Category: Stock Market

Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP) shares are sliding today.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) fast food pizza retailer closed yesterday trading for $24.02. In early afternoon trade on Thursday, shares are swapping hands for $23.11 apiece, down 3.8%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is down 0.7% at this same time.

If you’ve been following this stock, you’ll know that Domino’s shares have rebounded strongly since notching one-year closing lows of $13.31 on 7 October.

Despite today’s slide, shares remain up an impressive 73.6% from those lows.

Yet shares still remain down 23.9% since this time last year, losses that will have only been modestly eased by the 77 cents per share in unfranked dividends Domino’s paid out over the 12 months. The ASX 200 pizza retailer currently trades on a trailing dividend yield of 3.3%.

With shares still down sharply over the past year, is now still a good time to buy the stock?

Should you buy Domino’s shares today?

For some greater insight into that question, we defer to Medallion Financial Group’s Stuart Bromley (courtesy of The Bull).

“Domino’s may be a turnaround play if current cost cutting, franchise improvements and international expansion go to plan,” Bromley said. “But we see execution risk in Asia and Europe.”

According to Bromley:

The company posted a statutory net loss of $3.7 million in fiscal year 2025, which was impacted by one-off items. The shares have recovered from their lows but are well below their highs of previous years.

Indeed, Domino’s shares got a huge boost following the outbreak of the global pandemic in 2020 and the travel and dining out restrictions that lasted through 2021. That saw the ASX 200 stock hit $161.98 a share on 10 September 2021. Meaning shares are still down more than 85% from those highs.

Explaining his sell recommendation on the ASX 200 fast food stock, Bromley concluded:

The company operates in a fiercely competitive sector, where margins can be pressured. Until DMP shows a sustained recovery, we prefer to sit on the sidelines. Other stocks appeal more at this stage of the cycle.

What’s the latest from the ASX 200 pizza company?

Domino’s shares closed up 3.1% on 12 January after the company announced the appointment of a new CEO for its Australia and New Zealand operations.

Merrill Pereyra took the reins as CEO of Domino’s ANZ business last week, on 23 January. He has more than 30 years of experience in the fast food restaurant sector, including leadership roles at McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, and Domino’s Indonesia.

Domino’s hunt for a permanent group CEO is ongoing.

The post Up 74% since October, are Domino’s shares still a good buy today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• GQG Partners, Helloworld, Domino’s Pizza shares: Buy, hold, or sell?
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• ASX income stocks: A once-in-a-decade chance to get rich

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 Domino’s Pizza Enterprises. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Domino’s Pizza Enterprises. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ: MSFT) shares slid around 6% in US after-hours trading after the software giant reported its latest quarterly results.

The market’s reaction was in sharp contrast to Meta Platform (NASDAQ: META), whose shares surged, despite both companies committing to massive AI capital expenditure (capex) programs.

For Australian investors, the move is highly relevant. Both Microsoft and Meta are major holdings in several ASX-listed ETFs, including BetaShares NASDAQ 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ), VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT), ETFS FANG+ ETF (ASX: FANG), and Global X Artificial Intelligence ETF (ASX: GXAI).

What did Microsoft report?

At first glance, Microsoft’s result looked strong. Revenue rose 17% year on year to US$81.3 billion, cloud revenue topped US$50 billion for the first time, and adjusted profits climbed more than 20%.

Demand for AI-powered services remains robust, particularly across Azure and Copilot, and management stressed that customer demand still exceeds available supply.

So why did the market sell the stock?

The short answer is spending, its timing, and the narrative around it.

Microsoft’s capital expenditure jumped 66% year on year, driven by an aggressive build-out of data centres, GPUs, and AI infrastructure. While this spending underpins long-term ambitions, it’s hitting earnings now. Investors also focused on slightly slower momentum in Azure growth, which, while still very strong, failed to exceed already-high expectations.

In other words, Microsoft delivered good numbers, but not enough to justify the near-term hit to margins from front-loaded AI investment.

The other issue is the narrative around this capex spend. Investors need reassurance that this massive capex on AI initiatives will deliver a good return on investment, and whilst Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella tried his best to encourage investors to think beyond just Azure into other areas like Copilot, the narrative just wasn’t as convincing as it was with Meta.

Meta also announced eye-watering AI spending, with capital expenditure expected to reach up to US$135 billion next year. Yet its shares jumped.

The difference lies in where the payoff is showing up. Meta convinced investors that AI is already improving advertising performance and accelerating revenue growth, making today’s spending feel like an enabler rather than a drag.

Microsoft’s AI story is arguably broader and deeper, spanning cloud infrastructure, enterprise software, and consumer tools. But it’s also more capital-intensive and slower to translate into visible margin expansion.

Foolish bottom line

For Australian investors, the takeaway isn’t that Microsoft’s AI bet is wrong. Far from it. The company remains one of the best-positioned players in the AI ecosystem, with unmatched enterprise reach and enormous recurring revenues.

Instead, the market reaction highlights a more subtle point: AI spending alone isn’t enough. What matters is how quickly that spending turns into earnings leverage.

Meta showed that link clearly. Microsoft may get there too, but for now, the market is asking for more proof.

Microsoft’s share price drop reflects short-term caution, not long-term doubt. Investors believe in its AI strategy, but they may have to wait a little longer to see when the payoff moves from infrastructure to profits.

The post Microsoft shares slump as investors are split on the AI capex boom appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Kevin Gandiya has positions in Microsoft and Meta Platforms. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Meta Platforms, and Microsoft. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Meta Platforms, Microsoft, and VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

It’s been a subdued start to the year for ASX stocks. The S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO) is 1.57% higher for the year-to-date, and the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is up 1.62% as cost-of-living pressures, cash rate hike concerns and market shifts weigh on investor sentiment.

In times like these, it’s important for investors to see the forest through the trees and identify investment opportunities amid market ups and downs.

Here are three ASX stocks I think every Aussie investor should consider for their portfolio this year.

Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS)

EOS is a red-hot Aussie defence stock that develops and produces advanced electro-optic technologies. For the year-to-date, the company’s shares are down 8.44%, and while this isn’t ideal, in the context of its enormous 646.72% annual gain, it’s not too alarming.

The ASX stock has benefited from surging demand for exposure to the defence sector amid ongoing geopolitical volatility. Recent data shows that Global military spending reached an unprecedented US$2.7 trillion in 2024. I’d bet the figure was even higher for 2025.

The company has had several major contract wins recently and is well-positioned for strong growth this year. 

Analysts rate the shares a strong buy and tip an upside of up to 40.24% to $12.72 at the time of writing.

Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX)

Telix shares are down 2.51% to $11.08 a piece for the year-to-date, at the time of writing. Thanks to several significant headwinds over the past year, they’re now down 61.43% year-on-year.

Its recent Q4 FY25 results disappointed investors, despite the biotech stock reporting that it achieved its US$804 million FY25 guidance. Over the past few months, the company has also had regulatory filing issues with the US Food and Drug Administration.

But I think Telix still has exceptional growth potential amid a rapidly growing market, and at the current share price, in my view, the ASX stock is a buy.

Analysts mostly rate the shares as a strong buy and predict they could soar by up to 203.92% this year to $33.69 at the time of writing. 

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

The mining giant recently took the reins as the largest stock on the Australian sharemarket. BHP shares crossed the $50 mark earlier this week, pushing the miner’s market capitalisation to just over $253.5 billion. Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) is now in second place, with a market capitalisation of around $251.9 billion.

At the time of writing, the miner’s shares are down 0.85% to $50.17, although they’re 9.65% higher for the year-to-date and 28.23% higher than this time last year.

Analysts’ forecasts for the stock’s direction from here are subdued, with most holding a neutral stance and some even expecting a slight downside. 

But unlike the two ASX stocks listed above, I think BHP shares should be considered this year for more than just the upside potential. It’s worth noting that the company’s production is growing, and the business is diverse and actively expanding. And, of course, the miner offers a strong passive income stream for investors seeking reliable cash flow. 

Over the past 12 months, BHP paid an interim dividend of 79.1 cents per share on 27 March and a final dividend of 91.9 cents per share on 25 September, both fully franked. That’s a full-year passive income payout of $1.71 per share.

The post 3 ASX stocks every Aussie investor should consider in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Electro Optic Systems and Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group and Telix Pharmaceuticals. 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) uranium shares are benefitting from increasing adoption of nuclear power as part of the energy transition.

Many nations intend to build small modular nuclear reactors to create a new and low-emissions power source for domestic electricity.

In an article, Anna Wu, a senior associate in cross-asset investment research at VanEck, said:

An important tailwind for nuclear energy is the renewed support from many governments.

Following the Fukushima nuclear accident in 2011, many countries deprioritised nuclear energy in favour of other sources.

However, in recent years, many have reversed their stance or affirmed their commitment, recognising the critical importance of nuclear energy in the power mix…

Wu said a boom is afoot in uranium mining and nuclear energy infrastructure, commenting:

Demand for low carbon, efficient energy sources, primarily driven by the artificial intelligence sector, has resulted in a recent boom for uranium miners and nuclear energy infrastructure sectors.

Some of the companies within the markets helped drive global equity markets in 2025 and this could continue into 2026.

On The Bull this week, two experts revealed their ratings on two ASX 200 uranium shares.

Let’s take a look.

ASX 200 uranium share to buy

Nexgen Energy (Canada) CDI (ASX: NXG)

Nexgen Energy shares are $19.39, up 4.7% on Thursday and up 88% over the past year.

The Canadian uranium explorer is primarily focused on developing its Rook I Project into the largest, low-cost uranium mine in the world.

Rook I is the largest development-stage uranium project in Canada. Nexgen uncovered the high-grade Arrow Deposit in 2014, followed by Bow in 2015, the Cannon and Harpoon deposits in 2016, South Arrow in 2017, and Patterson Corridor East in 2024.

Stuart Bromley from Medallion Financial Group has a buy rating on this ASX 200 uranium share.

Bromley explains:

NexGen continues its journey to become a long life and low cost uranium producer in mining friendly Canada, a geopolitically stable country.

The company recently revealed the Patterson Corridor East discovery is expanding rapidly on multiple fronts.

Vertical and lateral growth materially increases the mineralised footprint and leaves potential additional discoveries open at depth and along strike — precisely what the market wants from a basin-scale uranium play.

Bromley sees tailwinds for Nexgen shares in the new year.

With a large drilling program underway and broader uranium fundamentals improving, NXG remains well positioned among global peers.

ASX 200 uranium stock to sell

Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE)

Boss Energy shares are $1.96, down 1% today and down 35% over the past 12 months.

John Athanasiou from Red Leaf Securities has a sell rating on Boss Energy shares.

Boss Energy owns the Honeymoon Project in South Australia and has a 30% stake in the Alta Mesa Project in South Texas, US.

Athanasiou says:

Boss Energy remains highly leveraged to uranium market sentiment, with its valuation reflecting optimistic production assumptions and pricing scenarios.

Any operational delays or cost over-runs could impact returns.

In our view, companies with clearer earnings visibility are a more appealing alternative.

Athanasiou noted that Boss Energy shares have fallen significantly from $4.48 apiece on 1 July 2025.

The shares may remain under pressure in what can be a volatile sector. 

The post ASX 200 uranium shares: Buy 1, sell the other appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Up 54% since December, can Boss Energy shares keep racing higher in 2026?

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen 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 Ioneer Ltd (ASX: INR) are in a trading halt today at the company’s request, with investors waiting on a fresh update from management.

Ioneer shares last traded at 21 cents at Wednesday’s close. Despite recent volatility, the stock is still up around 14% so far this year.

Trading is expected to resume once the announcement is released or by the start of trade on Monday, 2 February, at the latest.

Why Ioneer asked for a trading halt

According to the ASX notice, the trading halt relates to an upcoming announcement connected to a material capital raising.

While Ioneer has not provided further details at this stage, the wording indicates the company is preparing to outline funding plans that could be important for the next phase of its development.

Capital management has been a key focus for the company as it advances its flagship project and secures long-term funding support.

A quick refresher on Ioneer’s main asset

Ioneer is developing the Rhyolite Ridge Lithium Boron Project in Nevada, United States.

The deposit contains both lithium and boron. Lithium is used in electric vehicle batteries, while boron is used in advanced manufacturing, clean energy technologies, and specialist glass products.

It is one of only two known lithium boron deposits globally. That level of scarcity has helped put the project on the radar of governments and policymakers as they work to secure more reliable supply chains for critical minerals, particularly outside China.

The project already has key permits in place and has secured conditional support from the US Department of Energy. That loan is intended to help fund construction once final funding arrangements are confirmed.

Funding and partners remain the big focus

Last year, Ioneer restarted its search for a strategic partner after a previous deal fell over. Management said it expects that process to be completed in the first half of 2026.

Any capital raising announced this week could be linked to that broader funding plan. It could also be aimed at strengthening the balance sheet ahead of construction or partner negotiations.

Investors will be watching the size and pricing of any capital raise closely. Those details are likely to shape the market’s response once trading resumes.

What investors are watching next

With the share price halted, attention is now on what the announcement means for the company’s development timeline.

Investors will be looking for signs that Ioneer is moving closer to construction at Rhyolite Ridge, either through new funding, progress on a strategic partner, or both.

Foolish Takeaway

Ioneer has a rare critical minerals project, but funding remains the key piece still to fall into place.

With shares halted, investors are now waiting to see whether the upcoming announcement moves the Rhyolite Ridge project closer to construction.

The post Guess which ASX lithium stock plunged into a halt as the market awaits news appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is having a poor session on Thursday. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is down 0.7% to 8,872.9 points.

Four ASX shares that are not letting that hold them back are listed below. Here’s why they are rising:

Appen Ltd (ASX: APX)

The Appen share price is up 27% to $1.38. Investors have been buying the artificial intelligence data services company’s shares following the release of a strong quarterly update. Appen reported revenue of $73.4 million. This was a 10% lift on the prior corresponding period and a 33% increase on the third quarter of FY 2025. Appen’s CEO, Ryan Kolln, said: “Q4 was a strong finish to the year for both our China and Global businesses. Appen China exited the quarter with an annualised revenue run-rate growing to over $135 million – a pleasing result, providing strong momentum heading into FY26.”

Imricor Medical Systems Inc (ASX: IMR)

The Imricor Medical Systems share price is up 11% to $2.11. The catalyst for this has been news that the medical device company has received US FDA approval for its NorthStar Mapping System. NorthStar is the first and only MRI-native 3D mapping and guidance system to receive FDA clearance. Imricor’s chair and CEO, Steve Wedan, said: “At Imricor, we have been building a comprehensive suite of uniquely MRI-compatible devices for two decades. These devices, which include both consumable products and capital equipment, enable doctors to harness the superior soft tissue imaging of MRI to precisely guide minimally invasive procedures in a 100% radiation-free setting.”

Sunrise Energy Metals Ltd (ASX: SRL)

The Sunrise Energy Metals share price is up 2.5% to $10.36. This follows the release of the company’s quarterly update this morning. Management took this opportunity to remind investors about the progress it is making. It highlights that its Syerston scandium deposit is currently the world’s largest and highest-grade source of mineable scandium on a granted mining lease adjacent to excellent infrastructure.

Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC)

The Whitehaven Coal share price is up 2.5% to $9.42. This morning, this coal miner released its quarterly update and revealed a 21% quarter on quarter increase in managed ROM production to 11Mt. Also increasing strongly were its equity sales, which rose 18% to 7Mt. Management also advised that it is on track to deliver $60 million to $80 million of annualised cost savings by 30 June 2026.

The post Why Appen, Imricor, Sunrise Metals, and Whitehaven Coal shares are charging higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) shares are not an investment I would look at for excitement or rapid growth. 

Australia’s telecommunications leader is one I revisit when I’m thinking about income and resilience.

At the moment, there are a few reasons why Telstra stands out to me as a stock that could be worth considering.

Telstra shares offer a dependable income stream

The main reason Telstra shares appeal to me at current prices is income certainty. Telstra’s dividend is no longer based on hope or asset sales, but on recurring cash flows from its core mobile and infrastructure businesses.

According to CommSec, consensus estimates point to fully-franked dividends per share of 20 cents in FY26 and 21 cents in FY27. At today’s share price of $4.80, that translates to dividend yields of around 4.2% and 4.4%.

For a large, defensive ASX stock, those are solid yields, particularly when backed by improving cash flow discipline. The fact that the dividends are expected to be fully franked only strengthens the income appeal for Australian investors in the current environment.

Defensive qualities in an uncertain environment

Telstra’s services are not discretionary. Mobile connectivity, data usage, and network access are embedded in everyday life for households, businesses, and government.

That gives Telstra a defensive edge that becomes more valuable when economic conditions are uncertain. People might cut back on spending elsewhere, but they don’t cancel their phone plans or stop using data. I see that resilience as a quiet strength, especially for investors who want exposure to equities without taking on excessive volatility.

Operational focus is improving

What has changed my view on Telstra over time is not just the dividend, but the company’s renewed focus on execution.

Management is no longer chasing too many moving parts at once. The business is more streamlined, capital allocation is clearer, and there is a stronger emphasis on getting acceptable returns from existing assets rather than chasing transformational growth. That doesn’t make for exciting headlines, but it does improve the quality and reliability of earnings.

For me, Telstra today looks less like a turnaround story and more like a steady operator that knows what it is good at.

Foolish Takeaway

Telstra isn’t going to double overnight. It’s not that type of stock. At around $4.80, I think the shares offer a reasonable balance of value, income, defensiveness, and stability.

For investors who want a reliable component in their portfolio rather than something to trade around, Telstra shares could be worth a closer look at current levels.

The post 3 reasons Telstra shares could be worth buying today 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 positions in and has recommended Telstra Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

If you’re searching for your next ASX dividend stock to buy this January, you might have some ideas about what you are seeking. You are probably looking for a reliable provider of passive income that offers a high dividend yield with full franking credits. Perhaps receiving income every month, rather than every quarter or every six months (as is the norm on the ASX), is also on the wish list.

Well, Plato Income Maximiser Ltd (ASX: PL8) is a stock that ticks all of those boxes. This listed investment company (LIC) is also inherently diversified, going above and beyond our initial checklist.

Let’s dive into why this ASX dividend stock might be the perfect buy for income investors for 2026.

Like most LICs, Plato owns and manages a portfolio of underlying investments on behalf of its shareholders. In this case, the portfolio consists of other ASX shares. These shares are mostly blue-chip stocks with strong track records of paying substantial, sustainable dividends.

As of the latest data, these stocks included ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ), Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT), Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG), Suncorp Group Ltd (ASX: SUN), APA Group Ltd (ASX: APA) and Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA).

An ASX dividend stock paying a 4.5% monthly yield

Plato draws the dividend income it receives from this portfolio and channels it to its investors as monthly dividends, which also carry full franking credits.

Over the past 12 months, Plato has paid out 12 dividends. Each of those monthly dividends was worth 0.55 cents per share. Adding that up, we get an annual dividend of 6.6 cents per share. At the current Plato share price of $1.48 (at the time of writing), this ASX dividend stock has a trailing yield of 4.46%.

That’s all well and good. But, as the more jaded investors out there might tell you, a high dividend yield doesn’t mean an ASX dividend share will be a good investment. Fortunately, Plato has plenty of data to potentially convince investors otherwise in its case.

The company’s latest performance figures confirm that, since this ASX dividend stock’s inception in April 2017, its shares have returned (share price growth plus dividends and franking) an average of 10.3% per annum (as of 31 December). That’s slightly above what the broader S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has delivered over the same period.

With a monthly dividend, a diversified portfolio of underlying investments, and a stellar track record of delivering returns for shareholders, I think Plato is the perfect ASX dividend stock for income investors to consider this January.

The post A perfect January ASX dividend stock with a 4.5% monthly payout appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Plato Income Maximiser. 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 Apa Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME) shares are slipping today.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) health imaging company closed trading yesterday for $185.77. During the Thursday lunch hour, shares are swapping hands for $183.26 apiece, down 1.4%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is down 0.7% at this same time.

As you may know, Pro Medicus shares have come under heavy selling pressure since notching an all-time closing high of $330.48 on 17 July.

That high water mark followed a tremendous run after the ASX 200 stock plumbed one-year closing lows on 7 April. Investors who timed it right and bought the stock at the 7 April lows would have been sitting on gains of 86.8% by 17 July.

Which would have been an opportune time to sell.

Indeed, the ASX healthcare stock has now plunged 44.5% since its record close in July.

Which brings us back to our headline question.

Should you buy Pro Medicus shares today?

Medallion Financial Group’s Stuart Bromley recently ran his slide rule over the embattled stock (courtesy of The Bull).

“The company provides medical imaging software and services to hospitals and healthcare groups across the world,” Bromley said.

He noted:

The company retains best-in-class imaging software that should generate high margins and structural growth from a steady flow of new contract wins amid bigger and longer contract renewals with existing customers.

But Bromley isn’t quite ready to pull the trigger yet, with a current hold recommendation on Pro Medicus shares.

“The significant share price retreat leaves PME as a hold but also presents an opportunity to enter a top-class business at an attractive price,” he concluded.

Is the ASX 200 healthcare stock turning a profit?

While not a hard and fast rule, I do like to see companies I’m considering investing in turn a profit.

And on that front, Pro Medicus shares fit the bill.

In FY 2025, the company reported a 31.9% year-on-year increase in revenue from ordinary activities to $213.0 million. That came amid a record-setting year for new contract wins and contract renewals.

And on the bottom line, the company achieved an underlying profit before tax of $163.3 million, up 40.2% from FY 2024.

Also pleasing, at the end of the 2025 financial year, Pro Medicus had no debt.

“All key financial metrics headed in the right direction,” Pro Medicus CEO Sam Hupert said of the results.

Hupert added:

Importantly we continued our trajectory of strong, profitable growth. The majority of the contracts that we signed were in the second half of the year and will come on stream this coming year and beyond, so there is a very sizeable revenue pathway in front of us.

The post Is now a good time to buy the big dip in Pro Medicus shares? 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 recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Shares in drug developer Starpharma Ltd (ASX: SPL) have jumped more than 10% after the company’s Chief Executive Officer said that interest in the company’s technology was “particularly strong”.

In its quarterly report released on Thursday, the company said it had increased its cash position by just under $4 million to $18.2 million, including an early-stage milestone payment from collaborator Genentech.

Pipeline building up

Starpharma’s Chief Executive Officer, Cheryl Maley, said the company successfully executed two partnership agreements in the first quarter of the year, and also had a solid lead into this year from the second quarter.

She went on to say:

Off the back of an intense second quarter, we have kicked off 2026 with great momentum and are harnessing every opportunity to accelerate our programs – be it radiopharmaceuticals or our early-stage opportunities. While our expert scientists continue concentrating on our internal projects and partnerships, our proprietary DEP platform is attracting increased industry attention on the back of our recent partnership announcements.

Ms Maley said earlier this month the company was represented in San Francisco at the JP Morgan and Biotech Showcase conferences, where the interest from other companies was strong.

She added:

There, we engaged in several high-impact discussions with current partners, promising new collaborators, and potential investors. With our recent partner announcements, the level of interest in Starpharma’s technology was particularly strong and confirmed the market’s growing recognition of our platform’s potential. Access to Starpharma’s proprietary dendrimer technology through our Star Navigator program appears to be of high interest to potential new partners.

Ms Maley said the strategic priorities for 2026 were clear:

Advancing our innovative radiotheranostic program into the clinic, progressing high-value discovery programs towards development, and securing revenue growth through asset licensing, new collaborations and product sales’.

Retail sales strong

The company also said it had increased marketing initiatives for its Viraleze product during the first half, “expanding the brand’s digital presence through targeted campaigns on Meta and TikTok and launching an in-flight magazine campaign to maximise exposure throughout the Northern Hemisphere’s peak cold and flu season”.

The company had a record month for sales in November, off the back of a Black Friday marketing campaign, and also expanded distribution through Amazon in the UK.

This resulted in an increase in sales of 70% over the previous corresponding period last year.

Starpharma shares were changing hands for 37.5 cents on Thursday, up 10.3%.

The company was valued at $142.8 million at the close of trade on Wednesday.

The post Strong interest drives drug developer’s shares higher appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Cameron England has positions in Starpharma. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Amazon and Goldman Sachs Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Amazon. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.