Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS) shares have been very strong performers over the past 12 months.

Since this time last year, the ASX defence stock has risen an incredible 670%.

Is it too late to invest? Let’s see what analysts at Bell Potter are saying about the defence and space company following its quarterly update.

What is the broker saying?

Bell Potter was pleased with the company’s strong cash generation during the first quarter. And while costs were higher than expected, the broker believes this is seasonal. It said:

EOS reported cash receipts of $72.6m in 1Q26 up $49.9m on 1Q25. Operating cash flow was $9.5m compared to $19.3m in 4Q25, a strong print for 1Q26, which is historically a weak quarter reflecting the timing of milestone completions achieved on customer contracts during the quarter. EOS reported a March 2026 cash balance of $95.1m falling $11.8m since 31 December 2025.

Capex was $8.2m during the period running ahead of our $15m CY26 estimate. Annualised operating cash costs were $134.5m which compares to our opex estimate of $124.5m for CY26e the higher print reflected seasonal one-offs such as yearly staff bonus payouts.

Bell Potter also highlights that the company’s order book is growing, which bodes well for its future growth. It adds:

The unconditional contract backlog as at 31 March 2026 is $518m, an increase of $59m on the position at the start of the year. Constructive discussions continue regarding the US$80m HELW contract with Goldrone, with potential conversion to unconditional in 2Q26. EOS continued HELW product discussions with representatives from Germany, France, Italy, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, UAE, India, Korea, Australia, and the US.

Is it too late to buy this ASX defence stock?

According to the note, the broker has retained its buy rating on EOS shares with an improved price target of $10.40 (from $9.70).

Based on its current share price of $9.06, this implies potential upside of 15% for investors over the next 12 months.

Commenting on its buy recommendation, the broker said:

We retain our Buy rating and [increase] our TP to $10.40 on lower CY27e earnings. EOS is positioned as a market leader in C-UAS solutions, particularly in directed energy, and is leveraged to increasing budget allocations to C-UAS technologies. Through both its kinetic and directed energy solutions, EOS has a long runway for growth.

The post Up 670%: Is it too late to buy this ASX defence stock? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 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.

The Atlas Arteria Group (ASX: ALX) share price is in focus after the company received an unsolicited takeover offer from IFM Investors. The $4.75 per stapled security cash offer is just under a 10% premium to the previous close.

What did Atlas Arteria report?

• Received an unsolicited takeover offer from IFM Global Infrastructure Fund at $4.75 cash per security
• IFM Investors currently owns about 35% of Atlas Arteria securities
• The offer is conditional on various approvals and consents
• Offer may be increased by 35 cents per security if IFM’s interest rises above 45% before closing
• Atlas Arteria’s closing price before the offer announcement was $4.82 per security

What else do investors need to know?

The Atlas Arteria Board emphasised that it did not solicit this proposal and recommends securityholders take no action at this stage. An Independent Board Committee has been established to carefully consider the offer and provide guidance to investors in due course.

IFM’s takeover bid is subject to multiple conditions, some involving third-party consents that may be difficult to obtain. Securityholders will receive further information through a Bidder’s Statement from IFM, to be followed by a Target’s Statement from Atlas Arteria.

Annual General Meetings for Atlas Arteria Limited and Atlas Arteria International Limited will be held on 13 May 2026. Security holders are encouraged to vote according to director recommendations.

What’s next for Atlas Arteria?

Atlas Arteria has established an Independent Board Committee to thoroughly review IFM’s offer and assess all available options for securityholders. The company will issue its Target’s Statement after receiving IFM’s Bidder’s Statement, expected in mid-May.

In the meantime, investors are advised to wait for the company’s formal recommendation before making any decisions. Atlas Arteria will keep securityholders updated on significant developments through direct communication and ASX announcements.

Atlas Arteria share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Atlas Arteria shares have declined 8%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 6% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Atlas Arteria receives takeover offer from IFM Investors appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Scentre Group maintains 2026 growth targets
• Evolution Mining’s 2025 annual statement details resource and reserves growth
• Resmed reports double-digit revenue and profit increases in Q3 FY26
• Big gains for BHP shares in April, but is the best still to come?
• Coles Group shares in focus after Q3 FY26 sales rise 3.1%

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.

The Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) share price is in focus after the company reported its annual Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves Statement, revealing Group Mineral Resources have grown to 31 million ounces of gold and 4.2 million tonnes of copper, with contained gold up by 0.9 million ounces (3%) and reserves growth at key sites.

What did Evolution Mining report?

• Group Mineral Resources: 31 million ounces (Moz) of gold and 4.2 million tonnes (Mt) of copper as at 31 December 2025
• Contained gold up 0.9Moz (3%) year on year, led by Cowal (+1.2Moz) and Northparkes open pits (+0.17Moz)
• Ore Reserves: 12Moz of gold and 1.3Mt of copper, with contained gold reserves up 0.5Moz (5%)
• Copper Mineral Resources were 200kt (4%) lower, mainly due to mining depletion at Ernest Henry and Marsden revisions
• Reserve growth driven by Cowal (+0.67Moz) and Red Lake Tailings (+0.2Moz), offset by some depletion in copper reserves
• Continued exploration success at Mungari and Cowal with extensions to high-grade mineralisation

What else do investors need to know?

Recent drilling at Mungari and Cowal has confirmed promising high-grade gold results. These developments not only support potential mine life extensions but also provide upside for future production at these operations.

The Northparkes expansion study is underway, with completion expected by the end of FY2027. This study is aimed at delivering further Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve growth, particularly for copper. Evolution has also increased its exploration program for FY2026, targeting growth around key assets like Ernest Henry and Northparkes.

What did Evolution Mining management say?

Managing Director and CEO Lawrie Conway said:

Our Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves Statement for December 2025 has seen Group Mineral Resources grow to 31Moz of contained gold. This demonstrates the scale and longevity of our long-life, high-quality portfolio, complemented by our current expansion studies that offer further upside. We also see clear potential to grow copper resources from the current 4.2Mt, with targeted exploration accelerating around Ernest Henry and Northparkes over the next year.

At Cowal, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves have increased, driven by successful extension drilling to the south of Dalwhinnie and deeper drilling at Regal, providing increased confidence in mineable inventory. This positions Cowal for continued organic growth through disciplined resource delineation and execution focused mine planning.

What’s next for Evolution Mining?

Evolution plans to keep growing its resource base through ongoing exploration and technical studies. The company’s Northparkes expansion study, due by the end of FY2027, is expected to add both gold and copper upside.

Guidance for financial year 2026 remains at 710,000 to 780,000 ounces of gold and 70,000 to 80,000 tonnes of copper at an all-in sustaining cost of $1,640 to $1,760 per ounce. The company continues to focus on disciplined development at Cowal, Northparkes, and other core assets.

Evolution Mining share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Evolution Mining shares have risen 54%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 6% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Evolution Mining’s 2025 annual statement details resource and reserves growth appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Scentre Group maintains 2026 growth targets
• Atlas Arteria receives takeover offer from IFM Investors
• Resmed reports double-digit revenue and profit increases in Q3 FY26
• Big gains for BHP shares in April, but is the best still to come?
• Coles Group shares in focus after Q3 FY26 sales rise 3.1%

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.

The Resmed CDI (AX: RMD) share price is in focus today after the company posted third-quarter revenue up 11% to US$1.43 billion and non-GAAP earnings per share up 21% to US$2.86.

What did Resmed report?

• Third-quarter revenue grew 11% to US$1.43 billion (up 8% in constant currency)
• GAAP gross margin increased by 290 basis points to 62.2%; non-GAAP gross margin to 62.8%
• GAAP income from operations up 17%; non-GAAP income from operations up 18%
• GAAP diluted earnings per share of US$2.74; non-GAAP diluted earnings per share of US$2.86 (up 21%)
• Operating cash flow of US$554 million for the quarter
• Returned US$262 million to shareholders via dividends and share buybacks

What else do investors need to know?

Resmed reported broad-based revenue growth across all key regions and product segments, with increased demand for its range of sleep devices, masks, and software solutions. Notably, the US, Canada, and Latin America business (excluding software) rose 9%, while Europe, Asia and other markets climbed 7% on a constant currency basis.

The company also highlighted expansion efforts, including a new US distribution centre in Indiana and the launch of its latest AirTouch F30i Comfort mask. Resmed paid an 87 cent per share quarterly dividend and repurchased 673,000 shares as part of its shareholder returns strategy.

What did Resmed management say?

Chairman and CEO Mick Farrell said:

Our third quarter results reflect the continued strength of our global business, driven by ongoing demand for our market-leading products and disciplined execution of our strategy,”  “Year-over-year, we delivered 11% reported revenue growth, 290 basis points of non-GAAP gross margin expansion, and 21% increase in earnings per share. These results highlight the momentum behind our strategy, and the continued progress we are making in shaping the future of sleep health, breathing health, and healthcare in the home. As we advance through the remainder of our fiscal year 2026, we remain focused on expanding access to care globally, scaling our digital health capabilities, and delivering further strong, profitable growth.

What’s next for Resmed?

Looking ahead, Resmed plans to continue investing in digital health, expand its operational footprint, and launch new products globally. Management signalled ongoing commitment to growing revenue and profits while maintaining a strong focus on innovation and patient outcomes.

The company’s strategy aims to build on recent momentum, leveraging its technology and market reach to improve access to respiratory and sleep health care on a global scale.

Resmed share price snapshot

Ove the past 12 months, Resmed shares have declined 19%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 6% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Resmed reports double-digit revenue and profit increases in Q3 FY26 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Scentre Group maintains 2026 growth targets
• Atlas Arteria receives takeover offer from IFM Investors
• Evolution Mining’s 2025 annual statement details resource and reserves growth
• Big gains for BHP shares in April, but is the best still to come?
• Coles Group shares in focus after Q3 FY26 sales rise 3.1%

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 positions in and has recommended ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended ResMed. 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 BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) are reminding investors why this mining giant rarely stays quiet for long.

After a choppy start to the year, BHP has surged back into form. BHP shares are up around 18% in 2026 so far, including a solid 7% gain in April alone.

That builds on an impressive 41% rise over the past 12 months. For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has climbed just 7% over the same period.

So, after a strong run, are there more gains ahead?

Strong operations across key commodities

BHP shares’ recent performance isn’t just market momentum, the underlying business is delivering.

Despite ongoing volatility in commodity prices, the company continues to post strong operational results. Its Western Australian iron ore division has achieved record production levels, while copper output remains solid and is expected to land in the upper half of full-year guidance.

That consistency is crucial. When multiple divisions are firing at once, it supports stable earnings and strong cash flow.

There’s also a powerful long-term theme at play. Global demand for resources like copper is expected to rise as economies transition toward cleaner energy. From electric vehicles to renewable power systems, copper plays a central role and BHP is one of the world’s largest producers.

If that demand continues to grow, BHP shares are well positioned to benefit.

Reliable income with a long dividend track record

BHP isn’t just a growth story, it’s also a major income player.

The company has paid dividends for nearly two decades and typically targets a payout ratio of at least 50% of earnings. That means when commodity prices are strong, shareholders directly share in the upside. Dividend yields often fall in the 4% to 6% range and are usually fully franked, making them particularly attractive for Australian investors.

While payouts can fluctuate with earnings cycles, BHP shares have shown it can deliver meaningful income over the long term.

Financial strength and future growth

Another reason investors continue to watch BHP shares is the miner’s strong balance sheet and growth pipeline.

The company has boosted its financial position through asset sales and strategic deals, generating significant cash and maintaining flexibility. That puts it in a strong position to fund new projects while still returning capital to shareholders.

One key project is the Jansen potash development in Canada, with first production expected around mid-2027. This adds exposure to fertilisers, a new commodity stream that could diversify earnings beyond iron ore and copper.

At the same time, BHP remains focused on low-cost operations and disciplined capital allocation, helping protect margins even as industry costs rise.

What do analysts think?

Broker sentiment is mixed. According to TradingView data, 13 out of 21 analysts rate BHP shares as a hold, six have buy or strong buy ratings, and two suggest selling.

The average 12-month price target sits slightly above the current share price of $54.88. The most bullish forecasts point to around 27% upside, while the most bearish suggest a potential 26% downside.

The post Big gains for BHP shares in April, but is the best still to come? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Scentre Group maintains 2026 growth targets
• Atlas Arteria receives takeover offer from IFM Investors
• Evolution Mining’s 2025 annual statement details resource and reserves growth
• Resmed reports double-digit revenue and profit increases in Q3 FY26
• Coles Group shares in focus after Q3 FY26 sales rise 3.1%

Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has positions in BHP Group. 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.

The Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) share price is in focus after the company reported a 3.1% rise in group sales revenue for the third quarter of FY26, led by above-market growth in its Supermarkets division and a robust 24.8% increase in eCommerce sales.

What did Coles Group report?

• Total group sales revenue rose 3.1% to $10,703 million for the 12 weeks ending 29 March 2026
• Supermarkets sales revenue reached $9,781 million, up 4.0% year-on-year
• Supermarkets comparable sales increased 3.6%; excluding tobacco, sales grew 5.7%
• eCommerce sales jumped 24.8% to $1,327 million, boosting online penetration to 13.6%
• Liquor sales revenue fell 3.9% to $781 million, with comparable sales down 4.3%
• Other segment revenue was $141 million, relating to the Product Supply Agreement with Viva Energy

What else do investors need to know?

Coles’ Supermarkets continued to outperform the market, driven by volume-led growth, new product launches, and strong customer engagement in promotional campaigns. The company renewed 17 supermarkets and opened two new locations, further growing its national presence.

Despite challenges in the Liquor division—where sales fell and trading conditions remained tough—Coles reported rising customer satisfaction and higher Flybuys engagement, crediting expanded partnerships and streamlined store banners for improved customer experiences. The group now counts 10.3 million active Flybuys members and saw a 75% increase in Coles Plus and Saver subscriptions.

What did Coles management say?

Chief Executive Officer Leah Weckert said:

We delivered another strong sales result reflecting the strength of our customer offer and disciplined execution against our strategic priorities. Achieving consistent sales momentum for the period over multiple years demonstrates our commitment to remaining focused on long term outcomes whilst successfully navigating short term volatility in market conditions and supply chains.

What’s next for Coles?

Coles expects to maintain supermarket sales growth in the early fourth quarter, with a continued focus on offering value to customers as cost-of-living pressures persist. The business is actively managing rising operational costs such as fuel, freight, and packaging, aiming to balance customer affordability with supplier relationships.

In Liquor, softer consumer sentiment is expected to keep sales and earnings under pressure for the rest of the half. The company will continue investing in its own brand portfolio, eCommerce capabilities, and supply chain to meet shifting customer needs and position itself for long-term resilience.

Coles Group share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Coles shares have risen 3%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 6% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Coles Group shares in focus after Q3 FY26 sales rise 3.1% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Scentre Group maintains 2026 growth targets
• Atlas Arteria receives takeover offer from IFM Investors
• Evolution Mining’s 2025 annual statement details resource and reserves growth
• Resmed reports double-digit revenue and profit increases in Q3 FY26
• Big gains for BHP shares in April, but is the best still to come?

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.

The ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) share price is in focus today after the big four bank reported a half-year cash profit of $3.78 billion, up 70% from the previous half, and a statutory profit of $3.65 billion. ANZ also declared an interim dividend of 83 cents per share, with franking increased to 75%.

What did ANZ report?

• Statutory profit for the half: $3,650 million, up 62% on prior half
• Cash profit: $3,780 million, up 70% or 14% excluding significant items
• Cash return on tangible equity: 11.6%, up 161 basis points
• CET1 capital ratio: 12.39%, up 36 basis points from September 2025
• Interim dividend: 83 cents per share, franked at 75%
• Cost-to-income ratio: down to 49.4% from 65.5% previously

What else do investors need to know?

ANZ reported improved results across key metrics after simplifying its business and completing several transformation initiatives. The proposed integration of Suncorp Bank remains on track, with customer migration planned by June 2027.

Credit quality stayed strong, with low portfolio losses and only a minimal increase in non-performing exposures. Customer deposits increased 3% and capital levels remain well above regulatory minimums. Liquidity ratios also stayed strong, highlighting ANZ’s financial stability.

What did ANZ management say?

ANZ Chief Executive Officer Nuno Matos said:

This half year result demonstrates three things. First, our transformation is running at pace, and we are making good progress in executing our five immediate priorities safely, sustainably, and on time.

Second, in parallel, we are investing in line with our ANZ 2030 strategic initiatives, to deliver for our customers, accelerate growth and outperform the market beyond 2027.

Third, importantly we are already delivering materially better returns for shareholders.

What’s next for ANZ?

ANZ expects to continue executing on its ANZ 2030 strategy, focusing on cost reductions, technology, and customer experience. The bank is targeting a return on tangible equity around 12% by FY28 and a cost-to-income ratio in the mid-40s percent range.

There are further plans to complete the integration of Suncorp Bank and achieve cost savings of $800 million in FY26, with Suncorp synergies expected to deliver $500 million in annual benefits by FY29. ANZ will also keep building its risk management framework amid ongoing economic uncertainty.

ANZ share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, ANZ shares have risen 23%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 6% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post ANZ shares: Profit jumps in 2026 half-year earnings appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Contact Energy appoints new Chair as Rob McDonald retires
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
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• 5 ASX All Ords shares downgraded by brokers this week

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.

In April, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was on form and pushed 2.2% higher.

The good news for investors is that a number of ASX 200 shares thoroughly outperformed this with very strong gains.

Here’s why these shares rose more than 10% during the month:

Codan Ltd (ASX: CDA)

The Codan share price charged 33% higher in April. A good portion of this came at the end of the month following the release of a trading update from the technology company. Codan announced that its performance in the second half has been stronger than expected. As a result, it now expects FY 2026 EBIT to hit $235 million and net profit to reach $170 million. This represents an increase of over 60% from last year. It stated: “In DTC, strong demand from defence customers for unmanned systems, supported by ongoing geopolitical tensions, continues to drive growth in our software-defined radios (SDRs). As a result, the Communications business is expected to achieve revenue growth at the top end of the 15% to 20% range for the full year FY26.”

PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS)

The PLS share price outperformed with an 18% gain in April. This lithium miner’s shares stormed higher following the release of a strong third-quarter update. PLS posted a 12% quarter-on-quarter increase in spodumene concentrate production to 232.4kt for the three months. And with its realised price increasing 61% to US$1,867 per tonne, the company reported a 52% jump in revenue to A$567 million. Another positive was that its costs reduced to A$520 per tonne, which underpinned a cash margin from operations of A$461 million. This represents a 178% increase quarter-on-quarter.

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

The Pro Medicus share price was on form and raced 15% higher last month. As well as getting a boost from a rebound in the tech sector, a new contract renewal helped lift sentiment. The health imaging technology company signed a five-year contract renewal with Northwestern Medicine. Importantly, the $37 million contract comes with higher minimums and an increased fee per transaction. Commenting on the renewal, Pro Medicus’ CEO, Dr Hupert, said: “We are extremely pleased that in addition to committing to a second five-year term at an increased fee per exam, NM have also committed to an increase in their minimums reflecting the growth in their exam volumes since standardising on our platform five years ago.”

Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP)

The Zip share price was a strong performer in April with a gain of 57%. Investors were buying the buy now pay later provider’s shares following the release of its third-quarter update. Zip reported record cash EBTDA of $65.1 million for the third quarter. This was a sizeable 41.5% increase on the prior corresponding period. In light of this stronger than expected performance, management revealed that it now expects group cash EBTDA of at least $260 million for FY 2026. This is up from its previous guidance of approximately $248.6 million.

The post Why these ASX shares jumped 15%+ in April appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Prediction: Zip shares could fly another 121% higher
• Top 10 ASX shares bought and sold in April
• What’s making healthcare the worst sector on the ASX 200, down 39% in a year?
• 5 ASX All Ords shares downgraded by brokers this week
• Morgans tips 1 ASX mining share to rip — and 1 to avoid — in 2026

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

The Contact Energy Ltd (ASX: CEN) share price is in focus today after the company announced the upcoming retirement of Chair Rob McDonald and the appointment of Jon Macdonald as the new Chair, set to take effect following this year’s Annual Shareholder Meeting.

What did Contact Energy report?

• Rob McDonald will retire as Chair after the 2026 Annual Shareholder Meeting
• Jon Macdonald, current independent director, appointed as Chair-elect
• Rob McDonald served as Chair since 2018 and joined the Board in 2015
• Leadership succession follows acquisition of Manawa Energy Limited and major growth initiatives

What else do investors need to know?

Rob McDonald’s time as Chair saw Contact accelerate its renewable generation strategy and deliver key projects supporting New Zealand’s energy transition. Under his leadership, the company also completed its acquisition of Manawa Energy Limited, reinforcing its market position.

Jon Macdonald brings strong governance and executive experience to the Chair role, having served as Chief Executive of Trade Me Group and holding board roles at Sharesies Group, Mitre 10 New Zealand, and Kiwibank Limited. This transition is expected to provide continuity and stability for Contact Energy’s future strategic direction.

What’s next for Contact Energy?

The upcoming change in Chair is expected to be seamless, as Jon Macdonald’s experience supports ongoing momentum for Contact’s strategic plans. The Board expressed confidence that his leadership will continue to drive innovation and shareholder value, focusing on renewable energy and customer outcomes.

The company remains committed to supporting the nation’s energy transition and strengthening its position in the New Zealand energy sector.

Contact Energy share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Contact Energy shares have declined 9%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 6% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Contact Energy appoints new Chair as Rob McDonald retires appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• ANZ shares: Profit jumps in 2026 half-year earnings
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• ASX 200 sinks into longest losing streak in years as oil prices surge
• 2 high-quality ASX 200 shares experts rate as buys

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.

Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH) shares went into freefall in late April after a brutal earnings downgrade shocked the market.

The stock plunged from around $168 to near $90 in a matter of days — a staggering 46% wipeout. It’s not every day a blue chip healthcare name gets smashed like this. While it managed to claw back slightly to finish April around $94, the damage has been done.

So, what just happened at the end of April and could a recovery be on the cards?

Sharp cut, delayed surgeries

The $6 billion ASX company leads the global cochlear implant market with about 50% global market share. Cochlear shares are now down roughly 65% year to date in 2026, with the bulk of that decline triggered by a weak trading update released on 22 April.

There’s no dressing it up. The update disappointed. The company slashed its FY26 underlying net profit guidance to between $290 million and $330 million. That’s a sharp cut from its previous $435 million to $460 million range and a significant downgrade for a business known for consistency.

What’s driving the weakness? Demand has softened in key developed markets, with fewer hearing implant procedures taking place. Cochlear also flagged disruptions in the Middle East, where ongoing conflict has led to cancelled orders and delayed deliveries.

At the same time, some patients appear to be delaying surgeries, treating them as discretionary in the short term. Referrals have slowed, and procedures are being pushed out. Importantly, that doesn’t mean demand has disappeared.

Growing pool of patients

Cochlear remains the global leader in implantable hearing solutions, backed by decades of research and development. Around 13% of its revenue continues to be reinvested into innovation, a sign the long-term strategy remains intact.

There is also a large and growing pool of patients with hearing loss, particularly among ageing populations. Management of Cochlear shares continues to point to a “significant, unmet and addressable clinical need” underpinning future growth.

In other words, this looks more like a timing issue than a structural collapse.

Uncertainty is high

Still, the market isn’t reacting without reason. Earnings have taken a clear hit, and near-term visibility is now clouded.

But here’s where things get interesting. At around $94, Cochlear shares are trading on a little over 19 times FY26 earnings, a level rarely seen for a company of this quality. That’s starting to divide opinion.

Some brokers remain optimistic. Jarden has a price target on Cochlear shares of $169, suggesting almost 80% upside if conditions normalise. Other analysts are more cautious. Macquarie has slashed its target from $239 to $115, while Morgans sits in the middle with a hold rating and a $107.17 target.

The spread tells the story: uncertainty is high.

Foolish Takeaway

Cochlear shares’ collapse late April was dramatic and justified by a sharp downgrade in earnings expectations. But the long-term story hasn’t disappeared. If delayed demand returns and execution stabilises, a recovery could follow.

For now, though, this ASX healthcare giant sits at a crossroads, caught between short-term pain and long-term potential.

The post Cochlear shares crashed in April, but is a comeback looming? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Down 65%, are Cochlear shares a once-in-a-decade buying opportunity?
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Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Cochlear. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Cochlear. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.