When I think about passive income from the share market, I’m looking for reliability, durability, and the potential for income to grow over time.

Right now, these are the ASX passive income picks I would feel comfortable owning for the long term.

Transurban Group (ASX: TCL)

For me, Transurban is one of the closest things the ASX has to infrastructure-style income.

It owns and operates toll roads across major cities where traffic demand is driven by population growth and congestion, not economic optimism. Many of its concessions are long-dated, and tolls often have built-in escalation mechanisms.

That matters. It gives me more visibility over cash flows than many other income stocks. While distributions can vary depending on investment cycles, I see Transurban as a core passive income holding with the potential for steady distribution growth over time.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

Telstra is not a high-growth tech stock. That’s exactly why I like it in an income portfolio.

Telecommunications is essential infrastructure in a modern economy. Mobile connectivity, broadband, and data usage are not optional for households or businesses. Telstra’s scale and network advantage provide a level of resilience that smaller players struggle to match.

The company has returned to a more consistent dividend footing in recent years, and for income-focused investors, that stability is important. I see Telstra as a reliable cash generator that can anchor a passive income strategy.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

Woolworths may not have the highest dividend yield on the market, but I don’t think it needs to.

Groceries are non-discretionary. Even when conditions tighten, people still need to eat. That gives Woolworths a defensive quality that I value in an income portfolio.

After a tougher operating period in FY25, expectations have reset and earnings are forecast to recover. If that plays out, dividend growth could follow. For me, this is about combining defensive earnings with the potential for income to increase over time, not just clipping a static yield.

Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: VHY)

The VHY ETF would round out my passive income portfolio.

This ETF tracks an index of Australian shares with higher forecast dividend yields. It includes familiar large-cap names such as BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), while applying diversification rules to avoid overconcentration.

With a dividend yield above 4%, it offers an easy way to gain exposure to a basket of income-generating businesses in one trade. I like it as a complement to individual holdings like Transurban, Telstra, and Woolworths.

Foolish takeaway

Passive income, in my view, is about building a portfolio that can pay you year after year without constant tinkering.

Transurban, Telstra, Woolworths, and the Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF are all picks I’d be comfortable leaning on for long-term income. They may not be the most exciting stocks on the ASX, but when it comes to dependable cash flow, that’s what I want.

The post These are my top ASX passive income picks appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Woolworths shares recover 22% from all-time low: Buy, sell or hold?
• 3 defensive ASX dividend shares that analysts are tipping as top buys
• How ETFs can help investors build significant passive income
• The ASX 200 shares I’d be comfortable holding in an SMSF
• Are these the best blue-chip ASX shares money can buy?

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Commonwealth Bank Of Australia and Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Telstra Group, Transurban Group, and Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group and Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

What an extraordinary week it has turned out to be for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) and ASX shares. Last Friday, the ASX 200 closed at 8,708.8 points, around the same level it had been hovering at since November last year. But since then, investors have stepped on the gas.

Thanks to a series of dramatic share market hikes, the ASX 200 has vaulted a whopping 4.3% higher since Friday’s close. That’s around half of the ASX 200’s average annual return in just three-and-a-half trading days. That half is today’s session, which has seen investors push the index up by another solid 0.8%. Yesterday, we saw the ASX 200 finally get back over 9,000 points, a threshold it hadn’t touched since October of last year.

After closing at 9.014.8 points yesterday, today’s gains have seen the index get as high as 9,093.6 points, just a whisker off the ASX 200’s all-time record of 9,115.2 points.

So the ASX 200 has gone from just over 8,700 points to almost 9,100 points in just a few trading days. Investors may be wondering how that’s possible. Well, we have two ASX 200 shares to thank.

The first is BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP). BHP has just come off a rather brief stint as the largest stock on the ASX 200 Index. Despite this, the mining giant has had one of its best runs in years in recent months. As recently as April last year, BHP shares were trading at aorund $34 each. Today, those shares are over $52 each, up more than 50% since April.

This gain has come amid galloping commodity prices, notably copper, which BHP is a major producer of.

Even though it no longer holds the top-dog crown of the ASX 200, BHP still accounts for roughly 9.4% of the entire ASX 200’s weighting. Given BHP shares are also up a hefty 7.3% since last Friday’s session, we can happily conclude that the Big Australian is partly responsible for the ASX 200’s return to over 9,000 points.

ASX 200 at 9,000 points: Thank BHP and CBA

Although BHP’s rise has undoubtedly assisted the ASX 200’s recent run, it couldn’t have pulled it off without good ol’ Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA).

CBA’s return to form over the past two trading days has been shocking. Between June of last year and this week, investors had been steadily losing faith in the ASX’s largest bank stock. CBA hit what is still its record high of $192 back in June. But it had been a one-way trip ever since, with CBA bottoming out at well under $150 a share last month. Thanks to this decline, CBA lost that crown we just discussed to BHP just a few days later.

However, CBA’s latest earnings, delivered yesterday, changed everything. The bank’s unexpectedly large profit pulled investors back into the bank’s orbit, resulting in CBA stock jumping 6.8% yesterday. Today, the bank has put on another 12.2% at the time of writing to over $178 a share.

CBA, back as the ASX 200’s largest stock, makes up more than 9.8% of the entire ASX 200 Index’s weighting. So its stellar recovery this week is the other factor we have to thank for the ASX 200’s 9,000-point milestone.

Let’s see if the ASX 200 can break 9,100 points next.

The post The ASX 200 is back over 9,000 points! It’s thanks to just 2 ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• That was fast! BHP relinquishes biggest ASX stock crown as CBA shares rocket

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

Neuren Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: NEU) shares are trading slightly lower on Thursday afternoon. The move follows an announcement released after market close yesterday.

At the time of writing, the Neuren share price is down 0.60% to $13.35.

The decline comes despite the company unveiling a new capital management initiative.

Here is what was announced.

Neuren launches on market share buyback

According to the release, Neuren confirmed it will commence a new on-market share buyback program.

The buyback will run for up to 12 months and will be carried out under New Zealand corporate law. The company said it may purchase up to 5% of its issued shares over that period.

Any shares bought back will be cancelled, which reduces the total number of shares on issue. A lower share count is likely to improve earnings per share (EPS) and support shareholder returns over time.

Management said the decision reflects the board’s view that the current share price does not fully reflect the company’s underlying value. However, the buyback will be conducted at the company’s discretion and may be paused during blackout periods, including the lead-up to financial results.

Neuren is scheduled to release its 2025 full-year results on 27 February 2026.

How Neuren makes its money

Neuren is a biopharmaceutical company focused on treatments for serious neurological disorders that appear in early childhood.

Its main source of revenue comes from Daybue, also known as trofinetide. The treatment was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2023 for Rett syndrome and is commercialised in the United States by Acadia Pharmaceuticals under a global licence agreement.

Neuren earns royalty and milestone payments linked to sales performance. Since launch, Daybue has become a key driver of the company’s financial results.

The company is also developing NNZ 2591, a drug candidate currently in clinical trials. It is being studied across several rare childhood conditions, including Phelan McDermid syndrome, Pitt Hopkins syndrome, and Angelman syndrome.

What investors will be watching next

In the near term, attention will likely turn to Neuren’s upcoming full-year results later this month.

Investors will be looking for updates on Daybue sales trends, royalty income, cash position and progress across the NNZ 2591 trials.

While today’s share price movement is modest, the announcement signals that management is prepared to return capital and support the stock at current levels.

Keep in mind that with biotech companies, future performance depends heavily on regulatory milestones, clinical data and commercial execution.

The post Why Neuren shares are edging lower on Thursday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Neuren Pharmaceuticals unveils on-market buy-back supported by strong cash flows
• These ASX 200 shares could rise 30% to 75%
• Neuren Pharmaceuticals kicks off Phase 3 trial in rare syndrome
• Why this beaten down ASX 200 healthcare stock could rebound 66%
• Why Beach Energy, Elders, Maas, and Neuren shares are dropping today

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

The silver price remains 153% higher over the past 12 months, despite the recent sell-off, but can it go further this year?

According to the 2026 LBMA Precious Metals Forecast Survey, the average annual price expectation for 2026 is US$79.57 per ounce.

That’s lower than the current silver price of US$82.50 per ounce, at the time of writing.

But remember, the US$79.57 is an average annual prediction.

Analysts expect the silver price to trade in a wide range week-to-week, month-to-month, over the next year.

Some analysts suggest the silver price could trade as high as US$160 per ounce at some point in 2026.

Tailwinds for silver

The tailwinds for the silver price include geopolitical risks, the debasement trade, and rising industrial usage due to the energy transition.

As a precious metal, silver is considered the ‘poor cousin’ of gold, but it’s still seen as a safe-haven option, and it’s cheaper, too.

That’s why the silver price typically runs about the same time as the gold price, but with a lag.

When people want safe-haven investments, they turn to gold first. When gold gets expensive, they turn to silver.

That’s why the silver price massively outpaced the gold price last year, lifting 147% versus 65%.

Precious metals have become more attractive to investors due to increased geopolitics risks and a weakening US dollar.

Silver is also an industrial metal that is experiencing higher demand than usual due to the energy transition.

It’s a key input in solar panels, technological devices, electric vehicles, and data centres due to its superior conductivity to copper.

Meantime, supply is constrained because silver is typically only produced as a byproduct at copper, gold, lead, and zinc mines.

Limited supply amid growing demand prompted the US to add silver to its critical minerals list last November.

Analyst views on the silver price for 2026

Let’s take a look at some of the predictions in the 2026 LBMA Precious Metals Forecast Survey.

Bruce Ikemizu from the Japan Bullion Market Association (JBMA) has one of the most ambitious price targets for the silver price.

JBMA is an industry body that oversees precious metals trading in Japan.

Ikemizu predicts that the silver price could trade as high as US$160 per ounce and as low as US$65 per ounce this year.

Interestingly, the silver price fell from a record US$121 per ounce on 29 January to a low of US$67 per ounce last week during the sell-off.

Ikemizu’s average annual price prediction for the year is US$120 per ounce.

The analyst comments:

In addition to the political and fiscal conditions which apply to gold, silver has its own reasons to reach much higher levels: supply and demand.

It’s been more than six years of supply shortages and finally we have seen an extreme move in the liquidity of silver in 2025 which could flare up any time again in 2026 as the lease rate remains at a much higher level than gold. 

Political moves regarding silver, critical mineral status by the U.S. and export limitation by China add the fuel to the liquidity problem.

The liquidity problem is getting larger and that only leads to higher silver prices.

Julia Du of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), which is the largest bank in the world by total asset value, also has an optimistic view on the silver price.

Du predicts the silver price may trade as high as US$150 per ounce, and as low as US$62 per ounce during intermittent pullbacks this year.

Her annual average tip is US$125 per ounce.

Du expects sharp fluctuations in the silver price ahead, with periods of profit-taking sending the price lower, as we’ve just recently seen.

She says:

I expect silver to deliver a bullish performance in 2026, supported by the same macro drivers as gold: persistent geopolitical tensions, strong safe-haven demand, and continued Fed rate cuts.

Silver’s smaller market size and lower entry cost make it more volatile, attracting investors seeking alternatives to expensive gold.

Structural supply deficits – driven by robust photovoltaic and industrial demand – combined with rising jewellery and investment purchases, will amplify price swings.

Regional dislocations from potential U.S. tariffs could further tighten supply and fuel speculative spikes.

Caroline Bain from Bain Commodities has one of the more bearish outlooks on the silver price.

She tips the silver price to trade at a peak of US$85 per ounce and a trough of US$45 per ounce throughout the year.

Her average annual price prediction is US$63.50 per ounce.

Bain said:

The price of gold is expected to fall in the second half of 2026, and the silver price is likely to fall by more in percentage terms.

The smaller, less liquid, silver market typically overshoots on both the upside and downside.

That said, the price will hold up better than if the market were solely driven by its high-beta relationship with gold.

There is strong industrial demand for silver in key growth sectors including electronics, renewable energy, automotives and data centres, which will offer underlying support to prices.

China has also started restricting exports and the market is in a structural deficit. Physical stocks are low.

How are ASX silver shares performing today?

ASX silver stocks are a mixed bag on Thursday.

Diversified miner, South32 Ltd (ASX: S32), which is one of Australia’s top silver producers, is up 5.7% to $4.85 per share.

Sun Silver Ltd (ASX: SS1) shares are up 2.8% to $2.01. (By the way, one expert tips a 235% rise over the next 12 months.)

Unico Silver Ltd (ASX: USL) shares are up 6% to 89 cents.

Iltani Resources Ltd (ASX: ILT) shares are 5.9% higher at 54 cents.

Silver Mines Ltd (ASX: SVL) shares are down 4.2% to 23 cents and Investigator Silver Ltd (ASX: IVR) is down 6.4% to 12 cents.

The post What’s the outlook for the silver price? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Sun Silver shares to soar 235% in 12 months, tips expert
• South32 shares rocket 70% higher. Is it too late to buy?

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 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 another gain. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is up 0.8% to 9,088.5 points.

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

AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP)

The AMP share price is down 30% to $1.21. Investors have been selling this financial services company’s shares following the release of its full-year results. For the 12 months ended 31 December, AMP posted a 20.8% increase in underlying net profit after tax to $285 million. However, statutory profit was down 11.3% to $133 million. Outgoing CEO, Alexis George, commented: “2025 was an important year for AMP with resolution of legacy items and stabilisation of the portfolio. This enabled renewed focus on winning in the segments we play, growing the wealth businesses, and building on the vision to be the place that customers come to plan for a dignified retirement.”

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

The CSL share price is down a further 6.5% to $152.97. This biotech giant’s shares have been under pressure since the release of its results and the announcement of a change of CEO. This morning, the team at Bell Potter responded by retaining its hold rating on CSL’s shares with a trimmed price target of $175.00. It said: “We maintain our HOLD recommendation. CSL now trades on an underlying PE of 16.5x in FY27, well below its historical average but remains above the global biopharma avg of ~15x. It faces the daunting prospect of hiring a new CEO to re-invigorate a lacklustre growth outlook in the face of headwinds on multiple fronts.”

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

The Pro Medicus share price is down 20% to $134.96. This follows the release of the health imaging technology company’s half-year results. Pro Medicus reported a 28.4% increase in revenue to $124.8 million and a 29.7% lift in underlying profit before tax to a record of $90.7 million. This appears to have been softer than some were expecting. Pro Medicus’ CEO, Dr Sam Hupert, said: “Our profits continue to grow strongly even though our biggest implementation during the period in Trinity Cohort 1 went live towards the end of October so had limited impact on the half.”

Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW)

The Temple & Webster share price is down 28% to $8.20. Investors have been selling the online furniture retailer’s shares after its half-year results disappointed. The company reported a 19.8% increase in revenue to $375.9 million and a more modest 13% lift in EBITDA to $14.9 million. Management has reaffirmed its FY 2026 EBITDA margin guidance of 3% to 5%.

The post Why AMP, CSL, Pro Medicus, and Temple & Webster shares are crashing today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in CSL, Pro Medicus, and Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL and Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL, Pro Medicus, 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.

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) uranium share Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) is storming higher today.

Paladin Energy shares closed yesterday trading for $12.25. During the Thursday lunch hour, shares are swapping hands for $12.64 each, up 3.6%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is up 0.6% at this same time.

Taking a step back, Paladin Energy shares have surged 50.8% over the last 12 months, racing ahead of the 6.3% one-year gains posted by the benchmark index.

And brave investors who waded in and bought the ASX 200 uranium share on 22 April when it was trading at multi-year lows of $3.98 will currently be sitting on gains of 217.6%.

That’s enough to turn a $5,000 investment into $15,879. In less than 10 months!

Now, here’s what’s grabbing investor interest again today.

ASX 200 uranium share jumps on half-year results

Paladin Energy released its half-year results covering the six months to 31 December (H1 FY 2026) before market open this morning.

As a quick overview, Paladin Energy has a 75% ownership of the Langer Heinrich Mine (LHM) in Namibia, along with development assets in Australia and Canada.

The ASX 200 uranium share acquired Canadian company Fission Uranium Corp in late 2024. Paladin shares also now trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX).

Over the half year, Paladin sold 1.96 million pounds of uranium from LHM. The company received an average realised price of US$70.5 per pound, generating sales revenue of US$138.3 million.

Amid the ongoing ramp-up of production at LHM, the cost of those sales came to US$112.3 million.

Paladin reported a gross half-year profit of US$26 million, up from a gross profit of US$900,000 in H1 FY 2025.

However, the ASX 200 uranium share still reported a net loss after tax of US$6.6 million. This was driven by the ongoing production ramp-up at LHM, the miner’s business expansion following its acquisition of Fission Uranium (since rebranded Paladin Canada Inc), as well as costs involved with its TSX listing and financing activities.

As at 31 December, Paladin Energy had total unrestricted cash and investments of US$278.4 million, up 213% year on year.

What did management say?

Commenting on the half-year results helping lift the ASX 200 uranium share today, Paladin CEO Paul Hemburrow said, “The first half of the year demonstrated strong and continually improving performance at Langer Heinrich Mine.”

Looking ahead, he added:

With the remaining mining fleet arriving on site, the foundations are now in place to successfully complete our ramp-up at Langer Heinrich Mine during the remaining months of the year.

The post Guess which surging ASX 200 uranium share is leaping higher again today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 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.

Betmakers Technology Group Ltd (ASX: BET) has confirmed that it was approached by Tabcorp Holdings Ltd (ASX: TAH) about a potential takeover of the company.

Betmakers asked for its shares to be placed in a trading halt on Wednesday after the Australian Financial Review published an article suggesting that Tabcorp was considering a takeover bid for its smaller counterpart.

Betmakers said in a short statement to the ASX on Thursday:

BetMakers maintains an ongoing commercial relationship with Tabcorp, supplying wagering technology and content distribution services in support of Tabcorp’s racing and media operations. BetMakers confirms that it was approached by Tabcorp and that preliminary and informal discussions have taken place regarding a potential change of control transaction. While those discussions were at an early stage and highlighted opportunities for BetMakers’ wagering technology products, no formal offer was received and discussions have ceased.

Tabcorp has not made a statement about the discussions.

Betmakers shares fell 15.2% to 19.5 cents after returning to trade on Thursday, while Tabcorp shares were 2.6% lower at 86.7 cents.

Tabcorp is much larger than Betmakers, with a value of $2.03 billion as compared to Betmakers’ value of $258 million.

Business travelling well

Betmakers recently reported positive numbers for the December quarter, with revenue of $22.9 million, up 14.1% on the previous corresponding period, and EBITDA of $2.7 million, a $3 million turnaround.

Betmakers Executive Chair Matt Davey said at the time:

The Q2 FY26 results underscore the consistent performance of the business in the last 12 months, delivering a $3.0 million increase in Adjusted EBITDA compared to the prior corresponding period. This structural improvement, which saw our gross margin expand to 66.4%, is a direct result of our disciplined focus on high-margin, technology-led revenue. Having successfully navigated the transition phase, the Company is now operating from a more resilient financial footing. Our focus is on accelerating growth by leveraging our core technology platform to secure new market leading customers globally.

The company said a key highlight during the quarter was the agreement it signed with global betting brand Stake in December.

The company said regarding the deal:

Under this multi-year contract, BetMakers will provide Stake with its market leading technology solutions, facilitating Stake’s horse racing offering across various international markets. This partnership underscores the strength and scalability of our proprietary technology, as we support a high-volume, global operator in enhancing its product. The deal not only reinforces BetMakers’ position as a preferred racing partner for global operators but also aligns with our strategic focus on high-margin, technology-driven revenue streams that leverage our extensive global racing rights and technology capabilities.

The post Betmakers confirms Tabcorp takeover approach 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 Betmakers Technology 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.

Viva Leisure Ltd (ASX: VVA) shares are up 6.13% on Thursday. At the time of writing, the shares are changing hands at $1.645 a piece. Today’s share price surge follows the company’s half-year results for the period ending 31 December 2025, which were released ahead of market open this morning.

The latest uptick means the shares are now 11.53% higher for the year.

Viva Leisure shares storm higher on results day

Here’s what the Australian health club operator posted this morning:

• Revenue up 17.6% to $116.5 million
• Underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) up 46.8% to $8.1 million
• Underlying EBITDA up 20.8% to $25.4 million
• Statutory NPAT up 168% to $5.2 million
• EPS up 173.8% to 5.32 cents

What happened in H1 FY26?

Viva Leisure posted a 17.6% jump in revenue to $116.5 million from $99 million in H1 FY25, driven by continued growth across health clubs and the high-margin TPLR segment.

The company’s TPLR segment was the highest-margin and most scalable growth vector over the first half of FY26. Its revenue surged 44.7% to $9.3 million, now representing 8.1% of group revenue, up from 6.5% in the prior corresponding period (pcp).

The company also revealed a 46.8% surge in underlying NPAT to $8.1 million from $5.5 million in the pcp. 

Underlying EBITDA came in at $25.4 million, up 20.8% from the $21 million posted in the pcp. 

Statutory NPAT was 168% higher at $5.2 million from $2 million in the pcp. Viva Leisure said this demonstrates the company’s “focus on profit conversion”.

“During the period we deliberately shifted capital allocation from physical rollouts toward technology and platform development. TPLR revenue grew 45%, now representing 8.1% of group revenue, and we see this as the best return on investment,” Viva Leisure CEO and Managing Director Harry Konstantinou said.

“Without acquisitions and with just one net new site for the half, the corporate network added over 7,000 members organically – a clear signal that our network optimisation is delivering results.”

What’s ahead for Viva Leisure this year?

The business is optimistic about the outlook for its full-year results. Viva Leisure expects revenue of $237 million in FY26, up from $211.3 million in FY25. 

It also expects statutory EBITDA and underlying EBITDA to come in at $111 million and $53 million, respectively. This is up from $99 million and $45.9 million previously.

The company expects statutory NPAT of $11.5 million for the full year, up from $5.2 million in FY25.

The company said its strategic priorities are focused on converting scale into shareholder returns through continued network optimisation, TPLR expansion (targeting >$28m total TPLR revenue for FY 2027), and disciplined capital management. 

The Board has resolved to recommence an on-market share buyback of up to a maximum of 10% of issued ordinary shares. The buyback will be funded from existing cash reserves and operating cash flows, and will be conducted in accordance with the ASX Listing Rules and the Corporations Act.

The post Viva Leisure shares jumps 6% higher following H1 FY26 result appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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.

Shares in Orora Ltd (ASX: ORA) have surged to a new 12-month high on Thursday after the company announced a “robust” profit and a new buyback.

The bottle and packaging maker posted a first-half net profit of $58.9 million, up $58.7 million from what was effectively a breakeven position for the same period last year.

This was achieved on revenue of $1.12 billion, up 9.7%.

Steady as she goes

Orora Managing Director Brian Lowe said it was a “robust operating result for the first half of FY26, underpinned by disciplined execution”.

He added:

In line with our full year guidance, we achieved EBITDA growth across all businesses, reflecting the strength of our operating platform and the benefits of our recent investments and business optimisation actions. Market dynamics and trading conditions vary across Orora’s business segments. Favourable market dynamics in Cans, including the continued consumer preference shift to aluminium and growth in new beverage categories, has supported 11.2% volume growth. Despite softness in premium spirits and wine, disciplined execution supported performance across glass, with Saverglass volumes up 2.6% in the first half primarily driven by tequila and vodka categories.

Mr Lowe said the company was moving from a phase defined by high capital expenditure to a cash generation phase.

He added:

At a group level, with strength in our operating cashflow, cash realisation and balance sheet, and with the major cans capacity expansion completing in FY26, Orora can continue to make meaningful shareholder returns through regular dividends and an ongoing on‑market buy‑back. We enter the second half with confidence and a clear execution agenda.

The company said on Thursday that its previous share buyback had bought back $227.4 million worth of shares, or 8% of the issued capital in the company.

Orora has announced it will refresh that share buyback to purchase up to another 10% of the company’s stock, worth about $270 million.

The company said regarding the outlook, it remained largely unchanged, with growth in EBITDA and cash flow expected for all business units.

Orora shares surged on the news, trading 8.6% higher at $2.39.

Jarden analysts had a look at the results and said in a note to clients on Thursday that it was “better than feared”.

They said the earnings were largely in line with consensus, while core earnings per share were slightly ahead of consensus.

Orora will pay an unfranked interim dividend of 5 cents per share, in line with the same period last year.

The post Orora shares hit a fresh 12-month high as new buyback announced 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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Orora. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO) gold stock Black Cat Syndicate Ltd (ASX: BC8) is actively drilling for gold across several core Western Australian-based projects.

Amid a series of successful exploration results, investors have sent Black Cat shares soaring 94.4% over the past year, smashing the 6.3% 12-month returns delivered by the benchmark index.

Of course, Black Cat has also enjoyed heady tailwinds from the surging gold price. The yellow metal hit record highs notched in late January and is currently fetching US$5,097 per ounce. This puts the gold price up more than 52% over 12 months.

Here’s what’s happening today.

ASX 300 gold stock hits new high-grade zones

The Black Cat share price is down 1.4% in late morning trade today, at $1.40 a share, despite the miner announcing new high-grade assay results from its 100% owned Paulsens Gold Operation.

The ASX 300 gold stock is continuing to target both Resource growth and optimisation of production areas at Paulsens, with underground diamond drilling ongoing.

This morning, the miner reported that extensional drilling in the upper Main Zone at Paulsens has returned “significant results” outside the current Resource.

Among the top results, Black Cat reported intercepting 5.06 metres at 14.33 grams of gold per tonne from 15.1 metres from one hole. While another hole returned 5.36 metres at 7.25g/t Au from 10.33 metres and 2.37 metres at 15.66g/t Au from 35.38 metres.

Drilling at Paulsens is ongoing, with Black Cat planning to add a second rig at the site to accelerate the extensional drilling program.

What did management say?

Commenting on the latest results that have yet to lift the ASX 300 gold stock today, Black Cat managing director James Bruce said, “Paulsens continues to deliver outstanding high-grade results across multiple lodes, outside the current Resource, clearly demonstrating the potential for ongoing growth as drilling continues.”

Bruce added:

Importantly, high-grade results like these are driving strong operational performance as production ramps up and development accesses new areas. With a second rig planned and mine development progressing well, we are exceptionally well positioned to continue unlocking value from Paulsens.

These results reaffirm our confidence in both the near-mine opportunity and the long-term potential of this high-grade, historically prolific gold system.

Is it too late to buy this surging ASX 300 gold stock?

With the Black Cat share price up more than 94% in 12 months, has the ship already sailed on this surging ASX 300 gold stock?

Not according to the analysts at Moelis Australia.

Moelis recently reaffirmed its speculative buy rating on Black Cat shares with a $1.80 price target. That represents a potential upside of almost 29% from current levels.

The post Up 94% in a year, ASX 300 gold stock reports new ‘outstanding high-grade results’ appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 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.