The Fletcher Building Ltd (ASX: FBU) share price is in focus as the company reports early signs of improvement in Light Building Products and positive momentum in Australian operations for the March 2026 quarter.

What did Fletcher Building report?

• Light Building Products volumes up versus both Q2 and prior corresponding period (pcp); Waipapa Pine volumes rose 16.5% vs pcp and Iplex NZ up 15.9% vs pcp
• Australian Light Building Products saw continued improvement, with Laminex AU, Iplex AU, and Fletcher Insulation all reporting positive trends
• Heavy Building Materials remained subdued; Winstone Aggregates down 10.4% vs pcp, Humes down 4.8% vs pcp, but some pockets of project-driven activity emerging
• Distribution saw Frame & Truss sales up 6.6% vs pcp, driven by increased building consents and market share gains
• Residential units taken to profit in Q3 were 93, 24% lower than pcp, mainly due to the timing of long-standing developments

What else do investors need to know?

The bulk of Fletcher Building’s Q3 FY26 results reflect trading before the recent escalation in Middle East conflict, which has since heightened geopolitical risk in supply chains, energy, and freight. Management is actively monitoring impact risks and has already secured short-term supply for plastics and fuel, while exploring sourcing diversification and pricing adjustments where needed.

Input cost pressures remain a challenge, with plastic-related price increases up to 36% and fuel-linked surcharges introduced to offset higher costs. Early signs of softening demand have started to appear, particularly through project delays and cautious customer behaviour, though direct impacts to staff and operations have been limited so far.

What did Fletcher Building management say?

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Andrew Reding said:

Quarterly volumes for the March quarter continued to show early signs of improvement across the portfolio, with the important caveat that this quarter largely preceded the current geopolitical escalation. Light Building Products benefited from improved Alterations & Additions (A&A) activity in New Zealand and a broad-based uplift in Australia. Heavy Building Materials remains subdued overall, although we’re seeing pockets of activity tied to project work. Distribution, particularly frame & truss, continues to show steady improvement as underlying demand gradually returns. As was the case in prior quarters, trading conditions remained competitive, with ongoing margin pressure and compression continuing across business units and most notably in the Distribution division, Firth and the Steel business units.

What’s next for Fletcher Building?

Looking ahead, the company’s near-term performance will depend on the continued evolution of global events, particularly through supply chain costs and construction sector demand. Management has flagged uncertainty, but says Fletcher Building is focused on agile planning and prudent risk responses.

The business remains committed to maintaining supply continuity, protecting cash flow, and leveraging its strong balance sheet to manage through any prolonged market volatility. Investors should watch for further updates as the full impacts of geopolitical disruptions become clearer.

Fletcher Building share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Fletcher Building shares have declined 17%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 16% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Fletcher Building posts positive Q3 volumes amid new global risks appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• New Hope launches $300m convertible notes offer and buyback
• National Storage REIT to exit ASX 200 after takeover announcement

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.

DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO) shares were back in demand on Wednesday, finishing the session 9% higher at $3.72.

The rebound adds another twist to what has already been one of the ASX’s most volatile high-flyers in 2026.

Even after a rough past month that has seen the stock fall 11%, DroneShield shares are still up an extraordinary 227% over the past year and more than 20% year-to-date.

That still leaves the counter-drone specialist among the ASX’s standout performers despite the recent pullback.

Here’s what appears to be driving the latest move.

Leadership shock triggered the recent slide

The biggest hit came on 8 April, when the DroneShield share price plunged 14% and touched a one-month low of $3.20 after founder and chief executive Oleg Vornik stepped down effective immediately.

The company announced that chief product officer Angus Bean would take over as CEO, while chairman Peter James also flagged he would not seek re-election at the upcoming AGM.

The sell-off came despite the company releasing a very strong quarterly trading update the same day, including record cash receipts and significantly higher revenue.

DroneShield shares, already prone to sharp swings, were clearly unsettled by the sudden executive reshuffle.

Investors appeared to look past the result and focus instead on Vornik’s departure and what it could mean for leadership continuity.

That uncertainty has kept trading choppy since, with sharp rebounds often followed by quick profit-taking.

The bigger picture still looks strong

Despite the turbulence, the broader operating backdrop still appears supportive.

DroneShield remains one of the ASX’s most direct listed exposures to the fast-growing global counter-drone market.

The business provides AI-powered systems designed to detect and neutralise drones and autonomous threats across military, intelligence, government, and critical infrastructure settings.

That theme has remained in focus as geopolitical tensions continue pushing defence spending higher globally.

Importantly, this recent volatility follows a massive rerating from last year’s lows, when the stock traded near $1.72 before surging as high as $6.71 during its explosive run.

After that kind of move, periods of consolidation are not unusual.

Foolish takeaway

Yesterday’s rebound suggests buyers are still willing to back DroneShield on weakness.

The recent CEO departure clearly shook confidence and triggered a fast reset in sentiment.

The bigger driver remains DroneShield’s ability to convert growing international defence demand into new contract wins.

Rising defence budgets and DroneShield’s expanding international sales pipeline mean new deals can still have a major impact on the share price.

If that contract momentum continues, a move back toward $6 by year-end looks achievable.

The post Why DroneShield shares are roaring back after last week’s leadership shock appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• What’s going on with the DroneShield share price?
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• Is now a good time to invest $5,000 into DroneShield shares?
• These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares
• Why I’d buy BHP and DroneShield shares next week

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 DroneShield and is short shares of DroneShield. 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 Contact Energy Ltd (ASX: CEN) share price is in focus after the company’s March 2026 operating report revealed higher electricity and gas sales volumes but slightly lower customer margins compared to last year. Wholesale volumes and generation capacity also increased, with lower unit generation costs providing a boost.

What did Contact Energy report?

• Mass market electricity and gas sales rose to 359 GWh (March 2025: 282 GWh).
• Mass market netback was $172.45/MWh, down from $182.13/MWh a year ago.
• Contracted wholesale electricity sales climbed to 903 GWh (March 2025: 701 GWh).
• Total electricity and steam net revenue was $130.99/MWh (March 2025: $135.72/MWh).
• Unit generation cost decreased to $56.24/MWh (March 2025: $70.12/MWh).
• Electricity generated or acquired grew to 925 GWh (March 2025: 767 GWh).

What else do investors need to know?

Contact Energy has seen healthy growth in total customer connections, reaching 684,000 in March 2026. Gas sales volumes and telco connections also increased compared to the same time last year.

Controlled hydro storage remains strong, especially in the North Island (182% of mean), helping to support elevated electricity generation. Contracted gas volumes for the next 12 months now total 8.5 PJ, including contracted swaps.

The Glenbrook-Ohurua Battery 1 came online in March, marking progress in Contact’s renewable development. Other major projects, such as Kōwhai Park Solar and Te Mihi Stage 2 geothermal, remain under construction, aiming for completion from late 2026 to 2028.

What’s next for Contact Energy?

Contact Energy continues to advance its renewables strategy, with several large-scale solar, geothermal, and battery projects underway. The successful commissioning of Battery 1 demonstrates ongoing delivery on these plans.

Looking ahead, the company will focus on maximising benefits from increased generation capacity and storage, as well as navigating wholesale price fluctuations. Investors can expect updates as the major renewable projects near completion.

Contact Energy share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Contact Energy shares have declined 7%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 16% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Contact Energy lifts sales and generation in March 2026 monthly update appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• PLS Group prices US$600m in senior notes for growth and refinancing
• Genesis Minerals posts March 2026 quarterly results
• Fletcher Building posts positive Q3 volumes amid new global risks
• New Hope launches $300m convertible notes offer and buyback
• National Storage REIT to exit ASX 200 after takeover announcement

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.

There are plenty of ways to build a portfolio, but I think exchange-traded funds (ETFs) can be one of the simplest starting points.

They offer diversification, access to different strategies, and a way to invest without needing to pick individual stocks. The key, in my view, is choosing funds that give exposure to ideas that can hold up over time.

Here are three BetaShares ETFs I think are worth considering this month.

BetaShares Australian Quality ETF (ASX: AQLT)

The AQLT ETF focuses on a simple but powerful idea.

It invests in Australian shares that score highly on measures like return on equity, earnings stability, and low leverage. In other words, it is designed to capture businesses with strong fundamentals rather than just size or index weight.

What I like about this approach is the discipline it brings. Instead of owning the entire market, this BetaShares ETF tilts toward shares that have demonstrated an ability to generate consistent returns over time. That can be particularly useful in periods where investors are becoming more selective.

For me, the AQLT ETF is a way to add a quality filter to an Australian equity allocation without needing to pick individual stocks.

BetaShares Global Cash Flow Kings ETF (ASX: CFLO)

The CFLO ETF takes a different angle by focusing on shares that generate strong free cash flow.

Cash flow is often a key indicator of a company’s ability to reinvest in growth, pay dividends, or strengthen its balance sheet. By targeting this metric, the ETF looks to identify businesses that are not just growing, but doing so in a financially sustainable way.

What I like is how this complements other strategies. While some growth-focused investments rely heavily on future expectations, the CFLO ETF leans into what companies are generating today. That can add a level of resilience to a portfolio, particularly when market conditions become more uncertain.

It also provides global exposure, which helps diversify beyond the Australian market.

BetaShares Video Games and Esports ETF (ASX: GAME)

Lastly, the GAME ETF offers something a bit different.

It provides exposure to the global video game and esports industry, which continues to grow as digital entertainment becomes more embedded in everyday life.

What I find interesting here is the scale of the opportunity. Gaming is no longer a niche activity. It spans mobile, console, and online platforms, with a global audience that continues to expand.

The industry also benefits from recurring revenue models, such as in-game purchases and subscriptions.

Overall, this ETF offers a way to access that theme without needing to pick individual winners in a competitive and rapidly evolving space.

Foolish takeaway

ETFs can be a useful way to target specific investment ideas without relying on individual stock selection.

Each of these ETFs brings a different angle, and I think that combination can help build a more well-rounded portfolio over time.

The post 3 BetaShares ASX ETFs I’d buy in April for long-term growth appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has 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.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) shares closed 1.35% higher at a 52-week high of $235.13 a piece at the close of the ASX on Wednesday afternoon.

Wednesday’s uptick follows a month-long share price rally which has seen the stock jump 21.2% in value. They’re now up 15.4% for the year to date and 30.5% higher than this time last year.

What has pushed Macquarie shares higher over the past month?

Macquarie is the fifth-largest ASX 200 bank by market capitalisation, but it’s more than just a bank. 

Macquarie provides banking, financial, advisory, investment, and fund management services across 34 markets globally. That means it has exposure to commodities trading, infrastructure deals, asset management, and capital markets. 

The bank also makes around two-thirds of its money internationally, which reduces the risk of being too focused on one region.

This means that, unlike many other Aussie banks, it isn’t reliant on lending margins and its diversity means that it can remain stable, or even benefit, when markets are going through periods of volatility like we’ve endured for the past couple of months.

Can Macquarie keep growing?

In February, the investment bank posted its third-quarter trading update for FY26, where it revealed the business has benefitted from strong quarterly growth. 

Macquarie Asset Management (MAM) reported assets under management (AUM) up 3% quarter on quarter, and Macquarie’s Banking and Financial Services (BFS) segment’s total deposits were up 6% quarter on quarter. 

The BFS home loan portfolio increased by 7%.

Stronger financial results combined with good market momentum has seen analysts hike their performance expectations across several of the bank’s divisions.

The Financial Review reports that Bloomberg consensus analyst estimates now point to Macquarie reporting a 2026 profit of $4.3 billion when Wikramanayake delivers the results next month. Macquarie’s annual profit peaked at $5.2 billion in 2023.

What do analysts expect from Macquarie shares going forward?  

TradingView data shows that brokers are incredibly bullish on the outlook for Macquarie shares over the next 12 months. Out of 15 analysts, 10 have a buy or strong buy rating on the investment bank’s shares, and another five have a hold rating.

The average target price is $242.95 a piece, which implies a potential 3.3% upside from here. But others think the shares could jump another 14.8% to $270.

The team at Morgan Stanley upgraded Macquarie shares earlier this week to an overweight (buy) rating with a price target of $270 per share. The broker said it thinks Macquarie is well-placed to benefit from volatility in commodity markets and still sees potential for a meaningful re-rating thanks to its positive earnings growth outlook. 

Analysts at Jarden also recently reiterated a buy rating on the shares with a price target of $240.

The post Macquarie shares soar 21% to a 52-week high: Buy, sell or hold? 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 positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Virgin Australia Holdings Ltd (ASX: VGN) shares closed 7% higher on Wednesday afternoon, at $2.52 a piece.

The uptick is great news for investors after the airline’s shares suffered a very rocky start to the year. 

But there is a long way to go before the shares can claw back losses shed over the past six months. Virgin Australia shares are now down 28% for the year-to-date. They’re also down over 32% from an all-time high in October last year. 

The airline hasn’t been trading for 12 consecutive months yet, but it launched its initial public offering (IPO) at $2.90 per share in June last year.

Why have Virgin Australia shares been tumbling?

It looks like the initial decline late last year was investors selling up and taking gains off the table after the IPO announcement caused a share price rally.

Then, over the past couple of months, Virgin Australia shares have faced some strong headwinds. 

Ongoing conflict in the Middle East has severely restricted the supply of jet fuel (which is derived from refined crude oil). The airline has previously raised its domestic airfares in response to rising jet fuel costs in effort to maintain or even boost revenue. But investors were still concerned about how the higher jet fuel prices will affect the airlines operating costs and profits. 

There have also been reports that Virgin Australia’s partnership with Qatar Airways has come under pressure while the war continues to affect aviation routes. 

An overall shift in sentiment has caused Virgin Australia shares to tumble as investors sell up their holdings.

And what caused the latest share price spike?

But it looks like the stock took a sharp u-turn on Wednesday. Ahead of the ASX open the company confirmed that its FY26 financial guidance remains unchanged. Despite fuel prices almost doubling, the airline still expects its underlying EBIT to improve in the second half of FY26.

Virgin Australia’s fuel costs are expected to be around $30 million to $40 million above its earlier forecasts. But because it has strong hedging, the group is protected against most price rises. 

The airline confirmed that 92% of its Brent crude and 71% of refining margin exposure is hedged for the remainder of FY26.

The company’s outlook for FY26 remains solid. And it looks like investors breathed a huge sigh of relief.

Can Virgin Australia’s shares keep climbing from here?

According to analyst estimates, Virgin Australia shares have a long way to run before they reach their peak.

TradingView data shows that seven out of eight analysts have a buy or strong buy rating on the airline’s shares. 

The average target price of $3.79 implies a 50% upside at the time of writing, whereas the maximum $4.10 target price suggests the stock could surge another 63% over the next 12 months. 

The post Are Virgin Australia shares a buy after flying 7% higher on Wednesday? 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.

The New Hope Corporation Ltd (ASX: NHC) share price is in focus today after the company announced a $300 million senior unsecured convertible notes offering due 2032 and a planned repurchase of up to 100% of its existing 2029 convertible notes. The new convertible notes carry a coupon of 2.375%–2.875% and give investors a put option in 2030.

What did New Hope report?

• Launch of $300 million senior unsecured convertible notes due 2032 (“New Notes”)
• Concurrent repurchase of up to 100% of existing $300 million convertible notes due 2029
• Coupon rate for New Notes set at 2.375%–2.875% per annum, payable semi-annually
• Notes may be converted into ordinary shares or settled in cash at New Hope’s election
• New Notes to be listed on the Singapore Exchange (SGX-ST)
• Use of proceeds: refinancing, capital management, and general corporate purposes

What else do investors need to know?

The Offering will fund the repurchase of all or part of the 2029 notes, allowing New Hope to refinance at more attractive terms and extend its debt maturity profile. Any balance not used for the repurchase will go towards general corporate purposes, supporting the company’s ongoing strategy.

A book-build for the new issue will finalise terms before market open. Jefferies (Australia) is acting as sole global coordinator, with Jefferies and Jarden Australia as joint lead managers. If more than 85% of the 2029 notes are repurchased and cancelled, New Hope may redeem the remainder at face value plus accrued interest.

Recent volatility in global energy markets, driven by tensions in the Middle East, has kept thermal coal prices elevated. New Hope reports production and costs are tracking within its FY26 guidance range.

What did New Hope management say?

Chief Financial Officer Rebecca Rinaldi said:

We are pleased to return to the convertible bond market for the third time. The convertible bond market continues to be an important and cost-effective component of our capital structure. Through this transaction, we are proactively refinancing our 2029 notes at improved terms, extending our debt maturity profile and reducing our financing costs. Consistent with our prior issuance, New Hope may cash settle any conversions, providing us with flexibility to manage any future dilution that may arise.

What’s next for New Hope?

Looking ahead, New Hope aims to strengthen its balance sheet and maintain financial flexibility through this refinancing. By extending its debt maturity and reducing financing costs, the company positions itself to support growth initiatives and deliver value for shareholders in a volatile energy market.

Management will keep investors updated as final pricing and allocations for the New Notes are confirmed and the repurchase process unfolds. The company remains focused on disciplined capital management in alignment with its established strategy.

New Hope share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, New Hope shares have risen 51%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 16% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post New Hope launches $300m convertible notes offer and buyback appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

If you are looking to take your portfolio to the next level, it may be time to think beyond traditional sectors.

Some of the most exciting opportunities in the market today are being driven by global technology, automation, and cybersecurity trends. The good news is that ASX exchange traded funds (ETFs) make it easy to access these themes in a single trade.

Here are five ASX ETFs that could supercharge your portfolio.

BetaShares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

The first ASX ETF that could add serious growth potential is the BetaShares Asia Technology Tigers ETF.

This fund provides exposure to leading technology companies across Asia, a region that continues to digitise rapidly.

Its holdings include Tencent Holdings (SEHK: 700), Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (NYSE: TSM), and Alibaba Group (NYSE: BABA).

What makes this fund compelling is its exposure to markets that are still in earlier stages of digital adoption compared to the US, which could translate into strong long-term growth.

BetaShares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (ASX: RBTZ)

Another ASX ETF that could boost returns is the BetaShares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF.

This ETF targets companies at the forefront of automation and AI, industries that are transforming how businesses operate.

Key holdings include NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA), Intuitive Surgical (NASDAQ: ISRG), and Keyence.

Rather than focusing on a single niche, this ETF spreads exposure across multiple applications of AI and robotics, giving it a broad growth runway. It was recently recommended by the team at Betashares.

BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF (ASX: ATEC)

A third ASX ETF that could be worth considering is the BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF.

This fund provides exposure to Australia’s leading technology companies, offering a way to back local innovation.

Its holdings include Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO), WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC), and TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE).

This ETF gives investors access to businesses that are growing both domestically and internationally, with scalable models and strong long-term potential. It was also recently recommended by the team at Betashares.

VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF (ASX: QUAL)

Another ASX ETF that could strengthen a portfolio is the VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF.

It focuses on high-quality global companies with strong balance sheets, stable earnings, and competitive advantages.

Its holdings include Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), and Visa (NYSE: V).

This focus on quality helps balance out more aggressive growth exposures, providing a layer of resilience while still offering solid long-term returns. It was recently recommended by the team at VanEck.

BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK)

A fifth ASX ETF that could round out a portfolio is the BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF.

This fund targets companies involved in cybersecurity, an area that is becoming increasingly critical as digital threats continue to rise.

Key holdings include CrowdStrike (NASDAQ: CRWD), Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW), and Zscaler (NASDAQ: ZS).

As businesses and governments invest more heavily in protecting data and systems, demand for cybersecurity solutions is expected to grow.

The post 5 ASX ETFs that could supercharge your portfolio appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Betashares Capital – Asia Technology Tigers Etf, Technology One, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Apple, BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF, CrowdStrike, Intuitive Surgical, Microsoft, Nvidia, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, Technology One, Tencent, Visa, WiseTech Global, Xero, and Zscaler and is short shares of Apple. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Alibaba Group and Palo Alto Networks and has recommended the following options: long January 2028 $520 calls on Intuitive Surgical and short January 2028 $530 calls on Intuitive Surgical. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Apple, CrowdStrike, Microsoft, Nvidia, Technology One, and Visa. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) share price is a long way from where it used to be.

At $139.44, it is sitting closer to its 52-week lows than anything resembling its former peak. That peak was $342.75 back in February 2020, when CSL was widely seen as one of the ASX’s most dependable growth stories.

I think that contrast is striking. The same business that once traded at a premium for its consistency is now being priced far more cautiously.

A shift in how the market sees CSL and its shares

For a long time, CSL benefited from a very clear narrative.

It was a high-quality global biotechnology company with reliable growth, strong margins, and a pipeline that supported long-term expansion. Investors were comfortable paying up for that combination because the company delivered on it consistently.

That narrative has become less certain.

Over the past couple of years, CSL has been working through a period where growth has been less predictable and more dependent on a range of moving parts across its business.

In its latest update, the company reported a decline in revenue and underlying earnings for the half, while reported profit was heavily impacted by restructuring costs and impairments.

That alone does not tell the full story.

From consistency to complexity

One way I think about the current situation is that CSL has moved from being a relatively straightforward growth story to a more complex one.

Different parts of the business are moving at different speeds.

Some products are facing changes in pricing or policy settings in key markets. Others are dealing with increased competition or weren’t granted approval as expected. At the same time, the company is investing in new therapies, expanding manufacturing, and reshaping its business.

All of that adds layers. For investors, more moving parts often leads to more uncertainty, and that can influence how a company is valued, even if the long-term opportunity remains intact.

Still building for the next phase

What I find interesting is that CSL is still actively positioning itself for future growth.

The transformation program underway is designed to improve efficiency and simplify operations, while ongoing investment in research and development continues to build out the pipeline.

There are also new products coming through that could contribute more meaningfully over time, alongside existing therapies that remain central to the business.

To me, that suggests the company is focused on its next phase rather than standing still.

So, what could $10,000 become?

If CSL shares were to return to their record high of $342.75, investors would be laughing all the way to the bank.

That would represent an increase of roughly 145% from the current price of $139.44.

Based on that, a $10,000 investment today would grow to approximately $24,500 if the shares were to revisit that level.

But that is a big if.

Foolish takeaway

CSL is in a different phase to the one investors became used to over the past decade. The business now has more moving parts, more investment underway, and a broader set of factors influencing performance.

That has led to a reset in expectations and a lower share price.

At the same time, the company continues to invest in its future and build out its next wave of growth. If that plays out as hoped, the gap between the current share price and its previous high could narrow. But it is not guaranteed and could take some time to happen.

The post How much would $10,000 become if CSL shares returned to their record high? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• What on earth’s going on with CSL shares?
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Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in CSL. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL. 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.

If you had invested $5,000 in Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares two years ago, you’d be sitting on a seriously impressive gain today.

Among today’s S&P/ASX 20 Index (ASX: XTL) heavyweights, CBA shares are one of the standout performers over the past 24 months. And no, this isn’t a speculative tech rocket or a turnaround story. This is a bank.

Let’s dive in.

Stellar growth, generous payouts

Back in April 2024, CBA shares were trading around $114.54. Fast forward to today, and they’re changing hands near $183.38 at the time of writing. That’s a gain of almost 60% in share price alone. By comparison the ASX 20 has risen roughly 23% over the same period.

Do the maths, and it gets even more interesting. A $5,000 investment at $114.54 would have bought you roughly 43.7 shares. At today’s price, those shares would now be worth about $8,010. That’s more than $3,000 in capital gains.

But that’s only half the story. CBA shares have continued to deliver generous, fully-franked dividends over that period. CBA’s yield has generally been between 3% and 4%.

If you’d reinvested those payouts along the way, your total investment would likely be worth north of $8,600 today. That brings the total earnings gain over 2 years to 72%. Not bad for a “boring” blue chip.

Strong, consistent profits

So what’s been driving this performance? Plenty.

First, earnings resilience. Despite a challenging economic backdrop, CBA has continued to deliver strong and consistent profits. Its dominant position in the Australian banking sector — particularly in home lending — has helped it maintain steady revenue streams.

Then there’s pricing power. Higher interest rates have boosted net interest margins, allowing the bank to earn more on its lending book. At the same time, its massive customer base and sticky relationships have helped protect those margins from competition.

And don’t underestimate demand. CBA shares have become a cornerstone holding for ETFs, super funds, and income-focused investors. In uncertain markets, money tends to flow into large, reliable companies and CBA has been one of the biggest beneficiaries of that trend.

Consistent investor demand

There’s also the dividend appeal. With consistent, fully-franked payouts, CBA remains a favourite among income investors. That demand helps support the share price, even when broader market conditions are volatile.

Put it all together, and you get a powerful combination: steady earnings, strong margins, reliable dividends, and constant investor demand. The result? A blue-chip stock that has quietly delivered market-beating returns.

Foolish Takeaway

The performance of CBA shares over the past two years is a reminder that you don’t always need to chase high-risk growth stocks to build wealth.

Sometimes, the biggest winners are the ones hiding in plain sight. And for long-term investors, that’s the real takeaway.

Quality businesses don’t just protect capital, they can grow it faster than you think.

The post $5,000 invested in CBA shares two years ago is now worth… appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 10 years to retirement? Here’s how to build a solid income
• How I would build the ultimate beginner portfolio with $10,000
• CBA shares jump another 9.5% in April: Buy, sell or hold?
• Just starting out? These 5 ASX shares could be the perfect first buy
• Forget CBA shares and buy this ASX 200 stock: Shaw & Partners

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 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.