The Genesis Minerals Ltd (ASX: GNE) share price is on the move today after the gold miner released its March 2026 quarterly results, highlighting a cash balance rising to $600 million and quarterly gold production of 67,497 ounces at an all-in sustaining cost of A$2,685 per ounce.

What did Genesis Minerals report?

• Gold sales of 65,049 ounces at an average price of A$6,755/oz, generating revenue of $439.4 million
• Quarterly (unaudited) NPAT between $145 million and $155 million
• Cash and equivalents rose by $196 million over the quarter to $599.9 million, with Genesis remaining bank debt-free
• Quarterly gold production reached 67,497 ounces across Leonora and Laverton operations
• All-in sustaining cost for the quarter was A$2,685/oz
• Underlying cash build of $252.8 million for the quarter before investing $56.6 million in growth and exploration

What else do investors need to know?

Genesis completed all third-party ore purchases during the quarter, with production from its Genesis mines ramping up in their place. The company continues to invest in sector-leading growth, including the Tower Hill open pit project, which is moving ahead of schedule with site works underway.

A major highlight was the proposed acquisition of Magnetic Resources for $639 million, anticipated to complete by June 2026 subject to conditions. This transaction will boost Genesis’ growth strategy, potentially lifting group milling capacity to 8–9 million tonnes per annum. Additionally, Genesis has expanded its undrawn corporate financing facility to $300 million, further strengthening its balance sheet ahead of this deal.

What did Genesis Minerals management say?

Executive Chair Raleigh Finlayson said:

We continue to generate exceptional free cashflow while also investing in the ongoing growth of our business. This reflects an ideal combination of rising production from our mines, tight cost control, a robust gold price and no bank debt. We are also laying the foundations for the next chapter of growth, including the start of site works at the Tower Hill project, and look forward to providing an update on our long-term plan in the September quarter.

What’s next for Genesis Minerals?

Genesis remains on track for its FY26 production outlook of 260,000–290,000 ounces at an AISC of A$2,500–A$2,700/oz. The company expects to finalise the Magnetic Resources acquisition in June and release an updated long-term production and cost plan—including FY27 guidance—in the September quarter 2026.

Site works and procurement at Tower Hill are well underway, aiming for first ore in FY28. Further, drilling and resource conversion work continues at other growth projects like Bruno Lewis, as Genesis looks to maintain its strong operating and financial momentum.

Genesis Minerals share price snapshot

Over the past 12 month, Genesis Minerals shares have declined 11%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 16% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Genesis Minerals posts March 2026 quarterly results 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.

Morgans has busy looking closely at a number of ASX shares this week.

Three of which are named below. Does the broker rate them as buys, holds, or sells? Let’s find out:

Bank of Queensland Ltd (ASX: BOQ)

Morgans has been looking ahead to this regional bank’s half-year results. Unfortunately, it is predicting a sharp decline in profits for the first half.

Combined with recent share price strength, the broker feels this makes its shares fully valued now. As a result, Morgans has downgraded Bank of Queensland’s shares to a hold rating with a $7.39 price target. It said:

We expect a material decline in 1H26 earnings, with recent share price strength driven by the expected capital return from the equipment finance whole-of-loan sale. Share price strength has compressed total return potential to c.5%. As such, we moderate our rating from ACCUMULATE to HOLD. Target price $7.39.

The Koala Company (ASX: KOA)

This newly listed furniture seller has caught the eye of Morgans.

This week, it has initiated coverage on Koala’s shares with a buy rating and $5.13 price target. Morgans highlights that its shares are trading at a discount to peers despite having a strong growth profile. It explains:

We initiate coverage on Koala Company with a BUY recommendation and $5.13 target price. We think there is a degree of conservatism embedded in both our forecasts and valuation, with the balance of risk skewed to the upside.

Koala offers an attractive growth profile, underpinned by strong sales growth, margin expansion and significant NPAT growth. The stock screens cheap on a multiple basis, trading on 18.5x FY27 PER versus the peer set average at 27.0x, despite offering one of the strongest growth profiles.

Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC)

Morgans notes that Australia’s oldest bank released a trading update this week.

It was disappointed with the update and in response has downgraded Westpac’s shares to a sell rating with a $34.06 price target  It said:

WBC published a trading update ahead of its 1H26 result due for release on 5 May. Implied revenues were weaker, costs lower, and credit impairment charges higher than our and market expectations.

We revise our rating from TRIM to SELL as total return expectations at current prices have fallen below the -10% trigger. We estimate c.18% price downside risk partly offset by c.3.8% forecast cash yield. Target price $34.06.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Bank of Queensland, Koala, and Westpac shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Are Westpac and Bank of Queensland shares a buy, hold or sell?
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• Westpac Banking Corporation: Items impacting first-half 2026 results

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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

It hasn’t been an easy year for some of the highest-quality ASX shares.

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA) shares are down around 13% year to date, while Light & Wonder Inc (ASX: LNW) has fallen roughly 21%.

Both are leaders in their fields. Both ASX shares have strong long-term growth stories.

So, is this weakness an opportunity?

REA Group: a digital powerhouse

When it comes to dominant platforms, this ASX share is hard to beat.

The company sits at the centre of Australia’s property market through realestate.com.au. That position gives it significant pricing power and a highly scalable business model.

Agents need eyeballs and REA controls them. That dynamic has allowed the company to consistently lift prices through premium listings and depth products, even when property volumes fluctuate.

While the housing cycle can create short-term volatility, the long-term trajectory remains intact. Growth is also supported by international expansion, adding another lever beyond the domestic market.

And the recent pullback hasn’t gone unnoticed. Trading View data show that 12 out of 16 brokers rate REA Group as a buy or strong buy. They have set a 12-month average price target of $213.62, which points to a 32% potential gain.

Analysts at Morgan Stanley currently have an overweight rating on the ASX share, with a $230.00 price target. That suggests potential upside of roughly 44% from current levels.

For long-term investors, that’s a strong signal that the market may be underestimating REA’s staying power.

Light & Wonder: growth across multiple fronts

Light & Wonder offers a different kind of growth story, but one that’s just as compelling.

The company operates across land-based gaming, iGaming, and social gaming through its SciPlay division. That diversified model allows it to tap into both traditional casino revenue and the fast-growing digital gaming market.

It’s a powerful combination. By straddling physical and digital channels, the ASX share is positioned to capture multiple industry tailwinds at once. And that’s exactly why analysts are paying attention.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) has named the ASX share its top pick in the Australian gaming sector, pointing to its ability to win market share and its “wide moat from disruption.” That’s a big call in a competitive space.

The upside case is hard to ignore. Macquarie has set a $205 price target on the stock, compared to its current price of $122.77. That implies potential upside of more than 65%.

Of course, risks remain. Consumer spending cycles, regulatory changes, and execution all matter. But the long-term positioning is clear.

Foolish Takeaway

REA Group and Light & Wonder have both taken a hit in 2026. But their core strengths haven’t disappeared. These are dominant businesses with scalable models, strong competitive advantages, and clear growth pathways.

For investors willing to look beyond short-term volatility, they could be the kind of shares you buy — and forget about for years.

The post Buy and forget? 2 top ASX shares built for the long term appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 Light & Wonder Inc. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Light & Wonder Inc. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The 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.

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• PLS Group prices US$600m in senior notes for growth and refinancing
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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.

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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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.

More reading

• Why Evolution Mining, Mesoblast, Nufarm, and Virgin Australia shares are storming higher today
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• Down 34% in 2026, are Virgin Australia shares a good buy today?
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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.