Category: Stock Market

The Web Travel Group Ltd (ASX: WEB) share price is lifting off today.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) travel stock closed on Friday trading for $2.96. During the Monday lunch hour, shares are swapping hands for $3.53 apiece, up a blistering 19.3%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is up 1.8% today following on a strong day of trading in US stock markets on Friday.

Here’s why Web Travel is smashing the benchmark returns today.

Web Travel share price surges on FY26 guidance confirmation

A lot of today’s outperformance looks to be driven by bargain hunters, who see value in the ASX 200 travel share following Friday’s trouncing.

As you may know, on Friday, the Web Travel share price closed down a painful 29.5%.

That selling action followed news that the Special Delegation of the Balearic Islands of the Spanish Tax Agency had initiated an audit of the company’s Spanish subsidiary.

Management said the tax agency is reviewing the subsidiary’s direct taxes paid between April 2021 and March 2024, as well as its indirect taxes paid (and owed) between January 2022 and December 2025.

Today, management looks to have eased ASX investor concerns with a timely market update.

As a quick review, Web Travel spun off its online travel agency business, Webjet Group (ASX: WJL), in September 2024. The company is now primarily focused on its B2B travel business, WebBeds.

Management today noted that WebBeds is a global business with offices in more than 20 countries and staff in more than 50 countries. They added that Web Travel is subject to tax reviews and audits each year on a regular basis.

As for Friday’s announcement of the Spanish subsidiary audit that sent the Web Travel share price into a nosedive, management said they decided to “proactively inform the market, rather than reactively address investor queries as a result of the Spanish media coverage”.

They also reassured investors that the taxpayer being audited is the Spanish subsidiary only.

Management added, “The Spanish subsidiary review only commenced on 5 February 2026 and we cannot make comment at this time.”

And Web Travel said it does not expect any material earnings impact from the Spanish tax review.

The company reiterated its full-year FY 2026 earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) guidance of between $147 million and $155 million. That represents a 22% to 29% increase on Web Travel’s FY 2025 EBITDA of $121 million.

The post Why is the Web Travel share price rocketing 19% on Monday? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Bravura, CAR Group, Pepper Money, and Web Travel shares are storming higher
• Why EOS, Lotus Resources, REA, and Web Travel shares are dropping today
• Why is the Web Travel share price crashing 41% on Friday?
• Buy, hold, sell: Northern Star, Pro Medicus, and Web Travel shares
• 5 top ASX growth shares to buy now with $5,000

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

In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to record a strong gain. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is up a sizeable 1.9% to 8,872.6 points.

Four ASX shares that have failed to follow the market higher today are listed below. Here’s why they are falling:

Bougainville Copper Ltd (ASX: BOC)

The Bougainville Copper share price is down 3.5% to 79 cents. Investors have been selling this copper stock after it announced the termination of a strategic partnering process with the president of the Autonomous Bougainville Government. This is in relation to the selection of an international mining partner for the redevelopment of the Panguna Mine.

Brainchip Holdings Ltd (ASX: BRN)

The Brainchip share price is down a further 3.5% to 13.5 cents. This semiconductor company’s shares have come under significant pressure since the release of another disappointing quarterly update. Brainchip reported cash receipts of just US$0.4 million for the three months ended 31 December, despite entering the commercialisation stage a few years ago. Investors appear to be doubting whether Brainchip realistically has any chance of ever competing with chip developers that spend billions on research and development each year.

Challenger Ltd (ASX: CGF)

The Challenger share price is down 3.5% to $8.60. This follows news that the annuities company is in advanced talks to jointly acquire Pepper Money Ltd (ASX: PPM) with Pepper Group ANZ HoldCo. Challenger believes the potential acquisition would provide long-term access to fixed income assets and support its strategic growth plans. If completed, Challenger would hold no more than 25% of total Pepper Money shares. It seems that the market isn’t overly keen on the deal.

HMC Capital Ltd (ASX: HMC)

The HMC Capital share price is down almost 5% to $3.73. This morning, Morgan Stanley retained its equal-weight rating and $3.85 price target on the investment company’s shares. Its analysts think that HMC Capital’s shares are fair valued at current levels. Though, it is worth noting that other brokers see more value in the company’s shares. For example, last month Morgans put a buy rating and $6.60 price target on its shares. Based on its current share price, this implies potential upside of approximately 75% for investors over the next 12 months. Time will tell which broker has made the right call on this one.

The post Why Bougainville Copper, Brainchip, Challenger, and HMC Capital shares are falling today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Pepper Money shares pop 25%, Challenger slips 3% on take-private deal
• Challenger flags talks on Pepper Money acquisition
• 1 ASX dividend stock down 64% I’d buy right now
• ASX 200 financials flew but tech and mining shares faltered last week
• Why Brambles, HMC Capital, ResMed, and Rio Tinto shares are rising today

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 HMC Capital. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Challenger and HMC Capital. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Shares in REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA) were sold off heavily last week after the company released what, on the face of it, appeared to be a decent set of numbers.

The company, which owns the dominant real estate listings site in Australia, realestate.com.au, reported revenue from core operations of $916 million, up 5% year on year, and net profit of $341 million, up 9%.

The company also announced a $200 million share buyback.

So far, so good.

So why has the stock been sold down?

I’ve had a look at what the analysts are saying, and it’s fair to say they believe the company has been oversold.

The analysts at Macquarie have a $200 per share price target on REA Group, though they recommend it with a neutral rating.

They explain in a note to clients published this week that the company is being caught up in the fear around artificial intelligence, which is seen as a growing threat to many industries at the moment.

The Macquarie team said:

The rapid and ongoing AI developments have created debate on structural change within online real-estate classifieds. Most company stock prices are down in the last 12-months (23% average decline), and valuations are trading around pre-COVID levels, following a multi year post-COVID re-rating. Whether online real-estate classifieds are a net beneficiary of AI is too early to call in our view We do think that real estate is more protected than the AI risks facing small consumer shopping transactions however, the industry has historically seen disruptive shifts (i.e. from print), as well as complementary changes (i.e. introduction of mobile); we are cautious on putting AI into either of these categories just yet.

Elsewhere, UBS analysts are quite positive on the stock, with a buy recommendation and a price target of $218.90.

Their report out this week had the subheading “no visible deterioration in growth drivers”, and they said while the first half result was a minor miss to consensus expectations, the core residential performance was in line with estimates, “giving us comfort on sustainability of growth in medium term”.

They added:

(The) Stock continues to be impacted by concerns around competition and general AI fears. Whilst these concerns are valid, we are yet to see meaningful evidence in today’s results. We remain confident on REA’s ability to deliver double digit yield growth over next 3 years.

They added that the key risk in the second half remained the macroeconomic environment, with another one to two interest rate hikes “pencilled in by our economics team,” but they said, conversely, this could drive growth for REA as mortgage stress prompted people to sell houses.

REA Group shares were 2.2% higher on Monday morning at $171.71.

The post Are REA Group shares a buy, sell or hold after their recent sell off? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Passive income: How much do you need to invest to make $500 per month?
• Why EOS, Lotus Resources, REA, and Web Travel shares are dropping today
• Why is the REA share price crashing 18% today?
• News Corp reports robust Q2 FY26 earnings growth
• REA Group earnings: Profit and dividend up in strong H1 FY26 result

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.

The Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) share price is treading into uncharted territory today.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) mining giant closed on Friday trading for $157.08. In late morning trade on Monday, shares are changing hands for $160.32 apiece, up 2.1%.

If the ASX 200 mining stock can hold onto these gains to market close, that will not only mark a new one-year high but also a new all-time closing high.

And today’s gains come despite iron ore dipping back below the critical US$100 per tonne mark. The steel-making metal slid 1.6% to be trading for US$99 per tonne.

With today’s intraday lift factored in, the Rio Tinto share price is now up 34.3% since this time last year. And that doesn’t include the two fully-franked dividends the miner paid to eligible stockholders over this time.

Rio Tinto stock currently trades on a 3.7% fully-franked trailing dividend yield.

Here’s what’s been catching ASX investor interest.

Why is the Rio Tinto share price smashing new record highs?

While we’re only in the second week of February, a lot has been happening with the Aussie mining giant already in 2026.

First, Rio released its December quarter (4Q 2025) results on 21 January.

The Rio Tinto share price closed up 2.6% on the day after the miner reported a 7% increase in quarterly iron ore shipments, with iron ore shipments hitting a record 326.2 million tonnes in 2025.

Pilbara iron ore production was up 4% in the December quarter to 89.7 million tonnes, also setting a new record. Iron ore production for the full year of 327.3 million tonnes was in line with 2025.

And with global copper prices surging, and broadly expected to post further long-term gains, investors will have noted the 5% year-on-year lift in quarterly copper production to 240 tonnes. Rio Tinto’s copper production for the full 2025 calendar year exceeded guidance, leaping 11% from 2024 to 883,000 tonnes.

“Record copper production continues following delivery of our Oyu Tolgoi underground project, another demonstration of our unique and diverse project capabilities,” Rio Tinto CEO Simon Trott said on the day.

What about the Rio-Glencore merger?

The other really big news-grabbing investor interest in 2026 was Rio Tinto’s proposed, and since rejected, merger with Glencore plc (LSE: GLEN).

The Rio Tinto share price sank 6.3% on 9 January after news of the proposed merger between the mining giants hit the wires.

But investors look to have breathed a sigh of relief when, on Friday, 6 February, Rio Tinto confirmed that it would not be proceeding with the deal.

Management revealed that they could not reach an agreement that would deliver value to Rio Tinto’s shareholders.

The post Big ASX news! Rio Tinto share price leaping to all-time highs today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Argo Investments reports record profit and dividend
• Why Brambles, HMC Capital, ResMed, and Rio Tinto shares are rising today
• Rio Tinto shares charge higher after Glencore merger collapses
• Rio Tinto confirms no merger with Glencore after review
• Which ASX shares benefit from a stronger AUD?

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.

Shares in Aeris Resources Ltd (ASX: AIS) are charging higher on Monday. This comes after the miner released a strong exploration update from its Golden Plateau prospect in Queensland.

At the time of writing, the Aeris share price is up 8.08% to 53.5 cents. In comparison, the S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is edging 1.6% higher.

That move adds to an already remarkable run, with the stock now up around 240% over the past 12 months.

Let’s take a closer look at today’s update to the market.

Strong gold intersections grab attention

According to the release, Aeris reported significant gold intersections from the first diamond drill holes at Golden Plateau. The results are from a planned 30-hole program within the Cracow project.

Early drilling confirmed high-grade mineralisation within existing Cracow mining leases. This supports the view that Golden Plateau could become an additional source of ore for the operation.

Highlights included:

• 5.0 metres at 12.7 grams per tonne gold from 45.6 metres at the Fernyside lode
• 19.3 metres at 0.9 grams per tonne gold from 188 metres, including narrower higher-grade zones, within the Main Lode under the former open pit

The company said the drilling shows mineralisation continues along strike from earlier high-grade areas. It also identified broader mineralised zones below the old pit.

Why Golden Plateau could be very important

Golden Plateau is close to the existing Cracow processing facility and sits within Aeris’ current mining leases.

This means any future development could use existing infrastructure, which may reduce costs and speed up development.

The company believes the drilling shows mineralisation continues beyond historic workings and into deeper zones. If further results support this, Golden Plateau could help extend the life of the Cracow operation.

More drill results are coming

The results reported so far cover only the first 2 holes of a broader diamond drilling program. In total, 16 holes have already been completed, with assays expected to be returned progressively as the program continues.

The full drill program aims to improve the geological model, assess several lodes, and support future mine planning and approvals.

Foolish Takeaway

Aeris Resources has reported early drilling that points to continued mineralisation at Golden Plateau.

The intersections suggest Cracow may still offer further upside, supported by existing infrastructure and additional drilling underway.

After a 240% rise over the past year, expectations are already high. These early findings do offer some near-term support, though further confirmation will be important to sustain the share price’s recent run.

The post This ASX mining stock is up 8% after eye-catching gold drilling update appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• $10,000 invested in WIRE ETF a year ago is now worth…

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.

As reporting season kicks off, the team at Shaw and Partners have had a look at the mining sector and come up with four stocks they believe could outperform now and into the future.

In particular focus, perhaps not surprisingly, is the gold sector, with the price of the precious metal hitting record highs in Australian dollar terms.

The Shaw team went on to say:

The favourable environment is further bolstered by the sector’s relatively clean hedge books, operational efficiency and disciplined cost control. Bullion has surged to unprecedented levels, particularly in the latter half of 2025 and early 2026, with the average price in the six months to January 2026 up 70% compared to the same six-month period prior. For domestic producers, this translates into even higher revenues due to a favourable AUD/USD exchange rate and significantly expanded profit margins.

The Shaw team said that inflation has been a concern, but “the gold sector has demonstrated remarkable cost discipline”, with all-in sustaining costs of production relatively stable over the past four quarters.

So who do they like in the sector:

Ramelius Resources (ASX: RMS)

The Shaw team said that Ramelius is embarking on a heavy investment phase over the next four years, “yet our revised gold price outlook suggests they will maintain a robust upward trajectory in liquidity, with free cash flow yields tripling by 2030”.

Shaw believes the market is underestimating the production potential at the company’s Dalgaranga project, “and given management’s history of conservative forecasting, further discoveries at Cue or Magnet could easily push performance beyond current expectations”.

Shaw has a $6.50 target price on Ramelius compared with $4.34 currently.

Genesis Minerals (ASX: GMD)

The Shaw team said that Genesis’ fourth quarter was “robust” with the company eliminating all debt and maintaining $629 million in liquidity.

They added:

While FY26 production guidance remains unchanged, growth capex increased to $220-$240m as Tower Hill development is fast-tracked. GMD is currently tracking toward the top of its production range and the lower end of cost estimates.

Shaw has a $10 price target on Genesis Minerals compared with $6.65 currently.

And outside of gold companies, Shaw and Partners likes the following.

AIC Mines (ASX: A1M)

The Shaw team said AIC is undergoing a “transformational” 2026, “recently achieving a major milestone by reaching the high-grade Jericho copper deposit via a new 2.4km underground access drive”.

This development, they said, supports the ongoing expansion of the company’s processing plant, with the company aiming to achieve annual production of more than 25,000 tonnes of copper.

Shaw has an 80-cent price target on AIC compared with 55 cents currently.

Paladin Energy (ASX: PDN)

This uranium producer is rapidly scaling up production, Shaw said, with a 16% quarterly increase in the December quarter at its Langer Heinrich mine in Namibia.

This meant that the company was likely to track close to the upper end of its production guidance of 4.4 million pounds.

Paladin also recently completed the acquisition of Fission Uranium, “adding the high-grade Patterson Lake South project in Canada to its global development pipeline”.

Shaw has a $10.40 price target on Paladin shares compared with $11.01 currently.

The post Four mining stocks to watch ahead of reporting season appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why is this ASX uranium stock crashing 30%?
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Can these 2 ASX gold shares keep outpacing the gold rally?
• 3 ASX mining shares to buy: Morgans
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday

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.

Shares in Bravura Solutions Ltd (ASX: BVS) jumped 23% after the wealth management software provider announced a material upgrade to its FY26 guidance, signalling further progress in the company’s turnaround story.

The upgrade was to both the top line and profitability, exactly the kind of update that investors would have been hoping for.

What did Bravura announce?

Bravura announced a material uplift to its guidance for FY26 as follows:

• Revenue is expected to be between $280m and $285m (previously $265m and $275m)
• Cash EBITDA expected to be between $69m and $73m (previously $55m and $65m)
• PPE Capex expected to be circa $4m (previously $2m to $3m)

This guidance assumes an average British Pound GBP/AUD exchange rate of 1.95 for 2H26.

What’s driving the turnaround?

According to Bravura, the upgrade is being driven by:

• increased project engagement across customers and business units, which is expected to continue into the second half
• well-managed cost levels, even as project services activity increases
• and ongoing investment in internal technology to support delivery and scalability

That combination matters. Bravura has historically struggled with project execution, cost overruns, and earnings volatility. The update suggests the company is executing well in converting its large installed client base into higher-quality, more profitable work.

Why the market reacted so strongly

A 23% move might look dramatic, but context matters. Bravura shares were caught in the recent tech rout, and its share price has been down about 48% since October 2025.

If Bravura is actually upgrading its guidance in an environment where the prevailing sentiment against tech shares is negative, it shows how confident management is in the company’s performance and strong execution.

What to watch next

The next key event will be Bravura’s 1H26 results, due on Wednesday, 11 February, where investors will look for further details to confirm the company’s strong performance and outlook.

Foolish bottom line

Bravura’s guidance upgrade wasn’t subtle, and the market response reflects that. This guidance upgrade doesn’t just improve near-term numbers; it challenges the bearish narrative. In other words, this wasn’t just better-than-expected news. It was confidence-restoring news.

The post Bravura shares soar 23% on guidance upgrade appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Four mining stocks to watch ahead of reporting season
• Why are ASX 200 tech shares like WiseTech and NextDC going gangbusters on Monday
• 3 ASX stocks poised to ride Australia’s renovation wave
• These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares
• Pepper Money shares pop 25%, Challenger slips 3% on take-private deal

Motley Fool contributor Kevin Gandiya has no positions in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Bravura Solutions. 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) tech shares are starting the week with a bang.

In morning trade on Monday, the ASX 200 is up a welcome 1.6%.

As for the surging Aussie tech companies, the S&P/ASX All Technology Index (ASX: XTX) – which also contains some smaller tech companies outside of ASX 200 tech shares – is up 4.1% at this same time.

Here’s how some of Australia’s biggest tech shares are faring today:

• Shares in cloud-based software solutions provider WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) are up 4.8% trading for $49.90 each
• Shares in software-as-a-service provider Technology One Ltd (ASX: TNE) are up 5.1% trading for $22.97 each
• Shares in data centre operator NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT) are up 6.2% trading for $13.50 each
• Shares in location-sharing software developer Life360 Inc (ASX: 360) are up 5.0% trading for $26.24 each
• Shares in accounting software provider Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO) are up 1.7% trading for $83.11 each

Boom!

Here’s what’s got Aussie tech investors favouring their buy buttons today

ASX 200 tech shares on the rebound

None of the booming stocks listed above has released any price-sensitive information today.

So, why the outsized intraday gains?

Well, after getting smashed on Friday amid the broader market retrace, investors clearly see value in these large-cap ASX 200 tech shares like WiseTech and NextDC.

Indeed, we saw a similar story playing out in the US stock markets on Friday, following Thursday’s tech sell-down on the Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC).

On Friday, however, US stocks came roaring back with the S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX) closing up 2% and the tech-heavy Nasdaq surging 2.2%.

AI chip-making giant Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ: NVDA) was a standout performer, gaining a whopping 7.9% on Friday. And this is a US$4.5 trillion (AU$6.4 trillion) company we’re talking about here.

For some context, WiseTech shares are worth a combined AU$16.7 billion.

Experts say ‘buy the dip’ with care

Commenting on the rebound in US stocks that’s spilling over into ASX 200 tech shares today, Interactive Brokers’ Jose Torres said (quoted by Bloomberg):

Investors are rising to the occasion and aggressively buying the dip in stocks. Basement ‘animal spirits’ are offering value hunters opportunities to accumulate shares amid a general sense on Wall Street that the selling has gone too far.

SlateStone Wealth’s Kenny Polcari added, “For long-term investors, this is the time to go shopping. A lot is on sale.”

And Bellwether Wealth’s Clark Bellin concluded:

The bull market is not dead, but it is aging, and we are not surprised to see investors paying more attention to corporate earnings and profitability.

Our message to investors is to remain opportunistic when stocks dip, but not necessarily during every dip. 2026 should still be a positive year, with plenty of opportunities to buy stocks on sale.

The post Why are ASX 200 tech shares like WiseTech and NextDC going gangbusters on Monday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why now could be the time to buy WiseTech shares
• These beaten down ASX growth shares could rise 50% to 75%
• Why I’m planning to act this week and buy ASX shares
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Interactive Brokers Group, Life360, Nvidia, Technology One, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended the following options: long January 2027 $43.75 calls on Interactive Brokers Group and short January 2027 $46.25 calls on Interactive Brokers Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Nvidia and Technology One. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Australians have an enduring obsession with home ownership. But with the median dwelling price sitting at 16 times median income in some areas, renovating a ‘fixer upper’ or improving an existing property rather than moving is becoming a more viable option for many.

In fact, as reported by Realestate.com.au in January 2026, Australians spent $53.8 billion on home improvements in FY25, the highest spend since 2022.

So how can investors get in on this trend? Here are the three stocks poised to ride the renovation wave.

Beacon Lighting Group Ltd (ASX: BLX)

Lighting is an important part of any property overhaul and plays a pivotal role in three of the most popular renovation categories – energy efficiency upgrades, kitchens, and bathrooms. And while local lighting and ceiling fan retailer Beacon Lighting has seen some share price volatility of late, it is well placed to capitalise on its trusted brand and broad product range.

Its share price has fallen around 30% in the last year, likely driven by weakening sentiment across the consumer discretionary retail sector. However, at the tail end of 2025, it hit the radar of some analysts, with Bell Potter putting a buy rating on it in December.

And at current prices, I tend to agree. Its FY25 results show solid growth, including record sales of $328.9 million and a gross margin of 69.1%. Also, Beacon Lighting recently highlighted that it remains on track to reach its target of 50% trade sales by FY28 – a strategy that essentially gives it two bites at the home renovations cherry.  

It has shown a disciplined approach thus far, with a healthy cash buffer and a relatively conservative balance sheet. In my opinion, it’s a buy for long-term investors in the current climate.

Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW)

Furniture provides the finishing touch of every renovation, and Temple & Webster is in the box seat to deliver. The online retailer offers access to more than 200,000 items from thousands of suppliers through a scalable drop-shipping model. This agile model allows it to serve a wide market, offering everything from simple flat-pack solutions and on-trend, low-cost décor to premium, artisan, hand-finished furniture.

Its share price is down roughly 25% over the last 12 months. Despite posting strong FY25 results, it saw volatility in November following an update that missed consensus growth expectations. That said, the company says it remains on track to deliver on its mid-term goal of $1 billion in annual revenue.

Despite failing to meet expectations in the short term, I think it’s worth considering at current prices. Its solid performance in market headwinds, strong brand, flexible model, and depth of product offering all create a solid runway for long-term growth.  

GWA Group Ltd (ASX: GWA)

As the owner of some of Australia’s most recognised kitchen and bathroom brands, including Caroma, Methven, Dorf, and Clark, GWA is a pivotal player in the home improvement landscape.

While GWA is also affected by changes in consumer discretionary spending, its share price has fared better than many peers’. Over the last 12 months, it has seen a 4% rise in its share price and is tipped to continue delivering strong dividends to investors.

It reported solid results in FY25, despite a declining market. And its buybacks late last year indicate the company has confidence in its ability to continue delivering and believes its shares to be undervalued.  

GWA’s ongoing success may be buoyed by continued consumer demand for water-efficient products. It is a frontrunner in the space with intelligent bathroom systems that deliver smarter water management solutions to consumers.

At current prices, GWA may still hold reasonable value for investors. It offers some of the go-to brands for consumers looking for quality and water efficiency. And it has shown it can perform and deliver healthy dividends, even in challenging market conditions.

The post 3 ASX stocks poised to ride Australia’s renovation wave appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 2 ASX shares that could be overdue for a new year jump
• 2 excellent ASX All Ords stocks I’d buy today
• 2 strong Australian stocks to buy now with $5,000
• 3 ASX growth shares to buy before they rebound
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Motley Fool contributor Melissa Maddison 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 Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

At the start of each week, I like to look at ASIC’s short position report to find out which shares are being targeted by short sellers.

This is because I believe it is well worth keeping a close eye on short interest levels as high levels can sometimes be a sign that something isn’t quite right with a company.

With that in mind, here are the 10 most shorted shares on the ASX this week according to ASIC:

• Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP) continues to be the most shorted ASX share with short interest of 17%. This is up slightly week on week. Short sellers appear to be betting against the pizza chain operator’s turnaround strategy.
• Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE) has seen its short interest rebound to 16.6%. Short sellers have done well with this one. The uranium producer’s shares are down over 50% since this time last year amid production concerns.
• Guzman Y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG) has short interest of 14.1%, which is up slightly week on week. This may be due to disappointment over the taco and burrito seller’s performance in the United States market.
• Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE) has seen its short interest rise again to 13.8%. This wine giant is facing distributor uncertainty in the United States and unfavourable consumer trends.
• Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) has short interest of 12.2%, which is up week on week. Short sellers appear to have doubts over the travel agent’s revenue margin outlook.
• Polynovo Ltd (ASX: PNV) has short interest of 12.1%, which is flat since last week. Short sellers seem to believe that this medical device company’s shares are overvalued.
• Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX) has short interest of 11.9%, which is up slightly week on week. This radiopharmaceuticals company has been struggling with FDA approvals.
• IDP Education Ltd (ASX: IEL) has 11% of its shares held short, which is down week on week. This student placement and language testing company has been negatively impacted by student visa changes in key markets.
• IPH Ltd (ASX: IPH) has returned to the top ten with short interest of 11%. Softer volumes have been weighing on this IP service provider’s performance.
• PWR Holdings Ltd (ASX: PWH) has also returned to the top ten with short interest of 10.2%. This automotive cooling products company’s shares currently trade at almost 90 times earnings. Short sellers may believe that is too much of a premium.

The post These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Domino’s Pizza Enterprises and Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Domino’s Pizza Enterprises, PWR Holdings, PolyNovo, Telix Pharmaceuticals, and Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended PWR Holdings and Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Domino’s Pizza Enterprises, Flight Centre Travel Group, IPH Ltd , PolyNovo, and Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.