Category: Stock Market

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 easy way for Aussies to invest globally on the ASX
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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
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• 2 ASX shares highly recommended to buy: Experts
• 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
• 3 ASX stocks with global revenue to diversify your portfolio

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.

More reading

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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.

Shares in Cettire Ltd (ASX: CTT) have fallen more than 18% today. This comes after the online luxury goods retailer posted a net loss for the first half due to weaker sales during what is traditionally its busiest period.

Cettire shares were changing hands for 36.5 cents on Thursday, down 18.9% on the day and well down on the high-water mark over the past 12 months of $1.14.

The company reported sales revenue of $382.8 million, down from $394 million for the previous corresponding period, and a net loss of $1.1 million, down from a $4.7 million profit.

Warning signs

The company also included a “going concern” statement in its financial accounts, warning that its net current asset deficiency – its net current assets versus liabilities, which will fall due within 12 months – was $51.6 million in the red.

The accounts went on to say:

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.

This view was based on several reasons, including the fact that the company had a net operating cash flow of $37.1 million and cash and cash equivalents of $61.4 million.

US law changes are not helping

Commenting on the first half result, chief executive officer Dean Mintz said it had been a challenging period.

The global luxury market has continued to face headwinds throughout H1-FY26, with persistent inflation pressure and subdued consumer confidence. Despite this backdrop, we have remained focused on executing our plan to grow Cettire’s share of the global personal luxury goods market while remaining self-funding. During the half year, the impact from the removal of the de minimis exemption in the US contributed to ongoing challenges in our largest market. Notwithstanding this, the overall business was broadly stable year on year, supported by strong growth in regions outside of the US, which grew 13% year on year, further diversifying our global business.

The de minimis exemption was a loophole in US customs law that exempted goods valued at less than US$800 from duties and taxes.

Mr Mintz said on an underlying basis, the business had achieved a significant turnaround of more than $20 million in EBITDA, which was also a positive.

Regarding the outlook, the company said the global luxury trade remained uncertain, and its third-quarter gross revenues to date were down 13%, due to less promotional activity this year.

Cettire said it expected full-year sales revenue to be broadly similar to FY25.

The post This luxury ASX retailer’s shares are being slammed after the books sank into the red appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• ASX retail shares: Experts rate 2 to buy and 2 to sell
• Dressed for success or fashion fail: Is Cettire a buy right now?

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.

We’re currently smack bang in the middle of earnings season on the ASX. Or as I like to call it, dividend season. Whenever a dividend-paying share (which is most shares on the ASX) announces its latest earnings, it also tends to reveal the value of its latest dividend payment. This dynamic makes earnings season an exciting time for dividend investors. Today, we heard from one ASX 200 stock that has revealed a major dividend hike.

That ASX 200 stock is Cleanaway Waste Management Ltd (ASX: CWY).

Cleanaway is, as its name implies, one of the ASX’s largest waste management stocks. It provides an extensive network of waste management services across Australia.

As we covered this morning, this ASX 200 stock reported some pretty impressive numbers for the six months ending 31 December 2025.

Cleanaway revealed that it enjoyed revenues of $1.88 billion over the period, which was a 13% rise over the same period in 2024. Underlying earnings were up 16.9% to $228.2 million, while underlying net profit after tax surged 17.8% to $109.7 million.

Clearly, investors were impressed, seeing as the Cleanaway stock price is currently up a robust 7.92% at $2.59.

But it’s the new Cleanaway dividend that might be the most impressive metric in this earnings report.

This ASX 200 stock just hiked its dividend by 20%

Cleanaway has just revealed that its interim dividend for 2026 will be worth 3.35 cents per share. This is a significant payout for a few reasons. Firstly, it represents a happy 19.6% rise over 2025’s interim dividend, which was worth 2.8 cents per share. It’s also an increase over last year’s final dividend of 3.2 cents per share.

This dividend is also the largest Cleanaway has paid out in almost two decades. Considering the company was a very different beast back in 2008 (the last time Cleanaway paid out a dividend larger than the one announced today), we could arguably say this is the ASX 200 stock’s largest-ever dividend.

Cleanaway’s latest payout will be fully franked. It represents a payout ratio of 68.4% of Cleanaway’s underlying profits.

Cleanaway shares will trade ex-dividend on 11 March for this payment. The dividend will then land in eligible shareholders’ bank accounts on 16 April.

Today, Cleanaway shares are trading at a trailing dividend yield of 2.32% (at the time of writing). However, this new dividend means we can now give this ASX 200 stock a forward dividend yield of 2.53%.

The post This ASX 200 stock just boosted its dividend by 20% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Cleanaway Waste Management reports half-year profit and upgrades FY26 guidance
• This ASX 200 defensive stock just hit a multi-year low. Buy the dip or stay away?

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.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on form again on Thursday and charging higher. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is up 0.6% to 9,182.2 points.

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

Accent Group Ltd (ASX: AX1)

The Accent share price is up a further 13% to $1.13. Investors have been scrambling to buy this footwear retailer’s shares this week following the release of its half-year results. The Platypus and HypeDC owner reported a 2.4% increase in sales to $865.2 million and a net profit after tax of $28.1 million. Accent’s board elected to declare a 3.25 cents per share fully franked dividend for the half. Another positive was that it has “successfully opened the first Sports Direct store and website with pleasing early trade.” In response, Morgans upgraded its shares to a buy rating with a $1.30 price target.

DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO)

The DroneShield share price is up 10% to $3.73. This has been driven by news that the counter-drone technology company has won a series of contracts from a reseller to Western military customers. The package of six contracts has a total value of $21.7 million and covers dismounted counter-drone systems, spares, and software. Delivery is expected to take place during the first quarter of 2026. It notes that over the past seven years, prior to this contract, DroneShield had received 39 contracts from this reseller totalling over $17.8 million.

IDP Education Ltd (ASX: IEL)

The IDP Education share price is up 14% to $5.23. Investors have been buying the heavily shorted language testing and student placement company’s shares following the release of its half-year results. For the first half, revenue declined 6% to $462.2 million as lower student placement and language testing volumes weighed on performance. Things were worse for its net profit after tax, which declined 25% to $48.6 million. However, management has lifted its FY 2026 adjusted EBIT guidance to a range of $120 million to $130 million. This is up from its prior guidance of $115 million to $125 million.

Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG)

The Sigma Healthcare share price is up 6% to $3.17. This has been driven by the release of the Chemist Warehouse owner’s half-year results. The company reported a 14.9% increase in revenue to $5.5 billion, with Chemist Warehouse branded store sales in Australia growing 17.2% to reach $5.1 billion. On the bottom line, Sigma recorded a 19.2% increase in normalised net profit after tax to $392 million. Sigma’s CEO and managing director, Vikesh Ramsunder, said: “Our first half performance reinforces the strength of Sigma. As an integrated healthcare business we see long-term opportunities for growth, headlined by sustained performance across our core domestic market, led by CW branded stores. This has continued to be a consistent feature of the CW business over the past two decades.”

The post Why Accent Group, DroneShield, IDP Education, and Sigma shares are jumping today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why are Droneshield shares flying 8% higher today?
• IDP Education shares surge 12% on upgraded FY26 guidance
• Sigma shares jump 7% on results and Chemist Warehouse expansion
• DroneShield wins $21.7m in western military contracts
• Sigma Healthcare shares: 1H26 profit and sales leap

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

S&P/ASX All Ords Index (ASX: XAO) shares are 0.6% higher at 9,415 points as earnings season continues on Thursday.

The ASX All Ords reached a new record of 9,436.1 points in earlier trading.

However, this rising market tide is not lifting all boats.

The following three ASX All Ords shares hit new 52-week lows this week.

Experts say they are a buying opportunity.

Here’s why.

Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX: IAG)

This ASX All Ords financial share hit a 52-week low of $6.57 this week.

The IAG share price has fallen 15% over 12 months.

After poring over the insurance giant’s 1H FY26 report, Jefferies maintained its buy rating on IAG shares.

The broker has a 12-month price target of $9.20, suggesting a possible 40% capital gain over the next year.

Seek Ltd (ASX: SEK)

This ASX All Ords communications share tumbled to a 52-week low of $15.63 this week.

The Seek share price has fallen 31% over 12 months.

After reviewing the company’s 1H FY26 report, Morgans upgraded Seek shares to a buy rating.

Morgans said:

SEK’s 1H26 result was largely as per expectations with net revenue (+12% on pcp), Adjusted EBITDA (+19% on pcp) and adjusted NPAT (+35% on pcp) all broadly in line with Visible Alpha consensus and MorgansF.

We make only marginal adjustments to our forecasts taking into account the updated guidance.

The broker added that Seek “still many questions to answer on the AI threat”.

Morgans kept its 12-month share price target at $27.50.

This implies an attractive potential upside of 75% over the next year.

Suncorp Group Ltd (ASX: SUN)

Fellow insurance giant Suncorp also fell to a 52-week low this week.

The ASX All Ords financial share reached a low of $14.21 on Tuesday.

The Suncorp share price has declined by 27% over 12 months.

Morgans maintained its accumulate rating after seeing Suncorp’s 1H FY26 numbers.

The broker said:

SUN’s 1H26 NPAT (A$263m) was well down on the pcp ($1.1bn) due to bad weather, but it was only -2% below consensus ($268m).

Overall, we saw this as a reasonable result, albeit similar to key peer IAG, SUN did deliver a mild downgrade to FY26 top-line growth guidance.

We make relatively nominal changes to our SUN FY26F/FY27F EPS of -2%/+1% on a review of our earnings assumptions.

The broker slashed its 12-month share price target on Suncorp from $19.28 to $17.01.

This still suggests a possible 20% upside over the next year.

The post Experts say IAG shares and 2 other stocks are buys at 52-week lows this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Jefferies Financial Group. 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.