Category: Stock Market

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME) has long been one of the standout S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) growth stocks.

The medical imaging software specialist has delivered exceptional earnings growth over many years, supported by global demand for its Visage imaging platform. But like many technology companies, its share price has experienced volatility recently as investors worry about valuations and the potential impact of artificial intelligence (AI).

That raises an obvious question for investors: Should you buy Pro Medicus shares at current levels?

Here are five reasons why I would still be comfortable owning the ASX 200 stock.

1. Strong and consistent growth

One of the biggest attractions of Pro Medicus is its strong financial performance.

The company continues to deliver impressive growth, with revenue from ordinary activities rising 28.4% to $124.8 million in the first half and underlying profit before tax climbing almost 30%.

These kinds of numbers highlight the demand for its technology and the scalability of its business model.

Even more impressive is the profitability. Pro Medicus operates with underlying EBIT margins above 70%, which is extraordinarily high for a software company.

2. A growing pipeline of major contracts

A further reason I like the ASX 200 stock is its strong contract pipeline.

During the recent half-year, Pro Medicus announced seven new contracts with a combined minimum value exceeding $280 million.

These agreements include deals with major hospitals and healthcare institutions across the United States and Europe. Importantly, many of these contracts are long-term and generate recurring revenue as the software is implemented and used.

The company’s total contracted volume for the next five years has now exceeded $1 billion for the first time.

3. Expansion beyond radiology

Another growth driver is Pro Medicus’ expansion into new medical imaging disciplines.

The company’s Visage platform initially focused on radiology, but it is now expanding into other areas such as cardiology. Management noted that new deals are increasingly including the cardiology module alongside the core imaging offering.

This effectively expands the company’s addressable market and gives existing customers more products to adopt over time.

4. AI fears may be overblown

Artificial intelligence has been a major topic in the technology sector recently, and some investors worry that it could disrupt software companies.

However, Pro Medicus’ management believes these concerns are overstated. CEO Dr Sam Hupert noted that the Visage platform is built on proprietary technology developed over more than 30 years and is not easily replicated.

He also pointed out that AI tools are available to the company’s developers, meaning the technology could actually enhance productivity rather than undermine the company’s competitive advantage.

5. Recent share price weakness

Finally, the ASX 200 stock’s recent share price weakness has arguably made the risk-reward more interesting.

Pro Medicus shares have historically traded at a premium valuation due to the company’s strong growth and exceptional margins. When sentiment toward technology stocks turns negative, high-quality businesses like this can get caught up in the sell-off.

That doesn’t necessarily reflect a deterioration in the underlying business. In fact, the company continues to win new contracts and expand its product suite.

Foolish Takeaway

Pro Medicus shares have never been what most investors would call cheap.

But when I look at the business, I see an ASX 200 stock with strong growth, extremely high margins, a growing global footprint, and opportunities to expand into new medical imaging fields.

Add in the recent share price weakness and concerns about AI that management believes are misplaced, and I think there are still good reasons why long-term investors might consider Pro Medicus shares at current levels.

The post Is this one of the best ASX 200 stocks money can buy? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 10 ASX 200 shares to buy after the market selloff
• Pro Medicus shares fall after market selloff overshadows $40 million contract news
• What I’d buy if the ASX share market crashes
• If I wanted to outperform the ASX 200 over the next 10 years, I’d focus here
• 3 amazing Australian shares for beginners to buy in March

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 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.

ASX dividend shares are popular with savvy Australian investors looking for a regular stream of income and long-term capital growth. 

Most ASX dividend-paying stocks pay their investors every quarter, six months or 12 months. And then there are the select few which pay dividends on a monthly-basis. 

Here are three of my favorite monthly-paying dividend superstars. And they all pay a yield over 5%.

BetaShares Australian Top 20 Equity Yield Maximiser Fund (ASX: YMAX)

The Betashares YMAX is an ASX-listed exchange-traded fund (ETF) which targets the 20 largest Australian shares on the ASX. 

It’s a relative newcomer as a monthly-paying dividend stock. Since its inception in April 2013, the fund has been paying quarterly dividends to its shareholders. But effective from January 2026, it was amended to pay out on a monthly basis.

As at 30 January 2026, YMAX ETF has a 12-month gross distribution yield of 8.8% and a 12-month distribution yield of 7.4%. The total 12-month franking level is 42.7%.

Its first-ever monthly dividend payment was paid on the 17th of February, where it handed investors $0.035221 per unit. Another $0.050699 per unit dividend will be paid next week.

BetaShares Dividend Harvester Active ETF (ASX: HVST) 

HVST ETF is an ASX-listed exchange-traded fund (ETF) that gives its investors exposure to a large portfolio of up to 60 dividend-paying shares. They’re drawn from the 100 largest ASX-listed companies and selected based on forecasts of high dividends and franking credits, and expected future gross dividend payments. 

The fund is created in a way that it allows it to own a dividend share until it trades ex-dividend. At this point, the fund sells the shares and reinvests the proceeds into its next passive income-generating shares.

HVST ETF pays investors a regular, franked dividend income that is around double the annual income yield of the broader ASX. As of the 30th of January 2026, its 12-month gross distribution (dividend) yield is 7.3%, and the net yield is 5.7%. The franking level is 65.7%. The fund’s annual management fee and costs are 0.72%.

The fund paid out $0.06 per share to investors in late February with another $0.06 per share due to be paid next week.

Metrics Master Income Trust (ASX: MXT)

The Metrics Master Income Trust is a listed investment trust (LIT). The trust has a portfolio of corporate loans and private credit investments rather than a portfolio of other ASX dividend shares. 

This means it can give its investors direct exposure to the Australian corporate loan market, a space which is currently dominated by regulated banks. The trust targets a return of the Reserve Bank cash rate plus 3.25% p.a. (net of fees) through the economic cycle. 

Its latest payout was 1.17 cents per share unfranked in late-February and is, which is payable next week. At the time of writing, MXT ETF has a dividend yield of 7.97%.

The post 3 ASX monthly dividend stocks yielding over 5% 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 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 Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) share price has tumbled 3.6% in early-morning trade on Tuesday. At the time of writing the shares are changing hands at $7.37 a piece.

Despite the decline, the shares are still 19.84% higher for the year-to-date and 20.82% higher over the year.

Santos share price surged off the back of Middle East conflict

The stock has jumped nearly 10% since the onset of conflict in the Middle East on the 28th of February. 

The main driver of the increase is concerns about global oil supply. The ongoing conflict in the region is threatening the Strait of Hormuz which is a critical chokepoint in the region. Around 20-25% of global oil supply moves through the channel. 

The conflict has caused shipping disruptions, production cuts, and has created fears about major supply shock. The price of oil spiked at US$116 per barrel yesterday, marking the highest level since 2022. 

So, why is the stock tumbling today?

The price of oil has now cooled to around US$90 per barrel after US President Donald Trump signaled that the war with Iran may be nearing its end and that the US military operation is progressing well ahead of its initial timetable, Trading Economics explains. 

Trump also said he plans to waive oil-related sanctions and have the US Navy escort tankers through the Strait of Hormuz in an effort to keep oil prices in check.

Rising oil prices have acted as a strong tailwind for Santos shares. Now they’ve come off the boil, the company’s share price is following suit.

Even so, the oil price is still significantly higher than the US$55 to US$65 range seen over the past six months. 

Is this a buying opportunity? Or a signal to sell?

While the sky-high oil price has cooled from its multi-year high, there is ongoing political instability in the region which could continue for the foreseeable future, and this will affect long-term supply. The past week has shown how volatile the oil price can be and some analysts are warning that the oil price could surge higher again. 

According to TradingView data, analysts remain bullish on the Santos share price over the next 12 months. Out of 14 analysts, 11 have a buy or strong buy rating on the oil and gas producer’s stock. 

The average target price is $7.80 a piece, which implies a 5.58% upside at the time of writing. Although some think the shares could climb another 14.57% to $8.47 a piece. 

The post Santos share price is tumbling from an 18-month high: Buy, hold or sell? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Why Amplitude Energy, Cogstate, Dexus Convenience Retail, and Santos shares are charging higher
• 3 shares dumped from the ASX 200 index (and 3 new additions)
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday

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 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.

If you’ve been keeping a close eye on the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) price charts this week, you’ll be forgiven for reaching for your Dramamine.

Despite taking the day off yesterday for Adelaide Cup Day here in South Australia, I couldn’t help but sneak a few peeks at the intraday market moves. And right around lunchtime, I saw that the ASX 200 was down a precipitous 4.2%.

Was this the start of the much-hyped Iran war-fuelled market crash?

Not so fast!

By market close on Monday, the benchmark index had recouped some of those losses to end the day down 2.9%.

And in late morning trade today, investor sentiment has taken a sharp turn for the better, with the index of the top 200 Aussie stocks up 1.5%.

So, what’s going on?

ASX 200 buffeted on wild energy swings

If you’ve passed by a petrol station this week, you’ll have noticed a steep and unwelcome uptick in prices.

As you’re likely aware, that’s being driven by the ongoing United States and Israeli military strikes against Iran. As well as Iran’s reprisal attacks against its oil-rich neighbours and the essential closure of the vital Strait of Hormuz shipping channel.

This saw the West Texas International (WTI) crude oil price spike to a whopping US$119.50 per barrel in early Monday trade. That’s up from US$57.40 per barrel on 1 January, mind you.

With the world still very much dependent on oil and gas for its energy needs, the rocketing prices saw the ASX 200 tumble on Monday amid investor concerns of rebounding inflation.

Should higher energy prices persist, they have a trickle-down effect on many industries, including travel and transport, where companies and consumers would then also see higher prices. And that in turn could trigger further interest rate hikes from the RBA, the Fed, and central banks the world over.

Why is the benchmark index roaring back today?

Today’s big rebound on the ASX 200 comes amid a sharp retrace in oil prices.

While still well up this year, WTI crude oil is now back to US$87.75 a barrel.

That big fall came after US President Donald Trump sought to reassure investors, and his voting base, that the conflict in Iran would be over “very soon”.

As for surging global oil prices, Trump added (quoted by Bloomberg), “We’re looking to keep the oil prices down. They went artificially up because of this excursion.”

Although virtually no cargo ships are currently sailing through the Strait of Hormuz, Trump sought to reassure markets by promising US Navy escort ships to safeguard oil tankers.

The US president also announced his intention to suspend oil-related sanctions.

Now, I suspect ASX 200 investors should brace for further volatility in the days and weeks ahead. But today’s rebound is a welcome reminder not to get carried away with daily price swings, and to enjoy those days off without sneaking a peek at how your investments are tracking.

Foolish Takeaway

Commenting on Monday’s 2.9% drop in the ASX 200 after market close yesterday, the Motley Fool’s chief investment officer Scott Phillips noted, “The ASX is up 7.4% over the past 12 months, plus probably somewhere around 4% more for dividends. So, let’s call it a total gain of 11.4%, give or take.”

(With today’s intraday gains factored in, the benchmark index is now up 9.6% over the past 12 months, plus those 4% in dividends.)

As for the volatile trading day, Phillips concluded, “It’s not unusual. Volatility is all-too common. I don’t know what comes next. No one does. Instead? Focus on the long term.”

The post Why is the ASX 200 on a rollercoaster this week? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Rox Resources Ltd (ASX: RXL) announced some big news this week with the company locking in $350 million in debt facilities which means its Youanmi gold project in Western Australia is fully funded.

The team at Canaccord Genuity have run the ruler over the company’s plans following this announcement, and have come out with a very bullish price target on the company.

More on that later, let’s see what Rox announced this week.

Major milestone reached

The company said on Monday that in addition to $200 million in equity funding raised in December, it had entered into binding commitments for debt facilities with a consortium of banks including international banks as well as Westpac Banking Corporation (ASX: WBC) at home.

Managing director Phill Wilding said it was a major step for the company.

The commitment of debt funding from an impressive selection of Australian and International banks is yet another major milestone for Rox as we accelerate our pathway to production for the Youanmi Gold Project.

The debt funding process included a thorough due diligence process by the banks’ Independent Technical Expert, which provides further validation of the robustness of Youanmi and our expectation that it will be a high-margin operation.

We will now work with the Syndicate Banks to achieve financial close, placing us in a position to commence draw down of debt in the September 2026 quarter.

The project is now fully funded through to production, and we look forward to making a Final Investment Decision later in this quarter, before commencing construction activities.

The company has already started development activities at the mine, with a shaft advancing towards the first mining level, the company said in February.

Shares looking cheap

The team at Canaccord Genuity expect the company’s capital expenditure to build the Youanmi mine will be $400 million, compared to the company’s own estimate of $383 million.

They said while a final investment decision had not yet been made, with early works progressing there was high confidence the project would be signed off.

In parallel, long-lead processing plant equipment had been secured following the appointment of a preferred EPC contractor, helping maintain project development timelines. Formal construction start at Youanmi is slated for early June quarter 2026 with first gold with first gold and ramp up anticipated for the June quarter 2027 or early. Recall that the Youanmi DFS outlines plans for a 7-year underground gold operation producing 117,000 ounces per annum.

Canaccord says it has updated its model based on the new debt announcement and has kept its price target for the ASX gold stock at $1.15, compared with 51 cents currently.  

The post This fully funded gold developer could more than double in value: Broker appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why investors are piling into this ASX stock today
• Why Coles, Pantoro Gold, Seek, and Woodside shares are falling today
• Is this one of the best ASX 200 stocks money can buy?
• 3 ASX monthly dividend stocks yielding over 5%
• Santos share price is tumbling from an 18-month high: Buy, hold or sell?

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.

Oil prices have pulled back after an explosive rally driven by the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

Just days ago, crude surged to its highest level in years as markets feared supply disruptions across one of the world’s key energy regions.

Now prices are easing, and the Betashares Crude Oil Index Currency Hedged Complex ETF (ASX: OOO) is falling heavily in response.

At the time of writing, the OOO share price is $7.95, down 21.83%.

Let’s take a closer look at what just happened.

Oil prices cool after huge surge

Oil prices have been extremely volatile in recent days amid geopolitical tensions that have rattled energy markets.

According to Trading Economics, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude is currently trading around US$89.15 per barrel, down 1.93% today.

That marks a significant reversal after prices surged earlier this week.

On Monday, oil prices briefly jumped close to US$120 per barrel, the highest point since the energy shock following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

The rally was driven by escalating tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran, which raised fears that global oil supply could be severely disrupted.

In particular, traders have been watching the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow shipping channel that carries a huge portion of the world’s crude supply.

Around 20 million barrels of oil per day move through the waterway, making it one of the most important energy chokepoints on the planet.

Changing expectations hit oil prices

The recent decline appears to be linked to changing expectations about how the conflict may unfold.

Reports suggest the United States believes its military operations against Iran may be nearing completion. There have also been signs that diplomatic discussions could begin in the coming days.

At the same time, global policymakers have signalled they may act if oil prices remain high.

Finance ministers from the Group of Seven (G7) countries have reportedly discussed the possibility of releasing oil from strategic reserves if necessary to stabilise markets.

This could help stabilise markets and ease concerns about shortages.

After oil surged more than 30% in a short period, some investors also appear to be taking profits.

Why the Betashares Crude Oil ETF is sliding

The Betashares Crude Oil ETF gives investors exposure to movements in global crude oil prices through futures contracts.

Because of this structure, the ETF typically moves closely in line with changes in the oil price.

When oil surged earlier this week, the fund rallied strongly as investors rushed to gain exposure to the commodity.

However, today’s drop in crude prices has triggered a strong reversal.

With oil falling back toward US$90 per barrel, the ETF has come under heavy selling pressure.

The 21.83% decline in the fund highlights how quickly sentiment can change in energy markets.

What investors may be watching next

Despite the latest fall, oil prices remain significantly higher than they were just weeks ago.

WTI crude has still climbed more than 30% since late February, highlighting the enormous impact geopolitical tensions can have on energy markets.

The next move will likely depend on developments in the Middle East and whether shipping routes remain open.

If supply disruptions emerge, oil prices could jump once more.

The post Oil tumbles after nearing US$120. Here’s why prices are pulling back appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Oil rockets past US$100 as Iran war escalates. This ASX oil ETF is surging

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.

When the economic outlook is uncertain for the ASX share market and the economy as a whole, it’s understandable to want to invest in businesses with defensive earnings and inflation protection.

If a business’ earnings are relatively stable and predictable, then the share price may be more resilient during times like this. In fact, if inflation does pick up, then the following companies could see their revenue (and earnings) growth accelerate.

I like the three ASX shares below for their defensive earnings.

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)

Food (and liquor) retail seems like a very defensive sector, in my view. Food is an essential product, and Coles has significant scale advantages compared to nearly every other business it’s competing against in Australia. I expect customer demand will hold up in the coming months.

Coles has come under pressure for how the last inflationary period played out. But I think the company will have learned lessons and will handle inflation a little differently, while largely protecting its margins.

The company’s sales and earnings continue to rise, helping fund larger dividend payments.

With its impressive product range of own-brand items and the new advanced warehouses, the company will continue unlocking a higher profit margin.

I expect Coles’ earnings will be higher in two years, which is the minimum that I think investors should focus on.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

Telstra provides subscribers with a market-leading mobile network with the widest coverage and the most valuable spectrum assets.

The ASX telco share‘s offering of allowing Australians to connect to the internet with their devices seems to be essential these days. Aussies use the internet for a lot of things, like entertainment, communication, learning, work, shopping, banking, connecting with government services, and plenty more.

Over the last few years, Telstra has seen its mobile subscriber numbers and average revenue per user (ARPU) steadily climb, with the ASX telco share implementing inflation-linked price increases.

If inflation were to pick up, I’d expect Telstra to implement more price rises. The operating leverage can come through as it spreads its costs across more users. I’m also excited to see the ongoing progress of wireless broadband for customers, meaning it’s capturing the margin that currently goes to the NBN.

Additionally, the business hiked its dividend by more than I was expecting, which I think bodes well for future shareholder payouts in upcoming results.

APA Group (ASX: APA)

Energy is one of the most important aspects of the Australian economy – households and businesses alike need energy throughout the year.

APA’s gas pipeline network accounts for half of the country’s gas consumption. Its gas capacity is expected to grow in the coming years as the business invests in adding pipelines to increase the ability to take gas from sources of supply to where it’s needed.

I think the ASX share will continue seeing cash flow growth as it expands its portfolio across a number of areas, including renewable energy, gas-powered energy generation, and electricity transmission.

As a bonus, the business has hiked its annual distribution every year for the past two decades. At the time of writing, APA offers a FY26 distribution yield of 6.3%.

The business offers inflation protection because a large majority of its revenue is linked to inflation. While higher interest rates may be detrimental to APA’s asset value, the increase in revenue is a useful boost for long-term earnings.

The post 3 ASX shares I would buy to protect against a recession appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• Why I’d invest $5,000 in these ASX dividend shares
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Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison 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 Apa Group and Telstra Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Analysts have been busy running the rule over several ASX shares this week.

Let’s see what they are saying about these shares, courtesy of The Bull. Here’s what you need to know:

Guzman Y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG)

The team at Red Leaf Securities is bearish on this Mexican quick service restaurant operator and has named it as a sell this week.

It feels that the company’s shares are expensive, especially given how much value the market is placing on its ambitious global expansion. It explains:

GYG is a Mexican themed restaurant chain. We retain a sell rating despite Australian brand strength. Expansion in the United States is in its early stages and carries execution risk. Challenges include increasing labour costs, operating costs and competition.

Revenue and profit growth were overshadowed by share price weakness after the company released its first half result in fiscal year 2026 on February 20. In our view, investors are paying a premium for ambitious long term store targets. In a higher cost-of-capital environment, the valuation leaves little margin for error.

Suncorp Group Ltd (ASX: SUN)

Another ASX share that Red Leaf Securities has been looking at is insurance giant Suncorp.

It has concerns that the company’s margins have peaked and believes it could be vulnerable to competitive pricing pressure. As a result, it has named Suncorp shares as a sell. It explains:

Suncorp provides insurance products and services. While premium rate increases have helped, we believe margin expansion is peaking. Earnings are exposed to claims inflation, natural catastrophe volatility and regulatory scrutiny. Half year results to December 31, 2025 highlighted these risks. Profit after tax of $263 million was down from $1.1 billion in the prior corresponding period.

Cash earnings were hit by higher natural hazard costs and the interim dividend was reduced. Much of the recent improvement reflects cyclical conditions rather than structural change. In our view, the valuation is vulnerable given competitive pricing pressure and rising affordability concerns.

Worley Ltd (ASX: WOR)

Over at EnviroInvest, its analysts think that Worley shares are a buy.

They like the engineering services company due to its exposure to sustainability and energy transition work. EnviroInvest said:

Worley provides engineering and project services across energy, chemicals and resources. Aggregated revenue of $6.3 billion in the first half of fiscal year 2026 was up 5.4 per cent on the prior corresponding period. Underlying earnings before interest, tax and amortisation of $377 million was up 0.3 per cent. More than half of new awards were linked to sustainability and energy transition work. Legacy hydrocarbons exposure remains, but capital is increasingly directed to low carbon infrastructure.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Guzman Y Gomez, Worley, and Suncorp shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Buy, hold, sell: Guzman Y Gomez, Lovisa, and Newmont shares
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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 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 Helia Group Ltd (ASX: HLI) share price fell off a cliff shortly after the market opened on Tuesday.

Helia shares dropped 19.1% to $4.70 in early trading, a dramatic decline on yesterday’s closing value of $5.81.

What’s going on with this ASX 200 financial share today?

Helia share price dives as broader market recovers

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is rebounding on Tuesday after an approximate $90 billion wipeout yesterday.

The ASX 200 fell 3.2% after a 25% surge in the Brent oil price to nearly $120 per barrel as the war in Iran continued.

The market is recovering today after US President Donald Trump said it may all be over shortly, and the oil price retreated to US$89.

But today’s rising tide is not lifting all boats — least of all the Helia share price, which is the biggest faller of the ASX 200 this morning.

But there’s a simple reason for the decline.

What’s driving this share price crash?

It’s ex-dividend day.

It’s typical for a company’s share price to fall on ex-dividend day because the stock is no longer trading with the next payment attached.

That means it’s fundamentally less valuable.

Earnings season ended on 28 February, and Helia is among 32 ASX shares with ex-dividend dates this week.

Helia will pay a final fully franked dividend of 16 cents per share plus a partially franked special dividend of 67 cents per share for FY25.

Pay day is 26 March.

The Helia share price closed at $5.81 yesterday.

Based on that price, the next dividend represents a whopping 14% dividend yield before the impact of franking is added on top.

So it’s not surprising to see the Helia share price dive today. That juicy dividend payout is no longer attached to Helia stock.

Re-cap on FY25 results

Last month, the mortgage insurer reported statutory net profit after tax (NPAT) of $244.9 million for FY25, up 5.8% on FY24.

On an underlying basis, net profit rose 12% to $247 million. Underlying diluted earnings per share (EPS) lifted 18% to 89.9 cents.

Underlying return on equity improved to 23.5%.

Helia ended FY25 with a prescribed capital amount coverage ratio of 2.03x, which is higher than the required regulatory minimums.

The strong balance sheet, a reduction in costs, and growth in premiums enabled the board to declare a big dividend this time around.

The company said:

Dividends in respect of the FY25 financial year total $343 million and are comprised of a 100% payout of FY25 Statutory NPAT and a reduction of approximately $100 million in the Company’s capital base.

Helia targets a stable fully franked ordinary dividend and continues to explore options to return excess capital in an efficient and effective manner to shareholders.

The post Why did the Helia share price just crash 19%? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 32 ASX shares about to go ex-dividend
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Helia shares rocket 15% on full-year results. Here’s why
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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.

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) gold stock Pantoro Gold Ltd (ASX: PNR) is having a day to forget.

Pantoro shares closed yesterday trading for $4.89 each. In early morning trade on Tuesday, shares crashed to $3.83, down 21.7%. After some likely bargain hunting, in later morning trade shares are changing hands for $4.04 apiece, down 17.4%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is up 1.6% at this same time.

Despite today’s big sell-off, Pantoro shares remain up 64% since this time last year. And investors who bought the ASX 200 gold stock in early March two years ago will still be sitting on gains of 366%.

Now, here’s what’s got investors reaching for their sell buttons on Tuesday.

Pantoro Gold more than doubles half-year earnings

After market close on Monday, Pantoro Gold released its half-year results (H1 FY 2026).

The ASX 200 gold stock is focused on its Norseman Gold Project, located in Western Australia.

And it’s not the past half-year results that are putting the stock under pressure today.

Over the six-month period, Pantoro reported gold production of 41,623 ounces.

Revenue came in at $238.6 million, up 55.5% from H1 FY 2025. And earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of $135.5 million increased by 112.4%.

Net cash from operating activities also increased sharply, up 128.7% to $128.3 million.

And on the bottom line, Pantoro reported a gross profit of $85.1 million, up 467% year on year.

Turning to the balance sheet, the ASX 200 gold stock held a cash and gold balance of $216.5 million at the end of the half year, up from $119.3 million at the end of H1 FY 2025.

Pantoro Gold is debt-free and remains completely unhedged.

The half year also saw Pantoro continue exploration and extensional drilling as part of its strategy to develop multiple underground mines and drive production growth in FY 2027 and FY 2028. H1 FY 2026 saw Pantoro drill 91,962 metres and spend $63.4 million on exploration and major capital growth projects.

Which brings us back to…

ASX 200 gold stock hammered on guidance reduction

The reason Pantoro Gold shares look to be under heavy selling pressure today is management’s reduced full-year production guidance.

When the ASX 200 gold stock released its December quarterly update on 22 January, management said they expected full-year gold production to be at the lower end of the previously provided production guidance of 100,000 to 110,000 ounces of gold.

After market close yesterday, management noted:

Operations at Norseman were affected by a significant rain event associated with Ex-Tropical Cyclone Mitchell in February 2026… The event resulted in temporary flooding of multiple underground areas, and interrupted open pit and haulage operations for several days, delaying production scheduled for February until March…

The planned transition to a new underground mining contractor at the OK Underground Mine during the final quarter of the year is expected to cause some short-term interruptions…

As a result, Pantoro has cut its full-year gold production guidance to the range of 86,000 ounces to 92,000 ounces.

The post Guess which high-flying ASX 200 gold stock is crashing 22% today on weather woes appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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