Category: Stock Market

After two years of underperformance, the global biotech giant is showing signs of a meaningful recovery.

Cast your mind back to the height of the pandemic and CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) looked untouchable.

The global plasma and vaccine giant had delivered extraordinary returns for decades and commanded a premium valuation that reflected its status as one of Australia’s highest quality businesses.

What followed has been tough for CSL investors.

Plasma collection disruptions, a costly acquisition, and rising costs weighed on earnings and sentiment alike.

But for patient investors, the story today looks considerably more interesting.

What went wrong and why it is now reversing

The core issue for CSL through 2023 and 2024 was the hangover from the pandemic.

Plasma collection centres struggled to rebuild donor volumes after COVID-19 disruptions, and the cost of collecting each litre of plasma rose sharply.

At the same time, the $16.4 billion acquisition of Vifor Pharma added significant debt and integration complexity.

Today, both of those headwinds are easing.

Plasma collection volumes have recovered materially, and CSL’s RIKA automated plasma collection technology is now reducing the cost per litre collected, restoring the unit economics that underpin CSL Behring’s profitability.

Vifor’s iron deficiency and nephrology products are integrating well and contributing meaningfully to group earnings. 

Some indicators are improving

For the first half of FY2026, CSL reported net profit after tax of US$1.93 billion, up 16% on the prior corresponding period, with the CSL Behring division posting revenue growth of 13%.

SEQIRUS, the company’s influenza vaccine business, continues to perform strongly as demand for high-dose influenza vaccines grows among older populations.

Free cash flow is recovering, and CSL recently increased its interim dividend, signalling management confidence in the earnings trajectory.

The long-term case remains strong

CSL operates in markets with high barriers to entry.

Plasma-derived therapies require decades of manufacturing expertise, a vast donor network, and regulatory approvals.

The global demand for immunoglobulins, albumin, and clotting factors continues to grow as populations age and access to specialist care expands in emerging markets.

Analysts’ average price target on CSL shares is well above current trading levels.

With a lower earnings multiple than it has historically attracted, the entry point today for CSL shares looks more attractive than it has in recent years.

Foolish Takeaway

Despite having a rough time of late, CSL shares are well poised to deliver in the future.

CSL exhibits many quality indicators, such as consistent earnings growth, a widening competitive moat, and a management team with a long track record of disciplined capital allocation.

For Fools with a multi-year time horizon, CSL looks like one of the most attractive large-cap opportunities on the ASX today.

The post Why CSL shares could be one of the best buys on the ASX right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Is the worst over for CSL shares after this week’s sell-off?
• 9 ASX 200 shares with renewed buy calls from the experts this week
• Are these 2 battered ASX healthcare shares too cheap to ignore?
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy now
• Down 59%: Will CSL shares ever regain momentum?

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

Bhagwan Marine Ltd (ASX: BWN) recently released a trading update which indicated earnings would be below last year’s result and also below consensus analyst estimates.

Shares still looking cheap

That said, the analyst team at Shaw and Partners think the stock is a buy at current levels, with a bullish share price target on the company. We’ll get to that later.

First let’s have a look at what the company announced. Earlier this week Bhagwan Marine said it was facing a tougher trading situation.

The company said:

The conflict in the Middle East, together with organisational restructuring within the energy sector, has resulted in selected delays to the award and commencement of spot and short-term projects. These delays are considered timing-related rather than structural in nature, with underlying long-term demand remaining strong.

The company said it now expected EBITDA to be in the range of $38.5-$40.5 million, excluding contributions from the recently-acquired Riverside Marine and acquisition costs.

Including the Riverside business, the result is expected to be in the range of $44.5-$46.5 million.

This compares with full year earnings last year of $50.9 million and consensus expectations for this year of $56.3 million.

Bhagwan said it was doing what it could to limit the impact of negative effects from the Middle East war.

It said:

Pricing structures include mechanisms to mitigate variable operating costs, including fuel pass through provisions and pricing adjustments at contract renewal or extension. The Company maintains strong visibility over its fuel supply arrangements and has not experienced any fuel-related disruptions. Higher operating costs arising from the conflict and broader inflationary pressures are being closely managed and are expected to be substantially recovered over time.

Despite the cost issues, the company said, “supported by strong tendering activity and a healthy project pipeline, the outlook remains positive despite the short-term geopolitical and economic environment”.

Valuation undemanding

Shaw and Partners said in a note to its clients that the company had retained its buy rating as it was trading at a discount to its peers.

The Shaw team added:

We view the earnings soft-patch as timing-related rather than structural, reflecting delays to spot and short-term project awards amid geopolitical disruption, not a deterioration in demand or pricing.

They said they believed that Bhagwan had not lost any customers over the period, and, “core activity in ports, decommissioning and industrial sands is tracking at or ahead of expectations, reinforcing that underlying earnings power and utilisation remain intact”.

Shaw and Partners has lowered its price target for Bhagwan Marine from 90 cents to 60 cents, however this is still well above the current price of 32 cents.  

Bhagwan Marine is valued at $127.1 million.

The post This ASX resources service provider could almost double in value, Shaw and Partners says appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why CSL shares could be one of the best buys on the ASX right now
• Why I would buy CBA and DroneShield shares after selloffs this week
• Up 44% in a year, ASX All Ords gold stock slips despite 330,000-ounce gold boost
• ASX 200 stock crashes 12% on half-year results
• The ageing Australia megatrend: 3 ASX shares built to benefit

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.

Selloffs can make investors uncomfortable.

They can also create better buying opportunities when the long-term story remains intact.

That is how I am looking at two ASX shares that have come under pressure this week. One is a market-leading bank. The other is a much higher-risk growth stock exposed to a powerful defence theme.

The road could be bumpy for both, but I would still be willing to buy with a long-term view.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

CBA shares were sold down after the bank’s third-quarter update, and I can understand why the market reacted that way.

The result was solid rather than spectacular, and the stock had been trading on a very demanding valuation. When expectations are high, even a reasonable update can disappoint.

But I think the bigger picture is more important.

CBA remains Australia’s highest-quality major bank in my view. It has a powerful deposit franchise, deep customer relationships, strong digital capability, and a brand that gives it an advantage few competitors can match.

Those qualities are valuable through the cycle.

The Australian economy may be entering a more difficult patch, with higher fuel prices, inflation pressure, and interest rates weighing on households and businesses. That could mean more volatility for bank shares in the short term.

But CBA is exactly the type of bank I would want to own through that environment. It has the scale, balance sheet, and customer base to keep generating strong profits even when conditions become less favourable.

The share price may still not be cheap, even after the fall. That is why I would be patient rather than rushing in.

But if the market keeps marking CBA down, I think long-term investors could be getting a rare chance to buy a first-class ASX blue chip at a better price.

DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO)

DroneShield is a very different proposition.

Its shares came under pressure after the company advised that it had received an ASIC notice requiring it to provide reasonable assistance with an investigation.

The investigation relates to announcements and information provided to the ASX in November 2025, as well as trading in DroneShield shares the same month. The company said it will cooperate fully and that it is unclear what action, if any, may result.

This clearly adds risk.

Governance issues and regulatory investigations can weigh heavily on confidence, especially for a growth stock where sentiment is already important.

Even so, I think investors should separate the near-term uncertainty from the long-term market opportunity.

DroneShield develops artificial intelligence-based platforms that protect against advanced threats such as drones and autonomous systems. Its customers include military, government, law enforcement, critical infrastructure, and airports.

That market still looks very attractive to me.

Drones are becoming cheaper, more capable, and more common in modern conflict and security planning. Defence forces and civilian organisations are increasingly having to think about how to detect, track, and respond to drone threats.

That gives DroneShield a strong thematic tailwind if it can keep converting demand into contracts, scaling production, and maintaining technology leadership.

I would treat this as a higher-risk holding. The ASIC investigation needs to be watched closely, and the share price could remain volatile. But for investors comfortable with that risk, I think the long-term counter-drone opportunity remains compelling.

Foolish takeaway

CBA and DroneShield have very different risk profiles.

CBA is a high-quality blue-chip bank facing valuation pressure and a more uncertain economy. DroneShield is a fast-growing defence technology business facing regulatory uncertainty and share price volatility.

Neither selloff should be ignored. But I do not think either destroys the long-term investment case.

For patient investors, I would be happy to consider buying both shares after this week’s falls, while accepting that the next few months may not be smooth.

The post Why I would buy CBA and DroneShield shares after selloffs this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Down 10%: 3 key takeaways from CBA results
• BHP shares regain their market crown as CBA slides 10%
• Can DroneShield shares climb back to their $6.71 high?

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

ASX All Ords gold stock Aurum Resources Ltd (ASX: AUE) is sliding today.

Aurum Resources shares closed yesterday trading for 71.0 cents. In early morning trade on Thursday, shares are changing hands for 70.5 cents apiece, down 0.7%%.

For some context the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is down 0.2% at this same time.

Longer term, the ASX All Ords gold stock remains up 44.1% over 12 months, racing ahead of the 4.0% on-year gains posted by the benchmark index.

Here’s what’s catching investor interest today.

ASX All Ords gold stock dips despite 330,000 ounce resource boost

Aurum Resources shares are sliding after the miner announced a 24% increase in Indicated Resources at its Boundiali Gold Project, located in Cote d’Ivoire.

Following that 330,000-ounce increase, the project’s Indicated Resources now stand at 1.70 million ounces of gold.

Management credited the successful conversion of Inferred to Indicated Resources to the company’s intensive infill drilling campaign at the project.

This also lifted the total Boundiali Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) by 6% to 3.22 million ounces of gold.

The ASX All Ords gold stock revealed that its total Resource now stands at 4.38 million ounces of gold, which includes the 1.16 million ounces at its Napie Gold Project.

Aurum Resources’ 100,000 metre drilling program is ongoing at Boundiali. The miner plans to deliver its next major MRE update in the third quarter of calendar year 2026.

What did Aurum Resources management say?

Commenting on the upgraded resources that have yet to lift the ASX All Ords gold stock today, Aurum Resources managing director Caigen Wang said:

This rapid growth is a direct testament to our unique operational model; by owning and operating our own fleet of diamond drill rigs (16), we have grown Boundiali from a greenfield discovery to a 3.22-million-ounce gold asset in just 28 months. Our group Resource base now stands at 4.38 million ounces of gold.

Looking to what could impact Aurum Resources shares in the coming months, Wang added:

The year ahead represents a pivotal transition for Aurum, with our aggressive 100,000 metre diamond drilling program ongoing at Boundiali to support our Feasibility Studies and our plans to return to Napie and complete another 30,000 metres of drilling before year end

We remain focused on testing numerous high-priority targets that have yet to see a drill bit, as well as testing depth and strike extensions where all deposits remain open.

As for funding the ongoing drill campaign, Aurum Resources reported a cash position of $61 million.

The post Up 44% in a year, ASX All Ords gold stock slips despite 330,000-ounce gold boost appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why this surging ASX All Ords stock is forecast to rocket another 142%

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.

GrainCorp Ltd (ASX: GNC) shares are crashing on Thursday morning.

At the time of writing, the ASX 200 stock is down 12% to $5.45 following the release of its half-year results.

ASX 200 stock crashes on results

Investors have been selling the agribusiness and processing company’s shares after it reported a softer first-half result.

For the six months ended 31 March 2026, GrainCorp reported underlying EBITDA of $136 million, down 33% from $202 million in the prior corresponding period.

In Agribusiness, EBITDA fell 26% to $104 million from $141 million a year earlier. This reflected weaker conditions in East Coast Australia, where total grain handled was 26.5 million tonnes, compared with 29.5 million tonnes a year ago.

The ASX 200 stock said this was due to a lower carry-in position and reduced grower selling activity, which weighed on receivals and left margins at multi-year lows.

There were some positives in the division. Non-grain port volumes increased to 1.5 million tonnes from 1.2 million tonnes, supporting better utilisation of port infrastructure. GrainCorp also reported an improved result from its International business, supported by record Western Australian grain production.

Nutrition and Energy EBITDA was $46 million, down 39% from $75 million in the prior corresponding period.

Human Nutrition performed solidly, with processing sites crushing 277,000 tonnes of canola seed, but edible oils sales volumes were lower due to softer customer demand. Agri-energy sales volumes and margins were also lower, impacted by uncertainty in US biofuel policy. This was partly offset by record Animal Nutrition sales of 390,000 tonnes.

This ultimately led to underlying net profit after tax declining by over half to $33 million from $69 million. Statutory net profit after tax was $5 million, down from $58 million.

Despite the profit decline, the ASX 200 stock’s board elected to maintain its fully franked interim dividend at 14 cents per share.

Management commentary

Commenting on the half, GrainCorp’s managing director and CEO, Robert Spurway, said:

GrainCorp’s 1H26 result reflects a disciplined performance in a challenging global grain market. Oversupply of grain and associated low pricing have compressed margins across the supply chain and reduced grower selling activity, limiting available volumes and increasing competition for grain brought to market.

Against this backdrop, we are tightly focused on cost management, capital discipline and portfolio optimisation. We have maintained strong execution across our network and continue to diversify our business.

Spurway also revealed that the company hasn’t been meaningfully impacted by the Middle East conflict. He added:

We have experienced minimal impact from the Middle East conflict to date, with our supply chain continuing to operate as normal. GrainCorp’s resilient business model, integrated supply chain and strong balance sheet underpin our demonstrated ability to consistently navigate commodity cycles and capitalise on opportunities to deliver long-term value for shareholders.

Outlook

GrainCorp reaffirmed its FY 2026 earnings guidance of underlying EBITDA between $200 million and $240 million and underlying net profit after tax between $20 million and $50 million.

The post ASX 200 stock crashes 12% on half-year results appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• GrainCorp shares: 1H26 profit drops but guidance stands
• Nervous investors turn to ASX 200 defensives as global energy shock drags on

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

One of the most powerful and predictable demographic shifts in our history is already underway.

Australia is getting older, and fast.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics projects that older Australians will make up between 21% and 23% of the total population by 2066.

This is happening already.

The wave of baby boomers moving into their eighties is already reshaping demand for healthcare, aged care, and hospital services in ways that will compound for decades.

For investors, the question is which ASX companies are best placed to capture that demand.

Regis Healthcare Ltd (ASX: REG)

Regis Healthcare offers perhaps the most direct exposure to Australia’s ageing demographic of any ASX-listed company.

As one of Australia’s largest aged care operators, Regis delivers residential care, home care, day therapy, respite services, and retirement living to more than 10,000 Australians, supported by a team of over 12,000 professionals.

The business recently delivered an 18% jump in revenue in its most recent half-year result, and the government’s 2026 Budget gave the stock a further boost.

The Federal Government announced $3 billion in additional aged care funding, including a $5-per-resident-per-day increase for concessional residents and $2 billion in interest-free loans for new developments.

Jarden analysts flagged Regis as a direct beneficiary of those changes, upgrading consensus net profit estimates by 6.5% and carrying an $8.50 price target on the stock.

Even after a sharp recent pullback, Regis shares have risen more than 560% over the past five years, a track record that speaks for itself.

Ramsay Health Care Ltd (ASX: RHC)

Ramsey Health Care is a more diversified way to capture the ageing population theme.

Australia’s largest private hospital operator runs more than 70 facilities across the country.

While hospital demand broadly rises with an ageing population, the most exciting long-term opportunity sits in Ramsay’s rehabilitation, allied care, and home-based care operations.

Its rehab at home program delivers in-home support following hospitalisation for common age-related conditions including cardiac events, joint replacements, and falls.

This segment currently represents a small share of Ramsay’s total revenue, but the growth potential is significant as the healthcare system increasingly shifts toward community-based and in-home care models.

Ramsay’s share price has recovered approximately 22% over the past twelve months, and with the ageing demographic providing new avenues for future growth, long-term investors could be the ones to benefit.

Estia Health Ltd (ASX: EHE)

Estia Health rounds out the trio as a pure-play residential aged care operator with a growing footprint across Australia.

Like Regis, Estia stands to benefit directly from the government’s recent aged care funding reforms.

Occupancy rates across the sector have recovered strongly from their pandemic lows, and with the supply of new aged care beds lagging the demographic demand curve, operators like Estia sit in an increasingly favourable structural position.

The combination of government tailwinds, demographic inevitability, and improving operating leverage makes Estia an interesting consideration for long-term investors comfortable with the regulatory nature of the sector.

Foolish Takeaway

Demographics move slowly but they move with certainty.

Australia’s ageing population will drive demand for aged care and healthcare services for at least the next three decades.

The companies best positioned to serve that demand are already building the capacity to meet it.

Regis, Ramsay, and Estia each offer a different risk and return profile within the same compelling theme.

The post The ageing Australia megatrend: 3 ASX shares built to benefit appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• What’s making healthcare the worst sector on the ASX 200, down 39% in a year?
• What are experts saying about these ASX 200 stocks soaring higher today?
• Regis Healthcare expects FY26 EBITDA to hit top end of guidance
• Regis Healthcare names Andrew Kinkade as new CEO
• 3 ASX 200 stocks storming higher in this week’s sinking market

Motley Fool contributor Mark Verhoeven 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 GrainCorp Ltd (ASX: GNC) share price is in focus today after the company reported underlying EBITDA of $136 million and net profit after tax of $5 million for the half-year ending 31 March 2026.

What did GrainCorp report?

• Underlying EBITDA: $136 million (down from $202 million in 1H25)
• Net Profit After Tax (NPAT): $5 million (down from $58 million in 1H25)
• Underlying NPAT: $33 million (vs $69 million in 1H25)
• Core cash: $163 million (vs $321 million at FY25)
• Interim ordinary dividend: 14 cents per share, fully franked
• FY26 earnings guidance reaffirmed: Underlying EBITDA $200-240 million, Underlying NPAT $20-50 million

What else do investors need to know?

GrainCorp’s agribusiness segment saw EBITDA fall to $104 million, with softer domestic and export grain volumes as oversupply and low prices dampened grower selling activity. In East Coast Australia, total grain handled slipped to 26.5 million metric tonnes.

The nutrition and energy division reported weaker earnings, largely from lower edible oils demand and challenging global biofuel policy. Animal Nutrition, however, achieved record sales of 390,000 tonnes. GrainCorp closed the period with a strong balance sheet, maintaining capital management flexibility and an ongoing share buy-back extension.

In portfolio moves, GrainCorp is progressing the exit from its GrainsConnect Canada joint venture, with completion expected in the second half of 2026. The company is also investing in processing upgrades and animal nutrition capacity to support long-term growth.

What’s next for GrainCorp?

GrainCorp reaffirmed its FY26 underlying EBITDA and NPAT forecasts, expecting conditions to gradually improve. The company has flagged good soil moisture across key areas in Victoria and southern NSW, though some northern regions face mixed weather.

Looking ahead, GrainCorp is focused on supply chain execution, asset optimisation, and continued progress on its transformation program. The business is also investing in renewable fuels supply chains, positioning itself to benefit from anticipated government support for low-carbon fuel production.

GrainCorp share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, GrainCorp shares have declined 13%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 4% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post GrainCorp shares: 1H26 profit drops but guidance stands 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.

Synlait Milk Ltd (ASX: SM1) has lost its Chief Executive Officer Richard Wyeth in the midst of the company’s attempt to turn its fortunes around.

Directors and execs depart

It’s also the latest in a string of executive and director resignations in recent weeks, with independent director Paulk McGilvary resigning earlier this week.

Last month Chief Quality Officer Hila Mory resigned, and Chief Supply Chain and Technology Officer Robert Stowell also resigned in early April.

Turnaround story?

Synlait in March released a letter to its shareholders saying it had been “another period of challenge” for the company.

The company acknowledged that shareholders would find the company’s performance “frustratingly disappointing”.

The company added:

The result reflects a period where Synlait faced multiple headwinds with little choice as to how to deal with them. At every stage we carefully analysed, costed and weighed up our options. Even with the benefit of hindsight, there is little we could have done differently that would have improved this result. Suffice to say building optionality into the business is a critical focus for our recovery.

For the first half ending January 31, Synlait posted a net loss of NZ$80.6 million, compared with a net profit of NZ$4.8 million for the previous corresponding period, on revenue of NZ$777.5 million, down from NZ$779 million.

In a joint statement at the time of the results release Mr Wyeth said the company was focused on six main levers to turn the company around.

He has now resigned, however will remain with the company until 30 June “to support an orderly transition and handover”.

Current board director Leon Fung will take over as acting chief executive while a new leader for the company is found.

Recall flagged

Synlait said earlier this month it was assisting The a2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M) with its voluntary recall of batches of a2 Platinum USA infant milk formula due to the presence of cereulide.

Synlait said it had manufactured the product in compliance with relevant standards at the time.

The company added:

The recall was initiated after cereulide was detected through additional testing that was undertaken after new directives from New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries. The product was discontinued prior to the recall.  

Synlait also this month said it had received two waivers in relation to its syndicated banking facilities.   

The company had asked for its financiers to waive the quarterly minimum EBITDA “event of review threshold” and waive its interest cover ratio for the April 30 test date.

Synlait Milk shares closed at 38.5 cents on Wednesday afternoon. The company is valued at $232.2 million.

The post Synlait Milk CEO resigns – the latest in a line of executive departures appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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.

The Air New Zealand Ltd (ASX: AIZ) share price is in focus as the airline flags an expected full-year loss before tax of $340 million to $390 million, driven by a sharp rise in global jet fuel prices. Management points to improved liquidity and early progress returning grounded aircraft to service as key positives.

What did Air New Zealand report?

• FY26 loss before taxation now forecast at $340 million to $390 million
• Estimated 2H26 fuel cost to reach $980 million, up from $740 million previously assumed
• Airline about 85% hedged on 2H26 Brent crude exposure
• Total available liquidity remains around $1.3 billion
• Up to $100 million in annualised cost savings identified, to benefit FY27 and beyond

What else do investors need to know?

Air New Zealand has made targeted network reductions, lowering overall group capacity by around 3% to 5%, aiming to minimise disruption while controlling costs. Fare increases have also been implemented, with further adjustments expected if fuel prices remain high.

Aircraft availability is improving, with all Boeing 787s set to return to service by late June. The company’s pro-forma liquidity will rise by about $670 million once a new US$400 million secured revolving credit facility is completed. Moody’s reaffirmed Air New Zealand’s Baa1 credit rating, but changed the outlook to negative.

What’s next for Air New Zealand?

Air New Zealand’s strategy update through to FY31 is progressing and management expects to outline more details soon, focusing on performance, network, and fleet growth. Cost savings programs and capital expenditure reviews continue as the airline adapts to elevated operating costs.

The outlook for FY26 remains subject to uncertainty from fuel price volatility, possible further schedule adjustments, and ongoing maintenance costs. Management is taking a cautious approach to pricing and capacity as the market evolves.

Air New Zealand share price snapshot

Over the past year, Air New Zealand shares have declined 37%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 4% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Air New Zealand flags sharp FY26 loss as rising fuel costs bite 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 Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1) share price is in focus today after the company announced contract wins worth AUD$254 million, expected to deliver around AUD$90.6 million in annual recurring revenue.

What did Megaport report?

• Secured three major contracts with total contract value (TCV) of USD$182.9 million (AUD$254.0 million)
• Annualised Recurring Revenue (ARR) from new contracts estimated at USD$65.2 million (AUD$90.6 million)
• Contracts span fixed terms: two for 36 months, one for 24 months
• Requires approximately USD$101.0 million (AUD$140.3 million) in new capital investment
• Capex for customer contracts to be funded by existing cash and a newly upsized AUD$150.0 million debt facility

What else do investors need to know?

Megaport’s new contracts are with two US-based technology providers powering AI applications. Notably, one customer is an existing client, highlighting opportunities for upselling on Megaport’s global platform. The contracts secure revenue regardless of actual usage, providing predictable long-term returns.

To support these deals, Megaport will invest in high-performance hardware—mainly NVIDIA GPUs, compute, network, and storage. Deployment of equipment will begin in the first half of FY27, and by contract end, hardware will be reused within Megaport’s Latitude.sh platform for ongoing revenue potential.

What’s next for Megaport?

Looking ahead, Megaport has reaffirmed its FY26 revenue and EBITDA guidance for the expanded group, excluding these new contracts. Additional capital expenditure for the new deals could lift overall FY26 capex by up to AUD$140.3 million, depending on equipment delivery timing.

The company plans to provide more financial updates and performance details at its full-year results in August 2026. Megaport continues to focus on disciplined growth, aligning with strategy and shareholder value.

Megaport share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Megaport shares have fallen 24%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 4% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Megaport secures $254 million in contracts, boosts ARR and outlook 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 Megaport and Nvidia. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Nvidia. 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.