The Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) share price is edging lower on Friday as investors react to operational disruptions closer to home.

At the time of writing, Woodside shares are down 0.58% to $34.18, after trading as high as $34.83 earlier in the session.

Despite today’s dip, the stock has been volatile in 2026, with strong gains earlier this month linked to rising global energy prices.

Here’s what’s driving the latest move.

Cyclone forces shutdowns across key WA assets

Severe weather linked to Cyclone Narelle has disrupted major gas infrastructure in Western Australia.

Reports indicate that Woodside’s North West Shelf operations, including the Karratha gas plant, were impacted as the cyclone moved through the region.

Offshore platforms supplying gas to the facility were shut down, while LNG production trains and associated infrastructure were taken offline as a precaution.

The North West Shelf is a critical asset for Woodside and a major contributor to both LNG exports and domestic gas supply.

At the same time, other facilities across WA have also been affected. Chevron‘s Gorgon and Wheatstone LNG operations have experienced outages, while Santos Ltd (ASX: STO)’s Varanus Island plant has also been offline.

Combined, these facilities supply a large share of WA gas, and estimates indicate up to 44% of total output has been disrupted.

Global tailwinds meet local headwinds

Earlier in 2026, Woodside shares were supported by a rapid lift in oil and gas prices.

The ongoing war in the Middle East has lifted energy markets, reduced expected supply, and supported earnings outlooks.

This backdrop helped drive a strong rally in the stock through the early part of the year.

However, today’s weakness highlights a different risk.

While global pricing has been supportive, local operational disruptions are weighing on sentiment in the short term.

The shutdown of key WA assets creates uncertainty around near-term production, even if the disruption is expected to be temporary.

Technical levels come into focus

From a technical view, Woodside shares remain in an upward trend despite recent volatility.

The stock is trading above its longer-term support levels, with the $32 region acting as a key base in recent months.

On the upside, resistance appears to be forming around the $35 to $36 range, where the stock has struggled to break higher.

Momentum indicators suggest the recent rally has cooled. The relative strength index (RSI) is sitting around the low 70s, indicating the stock had been approaching overbought territory before pulling back.

Foolish Takeaway

Global energy markets have provided support for Woodside in 2026, but events in Western Australia show how quickly local factors can influence the share price.

The restart timeline for affected assets, alongside movements in oil and LNG prices, is likely to shape near-term direction.

The post Woodside shares slip as WA cyclone disrupts gas operations 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 positions in and has recommended Chevron. 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.

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares are 0.5% lower at 8,485.3 points on Friday as the conflict in Iran drags on.

Since the war began, ASX 200 shares have fallen 7.8%.

Most sectors, particularly mining, have been negatively impacted, while energy shares have soared due to higher oil, gas, and coal prices.

Earlier this week, we looked at the 5 most traded ASX 200 shares since the war began.

The trading data came from online investment platform Stake and covered the period from 2 March to 18 March.

Only one of the top 5 most traded shares was an energy company.

That alone was interesting, given energy shares are clearly the momentum trade of the moment, with the sector up 16% since 2 March.

The data also indicated another interesting and surprising trend — investors’ desire to buy the dip.

Several of the most traded ASX 200 shares had experienced major annual declines, and the war had dragged them even lower.

Examples include CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL), Wisetech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC), Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO), and Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) shares.

This is a trend we’ve seen before among Aussie investors.

Last year, Stake trading data showed Aussies bought the dip during the April 2025 rout after the US announced its reciprocal tariffs.

10 most traded ETFs since the war began

In this article, we take a look at the 10 most traded ASX exchange-traded funds (ETFs) on the Stake platform since the war began.

This data is highly relevant given that so many Aussie investors are choosing ETFs over individual shares in today’s market.

According to the latest market data, Aussies have a record $333 billion invested across 426 ETFs on the market today.

Here is the data from Stake. Remember, this data only shows volume of activity, so we don’t know the split between purchases and sales.

However, we can assume that the fifth-ranked Betashares Crude Oil Index Currency Hedged Complex ETF (ASX: OOO) is buy-tilted.

ASX OOO has surged 47% in 30 days, and provides exposure to US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil futures (not the spot price).

We can also assume some profit-taking with ASX gold and silver ETFs, given the drop in gold and silver prices this month.

The gold price has fallen 18%, and silver has dropped 24% since the war in Iran began.

However, gold and silver remain 42% and 98% higher, respectively, over 12 months.

Rank	ASX ETF
1	iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)
2	Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS)
3	Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)
4	Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)
5	Betashares Crude Oil Index Currency Hedged Complex ETF (ASX: OOO)
6	Global X Physical Gold ETF (ASX: GOLD)
7	Betashares Diversified All Growth ETF (ASX: DHHF)
8	Perth Mint Gold (ASX: PMGOLD)
9	Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: VHY)
10	Global X Physical Silver Structured (ASX: ETPMAG)

Source: Stake

The post Which ASX ETFs have Aussies traded most since the Iran war began? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in Global X Physical Precious Metals Basket – Global X Physical Silver, Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF, and Zip Co. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, CSL, WiseTech Global, Xero, and iShares S&P 500 ETF and is short shares of BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL, Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF, Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS) share price is under pressure today following a fresh company update.

At the time of writing, shares are down 11.01% to $8.41, after falling as low as $8.31 in morning trade. The move adds to a volatile period for the defence technology company, with the stock now down around 11% in 2026.

Here’s what’s driving the latest move.

German delegation visit highlights capabilities

EOS announced that it had hosted a high-level German defence delegation at its Canberra facility.

The visit, led by Germany’s Federal Minister of Defence, focused on EOS’ counter-drone and high energy laser systems. This included demonstrations of its slinger remote weapon system (RWS) and the 100kw Apollo laser platform.

Management highlighted its ability to support Germany’s requirements through localised production and faster delivery timelines. The visit follows recent developments in defence cooperation between Australia and the European Union.

The company also reiterated its growing presence in global defence markets, with systems deployed or sold across regions including Europe, the United States, and the Middle East.

Volatility follows recent peak and insider selling

Despite the operational update, the share price reaction reflects broader positioning in the stock.

EOS shares have been highly volatile since reaching a record high of $11.80 on 13 March. In the sessions that followed, the stock dropped heavily, coinciding with disclosed share sales from the CEO and the leadership team.

Since then, the share price has tested the $8 level on multiple occasions. This area is now emerging as a potential support zone based on recent trading patterns.

Technical indicators also reflect the shift in momentum. The relative strength index (RSI) has moved back toward the mid-range, sitting around 45. Bollinger bands suggest the stock is trading closer to its lower range following the recent decline.

Goldrone payment remains a key focus

A key near-term factor for EOS remains the pending $18 million deposit linked to its South Korean Apollo laser contract with Goldrone.

The company has previously stated that, based on discussions, it expects the payment and formalisation of the agreement before the end of March. As of now, there has been no confirmed update on whether the deposit has been received.

This contract is tied to a broader US$80 million opportunity and represents a significant step in growing its high energy laser business.

Foolish Takeaway

The German delegation visit highlights EOS’ global activity and its product offering. However, the share price in the near term is still tied to contract progress and funding updates.

Recent trading shows the $8 level is acting as a key support area, while the outcome of the Goldrone agreement remains a major factor for the stock.

The post Why EOS shares are tumbling 11% today as investors weigh a key defence catalyst appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Why EOS, Latitude, Northern Star, and Rio Tinto shares are falling 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 positions in and has recommended Electro Optic Systems. 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.

There are currently only a handful of ASX dividend stocks that provide monthly income to their investors.

ASX shares typically pay out just two dividends a year. That’s the case for most of the ASX’s famous blue chips, whether it be Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW), or Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS).

Some ASX shares and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) fork out quarterly dividends, but these are uncommon. Rarer still are monthly dividend payers. Yet many investors appreciate the regularity of a monthly dividend.

Those investors currently have only a few options, including Plato Income Maximiser Ltd (ASX: PL8) and the BetaShares S&P Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: HYLD). But they will soon have one more to consider.

This month, fund manager Solaris Investment Management revealed plans to float a listed investment company (LIC) that will follow the strategy of its existing Solaris Australian Equity Income Fund, an unlisted managed fund.

A new monthly ASX dividend stock

This fund invests in a basket of underlying ASX dividend shares. The fund’s latest update tells us that these include Nine Entertainment Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: NEC), BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) and Capricorn Metals Ltd (ASX: CMM).

The Solaris Australian Equity Income Fund has been around since 2016. Since that time, it has delivered some robust results for investors. As of 28 February, investors have enjoyed an average return of 11.21% per annum. Of that 11.21%, 8.33% per annum came from dividend income distributions, including the value of franking credits. The other 2.88% came from capital growth.

As we speak, Solaris is undertaking a capital raising, at $2 a share, from investors to launch the listed version of the Solaris Australian Equity Income Fund. It will be known as Solaris Australian Equity Income Plus Ltd, and will trade with the ASX ticker code ‘SET’. Solaris has nominated 17 April 2026 as the day that shares of this new ASX dividend stock are expected to commence trading.

Upon listing, Solaris has stated that the new company will have three objectives:

• generate income, inclusive of franking credits, that exceeds the income of the S&P/ASX 200 Franking Credit Adjusted Daily Total Return Index (Tax-Exempt) (Benchmark) annually
• generate total returns that are broadly in line with, or exceed, the Benchmark over the medium to long term
• deliver regular monthly income in the form of franked dividends

The fund manager expects Solaris Australian Equity Income Plus Ltd to pay the first of its monthly dividends in August this year. While there’s no guarantee (as with any ASX dividend stock) that investors will receive an 8%-plus dividend yield going forward, the company’s successful track record in delivering income will be reassuring for many.

The post 8% yield: The ASX is getting a new dividend stock that pays out monthly appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Plato Income Maximiser. 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 Telstra Group and Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Nine Entertainment. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

New Hope Corp Ltd (ASX: NHC), Yancoal Australia Ltd (ASX: YAL), and Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC) shares are charging higher on Friday despite the broader market malaise.

In afternoon trade today, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is down 0.3%.

Here’s how these three ASX 200 coal stocks are tracking at this same time:

• Whitehaven shares are up 4.8% at $9.23 each
• New Hope shares are up 4.2% at $5.67 apiece
• Yancoal shares are up 3.5% at $8.35 each

So, what’s going on?

ASX 200 coal stocks lift on rising energy concerns

With no fresh price-sensitive news out from any of the three ASX 200 coal stocks, it looks like they are all enjoying renewed investor interest amid a rising coal price.

Thermal coal is trading for US$142 per tonne, up 3.2% overnight, according to data from Trading Economics. This sees the coal price up more than 21% in March.

Like oil and gas, the coal price – and the shares of New Hope, Yancoal, and Whitehaven – have risen sharply since the onset of the Iran war on 28 February.

Today’s increase comes after the thermal coal price dipped to US$138 per tonne earlier this week. That drop was driven by hopes that the war could be nearing an end after United States President Donald Trump extended his deadline to commence bombing Iran’s power stations, saying the nations are involved in negotiations.

But with the US moving significant new forces into the conflict zone, and Iran denying it is seeking a deal, hopes of a near-term ceasefire have faded.

And as we hope for cooler heads to prevail, energy prices and energy stocks are moving higher.

How have New Hope, Yancoal, and Whitehaven shares performed in March?

Since the onset of the Middle East conflict on 28 February, the ASX 200 has slumped 7.8%.

As for the ASX 200 coal stocks, Yancoal shares are up 42.4% over this time; New Hope shares have gained 20.9%; and Whitehaven shares are up 18.0% in March.

Looking ahead, while it’s impossible to predict how coal prices will move longer term, I think it’s likely they will remain elevated over the coming months. That’s because even the rapid end to the conflict that we’re hoping for will leave nations around the world scrambling to secure their depleted energy needs.

That should help support the recent outsized gains posted by New Hope, Yancoal, and Whitehaven shares.

We could also see significant increases in the next round of dividends from the ASX 200 coal stocks as they share their growing profits with stockholders.

The post Why New Hope, Yancoal and Whitehaven shares are storming higher on Friday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• $7,500 invested in New Hope shares 5 weeks ago is now worth…

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.

It has been another busy week for many of Australia’s top brokers. This has led to the release of a number of broker notes.

Three broker buy ratings that you might want to know more about are summarised below. Here’s why brokers think these ASX shares are in the buy zone right now:

Light & Wonder Inc (ASX: LNW)

According to a note out of Macquarie, its analysts have retained their outperform rating on this gaming technology company’s shares with a trimmed price target of $205.00. Macquarie believes that Light & Wonder is well-positioned to continue its strong growth in 2026. However, it suspects that growth will be weighted to the second half of the year due to new product launches and easing cost pressures. In light of this and its current valuation, Light & Wonder is the broker’s top pick in the industry right now. The Light & Wonder share price is trading at $123.87 on Friday.

Liontown Ltd (ASX: LTR)

A note out of UBS reveals that its analysts have retained their buy rating and $2.20 price target on this lithium miner’s shares. The broker is feeling positive about the lithium industry and believes now is an attractive time for investors to consider a position. This is because UBS sees scope for another upcycle for lithium prices due to surging oil prices and supply disruptions caused by the war in the Middle East. It suspects that the impact this is having on the fuel market could lead to increased demand for electric vehicles. This would be good news for lithium demand and prices. In fact, the broker sees potential for the spodumene price to reach US$4,000 per tonne by the end of the year. The Liontown share price is fetching $1.65 at the time of writing.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

Another note out of Macquarie reveals that its analysts have retained their outperform rating on this telco giant’s shares with an improved price target of $5.64. This follows the announcement of mobile plan increases by Telstra this week. Macquarie believes that these price increases will support average revenue per user growth. And with its budget offering, Belong, also increasing prices, the broker sees only low risks of churn. Macquarie expects this to underpin fully franked dividends of 21 cents per share in FY 2026 and then 21.5 cents per share in FY 2027. The Telstra share price is trading at $5.30 on Friday.

The post Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• How high does Macquarie think this gaming stock will go?
• Are Liontown shares a buy, hold, or sell?
• 3 ASX mining shares: Buy, hold, or sell?
• Is the Telstra share price a buy after increasing mobile plan prices?
• Which defensive ASX shares are outperforming right now?

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro 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 Light & Wonder Inc and Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group and Telstra Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Light & Wonder Inc. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Suncorp Group Ltd (ASX: SUN) share price is edging lower on Friday after the company released an update before market open.

At the time of writing, shares are down 0.49% to $16.32.

The move adds to a volatile period for the insurer, with the stock now down roughly 15% in 2026, despite rebounding around 10% over the past month.

Here’s what the company announced.

CEO taking temporary leave

In a statement to the ASX, Suncorp confirmed that Chief Executive Officer Steve Johnston will take a short period of leave as he recovers from a medical procedure.

The company said the leave is expected to be brief.

During this period, Chief Financial Officer Jeremy Robson will step into the role of acting CEO.

Neil Wesley, currently General Manager of strategy, corporate development and investor relations, will serve as acting CFO.

The update was released ahead of market open, with the board expressing its support for Johnston and wishing him a speedy recovery.

Management continuity in focus

The announcement points to a structured internal transition, with senior executives stepping into interim roles.

Robson’s appointment as acting CEO indicates the company is relying on leadership already familiar with its operations, financial position, and strategic priorities.

Wesley’s move into the CFO role maintains oversight across key financial functions, including capital management, reporting, and investor engagement.

There were no changes flagged to Suncorp’s strategy, operations, or financial outlook in the update.

Share price remains volatile

Suncorp shares have been moving unevenly in recent months, reflecting a mix of sector-wide pressures and company-specific factors.

While the stock has recovered over the past month, it remains down year to date, highlighting inconsistent recent trading performance.

The decline follows a period where investors reassessed earnings momentum across the insurance sector. Suncorp’s half-year results pointed to pressure from elevated natural hazard costs, alongside shifts in premium growth and claims trends.

At the same time, broader market conditions have influenced the share price as investors adjust expectations around interest rates and valuations.

The company has continued capital management initiatives, including share buybacks, which have provided some short-term support to the share price.

Foolish Takeaway

While today’s update relates to leadership, the use of internal executives in acting roles maintains continuity across the business.

With no changes to guidance or strategy, the share price move reflects positioning rather than underlying performance.

The near-term direction for Suncorp shares is likely to follow insurance sector trends, along with any updates on leadership and earnings.

The post Suncorp shares slip as CEO steps aside appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 ASX shares that could benefit from rising interest rates
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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 Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG) share price fell 5.75% to an intraday low of $9.52 on Friday after an investor update.

Magellan said the Share Purchase Plan (SPP) related to its merger with boutique investment bank Barrenjoey was “heavily oversubscribed” and it will issue new shares to the value of its original target of $20 million.

The SPP closed on Wednesday.

The SPP offered existing shareholders the opportunity to buy up to $30,000 worth of new Magellan shares at $8.45 apiece.

Earlier this month, Magellan completed a $130 million institutional capital raise to help fund the merger.

The Lowy family of the Westfield retail empire was among the participants, investing just over $79 million for a 5.1% stake.

Magellan management also offered a clarification today regarding the vesting of employee shares for Barrenjoey executives.

Under the terms of the Merger and pursuant to the Barrenjoey ESS plan rules, the Consideration Shares in respect of each employee will vest in seven equal instalments in six monthly intervals, commencing 8.5 years from the relevant employee’s service commencement year and concluding after 11.5 years. Vesting is subject to continued employment.

As consideration for the merger, Magellan will issue 106,838,520 consideration hares to the shareholders of Barrenjoey upon completion.

Of those shares, 92,626,871 will go to Barrenjoey parties and 14,211,649 will go to an affiliate of Barclays PLC.

All Barrenjoey parties will be subject to escrow or vesting arrangements, with staggered vesting and escrow release dates already set.

In an earlier statement, Magellan said:

These arrangements are designed to ensure continuity of leadership, and alignment with long-term shareholder outcomes with the Barrenjoey Parties to which the restrictions apply only permitted to sell their Consideration Shares after their respective dealing restriction period ends.

The weighted average dealing restricted period is approximately 5.5 years after announcement.

Magellan and Barclays provided seed capital for Barrenjoey when it launched in 2020.

Currently, Magellan owns a 36% stake, and will pay $903 million via the issuance of new shares to buy the rest of the company.

Magellan said it would update the market again next Tuesday.

Magellan share price snapshot

The Magellan share price has jumped 12.8% since the investment manager announced the proposed merger earlier last month.

The Magellan share price is now up 22% over the past year, but down 76% over the past five years.

This week, Macquarie downgraded Magellan shares to a sell rating with a 12-month price target of $8.55.

Earlier this month, after the merger was announced, Morgans upgraded Magellan to a buy and lifted its target from $9.80 to $12.43.

The post Why is the Magellan share price down 6% today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: Life360, Magellan, and QBE shares
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Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in Magellan Financial Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Barclays Plc. 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.

S&P/ASX 200 Health Care Index (ASX: XHJ) shares have crumbled 33% over 12 months, and not just because of CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL).

While CSL’s market capitalisation has halved over two years, several other sector heavyweights have also tumbled to multi-year lows.

In fact, eight of the 10 largest ASX 200 healthcare shares are trading at or close to multi-year or 52-week lows today.

Is this an opportunity to buy the highest quality companies in the ASX 200 healthcare sector on the cheap? Or a reason to steer clear?

Blackwattle Large Cap Quality Fund portfolio managers Joe Koh and Elan Miller comment:

The sector as a whole has faced multiple headwinds, including currency and tariffs for the large multinationals and labour and cost pressures for the domestic players.

With this in mind, let’s look at the state of play for the healthcare sector’s three biggest players, and how the brokers rate them today.

1. CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

The CSL share price is $141.22, down 2.2% on Friday.

CSL remains the sector’s largest company by a long shot with a market capitalisation of $70.06 billion.

The blue-chip ASX 200 healthcare share has fallen 18% year to date (YTD) and 44% over the past 12 months.

The CSL share price touched an eight-year low of $133.35 last week.

Disappointing earnings results, a company restructure, and a drop in vaccination rates worldwide are among the concerns for investors.

This week, UBS reiterated its buy rating on CSL shares with a 12-month target of $235.

Meanwhile, Ord Minnett has a hold rating with a $198 target.

In a note last month, the broker said:

Cost performance has improved significantly as CSL’s business restructuring plans are implemented but revenue growth is still proving hard to come by, and the CEO’s exit adds a degree of difficulty to the biotech’s outlook.

Despite the apparent upside on offer, Ord Minnett will need more evidence of top-line growth and margin expansion before we can become more constructive on CSL.

2. Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG)

The Sigma Healthcare share price is $2.60, down 1% on Friday.

Sigma Healthcare, which owns a network of chemists, has a market capitalisation of $30.24 billion.

This ASX 200 healthcare share has fallen 12% YTD and 11% over the past year.

Sigma shares slid to a 15-month low of $2.58 in earlier trading today.

The stock has gone through a correction after reaching heady levels last year due to the Chemist Warehouse merger.

The Sigma Healthcare share price reached a multi-decade high of $3.28 in June last year.

This week, Ord Minnett upgraded Sigma Healthcare shares to a buy rating but lowered its 12-month target from $3.40 to $3.30.

Jefferies has also upgraded the ASX 200 healthcare share to a buy rating with a $3.05 target.

Morgans downgraded the stock from buy to accumulate after reviewing the company’s 1H FY26 report last month.

The broker said:

SIG posted a solid 1H26, which was in line with consensus.

The highlights included solid CW LFL sales growth (up 15%), revenue growth higher than cost growth by 4.5%, and synergy targets on track.

We move to an ACCUMULATE (was Buy) due to YTD share price strength.

Morgans has a 12-month target of $3.36.

3. ResMed CDI (ASX: RMD)

The ResMed share price is $32.34, down 0.5% today.

The ASX 200 healthcare share has fallen 10% YTD and 9% over the past year.

ResMed, which makes CPAP devices to treat sleep apnoea, has a market cap of $18.66 billion.

ResMed shares fell to a 20-month low of $31.77 per share on Monday.

Last month, Ord Minnett reiterated its buy rating on ResMed shares.

Due to the higher Australian dollar, the broker reduced its AUD price target from $44.56 to $43.70.

Ord Minnett explained:

ResMed is now guiding to an FY26 gross margin of 62–63%, up from 61–63% previously, and we have upgraded our own forecast to 62.4% from 64.1% as we incorporate cheaper input costs and production efficiencies into our numbers.

A mark-to-market adjustment for the stronger Australian dollar currency means our target price in AUD falls to $43.70 from $44.56 despite a rise in our EPS forecasts.‍

We maintain a strongly positive view on ResMed as strong earnings growth boosts its net cash position, which should support higher dividends and more capital management. ‍

On The Bull last week, Nathan Lodge from Securities Vault revealed a hold rating on this ASX 200 healthcare share.

Lodge said:

Structural demand drivers, including ageing populations, increasing diagnosis rates and broader awareness of sleep health, continue to support long term growth.

However, a strong share price recovery following concerns about the impact of weight loss drugs on sleep apnoea treatment appears to leave much of the near-term optimism priced into the stock.

While the company’s fundamentals remain robust, the valuation reflects its market leadership and growth outlook.

Investors may prefer to retain existing positions, while awaiting further earnings expansion, or more attractive entry points.

The ResMed share price was whacked in 2023 due to the rising use of GLP-1 medicines like Ozempic and Mounjaro for obesity.

In March 2024, ResMed released in-house research showing that GLP-1 medicines were actually a tailwind, as they encouraged people to see their doctor about their weight, leading to more diagnoses of sleep apnoea and a 10% increase in CPAP device usage.

The post ASX 200 healthcare shares down 33% in a year as heavyweights hit multi-year lows appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL, Jefferies Financial Group, and ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The BlueScope Steel Ltd (ASX: BSL) share price is edging lower on Friday despite a positive update to the market.

At the time of writing, shares are down 0.45% to $26.72. Even so, the stock remains up around 11% in 2026.

The move comes after BlueScope outlined progress in a key strategy aimed at unlocking value from its large surplus land portfolio.

Here’s the key detail.

Progress on surplus land strategy

BlueScope confirmed it is accelerating plans to extract value from around 1,200 hectares of surplus industrial land across New South Wales and Victoria.

More than 60% of this land is already zoned to support development, with access to major infrastructure such as ports, transport, and energy.

The company is pursuing a mix of leases, partnerships, and selective asset sales to generate returns over time.

Management said the program is designed to deliver value beyond its core steelmaking operations.

New deal signed in NSW

In New South Wales, BlueScope has entered a commercial heads of agreement with automotive logistics group, Prixcar.

Prixcar is an Australian automotive logistics company specialising in vehicle storage, processing, and transport. It works with major car manufacturers and dealerships to manage vehicle distribution nationwide.

The deal involves a 10-hectare hardstand car storage facility at West Dapto, supported by an initial 10-year lease.

The site sits within an established industrial area with strong demand for logistics and storage.

Development is expected to be completed by 2029. BlueScope estimates the project will deliver around $40 million in value after costs and incentives.

Victoria project moves forward

In Victoria, the company has launched an expression of interest process for a larger 65-hectare logistics hub.

This site is located next to its Western Port facility and benefits from close proximity to road, rail, and port infrastructure.

BlueScope expects the project to attract interest from logistics and industrial developers, with early signals described as strong.

Value from this initiative is expected to start coming through in the first half of FY27.

Building on earlier milestones

Today’s update follows a series of recent steps to unlock value from its land portfolio.

These include the $76 million sale of a 3.3-hectare residential site at West Dapto, and a long-term ground lease linked to a 100MW battery project in New Zealand. The company has also rezoned around 200 hectares of land at Port Kembla.

Foolish Takeaway

BlueScope is making steady progress in extracting value from its surplus land portfolio.

The NSW and Victorian projects add to a growing pipeline, with further developments expected over the coming years.

While the share price edged lower today, this plan could help the company make more money alongside its steel business.

The post This ASX steel stock is unlocking hidden value. So why is it falling today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• What’s next for BlueScope shares after takeover drama?
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares 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.