Category: Stock Market

Appen Ltd (ASX: APX) shares are sinking today.

Shares in the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) tech stock, which provides data solutions for AI applications, closed on Friday trading for $1.445. In early afternoon trade on Monday, shares are changing hands for $1.355 apiece, down 6.2%.

For some context, the All Ords is down 1.2% at this same time.

Despite today’s fall, Appen shares remain up an impressive 108.5% since closing at one-year lows of 65 cents on 21 November.

Without a doubt, then, that would have been an opportune time to buy the All Ords tech stock.

But after more than doubling from those lows, has the train left the station on further gains?

For some greater insight into that question, we defer to MPC Markets’ Mark Gardner (courtesy of The Bull).

Is it too late to buy Appen shares today?

“Appen is a former market darling of technology stocks,” Gardner said. “The company built a global business providing the human-labelled data that artificial intelligence systems needed to learn.”

However, Gardner expects that the artificial intelligence revolution is going to take a material bite out of the company’s future earnings.

Explaining his sell recommendation on Appen shares, he said:

Demand seemed unlimited and the share price reflected optimism, trading above $35 in July 2020. While Appen pays workers to label data, artificial intelligence is getting better at doing the role itself.

Synthetic data generation, automated labelling pipelines and AI systems that can evaluate their own outputs are advancing rapidly. In our view, the recent share price bounce reflects short term sentiment around AI investment themes rather than an improvement in the structural outlook.

Gardner concluded, “The company’s statutory net loss after tax of US$21.8 million in full year 2025 was up from a US$20 million loss in the prior corresponding period. The shares were trading at $1.565 on March 26, 2026.”

What’s the latest from the ASX All Ords tech stock?

Appen reported its full-year 2025 results, which Gardner mentioned above, on 25 February.

Despite the company’s full-year loss, Appen shares closed up 27.6% on the day of the release.

Investors reacted positively to the company’s 4.5% year-over-year increase in operating revenue to $230.8 million.

On the earnings front, the company achieved a 251% increase in underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA), before FX, to $12.2 million.

“FY25 was pleasing as we saw durable improvements to the business, with new wins in generative AI, operational efficiencies, and the revenue trajectory throughout the year,” Appen CEO Ryan Kolln said.

The post Up 109% since November, are Appen shares still a buy today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Web Travel shares are sliding as fresh takeover hopes return
• AMP jumps on $150 million buyback and CEO handover. Is this beaten-down ASX stock turning a corner?
• Why are Australian aluminium shares charging higher today?
• Why 4DMedical, Brainchip, Catapult, and Star Entertainment shares are falling today
• This ASX stock is halted after plunging nearly 18% in 2 sessions

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

The Web Travel Group Ltd (ASX: WEB) share price is under pressure on Monday, falling 5% to $2.565.

The latest decline adds to what has already been a brutal year for the travel tech stock, with shares now down roughly 46% in 2026.

Today’s weakness comes as investors digest a fresh leadership shake-up that has reopened takeover speculation around the company.

Let’s take a closer look.

CEO exit revives bid talk

According to The Australian, Chief Executive Katrina Barry has resigned less than 2 years after taking the top job following the demerger.

Her exit comes only 5 weeks after the departure of deputy and Webjet online travel agency boss David Galt, leaving what RBC Capital Markets described as a potential “leadership vacuum”.

That leadership gap has quickly put takeover interest back in focus.

RBC analyst Wei-Weng Chen said the loss of the company’s two most senior leaders could place the business back into the hands of recent suitors Helloworld Travel Ltd (ASX: HLO) and BGH Capital, both of which still hold 18.3% stakes in the group.

Takeover discussions only collapsed in mid-February, when no binding offer emerged despite previous indicative prices around 90 cents to 91 cents a share for the old Webjet structure.

This renewed speculation may explain why investors are seeing today’s sell-off as more than just another weak session.

Guidance still intact

The leadership change was not accompanied by a downgrade.

The Australian reported that management reaffirmed FY26 earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) guidance of $28 million to $29 million, excluding the legacy travel business.

Katrina Barry is also expected to stay on through the May full-year result to support the transition.

That continuity may help calm concerns after the stock’s recent volatility, which has already included the Spanish tax audit scare and the failed takeover process.

Even after today’s fall, the company still sits on a market capitalisation of roughly $927 million. It also remains one of the most heavily sold consumer cyclical names on the ASX this year.

Foolish Takeaway

Today’s move shows that investor confidence in Web Travel is still fragile.

The CEO’s resignation creates fresh uncertainty, but it has also brought back the chance of takeover interest returning after February’s failed talks.

With earnings guidance unchanged and major shareholders still on the register, the next key focus will be on how quickly the board moves to appoint a successor.

Investors will also be watching to see if strategic interest builds again ahead of May’s result.

The post Why Web Travel shares are sliding as fresh takeover hopes return appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 ASX shares I’d buy with $5,000 today
• What’s happened to ASX small-caps in 2026?
• Top 3 ASX 200 shares I’d buy today with $12,000
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• ASX travel shares are hovering near yearly lows – time to buy?

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.

AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP) shares are pushing higher on Monday, rising 3.76% to $1.297 despite a broad market sell-off.

The gain stands out on a weak day for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), with investors responding positively to a capital management update and a key leadership transition.

Even after today’s rally, AMP shares remain down around 28% in 2026, highlighting just how hard the stock has been hit since its February result.

Here’s why the stock is rising today.

$150 million buyback gives investors something to work with

Late last week, AMP confirmed it will undertake an on-market buyback of up to $150 million of ordinary shares. The company said the repurchase will begin after its first-quarter cash flow update on 16 April.

In addition, Blair Vernon officially steps into the Chief Executive role today, taking over from Alexis George as planned following her retirement on 30 March.

The Australian reported that Citi believes the buyback may ease some of the concerns that weighed on sentiment after AMP’s weak FY25 result, particularly around capital allocation and the risk of large-scale acquisitions under new leadership.

At roughly 5% of AMP’s market value, the buyback is not huge, but it gives the market something more concrete to focus on after the stock’s heavy fall this year.

That appears to be what the market is responding to today.

What did management say?

In AMP’s own release, outgoing CEO Alexis George said the group remained committed to returning surplus capital to shareholders where there was no better use for it.

She said the buyback was the most efficient use of capital at this time.

That language is likely resonating with investors because AMP shares have fallen heavily from their highs.

The stock traded as high as $1.82 in January after the CEO succession announcement, but concerns around the FY25 result and broader market volatility have since dragged it lower.

Foolish Takeaway

Today’s move indicates investors are welcoming two things at once: a disciplined capital return and a smooth leadership handover.

Blair Vernon is a familiar name inside the AMP business, having served as Chief Financial Officer and previously led major divisions across Australia and New Zealand. Having this continuity helps reduce uncertainty at an important point for the company.

The buyback also gives investors something tangible to focus on after the stock’s 2026 slide.

With AMP still down 28% this year, the next move depends on whether Blair Vernon can lift momentum across the core businesses.

The post AMP jumps on $150 million buyback and CEO handover. Is this beaten-down ASX stock turning a corner? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why AMP, Greatland Resources, Minerals 260, and Woodside shares are pushing higher today
• AMP shares charge higher on Monday despite market selloff: What’s going on?
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• Two ASX shares on the rebound
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. 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.

Shares in Australian aluminium producers are surging after Iranian attacks on smelters in the Middle East over the weekend.

Major producers targeted

Aluminium Bahrain, which operates one of the world’s largest smelters, said on Sunday it was assessing damage to its facility after Iranian attacks over the weekend.

The company said further:

The safety and security of Alba’s people remain its top priority and the Company confirms that 2 of Alba’s employees sustained minor injuries. Alba is assessing the extent of the damage to its facilities and remains focused on maintaining its operational resilience and the safety of its employees. The Company will provide further updates, as required, in due course.

Meanwhile, there was reported to be significant damage at Emirates Global Aluminium’s site after attacks from missiles and drones.

Shares in Australian aluminium producers jumped as a result, with Alcoa Corporation (ASX: AAI) leading the pack with its shares trading 9.2% higher at $93.84.

Shares in South 32 Ltd (ASX: S32) were 6.3% higher in early trade, while Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) shares were 2.9% higher at $157.64.

The Reuters report on the attacks said the aluminium suppliers in the Persian Gulf region had already been unable to ship to world markets due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.  

Aluminium Bahrain had already shut down lines one, two, and three at its site, “which together represent 19% of Alba’s total production capacity of 1,623,000 metric tonnes per annum, as an operational measure to preserve business continuity amid ongoing supply and transit disruptions affecting the Strait of Hormuz”.

The company said further:

This targeted, line-specific action is designed to optimise the utilisation of Alba’s existing raw materials inventory and prioritise operational stability across Reduction Lines 4, 5 and 6. By concentrating strategic raw materials’ inputs on the most sustainable operating configuration, Alba aims to maintain production resilience, manage working capital prudently, and develop alternatives to reduce exposure to near-term supply volatility. Alba continues to monitor and respond to the situation and will provide updates to the market as appropriate. The Company is also working closely with suppliers and customers to manage commitments and mitigate disruption.

Emirates Global Aluminium claims to be the number one premium aluminium producer in the world, accounting for 4% of global production and 2.83 million tonnes of metal cast in 2025.

Local operators on the ropes

Australia’s aluminium industry has been struggling to survive without government support in recent years, with Rio just last week securing a $2 billion taxpayer handout to keep Queensland’s Boyne smelter operating until at least 2040.

The post Why are Australian aluminium shares charging higher today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• ASX 200 mining shares rebound after March sell-off creates opportunities
• 3 ASX mining shares: Buy, hold, or sell?
• Rio Tinto just locked in a major deal. Here’s why investors are buying today
• ASX mining shares have slumped but long-term outlook is positive
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday

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 S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is having a tough start to the week. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is down 1.2% to 8,416.3 points.

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

4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX)

The 4DMedical share price is down 10% to $5.63. This may have been driven by profit-taking from some investors following a very strong gain last week. Investors were buying the respiratory imaging technology company’s shares after it made a big announcement. 4DMedical revealed that its CT:VQ technology has been deployed at the Mayo Clinic in the United States. The company’s managing director and CEO, Andreas Fouras, commented: “Mayo’s deployment is uniquely significant. When the world’s number one hospital chooses to use your technology, it sends the strongest possible signal to the entire U.S. healthcare market about the clinical value and readiness of CT:VQ.”

Brainchip Holdings Ltd (ASX: BRN)

The Brainchip share price is down 3.5% to 14 cents. Although this semiconductor company announced a licensing agreement today, the market doesn’t appear overly impressed given the customer and the terms. BrainChip has entered into a technology licensing deal with Korea-based semiconductor company EDGEAI for its Akida 2 neuromorphic IP. The company will receive unspecified payments as it provides various deliverables, including IP access, engineering support, and integration services, as well as royalties on product sales. The agreement is global and non-exclusive, meaning EDGEAI is not restricted from working with other technology providers. In addition, it can be terminated by the customer without cause on one month’s notice.

Catapult Sports Ltd (ASX: CAT)

The Catapult Sports share price is down 14% to $2.92. This follows the release of the sports technology company’s analyst day presentation. Catapult revealed bold growth ambitions, targeting a rise in average annual contract value (ACV) per pro team from US$20,000 to between US$100,000 and US$150,000. However, this will depend on successful upselling to existing teams and launching additional products.

Star Entertainment Group Ltd (ASX: SGR)

The Star Entertainment share price is down 2% to 12.25 cents. This morning, this casino and resorts operator revealed that it has entered into a binding commitment letter with funds associated with WhiteHawk Capital Partners. This is in relation to a refinancing of its debt. It notes that the annual interest rate based on the term SOFR plus a margin that is materially consistent with its recent facility agreements.

The post Why 4DMedical, Brainchip, Catapult, and Star Entertainment shares are falling today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why are Catapult shares tumbling 13% on Monday?
• What’s going on with BrainChip shares today?
• Catapult Group targets bigger ACV per team
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• What’s Bell Potter’s updated view on Catapult shares after its earnings results?

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

After a brutal two-day sell-off last week, shares in Dateline Resources Ltd (ASX: DTR) are frozen on Monday.

This comes as the market waits for details of a fresh capital raising.

The ASX granted the trading halt following the company’s request for time to finalise the proposed funding announcement.

Dateline shares last traded at 45.5 cents, down 10.78% on Friday after already falling 8.11% in the prior session. That rapid pullback interrupted what has otherwise been a huge run in 2026, with the stock still sitting up more than 100% since the start of the year.

Trading is expected to resume by Wednesday morning unless the company releases the raising details sooner.

Here’s what has triggered the halt.

Funding details now become the key focus

Today’s ASX release confirms the halt is tied to a proposed material capital raising, with management using the pause to finalise terms.

At this stage, the company has not disclosed the size of the raising, the issue price, or whether existing shareholders will be able to participate.

Those details are now likely to determine the direction of the share price when trading resumes.

The biggest question for the market is how aggressively the new shares are priced relative to Friday’s close of 45.5 cents.

A steep discount would raise the risk of short-term selling pressure, particularly after last week’s significant decline.

That backdrop may also explain why the stock was already weakening into the halt, with some traders potentially anticipating a funding update.

The bigger picture behind the 2026 rally

Even with the latest sell-off, Dateline remains one of the ASX’s strongest performers this year.

The stock is still up more than 100% in 2026, supported by growing market interest in its 100%-owned Colosseum Gold and Rare Earths Project in California.

That asset has become the central driver of the company’s re-rating, particularly as investors look for exposure to US-based gold and strategic minerals projects.

Because of that, the market’s reaction to the raising is likely to depend heavily on where the funds are going.

If the capital is directed toward drilling, resource upgrades, permitting, or development work at Colosseum, shareholders may be more willing to absorb the dilution.

The market has already shown it is willing to support the stock when there’s clear progress at the project.

Foolish Takeaway

The trading halt has shifted the focus from last week’s heavy selling to what Dateline announces next.

After falling nearly 18% across two sessions, attention now turns to the pricing and purpose of the raising. This will likely determine whether the recent weakness is temporary or the start of a broader downtrend.

Nonetheless, the stock is still holding onto triple-digit gains for 2026. That could help support sentiment if the new funds are directed towards further developing its flagship California project.

The post This ASX stock is halted after plunging nearly 18% in 2 sessions appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Up 100% in 2026, this ASX stock just dropped 8%. Here’s why
• This ASX mining stock has surged 10,000%: Is there more to come?
• This ASX mining stock just jumped again. Here’s what it announced today
• This ASX rare earths stock is rocketing 13% on big news

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.

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

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) health imaging company closed Monday trading for $117.70. During the Monday lunch hour, shares are changing hands for $112.46 apiece, down 4.5%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is down 1.4% at this same time.

Unfortunately for longer-term stockholders, today’s underperformance has been more the rule than the exception over the past eight months.

Indeed, Pro Medicus shares are now down a painful 66.0% since notching an all-time closing high of $330.48 on 17 July last year.

That comes despite the company posting some strong financial growth metrics in H1 FY 2026, as investor fears over potentially rising competition from AI models has intensified this year.

But after this sharp sell down, two top analysts believe the ASX 200 healthcare stock is well-placed to rebound (courtesy of The Bull).

Should you buy Pro Medicus shares today?

“Pro Medicus develops advanced medical imaging software used by major hospitals and radiology groups globally,” said Catapult Wealth’s Blake Halligan

Citing the first reason he has a buy recommendation on Pro Medicus shares, Halligan said, “The company reported a strong first half result in fiscal year 2026, with revenue up 28.4% to $124.8 million and underlying profit before tax rising 29.7% to $90.7 million.”

Then there’s the company’s strong balance sheet and recent new contract wins.

According to Halligan:

In March, PME secured two important contract renewals worth a minimum of $40 million, both at higher transaction fees, signalling strengthening pricing power. With an underlying earnings before interest and tax margin at 73% and cash of $222 million, PME remains financially robust.

And the third reason you might want to buy the ASX 200 healthcare share today is the company’s positive growth prospects in the massive US healthcare market.

“Growing US market share supports a positive long term growth outlook, making PME an attractive portfolio addition,” Halligan concluded.

Also tipping the ASX 200 healthcare share as a buy

MPC Markets’ Mark Gardner also has a bullish outlook on the beaten down Pro Medicus shares.

“The company provides medical imaging software and services to hospitals and healthcare groups across the world,” said Gardner. “Its software has quietly become the dominant choice across some of the largest hospital networks in the United States.”

And rather than expressing concern over the potential impact of AI, Gardner believes it will help the company’s growth prospects.

“The product is faster, more scalable and modern than what its competitors offer. Artificial intelligence is built in, so it complements the business,” he said.

Summing up his buy recommendation on the ASX 200 stock, Gardner concluded:

The share price plunge has been driven by broad technology sentiment as opposed to issues with the business. Earnings are still growing and the company still wins major new hospital contracts.

In our view, the market has handed investors an appealing entry point into one of the best software businesses on the ASX. We retain our buy recommendation.

The post 3 reasons to buy Pro Medicus shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX 200 shares that could beat the market over the next 10 years
• How to become a millionaire with a $5,000 investment in ASX 200 shares each year
• Top Australian shares to buy right now with $2,500
• Down 65%: Are Pro Medicus shares in the buy zone yet?
• Where to invest $10,000 in ASX shares right now

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

In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to record a disappointing decline. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is down 1.35% to 8,402 points.

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

AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP)

The AMP share price is up 4% to $1.30. Investors have been buying the financial services company’s shares after it announced an on-market share buyback. AMP advised that it will begin buying back up to $150 million of ordinary shares on-market following the release of its first quarter update next month. AMP’s chief executive, Alexis George, said: “We remain committed to returning surplus capital to shareholders in the absence of a compelling alternative, and prioritising organic growth in our wealth businesses. Today’s announcement demonstrates this, with an on-market share buyback the most efficient use of capital at this time.”

Greatland Resources Ltd (ASX: GGP)

The Greatland Resources share price is up almost 8% to $10.51. This has been driven by an update from the gold miner this morning. Greatland Resources revealed a 150% increase in the Telfer project’s gold mineral resources to 8.0 million ounces. This means that the combined Telfer and Havieron resources now total 14.9 million ounces of gold and 645,000 tonnes of copper. The company’s managing director, Shaun Day, said: “Telfer and Havieron’s combined resource of 550Mt @ 0.84g/t Au & 0.12% Cu for 14.9Moz Au & 645Kt Cu has the potential to underpin a multi-decade, world class mining hub. Our investment in significantly increased drilling has delivered substantial organic growth, with the overall Telfer resource growing by 150% to 8.0Moz, and the higher confidence Measured and Indicated component by 163% to 3.8Moz.”

Minerals 260 Ltd (ASX: MI6)

The Minerals 260 share price is up 5% to 63.2 cents. This follows the release of further positive results from the ongoing drilling program at its 100% owned 4.5Moz Bullabulling Gold Project in Western Australia. Commenting on the results, Minerals 260’s managing director, Luke McFadyen, said: “Drilling results received since the December 2025 MRE continue to reinforce our confidence in the growth potential of the MRE. The current program is focused on both expanding the resource and upgrading classifications, particularly within shallow areas targeted for early mining, while also testing high-priority extension targets at depth and along strike.”

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

The Woodside Energy share price is up 3% to $35.43. Investors have been buying Woodside and other ASX energy shares today after oil prices surged on Friday night. This was in response to escalating tensions in the Middle East. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy index is up 2.9% at the time of writing.

The post Why AMP, Greatland Resources, Minerals 260, and Woodside shares are pushing higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why is this ASX gold stock storming 10% higher today?
• AMP shares charge higher on Monday despite market selloff: What’s going on?
• Greatland Resources delivers major resource upgrade at Telfer
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• ASX 200 mining shares rebound after March sell-off creates opportunities

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

It’s been a tough session for investors in Catapult Group International Ltd (ASX: CAT) shares.

The Catapult share price tumbled 12.9% to $2.97 during early afternoon trade, adding to what has already been a painful period for investors.

The ASX technology stock is now down 28.6% year to date and has plunged roughly 57% over the past six months.

So, what’s behind the latest sell-off?

Lifting the bar

The weakness of Catapult shares comes as the sports technology company outlined its strategy to grow average annual contract value (ACV) per professional team — and while the long-term vision is ambitious, it may have raised some near-term concerns.

At its core, Catapult provides performance analytics and wearable tracking technology to professional sports teams. Its solutions help teams monitor athlete performance, reduce injury risk, and gain a competitive edge through data.

Now, management is aiming much higher. The company is targeting a significant increase in average ACV per pro team, lifting it from around US$20,000 today to between US$100,000 and US$150,000 over time. That’s a massive jump — and it will rely heavily on upselling, cross-selling, and rolling out new products.

There’s a catch: Execution risk

The strategy is built around a “land and expand” model. Catapult plans to win new customers with its core performance and health (P&H) offerings, then deepen those relationships by layering on additional features and solutions. On paper, it’s a compelling approach.

Catapult appears focused on boosting the value it delivers to each customer, rather than just chasing new sign-ups. By turning smaller initial contracts into broader, multi-solution partnerships, the company could unlock meaningful revenue growth without needing to dramatically expand its customer base.

Investors may be questioning how quickly and how easily Catapult can scale ACV to those ambitious targets. Upselling existing customers and convincing teams to adopt multiple products isn’t guaranteed. It’s particularly difficult in a competitive and budget-conscious environment.

Catapult shares snapshot

That uncertainty comes at a time when Catapult shares are already under pressure and near recent lows. When expectations are high and delivery is still ahead, the market can be quick to hit the sell button.

Looking at the bigger picture, the recent decline has been significant. Over the past 12 months, Catapult shares are down 14%, underperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has risen around 5.3% over the same period.

The bottom line? Catapult’s long-term growth strategy could be powerful if it works. Right now, investors appear wary about the path to get there.

The post Why are Catapult shares tumbling 13% on Monday? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Catapult Group targets bigger ACV per team
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• What’s Bell Potter’s updated view on Catapult shares after its earnings results?
• 3 bargain ASX tech shares I’d buy right now
• Why Catapult, DroneShield, Infratil, and Qoria shares are charging higher today

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

The Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) share price has been feeling pain in the last few weeks, just like many other stocks. But, experts are optimistic that the ASX financial share could deliver good returns over the next 12 months.

Macquarie is one of the most diversified businesses on the ASX, particularly in the financial sector, due to the varied operations of its segments and how it has a global earnings base.

Impressively, it makes around two-thirds of its money internationally, which I think is a powerful tool because it reduces the risk of being too focused on one region, and it also means it can look across the world for the best places to invest for growth.

Additionally, I also like how it has four different areas of its business – investment banking (Macquarie Capital), asset management (Macquarie Asset Management (MAM)), banking and financial services (BFS), and commodities and global markets (CGM).

The company has a variety of ways of making a profit and looking for further growth avenues. Due to this, I prefer Macquarie over the major ASX bank shares.

With its global and diversified earnings base in mind, I think it’s well-placed to navigate the current volatile markets.

Let’s take a look at what experts think could happen to the ASX financial share in the coming months.

Exciting Macquarie share price target

A price target tells investors where experts believe the share price will be trading in 12 months from the time that they make that analysis call, taking into account the company’s earnings trajectory and other elements worth considering with the valuation.

According to CMC Invest, there are five recent buy ratings (and four hold ratings) on the business.

Of those nine ratings, the average price target is $228.95. That suggests a possible rise of more than 17% over the next year, from where it is at the time of writing.

The latest update from the business was for the FY26 third quarter, for the three months to December 2025, which showed positive year-over-year growth for the business.

It reported for that quarter that the MAM net profit was “substantially up”, BFS net profit was “slightly up”, CGM net profit was “substantially up” and Macquarie Capital net profit was “substantially up”.

While one quarter’s performance isn’t the whole financial year, nor is it necessarily reflective of how earnings will perform during 2026, I think it’s a good sign for Macquarie and shows it can deliver strong growth at times.

I’m particularly impressed by the level of deposit and loan growth at Macquarie’s BFS – they grew 6% and 7%, respectively, quarter over quarter. That’s a great growth rate and could help Macquarie become a ‘big 5’ bank in Australia in the coming years.

The post How much could the Macquarie share price rise in the next year? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Hub24 vs Netwealth: Which ASX tech stock is the better buy now?
• How to invest $10,000 in ASX dividend shares in 2026
• What could $500 a month in ASX 200 shares become in 20 years?
• ASX bank stocks: Buy, sell, or hold?
• How to build $100,000 a year in passive income from ASX shares

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