Category: Stock Market

If you are searching for reliable income on the ASX, one blue-chip energy stock stands out right now.

The Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) share price is down 0.35% today to $28.14. At that level, the oil and gas giant is offering a dividend yield of around 6%.

Following its full-year results on Tuesday, is this ASX income share worth buying?

A 6% yield backed by cash flow

Woodside declared a fully-franked final dividend of 59 US cents per share, bringing total FY25 dividends to 112 US cents per share.

That equates to roughly a 6% yield at current prices.

This payout is supported by strong underlying earnings and cash flow. For FY25, Woodside generated:

• $9.3 billion in EBITDA
• $7.2 billion in operating cash flow
• $1.9 billion in free cash flow

Despite lower average realised oil and LNG prices during the year, the company still delivered underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) of $2.6 billion.

Management continues to target a dividend payout ratio of 50% to 80% of underlying NPAT, and FY25’s dividend sat at the top end of that range.

Balance sheet strength supports the dividend

Dividend yields mean little if the balance sheet is stretched.

Woodside finished FY25 with liquidity of $9.3 billion and gearing of 18.2%, comfortably within its 10% to 20% target range. The company also retains investment-grade credit ratings.

Management estimates a breakeven oil price of around US$34 per barrel for 2026 to 2027.

This suggests Woodside can cover operating costs, capital commitments, and dividends even if oil prices retreat materially from current levels.

It also provides resilience through periods of weaker commodity prices and reduces the risk that softer markets would force a sharp cut to shareholder returns.

Growing production while protecting dividends

Major projects, including Scarborough, Trion, and Louisiana LNG, continue to advance, while Beaumont New Ammonia achieved first production in December.

These projects are expected to support long-term production and cash flow growth. Management is guiding for volumes of 172 to 186 million barrels of oil equivalent in 2026, alongside disciplined capital spending.

Is this ASX income share a buy?

Energy stocks always carry commodity price risk. Oil and LNG prices can move quickly based on global growth, geopolitics, and supply dynamics.

However, Woodside combines a solid 6% yield with strong cash generation, investment-grade credit metrics, and a clear capital management framework.

At $28.14, the stock offers income today and exposure to long-term LNG demand growth.

If you’re seeking dependable dividends with global energy exposure, Woodside could be one ASX income share worth serious consideration.

The post 6% fully-franked yield! Is this ASX income share a buy? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How do experts view Fortescue, Ebos Group and Woodside Energy shares after earnings?
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• 5 ASX 200 stocks including NAB, Woodside and BHP shares charging to new 52-week plus highs today
• How to target earnings season winners with ASX ETFs
• 3 ASX All Ords shares I’d buy with $5,000 today

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.

Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL) shares jumped 9.3% higher to $15.38 on Thursday afternoon.

The ASX retailer reported record half-year sales of $2.2 billion, but profits are feeling the squeeze.

Over the past year, Super Retail Group shares have climbed 6%. They’re still lagging the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has gained 11% over the same period.

Cautious consumer backdrop

The retailer delivered record first half-year 2026 sales of roughly $2.2 billion. This was a 4.2% increase on the prior year, with like-for-like growth in positive territory.

Across Supercheap Auto, Rebel, BCF, and Macpac, customers kept spending despite a cautious consumer backdrop. Online sales and club member engagement continued to rise. Membership climbed by 8% to 13 million members, and this reinforced the strength of its omni-channel model and sticky loyalty ecosystem.

Super Retail Group Managing Director and CEO Paul Bradshaw was pleased with the results:

Super Retail Group delivered first half sales growth of four per cent—a solid outcome considering the competitive retail environment and challenging conditions, notably for rebel and BCF, during the period. We were pleased with the continued momentum from Supercheap Auto, delivering steady growth, market share gains in its core auto category, and benefiting in market from the new Spend & Get loyalty program… I would like to acknowledge the dedication and contribution of our 16,000 team members, whose efforts have been central to delivering this result.

Net profit squeezed

But this wasn’t a clean beat-and-raise result. Net profit after tax slipped 6.8% to $121.9 million as operating costs climbed. Investment in a new distribution centre, systems upgrades, and higher wage and rent expenses chewed into margins.

Promotional intensity across the retail sector also kept gross margin expansion in check. Revenue momentum was strong. Earnings leverage, less so.

Super Retail Group reshaped its footprint, opening 16 new stores and closing 10 as it fine-tunes the network. At the same time, it continues to invest in omni-channel capabilities and is rolling out a new national distribution centre in Truganina. That’s a move that should unlock meaningful efficiency gains.

The balance sheet remains a clear strength, with no drawn bank debt and $108 million in cash, providing management with ample flexibility.

Investors focus on positives

The market, however, chose optimism. Investors appeared to focus on the top-line growth, resilient cash generation, and a healthy balance sheet. A solid, fully-franked dividend helped seal the deal. The message from traders was clear: this is a business investing through the cycle, not retrenching.

That context matters. Over the past few years, Super Retail has navigated pandemic distortions, supply chain disruption, surging freight costs, and now a cost-of-living squeeze that has pressured discretionary spending.

Margins have ebbed and flowed. Promotional competition has intensified. Yet the group has consistently grown sales and expanded its store footprint.

What next for Super Retail Group shares?

The ASX retail business isn’t standing still.

Super Retail Group plans to open 12 new stores in the second half of FY26 while pushing ahead with major projects, including a new distribution centre and upgraded HR and payroll systems.

Trading has also started strongly. Over the first eight weeks of the half, like-for-like sales lifted 3.5% and total sales jumped 5% — a solid sign that demand remains resilient.

Management has locked in $155 million in FY26 capex to target store network expansion and digital investment. With a strong balance sheet behind it, the company believes it has the firepower to invest in growth while handling tough competitive conditions.

The post Super Retail Group shares blast 9% higher on record sales appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Super Retail Group lifts sales, grows club members in 1H26 earnings
• 2 beaten-down ASX dividend shares to buy right now
• Why these ASX dividend shares could be top picks for income investors in February
• Which ASX retail stocks look like good buying ahead of the looming reporting season?

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 Super Retail Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Super Retail 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 another solid gain. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is up 0.55% to 9,177.9 points.

Four ASX shares that have failed to follow the market higher today are listed below. Here’s why they are falling:

Cettire Ltd (ASX: CTT)

The Cettire share price is down 24% to 34 cents. Investors have been selling this online fashion retailer’s shares amid concerns that it could go bust. This morning, Cettire reported a modest decline in sales revenue to $382.8 million and a net loss of $1.1 million. The company also included a going concern statement in its financial accounts, acknowledging a major net current asset deficiency. It said: “The net current asset deficiency and the net loss after tax for the current period gives rise to a material uncertainty in relation to going concern that may cast significant doubt on the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern and to realise its assets and settle its liabilities in the ordinary course of business. Despite these material uncertainties, the directors have considered the performance and position of the Group and consider that the going concern basis is appropriate.”

Objective Corporation Ltd (ASX: OCL)

The Objective Corporation share price is down 7% to $12.91. This follows the release of the information technology software and services provider’s half-year results. Objective Corp posted a 9% lift in revenue to $66.7 million and a 10% increase in net profit after tax to $18.7 million. The company also revealed annualised recurring revenue (ARR) growth of 12% to $120 million. However, this is short of its 15% ARR target.

Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN)

The Qantas share price is down 9% to $9.71. This is despite the airline operator releasing its half-year results and revealing a profit before tax ahead of consensus expectations. Thanks to growth across the business, Qantas delivered a 6.3% increase in revenue to $12.9 billion. This underpinned a 5.1% increase in underlying profit before tax to $1,456 million, which was around 2% ahead of consensus estimates. A fully franked interim dividend of 19.8 cents per share was declared. This is up 20% on the prior corresponding period.

Worley Ltd (ASX: WOR)

The Worley share price is down 10% to $11.77. This morning, the professional services company reported aggregated half-year revenue of $6,312 million, up 5.4% on the prior corresponding period. However, underlying NPATA was down 4.2% to $207 million and statutory NPATA was down 29.6% to $152 million.

The post Why Cettire, Objective Corp, Qantas, and Worley shares are falling today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Qantas shares tumble 6% despite first-half earnings beat
• Objective Corporation 1H FY26: profit climbs, dividend declared
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• Qantas earnings: Profit up, higher dividends, and bigger fleet for FY26

Hipages Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: HPG) reported its profits this week, and while the results were solid, the analyst team at Shaw and Partners think what they’re doing with artificial intelligence is the real story going forward.

Firstly, let’s have a look at the results.

Profits solidly higher

Hipages, which runs an online marketplace where users can advertise trade jobs and tradies can bid on them, increased its first-half revenue by 11% to $44.9 million.

The company’s EBITDA came in at $11.2 million, up 29% on the previous corresponding period, while net profit increased from $100,000 to $2.7 million.

Hipages Chief Executive Roby Sharon-Zipser said it was a solid result.

The first half of FY26 was a period of focused execution by the hipages team, as we navigated a volatile macroeconomic environment to deliver double-digit revenue growth … EBITDA margin expansion and a significant step-up in free cash flow generation to $4.3 million. We continued to execute our platform strategy, completing the migration of 100% of our tradie customer base to new pricing plans, which helped to drive double-digit ARPU (average revenue per user) growth. We also rebranded our tradie app as ‘hipages for business’ to target a wider universe of potential customers and expanded ‘hipages Perks’ to offer exclusive deals and benefits to both tradies and households. Both are showing encouraging early signs.

But what really piqued the interest of the Shaw team was what Mr Sharon-Zipser said around artificial intelligence.

As he said:

Up next in H2, we will further deploy AI workflows into our product to enhance the user experience on both sides of the marketplace, including an AI job posting assistant and tradie location tracker for households, and a voice plugin for even faster quoting, and workday route optimisation for tradies. These are only a few examples, with many further developments coming to drive user engagement and retention.

The company said it expected full-year revenues to come in at $90 to $91 million, generating free cash flow of $8 to $10 million and an EBITDA margin of 24% to 26%.

Hipages shares looking cheap

The Shaw team said the revenue guidance was a decline, which was unfortunate, “but the reasons were specific and don’t change long term targets and haven’t impacted operating leverage of free cash flow”.

And they were particularly enamoured of the company’s approach to AI.

As they said:

Hipages management provided a clear and confident message around AI, the opportunity it sees and the benefits it is already realising. At now 11x FY27 Cash EBITDA this category leader is too cheap.

Shaw and Partners has a $2.50 target price on Hipages shares, compared with 81 cents currently.

Hipages was valued at $110.9 million at Wednesday’s close.

The post More than 100% upside predicted for this online marketplace which is using AI to its advantage appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Cettire, Objective Corp, Qantas, and Worley shares are falling today
• How I’d Invest $25,000 in Vanguard ETFs today
• 2 ASX growth shares set to soar higher in 2026
• This oversold ASX stock is so cheap it’s crazy
• What are the experts saying about Domino’s Pizza, Wisetech, and Woolworths shares?

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

If I had $25,000 to invest right now and wanted to keep things simple, low-cost, and diversified, I would lean heavily on Vanguard exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

The goal would be to build a core portfolio I could hold for years, add to regularly, and not lose sleep over during volatility.

Here’s how I’d allocate it across funds today.

Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

For me, the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF would be the foundation of a portfolio.

It provides exposure to around 1,300 large and mid-cap stocks across developed markets, excluding Australia. That means access to global leaders in technology, healthcare, industrials, and consumer sectors that simply aren’t well represented on the ASX.

Think global heavyweights like Nvidia, Microsoft, and Nestlé sitting alongside Japanese, European, and North American giants.

Australia is a small slice of the global economy. I believe any long-term portfolio should reflect that reality. The VGS ETF provides broad diversification across countries and sectors in a single trade.

Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS)

While I want global exposure, I also think it makes sense to maintain a meaningful allocation to Australian shares.

The Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF tracks the S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO), giving exposure to the country’s largest stocks across banks, miners, healthcare, retail, and infrastructure.

This ETF also provides investors access to franked dividends, exposure to Australia’s strong banking and resources sectors, and a simple, low-cost core holding.

For investors planning to live and retire in Australia, having a home-market anchor can also help reduce currency risk relative to a fully offshore portfolio.

Vanguard FTSE Asia Ex-Japan Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAE)

To round things out, I’d add targeted exposure to faster-growing Asian economies.

This can be achieved with the Vanguard FTSE Asia Ex-Japan Shares Index ETF. It invests across countries such as China, Taiwan, India, South Korea, and Hong Kong. It includes stocks like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company and Tencent.

Asia’s middle class continues to expand, technology manufacturing remains concentrated in the region, and long-term economic growth rates are often higher than in developed Western economies.

This allocation adds a bit more growth potential to the portfolio without going all-in on emerging markets.

Foolish Takeaway

If I were investing $25,000 today, I wouldn’t try to outsmart the market.

I’d build a diversified Vanguard ETF portfolio covering Australia, global developed markets, and Asia. Then I’d let compounding do its work over the years.

The post How I’d Invest $25,000 in Vanguard ETFs today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• The sleep easy ETF portfolio to survive market crashes
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• I think these Vanguard ETFs are standout buys today

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Microsoft, Nvidia, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, and Tencent. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Microsoft, Nvidia, 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.

If 2025 taught investors anything, it’s that growth doesn’t move in a straight line. Sectors rotate. Sentiment swings. Valuations compress and expand.

In 2026, I’m looking for ASX growth shares with genuine earnings momentum, exposure to powerful structural themes, and the ability to surprise on the upside. Two names stand out to me right now for very different reasons.

Codan Ltd (ASX: CDA)

Codan has quietly transformed itself into a multi-engine growth business.

Most investors know it for its metal detection division, and with gold trading above US$5,000 an ounce, demand for high-performance detectors has been strong. Elevated gold prices typically encourage more exploration and small-scale prospecting, which directly supports Codan’s Minelab business. In my view, that dynamic alone could underpin solid earnings momentum through 2026.

But I think the story is broader than gold.

Codan also has meaningful exposure to communications and tactical electronics, including applications tied to defence and drone-related technologies. As governments globally increase spending on border security, defence capability, and electronic warfare systems, I believe Codan is well placed to benefit. Its expertise in secure communications and signal intelligence positions it in niches that are difficult to replicate.

What I like most is the combination of cyclical and structural tailwinds. High commodity prices support one side of the business, while defence and security spending support the other. That diversification gives Codan more resilience than many investors assume.

If execution continues and order momentum remains healthy, I think 2026 could be another year where earnings surprise on the upside.

Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL)

Netwealth represents a different kind of growth opportunity.

This is a classic structural winner in my view. The long-term shift toward independent financial advice and sophisticated wealth platforms is far from over. Advisers continue to move assets away from legacy institutions and onto modern, technology-driven platforms. Netwealth has consistently captured more than its fair share of that flow.

Recent performance has reinforced the strength of its model. Funds under administration continue to grow, driven by net inflows and market movements. More importantly, I believe Netwealth still has a significant runway. Australia’s wealth pool is enormous, and the platform penetration opportunity remains meaningful.

I also like the scalability of the business. As assets grow, margins can expand. The operating leverage embedded in the model means incremental revenue can translate into disproportionately higher earnings over time.

In a market where investors are searching for reliable growth, I see Netwealth as a high-quality compounder.

Foolish Takeaway

For 2026, I’m backing ASX growth shares with clear growth drivers and tangible earnings momentum.

Codan offers exposure to record gold prices, expanding defence budgets, and drone-related technologies. Netwealth gives me structural exposure to Australia’s growing wealth platform market.

The post 2 ASX growth shares set to soar higher in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• Which ASX tech share is the smarter buy: Hub24 or Netwealth?
• Buy, hold, or sell? AMP, Domino’s and Netwealth shares
• Why I think these ASX 200 growth shares could beat the market
• Up 21% last week, why Netwealth shares are still a buy today

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Codan. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Netwealth Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Netwealth Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The ASX stock TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE) has been heavily sold off recently, but I think investors are being far too pessimistic about its long-term potential.

A share price is meant to reflect the long-term earnings outlook of a business, not just expectations for the next year or two. The TechnologyOne share price has dropped heavily over the last several months, as the chart below shows.

Looking at this sharp decline makes me think the global enterprise resource planning (ERP) software business is an excellent opportunity.

Increased growth guidance

The business recently announced that it expects to grow faster in FY26 than initially guided.

I can’t say for sure how AI will change the software space in the long term, but I think that TechnologyOne is demonstrating it can perform strongly with its operations.

Previous guidance was that profit before tax (PBT) would grow between 13% to 17% in FY26. It’s now expecting PBT to rise by between 18% to 20% – the mid-point was hiked by four percentage points from 15% to 19%. That’s a significant increase.

It also increased its annual recurring revenue (ARR) growth guidance to between 16% to 18%.

Understandably, there is a clear connection between its (annual recurring) revenue growth and profit growth. TechnologyOne said it’s targeting the top end of its guidance range for both PBT and ARR.

TechnologyOne increased its guidance due to confidence in its customer pipeline in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. It’s positive about the momentum of its ‘SaaS+’ (software as a service) and the response to specific offerings.

The ASX stock has a big focus on clients

I think a key element of the long-term success of a technology business is ensuring that users and clients always get great value for what they’re paying. The high operating profit margins will inevitably help the bottom line, but businesses need to do their best to attract and retain revenue, too.

TechnologyOne has a variety of clients, including businesses, government agencies, local councils and universities. The business spends around a quarter of its annual revenue on research and development, helping it deliver high-quality (and continually improving) software to clients.

That R&D spending helps the business achieve a high net revenue retention (NRR) rate. The NRR describes how much of last year’s revenue from the existing client base the company retained. TechnologyOne aims for an NRR of 115%, meaning that the existing clients collectively deliver 15% more revenue than in the last year.

The ASX stock can double its revenue every five years if it grows revenue by 15% per year, which is an excellent growth rate.

Much better valuation

Following the hefty decline in the TechnologyOne share price, the price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio has significantly decreased.

The business is forecast by broker UBS to make net profit of $163 million in FY26 and $196 million in FY27. That means it’s valued at 50x FY26’s estimated earnings and 41x FY27’s estimated earnings. I think it’s a great time to invest, particularly if net profit can climb all the way to $340 million in FY30, as predicted by UBS.

I think the ASX stock is significantly undervalued.

The post This oversold ASX stock is so cheap it’s crazy appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why ASX tech shares still deserve a place in your portfolio in 2026
• 3 ASX All Ords shares I’d buy with $5,000 today
• 2 top ASX shares to buy and hold for the next decade
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• ASX 200 tech shares lead market sectors with a 7% bounce back

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Technology One. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Technology One. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Technology One. 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) shares are 0.65% higher at 9,188 points after reaching a new record of 9,202.9 points today.

As earnings season continues, brokers are busy reviewing company reports and re-rating stocks as buys, holds, or sells.

Let’s take a look at what they think of these ASX 200 companies following their 1H FY26 reports.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

The Woolworths share price is 1.09% higher at $36.02, after reaching a 52-week high of $36.09 earlier today.

This week, Woolworths reported a 3.4% lift in sales to $37.14 billion and a 14.4% rise in earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) to $1.66 billion for 1H FY26.

The net profit after tax (NPAT) surged 16.4% to $859 million.

The supermarket giant declared a fully-franked interim dividend of 45 cents per share, up 15.4% from 1H FY25.

Morgan Stanley reiterated its hold rating on Woolworths shares but lifted its 12-month price target from $31.30 to $34.40.

Bell Potter is more ambitious on the ASX 200 consumer staples share, retaining its buy rating with a price target of $38.25.

Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP)

The Domino’s Pizza Enterprises share price is $20.76, up 7.5% today.

The pizza maker reported a 1% lift in underlying EBIT to $101.5 million for 1H FY26.

Network sales fell 1.6% to $2.04 billion, and same-store sales dropped 2.5%.

Franchise partner profitability rose 4.5% to a 12-month rolling EBITDA of $103,000.

Executive Chairman Jack Cowin said:

These results reflect deliberate decisions taken as part of our reset to strengthen the foundations of the business, prioritising an increase in franchise partner profitability.

We reduced reliance on discounting during the half. Volumes moderated, as expected, but unit economics improved. That was a conscious trade-off to build a stronger system.

Domino’s Pizza declared an unfranked interim dividend of 25 cents per share, up 16.3% on 1H FY25.

After reviewing the numbers, Morgan Stanley kept its sell rating on Domino’s Pizza shares with a target of just $15.20.

Macquarie upgraded the ASX 200 consumer discretionary share to a hold rating and lifted its target from $19.40 to $20.40.

Morgans is far more optimistic, retaining its buy rating on Domino’s Pizza shares with a price target of $25.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) 

The Wisetech share price is $49.72, up 4.2% on Thursday.

Wisetech reported a 76% total revenue increase to US$672 million and a 31% lift in EBITDA to US$252.1 million for 1H FY26.

The underlying NPAT rose 2% to US$114.5 million, but the statutory NPAT plummeted 36% to US$68.1 million.

The company said this was due to increased intangible amortisation and interest expenses related to the consolidation of e2open.

WiseTech said it was undergoing a “deep AI transformation” in what it described as the “most significant shift in decades”.

As a result, the company expects to cut 2,000 jobs over FY26 and FY27.

Citi retained its buy rating on the ASX 200 tech share with a price target of $109.15.

UBS kept its buy rating but slashed its 12-month target price from $115 to $89.

Macquarie also kept its buy rating with a target of $94.

The post What are the experts saying about Domino’s Pizza, Wisetech, and Woolworths shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, or sell: Has the Woolworths share price peaked?
• 5 ASX 200 blue chip stocks I would buy with $50,000
• Why ASX tech shares still deserve a place in your portfolio in 2026
• 3 ASX dividend stocks built to pay you year after year
• How high could Woolworths shares rise in 2026?

Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in Domino’s Pizza Enterprises. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Domino’s Pizza Enterprises, Macquarie Group, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group, WiseTech Global, and Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Domino’s Pizza Enterprises. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Ramsay Health Care Ltd (ASX: RHC) shares raced 10.1% higher to $42.02 during Thursday afternoon trade.

Investors appear to be rewarding the healthcare company for its return to profitability, revenue growth, and improved operational performance. Ramsay Health Care published financial results for the first half of fiscal year 2026 on Thursday morning.

Over the past 12 months, Ramsay Health Care shares have risen 24%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has jumped 11% over the same period.

Robust financial results

Ramsey Health Care unveiled robust financial first-half FY26 results. It reported marked improvements across key performance metrics, which have been well received by investors.

The company’s half-year results to 31 December 2025 show substantial progress after a challenging prior period. Ramsay delivered solid revenue growth, with group income rising nearly 9.7% to approximately $9.34 billion. This was down to patient activity picking up and case acuity increasing across its network.

Back in black

Net profit after tax attributable to owners swung back into positive territory at $160.7 million, compared with a loss in the same period last year. Underlying EBIT grew 7.3% to around $536.7 million.

Earnings per share improved sharply, and the board declared a fully franked interim dividend of 42.5 cents per share, up 6.3% year-on-year. Ramsay Health Care has suspended its Dividend Reinvestment Plan for this dividend.

Australian network stands out

The company’s Australian hospital network led the charge, delivering stronger margins and solid admissions growth. Meanwhile, its UK acute hospitals and European operations continue to battle funding constraints and tariff pressure.

Management also pushed ahead with its portfolio reshuffle, confirming plans for a proposed in-specie distribution of its European arm, Ramsay Santé, to shareholders. This move is designed to unlock value and tighten the company’s focus on its core markets.

What next for Ramsay Health Care shares?

The company has returned to profitability and is expanding margins. That’s a clear sign its operations are regaining momentum. Strong cash flow and dividend growth also point to tighter financial discipline. And with a diversified global footprint and meaningful scale across Australia and Europe, Ramsay isn’t relying on just one market to drive earnings.

Looking ahead, the board of Ramsay Health Care shares expects EBIT in Australia to keep climbing, driven by solid activity growth, revenue indexation, and tighter cost control. Group-wide, management is sharpening its focus on capital discipline and productivity gains. In a clear signal of that shift, Ramsay has trimmed FY26 capex guidance to $755–795 million.

That said, risks haven’t disappeared. Ongoing public healthcare funding constraints in Europe and the UK could continue to squeeze margins. On top of that, the proposed demerger of Ramsay Santé adds strategic complexity and potential transition risk.

The post Why Ramsay Health Care shares are storming 10% higher appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Ramsay Health Care posts 1H FY26 earnings; lifts dividend
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Ramsay Health Care unveils plan to separate Ramsay Santé in strategic shift
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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.

The Neuren Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: NEU) share price is pushing higher today after the company released a fresh update to the market.

At the time of writing, the Neuren share price is up 6.37% to $13.52.

Let’s take a closer look at what is driving the move.

Sales forecast points higher

According to the release, Neuren confirmed that updated projections for DAYBUE suggest global net sales could reach around US$700 million by 2028.

DAYBUE is approved in the United States for the treatment of Rett syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that mostly affects young girls. It remains the first and only approved treatment for this condition.

Neuren does not sell the drug itself. Instead, it earns royalties from Acadia on sales. That means when sales increase, Neuren receives a larger share of revenue without having to fund manufacturing or marketing.

Recent quarterly updates from Acadia have shown solid growth in DAYBUE sales. Quarterly revenue has exceeded US$100 million, and royalty income to Neuren has continued to increase year over year.

Pipeline adds longer-term potential

While DAYBUE is currently the main source of revenue, Neuren also has another drug candidate in development called NNZ 2591.

This treatment is being studied for several rare childhood neurological disorders, including Phelan McDermid syndrome, Pitt Hopkins syndrome and Angelman syndrome.

Earlier this month, Neuren began a Phase 3 clinical trial in the United States for Phelan McDermid syndrome. Phase 3 studies are typically the final stage before a company seeks regulatory approval.

If successful, NNZ 2591 could open the door to additional commercial products and new royalty streams.

However, it is important to remember that drug development carries significant risk. Clinical trials take time, and outcomes are never guaranteed.

Europe remains a watchpoint

Neuren shares have been volatile in recent weeks.

Earlier this month, challenges emerged in the European approval process for trofinetide, the active ingredient in DAYBUE. That update weighed heavily on the stock, which shed around 25% in a matter of days.

Although the long-term opportunity remains significant, regulatory decisions in major markets such as Europe can have a meaningful impact on sentiment.

Foolish bottom line

The lift in the Neuren share price reflects renewed confidence in the growth outlook for DAYBUE and the strength of the company’s royalty model.

With rising United States sales and a late-stage pipeline advancing through trials, Neuren stands out among ASX biotechnology companies.

That said, shareholders should expect continued volatility. Updates on sales performance, regulatory decisions and clinical trial results are likely to influence the next moves in the share price.

The post Why Neuren shares are jumping more than 6% today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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