Category: Stock Market

Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) shares are bouncing back on Friday afternoon to $1.94, a gain of 5.3% at the time of writing.

The buy now, pay later (BNPL) provider is clawing back some of this year’s heavy losses, which still stand at 41%.

Markets don’t seem to be reacting to a single catalyst today. Investors just see the current share price as a buying opportunity, driving Zip shares higher.

Sharp sell-offs, short rallies

Zip operates across Australia, New Zealand, and the US. It gives the company geographical diversification that smaller rivals lack. As a result, its embedded finance products and merchant partnerships continue to grow transaction volumes.

Over the past few weeks, Zip shares have been one of the more volatile names on the ASX. They have been swinging from sharp sell-offs after disappointing full-year results and negative sentiment to periodic rallies that leave traders scratching their heads.

Share buyback of $50 million

One of the biggest new developments is the company’s decision to implement a $50 million on-market share buyback. This will kick off in early March and will run for up to 12 months.

It appears management believes the 40% plunge this year so far has pushed Zip shares into undervalued territory.

With a strong balance sheet behind it, the company sees an opportunity to deploy surplus capital and back its shares. It’s effectively returning value to shareholders.

Strong growth, cautious signals

On the earnings front, recent results showed strong first-half growth and partial guidance upgrades. Still, the market was zeroing in on a few cautious signals.

Revenue margin slipped to 7.9% as the faster-growing, lower-margin US business accounted for more transaction volume. Net bad debts also ticked up slightly to 1.73% of TTV, still within targets of the Zip-board.

Investors were also digesting guidance that second-half cash EBITDA is expected to match the first half. This could mean that profit growth may plateau rather than accelerate.

Credit and macro risks

Risks that keep many brokers and fund managers cautious haven’t disappeared. The broader buy now, pay later landscape faces regulatory change in key markets.  

Competition from entrenched players has also intensified, and the spectre of rising credit losses has increased if consumers tighten their belts.

Credit and macro risks are as real today as they were six months ago. The ordinary ups and downs of quarterly earnings in consumer finance are amplified for a stock that has lost a great deal of trust and seen heavy selling from momentum-driven funds.

What next for Zip shares?

Analyst outlook is generally optimistic. Most brokers see upside if Zip can convert new products like flexible pay-in-2 options into sustainable revenue.

Jefferies sees this year’s share price weakness as a buying opportunity. They recently upgraded Zip shares to a buy with a $4.20 price target. This implies 118% upside over 12 months.

UBS remains bullish too, keeping its buy rating and a $4.50 target, pointing to roughly 132% potential gains over the next 12 months.

The post Why Zip shares are bouncing back 5% today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Zip, CSL and BHP among CommSec’s most-traded ASX shares
• 5 oversold ASX shares to buy before the end of February
• Why I’d buy and hold these 5 ASX 200 shares until 2036
• This expert thinks the Zip share price is a buy and could rise 140%!

Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther 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.

Every now and then, I like to reset my thinking.

If I had zero exposure to the market today and had to build an ASX share portfolio from scratch, what would I actually buy? Not based on what I already own. Not based on tax considerations. Just a clean slate and a long-term mindset.

Here’s how I’d approach it today.

Start with a core ETF foundation

I wouldn’t begin with individual stock picking if starting fresh.

I’d start with a broad global exchange-traded fund (ETF) like the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS).

To me, this is the simplest way to instantly gain exposure to more than 1,000 stocks across developed markets. It gives me access to global leaders in technology, healthcare, consumer brands, and industrials.

I’d likely allocate around 40% of the portfolio here.

Then I’d add an Australian option such as the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS).

That provides exposure to local banks, miners, healthcare companies, and retailers, plus the added benefit of franked dividends. I’d probably allocate another 30% here.

At this point, 70% of the portfolio is diversified, low-cost, and built for the long term.

Add high-quality ASX growth shares

With the core in place, I’d then layer in individual ASX growth stocks that I believe can outperform over time.

One would be Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB). I like the structural shift toward independent advice platforms and the operating leverage as funds under administration grow.

Another would be ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD). Healthcare demand is long-term and global, and I think its digital ecosystem adds stickiness beyond devices.

And I’d likely include WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC). Despite recent volatility, I still believe its global logistics platform has a long growth runway.

These wouldn’t dominate the portfolio. But collectively, they would add growth potential beyond the index.

I wouldn’t ignore income

Even in a growth-focused portfolio, I’d want some dependable income.

A name like Transurban Group (ASX: TCL) would make sense to me. Long-dated infrastructure assets and inflation-linked tolls provide some stability.

That income could either be reinvested for compounding or used as dry powder during market pullbacks.

Foolish takeaway

If I had to start again today, I’d build a diversified ETF core and then layer in a handful of high-quality ASX growth stocks.

It may not be the most exciting way to invest. But it could be the most effective.

The post If I had to build an ASX share portfolio from scratch today, here’s how I’d do it appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• In Wilsons Advisory’s ideal portfolio, what are the 10 top stock picks?
• If I could only buy and hold a single ASX stock, this would be it
• The boss of which tech company has just bought $1m worth of shares?
• 3 strong ASX dividend stocks for retirees to buy
• Why this expert thinks the WiseTech share price can rise 80% in the next 12 months

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Hub24, Transurban Group, and Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Hub24, ResMed, Transurban Group, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended ResMed, Transurban Group, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Hub24 and Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF. 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 subdued finish to the week. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is down slightly to 9,170.7 points.

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

4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX)

The 4DMedical share price is up 7.5% to $4.00. Investors have been buying the respiratory imaging solutions provider’s shares following the release of its half-year results. 4D Medical reported a 1% decline in revenue to $2.8 million and an adjusted net loss of $16.2 million. The latter was an improvement of 18% on the prior corresponding period. At the end of the period, the company had a pro forma cash position of $206.2 million. Looking ahead, the company highlights that its recently approved CT:VQ product has a major market opportunity. It said: “CT:VQ addresses a substantial market opportunity, with over one million nuclear VQ scans performed annually in the U.S. at an average reimbursement of approximately US$1,150 per scan, representing an initial addressable market exceeding US$1.1 billion annually in the U.S. alone (estimated at over US$2.6 billion globally).”

Block Inc (ASX: XYZ)

The Block share price is up 28% to $93.95. This has been driven by the release of the payments giant’s full-year results and the announcement of major job cuts. For the 12 months ended 31 December, Block’s gross profit increased 17% to US$10.36 billion. This reflects a 21% jump in Cash App gross profit to US$6.34 billion and a 9% lift in Square gross profit to US$3.94 billion. But the big news was Block’s founder and CEO, Jack Dorsey, revealing a massive reduction in its workforce. He said: ” Today we shared a difficult decision with our team. We’re reducing Block by nearly half, from over 10,000 people to just under 6,000. […] The core thesis is simple. Intelligence tools have changed what it means to build and run a company. We’re already seeing it internally. A significantly smaller team, using the tools we’re building, can do more and do it better. And intelligence tool capabilities are compounding faster every week. I don’t think we’re early to this realization. I think most companies are late.”

PEXA Group Ltd (ASX: PXA)

The PEXA share price is up 6.5% to $15.23. This morning, this property settlements technology company released its half-year results. It reported a 10% increase in revenue to $215.3 million and a 33% jump in group NPATA to $40.3 million. PEXA’s CEO, Russell Cohen, said: “PEXA delivered a strong result in the first half in FY26, underpinned by record transaction volumes in Australia, disciplined cost management and continued progress in the UK.”

Weebit Nano Ltd (ASX: WBT)

The Weebit Nano share price is up 3% to $4.88. This follows the release of the semiconductor company’s half-year results. Weebit Nano reported record half-year revenue of $5.6 million. This means it is on track to achieve its full-year revenue guidance of $10 million. Weebit Nano’s CEO, Coby Hanoch, said: “The first half of FY26 has marked Weebit’s strongest start to a fiscal year in the company’s 10-year history as technical and commercial momentum continues to build.”

The post Why 4DMedical, Block, PEXA, and Weebit Nano shares are launching higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why are Block shares rocketing 30% on Friday?
• Block Q4 2025 earnings: Profit jumps as AI transformation begins
• PEXA Group posts 1H FY26 earnings
• 35 ASX All Ords shares with ex-dividend dates next week
• Why money laundering law changes will be a boon for this property tech company

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 Block and PEXA Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended PEXA Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

It’s a tight race at the moment, but Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares have handed back the crown of biggest ASX stock to BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP).

In afternoon trade on Friday, the BHP share price is down 0.5% at $57.49. That gives the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) mining giant a market cap of $292 billion.

But with CBA shares down a sharp 2.2% at this same time, trading for $173.38 apiece, the big four bank’s market cap has fallen to $290.4 billion.

Battle of the ASX titans

It was only on 11 February that CommBank unseated BHP to again become the biggest ASX stock by market cap.

And BHP had only just reclaimed that title on 27 January. Before that, CBA had a lengthy run of around a year and a half as top dog on the exchange.

But the past two weeks have seen investors steadily bid up the Aussie mining giant while gradually bidding down Australia’s biggest bank.

Indeed, since market close on 12 February, CBA shares are down 3.1%, while BHP shares have gained 10.4% over this time.

What’s been moving BHP and CBA shares?

BHP and CBA both reported their half-year earnings results (H1 FY 2026) this month. And both ASX 200 stocks enjoyed a big share price boost on the day those results were reported.

CBA shares closed up 6.8% on 11 February, following the bank’s half-year results release. And shares gained another 5.4% the following day.

Investors were piling into the ASX 200 bank stock after CBA beat consensus estimates by delivering a cash net profit after tax (NPAT) of $5.45 billion, up 6% from H1 FY 2025.

And the big four bank drew the interest of passive income investors when management declared a fully-franked interim dividend of $2.35 per share. That was up 4% from the interim dividend payout in FY 2025.

But following those two days of outsized gains, CBA shares just couldn’t keep pace with investors’ resurgent interest in BHP.

The ASX 200 miner reported its half-year earnings results on 17 February.

BHP shares closed up 4.7% on the day, with the company reporting an 11% year-on-year increase in revenue to US$27.90 billion. And on the bottom line, BHP achieved a 22% increase in underlying profit to $6.20 billion.

With profits up, management increased the fully-franked interim dividend by 30.2% to AU$1.03 per share.

The BHP share price is up 43.9% in a year. CBA shares are up 11.1% over this same period.

The post Game on! BHP retakes biggest ASX stock crown as CBA shares sink appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• BHP share price has 20% more growth to come: expert
• In Wilsons Advisory’s ideal portfolio, what are the 10 top stock picks?
• Why I’d buy CBA and these ASX 200 shares in March
• 35 ASX All Ords shares with ex-dividend dates next week
• 9,200 points: ASX 200 hits fresh new record high

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 recommended BHP Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price is $57.50, down 0.4% on Friday after a historically significant week for the miner.

The ASX 200’s largest mining share ascended above its previous all-time record of $54.55, set in mid-2021, on Monday.

From there, the share price kept climbing and has risen by almost 7% in the space of just five days, and on no news at all from the miner.

The BHP share price peaked this week at $58.29 during intraday trading on Thursday.

That is now the highest price the miner has ever traded at in its 140-year history as a listed company.

In the year to date, BHP shares have risen by just over 25%.

That’s 5x the rate of the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which is up 5%.

In short, BHP shares are on fire — and there’s another 20% growth to come, according to one analyst.

On Wednesday, Jason Fairclough of Bank of America put a 12-month price target of $68 on BHP shares.

What’s most exciting about this analyst’s tip is that the guy has form.

Last month, Fairclough was the first expert to suggest that BHP shares could go into the late $50s in 2026.

Look how that worked out.

BHP share price soars 25% in 2026

Here at The Fool, we’ve been closely tracking the BHP share price since the start of the new year (‘cos we’re nerdy like that).

Fairclough put out a note in mid-January tipping that BHP shares could rise to $56 within a year. His previous target had been $49.

At the time, five other analysts had also recently updated their price targets.

All of them, except Barclays, were tipping the late $40s range for the BHP share price. Barclays’ price target was $50.12.

Over ensuing weeks, Goldman Sachs raised its price target on BHP shares to $57.70, while Morgan Stanley increased it to $56.50.

And Fairclough went to $57.

BHP shares cracked the $50 mark for the first time in two years on 27 January.

Then the mining share hovered between $49 and $52 for a couple of weeks.

Then came BHP’s 1H FY26 report and a $4.3 billion silver streaming deal, both announced on 17 February, which added serious fuel to the mining stock’s fire.

1H FY26 result turbocharges share price

The ASX 200 iron ore and copper mining giant reported a 28% profit increase to US$5.64 billion for 1H FY26.

The news forced the brokers to go back to their models to update their price targets. Fairclough lifted his target to $60.

On Monday, the BHP share price surpassed its mid-2021 record to reach a new high of $54.75.

On Wednesday, we received news that Fairclough had reiterated his buy rating and lifted his 12-month target on BHP shares to $68.

Citi also updated its price target on Wednesday, lifting it from $49.60 to $53.41 while keeping a hold rating.

On Tuesday, Barclays lifted its target to $52.84 and maintained its hold rating.

According to TradingView, there are 16 analysts with 12-month targets on BHP shares, ranging from $35.43 to $67.89.

Since the day of the 1H FY26 report, the BHP share price has risen 14%.

Stay tuned for what happens next!

The post BHP share price has 20% more growth to come: expert appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Game on! BHP retakes biggest ASX stock crown as CBA shares sink
• In Wilsons Advisory’s ideal portfolio, what are the 10 top stock picks?
• 35 ASX All Ords shares with ex-dividend dates next week
• 9,200 points: ASX 200 hits fresh new record high
• The easiest way to get rich and retire a millionaire with ASX shares

Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Bank of America is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in BHP Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Goldman Sachs Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Barclays Plc. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to record a small decline. The benchmark index is currently down slightly to 9,170 points.

Four ASX shares that are falling more than most today are listed below. Here’s why they are dropping:

Bapcor Ltd (ASX: BAP)

The Bapcor share price is down 47% to 90.5 cents. This morning, the auto parts retailer’s shares returned from a trading halt after completing the institutional component of its $200 million equity raising. The struggling retailer raised $157 million from institutional investors at a 65% discount of 60 cents per new share. The company’s new CEO, Chris Wilesmith, said: “Raising $200M of equity will improve our financial flexibility and business resilience in the current market conditions and provide headroom to focus on ‘getting the engine running’ to improve our operating performance and execution.” The retail component of the entitlement offer, which is fully underwritten, is expected to raise a further $43 million.

Brainchip Holdings Ltd (ASX: BRN)

The Brainchip share price is down 7% to 13 cents. Investors have been selling the embattled semiconductor company’s shares after it released its full-year results. Brainchip reported revenue of US$1.9 million for the 12 months and a massive operating loss of US$21.7 million. Brainchip’s founder and director, Peter van der Made, said: “We recognize that the ultimate measure of our strategy is commercial success. The foundations we continue to build in 2026 – from silicon validation to reference designs – are the essential drivers of our commercial success, and we are executing this strategy with full conviction. We remain deeply committed to the success of this Company and look forward to your continued engagement.”

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)

The Coles share price is down 9% to $20.20. This follows the release of the supermarket giant’s half-year results. For the 27 weeks ended 4 January 2026, Coles reported a 2.5% lift in sales revenue to $23.6 billion and a 12.5% jump in profit after tax (excluding significant items) to $676 million. This was short of expectations. For example, Morgans was expecting a 3.5% increase in revenue and a 16.5% jump in underlying net profit after tax to $699 million.

Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN)

The Harvey Norman share price is down 8% to $5.81. This morning, this retail giant released its half-year results and reported a 6.9% increase in sales revenue to $5.16 billion and a 16.5% lift in profit after tax to $321.9 million. While this looks strong on paper, it was a touch short of consensus expectations.

The post Why Bapcor, Brainchip, Coles, and Harvey Norman shares are dropping today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Everything you need to know about the latest Coles dividend
• Bapcor shares crash 49% after shock loss and $200m emergency capital raise
• Why is the Coles share price crashing 8% on Friday?
• Harvey Norman posts 1H26 result
• Coles Group shares: Profit jumps, Supermarkets excel

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 positions in and has recommended Harvey Norman. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

As most Australians would be aware, the cost of living has been a major issue in our economy for a few years now. Inflation, although seemingly dormant over much of 2024 and 2025, was historically high over 2022 and 2023. It has reared its ugly head again in 2026, as those struggling with the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA)’s interest rate hike last month can attest. Yet despite all of this, the superannuation balance needed to supposedly fund a comfortable retirement has stayed static for three years.

Well, until now, that is.

The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) is responsible for a widely used projection for how much superannuation the average Australian needs to fund a comfortable retirement. That phrase may sound generic, but it in fact refers to a specific set of criteria that has been determined to represent a dignified retirement that allows for freedom and a certain level of comfort. This criterion includes provisions for adequate levels of private health insurance, regular holidays, and reliable access to essential services such as electricity and internet.

ASFA takes into account that many retirees are able to use their superannuation balances in conjunction with either a part or full Age Pension to fund their retirements.

For the past three years, ASFA has decreed that the minimum super balance needed to hit ‘comfortable retirement’ status is $595,000 for singles, and $690,000 for couples. That assumes complete home ownership.

However, those figures are now outdated.

How much superannuation does the average Australian need for a comfortable retirement?

This week, ASFA announced that it had determined that the superannuation balance now required to meet that comfortable retirement threshold has risen to $630,000 for singles and $730,000 for couples. That represents a rise of 5.88% for singles and 5.8% for couples.

So why the increase? Well, ASFA CEO Mary Delahunty has blamed the Age Pension itself:

Retirees’ living costs have risen, and support from the Age Pension has not kept pace with this rise. This means retirees need higher super savings to maintain a comfortable lifestyle… Costs in the categories that retirees tend to spend most on have risen faster than general consumer price inflation. So that means even though the Age Pension is indexed, a greater burden is placed on retirees’ personal super savings.

However, it wasn’t all good news. Delahunty also made this argument:

The good news is that Australians are reaching retirement with larger super balances than ever before. The super system is working really well, securing Australians’ retirements… We also have the Superannuation Guarantee that has been steadily rising since 2020 and is now at 12%.

ASFA also pointed out that “a 30-year-old worker with $30,000 in super today and earning $80,000 throughout their career adjusted for inflation is on track to retire with $645,000″.

Not all bad news indeed.

The post The superannuation balance you’ll need for a comfortable retirement just went up appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Neuren shares dip after FY25 result. Here’s what stood out
• This major new silver project will pay itself back in under a year its proponents say
• Everything you need to know about the latest Coles dividend
• What is Morgans saying about Jumbo Interactive and Tabcorp shares?
• Why TPG shares are down on strong full-year results

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen 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 Neuren Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: NEU) are slightly lower on Friday after the company released its full-year results for 2025.

In early afternoon trade, the Neuren share price is down 0.37% to $13.39.

Let’s take a closer look at what Neuren reported for the financial year.

Underlying royalties rise but total income declines

For the 12 months to 31 December 2025, Neuren generated royalty income of $65 million from DAYBUE, up 15% from $56 million in 2024.

Interest income also increased to $12 million from $11 million.

However, total income fell to $85 million from $228 million in 2024. The prior year included significant one-off revenue, including a milestone payment and proceeds from the sale of a rare paediatric disease priority review voucher.

Research and development expenditure increased to $36 million, up from $33 million, reflecting investment in the Phase 3 Koala trial of NNZ-2591 in Phelan-McDermid syndrome.

Neuren reported profit before tax of $39 million and net profit after tax (NPAT) of $30 million. This compares with $142 million in net profit in 2024, which again included the benefit of one-off items.

Cash position strengthens as buybacks continue

Neuren finished the year with $296 million in cash and short-term investments as at 31 December 2025, up from $222 million a year earlier.

Net cash generated from operating activities totalled $125 million during the year.

The company completed a $50 million on-market share buyback during 2025 and has announced a further buyback to commence in early March 2026.

Management said that growing cash flows from DAYBUE continue to fund development programs across Phelan-McDermid syndrome, Pitt Hopkins syndrome, and hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy.

US sales growth drives higher royalty outlook

DAYBUE, marketed by partner Acadia Pharmaceuticals in the United States, delivered net sales of US$391 million in 2025, up 12% from 2024.

Neuren’s royalty income from DAYBUE reflects tiered royalty rates on those sales.

Patient numbers continued to trend higher during the year, with more than 1,000 patients receiving treatment in the fourth quarter. Persistence rates at 12 months were reported at approximately 55%.

In December 2025, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new powder formulation, DAYBUE STIX. The company said that a broader commercial launch is being targeted for sometime early this year.

Acadia has guided to 2026 net sales of US$460 million to US$490 million. Based on current exchange rates, Neuren expects royalty income of $70 million to $77 million in 2026.

Phase 3 trial underway

Neuren’s second drug candidate, NNZ-2591, made progress during the year.

The Phase 3 Koala study in Phelan-McDermid syndrome began dosing patients in early 2026. This followed agreement with the US FDA on the trial design and the key measures of success.

The program has also received Orphan Drug and Fast Track status in the United States.

Neuren is continuing development of NNZ-2591 in Pitt Hopkins syndrome and hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy, with discussions ongoing with regulators.

The post Neuren shares dip after FY25 result. Here’s what stood out appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Neuren Pharmaceuticals earnings: Profits up, pipeline builds in 2025
• Why Neuren shares are jumping more than 6% today
• Neuren Pharmaceuticals shares paused ahead of company announcement
• These 2 ASX healthcare shares could jump well over 80%
• Why Neuren shares are edging lower on Thursday

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.

Investigator Silver Ltd (ASX: IVR) has released a definitive feasibility study (DFS) into its Paris silver project in South Australia, saying a mining operation would cost $260 million to build and pay itself back in just 11 months.

The ASX silver company said in a statement on Friday that the mine, on the Eyre Peninsula, would generate strong cash flow from an open-pit mine using contract mining operators.

Numbers looking strong

The 11-month payback was calculated using a spot price for silver of US$80 per ounce, while the current spot price is US$92.07.

Investigator said every US$1 increase in the spot price would translate into a $42 million increase in life of mine cash flows.

Investigator Managing Director Lachlan Wallace said the study indicated that the company had a solid project on its hands.

He said:

The feasibility study confirms Paris as a tier-one, high-margin, finance-ready silver development project with strong leverage to the silver price and a practical near-term pathway to silver production. The project is a conventional low-risk development – shallow open-pit, contract mining, and whole-ore leach to produce silver doré; prioritising operability, schedule certainty and a reliable ramp-up. Importantly, the study outcomes are underpinned by a staged mine plan designed to bring forward higher-grade, lower strip ore, build stockpiles and strengthen resilience through the funding and ramp-up period. The development funding estimate includes appropriate allowances and contingency to support a robust, fully-costed funding plan.

Mr Wallace said the company’s focus would now swing to development, taking the designs through detailed engineering and contracting, “to firm up execution certainty, progress permitting, and prepare for financing”.

This phase would also include a high-density drilling program targeting the first three years of mining, “to strengthen grade confidence in the early cash-flow window and support a faster lender process to deliver more competitive financing outcomes, which includes pricing, covenants and overall terms”.

Mr Wallace added:

Our objective is clear – move rapidly and methodically from study into development, tighten execution certainty, position Paris to be construction-ready and then look to hit the go-button on building our world-class asset into Australia’s leading, pure silver mine.

The DFS said the breakeven price for the mine was US$37.35 per ounce of silver, with the mine to operate for 11 years, including construction, mining 1.5 million tonnes of ore per annum under the current plan.

Shares in the ASX silver company were steady on Friday at 12 cents apiece. The company was valued at $238 million at the close of trade on Thursday.

The post This major new silver project will pay itself back in under a year its proponents say appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• What’s the outlook for the silver price?

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.

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) shares are under pressure on Friday.

At the time of writing, the supermarket giant’s shares are down a disappointing 9% to $20.21 following the release of its half-year results.

While the market appears disappointed with parts of the results, there is at least one piece of good news for income investors. That is a higher fully franked dividend.

The Coles dividend

Coles’ board declared a fully franked interim dividend of 41 cents per share, up from 37 cents a year ago.

This follows August’s fully franked final dividend of 32 cents per share. That means, on a trailing basis, Coles will have paid a total of 73 cents per share over the past 12 months (32 cents final + 41 cents interim).

Based on the current share price of $20.21, that equates to a trailing dividend yield of approximately 3.6%, fully franked.

Key dates investors need to know

The interim dividend has an ex-dividend date of 10 March. To be entitled to the 41 cents per share payout, investors must own Coles shares before that date.

Once shares trade ex-dividend, new buyers are no longer eligible for that upcoming payment.

But for those that are eligible, Coles has named its payment date as 30 March.

In addition, the company revealed that its dividend reinvestment plan (DRP) will operate with no discount for this dividend.

What did Coles report today?

For the 27 weeks ended 4 January 2026, Coles reported a 2.5% lift in sales revenue to $23.6 billion, a 10.2% increase in group EBIT (excluding significant items) to $1.231 billion, and a 12.5% jump in profit after tax (excluding significant items) to $676 million.

Supermarkets delivered EBIT growth of 14.6%, with margins improving to 5.8%.

However, reported net profit after tax fell 11.3% to $511 million due to a $235 million provision relating to the Federal Court judgment in the Fair Work Ombudsman proceedings.

How does this compare to expectations?

According to a note out of Morgans, its analysts were expecting a 3.5% increase in revenue and a 16.5% jump in underlying net profit after tax to $699 million.

As you can see, Coles has fallen short of this, which may explain why its shares are tumbling today.

And with Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) reporting stronger sales growth earlier this week, it seems that Coles could be giving back market share to its key rival.

The post Everything you need to know about the latest Coles dividend appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why is the Coles share price crashing 8% on Friday?
• Coles Group shares: Profit jumps, Supermarkets excel
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• 35 ASX All Ords shares with ex-dividend dates next week
• Here’s the share price I would buy Coles stock at

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