Category: Stock Market

Big share price falls tend to get attention.

What matters more to me is whether the business behind the share is still moving forward. If it is, a lower price can make things a lot more interesting.

Here are three ASX shares down at least 30% from their highs that I would be looking at now.

Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW)

Temple & Webster has been sold off heavily, even though the business is still growing.

In the first half of FY26, revenue increased 20%, which shows the underlying momentum is still there.

But what stands out most to me is the size of the opportunity. The company is targeting a market worth more than $40 billion, with online adoption still catching up to global peers.

It is also continuing to take market share and expand into areas like home improvement, trade, and New Zealand.

The share price is down, but the growth opportunity is still there. If the company keeps executing, I think it has plenty of upside from here.

Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT)

Flight Centre is down more than 30% from its highs, which feels out of step with how the business is tracking.

The travel company recently reported record total transaction value and delivered profit growth, even in what it described as a challenging environment.

There are a few things I like here. Corporate travel continues to scale, the leisure business has regained momentum, and the company is expanding into new areas and revenue streams. It has also been investing in AI and technology to improve productivity and customer experience.

Recent acquisitions, including Iglu and Scott Dunn, are adding to that growth and helping broaden the business.

The share price is down, but the business is still growing, which I think makes the valuation more appealing.

Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL)

Aristocrat has also pulled back more than 30%, despite continuing to deliver solid results.

The business operates across gaming machines, mobile games, and online real money gaming, which gives it multiple ways to grow.

It has been gaining market share in key regions, supported by a strong pipeline of new games and ongoing investment in content and technology.

There is also a clear focus on expanding its digital and online segments, which could become more important over time.

With a strong balance sheet and continued investment in growth, I think this is a business that still has a lot going for it.

Foolish takeaway

A share price falling 30% or more can change how an investment looks.

Temple & Webster, Flight Centre, and Aristocrat are all still moving forward in different ways despite their pullbacks.

That is why I think they are worth a closer look right now.

The post Down 30%! 3 ASX shares I’d buy now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Where I’d invest $5,000 in ASX blue-chip shares
• Down 50% in the past year, are these ASX 200 shares too cheap to ignore?
• 4 ASX shares tipped to fly 100% to 125% higher
• Buy, hold, sell: Aristocrat, Lovisa, Bendigo Bank shares
• 3 ASX 300 shares to buy and hold for the next decade

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Flight Centre Travel Group and Temple & Webster Group. 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 poor session on Wednesday. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is down 1% to 8,862.6 points.

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

Bank of Queensland Ltd (ASX: BOQ)

The Bank of Queensland share price is down 8.5% to $6.65. This follows the release of the regional bank’s half-year results. Bank of Queensland posted a 4% decline in cash earnings to $176 million and a 20% decline in statutory net profit after tax to $136 million. This reflects higher expenses and increased loan impairment charges, which offset income growth. Its statutory result also includes a $31 million loss on classification of the equipment finance portfolio.

Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH)

The Cochlear share price is down 40% to $99.67. Investors have been selling this hearing solutions company’s shares following the release of a disappointing trading update. Cochlear has downgraded its FY 2026 underlying net profit guidance range to $290 million to $330 million. Previously it was guiding to underlying net profit of $435 million to $460 million. Management advised that softer trading in developed markets is being driven by hospital capacity constraints and a decline in referrals from the hearing aid channel.

Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST)

The Northern Star share price is down 3% to $22.96. This gold miner’s shares are falling today following the release of its third-quarter update. Northern Star reported gold sales of 381,000 ounces for the quarter at an all-in sustaining cost (AISC) of A$2,709 per ounce. The latter is up strongly on the prior corresponding period when it recorded an AISC of A$2,246 per ounce.

Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN)

The Paladin Energy share price is down 5% to $12.96. This morning, this uranium producer released its quarterly update and revealed a 5% increase in uranium production to 1.29Mlb. This was achieved with a cost of production of US$40.3 per pound and an average realised price of US$68.3 per pound. Looking ahead, management has lifted its FY 2026 Langer Heinrich Mine production guidance to 4.5Mlb to 4.8Mlb. Previously it was guiding to 4.0Mlb to 4.4Mlb. It seems that broad market weakness is overshadowing this news.

The post Why Bank of Queensland, Cochlear, Northern Star, and Paladin Energy shares are falling today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Northern Star, DroneShield and BHP shares are making waves on Wednesday
• Why this ASX bank stock is tumbling today after earnings
• Paladin shares are falling again. Here’s what investors might be overlooking
• Why are Northern Star shares sinking today?
• Why are Cochlear shares down 36% today?

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

Life360 Inc (ASX: 360) shares are tumbling today.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) location sharing software developer closed yesterday trading for $22.29. During the Wednesday lunch hour, shares are changing hands for $21.72 apiece, down 2.6%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is down 1% at this same time.

While Life360 shares remain up 12.2% since this time last year, the stock has come under heavy selling pressure since hitting an all-time closing high of $55.44 on 3 October.

As you may be aware, part of that selling has been driven by broader investor jitters that artificial intelligence, or AI, could replace a lot of the services that companies like Life360 currently offer.

You may have heard this referred to as the SaaSpocalypse.

But rather than run for the hills, Bell Potter Securities’ Christopher Watt said the past months’ sell-down now sees the ASX 200 tech stock offering “an attractive risk-reward profile” (courtesy of The Bull).

Here’s why.

Should you buy Life360 shares today?

“This information technology company provides a mobile networking safety app for families,” Watt said.

Commenting on the first reason he’s bullish on Life360 shares, he noted, “The company offers a compelling growth story driven by its unique position at the intersection of safety, connectivity and subscription-based monetisation.”

As for the second reason he has a buy recommendation on the ASX 200 tech stock, Watt said:

With accelerating premium subscriber growth alongside improving unit economics, the company continues to benefit from strong engagement and pricing power.

The integration of hardware and software ecosystems provide options for further monetisation, while operating leverage is beginning to emerge.

Then there’s the SaaSpocalypse-fuelled sell-off.

According to Watt:

Given strong top line momentum, expanding margins and the recent sell-off in line with the broader technology sector, Life360 presents an attractive risk-reward profile, particularly at current levels.

Is AI a threat to this ASX 200 tech share?

It’s impossible to gauge just how far and how fast artificial intelligence systems will advance over the next few years, and as such, their potential impact on service-oriented tech stocks.

However, Life360 CEO Lauren Antonoff believes that AI should help, rather than hinder, Life360 shares going forward.

Speaking after the company’s full 2025 calendar year results release on 3 March, Antonoff said:

We are deep into the transition to become an AI-first company. Organisation-wide active AI adoption has grown to over 95%, accelerating our execution and expanding what’s possible for families on our platform.

We see AI as an opportunity to accelerate our path and deepen our moat.

The post 3 reasons to buy Life360 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX 200 shares tipped to rise 20% or more
• Experts name 3 ASX 200 tech shares to buy now
• ASX 200 tech shares rocket 13% as long-awaited sector rebound accelerates
• Which ASX 200 tech stock has Bell Potter just downgraded?
• Is the ASX 200 tech wreck over amid a 6% rise in shares today?

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 Life360. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Perpetual Ltd (ASX: PPT) shares didn’t hold their early gains on Wednesday.

The stock opened higher and briefly touched $16.68 before drifting lower through the session. At the time of writing, the global asset manager’s shares are down 1.21% to $16.40.

That pullback comes despite a solid run this year. The share price is still up around 12% in 2026.

Today’s move follows the release of its third-quarter FY26 update, which showed mixed conditions across the business.

Asset management flows remain under pressure

The main pressure point came from asset management.

Total assets under management (AUM) fell 3.6% over the March quarter to $219.2 billion. The decline was driven by a mix of outflows, weaker markets, and currency movements.

Net outflows were $2.8 billion for the quarter. That is a step down from the prior period but still shows clients pulling capital in parts of the business.

However, results varied across the business.

Barrow Hanley saw the largest outflows, particularly across global and US strategies. J O Hambro Capital Management also recorded declines, linked to both withdrawals and market moves.

But there were some offsets. Pendal posted modest growth in AUM, supported by positive market performance and selective inflows.

Across the group, investment performance remained mixed, with some strategies holding up better than others.

Corporate Trust holds steady

Corporate Trust delivered a more stable result.

Funds under administration rose to $1.32 trillion, up 0.3% over the quarter. Growth came from debt market services, particularly structured finance and securitisation activity.

Managed Funds Services also expanded, supported by new client mandates and continued inflows into existing products.

These areas tend to be less sensitive to market swings, which is reflected in the above numbers.

Wealth business edges lower ahead of sale

Wealth management continues to move in a different direction.

Funds under administration declined 4% to $21.1 billion, driven largely by negative market movements. Net flows were broadly flat.

This segment is in the process of being sold to Bain Capital, with completion expected later this calendar year, subject to conditions.

Perpetual also reaffirmed its cost guidance.

The company expects total expense growth of around 1% to 2% for FY26. That signals a relatively stable cost base despite the shifting revenue backdrop.

Foolish Takeaway

On the surface, not much has changed.

Asset management is still under pressure from outflows and performance swings. Corporate Trust is holding up with steadier growth.

That contrast is what is sitting under the share price.

The early move higher faded once the detail came through, which suggests the market is still weighing up which side of the business is more important.

Until that becomes clearer, the stock may struggle to build momentum.

The post Perpetual shares slip after update. But there’s more going on beneath the surface appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Perpetual provides Q3 FY26 update: reveals AUM decline, Corporate Trust growth
• These ASX dividend shares pay 7% and could jump 25%

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.

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 0.85% to 8,874.4 points.

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

Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD)

The Ampol share price is up almost 4% to $32.82. This morning, the fuel retailer released a trading update and revealed that first-quarter total refinery production rose 10% and its Lytton Refiner Margin (LRM) jumped to US$25.45 per barrel. It said: “The LRM for the first quarter of 2026 was US$25.45 per barrel. This included a substantial uplift in global refiner margins in the month of March following commencement of the Middle East conflict and its subsequent impact on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.”

Meteoric Resources NL (ASX: MEI)

The Meteoric Resources share price is up 12% to 19 cents. This follows news that the rare earths developer has received firm commitments to raise $40 million via a placement. These funds were raised at an offer price equal to its last close price of $0.17 per new share. Meteoric’s managing director and CEO, Stuart Gale, said: “To launch this capital raising at no discount to the prior close and be significantly oversubscribed is a great endorsement from investors in the Caldeira Project and the broader rare earth market. Proceeds from the Placement support the current activities and allow us to broaden our engineering studies and design work, including assessment of separation opportunities.”

Praemium Ltd (ASX: PPS)

The Praemium share price is up 2.5% to 75.2 cents. Investors have been buying this investment platform provider’s shares following the release of its quarterly update. Praemium revealed an 18% increase in funds under administration (FUA) to $73.7 billion. The company’s CEO, Anthony Wamsteker, commented: “The March quarter delivered strong net flows into Spectrum, reflecting adviser confidence in the platform and validating our strategic focus on the HNW segment. This demand highlights the breadth and strength of our offering and the opportunity to further grow our market share.”

Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE)

The Treasury Wine share price is up 18% to $4.77. This morning, the wine giant announced its transition to a new regional operating model as it progresses its global transformation program, TWE Ascent. But perhaps the bigger news relates to current depletions trends. Management advised that Penfolds continues to deliver strong depletions growth in China, with depletions up 40% over the Chinese New Year period on a seasonally adjusted basis. In addition, overall US market depletions were up 9.1% versus the prior corresponding period and depletions returned to growth in California.

The post Why Ampol, Meteoric Resources, Praemium, and Treasury Wine shares are storming higher appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why this ASX 200 energy stock is back in focus today
• Why are shares in this ASX rare earths company surging today?
• Why are Treasury Wine shares rocketing 16% today?
• Ampol Q1 2026 trading update: Refiner margins soar, production lifts
• Treasury Wine Estates improves depletions and unveils regional model

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

Shares in Atlas Arteria Ltd (ASX: ALX) hit a 12-month low this week, but the analyst team at Macquarie believes this could be the signal to buy in.

Weak quarterly results

The shares hit a low of $4.20 on Tuesday after the company reported its toll revenue for the quarter had increased by just 0.1%.

The toll road operator was not blaming fuel price increases for the lacklustre performance, but did say it was keeping a watching brief.

As the company said:

Historically, there has been low elasticity in the long term between fuel prices and traffic performance on our roads, which have demonstrated resilience through varied economic conditions. Atlas Arteria will continue to monitor the impacts of fuel costs and concerns created by the disruptions to supply out of the Middle East, noting that the regions in which Atlas Arteria primarily operates have lower exposure to these supply disruptions compared to Australia. In addition, most of our roads have toll regimes which are primarily CPI-linked, noting that any increases in fuel costs and associated impact to inflation will take time to flow through.

One thing working in the company’s favour is its robust dividend yield, which is running at 9.43%, with the company saying previously it was committed to maintaining dividends at 40 cents per share.

Looking into the details of the company’s quarterly report, it said its French APRR Group recorded a 0.9% decrease in traffic compared with the first quarter of 2025.

The company said:

Light vehicle traffic across France has been lower on most of the French toll road network, including before global fuel prices rose sharply worldwide. Conversely, heavy vehicle traffic has been consistently higher across the period. This, together with CPI-linked toll increases implemented from 1 February 2026, supported revenue performance in the period with toll revenue up 1.1%.

A price increase at the company’s Chicago Skyway business supported a 1.8% increase in revenue while traffic increased by 0.1%.

Traffic at the Dulles Greenway business was up 7.6% despite a series of adverse weather events.

Shares looking cheap

Macquarie ran the ruler over the quarterly report, and while it has reduced its share price forecast for Atlas, it still believes there is money to be made.

Macquarie lowered its price target on the stock to $5.02, from $5.43 previously, which, with the dividend yield, would imply a return of 27.7% based on the $4.24 share price when the report was written.

The shares are currently changing hands for $4.23.

Macquarie did warn that currency would become more of a headwind, which could make maintaining the dividend “materially harder”.

Atlas Arteria is valued at $6.1 billion.

The post This ASX dividend share could deliver a return of more than 25% Macquarie says appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why have Atlas Arteria shares hit a 12-month low today?
• Atlas Arteria shares: Q1 2026 toll revenue ticks higher
• How many shares in this high-dividend toll road stock do you need for a $10,000 income stream?
• This ASX dividend stock is now paying out more than 9%
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday

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.

Tabcorp Holdings Ltd (ASX: TAH) shares have flown higher over the past week, pushing the wagering and gaming products provider’s value to a multi-year high.

At the time of writing, Tabcorp shares are flat at $1.10 per share. But the latest trading price still represents a 16% increase over the past week and a 12% increase over last month.

Tabcorp shares have also increased an impressive 107% over the past year.

There hasn’t been any price-sensitive news out of the business since it posted its half-year results in February.

So the question is, why is everyone suddenly buying Tabcorp shares this week?

Here’s what is driving Tabcorp shares higher

It looks like investors are finally buying into Tabcorp’s recovery after a two-year period of weakness from late 2023 to late 2025.

The company has managed to stage a turnaround, which has created stronger financial results this year and renewed market confidence. Now it appears that the changes have finally gained some traction.

Tabcorp has undergone cost-cutting measures, a restructure, and also reshuffled its leadership in an effort to improve its revenue and earnings.

In its first-half results, the company revealed that group revenue was a modest 1% higher, EBITDA before significant items was up 14.3%, and statutory net profit before significant items had surged 61.5%.

The figures came in way ahead of market expectations (around 34% above consensus estimates), and a sudden rise in investor interest saw the share price jump nearly 24% in just one day.

Elsewhere, renewed confidence that the war between the US and Iran will soon come to a peace agreement has reinvigorated shares across most ASX markets.

What’s next from the wagering stock? Is there more upside ahead?

According to analyst estimates, we can expect to see much more upside from Tabcorp over the next 12 months as its earnings continue to build and investor confidence gains even more momentum.

TradingView data shows that eight out of 12 analysts have a buy or strong buy rating on Tabcorp shares. Another three have a hold rating on the stock.

The average target price of $1.135 implies another 3% upside at the time of writing. Whereas the maximum $1.29 target price suggests we could see Tabcorp shares climb another 18%.

Ord Minnett was the latest broker to update its rating on Tabcorp shares. In mid March the broker trimmed its rating to accumulate, from buy, and raised its price target to $1.17 “on valuation grounds”.

Morgans also recently maintained its accumulate rating and increased its target price to $1.20.

The post Why is everyone buying Tabcorp shares this week? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Guess which ASX stock is closing in on its multi-year high

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

South32 Ltd (ASX: S32) shares are pushing higher.

The mining stock rose another 1% to $4.45 on Wednesday morning after delivering a solid March 2026 quarterly update. That continues a strong run, with shares now up 16% over the past month and 25% in 2026.

South32 shares are up an impressive 66% over the past year, well ahead of the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which is up around 15%.

So what’s behind the lift today?

Record production

The headline numbers were encouraging. South32 reported a US$121 million increase in net cash for the quarter, strengthening its balance sheet. At the same time, Brazil Alumina delivered record year-to-date production, rising 5% to 1,060kt.

Operationally, the business held up well despite a challenging backdrop. The mining company maintained production guidance across most of its portfolio, signalling resilience across key assets. One standout was Sierra Gorda, which delivered a record quarterly distribution of US$135 million.

South32 Chief Executive Officer, Graham Kerr, said:

Our teams delivered several strong operating results in the March quarter, despite adverse weather impacts.
Hillside Aluminium continued to test its maximum technical capacity, capitalising on higher aluminium prices, while
Brazil Alumina achieved record year to date production, and Sierra Gorda made a record quarterly distribution of US$135M.

Supply chains, cyclone impact

There were some weak spots. Australia Manganese saw its guidance cut due to water issues following heavy rainfall and cyclone activity. However, this appears to be a site-specific issue rather than a broader trend across the group. South32 shares also noted it is keeping a close eye on supply chains, though it reported no current diesel shortages.

Like many global miners, it is navigating higher freight costs linked to ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Safety remains a key focus. The company reported a tragic fatality at its Worsley Alumina operation in March, prompting a temporary suspension of non-critical work and an ongoing review.

Share buyback

On the investment front, South32 continues to deploy capital into growth and maintenance. It spent US$239 million on capital expenditure across the group in the first nine months of FY26, excluding major projects and joint ventures.

Shareholders are also benefiting. South32 shares completed a US$35 million on-market share buyback during the period and still has US$209 million remaining under its capital management program.

What next for South32 shares?

Looking ahead, attention is turning to its growth pipeline. South32 expects to complete a review of key milestones and capital spending for the Hermosa Taylor project in the June 2026 half, as infrastructure contracts continue to be awarded.

In the near term, management is focused on resolving operational issues, including water management at Australia Manganese and improving logistics at Mozal Aluminium and Cannington as rail access improves.

Foolish bottom line

The bigger picture remains intact. South32 is targeting long-term growth in commodities like copper, zinc, and silver, while maintaining a strong balance sheet to navigate volatility.

For investors, this update ticks several boxes: solid production, rising cash, and ongoing shareholder returns. That combination is helping explain why South32 shares continue to trend higher.

The post South32 shares are rising again – what just happened? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• South32 lifts net cash and sets Brazil Alumina output record in March quarter
• ASX 200 shares with renewed buy ratings this week
• Up 67% in a year! The red-hot South32 share price is smashing BHP, Rio and Fortescue
• Buy, hold, or sell? South32, Capstone Copper, and BHP shares
• Buy, hold, sell: Cochlear, South32, and Westpac shares

Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has positions in South32. 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.

DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO), Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST), and BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares are catching plenty of attention on Wednesday.

One of the ASX powerhouses is underperforming the 0.9% loss posted by the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) in late morning trade, while two are shaking off the wider market malaise and marching higher.

Here’s what’s happening.

BHP shares lift on surging copper prices

BHP shares are in the green today, up 0.7% at $55.87 apiece.

The ASX 200 mining giant is making waves today following the release of its operational review, covering the nine months to 31 March.

Turning to its two top earning commodities, BHP reported a 2% year-on-year increase in iron ore production for the nine months to 197 million tonnes. This was supported by record production at the miner’s integrated Western Australia Iron Ore (WAIO) systems.

Copper production went the other direction, slipping 3% from the same period in FY 2025 to 1.461 million tonnes. But BHP shares look to be getting support, with the miner achieving a 31% year on year increase in its average realised copper price to US$5.47 per pound.

BHP also confirmed that Brandon Craig, current president Americas, will take over as CEO on 1 July. Current CEO Mike Henry is stepping down from the top job after six and a half years.

DroneShield shares rise on surging revenue

Like BHP shares, DroneShield shares are rising in today’s sinking market.

At time of writing, shares in the ASX 200 drone defence company are up 0.5%, changing hands for $3.83 apiece.

DroneShield is making financial news headlines today following the release of its first quarter (Q1 2026) results.

Highlights for the three months include a 121% year-on-year increase in revenue to $74.1 million. And customer cash receipts of $77.4 million were up 360% from Q1 2025.

Turning to the balance sheet, DroneShield’s cash balance at the end of the quarter was up 13% year-on-year to $222.8 million, with no debt.

Which brings us to…

Northern Star shares slide on update

Joining DroneShield and BHP shares in the top headlines today, Northern Star shares are down 3.0%, trading for $22.94 each.

The ASX 200 gold stock is under pressure following its own March quarter update release. Though to put today’s performance in better perspective, the S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) is down 2.3% at time of writing.

For the March quarter, Northern Star sold 380,807 ounces of gold at an all-in sustaining cost (AISC) of $2,709 per ounce. The Aussie gold mining giant reported revenue from gold sales of $2.01 billion.

However, investors may be favouring their sell buttons today, with the company also flagging an uptick in its FY 2026 growth capital expenditures.

Potentially supporting Northern Star shares down the road, management announced an on-market share buyback of up to $500 million.

As at 31 March, Northern Star had a cash and bullion balance of $1.18 billion.

The post Why Northern Star, DroneShield and BHP shares are making waves on Wednesday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why are Northern Star shares sinking today?
• DroneShield share price jumps after reporting 121% Q1 revenue increase
• BHP shares charge higher following third-quarter update
• Northern Star Resources March quarter 2026: higher-margin gold sales and solid cash flow
• DroneShield delivers record 1Q26 revenue and cash receipts

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

Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD) shares are back in motion on Wednesday, pushing higher after a steady run into April.

The stock is up 4.43% to $33.01 in midday trade, adding to recent gains.

Over the past 12 months, the share price has climbed roughly 50%.

The stock had already been building momentum, and today’s update has kept it going.

Refining margins surge as trading conditions shift

According to the release, Ampol reported a Lytton Refiner Margin (LRM) of US$25.45 per barrel for the March quarter. That is up from US$6.07 a year earlier.

That jump reflects a clear shift in global refining conditions. Tighter product markets and shifting trade flows have lifted margins across the sector.

Production also improved during the quarter. Total output reached 1.434 billion litres, up 10% year-on-year after prior weather disruptions.

Sales volumes steady, but mix continues to evolve

Group sales volumes were broadly flat at 6,125 million litres. The detail underneath was more mixed.

Convenience retail volumes rose 3.5%, while wholesale volumes increased 5.2%. Both areas showed steady demand across the quarter.

Net sales volumes declined, reflecting differences in trading activity compared with last year. International volumes, including New Zealand, edged higher.

Overall demand has held up, even as pricing and supply conditions continue to shift.

Supply disruptions force operational adjustments

The broader backdrop has been shaped by disruption in the Middle East. Ampol said this has affected global oil markets and refined product flows into Australia.

The Lytton refinery processes a different crude slate, which has supported ongoing operations. That said, the company has taken steps to lock in additional supply.

This includes diesel and jet fuel imports through May and June. Agreements have also been put in place to support fuel availability.

Maintenance timing has been adjusted as well. Turnaround work on a key refinery unit has been pushed back to August.

Momentum carrying into the second quarter

Ampol expects stronger trading conditions to continue into the current quarter. The company has entered the period with a well-positioned trading book.

Refining margins remain elevated, although volatility in global markets continues. Crude pricing and supply flows remain key variables.

Consumer demand across Australia and New Zealand has held up despite cost pressures. That strength looks set to carry into the second quarter.

Foolish bottom line

The recent strength in Ampol shares is being backed by improving refining margins and steady demand.

However, much of that tailwind is tied to global conditions that can shift quickly. That leaves the share price exposed if refining margins begin to ease.

The post Why this ASX 200 energy stock is back in focus today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Ampol, Meteoric Resources, Praemium, and Treasury Wine shares are storming higher
• Ampol Q1 2026 trading update: Refiner margins soar, production lifts
• Up 60% in a year, 3 reasons to buy Ampol shares today
• Why Ampol shares just hit a multi-year high as Australia’s fuel squeeze deepens
• 2 ASX 200 blue-chip shares worth owning in April 2026

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.