Global X Artificial Intelligence ETF is the most obvious momentum play of the two.

Artificial intelligence (AI) remains one of the biggest investment themes in global markets. What I like about the GXAI ETF is that it gives investors broad exposure to the companies building, enabling, and using this technology.

That can include areas such as semiconductors, cloud computing, automation, data infrastructure, and AI software.

The key point for me is that AI is not just a short-term market story. I think it could change how businesses operate across almost every industry.

Companies are still working out how to use AI properly. That suggests the adoption curve could run for many years, rather than being finished after one strong rally.

The Global X Artificial Intelligence ETF will probably be volatile. Any ETF tied to a hot theme can move quickly in both directions.

But if AI keeps becoming more useful, more widely adopted, and more deeply embedded in business workflows, I think this ETF could still have plenty of long-term potential.

Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

The Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF is another ASX ETF I would consider, even after its move higher.

It gives investors access to major technology companies across Asia.

I like this because many Aussie portfolios are heavily tilted towards Australia and the US. Asia can be underrepresented, even though the region is home to large digital platforms, semiconductor leaders, gaming businesses, e-commerce giants, and payment networks.

This ETF is not just about one country or one trend. It gives investors exposure to the digitalisation of Asian economies, rising middle-class consumption, online services, and regional technology leadership.

There are risks. Asian technology shares can be affected by regulation, geopolitics, currency movements, and changing investor sentiment.

But for investors willing to take a long-term view, the ASIA ETF could provide exposure to a part of the global technology market that is often overlooked.

Foolish takeaway

A 52-week high is not always a reason to walk away. In some cases, it can be a sign that investors are returning to themes with genuine long-term growth potential.

I would not expect either of them to move in a straight line from here. But for investors who can handle volatility and think in years rather than weeks, I believe both ASX ETFs could still be worth buying after hitting new highs.

The post These ASX ETFs just hit 52-week highs but I’d still buy them 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 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 ASX 200 has plenty of solid businesses, but I think only a smaller group of shares has the ingredients to outperform over a full decade.

For me, that usually means a company has exposure to a long-term growth trend, a strong competitive position, and enough reinvestment opportunity to keep getting bigger.

Here are three ASX 200 shares I think fit that description.

NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT)

NextDC is one of my preferred ways to gain exposure to the growth in digital infrastructure.

The company operates data centres, which provide the physical infrastructure needed for cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), enterprise software, and data-heavy applications.

What I like about NextDC is that it sits underneath many of the trends investors are excited about. It does not need to pick the winning AI model or software platform. It provides the infrastructure that many of those businesses need to operate. 

That can be a powerful place to be. 

Data centre demand is also becoming more complex. Customers increasingly need secure, reliable, well-connected facilities with access to power and scale. NextDC has been investing heavily to meet that demand.

While this investment can weigh on short-term earnings, over 10 years, I think that investment could support material earnings growth.

Data centres are capital intensive, and execution will be important. But if demand for AI, cloud, and digital infrastructure keeps growing, I think NextDC shares have a real chance to outperform.

Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG)

Breville is a very different kind of growth story. It is a global consumer products company best known for premium kitchen appliances, especially coffee machines. 

That may sound less exciting than AI or data centres, but I think Breville has something many consumer businesses lack: brand power.

The company has built a reputation for quality, design, and innovation. That allows it to sell into higher-value categories and build loyalty with customers who care about the experience, not just the cheapest price.

I also think Breville still has plenty of room to expand internationally.

The at-home coffee trend remains attractive, and Breville has opportunities across North America, Europe, and other markets. It can also keep growing by broadening its product range and deepening its presence in premium kitchen categories.

Consumer spending can be uneven, particularly when interest rates are rising. But over a decade, I think a strong global brand with pricing power and product innovation can keep compounding.

DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO)

DroneShield is the higher-risk ASX 200 share pick, but I think it could also have the most upside.

The company develops counter-drone technology used to detect, track, and respond to drone threats.

This is still an emerging market, but I believe it could become increasingly important over the next decade. Drones are becoming cheaper, more capable, and more widely used across military, security, and commercial settings. That creates a growing need for defence and protection systems.

What interests me is that DroneShield is not trying to enter an old market with established rules. It is operating in a category that is still being built.

That can create volatility, especially because contract timing can be lumpy and investor expectations can shift quickly. But if counter-drone systems become a normal part of defence budgets, airport security, prisons, public events, and critical infrastructure protection, then the opportunity could be much larger than it is today.

I would size this position carefully. But over 10 years, I think DroneShield has the kind of structural growth exposure that could support market-beating returns if execution remains strong.

Foolish takeaway

Outperforming the market over 10 years is never guaranteed.

But I think NextDC, Breville, and DroneShield each have something that could help them do it.

NextDC is building the infrastructure behind the digital economy. Breville is turning a premium consumer brand into a global growth story. DroneShield is exposed to a security market that could become far more important over time.

For patient investors, I think all three could be worth considering for long-term growth.

The post Why I think these ASX 200 shares could outperform the market over 10 years appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 2 strong Australian stocks to buy now with $10,000
• ASX 200 tech shares rebound 20% in 5 weeks: experts reveal stocks to buy
• Why is everyone talking about Westpac, Ampol and NextDC shares on Tuesday?
• NextDC shares pull back after a funding update. Here’s what you need to know
• NEXTDC secures $1.8bn in new senior debt to boost liquidity

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.

DigiCo Infrastructure REIT (ASX: DGT) shares are soaring on Wednesday.

At the time of writing, the ASX data centre stock is up 23% to $2.90.

Despite today’s rally, it is worth noting that DigiCo Infrastructure REIT shares remain well below their December 2024 IPO listing price of $5.00 per share.

Why is this ASX data centre stock rocketing today?

Investors are bidding the DigiCo’s shares higher after it announced the sale of its Chicago data centre asset and a major strengthening of its balance sheet.

According to the release, the company has entered into a binding agreement to sell its CHI1 facility in Chicago for US$750 million. This represents a roughly 5% premium to its November 2024 purchase price.

The sale is expected to complete in the first quarter of FY 2027.

Balance sheet boost

A key reason that investors appear pleased with the update is the impact the sale will have on DigiCo’s balance sheet.

The company expects the CHI1 sale to release net cash proceeds of approximately $360 million after repayment of asset-level debt.

Pro forma net debt is expected to fall from $1.5 billion at 31 December 2025 to approximately $0.5 billion, while gearing is expected to drop from 36% to 17%. At the same time, available liquidity is expected to increase to approximately $900 million.

This materially improves DigiCo’s financial position and gives it more flexibility to fund growth.

Focus turns to SYD1

Management intends to redeploy capital into the SYD1 development in Sydney, which it describes as its most compelling growth opportunity.

The company confirmed that practical completion has been achieved for the first 15MW of a 20MW upgrade, with the remaining 5MW on track for delivery before 30 June.

DigiCo also noted that the broader 88MW SYD1 development program remains supported by strong customer demand.

The ASX data centre stock’s interim CEO, Chris Maher, commented:

The release of capital from CHI1 provides additional financial flexibility and capacity to accelerate the delivery of the SYD1 development program. The 88MW project has progressed further, with design and tender documentation for the expansion continuing to advance, the 70% design milestone now achieved and a head contractor to be appointed in Q3 CY2026. The remaining capacity is planned to be delivered progressively over the next three years, with 10MW of capacity targeting delivery in Q2 CY2027. The demand pipeline for the remaining capacity is strong and expected to generate attractive returns.

Capital management and outlook

DigiCo also revealed that it intends to explore capital management initiatives, including potentially returning excess capital through enhanced distributions in the short term.

Another positive is that management has reaffirmed its FY 2026 underlying EBITDA guidance of $125 million.

It also expects the US asset sales to be materially funds from operations accretive from FY 2027, while the SYD1 expansion is expected to support strong EBITDA growth over the next four years.

The post Why this ASX data centre stock is rocketing over 20% today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• DigiCo Infrastructure REIT slashes debt after Chicago asset sale
• Experts name 3 ASX shares to sell

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

AGL Energy Ltd (ASX: AGL) shares are marching higher today.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) energy stock closed yesterday trading for $9.43. In late morning trade on Wednesday, shares are swapping hands for $9.55 apiece, up 1.3%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is up 0.9% at this same time.

AGL shares are in focus today following the company’s presentation at the annual Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) Conference.

Here’s what investors are tuning into.

AGL shares gain on improved FY 2026 guidance

The core takeaway from the Macquarie conference was AGL’s amended full year FY 2026 profit and guidance range.

Management now expects FY 2026 underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) to be between $2.06 billion and $2.18 billion, giving investors a tighter and improved range from prior guidance of $2.02 billion to $2.18 billion.

On the profit front, AGL forecasts full year underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) will be between $610 million and $680 million. That’s also a narrowed and improved range from prior NPAT guidance of between $580 million and $680 million.

The company said its narrowed and improved FY 2026 profit and earnings guidance reflects “the continued strong operational and financial performance of the business since the half year results”. That includes improved plant availability, stabilisation of consumer margins and disciplined cost management.

AGL shares could also be supported over the medium term, with the company noting that it is well placed for at least the next three months of the global fuel crisis. The ASX 200 energy stock said its current diesel storage is near capacity for its power generation assets, and it expects ongoing supply as an essential services provider.

What did management say?

Looking to what could boost AGL shares over the longer-term, CEO Damien Nicks pointed to the $2 billion dollars of projects the company currently has underway.

According to Nicks:

We’ve commenced commissioning on the first 250-megawatt tranche of the Liddell Battery in New South Wales, and the full 500 megawatts is expected to be operational by the end of this financial year.

Construction of the 500-megawatt Tomago Battery is progressing well, and we’ve also taken a final investment decision on the K2 project – further expanding the breadth and capacity of our flexible asset portfolio through a 220-megawatt, fast start gas peaker in Western Australia.

Nicks added, “The approximately $750 million proceeds from the sale of our 19.9% interest in Tilt Renewables are also expected to be received by 31 May.”

The post AGL shares lifting off on improved $2.1 billion full year earnings expectations appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has 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 GPT Group (ASX: GPT) share price is in focus after the company delivered its March quarter update, maintaining high occupancy across retail, office, and logistics, and reaffirming its FY 2026 guidance.

What did GPT Group report?

• Group investment portfolio averaged 97.5% occupancy with a 4.5-year weighted average lease expiry (WALE) for the quarter.
• Retail occupancy reached 99.7% as at 31 March 2026, with retail sales up 4.2% and specialty sales up 3.9% on the prior period.
• Office portfolio maintained 92.2% occupancy and a 4.9-year WALE; logistics achieved 98.8% occupancy and a 5.0-year WALE.
• Guidance was reaffirmed for FY 2026: FFO of approximately 35.4 cents per security (around 4% growth) and distributions of 24.5 cents per security.
• The GWSCF equity raise was oversubscribed, securing $610 million in new equity, supporting future fund growth.

What else do investors need to know?

GPT’s retail arm saw total moving annual turnover up 4.5% and specialty sales productivity remain high at $13,955 per square metre. April brought a 4.2% jump in retail foot traffic compared to last year, with redevelopments like Rouse Hill Town Centre on schedule for late 2026 completion.

Leasing activity was lively across all verticals. The office team completed 51,400 sqm of leasing over the quarter, with practical completion at 51 Flinders Lane, while logistics pushed forward with seven new deals for a combined 100,400 sqm. Construction continues at Kemps Creek, supporting future growth in logistics.

What’s next for GPT Group?

Looking forward, GPT maintains its guidance for the year and continues to invest in development across the logistics and retail portfolios. The successful equity raise supports the group’s capacity to pursue future projects and maintain high-quality assets.

Management remains focused on maximising occupancy and improving sales performance, while progressing planned developments and supporting growth across the investment portfolio.

GPT Group share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, GPT Group shares have risen 3%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 7% over the seme period.

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The post GPT Group delivers March quarter update appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart 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. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.