Category: Stock Market

The Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) share price is focus today after releasing its March quarter update, which showed uranium production rose 5% to 1.29 million pounds and full-year production guidance was increased.

What did Paladin Energy report?

• Uranium production (U₃O₈) increased to 1.29Mlb, up 5% from the previous quarter
• Year-to-date FY2026 uranium production: 3.59Mlb
• Sales volumes of 1.03Mlb U₃O₈ at an average realised price of US$68.3 per pound
• Cost of production for the quarter: US$40.3 per pound
• FY2026 Langer Heinrich Mine production guidance lifted to 4.5–4.8Mlb (from 4.0–4.4Mlb)
• Cash and investments at quarter end: US$219.5 million; undrawn US$70 million credit facility

What else do investors need to know?

Paladin received key environmental approval for development of its Patterson Lake South (PLS) Project in Canada, an important milestone towards construction. Exploration drilling at both Patterson Lake South and the Michelin Project continued, with a focus on extending mine life and evaluating new resource potential.

The company is actively engaging with Indigenous and local communities in Canada and is defending against a legal challenge to the recent approval at PLS. Operations at the flagship Langer Heinrich Mine continue to ramp up, staying on track for full production by the end of the financial year.

What did Paladin Energy management say?

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Paul Hemburrow said:

Our Langer Heinrich Mine continues to perform strongly and activities at the site are in line with our commitment to complete the ramp-up to full operations by the end of the financial year. We were pleased to increase our production guidance for the full year as a result of the hard work and sustained effort of our team and key contractors to successfully mobilise the mining fleet, along with the improved feed grade and the delivery of high recovery rates from the processing plant. While achieving consistency in mining and production has been our focus throughout the year, we are monitoring potential impacts from events in the Middle East. Inbound shipments from suppliers to Langer Heinrich Mine are currently unaffected by the conflict, with our team closely monitoring the situation and taking the necessary steps to secure supply chains for key inputs into production. Outbound shipments of U₃O₈ to customers are not currently impacted. We were pleased to receive Environmental Approval for the PLS Project from the Saskatchewan Government and are now focused on progressing the next regulatory steps to obtain our construction license for this significant uranium development. Our Canadian approvals effort is being complemented by an active winter drilling campaign at PLS to further prove up the known deposit and examine prospective new areas around the proposed mine.

What’s next for Paladin Energy?

Paladin is guiding for increased uranium production at Langer Heinrich Mine for FY2026, and its ramp-up to full operations remains on schedule for year-end. The business is also focused on progressing regulatory steps for the PLS Project in Canada, including advancing construction licence applications and ongoing engagement with local communities.

Exploration at both Canadian assets continues, with an aim to further grow resources and extend mine lives. Management notes that the company is monitoring geopolitical risks, particularly in the Middle East, but so far supply chains and customer deliveries remain unaffected.

Paladin Energy share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Paladin Energy shares have risen 242%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 15% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Paladin Energy boosts uranium production and lifts FY26 guidance 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.

The ASX stock market is a great place to find ideas that have a good reputation for passive income. I much prefer a business that can deliver high and growing dividends over time, compared to a term deposit that offers limited payments.

The farmland landlord Rural Funds Group (ASX: RFF) is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that ticks many of the boxes I’d want to see if I were investing for reliable passive income.

Let’s look at why it’s a compelling option for generating $50 per week of income.

Strong choice for passive income

Rural Funds doesn’t pay a distribution every single week, but it does pay more regularly than many other ASX dividend shares. It pays on a quarterly basis. If an investor did want a weekly amount, they could just divide the quarterly amount into 13 weekly amounts or divide the annual amount into 52 pieces.

Rural Funds has provided guidance that it’s going to pay an annual distribution of 11.73 cents per unit for FY26.

To receive $50 per week, we’re talking about an annual total of $2,600. Using the projected payout for FY26, that means an investor would need to own 22,166 Rural Funds units for the desired passive income.

In the last few years, the business has maintained its distribution at 11.73 cents per unit, which I think is an appealing result for investors considering how much of a negative impact higher interest rates were (and could be again).

At the time of writing, the projection translates into a distribution yield of 5.8%.

But prior to FY23, the business had a track record of growing its annual distribution by at least 4% in most years between FY14 and FY22.

I think the business can grow its distribution again over time because of a few different factors.

Strong rental potential

Most of the rental income of the business benefits from annual rental indexation.

That rental growth is either a fixed annual increase or the increase is linked to inflation.

With that tailwind behind it, I think the farms’ value and distribution payout can steadily improve over time, even if there are headwinds in the near-term.

On top of that, Rural Funds is investing in its farms to help improve the productivity and rental potential of the real estate. Those investments can include changing farms to a more rewarding crop, as well as investing in increasing water access and storage at a particular farm.

Investing in Rural Funds now seems like a great time because it’s trading at a significant discount to its adjusted net asset value (NAV) of $3.10 as of 31 December 2025.

The post I’d buy 22,166 shares of this ASX stock to aim for $50 a week of passive income appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Rural Funds Group. 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 Rural Funds Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price is in focus after the mining giant delivered strong operational performance for the nine months to 31 March 2026, including record output at Escondida and WAIO, and expectations for FY26 copper production in the upper half of guidance.

What did BHP Group report?

• Total copper production for YTD March FY26 fell 3% to 1,461 kt, but average realised copper price jumped 31% to US$5.47/lb year on year.
• Iron ore production increased 2% to 197 Mt, with record material mined at WAIO.
• Steelmaking coal output rose 1% to 13.0 Mt; energy coal production rose 11% to 12.2 Mt, though average realised price dropped 15%.
• Copper guidance for FY26 remains at 1,900–2,000 kt, now expected at the top of the range, led by Escondida and Antamina.
• The company realised approximately US$4.8 billion in divestment proceeds, including the Antamina silver stream and sale of Carajás.
• Unit cost guidance at Escondida lowered to US$1.00–1.20/lb for FY26, reflecting strong operational and by-product performance.

What else do investors need to know?

BHP continued to make progress on its copper growth program, submitting an environmental application for a new concentrator at Escondida and advancing the Resolution Copper project in the US. The group also finalised several divestments, enhancing its balance sheet and capital flexibility.

A major leadership change is coming, with President Americas Brandon Craig set to become CEO from 1 July 2026, succeeding Mike Henry after six and a half years in the top job. Craig brings over 25 years of experience at BHP, including expanding the company’s copper footprint.

The company’s centralised procurement and low-cost operations provide resilience against global cost pressures, particularly higher energy and consumables costs related to ongoing Middle East tensions.

What did BHP Group management say?

BHP Chief Executive Officer Mike Henry said:

BHP has delivered strong performance over the past nine months, including record material mined and concentrator throughput at Escondida and record production at WAIO. These results reflect the consistency of our operations and the strength of our high margin diversified portfolio in an evolving operating environment. From 1 July 2026, Brandon Craig will assume the role of CEO, taking BHP forward from a strong position with reliable operations and a significant pipeline of copper and potash growth projects, to deliver long term value through the cycle.

What’s next for BHP Group?

Looking ahead, BHP expects to deliver FY26 copper and iron ore output at the upper end of guidance. The group is continuing to advance expansion projects in copper and potash, including major developments at Escondida, Resolution Copper, and Jansen in Canada.

Capital discipline remains a focus alongside extracting further value from divested non-core assets. The upcoming CEO transition is set to support delivery of long-term growth and operational stability.

BHP Group share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, the BHP Group shares have risen 52%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 15% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post BHP Group delivers record copper and iron ore output, announces CEO succession 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 recommended BHP Group. 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.

The Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH) share price is in focus today following a trading update that includes a reduction to the company’s FY26 underlying net profit guidance and softer implant demand in developed markets.

What did Cochlear report?

• Second half FY26 sales growth now expected at 2–6% in constant currency (CC)
• FY26 underlying net profit guidance reduced to $290–330 million (was $435–460 million)
• Revenue for cochlear implants in developed markets flat for the recent quarter in CC
• Services revenue up 13% in the third quarter (CC); Acoustics revenue up 11% (CC)
• Additional FY26 profit impacts of up to $10 million (provisions for Middle East receivables), $20 million (lower gross margin), $18–25 million (cost base reshaping), and $25 million (FX impact after tax)

What else do investors need to know?

Softer trading in developed markets is being driven by hospital capacity constraints and a decline in referrals from the hearing aid channel, especially in the US and parts of Europe. Cochlear also faces growing uncertainty in the Middle East, with potential order cancellations and delayed deliveries due to regional conflict.

On a positive note, the company’s services and acoustics segments continue to show strong revenue growth, aided by new product launches and an expanding installed base. Cochlear says it has a robust R&D pipeline and remains focused on investing in long-term growth, particularly in the adults and seniors segment.

What did Cochlear management say?

CEO and President Dig Howitt, said:

Addressing hearing loss in adults and seniors continues to be treated as a discretionary intervention, highlighting the importance of our strategy to medicalise hearing loss so that treatment is recognised as an important health priority.

We remain confident of our market leadership. We have seen strong adoption of the Nucleus® Nexa System across the developed markets, with very positive customer feedback and a strong interest in exploring the system’s potential to further improve hearing outcomes. With contracting of the new system complete, market share has been improving.

What’s next for Cochlear?

Cochlear plans to accelerate investment in the adults and seniors market and reshape its cost base to enable further growth. This includes reallocating resources towards strengthening referral pathways, enhancing commercial execution, and ongoing R&D for product innovation.

Despite near-term challenges, management says the company is positioned for long-term sustainable growth with a broad technology pipeline, including next-generation and totally implantable cochlear implants in regulatory trials.

Cochlear share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Cochlear shares have declined 35%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 15% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Cochlear cuts FY26 earnings outlook amid softer sales 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 positions in and has recommended Cochlear. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Cochlear. 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.

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) shares are a popular option in the energy sector.

However, with its shares rising strongly over the past 12 months, investors might find better returns elsewhere.

But where? Let’s look at one ASX energy stock that Bell Potter is tipping as a buy.

Which ASX energy stock is Bell Potter bullish on?

The stock Bell Potter is recommending to clients is Amplitude Energy Ltd (ASX: AEL).

It is an energy exploration and development company focused on conventional gas projects in southeast Australia.

Bell Potter was pleased with the energy stock’s performance in the third quarter of FY 2026. It highlights that production and sales volumes were ahead of expectations. It said:

AEL reported March 2026 quarterly production of 6.9PJe (BP est. 6.7PJe), gas sales of 6.8PJe (BP est. 6.7PJe) and revenue of $74m (BP est. $81m). The Orbost Gas Plant continues to perform strongly (quarter average at nameplate of 68TJ/day) with trials above nameplate achieving a 7-day average of 71TJ/day. Otways field decline continued, though should benefit in future quarters from re-establishment of production at the Casino-4 well.

Realised prices were again higher at $10.74/GJ, with weaker spot gas prices offsetting contract prices which reset higher from 1 January 2026. The company noted that group production, with year-to-date averaging 75.7TJe/day, is tracking to the upper end of FY26 guidance (73-77TJe/day).

Big potential returns

In response to the update, Bell Potter has retained its buy rating and $2.70 price target on the ASX energy stock.

Based on its current share price of $1.58, this implies potential upside of 70% for investors over the next 12 months.

Commenting on its buy recommendation, the broker said:

AEL’s conventional gas assets deliver into Australia’s east coast market. Debottlenecking at Orbost should incrementally lift near-term production. AEL’s realised prices should incrementally lift as new Gas Sales Agreements are signed.

Spot gas prices in peak seasons provide some upside. AEL’s ESCP is fully funded and should lift group production from 2028, with the development of an existing discovery and at least one relatively low-risk exploration prospect. The ESCP utilises latent capacity in existing pipeline and processing infrastructure.

All in all, this could make it worth considering if you are looking for alternatives to Woodside shares right now.

The post Forget Woodside shares, this ASX energy stock could rise over 70% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Woodside Energy Group Ltd. 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 Bank of Queensland Ltd (ASX: BOQ) share price is in focus as the group reported half-year results to 28 February 2026 showing a 4% increase in revenue to $835 million, but a 20% drop in statutory net profit after tax to $136 million.

What did Bank of Queensland report?

• Revenue up 4% to $835 million
• Statutory NPAT down 20% to $136 million
• Cash earnings after tax down 4% to $176 million
• Interim fully franked dividend of 20 cents per share (flat on prior year)
• Net interest margin rose by 10 basis points to 1.67%
• Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio increased to 11.18%

What else do investors need to know?

BOQ’s business mix continued to shift towards commercial lending, which grew by 16% over the half, while housing loan balances contracted. Non-interest income rose 13%, mainly due to business lending fees and the benefits of the branch conversion program.

Operating expenses increased by 6%, reflecting higher costs from inflation, digital transformation, and investment in the business bank. However, the bank maintained provision coverage and asset quality, with arrears and impaired assets both decreasing since the last period.

What did Bank of Queensland management say?

Managing Director and CEO Rod Finch said:

The first half result demonstrates BOQ’s ongoing operational resilience and continued progress on our long-term strategy, including the successful transition to a digital platform and strengthened capital position.

What’s next for Bank of Queensland?

Looking ahead, BOQ expects to complete the sale of its equipment finance portfolio in the second half of FY26, freeing up capital and targeting a $300 million return to shareholders after completion. The group will continue to focus on commercial lending growth, digital banking expansion, and productivity initiatives, while keeping cost growth below inflation.

Management highlighted strong capital and liquidity positions and signalled home lending growth could return as digital mortgage channels mature in FY27. Digital transition and system migrations remain under way, with further progress expected over the coming year.

Bank of Queensland share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Bank of Queensland shares are flat, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 15% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Bank of Queensland half-year 2026: profit falls, dividend steady as revenue rises 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.

One theme that has experienced ebbs and flows over the years is electric vehicle investing. 

Investing in electric vehicle (EV) related shares on the ASX began gaining traction in the late 2010s. This was driven largely by global momentum from companies like Tesla Inc (NASDAQ: TSLA). It was also influenced by increasing demand for battery minerals such as lithium. 

By the early 2020s, ASX investors were heavily backing lithium producers and battery supply chain companies. This turned EV exposure into a prominent growth theme.

Recent oil price surges have once again reignited debate over the growth potential of lithium producers and EV companies. 

A new report from Global X suggests the moment has arrived for the electric economy – spanning electric vehicles (EVs), lithium, clean energy, and energy storage systems (ESS).

EVs and battery technology appear to have finally crossed the threshold of no return, with the next phase of growth set to unfold at a materially faster pace than in recent years.

The perfect storm

According to Global X, the arrival of an energy crisis in the form of the Iran War may prove to be the catalyst that re-ignites the fire under EV adoption.

The report said that cost parity has been the key inflection point for EV adoption. 

The logic is straightforward: as EVs become just as cheap to buy and own as petrol vehicles, their superior technology and day-to-day performance should be enough to drive widespread switching.

However, we believe this is most likely not sufficient. What this framework overlooks is the stickiness of ingrained consumer behaviour, including a natural scepticism toward new technologies. For example, according to our analysis, the average all-in cost of an EV in 2025 was already approximately $875 cheaper than that of a comparable petrol vehicle over a typical 10-year ownership period.

Global X said that as of April 2026, the first signs of the EV re-acceleration are already appearing in sales figures and export numbers. 

Australia saw EVs take its highest share of sales ever in March, and in a more global metric, Chinese EV exports for March jumped more than 170% year-over-year.

EV adoption accelerating

Global X argues that the world is moving along a path of deglobalisation. 

As a result, commodities, including energy, are becoming more politicised and increasingly vulnerable to disruption. 

The Iran War has merely exposed these vulnerabilities and may act as a catalyst for countries to address and better manage risks in the future.

For most nation states without reliable domestic access to energy resources, the rational response is to accelerate investment in renewable infrastructure such as wind and solar. Central to this buildout are Energy Storage Systems (ESS), which not only store excess generation but also smooth out the inherent intermittency of renewable supply.

Global X Battery Tech & Lithium ETF (ASX: ACDC)

These catalysts are contributing to the outperformance of the Global X Battery Tech and Lithium ETF. 

In 2026 alone, the fund has rocketed nearly 20% higher. 

Over the last 12 months, it is up 120%. 

The fund offers investors exposure to global companies developing electro-chemical storage technology and mining companies producing battery-grade lithium.

Global X believes this alignment of consumer economics and national strategy is defining a new day for EV investment. While the pace of change may not be linear, the direction of travel appears increasingly set.

The electric economy is no longer reliant on favourable conditions to grow. It is being pulled forward by necessity.

The post Global X says it’s time to target this electric vehicle ASX ETF that has doubled in a year appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 positions in and has recommended Tesla. 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 South32 Ltd (ASX: S32) share price is in focus after the company delivered a solid March 2026 quarter, with net cash up by US$121 million and record production at Brazil Alumina.

What did South32 report?

• Group net cash rose by US$121 million to US$96 million for the March 2026 quarter
• Brazil Alumina achieved record year-to-date production, up 5% to 1,060kt
• Sierra Gorda delivered a record quarterly distribution of US$135 million (South32 share)
• Australia Manganese production guidance revised down by 6% due to weather impacts
• US$158 million invested in Hermosa development during the quarter
• Fully-franked interim dividend of US$175 million paid after the quarter-end

What else do investors need to know?

South32 reported a tragic fatality at Worsley Alumina in March, leading to some temporary suspension of non-critical work and an ongoing safety review. The team also responded to external challenges such as wet weather events and increased global freight costs from geopolitical tensions.

Despite headwinds, the company maintained production guidance across most operations, with only Australia Manganese seeing guidance cut due to site water issues following heavy rains and cyclones. The company continues to monitor supply chains closely but reports no current diesel shortages.

South32 invested US$239 million in group capital expenditure (excluding Hermosa and joint ventures) in the first nine months of FY26. The company executed a US$35 million on-market share buyback and has extended its capital management program, with US$209 million yet to be returned to shareholders.

What’s next for South32?

Looking ahead, South32 expects to complete its review of project milestones and capital expenditure for the Hermosa Taylor project in the June 2026 half year, as more infrastructure contracts are awarded. The company remains focused on managing water at Australia Manganese and drawing down inventory at Mozal Aluminium and Cannington as rail access improves.

Management reaffirms their strategy to invest in high-quality growth, particularly in copper, zinc and silver, while maintaining a strong balance sheet to support returns and weather market volatility.

South32 share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, South32 shares have risen 69%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 15% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post South32 lifts net cash and sets Brazil Alumina output record in March quarter 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.

Finding ASX shares that can genuinely scale over time is not always easy.

A lot of companies talk about big opportunities, but only a handful actually build the foundations needed to turn that potential into long-term growth. 

I think the most compelling opportunities tend to have strong platforms, expanding markets, and clear ways to grow beyond where they are today.

Here are three ASX shares I think fit that description right now:

SiteMinder Ltd (ASX: SDR)

SiteMinder has built a global platform that sits at the centre of hotel bookings and distribution.

What I like about this business is that it is not just growing by adding more customers. It is also increasing how much revenue it earns from each customer through additional products and services.

As the travel industry becomes more complex, hotels need better tools to manage pricing, distribution, and demand across multiple channels. SiteMinder is positioning itself as that core infrastructure layer.

I think the long-term opportunity here comes from deeper monetisation. If the company continues to expand its product suite and increase adoption across its customer base, revenue can grow even without a dramatic increase in customer numbers.

Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1)

Megaport is building a global network platform that connects businesses to cloud providers, data centres, and increasingly, compute services.

The key attraction for me is how this business is evolving alongside major technology trends. As cloud usage grows and artificial intelligence (AI) drives greater demand for data and processing, the need for fast, flexible connectivity is only increasing.

Megaport’s platform enables customers to scale their network connections on demand, making it a valuable piece of infrastructure in a more digital, data-heavy world.

I also think the company’s expansion into compute services adds another layer to the story. It opens up a larger addressable market and gives Megaport more ways to grow over time.

Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX)

Telix offers something different to the typical technology-focused ASX growth share.

The company operates in radiopharmaceuticals, developing imaging and therapeutic products for cancer. It already has a commercial product in market, which helps support ongoing growth and investment into its pipeline.

What stands out to me is the potential for multiple products to drive future revenue. If the company continues to successfully develop and commercialise new treatments, it could build a broader portfolio over time.

This is not without risk, as healthcare companies depend on clinical success and regulatory approvals. But the upside can be significant when things go right.

Foolish Takeaway

All three of these ASX shares are growing in different ways, but they share one important characteristic.

They are building platforms that can expand over time. SiteMinder is deepening its role in hotel commerce, Megaport is connecting the infrastructure behind the digital economy, and Telix is working towards a broader portfolio of healthcare products.

That combination of scale, opportunity, and optionality is what makes them exciting to me.

The post 3 exciting ASX shares you won’t want to miss out on appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Megaport, SiteMinder, and Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended SiteMinder. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Mercury NZ Ltd (ASX: MCY) share price is in focus after the company upgraded its FY2026 EBITDAF guidance to $1.05 billion, up from the previous $1.0 billion forecast. This reflects strengthened portfolio management and increased renewable generation expectations.

What did Mercury NZ report?

• FY2026 EBITDAF guidance lifted to $1.05 billion (previous: $1.0 billion)
• Upgrade driven by disciplined portfolio management
• Higher forecast renewable generation from hydro and new assets
• Electricity generation 100% from renewable sources

What else do investors need to know?

Mercury’s upgraded guidance is based on current portfolio settings and positive outlooks for hydro generation and new renewable assets. However, the company has flagged that forecasts may still change if there are significant events, one-off costs, or shifts in hydrological conditions.

Mercury continues to benefit from its diversified generation mix across hydro, geothermal and wind, and its multi-service retail operations in New Zealand. The New Zealand Government retains a legislated 51% stake in the company.

What’s next for Mercury NZ?

Mercury’s future performance will depend on hydrological conditions and the integration of new renewable assets. The company remains focused on disciplined portfolio management and delivering value to shareholders while maintaining its 100% renewable generation strategy.

Investors should keep an eye on how changing weather patterns and market conditions could impact future earnings guidance.

Mercury NZ share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Mercury shares have risen 1%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 15% over the same period.

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The post Mercury NZ upgrades FY2026 EBITDAF guidance 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.