Category: Stock Market

Shares in BetMakers Technology Group Ltd (ASX: BET) were trading higher on Thursday after the company announced a multi-year agreement with global gambling operator Stake.

Under the agreement, BetMakers will deliver its RaceOdds+ solution to Stake to drive that company’s global horse racing expansion, BetMakers said in a statement to the ASX.

The agreement is for an initial three-year period with a two-year extension option.

Full tech suite provided

The company said other details included Stake gaining access to “BetMakers’ full pricing and trading capability, global racing content, the BetStream racing vision player, and the Racelab suite of products – Insights, Live, Stories and Informatics”.

BetMakers added:

Additionally, the agreement will see BetMakers’ proprietary Global Tote Hub provide tote pool access to stake.com customers, allowing them to wager on a global wagering menu of bet types from the world’s premier racecourses – highlighting a unique feature of BetMakers’ RaceOdds+ product offering.

BetMakers said the contract terms included a combination of fixed and variable revenue, with the contract to go live in the second half of the financial year.

BetMakers Chief Executive Officer Jake Henson said the company was thrilled to team up with Stake.

They are one of the fastest growing wagering platforms globally, with a reputation for speed and innovation. Securing this agreement is a strong validation of the depth and quality of our RaceOdds+ product and the broader BetMakers global racing strategy. We are excited and confident that providing stake.com with our full suite of racing technologies, including pricing and trading, rightsholder content, global tote access, streaming and the Racelab portfolio, will enable them to deliver a world-class racing experience to their modern customer base.

The news follows BetMakers striking a major deal with CrownBet earlier this month. BetMakers shares were trading 5.7% higher at 18.5 cents early on Thursday.

The company was valued at $195.7 million at the close of trade on Wednesday.

Bad news for competitor

But while the news was positive for BetMakers, it came at a cost to fellow listed operator RAS Technology Holdings Ltd (ASX: RTH), which was previously providing its Complete Racing Solution to Stake.

RTH said its contract with Stake would not be renewed when the contract finished in May next year.

The company went on to say:

The non-renewal is not expected to have a material impact on RAS’s financial performance in FY26. The Company maintains a strong pipeline of opportunities for FY27, including the recently announced deal to provide a complete racing solution to the LeoVegas Group, and remains confident in its growth trajectory.

RTH shares were 11.9% lower at 85 cents in early trade.

The post Gaming tech company’s tie up with global operator Stake sends shares higher appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why are BetMakers shares charging higher today?

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 Betmakers Technology Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Ras Technology. 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 Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Ltd (ASX: BEN) share price is in focus today after the bank received a $50 million operational risk capital charge from APRA and revealed it is subject to an AUSTRAC enforcement investigation into AML/CTF compliance.

What did Bendigo and Adelaide Bank report?

• Received a $50 million operational risk capital charge from APRA effective 1 January 2026
• The capital charge is expected to lower the Level 2 Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio by about 17 basis points
• CET1 ratio was 11.19% as at 30 November 2025, still above the board’s target
• AUSTRAC has begun an enforcement investigation relating to serious potential contraventions of AML/CTF laws
• The bank continues to uplift its approach to non-financial risk management

What else do investors need to know?

APRA’s decision means Bendigo and Adelaide Bank must hold extra capital against operational risk, but its CET1 ratio remains above both board targets and regulatory minimums for ‘unquestionably strong’ banks.

On the regulatory front, AUSTRAC has not yet decided whether it will take enforcement action following its investigation, leaving some future uncertainty for shareholders. The bank has committed to ongoing engagement with the regulator and ramping up risk management efforts.

Cost estimates for potential remediation or additional compliance are not yet available, with the bank saying further updates will be provided when they are determined.

What did Bendigo and Adelaide Bank management say?

Bendigo Bank CEO and Managing Director Richard Fennell said:

Bendigo Bank has taken a number of steps to improve its risk capability and strengthen its risk culture over the last 12 months however I recognise the need to intensify our focus and our efforts.

What’s next for Bendigo and Adelaide Bank?

The board and executive team are prioritising a broader uplift in non-financial risk maturity, particularly in response to regulators’ feedback and evolving expectations around compliance. The bank says it will provide investors with cost estimates and more information on remediation plans as details are finalised.

In the near term, the bank is focused on constructive engagement with AUSTRAC, strengthening frameworks, and maintaining capital strength. Investors will be watching for more guidance as further regulatory outcomes emerge.

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Bendigo and Adelaide Bank shares have declined 24%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 3% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Bendigo and Adelaide Bank hit with APRA capital charge, faces AUSTRAC probe appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Paladin Energy announces US$110M debt restructure to boost liquidity
• Woodside Energy confirms CEO change as Meg O’Neill departs
• Perpetual extends exclusivity in Wealth Management sale talks
• Netwealth Group announces $101 million compensation after First Guardian collapse
• 2 ASX 200 shares that could be top buys for growth

Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Bendigo And Adelaide Bank. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) shares are under pressure on Thursday.

In morning trade, the energy giant’s shares are down over 2% to $22.86.

Woodside shares fall on CEO exit

Investors have been selling the company’s shares today after it announced the shock exit of its CEO.

According to the release, Woodside’s CEO, Meg O’Neill, has resigned after accepting the role of CEO of BP Plc (LSE: BP).

The board has appointed Liz Westcott as acting CEO, effective today. The company notes that Westcott is a widely respected senior executive with deep global operational leadership.

Ms Westcott has led Woodside’s Australian Operations as executive vice president and chief operating officer Australia since joining Woodside in June 2023.

She was previously chief operating officer at Energy Australia, following a 25-year career at ExxonMobil working in Australia, the United Kingdom and Italy.

Woodside highlights that her career has spanned roles in strategic planning, operations, project management, and safety, technical and commercial leadership.

Speaking about the exit of Ms O’Neill, Woodside’s chair, Richard Goyder, congratulated her on her appointment as BP CEO. He said:

The Board’s appointment of Meg as CEO in 2021 set the foundation for Woodside’s transformational growth over recent years. This strong business performance has been translated into approximately $11 billion in dividends paid to shareholders since 2022, and a growth trajectory which is expected to deliver significant value.

Meg leaves Woodside in a strong position, having led the company through the merger with BHP Petroleum, final investment decision on the Scarborough Energy Project, startup of the Sangomar Project, final investment decision for the Louisiana LNG Project, the Beaumont New Ammonia acquisition, introduction of a number of high quality partners in those projects and continued high performance across Woodside’s global operations portfolio.

Goyder was pleased with the appointment of Westcott as acting CEO and believes Woodside is in safe hands. He adds:

Liz’s appointment as Acting CEO provides strong continuity for our business and its people. She will lead and work with Woodside’s highly capable Executive Leadership Team to continue to execute against Woodside’s strategy to deliver shareholder value through disciplined decision-making and operational excellence.

The Board’s ongoing focus on CEO succession planning means Woodside is fortunate to have a number of highly qualified internal candidates as we also assess external talent options to ensure the best possible CEO appointment. We are well positioned to conclude this process efficiently with the intention of announcing a permanent appointment in the first quarter of 2026.

Following today’s move, Woodside shares are down 8% since the start of the year.

The post Woodside shares tumble on shock CEO exit appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Woodside Energy Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended BP. 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 Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) share price is in focus after the company announced a major restructure of its syndicated debt facility, reducing total debt capacity from US$150 million to US$110 million and securing greater flexibility for its balance sheet after recent equity raisings.

What did Paladin Energy report?

• Restructured debt facility reduces total debt capacity to US$110 million (from US$150 million)
• Term Loan Facility now US$40 million (down from US$79.8 million balance as at 30 Sept 2025)
• Undrawn Revolving Credit Facility increased to US$70 million (previously US$50 million, undrawn)
• Significant A$300 million equity raise and A$100 million Share Purchase Plan completed earlier in 2025
• Debt facility maturity extended: Term Loan to 28 Feb 2029; Revolving Credit to 28 Feb 2027, with extension options
• Scheduled US$39.8 million repayment to reduce the Term Loan Facility on completion

What else do investors need to know?

The new facility strengthens Paladin’s position as it ramps up uranium production at the Langer Heinrich Mine (LHM) and beds down its acquisition of Fission Uranium Corp. The enhanced balance sheet flexibility may offer Paladin more room to manoeuvre as it progresses its long-term growth plans.

The restructure features senior secured facilities, customary financial covenants, and options for early repayment or extension. The undrawn revolving facility can be redrawn as needed, providing working capital support if required.

What’s next for Paladin Energy?

Paladin is expected to keep focusing on ramping up LHM production, integrating the Fission Uranium assets, and optimising its capital structure. The company’s improved liquidity and reduced debt costs could position it to take advantage of opportunities in the uranium sector as market conditions evolve.

The updated facility may also provide flexibility for future investments or shareholder returns, depending on Paladin’s production performance and uranium price movements.

Paladin Energy share price snapshot

Over the past 12 month, Paladin Energy shares have risen 13%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 3% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Paladin Energy announces US$110M debt restructure to boost liquidity appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Bendigo and Adelaide Bank hit with APRA capital charge, faces AUSTRAC probe
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• 2 ASX 200 shares that could be top buys for growth

Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart 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. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

Shares in GrainCorp Ltd (ASX: GNC) were sold down sharply this week after the company said that its winter crop receivals would be down for the year and that it would incur a loss on an asset sale.

But according to the team at Macquarie, the stock still remains undervalued, with its strong balance sheet a positive, with net cash of $321 million, and the potential for share price upside from here, along with a healthy dividend yield.

Challenging harvest 

The grain handler said in a statement to the ASX on Wednesday that both harvest volumes and grain prices were under pressure.

As the company said:

GrainCorp’s FY26 receival volumes are being impacted by an expected lower year-on-year ECA crop. Prevailing commodity prices are resulting in less grain being brought to market and, together with near-record international grain and oilseed production, are continuing to place pressure on margins for grain handlers. GrainCorp’s preliminary estimate of total receival volumes for FY26 is 11.0 – 12.0 million tonnes, compared to 13.3 million tonnes received in FY25.

GrainCorp said the winter crop harvest activity was largely complete in Queensland and northern New South Wales, while further south weather interruptions continued to affect the harvest.

In response to the challenging conditions, GrainCorp said it was “maintaining a strong focus on cost management while continuing to deliver industry-leading customer service and reliability”.

The company said it would provide earnings guidance at its annual general meeting on February 18.

Asset sale to notch up a loss

GrainCorp also said it had entered into an agreement to sell GrainsConnect Canada, which it would recognise a loss of $5-$10 million on.

GrainCorp Managing Director Robert Spurway said the divestment followed a strategic review of the company’s assets.

He went on to say:

This transaction reflects GrainCorp’s ongoing commitment to portfolio optimisation and our readiness to rationalise assets where necessary to improve returns. Divestment of GrainsConnect allows GrainCorp to focus on alternative value-creating opportunities that are in the best interests of our shareholders.

That transaction is expected to be finalised in the first half of 2026.

GrainCorp shares plummeted following the company’s market updates, falling as much as 25.1% at one point to $6.70 before recovering to close at $7.09 on Wednesday.

Shares looking cheap

The team at Macquarie lowered their price target on the shares from $8.80 to $8.30 on this week’s news; however, they said the company’s strong balance sheet was a positive, supporting its investment needs, “healthy dividends”, and the $75 million share buyback announced last financial year.

Once dividends are factored in, Macquarie is predicting a total shareholder return from GrainCorp shares of 21.2%.

They are also forecasting the dividend yield to stay healthy, predicting a 4.9% yield this financial year.

The post Macquarie tips more than 20% returns for this ASX 200 stock after a sharp sell-off this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

For more than a decade, investors grew accustomed to falling interest rates, low inflation, and cheap capital. That backdrop shaped portfolio construction, valuation frameworks, and expectations about which businesses could thrive.

That era now appears firmly behind us.

The Reserve Bank of Australia’s latest decision to hold rates came with clear guidance that inflation remains sticky and further tightening cannot be ruled out. Since then, both two-year and ten-year Australian government bond yields have drifted higher, reinforcing the idea that we are living in a structurally higher-rate, higher-debt world.

In this environment, investors seeking steady compounding are often drawn to businesses with two powerful characteristics: pricing power and balance sheet resilience. 

One industry that quietly ticks both boxes is insurance.

Pricing power in an inflationary world

At its core, pricing power refers to a company’s ability to pass higher costs onto customers without suffering a material loss of demand. While many industries struggle to do this consistently, insurance stands apart.

Insurance is rarely loved, but it is widely required. 

Whether it’s home and contents, motor, health, life, or business protection, many policies are essential rather than discretionary. As a result, insurers have historically been able to lift premiums in line with — and often ahead of — inflation, with limited impact on overall policy volumes.

This dynamic has been on full display over the past few years. Premium rates across multiple insurance lines have increased meaningfully as claims inflation, natural catastrophe costs, and reinsurance expenses have risen. Yet demand has largely held firm, supporting revenue growth and margin recovery for the better-run insurers.

Higher rates can be a tailwind, not a headwind

Insurance businesses have another structural advantage that is often overlooked. Unlike many capital-intensive companies, insurers typically benefit from rising interest rates.

Premiums are collected upfront, while claims are paid later. In the interim, insurers invest this “float” in conservative portfolios dominated by cash and fixed income. When interest rates rise, the yield on those investments increases, flowing directly through to higher investment income.

Not all insurers are created equal

That caveat is crucial. Insurance is not a one-way bet, and history is littered with examples of poor underwriting, mispriced risk, and capital mismanagement destroying shareholder value.

This is why investors need to differentiate between industry leaders and laggards.

On the ASX, companies such as Insurance Australia Group (ASX: IAG) and QBE Insurance Group (ASX: QBE) are frequently cited as bellwethers for the sector. Broker commentary has pointed to improving margins, rising premium rates, and the potential for earnings upgrades if catastrophe experience normalises over time.

Lessons from Warren Buffett

No discussion of insurance investing would be complete without mentioning Warren Buffett. Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.A) (NYSE: BRK.B) owned insurance businesses have been a central pillar of its success for decades, providing a steady stream of low-cost capital that Buffett has redeployed into high-quality investments.

That structure is unlikely to be directly replicable by everyday investors. However, the principle is highly relevant.

Buffett has long emphasised the importance of owning quality businesses with durable competitive advantages, strong balance sheets, and management teams that understand risk. Well-run insurers can meet those criteria when they combine disciplined underwriting with the intelligent use of float.

Foolish Takeaway

In a world where inflation remains elevated and interest rates stay higher for longer, insurance may not be exciting, but it can be effective.

For patient investors focused on steady compounding rather than short-term market narratives, high-quality insurers offer a combination of pricing power, defensive demand, and potential upside from higher rates.

As always, selectivity matters. But for those willing to look beyond the obvious growth stories, insurance could remain one of the market’s quiet beneficiaries in the years ahead.

The post Investing in a higher-for-longer world and the ASX sector built to cope appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

The Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) share price is in focus today following the announcement that CEO and Managing Director Meg O’Neill has resigned to take up the top job at bp p.l.c. In response, Woodside has named Liz Westcott as Acting CEO, effective immediately, to steer the company through its next phase.

What did Woodside Energy report?

• Meg O’Neill has resigned as CEO and Managing Director, effective immediately, to become CEO at bp p.l.c.
• Liz Westcott appointed as Acting CEO, having served as Chief Operating Officer Australia.
• Board highlighted $11 billion in dividends paid to shareholders since 2022.
• Major recent milestones include the BHP Petroleum merger, execution of key energy projects, and portfolio growth.
• O’Neill will remain on gardening leave until 30 March 2026 but is not eligible for 2025 incentives; unvested performance rights lapse.
• Ms Westcott will receive an annual salary of A$1.8 million, including a higher duties allowance.

What else do investors need to know?

The leadership transition comes after a period of transformative growth for Woodside, with O’Neill overseeing significant expansions such as the Scarborough Energy Project and the Sangomar Project. The company says it remains on a strong strategic footing, with continued focus on delivering shareholder value.

Ms Westcott, Woodside’s new Acting CEO, brings international experience from senior roles at ExxonMobil and EnergyAustralia. The Board highlighted her operational leadership and familiarity with Woodside’s business as key reasons behind her appointment.

Meanwhile, the CEO succession process is ongoing, with both external and internal candidates under assessment. The Board aims to announce a permanent appointment in early 2026.

What’s next for Woodside Energy?

Looking ahead, Woodside’s priorities for 2026 will be safe and efficient operations, the execution of major energy projects, and maintaining the strategic course outlined at the recent Capital Markets Day. The company’s Board is focused on ensuring a smooth CEO succession and uninterrupted execution of its growth plans.

Investors will be keeping a close eye on project milestones and the appointment of a permanent CEO next year. The company’s operational and financial priorities remain unchanged during the transition.

Woodside Energy share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Woodside shares have risen 1%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 3% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Woodside Energy confirms CEO change as Meg O’Neill departs appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart 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. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

Overall, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has had a mediocre year. 

Historically, Australia’s benchmark index has risen roughly 9% per year. 

However, this year, it has risen by approximately 4.7%. 

While it’s certainly not a bad year by historical standards (2018 and 2020 were significantly worse), investors with large exposure to ASX 200 companies will undoubtedly have seen some individual shares in their portfolio fall.

On the flip side, this can create buy-low opportunities. Historically, strong companies and blue-chip stocks may now be a value. 

As the year draws to a close, I have tried to sift through these companies that have had down years.

Earlier this week, I covered other buy-low opportunities.

Here are two more of Australia’s largest companies by market capitalisation that may be value investments heading into the new year. 

Pinnacle Investment Management Group Limited (ASX: PNI)

This ASX 200 stock is an Australian-based multi-affiliate investment management company.

It provides seed funding, distribution services, and infrastructure support to a network of 15 asset managers, or ‘affiliates’, globally. 

In 2025, its share price has fallen more than 26% and 33% since August 7. 

However, there are positive signs. 

Despite the share price falling, the business is growing with a number of new boutiques as well as funds under management (FUM) increasing. 

At 30 June 2025, private markets FUM was $28.7 billion, up from $1.5 billion, or 6% at 30 June 2016. 

Additionally, the company offers an attractive dividend yield. 

Last month, The Motley Fool’s Tristan Harrison also covered the opportunity that dividend shares provide when the share price falls. 

He explained that when a dividend-paying business falls, we can buy it at a lower price, but the dividend yield on offer also increases.

With the business growing steadily and a grossed-up dividend yield of over 4%, I believe there is reason to think the company is a value at its current price. 

Analyst ratings from TradingView suggest that there is upside potential at the current price. 

The one-year price target of $25.32 indicates more than 50% upside for this ASX 200 stock. 

EBOS Group Limited (ASX: EBO)

This ASX 200 stock is the largest pharmaceutical wholesaler and distributor across Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia.

Its share price is down more than 30% year to date. 

This included a 14% crash back in August following the company’s FY25 financial results. 

However, analyst price targets suggest it may have been oversold, providing investors with an opportunity to buy this ASX 200 stock at a value. 

TradingView has a one-year price target of $31.95. 

This indicates an upside of roughly 37% from current levels. 

Additionally, online platform SelfWealth rates the stock as “undervalued” by 38%. 

The post 2 undervalued ASX 200 shares to target appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Shares in 4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX) have been nothing short of extraordinary in 2025. What started the year as a relatively unknown small-cap healthcare name has turned into one of the ASX’s standout momentum stories.

At Wednesday’s close, shares in the respiratory imaging technology company finished at $2.83, down 5% amid broader market volatility.

Even after that pullback, the stock is still up close to 500% in 2025.

It’s easy to assume most of the upside is already gone. But a closer look suggests there may still be more left in this growth stock.

What does 4DMedical actually do?

4DMedical operates in medical imaging, using software to turn standard CT scans into highly detailed, four-dimensional images of lung function. Its core XV Technology gives clinicians a clearer picture of how a patient’s lungs are actually working, revealing issues traditional imaging can miss, especially in chronic and complex respiratory conditions.

That matters because many lung diseases are hard to diagnose and monitor using existing tools. Hospitals and clinicians are always looking for better ways to assess, track, and treat conditions like COPD, asthma, and post-COVID complications. 4DMedical’s software is designed specifically to help solve that problem.

Why has the share price exploded?

The recent rally has not been driven by hype alone. Over the past few months, 4DMedical has delivered a steady stream of positive news.

Key regulatory approvals in major overseas markets, including Canada, have significantly expanded its addressable customer base. At the same time, the company has announced new commercial agreements and partnerships that validate its technology in real-world clinical settings.

Importantly, these updates have shifted investor perception. 4DMedical is no longer seen purely as an early-stage biotech with promise, but as a business starting to turn its technology into revenue.

Revenue is becoming more visible

Until recently, 4DMedical shares were largely priced on future potential. However, that’s starting to change as revenue becomes more visible.

Software sales are growing, more hospitals are using the product, and interest from overseas customers is increasing. The company isn’t profitable yet, but as a software business, more users should improve the numbers over time.

This has prompted the market to reassess the stock.

What could go wrong and what could go right?

None of this comes without risk. The share price has already moved sharply, volatility is likely to remain high, and expectations are rising. Slower execution or weaker adoption would likely impact the stock.

Even so, the longer-term opportunity is still there. If 4DMedical continues to expand into new markets and sees its technology adopted more widely in clinical settings, today’s valuation could still have room to grow.

The bottom line

4DMedical has been one of the ASX’s stronger performers in 2025.

For investors who understand the risks and are comfortable with volatility, this parabolic ASX stock still looks like one worth keeping firmly on the watchlist, even after its huge run.

The post This ASX stock is going parabolic, and I think it’s still a buy 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.

The Perpetual Ltd (ASX: PPT) share price is under the spotlight today after the company announced an update on its Wealth Management business sale, with exclusivity discussions with Bain Capital extended into early 2026.

What did Perpetual report?

• Continued exclusive sale discussions regarding the Wealth Management division with Bain Capital
• Exclusivity period extended into the first quarter of 2026
• No confirmation yet of a binding agreement or transaction value
• Company promises ongoing disclosure to shareholders

What else do investors need to know?

Perpetual first announced exclusive negotiations with Bain Capital Private Equity on 5 November 2025. Since then, talks have made progress, but the parties have agreed more time is needed to finalise any potential deal.

It’s worth noting there is no certainty that these discussions will result in a sale, binding agreement, or completed transaction. Perpetual says it will keep shareholders and the market updated according to its continuous disclosure obligations.

What’s next for Perpetual?

Perpetual’s immediate focus is to continue progressing the negotiations with Bain Capital regarding the possible Wealth Management division sale. Management will provide further updates should a material deal be reached.

Looking ahead, Perpetual remains committed to its global asset management and corporate trust businesses, while reviewing options for unlocking value for shareholders through strategic initiatives.

Perpetual share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Perpetual shares have declined 7%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 3% over the same period.

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The post Perpetual extends exclusivity in Wealth Management sale talks appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart 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. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.