• Why Bravura, CAR Group, Pepper Money, and Web Travel shares are storming higher

    A young man punches the air in delight as he reacts to great news on his mobile phone.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is back on form and charging higher. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is up 1.9% to 8,872.3 points.

    Four ASX shares that are rising more than most today are listed below. Here’s why they are storming higher:

    Bravura Solutions Ltd (ASX: BVS)

    The Bravura Solutions share price is up 27% to $2.28. This wealth management software provider’s shares are jumping today after it upgraded its guidance for FY 2026. Bravura now expects revenue to be between $280 million and $285 million (previously $265 million and $275 million) and cash EBITDA to be between $69 million and $73 million (previously $55 million and $65 million). This reflects increased project engagement across customers and business units, which is expected to continue into the second half.

    CAR Group Limited (ASX: CAR)

    The CAR Group share price is up 8% to $26.51. Investors have been buying the auto listings company’s shares following the release of its half-year results. CAR Group reported an 8% increase in revenue to $626 million, an 11% lift in EBITDA to $324 million, and a 16% jump in net profit after tax to $143 million. The company’s managing director and CEO, William Elliott, said: “CAR Group has delivered a strong first half, achieving excellent financial results with double-digit growth across our key financial metrics. This is a great outcome and reflects the strength of the business model and the continued execution of our strategy.”

    Pepper Money Ltd (ASX: PPM)

    The Pepper Money share price is up 27% to $2.23. This follows news that annuities company Challenger Ltd (ASX: CGF) is in advanced talks to jointly acquire Pepper Money with Pepper Group ANZ HoldCo. The proposal offers Pepper Money shareholders cash consideration equal to $2.60 per share, less any dividends. Management warned: “Discussions are ongoing, however there is no certainty that a more certain proposal will be forthcoming or that the Indicative Proposal will result in a definitive agreement.”

    Web Travel Group Ltd (ASX: WEB)

    The Web Travel share price is up 18% to $3.49. Investors have been buying this travel technology company’s shares on the cheap after they crashed deep into the red on Friday. It seems that some investors believe the market overreacted to news that Spanish authorities are auditing the company’s operations in the country.

    The post Why Bravura, CAR Group, Pepper Money, and Web Travel shares are storming higher appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Bravura Solutions Limited right now?

    Before you buy Bravura Solutions Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Bravura Solutions Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Web Travel Group Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Bravura Solutions. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CAR Group Ltd and Challenger. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • This beaten down ASX tech stock just jumped 10%. Here’s why

    Animation of blue and yellow cars with arrows at the top symbolising automotive share price.

    The CAR Group Ltd (ASX: CAR) share price is sharply higher on Monday following the release of the company’s FY2026 half-year results.

    At the time of writing, the CAR Group share price is up 10.17% to $26.97, reversing part of the weakness seen earlier this year. Despite today’s rally, the stock remains down around 12% year to date.

    While the headline numbers were solid, other factors are driving today’s share price move.

    Let’s unpack.

    Guidance unchanged after solid first half

    CAR Group delivered another strong half-year result and left its full-year guidance unchanged.

    For FY2026, management continues to target proforma revenue growth of 12% to 14% and proforma EBITDA growth of 10% to 13% in constant currency. Those targets are unchanged from the company’s previous update.

    The result showed continued double-digit growth across key operating metrics, supported by stable margins and strong cash conversion. Earnings growth was broad-based across regions, with Australia remaining a stable contributor and international operations continuing to scale.

    With guidance holding steady, this suggests trading conditions remain consistent with expectations heading into the second half of the year. Management did not flag any material change in demand or cost pressures since the last update.

    Growth supported across key regions

    The group’s geographic diversity continues to support earnings growth, with contributions coming from multiple regions.

    Australia remains a stable earnings base, supported by strong market leadership across key segments. North America delivered solid growth, with premium products continuing to gain traction at Trader Interactive.

    Latin America delivered some of the strongest growth rates across the group, driven by expanding dealer relationships and higher finance revenue. Asia also delivered double-digit growth, supported by higher Guarantee penetration and improved yields.

    Cash flow and dividends remain solid

    CAR Group also declared a 42.5 cent interim dividend, up 10% on the prior corresponding period and 30% franked.

    The company converted 95% of EBITDA into operating cash flow, reflecting strong cash generation during the half. That level of cash conversion supports continued investment and dividend payments.

    Why the share price fell this year

    Despite today’s sharp move higher, CAR Group shares have underperformed in 2026 to date.

    The weakness has largely reflected broader pressure on high-quality growth stocks, rather than any deterioration in the underlying business. Higher interest rate uncertainty and valuation concerns have also weighed on the sector.

    Today’s share price move suggests some investors are reassessing the stock after the company’s results.

    Foolish takeaway

    CAR Group’s half-year performance was largely in line with expectations.

    The business continues to grow earnings across multiple regions, generate strong cash flow, and pay a higher interim dividend. No material changes to trading conditions were flagged.

    If sentiment continues to improve, the share price may have scope to move higher from here.

    The post This beaten down ASX tech stock just jumped 10%. Here’s why appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in CAR Group Ltd right now?

    Before you buy CAR Group Ltd shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and CAR Group Ltd wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

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

  • Why is the Web Travel share price rocketing 19% on Monday?

    Happy woman trying to close suitcase.

    The Web Travel Group Ltd (ASX: WEB) share price is lifting off today.

    Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) travel stock closed on Friday trading for $2.96. During the Monday lunch hour, shares are swapping hands for $3.53 apiece, up a blistering 19.3%.

    For some context, the ASX 200 is up 1.8% today following on a strong day of trading in US stock markets on Friday.

    Here’s why Web Travel is smashing the benchmark returns today.

    Web Travel share price surges on FY26 guidance confirmation

    A lot of today’s outperformance looks to be driven by bargain hunters, who see value in the ASX 200 travel share following Friday’s trouncing.

    As you may know, on Friday, the Web Travel share price closed down a painful 29.5%.

    That selling action followed news that the Special Delegation of the Balearic Islands of the Spanish Tax Agency had initiated an audit of the company’s Spanish subsidiary.

    Management said the tax agency is reviewing the subsidiary’s direct taxes paid between April 2021 and March 2024, as well as its indirect taxes paid (and owed) between January 2022 and December 2025.

    Today, management looks to have eased ASX investor concerns with a timely market update.

    As a quick review, Web Travel spun off its online travel agency business, Webjet Group (ASX: WJL), in September 2024. The company is now primarily focused on its B2B travel business, WebBeds.

    Management today noted that WebBeds is a global business with offices in more than 20 countries and staff in more than 50 countries. They added that Web Travel is subject to tax reviews and audits each year on a regular basis.

    As for Friday’s announcement of the Spanish subsidiary audit that sent the Web Travel share price into a nosedive, management said they decided to “proactively inform the market, rather than reactively address investor queries as a result of the Spanish media coverage”.

    They also reassured investors that the taxpayer being audited is the Spanish subsidiary only.

    Management added, “The Spanish subsidiary review only commenced on 5 February 2026 and we cannot make comment at this time.”

    And Web Travel said it does not expect any material earnings impact from the Spanish tax review.

    The company reiterated its full-year FY 2026 earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) guidance of between $147 million and $155 million. That represents a 22% to 29% increase on Web Travel’s FY 2025 EBITDA of $121 million.

    The post Why is the Web Travel share price rocketing 19% on Monday? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Web Travel Group Limited right now?

    Before you buy Web Travel Group Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Web Travel Group Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

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

  • Why Bougainville Copper, Brainchip, Challenger, and HMC Capital shares are falling today

    Disappointed man with his head on his hand looking at a falling share price his a laptop.

    In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to record a strong gain. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is up a sizeable 1.9% to 8,872.6 points.

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

    Bougainville Copper Ltd (ASX: BOC)

    The Bougainville Copper share price is down 3.5% to 79 cents. Investors have been selling this copper stock after it announced the termination of a strategic partnering process with the president of the Autonomous Bougainville Government. This is in relation to the selection of an international mining partner for the redevelopment of the Panguna Mine.

    Brainchip Holdings Ltd (ASX: BRN)

    The Brainchip share price is down a further 3.5% to 13.5 cents. This semiconductor company’s shares have come under significant pressure since the release of another disappointing quarterly update. Brainchip reported cash receipts of just US$0.4 million for the three months ended 31 December, despite entering the commercialisation stage a few years ago. Investors appear to be doubting whether Brainchip realistically has any chance of ever competing with chip developers that spend billions on research and development each year.

    Challenger Ltd (ASX: CGF)

    The Challenger share price is down 3.5% to $8.60. This follows news that the annuities company is in advanced talks to jointly acquire Pepper Money Ltd (ASX: PPM) with Pepper Group ANZ HoldCo. Challenger believes the potential acquisition would provide long-term access to fixed income assets and support its strategic growth plans. If completed, Challenger would hold no more than 25% of total Pepper Money shares. It seems that the market isn’t overly keen on the deal.

    HMC Capital Ltd (ASX: HMC)

    The HMC Capital share price is down almost 5% to $3.73. This morning, Morgan Stanley retained its equal-weight rating and $3.85 price target on the investment company’s shares. Its analysts think that HMC Capital’s shares are fair valued at current levels. Though, it is worth noting that other brokers see more value in the company’s shares. For example, last month Morgans put a buy rating and $6.60 price target on its shares. Based on its current share price, this implies potential upside of approximately 75% for investors over the next 12 months. Time will tell which broker has made the right call on this one.

    The post Why Bougainville Copper, Brainchip, Challenger, and HMC Capital shares are falling today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in BrainChip Holdings Limited right now?

    Before you buy BrainChip Holdings Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and BrainChip Holdings Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 Jan 2026

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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 HMC Capital. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Challenger and HMC Capital. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Are REA Group shares a buy, sell or hold after their recent sell off?

    A toy house sits on a pile of Australian $100 notes.

    Shares in REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA) were sold off heavily last week after the company released what, on the face of it, appeared to be a decent set of numbers.

    The company, which owns the dominant real estate listings site in Australia, realestate.com.au, reported revenue from core operations of $916 million, up 5% year on year, and net profit of $341 million, up 9%.

    The company also announced a $200 million share buyback.

    So far, so good.

    So why has the stock been sold down?

    I’ve had a look at what the analysts are saying, and it’s fair to say they believe the company has been oversold.

    The analysts at Macquarie have a $200 per share price target on REA Group, though they recommend it with a neutral rating.

    They explain in a note to clients published this week that the company is being caught up in the fear around artificial intelligence, which is seen as a growing threat to many industries at the moment.

    The Macquarie team said:

    The rapid and ongoing AI developments have created debate on structural change within online real-estate classifieds. Most company stock prices are down in the last 12-months (23% average decline), and valuations are trading around pre-COVID levels, following a multi year post-COVID re-rating. Whether online real-estate classifieds are a net beneficiary of AI is too early to call in our view We do think that real estate is more protected than the AI risks facing small consumer shopping transactions however, the industry has historically seen disruptive shifts (i.e. from print), as well as complementary changes (i.e. introduction of mobile); we are cautious on putting AI into either of these categories just yet.

    Elsewhere, UBS analysts are quite positive on the stock, with a buy recommendation and a price target of $218.90.

    Their report out this week had the subheading “no visible deterioration in growth drivers”, and they said while the first half result was a minor miss to consensus expectations, the core residential performance was in line with estimates, “giving us comfort on sustainability of growth in medium term”.

    They added:

    (The) Stock continues to be impacted by concerns around competition and general AI fears. Whilst these concerns are valid, we are yet to see meaningful evidence in today’s results. We remain confident on REA’s ability to deliver double digit yield growth over next 3 years.

    They added that the key risk in the second half remained the macroeconomic environment, with another one to two interest rate hikes “pencilled in by our economics team,” but they said, conversely, this could drive growth for REA as mortgage stress prompted people to sell houses.

    REA Group shares were 2.2% higher on Monday morning at $171.71.

    The post Are REA Group shares a buy, sell or hold after their recent sell off? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in REA Group right now?

    Before you buy REA Group shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and REA Group wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

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

  • Big ASX news! Rio Tinto share price leaping to all-time highs today

    A beautiful ocean vista is shown with a woman whose back is to the camera holding her arms up in triumph as she stands at the top of a rock feeling thrilled that ASX 200 shares are reaching multi-year high prices today

    The Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) share price is treading into uncharted territory today.

    Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) mining giant closed on Friday trading for $157.08. In late morning trade on Monday, shares are changing hands for $160.32 apiece, up 2.1%.

    If the ASX 200 mining stock can hold onto these gains to market close, that will not only mark a new one-year high but also a new all-time closing high.

    And today’s gains come despite iron ore dipping back below the critical US$100 per tonne mark. The steel-making metal slid 1.6% to be trading for US$99 per tonne.

    With today’s intraday lift factored in, the Rio Tinto share price is now up 34.3% since this time last year. And that doesn’t include the two fully-franked dividends the miner paid to eligible stockholders over this time.

    Rio Tinto stock currently trades on a 3.7% fully-franked trailing dividend yield.

    Here’s what’s been catching ASX investor interest.

    Why is the Rio Tinto share price smashing new record highs?

    While we’re only in the second week of February, a lot has been happening with the Aussie mining giant already in 2026.

    First, Rio released its December quarter (4Q 2025) results on 21 January.

    The Rio Tinto share price closed up 2.6% on the day after the miner reported a 7% increase in quarterly iron ore shipments, with iron ore shipments hitting a record 326.2 million tonnes in 2025.

    Pilbara iron ore production was up 4% in the December quarter to 89.7 million tonnes, also setting a new record. Iron ore production for the full year of 327.3 million tonnes was in line with 2025.

    And with global copper prices surging, and broadly expected to post further long-term gains, investors will have noted the 5% year-on-year lift in quarterly copper production to 240 tonnes. Rio Tinto’s copper production for the full 2025 calendar year exceeded guidance, leaping 11% from 2024 to 883,000 tonnes.

    “Record copper production continues following delivery of our Oyu Tolgoi underground project, another demonstration of our unique and diverse project capabilities,” Rio Tinto CEO Simon Trott said on the day.

    What about the Rio-Glencore merger?

    The other really big news-grabbing investor interest in 2026 was Rio Tinto’s proposed, and since rejected, merger with Glencore plc (LSE: GLEN).

    The Rio Tinto share price sank 6.3% on 9 January after news of the proposed merger between the mining giants hit the wires.

    But investors look to have breathed a sigh of relief when, on Friday, 6 February, Rio Tinto confirmed that it would not be proceeding with the deal.

    Management revealed that they could not reach an agreement that would deliver value to Rio Tinto’s shareholders.

    The post Big ASX news! Rio Tinto share price leaping to all-time highs today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Rio Tinto Limited right now?

    Before you buy Rio Tinto Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Rio Tinto Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 Jan 2026

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

  • This ASX mining stock is up 8% after eye-catching gold drilling update

    A woman blowing gold glitter out of her hands with a joyous smile on her face.

    Shares in Aeris Resources Ltd (ASX: AIS) are charging higher on Monday. This comes after the miner released a strong exploration update from its Golden Plateau prospect in Queensland.

    At the time of writing, the Aeris share price is up 8.08% to 53.5 cents. In comparison, the S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is edging 1.6% higher.

    That move adds to an already remarkable run, with the stock now up around 240% over the past 12 months.

    Let’s take a closer look at today’s update to the market.

    Strong gold intersections grab attention

    According to the release, Aeris reported significant gold intersections from the first diamond drill holes at Golden Plateau. The results are from a planned 30-hole program within the Cracow project.

    Early drilling confirmed high-grade mineralisation within existing Cracow mining leases. This supports the view that Golden Plateau could become an additional source of ore for the operation.

    Highlights included:

    • 5.0 metres at 12.7 grams per tonne gold from 45.6 metres at the Fernyside lode
    • 19.3 metres at 0.9 grams per tonne gold from 188 metres, including narrower higher-grade zones, within the Main Lode under the former open pit

    The company said the drilling shows mineralisation continues along strike from earlier high-grade areas. It also identified broader mineralised zones below the old pit.

    Why Golden Plateau could be very important

    Golden Plateau is close to the existing Cracow processing facility and sits within Aeris’ current mining leases.

    This means any future development could use existing infrastructure, which may reduce costs and speed up development.

    The company believes the drilling shows mineralisation continues beyond historic workings and into deeper zones. If further results support this, Golden Plateau could help extend the life of the Cracow operation.

    More drill results are coming

    The results reported so far cover only the first 2 holes of a broader diamond drilling program. In total, 16 holes have already been completed, with assays expected to be returned progressively as the program continues.

    The full drill program aims to improve the geological model, assess several lodes, and support future mine planning and approvals.

    Foolish Takeaway

    Aeris Resources has reported early drilling that points to continued mineralisation at Golden Plateau.

    The intersections suggest Cracow may still offer further upside, supported by existing infrastructure and additional drilling underway.

    After a 240% rise over the past year, expectations are already high. These early findings do offer some near-term support, though further confirmation will be important to sustain the share price’s recent run.

    The post This ASX mining stock is up 8% after eye-catching gold drilling update appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Aeris Resources Limited right now?

    Before you buy Aeris Resources Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Aeris Resources Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

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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.

  • Four mining stocks to watch ahead of reporting season

    Young successful engineer, with blueprints, notepad, and digital tablet, observing the project implementation on construction site and in mine.

    As reporting season kicks off, the team at Shaw and Partners have had a look at the mining sector and come up with four stocks they believe could outperform now and into the future.

    In particular focus, perhaps not surprisingly, is the gold sector, with the price of the precious metal hitting record highs in Australian dollar terms.

    The Shaw team went on to say:

    The favourable environment is further bolstered by the sector’s relatively clean hedge books, operational efficiency and disciplined cost control. Bullion has surged to unprecedented levels, particularly in the latter half of 2025 and early 2026, with the average price in the six months to January 2026 up 70% compared to the same six-month period prior. For domestic producers, this translates into even higher revenues due to a favourable AUD/USD exchange rate and significantly expanded profit margins.

    The Shaw team said that inflation has been a concern, but “the gold sector has demonstrated remarkable cost discipline”, with all-in sustaining costs of production relatively stable over the past four quarters.

    So who do they like in the sector:

    Ramelius Resources (ASX: RMS)

    The Shaw team said that Ramelius is embarking on a heavy investment phase over the next four years, “yet our revised gold price outlook suggests they will maintain a robust upward trajectory in liquidity, with free cash flow yields tripling by 2030”.

    Shaw believes the market is underestimating the production potential at the company’s Dalgaranga project, “and given management’s history of conservative forecasting, further discoveries at Cue or Magnet could easily push performance beyond current expectations”.

    Shaw has a $6.50 target price on Ramelius compared with $4.34 currently.

    Genesis Minerals (ASX: GMD)

    The Shaw team said that Genesis’ fourth quarter was “robust” with the company eliminating all debt and maintaining $629 million in liquidity.

    They added:

    While FY26 production guidance remains unchanged, growth capex increased to $220-$240m as Tower Hill development is fast-tracked. GMD is currently tracking toward the top of its production range and the lower end of cost estimates.

    Shaw has a $10 price target on Genesis Minerals compared with $6.65 currently.

    And outside of gold companies, Shaw and Partners likes the following.

    AIC Mines (ASX: A1M)

    The Shaw team said AIC is undergoing a “transformational” 2026, “recently achieving a major milestone by reaching the high-grade Jericho copper deposit via a new 2.4km underground access drive”.

    This development, they said, supports the ongoing expansion of the company’s processing plant, with the company aiming to achieve annual production of more than 25,000 tonnes of copper.

    Shaw has an 80-cent price target on AIC compared with 55 cents currently.

    Paladin Energy (ASX: PDN)

    This uranium producer is rapidly scaling up production, Shaw said, with a 16% quarterly increase in the December quarter at its Langer Heinrich mine in Namibia.

    This meant that the company was likely to track close to the upper end of its production guidance of 4.4 million pounds.

    Paladin also recently completed the acquisition of Fission Uranium, “adding the high-grade Patterson Lake South project in Canada to its global development pipeline”.

    Shaw has a $10.40 price target on Paladin shares compared with $11.01 currently.

    The post Four mining stocks to watch ahead of reporting season appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Ramelius Resources Limited right now?

    Before you buy Ramelius Resources Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Ramelius Resources Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 Jan 2026

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

  • Bravura shares soar 23% on guidance upgrade

    Team celebrating corporate success screaming with joy.

    Shares in Bravura Solutions Ltd (ASX: BVS) jumped 23% after the wealth management software provider announced a material upgrade to its FY26 guidance, signalling further progress in the company’s turnaround story.

    The upgrade was to both the top line and profitability, exactly the kind of update that investors would have been hoping for.

    What did Bravura announce?

    Bravura announced a material uplift to its guidance for FY26 as follows:

    • Revenue is expected to be between $280m and $285m (previously $265m and $275m)
    • Cash EBITDA expected to be between $69m and $73m (previously $55m and $65m)
    • PPE Capex expected to be circa $4m (previously $2m to $3m)

    This guidance assumes an average British Pound GBP/AUD exchange rate of 1.95 for 2H26.

    What’s driving the turnaround?

    According to Bravura, the upgrade is being driven by:

    • increased project engagement across customers and business units, which is expected to continue into the second half
    • well-managed cost levels, even as project services activity increases
    • and ongoing investment in internal technology to support delivery and scalability

    That combination matters. Bravura has historically struggled with project execution, cost overruns, and earnings volatility. The update suggests the company is executing well in converting its large installed client base into higher-quality, more profitable work.

    Why the market reacted so strongly

    A 23% move might look dramatic, but context matters. Bravura shares were caught in the recent tech rout, and its share price has been down about 48% since October 2025.

    If Bravura is actually upgrading its guidance in an environment where the prevailing sentiment against tech shares is negative, it shows how confident management is in the company’s performance and strong execution.

    What to watch next

    The next key event will be Bravura’s 1H26 results, due on Wednesday, 11 February, where investors will look for further details to confirm the company’s strong performance and outlook.

    Foolish bottom line

    Bravura’s guidance upgrade wasn’t subtle, and the market response reflects that. This guidance upgrade doesn’t just improve near-term numbers; it challenges the bearish narrative. In other words, this wasn’t just better-than-expected news. It was confidence-restoring news.

    The post Bravura shares soar 23% on guidance upgrade appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Bravura Solutions Limited right now?

    Before you buy Bravura Solutions Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Bravura Solutions Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 Jan 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Kevin Gandiya has no positions in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Bravura Solutions. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Why are ASX 200 tech shares like WiseTech and NextDC going gangbusters on Monday

    A young man wearing glasses and a denim shirt sits at his desk and raises his fists and screams with delight.

    S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) tech shares are starting the week with a bang.

    In morning trade on Monday, the ASX 200 is up a welcome 1.6%.

    As for the surging Aussie tech companies, the S&P/ASX All Technology Index (ASX: XTX) – which also contains some smaller tech companies outside of ASX 200 tech shares – is up 4.1% at this same time.

    Here’s how some of Australia’s biggest tech shares are faring today:

    • Shares in cloud-based software solutions provider WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) are up 4.8% trading for $49.90 each
    • Shares in software-as-a-service provider Technology One Ltd (ASX: TNE) are up 5.1% trading for $22.97 each
    • Shares in data centre operator NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT) are up 6.2% trading for $13.50 each
    • Shares in location-sharing software developer Life360 Inc (ASX: 360) are up 5.0% trading for $26.24 each
    • Shares in accounting software provider Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO) are up 1.7% trading for $83.11 each

    Boom!

    Here’s what’s got Aussie tech investors favouring their buy buttons today

    ASX 200 tech shares on the rebound

    None of the booming stocks listed above has released any price-sensitive information today.

    So, why the outsized intraday gains?

    Well, after getting smashed on Friday amid the broader market retrace, investors clearly see value in these large-cap ASX 200 tech shares like WiseTech and NextDC.

    Indeed, we saw a similar story playing out in the US stock markets on Friday, following Thursday’s tech sell-down on the Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC).

    On Friday, however, US stocks came roaring back with the S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX) closing up 2% and the tech-heavy Nasdaq surging 2.2%.

    AI chip-making giant Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ: NVDA) was a standout performer, gaining a whopping 7.9% on Friday. And this is a US$4.5 trillion (AU$6.4 trillion) company we’re talking about here.

    For some context, WiseTech shares are worth a combined AU$16.7 billion.

    Experts say ‘buy the dip’ with care

    Commenting on the rebound in US stocks that’s spilling over into ASX 200 tech shares today, Interactive Brokers’ Jose Torres said (quoted by Bloomberg):

    Investors are rising to the occasion and aggressively buying the dip in stocks. Basement ‘animal spirits’ are offering value hunters opportunities to accumulate shares amid a general sense on Wall Street that the selling has gone too far.

    SlateStone Wealth’s Kenny Polcari added, “For long-term investors, this is the time to go shopping. A lot is on sale.”

    And Bellwether Wealth’s Clark Bellin concluded:

    The bull market is not dead, but it is aging, and we are not surprised to see investors paying more attention to corporate earnings and profitability.

    Our message to investors is to remain opportunistic when stocks dip, but not necessarily during every dip. 2026 should still be a positive year, with plenty of opportunities to buy stocks on sale.

    The post Why are ASX 200 tech shares like WiseTech and NextDC going gangbusters on Monday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Life360 right now?

    Before you buy Life360 shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Life360 wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 Jan 2026

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    More reading

    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 positions in and has recommended Interactive Brokers Group, Life360, Nvidia, Technology One, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended the following options: long January 2027 $43.75 calls on Interactive Brokers Group and short January 2027 $46.25 calls on Interactive Brokers Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Nvidia and Technology One. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.